The Most Beautiful Places in Bali to Visit

Bali, also known as the Island of the Gods, is famous for its stunning natural beauty, rich culture, and interesting sights such as temples or puras. Let’s look at the most beautiful places in Bali that are worth seeing for all people worldwide.

Bali Island in Indonesia has wonderful Balinese architecture, stunning nature, dozens of beaches, surf waves in the south, a wonderful underwater world in the north, delicious food, rice terraces, and much more.

You can easily come to Bali for a couple of months, visit new corners of the island every day and arrange different adventures for yourself.

Learn everything about the top 20 most beautiful places in Bali worth seeing and use the best eSIM for Bali during your trip.

The Top of the Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Bali

1. Besakih Temple

The Pura Besakih Hindu Temple complex is built on the volcanic Mount Agung, the highest peak of Bali Island. The multi-tiered pagodas stand on stepped terraces cut into the rocks of the southern slope near the mountain village of Besakih. The complex consists of many structures, and courtyards connected by stairs. Stone statues of gods decorated with bright fabrics and flowers are set on the steps. This is one of the most beautiful places in Bali.

2. Tibumana Waterfall

Not far from Ubud, the Balinese capital of fine arts, there is a romantic natural attraction, the Tibumana Waterfall. A water stream falls from a cliff into a small lagoon with cool water and a soft sandy bottom. The surrounding rocks are completely covered with greenery, nearby there are springs, swimming pools, and changing rooms. A beautiful, well-groomed trail leads to the waterfall through the jungle. Along it, there are gazebos and small cafés where you can buy fried rice. The picturesque place is very popular with tourists and often becomes a backdrop for photo shoots.

3. Nusa Penida

Nusa Penida is a small island 12 km southeast of Bali, separated from it by the Badung Strait. Of the three plateaus forming the island, only the northern one is located at sea level. In the center of the island, the heights are about 400 m, and the southern shores break off into the sea with steep cliffs rising directly from the water to 100-200 m. The tourist infrastructure is developing mainly on the northwest coast. Next to the well-developed island of Bali, Nusa Penida remains a corner of untouched wildlife. This is one of the most beautiful places in Bali.

4. Uluwatu Temple

The temple complex with buildings made of black coral stone is located on three levels. It is entered by two main gates decorated with carved floral ornaments. Sculptural images of a Hindu deity with an elephant’s head are installed in front of the portals. The main sanctuary of the temple is located on the edge of a cliff. Behind it, you can see a statue of a Brahmin facing the ocean. Perhaps this is an image of Dwijendra, a Hindu priest who lived in the XVI century. According to legend, he was the architect of the central sanctuary.

5. Kanto Lampo Waterfall

In the southeast of Bali, on the Bangunlemah River, there is a beautiful natural landmark – the Kanto Lampo Waterfall. There is a well-equipped descent from the parking lot to it. Handrails are installed along the steps, umbrellas cover the road from the sun. The 30-meter waterfall forms a shallow lake, along which you can walk directly to the ledges with a flowing stream. There is a playground for those who want to swim in the lagoon. This is one of the most beautiful places in Bali.

6. Gunung Kawi Temple

Gunung Kawi is an extensive complex including the 11th-century temple of the same name, royal tombs, and monastic cells. This is a popular place on the way of tourist routes that run through the hills of Gianyar County.

The temple complex stretches along the banks of the Pakerisan River in a picturesque gorge. A staircase with 300 steps leads to it. It ends with an arch with columns in the form of vases filled with sacred water. From here you can enjoy a view of the niches carved into the rocky hillside.

7. Ijen Volcano

The active volcano Ijen is located in the eastern part of the island of Java. The massif consists of 19 layered volcanoes, craters, and cones. They are located around the caldera with Lake Kavah, filled with sulfuric and hydrochloric acid with an admixture of metals. The rich turquoise color of the lake can change to milky, gray, or green depending on tectonic activity. The shores of the lake are deposits of barely frozen yellow sulfur. Here, in hellish conditions, it is extracted manually by residents. This work is recognized as one of the most harmful on the planet. This is one of the most beautiful places in Bali.

8. Aling-Aling Waterfall

Aling-Aling Waterfall is located in the north of Bali near the village of Sam Bagan. Translated from Indonesian, Aling-Aling means “flying water“. Next to the main stream, several more waterfalls are quietly flowing or rushing in a powerful stream, their height and intensity depend on the amount of precipitation. There is a path from the parking lot to the waterfall, which ends with an observation deck. From it, two 30-meter streams are clearly visible, falling into a lagoon of rich turquoise color.

