Must-See Tourist Sites in Bali, Indonesia

Published on April 28, 2026 and written by Cyril Jarnias

Bali, the Island of the Gods, is a gem of Indonesia that attracts millions of visitors from around the world each year. With its fine sandy beaches, terraced rice paddies, ancient temples, and vibrant culture, Bali offers a unique experience to every traveler. In this article, we will take you on a journey to discover the must-see tourist attractions of this paradise island, revealing the pros and cons of each location, as well as the best ways to get there and where to stay.

Majestic Temples: A Spiritual Journey at the Heart of Bali

Bali is known for its thousands of Hindu temples, true architectural jewels that testify to the island’s spiritual richness. Among the most iconic are:

Tanah Lot Temple: Between Sea and Sky

Perched on a rock in the middle of the ocean, Tanah Lot Temple is one of the most photographed sites in Bali. This sanctuary dedicated to sea deities offers a breathtaking spectacle at sunset.

• Stunning ocean views
• Mystical and spiritual atmosphere
• Magnificent sunsets

• Very crowded, especially at the end of the day
• Access to the main temple is limited to worshippers
• High tide can make access difficult

Besakih Temple: The “Mother Temple” of Bali

Located on the slopes of Mount Agung, the island’s largest volcano, Besakih Temple is considered the most important and sacred in Bali. This complex of 23 temples offers stunning views of the surrounding rice fields and mountains.

• Impressive and complex architecture
• Panoramic views of the region
• Immersion in Balinese culture

• Local guides can be pushy at times
• Limited access to certain parts of the temple
• Risk of closure due to volcanic activity

How to Get There?

To visit these temples, the most convenient way is to rent a scooter or a car with a driver. Public transportation is limited and unreliable in these areas. Many agencies offer day trips that include visits to several temples.

Where to Stay?

For Tanah Lot, choose accommodation in the Canggu or Seminyak area. For Besakih, the town of Ubud is an excellent starting point. Options range from budget homestays to luxury resorts and private villas.

Dream Beaches: Between Relaxation and Water Sports

Bali is renowned for its paradise beaches, each with its own personality and unique appeal.

Nusa Dua Beach: Luxury at Its Finest

Located in southern Bali, Nusa Dua is known for its crystal-clear waters, white sand, and upscale resorts. It’s the ideal place for those seeking peace and luxury.

• Immaculate and well-maintained beaches
• Calm waters perfect for swimming
• Numerous water sports available

• High prices at resorts and restaurants
• Atmosphere can feel too sanitized
• Little Balinese authenticity

Kuta Beach: Surfer’s Paradise

Kuta is the most famous beach in Bali, known for its perfect waves for surfing and its lively atmosphere. It’s the ideal place for young travelers seeking action and entertainment.

• Excellent conditions for surfing
• Vibrant nightlife
• Wide range of accommodations for all budgets

• Very crowded and sometimes overcrowded
• Presence of persistent street vendors
• Pollution and litter on some parts of the beach

How to Get There?

Southern Bali beaches are easily accessible from Denpasar Airport. Taxis and ride-sharing services like Grab or GoJek are available. For more distant beaches, renting a scooter remains the most flexible option.

Where to Stay?

Nusa Dua offers a multitude of luxury beachfront resorts. In Kuta, you’ll find a wide range of options from hostels to boutique hotels. For a more authentic experience, choose a homestay in nearby villages.

Terraced Rice Paddies: The Green Soul of Bali

Terraced rice paddies are one of Bali’s most iconic landscapes, offering breathtaking scenery and a glimpse of rural Balinese life.

Tegalalang Rice Terraces: A Verdant Spectacle

Located about 10 km north of Ubud, the Tegalalang Rice Terraces are a true masterpiece of traditional agricultural engineering. The terraces carved into the hillside create an emerald green landscape as far as the eye can see.

• Spectacular and photogenic scenery
• Opportunities for hiking
• Numerous cafes with panoramic views

• Very touristy, especially in the middle of the day
• Some landowners ask for “donations” to cross their fields
• Slippery terrain after rain

Jatiluwih Rice Terraces: Preserved Authenticity

A UNESCO World Heritage site, the Jatiluwih Rice Terraces offer a more authentic and less touristy experience than Tegalalang. Spanning over 600 hectares, they allow for long walks in the heart of the Balinese countryside.

