What to See in Bali: Must-Visit Places and Things to Do

Bali is one of the smallest islands of Indonesia but also one of the most famous. The "Island of the Gods" reveals a magnetic charm.

It is a paradise for surfers and travelers seeking beautiful beaches, seaside resorts, and dive sites. But Bali is not just about beach life.

Explore the enchanting landscapes of the island, from volcanic hills covered with forests to rice-patched hills.

Bali is also home to one of the most important religious sites of the entire archipelago, the Uluwatu Temple. Each temple in Indonesia, and there are more than 20,000 in Bali, has its festivals and commemorations, all celebrated by the island's inhabitants.

Try to attend one of the many religious ceremonies that take place throughout the Balinese year, which lasts 210 days. Also, don't miss Ubud, the cultural and artisan heart of Bali. Here, the landscape is characterized by tropical forests, like the Monkey Forest, and rice terraces dotted with temples and shrines.

Denpasar is the administrative capital and the center of commercial activities in Bali.

Although often seen merely as a transit point by tourists heading to popular Balinese destinations, Denpasar also offers interesting cultural experiences and a taste of local life.

The city presents a mix of colonial, traditional, and modern architecture. A must-see on a quick tour of Denpasar is the Bajra Sandhi monument, which stands at the center of the lush Puputan Renon square.

The building is impressive and resembles the bell, called bajra, which is used by Balinese priests during ceremonies.

The monument houses a museum showcasing historical dioramas of the struggle for independence from the Dutch, images and testimonies of ancient Balinese kingdoms, and artifacts from the colonial period.

Another site to visit is the largest market in Denpasar, Pasar Badung, exceptional for buying the best handicrafts, even in bulk, at great prices.

Denpasar is also home to some interesting museums, such as the Bali Museum, which offers an overview of the island's history and culture through its rich collection of cultural and artistic artifacts.

5 km from the center is Sanur beach for a moment of relaxation. Additionally, Denpasar is also the ideal place to savor authentic Balinese cuisine, with many warungs (local restaurants) serving delicious dishes made with fresh fish, rice, vegetables, and local spices.

Ubud is the beating heart of the Island of the Gods. A charming destination located inland on the island of Bali, offering a peaceful refuge from the hustle and bustle of coastal resorts, where you can immerse yourself in a vibrant arts scene amid rice paddies, rainforests, and ancient temples.

The town is famous for its markets where you can buy artworks, handicrafts, traditional textiles, and unique jewelry.

Ubud is also known for its numerous art galleries, showcasing works by local and international artists.

One of the main attractions in Ubud is definitely the Monkey Forest Sanctuary, a fascinating nature reserve and complex of Hindu temples where 1,260 long-tailed Balinese macaques live.

Don't miss the Ubud Royal Palace, the official residence of the royal family of Ubud, representing the greatest expression of Balinese architecture from the early 19th century.

It is adjacent to the two temples Puri Saren Agung and Pura Marajan Agung, the latter being a private temple of the royal family.

Ubud is also renowned for being a center of wellness and spirituality, with numerous yoga centers, spas, and meditation spots. Finally, take some time for the Tjampuhan Ridge Walk, a scenic walk among rice paddies and hills that will allow you to admire the natural beauty of the area.

The southwestern coast of Bali is renowned for its enchanting beaches, breathtaking landscapes, and vibrant atmosphere.

It is indeed the main destination for younger tourists: Kuta, Seminyak, and Canggu are the ideal spots for those seeking beach life and nightlife.

Kuta is one of the most famous spots on the southwestern coast, with its long stretch of golden sand perfect for surfing and bodyboarding. The area is also known for its lively nightlife, beach bars, and numerous shops and restaurants.

Seminyak, located north of Kuta, is famous for its beautiful beaches, fabulous resorts, luxury shopping, and a sophisticated dining scene.

Legian is another area on the southwestern coast, strategically positioned between Kuta and Seminyak. It shares features of both, offering a combination of magnificent beaches, lively shops, and a relaxed atmosphere.

The Jimbaran area is famous for its quiet beaches and delicious seafood restaurants right on the beach, where you can enjoy fresh seafood while watching spectacular sunsets over the Indian Ocean. To end the day, head to one of the many beach clubs in Canggu to enjoy the sunset and spend the evening.

Here, you will have a wide choice of venues with live music and famous DJs. The southwestern coast of Bali is also a paradise for surf lovers, offering waves suitable for surfers of all levels. In particular, Padang Padang beach in Uluwatu is one of the most famous in Bali and the world for its powerful waves and endless tubes.