9. Ujung Water Palace

Taman Ujung Water Palace Complex is one of Bali’s most romantic attractions. It is located in the Karangasem district, which was a kingdom before becoming part of the Dutch East Indies at the end of the 19th century.

The three-level palace complex is located on 10 hectares surrounded by lush vegetation. It includes the residence of the Rajah, pavilions for guests, and gazebos. The buildings are connected by elegant bridges and trails. Gardens are laid out on the territory, sculptures are installed, and lotuses grow in ponds. There is an observation deck on the high eastern hill. This is one of the most beautiful places in Bali.

10. Titra Gangga Water Palace

Taman Titra Gangga Water Palace is a palace complex built in the middle of the last century by the last raja of the principality of Karangasem (now the district of the same name). It is located away from popular resorts, 8 km from the city of Amlapura, the ancient capital of Karangasem. Tirta Gangga was built near a spring revered by Balinese and named after the Ganges River, which is considered sacred in Hinduism. 

The design concept of Titra Gangga is based on Baltic cosmology. It is located on three levels, each of which represents subtle worlds inhabited by good and evil deities. The complex is like a bizarre maze of ponds, best pools, bridges, and alleys decorated with fountains, and sculptures of deities.

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11. Lake Tamblingan

In the northern part of Bali, on Mount Lesung in an ancient volcanic caldera, there is Lake Tamblingan, the cleanest lake on the island. With small sizes, the depth of the reservoir in some places reaches 90 m. Tamblingan is part of a chain of mountain lakes that provide fresh water to the entire island. The use of motorboats is prohibited here. Locals fish from rowing canoes. During the rainy season, the lake overflows its banks and floods the nearby temples, which are part of the ancient irrigation system of Subak — through them, water enters the rice fields. This is one of the most beautiful places in Bali.

12. Beji Guwang Hidden Canyon

The hidden canyon of Beji Guwang owes its existence to the small river Beji, which flows near Denpasar. It flows along the bottom of a narrow gorge like an emerald ribbon. The surface of the rocks rising above the river is overgrown with lianas in places and is completely covered with gullies, ledges, holes, and bends of incredible configuration. The total length of the canyon is 3 km. The main tourist route passes through the most beautiful section with a length of about 1.5 km. To pass the canyon, you need good physical training – along the way you have to climb slippery rocks and overcome waist-deep sections in water.

13. Bukit

The small Bukit Peninsula in the south of Bali is called a surfer’s paradise. The raging ocean, secluded beaches, wonderful landscapes, and the absence of noisy resort entertainment attract families with children and people who want to stay in silence in the bosom of lush tropical nature. The peninsula is home to the impressive Vishnu Garuda Ken Chan Park with a huge statue of the deity riding a Garuda bird. In the future, it will become one of the largest cultural centers in Indonesia. Another equally impressive attraction is the Luhur Uluwatu Temple. It hangs high above the sea and opens up a breathtaking panorama of rocky shores and ocean expanses. This is one of the most beautiful places in Bali.

14. Banyumala Twin Waterfalls

If you are tired of the busy life of the resort south, go to the northern part of the island. There, among the magic of forests, rivers, and waterfalls, you will see a real non-tourist Bali. The twin waterfalls of Banyumala are located near the village of Vanagiri on the northern coast. The name translates from Indonesian as “waters cleansing from sins”. At the entrance to the waterfall, there is a ticket office in the form of a gazebo and several shops. There is a narrow steep path down from the parking lot. At the end of the journey, you will find yourself in a space surrounded by high cliffs, sometimes overgrown with greenery. From three sides, powerful streams of water break into the lagoon from a 40-meter height.

15. Mount Agung

The cone of the Agung volcano rises 3031 m above the sea, it is the highest mountain in Bali. Rinjani Peak on the neighboring island of Lombok is visible from the top. Major volcanic eruptions occurred in the 1960s. The ash reached the stratosphere, and purple sunsets were observed in the countries of the Southern Hemisphere for several weeks.

Balinese consider Agung to be the embodiment of the mythical Mount Meru, the center of the earthly world. Terraces have been cut down on the southern slopes of the volcano, where a complex of Hindu cultural temples spot of Pura Besakih canggu has been built. This is one of the most beautiful places in Bali.

