Bali is Indonesia's Island of the Gods, a tropical paradise renowned for its terraced rice paddies, ancient Hindu temples, vibrant arts scene, and world-class surf breaks. The island seamlessly blends spiritual tradition with modern luxury, offering travelers everything from serene yoga retreats in Ubud to electric beach clubs in Seminyak.
Top attractions
The most popular and significant attractions in Bali.
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1
Tanah Lot Temple
One of Bali's most iconic landmarks, Tanah Lot is a sea temple perched dramatically on a rocky offshore islet. The temple is particularly spectacular at sunset when the sky turns golden behind the silhouette of the shrines. Sacred sea snakes are said to guard the temple from evil spirits.
Tip: Arrive 1-2 hours before sunset to secure a good spot. Non-Hindus cannot enter the inner temple.
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2
Tegallalang Rice Terraces
Among Bali's most photographed landscapes, the Tegallalang Rice Terraces showcase the island's ancient subak irrigation system, recognized by UNESCO. The stepped green paddies cascade down a dramatic river valley north of Ubud, with swings, viewpoints, and cafes dotting the ridgeline.
Tip: Visit early morning for the best light and coolest temperatures. Bali swing experiences cost extra (from Rp 150,000).
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3
Uluwatu Temple
Pura Luhur Uluwatu is one of Bali's six key temples, perched 70 metres above the ocean on dramatic cliffs at the Bukit Peninsula's southwestern tip. The temple hosts a nightly Kecak fire dance performance at sunset, one of Bali's most mesmerizing cultural experiences. Watch for mischievous macaque monkeys.
Tip: Arrive by 5:30 PM to secure seating for the Kecak dance. Wear your sarong and keep belongings close — monkeys steal sunglasses and phones.
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4
Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary
Set in the heart of Ubud, this lush nature reserve and Hindu temple complex is home to over 1,000 Balinese long-tailed macaques living freely among ancient temples and towering banyan trees. The sanctuary covers 12.5 hectares of dense tropical forest and is one of Bali's most visited attractions.
Tip: Do not feed the monkeys (official bananas only from vendors). Secure all belongings. If a monkey grabs something, stay calm and a ranger will help.
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5
Mount Batur
Mount Batur is an active volcano (1,717m) set within a vast ancient caldera, home to the spectacular Lake Batur. The pre-dawn sunrise trek is one of Bali's most popular adventures, rewarding hikers with panoramic views over the caldera, Lake Batur, and on clear days, Mount Agung and Mount Rinjani.
Tip: Guides are mandatory for the trek. Book in advance through your hotel. Bring warm layers — the summit is significantly cooler.
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6
Tirta Empul Temple
Tirta Empul is one of Bali's holiest temples, built around a sacred natural spring that Balinese Hindus believe has purifying powers. Pilgrims and visitors wade through the temple's purification pools, immersing themselves beneath stone-carved spouts to receive a ritual blessing. The temple dates to 962 CE.
Tip: Sarong required (provided at entrance). If participating in the purification ritual, wear a white shirt and avoid menstruating. Do not point your feet at temple shrines.
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7
Besakih Mother Temple
Pura Besakih, known as the Mother Temple of Bali, is the largest, holiest, and most important Hindu temple complex on the island. Situated on the slopes of Mount Agung at 1,000 metres altitude, it comprises 23 separate but related temples spread across a vast mountain landscape. The complex has been a sacred site for over 1,000 years.
Tip: Hire a certified guide at the entrance to avoid unsolicited 'free guides'. Dress respectfully — sarong mandatory. Morning visits give the best visibility.
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8
Gunung Kawi Temple
Gunung Kawi is one of Bali's oldest and most impressive archaeological sites. Eleven rock-cut shrines (candis), each over 7 metres tall, are carved directly into sheer riverside cliffs. The site dates to the 11th century and requires a descent of 300 steps through lush rice paddies into a dramatic river gorge.
Tip: The 300-step descent is steep — wear good footwear. The walk through rice paddies at the bottom is beautiful. Combine with Tirta Empul which is nearby.
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9
Goa Gajah (Elephant Cave)
Goa Gajah, or Elephant Cave, is a 9th-century archaeological site featuring a cave sanctuary whose entrance is carved with a menacing face representing the demon Rangda. Inside the small cave are Hindu and Buddhist relics. The surrounding complex has ancient bathing pools fed by water spouts and beautifully terraced gardens.
Tip: Sarong required. The cave is small and can only be entered crouching. Combine with a visit to Tirta Empul and Tegallalang on the same day.
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10
Pura Luhur Batukau
Hidden deep in the rainforest on the slopes of Mount Batukaru, Pura Luhur Batukau is one of Bali's most sacred and least-visited temples. The multi-tiered meru (pagoda) towers rise mystically from a sacred lake surrounded by dense jungle. This is one of the nine directional temples that guard the island of Bali.
Tip: The road to the temple is narrow. Visit in the morning before cloud cover arrives. Combine with Jatiluwih Rice Terraces nearby.
Tips for visiting attractions
Make the most of your sightseeing time.
Visit popular attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and harsh midday light.
Book tickets online in advance for major attractions to skip long queues and sometimes save money.
Many cities offer multi-attraction passes that include public transport. Calculate whether they save you money based on your itinerary.