Top 5 Attractions in Bali including Map

Paradisiacal beaches, mystical temples, lush green jungles, and delicious food - this is how most travelers envision the Indonesian island of Bali. We can promise you: A vacation in Bali exceeds these expectations! To help you enjoy the most beautiful places on the island, we will introduce our personal highlights on Bali today!

Bali is now one of the most popular travel destinations in Southeast Asia. Affordable flights and accommodations, along with the prospect of some relaxation, parties, and a touch of culture, attract young and old alike to the Indonesian island every year. Relaxing on the beach in the morning, having lunch at a typical Indonesian warung, and in the afternoon, sightseeing at one of the magnificent Hindu temples on the island - the opportunities for excursions, experiences, and sights in Bali are so vast that it's easy to lose track. To ensure you don't miss out, we'll reveal which attractions you absolutely must include in your Bali itinerary!

Few images shape our perception of Bali as much as those of the numerous beautiful temples, which stand in the midst of jungle-like landscapes with their shrines called Meru and their rich decorations. In contrast to the rest of Indonesia, where Islam is the predominant religion, 96% of Bali's residents are Hindus, which has earned the island the nickname 'Island of the Gods.' The temples, where worship takes place, can be found all over the island and are among the most popular attractions in Bali. We will now introduce you to the most beautiful ones. One tip beforehand: If you wish to enter the temples of Bali, you should dress appropriately and wrap yourself in a sarong. You can usually borrow one for free in front of most temples.

Perhaps the most famous and beautiful temple on Bali is the sea temple, Pura Tanah Lot, located in the south of Bali, not far from the capital Denpasar. The temple, which sits atop a rock off the coast, can only be entered by Hindus, so you will have to be content with an external visit. Since the temple is one of the most popular attractions in Bali, expect significant crowds, especially in the evening and during sunset. Nonetheless, Pura Tanah Lot should definitely be on your Bali bucket list!

Equally popular is Pura Ulun Danu Bratan, located on Lake Bratan inland and dedicated to the Balinese water goddess Dewi Danu. The multi-tiered pagoda roofs of the Meru seem to rise out of the lake, surrounded by a blooming garden that makes Pura Ulun Danu Bratan appear even more magical. If you wish to visit the temple, plan your visit for the early morning hours, as this attraction can get very crowded during the day.

Spectacular views await you at Pura Luhur Uluwatu, which, perched on steep cliffs in the south, is definitely one of the most beautiful attractions in Bali. The sunrises and sunsets before this unique backdrop are breathtakingly beautiful. However, the real highlight of Pura Luhur Uluwatu is the Kecak dances performed here every evening. You'll learn later why you should definitely see one of these dances while in Bali.

Another temple on Bali that is absolutely worth seeing is Pura Taman Saraswati, which is located in the center of Ubud, not far from the shopping and dining area.

A little temple knowledge:

Many figures and statues in the temples are dressed in a black and white patterned cloth. This pattern stands, similar to Yin and Yang, for the balance between good and evil.

One moment you may be navigating the bustling market in Ubud, and the next, you will find a different, quieter world once you enter the temple grounds: Large lotus flowers float on the pond in front of the temple, and a path lined with stone figures leads you straight to the temple. We recommend visiting during the evening hours when there are fewer tourists, and the setting appears even more magical at dusk.

However, our personal favorite is Pura Tirta Empul in the heart of Bali, not far from the famous Tegalalang rice terraces. Rent a sarong at the entrance, which is one of the typical wrap skirts, and stroll through the temple complex, which is considered one of the holiest on the entire island. The special aspect: Here, even as a non-Hindu, you can bathe in the sacred spring water of the temple and symbolically wash away your illnesses and problems. This act is sacred to Hindus, so at Pura Tirta Empul, you have the chance to immerse yourself in the traditions and the way of life of the Balinese. A unique experience that you should definitely seize!

Now we have a secret temple tip for you: Not far from Ubud, you will find Pura Gunung Kawi Sebatu, which is for us like a small oasis of peace amid touristy Bali. Here you can immerse yourself in Bali's mystical temple world and enjoy the tranquility without being surrounded by dozens of other tourists.

Bali offers more scenic diversity than just beaches and temples, especially in the inland and northern parts of the island. First, you're likely to think of the famous rice terraces in Tegalalang; however, while these fields are among the most well-known attractions in Bali and you should definitely take a look at them, there are highlights that are even more beautiful because they are less crowded.

An alternative to the Tegalalang rice terraces is, for example, the Jatiluwih rice terraces, which are also located in the center of the island and have been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site due to their beauty and size. You can take a guided tour through the rice fields and see how the rice, which is vital for the Balinese, is lovingly cultivated and harvested through painstaking small-scale work. After such a tour, the next Nasi Goreng will taste even better!

