Tanah Lot Temple
Address: Beraban, Kediri, Tabanan, Bali
Opening Hours: 7am – 7pm
Tickets: IDR 60,000 (~USD 4.50) for adult foreigners
Tanah Lot Temple is one of Bali’s most iconic temples. It is located on top of a large offshore rock which has been shaped continuously over the years by the ocean tide. Tanah Lot means “Land in the Sea” in the Balinese language. The temple is claimed to be the work of the revered Hindu priest Nirartha in the 16th century. It is one of seven sea temples around the Balinese coast. The temple is accessible during low tide by walking along the reef. During high water, the temple appears to be standing offshore in the middle of the sea. The temple is dedicated to the Balinese sea gods. The sunset view from Tanah Lot is magnificent. It is a popular cultural and tourist site in Bali and is part of Balinese mythology.
Uluwatu Temple
Address: Pecatu, Kuta Selatan, Badung, Bali
Opening Hours: 9am – 6pm
Tickets: IDR 30,000 (~USD 2.25)
Uluwatu Temple is a Balinese sea temple located on the edge of a steep cliff approximately 70 metres above the waves of the Indian Ocean. Uluwatu is one the six revered Balinese “sad kahyangan” or directional temples in Bali. It is dedicated to the spirits of the sea. The views from Uluwatu Temple are stunning – you can see stellar sunsets and surfers riding the waves of the ocean below. The temple grounds are home to mischievous monkeys who interact with tourists. Be careful with your belongings as the monkeys are known to snatch items. While the temple is open during the day, the best time to visit is during the kecak dance performances which start at 6pm daily. Kecak is a traditional Balinese dance also known as the Ramayana monkey chant.
Rice Terraces of Jatiluwih
Address: Jatiluwih Village, Penebel, Tabanan, Bali
Opening Hours: 24 hours
Tickets: IDR 40,000 (~USD 3)
The Jatiluwih rice terraces are located in the Tabanan regency of Bali. These incredibly beautiful terraces serve as a unique landscape to cultivate rice. The subak system, an ancient irrigation system that has been passed down generation after generation, manages the water allocation to all the rice fields. This UNESCO Cultural Heritage site features over 600 hectares of rice fields following the natural contours of the land. The views over Jatiluwih’s emerald green stepped rice terraces are outstanding. Visit in April and May to see the paddies filled with water or in September to October when they are ripe and ready to harvest. You can take in the breathtaking scenery while trekking along the scenic pathways.
Tegalalang Rice Terraces
Address: Jalan Raya Ceking, Tegalalang, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali
Opening Hours: 24 hours
Tickets: No entry fee
Tegalalang Rice Terraces are located just north of Ubud and are some of the most beautiful rice terraces in Bali. This area is called the Tegalalang Rice Terrace Valley. There are coconut trees lining the terraces, along with rice fields that follow the natural contours of the land. Small rivers irrigate the terraces. The Tegalalang village is located on the hillside above the valley, with fantastic views looking out over the terraces. Stop at one of the small local warungs (cafes) and grab a coconut drink while enjoying the fresh air and scenery. The terraces look brilliant in both the morning light and at sunset.
Tirta Empul Temple
Address: Jl. Tirta, Manukaya, Tampaksiring, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali
Opening Hours: 7am – 5pm
Tickets: IDR 15,000 (~USD 1.00)
Tirta Empul is a Hindu Balinese water temple located near the town of Tampaksiring. It is known for its sacred spring water which is used for religious purification by Balinese Hindu pilgrims. There are two sacred springs situated in central courtyard of the temple, along with shrines and bathing pools. Tirta Empul means “holy water spring” in Balinese. The temple was built around the water springs in 962 AD under the Indo-Ceylonese Warmadewa dynasty. The waters are believed to have magical powers and the ability to cure various diseases. Visitors can partake in the cleansing ritual where you wear a sarong and are doused with holy spring water.