• Grandiose and preserved landscapes
• Fewer tourists than Tegalalang
• Opportunity for long hikes

• Farther from tourist centers
• Fewer visitor facilities
• Access can be difficult in the rainy season

How to Get There?

Renting a scooter or a car with a driver is recommended for visiting the rice terraces. Organized tours are also available from Ubud or major beach resorts. For Jatiluwih, allow a full day due to its distance.

Where to Stay?

Ubud is the ideal starting point for visiting the Tegalalang Rice Terraces. For Jatiluwih, consider staying in surrounding villages like Tabanan for a more immersive experience. Many homestays and eco-lodges offer stunning views of the rice terraces.

Majestic Volcanoes: Adventure at the Summit

Bali’s volcanoes offer not only spectacular landscapes but also unique opportunities for hiking and adventure enthusiasts.

Mount Batur: Sunrise Trek

Mount Batur, an active volcano in northeastern Bali, is famous for its nighttime treks culminating in a breathtaking sunrise at the summit.

• Panoramic views of Lake Batur and surrounding mountains
• Unique nighttime hiking experience
• Relatively easy ascent, accessible to most hikers

• Very early start (around 2 a.m.)
• Risk of cloudy weather obscuring the view
• High crowds during peak season

Mount Agung: The Ultimate Challenge

Mount Agung, Bali’s highest peak, is considered the abode of the gods by the Balinese. Its ascent is a real challenge reserved for experienced hikers.

• Unbeatable views of the entire island of Bali
• Intense and rewarding experience
• Less crowded than Mount Batur

• Difficult and physically demanding ascent
• Risk of cancellation due to volcanic activity
• Requires an experienced guide

How to Get There?

For Mount Batur, most treks depart from Ubud or Kintamani. For Mount Agung, departures are typically from the villages of Besakih or Pura Pasar Agung. It is highly recommended to book a guided trek for these ascents.

Where to Stay?

For Mount Batur, Ubud is an excellent starting point. Accommodations are also available in Kintamani, offering views of the volcano. For Mount Agung, consider staying in nearby villages like Sidemen or Selat, which offer a peaceful and authentic atmosphere.

Secret Waterfalls: Refreshment in the Heart of the Jungle

Bali is full of spectacular waterfalls, often hidden in the lush jungle. These natural oases offer a refreshing break away from the tourist hustle.

Sekumpul Waterfall: The Most Beautiful in Bali

Considered the most impressive on the island, Sekumpul Waterfall is actually a group of seven cascades nestled in a lush valley in northern Bali.

• Breathtaking scenery
• Immersive nature experience
• Less crowded than more accessible waterfalls

• Difficult access requiring good physical condition
• Long journey from main tourist areas
• Slippery terrain, especially in the rainy season

Tegenungan Waterfall: Accessible Beauty

Located just 30 minutes from Ubud, Tegenungan Waterfall is one of the most accessible in Bali, offering an impressive spectacle and the opportunity to swim.

• Easily accessible from Ubud
• Opportunity to swim in natural pools
• Numerous visitor facilities (restaurants, restrooms)

• Very crowded, especially in the middle of the day
• Water can be murky after heavy rain
• Many steps to reach the waterfall

How to Get There?

For Sekumpul, it is recommended to hire a local guide or book a tour from Ubud or Lovina. Tegenungan is easily accessible by scooter or taxi from Ubud. Tours combining visits to several waterfalls are also available.

Where to Stay?

For Sekumpul, consider staying in the Singaraja or Lovina area to be closer. For Tegenungan, Ubud is the ideal starting point, offering a wide range of accommodations for all budgets.

Traditional Villages: Immersion in Balinese Culture

For an authentic experience of Balinese culture, nothing beats a visit to traditional villages, where time seems to stand still.

Penglipuran: A Preserved Village

Penglipuran is often described as one of the cleanest and best-preserved villages in Indonesia. Its paved streets, traditional houses, and peaceful atmosphere offer a fascinating glimpse of Balinese life from the past.