Sanur and Nusa Dua are two locations on the eastern coast of the island, both famous for their beautiful beaches, luxury resorts, and relaxed atmospheres.

This has always been the center of tourism in Bali. Today, the southeastern coast of Bali is favored by families: the long stretches of white sandy beaches protected by coral reefs, calm seas, and tranquil atmosphere make this area ideal for a vacation with children.

Sanur is a coastal spot with a laid-back atmosphere and traditional architecture. The promenade, with its rich variety of restaurants, bars, and shops, is perfect for relaxing evening walks. Sanur also offers a wide range of accommodations, from boutique hotels to resorts.

Nusa Dua, on the other hand, is a more exclusive destination, renowned for its five-star resorts and pristine beaches.

The area is known for its high-quality tourism facilities with starred restaurants, golf courses, and a variety of water activities.

Many think that Bali's beaches aren't that beautiful, but in reality, just head south of Kuta and the airport.

The Bukit peninsula and the Uluwatu area boast some of the most beautiful beaches on the island, with white sand and crystal-clear water.

Many of these are frequented by surfers, while others are equipped with umbrellas and loungers for those looking to relax.

Don't overlook the Nusa islands, reachable in less than an hour by fast boat from Sanur. Specifically, you can visit Nusa Penida, which captivates with its wild white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, steep cliffs, and unspoiled nature. Or visit nearby Lembongan and Ceningan to swim with majestic manta rays.

The northwestern coast of Bali, on the other hand, is one of the least visited by mass tourism.

Discover Pemuteran, a small fishing village almost at the border with Java, where numerous resorts and hotels have emerged.

Pemuteran is also known for its coral recolonization project, as local communities are involved in restoring and protecting coral reefs.

From here, daily excursions depart to explore the underwater world and the nearby island of Menjangan, located in the protected marine reserve of Bali Barat National Park.

Here, you can see deer, hidden among the bushes or on the beach. Both locations are protected by the coral reef, which makes the sea calm, ideal for activities such as swimming and snorkeling.

Menjangan Island is a true paradise for divers, allowing you to explore the spectacular underwater world, its colorful corals, and a variety of tropical fish.

The numerous temples of Bali, about 20,000, tell the strong spirituality of the island where Hindu religion predominates.

Balinese Hinduism is similar to Indian Hinduism; indeed, the same gods are worshipped, but it has its roots in animism, which was already present and practiced on the island.

Thus, Balinese people consider sacred Mount Agung, Lake Bratan, banyan trees, and other natural elements, on par with deities Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva.

Among the many temples in Bali, which we recommend visiting with a guide, you must see the Mother Temple, known as Pura Besakih, the largest and most important on the island. It is a complex of as many as 23 interconnected temples.

The Taman Ayun Temple, declared a UNESCO heritage site, is located in the village of Mengwi, about 20 kilometers from Ubud. The "Padangtegal Great Temple of Death" is another of Bali's most famous temples, located in the Monkey Forest. The Balinese macaques will accompany you during your visit.

Tanah Lot is one of the most unique temples on the island. It stands on a small islet not far from Beraban, accessible only on foot and during low tide.

The Ulun Danu Beratan Temple is very small, dedicated to the goddess Dewi Danu, and set in nature. It is very famous as it is also depicted on one of Indonesia's banknotes.

The Saraswati Temple, located in Ubud, is also known as the "Lotus Temple," due to the numerous lotus flowers present near the temple.

Finally, visit Goa Gajah (Elephant Cave), named for the nearby Sungai Petanu (Petanu River), which was once known as the elephant river, or perhaps because the face above the cave entrance resembles that of an elephant.

The rice terraces of Jatiluwih and Tegalalang are two of the most fascinating and iconic terraces in Bali, representing the island's ancient agricultural practices.

In the central hills of Bali, the Jatiluwih area is home to some of the most spectacular rice terraces on the island. The rice fields here follow the contour of the hills, creating a breathtaking view that extends for miles.

This area has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage site for its beauty and its traditional rice cultivation system, which reflects the ancient agricultural philosophy of Bali called "subak."

The irrigation channels are shared cooperatively, and the landscape reflects the harmony between man and nature. Near Ubud, Tegalalang is another area renowned for its picturesque rice terraces.

Here, the terraces are closer together and cascade down the hillside, creating a spectacular visual effect.

The Tegalalang rice terraces are also famous for their terraced architecture and are surrounded by lush tropical vegetation. The area attracts numerous visitors seeking creative photos, which has unfortunately caused it to lose some of its authenticity.

