Bali Great Escape
Bali is a treasure trove of attractions, from temples and beaches to waterfalls and rice terraces. With so much to explore, planning is essential to make the most of your Bali adventure. My Bali Tourist Map highlights the most popular attractions, complete with entrance fees, opening hours, and helpful tips to enhance your holiday.
Tanah Lot
Tanah Lot Temple is a must-see for visitors to Bali. Known as “Land in the Sea” in Balinese, this iconic site is a popular day tour destination. The area features a large car park, markets, and parks, with a path leading to the temple during low tide. The market offers great souvenir shopping at competitive prices compared to other tourist areas. Before heading to the temple, take a moment to enjoy the view from the surrounding parks, especially at sunset.
Ubud Monkey Forest
Ubud Monkey Forest attracts many visitors due to the charm of its monkeys, although they can be mischievous thieves. Keep your belongings secure to avoid losing anything. The sanctuary is easy to navigate with well-paved walkways and is visited by over 10,000 tourists each month.
Ubud Art Market
Located in Ubud, this bustling market is filled with wood carvings, batik shirts, and souvenirs. Haggling is common, so it’s best to establish a baseline price. The upstairs shops often offer lower prices compared to those downstairs.
Tegalalang Rice Terraces
The Tegalalang Rice Terraces are known for their beauty and accessibility. The area features hillside cafes where visitors can relax and enjoy local coffee while capturing stunning photos. Adventurous travelers can trek through the rice paddies, but be cautious of slippery paths during rain.
Bali Safari & Marine Park
If you plan to visit an animal park, consider Bali Safari & Marine Park, which emphasizes wildlife conservation. Home to over 1,000 animals, it offers unique experiences such as night-time safaris and child-friendly programs.
Handarah Golf Course Gates
The Handarah Gates are a stunning example of Balinese architecture, set against a lush mountain backdrop, making it a favorite spot for photographers.
Tegenungan Waterfall
As the largest waterfall near the southern tourist enclaves, Tegenungan is easily accessible. A 30-minute drive from Denpasar leads you to the falls, which require a 15-minute walk down steps to reach.
Waterbom Theme Park
Waterbom is Bali’s largest water theme park, featuring rides for all ages, dining options, and a swim-up bar for adults.
Kintamani
Located near Mount Batur, Kintamani offers breathtaking views of the active volcano and Lake Batur. The area is cooler than the coast, so it’s wise to bring a sweater.
Jatiluwih Rice Terraces
Known for their stunning beauty, the Jatiluwih Rice Terraces are a UNESCO World Heritage site, with several cafes providing picturesque views.
Uluwatu Temple
Uluwatu Temple, perched on a cliff, is one of the most visited attractions in Bali. It’s famous for its spectacular temple complex and traditional Kecak dance performances.
Ulun Danu Beratan
The Floating Temple, Pura Ulan Danu Beratan, is an iconic site that appears to float on Lake Bratan. It’s a full-day trip from Seminyak and pairs well with other nearby attractions.
Bedugul Market
Pasar Candi Kuning, or Bedugul Market, is a vibrant spot for fresh produce and local snacks. It’s also a great place to shop for handicrafts and spices.
Lempuyang Temple
Lempuyang Temple offers breathtaking views, but be aware that many photos are edited to enhance the appearance. The climb is rewarding, and it’s best visited during an East Bali Day Tour or the Lempuyang Sunrise Tour.
Pura Tirta Empul
Pura Tirta Empul, a Hindu water temple from the 10th century, is one of Bali’s holiest sites, located near Tampaksiring, about 15 km north of Ubud. The temple features a sacred spring, with the name Tirta Empul meaning “Holy Spring” in Balinese. Visitors can bathe in the springs, observing local customs such as starting from the left and patiently waiting if others are praying nearby.
While bathing is a unique experience, be aware of a previous e.coli outbreak in 2017; the water is clean now, but it’s wise to stay updated through our newsletter. Facilities for changing and washing are basic, so it’s best to arrive in your swimsuit and have a towel and change of clothes ready. Despite the lack of facilities, bathing here is highly recommended. Pura Tirta Empul is also close to Gunung Kawi, just 1.3 km away, making it easy to visit both sites in one trip.
Goa Gajah
Goa Gajah, or the Elephant Cave, is an ancient temple on the outskirts of Ubud. Though the steps leading down are steep, it’s only a 5-minute walk from the parking area and manageable for those with average fitness. It’s located 5 km from Ubud, 31 km from Seminyak, and 58 km from Nusa Dua.
Gunung Kawi
The 11th-century Gunung Kawi Temple complex is situated on both sides of the Pakerisan River, featuring 10 rock-cut shrines (candi) carved into 7-meter-high niches in the cliff face. These funerary monuments are believed to honor King Anak Wungsu and his queens, with the temple overlooking the Pakerisan River, which flows past Pura Tirta Empul just north of it.
Sekumpul Waterfall
Sekumpul Waterfall is one of Bali’s most breathtaking natural wonders, located 66 km north of Ubud and 76 km from Seminyak. Reaching it requires a scenic drive, followed by a 45-minute hike from the parking area, where local guides are available to help you discover nearby hidden gems. The falls are best visited early in the day to avoid crowds. The trail can be steep and slippery, so proper footwear is essential. Sekumpul is among my top 5 destinations in Bali, offering a magical experience, along with other nearby waterfalls like Aling-Aling and Gitgit.