• Well-preserved traditional Balinese architecture
• Authentic and peaceful atmosphere
• Opportunity to see inside traditional houses

• Can feel a bit “staged” for tourists
• Entrance fee to access the village
• Few activities beyond a simple visit

Tenganan: The Village of the Bali Aga

Tenganan is one of the few villages inhabited by the Bali Aga, the original inhabitants of Bali. This village is famous for its traditional textiles and unique rituals.

• Unique culture and traditions of the Bali Aga
• Exceptional local craftsmanship, especially geringsing
• Opportunity to attend traditional ceremonies

• Limited access to certain parts of the village
• Limited English explanations without a guide
• Some visitors may find the atmosphere a bit austere

How to Get There?

Penglipuran is about a 45-minute drive north of Ubud. Tenganan is in eastern Bali, near Candidasa. Renting a scooter or a car with a driver is recommended for visiting these villages. Organized tours are also available from major tourist areas.

Where to Stay?

For visiting Penglipuran, Ubud remains an excellent base. For Tenganan, consider staying in Candidasa or nearby for a more immersive experience. Some villages even offer homestays, providing a unique opportunity to live within the Balinese community.

Nature Parks and Sanctuaries: Meeting Balinese Wildlife

Bali is not only famous for its beaches and temples, but also for its rich biodiversity. The island’s nature parks and sanctuaries offer a unique opportunity to observe local wildlife in its natural habitat.

Bali Barat National Park: Bird Paradise

Located at the far west of the island, Bali Barat National Park is a haven for many bird species, including the mythical and endangered Bali myna.

• Exceptional biodiversity
• Opportunity to observe rare species
• Varied activities: hiking, diving, birdwatching

• Far from main tourist areas
• Requires a guide to fully explore the park
• Limited tourist infrastructure

Ubud Monkey Forest: Meeting the Macaques

In the heart of Ubud, this sacred forest is home to hundreds of long-tailed macaques roaming freely among visitors and ancient temples.

• Easily accessible from central Ubud
• Close interaction with the monkeys
• Unique combination of nature and cultural sites

• Monkeys can sometimes be aggressive or thieving
• Very crowded, especially at midday
• Health risk if guidelines are not followed

How to Get There?

For Bali Barat National Park, it is recommended to book an organized tour or rent a car with a driver. The Ubud Monkey Forest is easily reachable on foot from Ubud city center.

Where to Stay?

To visit Bali Barat National Park, stay in Pemuteran or Menjangan to be closest. For the Monkey Forest, Ubud offers a multitude of accommodation options, from budget guesthouses to luxury resorts.

Spas and Wellness Retreats: Relaxation and Rejuvenation

Bali has become a top destination for those seeking physical and mental rejuvenation. The island is full of luxurious spas and wellness retreats offering a wide range of treatments and holistic practices.

Luxury Spas in Ubud: Pampering in the Heart of the Jungle

Ubud, Bali’s cultural center, is home to some of the island’s most renowned spas, offering traditional Balinese treatments in a lush setting.

• Exceptional natural setting
• Wide range of traditional and modern treatments
• Highly skilled staff

• High prices compared to the rest of the island
• Need to book in advance, especially in high season
• Some establishments may feel too “Westernized”

Yoga Retreats in Canggu: Zen and Surf

Canggu, a trendy beach town, has become a hotspot for yoga and wellness, attracting many practitioners from around the world.

• Unique combination of yoga, surfing, and beach life
• Wide choice of yoga styles and levels
• Relaxed and international atmosphere

• Can be noisy and lively, not ideal for those seeking total peace
• Some establishments can be very “Instagram-oriented”
li>Rising prices due to the area’s growing popularity

How to Get There?

Ubud is accessible by taxi or shuttle from Denpasar Airport (about 1.5 hours drive). Canggu is about 45 minutes from the airport. Many spas and retreats offer transfer services.

Where to Stay?

In Ubud, opt for one of the many spa resorts that offer packages including accommodation and treatments. In Canggu, yoga retreats often offer all-inclusive deals, but you’ll also find many villas and guesthouses near the yoga studios.

In conclusion, Bali offers an incredible diversity of experiences, from paradise beaches to volcanic peaks, lush rice terraces, and ancient temples. Whether you’re seeking adventure, culture, relaxation, or spirituality, the Island of the Gods will meet all your expectations. Remember to respect the local culture, preserve the environment, and fully immerse yourself in the Balinese magic.