Both locations, however, offer visitors the chance to walk through the rice fields, interact with local farmers, and enjoy spectacular panoramic views.

Additionally, these rice terraces are often surrounded by small cafes and artisan shops, offering a relaxing break and the opportunity to purchase local products.

On the island of Bali, there are three volcanoes: Agung, Batur, and Bratan, but only the first two are active. Mount Agung, located in the eastern part of the island, is also the highest (3031 meters).

It is considered sacred by the inhabitants of Bali; indeed, Pura Besakih, or the Mother Temple, stands at its foot, considered the most important for Balinese Hindus.

The peak of the volcano is often shrouded in clouds, but when the sky is clear, it offers spectacular views of the island.

Mount Batur, on the other hand, is another significant volcano in Bali, located in the northeastern part of the island. With an altitude of about 1,717 meters, Mount Batur is famous for its crater that hosts Lake Batur.

The area around the Batur caldera, called Kintamani, is a favorite destination for hikers who venture to climb the volcano at night, in time to watch the sunrise from the summit and enjoy the stunning panorama.

The caldera of the extinct Bratan volcano hosts three lakes: the lake of the same name, on which the famous Ulun Danu Beratan Temple is located, and the lakes Tamblingan and Buyan, known as twins because they are separated by a thin strip of land.

Hidden among the mountains in the center of the island is a paradise of tall palms, green rice fields, and roaring waterfalls.

If you are a nature and trekking lover, dedicate a day to exploring Munduk. You will walk in a lush landscape, among coffee plantations, cacao trees, spice plantations, and rice fields, rolling hills, and panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.

The area is also known for its spectacular waterfalls, Munduk and Melanting, nestled in the jungle and accessible via natural trails.

Contacts with China, Europe, India, and the Middle East have influenced Indonesian cuisine, which revolves around rice, the main dish, and a myriad of herbs and exotic spices.

Here are some Indonesian dishes that you must try in Bali: nasi goreng (the quintessential Indonesian dish, fried rice accompanied by spices, vegetables, eggs, and meat or fish), mie goreng (fried noodles with sweet soy sauce, chicken, egg, and satay), nasi uduk (basmati rice cooked in coconut milk and served with lime, tomato, tofu, and meat), satay or sate (skewered meat or fish marinated in a mix of soy sauce and spices, grilled and served with peanut or chili sauce), rawon (beef stew with black nuts called kluwak, turmeric, spices, and herbs), gado-gado (a vegetarian dish made with spinach, bean sprouts, green beans, potatoes, tofu, and tempeh), pempek (cake made from fish fillets, tapioca, and spices), soto (meat and vegetable soup), sayur asem ('sour soup' of vegetables including corn, green beans, chayote, and peanuts), sop buntut (oxtail broth), rendang (a dish of beef cooked in a sauce of spices and coconut, served with rice, sauces, and vegetables), siomay (dumplings filled with fish or shrimp, often served with tofu, potatoes, cabbage, and hard-boiled eggs), bakso (meatballs made from beef and tapioca), gudeg (white rice served with a stew of jackfruit, known in Indonesia as Gori, cooked in coconut milk, with hard-boiled eggs), tempeh (a cake made from fermented soy, cooked in various ways).

Among the desserts are klepon (rice flour balls filled with brown sugar), dadar gulung (pancakes filled with coconut and sprinkled with caramel), lak lak, rice flour cookies coated in grated coconut and liquid sugar), kue nagasari (rice flour treats filled with fruit), bubur sumsum (rice pudding, enriched with coconut milk or cream and palm sugar).

Don't miss the prestigious kopi luwak coffee, among the most expensive in the world. Accompany these specialties with arak (wine from fermented white rice), brem (fermented red rice wine), the Indonesian beer Bintang, tuak (a type of punch made from palm sap), or other herb-based drinks.

Numerous flights depart from Italy to Denpasar Airport.

As for internal transportation, keep in mind that public transport moves only by road and traffic can be congested in main tourist centers.

Private taxi services or bemo, small local vans, are primarily used. For a truly carefree vacation, book a private driver. To reach other locations in Indonesia, there are internal flights.

Bali has a tropical climate with warm and constant temperatures year-round. It has two seasons, a rainy season from November to March and a dry season from April to October.

Average temperatures range from 22°C to 31°C. The best time for a vacation in Bali is therefore between June and September, when precipitation is unlikely and temperatures are moderate. During October, November, and April, May, rain is occasional and generally occurs at night.

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