When you think of Indonesia, you can't overlook the volcanoes that shaped the many islands. Bali too has an active volcano that you can not only admire from afar but also climb. Gunung Batur, which last erupted in 2000, is particularly popular among tourists who want to experience a unique sunrise. Such guided tours usually start at 3:30 AM from the hotel and take you to the crater of the volcano. The ascent is strenuous and takes about two hours, but the effort is worth it, because when will you have the chance to witness a sunrise on a volcano high above the clouds?

Vacation tip: A great view of Gunung Batur and Lake Batur can be enjoyed from Penelokan, a small village in northern Bali.

Would you prefer to meet Bali's most famous animal inhabitants instead of climbing an active volcano in the middle of the night? Fortunately, there's the Monkey Forest in Ubud, as you can't get closer to the Javanese monkeys living in Bali than this. Unlike a typical zoo, the Monkey Forest is a temple complex where the monkeys roam freely and can leave at any time. Caution: The cheeky macaques will steal anything that is not firmly secured! So make sure to store your valuables safely!

Are Bali's beaches just for surfers? Don't let anyone tell you that! The different conditions along the coasts ensure that Bali has the perfect beach for every type of vacationer. Whether for sunbathing, swimming, surfing, or diving - here are our top 5 most beautiful beaches in Bali.

Good food truly makes a vacation perfect for us! After a day full of sightseeing or sunbathing on the beach, you really look forward to dining in a Balinese restaurant and trying the delicious, fresh dishes. From mango shakes to Nasi Goreng to satay skewers - all over Indonesia, and especially in Bali, there are super tasty dishes that you must try!

Culinary journey to Sumatra:

Should your culinary journey extend beyond Bali's borders? Then you should have dinner at the Natrabu Minang restaurant. Here, delicious specialties from Sumatra are served in small portions, perfect for sampling a bit of everything!

Virtually every dish in Indonesia is served with rice, and some dishes even come with noodles. The simplest and probably most famous rice dish is Nasi Goreng, or fried rice mixed with vegetables and optionally fish or meat. What started in Indonesia as 'leftover food' has even made its way to Germany now. A true classic! Be sure to order the popular satay skewers with it, made from meat, fish, or tofu, served with a tasty peanut sauce.

If you love fresh seafood as much as we do, you'll be very happy in Bali, as many dishes include fish, shellfish, or prawns seasoned with spices or curries. Meat lovers should try the typical Balinese roast pig, Babi Guling, or boiled duck, Bebek Tutu. Vacation tip: The best roast pork is when it's fresh and juicy, so be sure to grab some when a warung is offering it at lunchtime. By the way, the best Bebek Tutu we've had was at Ibu Rai in Ubud. A Balinese dream!

Of course, vegetarians will also find plenty to relish while eating in Bali. Alongside Nasi Goreng with vegetables, you might want to try Tempe Goreng, which are fried soybeans, or Gado-Gado, a mix of vegetables, sprouts, and peanut sauce, or classic tofu dishes. The selection is truly huge! Vacation tip: Nearby Pura Tirta Empul, there is the restaurant Pangkon Bali, where you can dine right in the rice fields. A good and authentic alternative to restaurants are the warungs found all over Bali. You can also venture into street food. Delicious and super affordable!

What cannot be missed in our tips for attractions in Bali are the typical Balinese traditions. Did you know that a different language is spoken in Bali than in the rest of Indonesia? It's best to learn a few phrases, such as 'Om Swastiastu' for hello in Balinese, or 'Suksma' for thank you. The Balinese will appreciate it!

Arts and crafts such as batik paintings and wood carvings have always been part of the island's culture. You can witness their creation up close in workshops and subsequently take home an original souvenir that reminds you of your vacation in Bali. We were particularly impressed by the production of batik cloths, which are lovingly hand-painted and dyed in several steps. These are, of course, a bit more expensive than printed cloths; however, you will be acquiring a true one-of-a-kind piece.

Additionally, you should not miss out on the Balinese dances. The Barong dance is a performance in several acts depicting the battle between good (the Barong) and evil (the witch Rangda). A dance performance lasts about an hour and ends with - spoiler alert - a draw. Barong performances take place almost everywhere on the island. Just ask at your accommodation!

However, we found the Kecak dance even more impressive, which we were fortunate to witness during a visit to Pura Luhur Uluwatu. This energetic dance involves up to 100 dancers, who narrate the story of the Hindu deity Rama, his wife Sita, the divine messenger Garuda, and the monkey general Hanuman, seemingly entering into a trance while dancing. The dance takes place every evening at sunset, and you should secure your tickets in advance (available at the temple entrance), as the performance coupled with the spectacular sunset is simply magical!

In Bali, you can experience so much more than just the beach and your hotel! Head to the most beautiful attractions in Bali and discover your own highlights. It's best to rent a small scooter to be mobile and easily reach everything (caution: left-hand traffic!).

To give you a better idea, we've summarized the attractions in Bali on this handy map:

Bali and the surrounding islands have even more to discover. How about a trip to Nusa Penida, the Gili Islands, or even Java? Many destinations can be easily reached by the regular ferries, and domestic flights are also affordable.

Have you been to Bali and have additional tips for fellow travelers? What were your personal highlights?