Mount Batur Volcano
Address: Kintamani, Bangli Regency, Bali
Opening Hours: 24 hours
Tickets: No entry fee (trekking packages available)
Mount Batur volcano is located in Kintamani in the Bali province of Indonesia. It is an active volcano standing at 1717 metres above sea level. Batur is a popular spot for trekking, allowing visitors to climb to the summit and peer into the impressive volcanic crater. The trek starts around 4 am so that you reach the peak in time for a beautiful sunrise over Lake Batur and the surrounding areas. The scenic vistas from Mount Batur are magnificent. Along with the volcanic cone, Lake Batur sits within the crater. There are hot springs and authentic Balinese villages scattered around the volcanic slopes. From the peak you can soak in views over the mountains and greenery of Bali.
Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary
Address: Jl. Monkey Forest, Ubud, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali
Opening Hours: 8:30am – 6pm
Tickets: IDR 50,000 (~USD 3.50)
The Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary is located on the edge of Ubud town in central Bali. It houses over 600 Balinese long-tailed macaques. The forest is considered an important spiritual, economic, educational, and conservation center for the village of Padangtegal. Besides monkeys, the Sacred Monkey Forest is also home to towering trees, cool ponds filled with koi fish, and moss-covered sculptures and structures. Small wooden paths wind through the forest past ancient temples and stone carvings. Make sure not to show your teeth, don’t look the monkeys directly in the eye, and secure all loose items from the curious macaques.
Campuhan Ridge Walk
Address: Ubud, Gianyar Regency, Bali
Opening Hours: 24 hours
Tickets: No entry fee
The Campuhan Ridge Walk near Ubud is a picturesque and free tourist attraction in Bali’s rice terrace heartland. It’s one of the most popular things to do in Ubud for good reason. The scenic trek follows a footpath along a jungle-shrouded ridge overlooking the lush green valleys. Starting at the historic Sayan Terrace five star resort, you then ascend up into the cooler highlands blanketed with thick rainforest. The views along the ridge pathway are breathtaking – panoramas of verdant rice paddies, traditional villages, rushing rivers, and jungle greenery. Finish your scenic stroll at the quaint Karsa Kafe with expansive vistas over Ubud.
Pura Lempuyang
Address: Jl. Raya Lempuyang, Karangasem, Bali
Opening Hours: 6am – 6pm
Tickets: IDR 30,000 (~USD 2.25)
Pura Lempuyang, also known as the Gates of Heaven, is one of Bali’s oldest and most sacred temples. It is located on the eastern slopes of Mount Lempuyang in East Bali. The temple is used for rituals and ceremonies to invoke rain, fertility, and prosperity. It is also a pilgrimage temple for Balinese Hindus, especially on Tuesdays and Saturdays. The main attraction is the gateway overlooking Mount Agung framed by the clouds and mist known as Lempuyang Temple Gate. The steep staircase leading up to the temple gate is lined with lush jungle greens. You must wear appropriate Balinese temple attire with a sarong and sash to enter.
Tegenungan Waterfall
Address: Jl. Raya Tegenungan, Kemenuh, Ubud, Bali
Opening Hours: 9am – 6pm
Tickets: IDR 15,000 (~USD 1.00)
Tegenungan is one of Bali’s most famous waterfalls located just south of Ubud deep in the tropical foliage. You can reach it via scenic walking tracks that pass through lush green jungle. The waterfall drops around 15 metres into a large pool surrounded by cool rock walls covered in green moss and trailing plants. You can swim in the pool and enjoy the powerful cascade of water. There are cliff jumping spots if you are feeling adventurous. Local guides are available to take you down through the paths to the falls. There are several food stalls nearby as well. Visit Tegenungan Waterfall on a day tour to see this impressive natural attraction.
Besakih Temple
Address: Besakih, Rendang, Kabupaten Karangasem, Bali
Opening Hours: 7am – 5pm
Tickets: IDR 60,000 (~USD 4.50)
Besakih Temple is the most important, largest, and holiest Hindu temple in Bali. It is located on the slopes of Mount Agung, Bali’s tallest and most sacred active volcano. Besakih is known as the “Mother Temple” of Bali and comprises at least 86 different temples sites featuring over 30 various structures. It has stepped terraces with courtyards and gates that ascend up the mountain slopes. Multiple flights of stairs lead up to the main temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Other shrines are built to honor the other Hindu trinity gods of Vishnu and Brahma. There are also smaller temples dedicated to different Hindu gods and goddesses.