Bali is a dream destination at the top of many travelers’ bucket lists. With world-class beaches, rich and diverse culture, majestic water temples, vast rice terraces, and active volcanoes – the little island in the heart of Indonesia has a unique and incredible beauty.
There is no place quite like it. Keep reading to see 9 Must-Visit Places in Bali
Tanah Lot
Tanah Lot stands for land (Tanah) and sea (Lot). It’s quite appropriate as it’s a spectacular rock formation overlooking the sea. One of seven temples along Bali’s coast, it’s a spiritual block against bad vibes rolling on the ocean currents.
Entrance is $4.20 USD (60,000 Rupee) and to reach the temple, you must walk through a Balinese market. On the mainland, there are restaurants along the clifftops for incredible ocean views. There are guided tours available here or you can walk through solo.
Komodo Island
Komodo National Park spans the 3 large islands (Rinca, Padar, and Komodo). It was founded in the 80’s to protect the endangered Komodo Dragon. There were and still are about 4 settlements across the islands inhabiting 3,280 people before the islands were protected. Later in the 90’s it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature. Komodo National Park is the only place on earth where you can have a close encounter with the legendary Komodo Dragons.
Here’s How to Get to Komodo Island, Padar Island, & Pink Beach!
Komodo Dragons are the largest lizard reaching up to 10 feet (3 meters) in length and weighing up to 200 pounds (91 kilos). After a 2009 study in Singapore, it was discovered that Komodo Dragons do in fact have a toxic protein. These toxic proteins’ known functions include inhibition of blood clotting, lowering of blood pressure, muscle paralysis, and the induction of hypothermia, leading to shock and loss of consciousness.
They have been recorded killing wild pigs within seconds. On Komodo Island, you can witness this for yourself from a very safe distance, as they tie hogs from trees to feed the Komodo Dragons.
The entrance fee for Komodo National Park is only $11 (157,440 Rupee) and includes an English-speaking guide. The guide will share the history of the island and the dragons as well as walk you around the park ensuring a Komodo Dragon spotting. Each of the guides has walkie-talkies and communicate often about the dragon’s whereabouts.
In addition to the park entrance, you’ll also need to organize getting to the island. The most common way is booking a day tour from Labuan Bajo. The tour incorporates Padar Island, Pink Beach, and Komodo Island. It’s a full day from 5 am to 8 pm and includes water, meals, and snacks. Booking a group tour is roughly $100 USD (1,431,290 Rupees) and completely worth it!
Padar Island
Padar Island is the third-largest island of Komodo National Park and is situated between Rinca and Komodo. It’s about a 3-hour boat ride from Labuan Bajo.
While getting to Padar Island from Bali is quite a trek, the views are well worth it! It’s been one of my favorite scenic hikes to date. The hike is short and only takes about 20 minutes. It’s a very dusty trail with a significant incline, so it can be rough for some people.
The various lookouts with stunning scenery of hills, volcanic mountains, beaches, and turquoise water provide incredible photo opportunities – it’s photography heaven.
Pink Beach
The world-famous Pink Beach in Indonesia is 1 of 7 known in the world! With soft pink sand contrasted against turquoise water, Pink Beach is a must-see spot. Other than hiking, snorkeling, and sunbathing there isn’t much to do on Pink Beach. It’s completely uninhabited to protect its natural beauty.
Tirta Empul Tampak Siring Water Palace Temple
The most famous temple in Bali, Tirta Empul is a Hindu Balinese water temple founded in 962AD and is dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu. Tirta Empul means Holy Spring in Balinese. The temple has a bathing structure famous for its holy spring water that Balinese Hindus go to perform their ritual purification.
You’ll need to hire a scooter or car to get here as it’s about 25 minutes from Ubud. I spent the morning at the Tegalalang Rice Terraces and from there hired a woman to take me by scooter to Tirta Empul. Instead of making her wait outside for me and since I was solo, I asked if she wanted to join me and she did. The entrance fee is $3.50 (50,000 Rupee) and she was able to enter for free as a local driver.
If you’re looking for a full day of Balinese culture and temples, I’d recommend booking a guided tour to see the best temples.
Upon entering, you’ll need to put on a sarong. Many tourists in Bali have their own, as sacred places require them but they’re also available for rent for .70 USD (10,000 Rupee). It’s best to plan to spend at least an hour exploring the entire site
The Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary
One of the most popular attractions in the heart of Ubud is the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary. Wander through the forest amongst the wild Macaque monkeys to the ancient temple in the center.
The monkeys are very comfortable around humans (which is sad and also scary) so go at your own risk. I’m quite afraid of Macaque monkeys, especially at tourist attractions, as I was nearly attacked by one in Hong Kong 2 months prior. I did walk through (very quickly 🤣) but observed from far away. I also did not take anything in with me but my phone.
It’s $3.50 USD (50,000 Rupee) to enter and there are a few spots you can purchase bananas to feed to the monkeys. Otherwise, you’ll want to make sure to not bring any food and keep your belongings zipped up in your bag. These monkeys are sneaky and will take anything left out.
Tegalalang Rice Terrace
The Tegalalang Rice Terraces are one of the most iconic sights in Bali. Visit early in the morning to get that beautiful golden light and to escape the crowds. Read more about my adventure getting to the Tegalalang Rice Terraces and see more beautiful pictures here.
Sunrise Volcano Hike to Mt. Batur
Watching the sunrise from Mt. Batur is a Bali highlight. Mt. Batur is one of Bali’s active volcanoes, although it hasn’t erupted in over 20 years. The hike is steep but the view from the summit is worth it! Book your Sunrise Mount Batur Hike here.
Setting out at 2 am with a flashlight, a group of girls I’d met 2 days prior, and a guide, we took an hour-long bus ride to the basecamp. As we arrived we came upon a parking lot filled with buses of other groups. Even if you lose your guide in the dark, follow the flashlights and you’ll meet up with your guide at the top in the light.
It’s a 4-mile hike with a 5,633-foot elevation gain and takes about 2 hours to get up. Depending on your guide, you’ll either hike down the same way up or take you down the other side as our guide did. Not many choose this option as it’s a bit sketchy in some places but so worth the views especially if you’re an adrenaline junkie. As you can see in the picture below, the ‘trail’ is quite narrow along the ridge.
There are plenty of vendors selling tickets on the street but they’ll likely charge 2-3x the price. Book your tour here or ask someone at your hotel or hostel. They typically have a good deal for tickets. $40-50 USD (5,720-7,150 Rupee) is a fair price. The entrance fee is $20 USD (about 2,850 Rupee).
Surf in Canggu at Echo Beach
Canggu is one of the most popular surfing destinations in Bali. Expect surfers to be out in the water at 6 am and get crowded throughout the day. There are multiple stands along the beach that offer board rentals and surf lessons for all levels.
Bali is such a magical island and there is so much natural beauty to see. Make sure to get out and explore. For more on Bali check out these other Bali posts 👇
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