16. Amed Village

The resort village of Amed gave its name to the art beach family region, located at the foot of the Agung volcano and stretching along the ocean coast for 14 km. There are several more fishing villages with local Balinese located here. In the village of Bunutan, you can visit the museum of shells raised from the ocean floor. There is a small zoo in the village of Salang, inhabited by exotic birds and primates. Residents are engaged in salt fishing. Boxes with large crystals of salt evaporated from seawater are sold in souvenir shops and markets, and also different terraces with restaurants. 

The beach near the village of Amed is covered with dark brown pebbles, further to the northwest you will find pool beaches with black volcanic sand. The most beautiful bays with sunsets are located in the villages of Dzhemeluk and Lipakh.

17. Leke-Leke Waterfall

In the central part of the island, there is a well-maintained tourist place with a romantic flair and a wonderful waterfall Leke-Leke, surrounded by greenery. From a distance, the stream resembles a white satin fabric, pierced with sparkling threads. The path to the waterfall is laid through a well-maintained park with wicker benches, photo zones, a bamboo bridge, and a restaurant. At the beginning of the descent, a mountain swing is arranged between the trees. On the way, you will pass a pineapple plantation, orchards. This is one of the most beautiful places in Bali.

18. Git-Git Waterfall

Git-Git Waterfall is located near the village of the same name in the mountains of the northern part of Bali. A powerful cascade falling into the lake from a 40-meter cliff is divided into two streams. You can swim in the lake. Walking along the riverbed of the river flowing here, you will find three more smaller waterfalls.

A rocky hiking trail in the jungle leads to the picturesque cascades. Steep ladders and bamboo bridges over stormy streams are built on the winding path. Pay attention to the exotic vegetation — papaya, coffee, clove, chocolate, and fruit trees are found here. Locals sell spice sets to tourists.

19. Ulun Batu Bratan Temple

In the mountainous region of Bedugul, at an altitude of 1200 m, there is the volcanic lake Bratan, the most important source of fresh water in Bali, one of the main links of the island’s irrigation system. Balinese consider its waters sacred.

The complex consists of sanctuaries built in the form of pagodas with roofs covered with palm leaves. Some of them are on the shore, others are on the islets. Tourists are not allowed into the main temple with a multi-tiered tower, it is intended for important ceremonies. There is a beautiful garden and a small playground on the territory of Pura Oolong Danu. This is one of the most beautiful places in Bali.

20. Bali Rice Terraces

Bali Island is famous for its beautiful rice terraces. The most spectacular of them are Jatiluwih and Tegallalang. The former extends in the west of Bali, 48 km from Denpasar, and covers an area of 600 hectares. They were created by the hands of local residents without the use of mechanical equipment using the traditional method of watering the subak. The terraces of Jatiluwih are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

The terraces of Tegallalang, located in a small gorge, are quite small and surrounded by a palm forest. They are located 20 km from Ubud, hence their second name — Ubud Terraces. Trails wind between the green steps. You can cross the rice valley in half an hour.

FAQ

Which beach is the best place to swim in Bali?

Bali has many beaches suitable for swimming. Here are a few of them:

• Nusa Dua is a place with calm waters and beautiful beaches, ideal for swimming.
• Seminyak is popular among tourists, with good conditions for swimming, especially in the morning.
• Padang-Padang is known for its beautiful scenery and clear water but be careful with the tides.
• Legian is a beach near Seminyak, also suitable for swimming, and offers many amenities.
• Kuta is famous for its waves but in some places, you can find calm areas for swimming.

The choice is up to you.

What is the best currency to pay in Bali?

In Bali, the main currency is the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR). It is best to use rupees for payments, as most local shops, markets, and restaurants only accept them.

How to stay connected with the world during your trip to Bali?

In any journey, one of the most important points is communication. When you are in a foreign country, you should always have internet access at hand. Therefore, before traveling, it is necessary to activate the eSIM – built-in SIM card and use the Internet during the entire trip in any country.

eSIM is a convenient way that save travelers from expensive roaming and searching for local mobile operators. To get an eSIM, you need to select an eSIM provider, and the required tariff, and activate the eSIM for the next trip. At the same time, you do not need to visit the office or sign a bunch of papers. Everything happens online and takes a few minutes.

However, it is important to choose a proven and high-quality operator like eSIM Plus. eSIM Plus offers the advantages of high-speed Internet connection in more than 190 countries. There are many tariff plans to choose from that will suit absolutely everyone.

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