Places To Visit In Bali

Bali offers more than just beaches. Its rich arts scene, shopping districts, and spas are other popular pastimes many tourists like to engage in and are new places to visit in Bali. They're all also incredibly affordable. In addition, the island's temples add another layer of mysticism and spirituality through their sacred Hindu ceremonies.

So when visiting this magical island, get a travel insurance plan beforehand. This ensures you're covered if anything goes wrong during your stay.

An essential activity you should check out would be the Bali Swings. It's a swing suspended over an abyss of tropical scenery and lush vegetation. It's considered the most famous swing in Asia. It's not only an exciting experience but also a picturesque one.

Here are some great locations if you're wondering which places you need to visit in Bali:

-Pura Tanah Lot Or Tanah Lot Temple

Located 20 kilometres northwest of Kuta is Bali's most iconic temple. Drawing tourists and photographers in with its beautiful seaside setting. The sight of crashing waves on the rocky islet is a mesmerising view. The Tanah Lot Temple is one of the most sacred temples for the Balinese people. Every evening tourists find themselves enchanted by the magnificent scenery of the setting sun behind the temple.

The temple was built at the start of the 16th century, thought to be inspired by the priest - Nirartha. Although tourists are not allowed to enter any of the temples in the complex, you can walk across the main temple at low tide. It is one of the main places to visit in Bali.

-Mount Batur

Hundreds of tourists every year gather to make the 1,700-meter trek up Mount Batur. The trek is best started at predawn so that by the time you reach the summit, you can view the sunrise above the mist-shrouded mountains and the forests and caldera far below. Furthermore, the mountain is an excellent spot for most couples vacationing on the island.

Mount Batur is also an active volcano. The trek up to the summit takes about 2 - 3 hours and is usually guided. On clear days, the views are spectacular with the mountain range, its caldera, and Lake Batur - the island's main water source.

The mountain trek can be combined with trips to temples like the Pura Ulun Danu Batur and a trip to the hot springs at the village of Toya Bungkah. They're the best places to visit in Bali for nature lovers.

-Tegallalang Rice Terraces, Ubud

The Tegallalang Rice Terraces' lush emerald rice fields are at the top of every photographer's list of places to visit. It’s a 30-minute drive from Ubud, and the fields themselves are a sight to behold; they're one of the most famous areas to photograph.

A great way to enjoy the landscape is by eating at one of the cafes or restaurants overlooking the fields. Unfortunately, there are many entrance and parking fees along the road to this site. You may encounter locals asking for donations if you are hiking along the more popular trails. It is advised to avoid them.

Furthermore, the Jatiluwih rice terraces are a 90-minute drive from Ubud. They cover over 600 hectares of land along the Batukaru mountain range. Therefore, they are usually less crowded than the Tegallalang Rice Terraces. There are also fewer tourists here, so you get more room and time to walk around and take in the sights.

-Tirta Empul Temple

Located in the tropical forest of Central Bali, the Tirta Empul Temple dates back to 960 CE. It's a national cultural heritage site that's divided into three courtyards. The temple's main focal point is the large rectangular pool connected to a holy mountain spring. The locals come to pray and soak in the healing waters that surge from sculpted spouts.

If you wish to enter the pool, it's best to do so after consulting an experienced guide. The temple is an important religious and spiritual site for the locals, so you must respect their customs to participate in the cleansing ritual.

It's best to explore the temple first, as you're not allowed to drip water onto the floors, and you must enter the pool fully clothed. The best time to visit would be in the early mornings and late afternoons.

-Sekumpul Waterfall

Sekumpul is a cluster of seven waterfalls surrounded by lush greenery and rocky cliffs. It's considered Bali's most beautiful waterfall and is 66 kilometres north of Ubud. It’s one of the top places to visit in Bali. Suppose you want to visit this tourist attraction. In that case, it's best to hire a local guide, who can negotiate around the exorbitant parking and entrance fees.

If you drive here, you will be stopped well before the entrance and must walk the rest of the way. The 3 - 4 hours trek will allow you to take in rice terraces and local villages fringed with rambutan and durian trees. After that, you will need to continue through dense tropical jungles, hike down slippery steps, and losh through a river which can all be quite strenuous.

However, most consider the trek worth it as they get to cool off with a swim at the base of the falls once they get there. It's a great spot for more adventurous tourists who want a change of pace from the more touristy destinations of the island.

-Uluwatu Temple

Uluwatu temple, also known as Pura Luhur Uluwatu, is one of the popular destinations in Bali. The temple provides a slice of true Balinese culture. According to Balinese Hindus, the Uluwatu temple is the power of the Hindu trinity: Vishnu, Shiva and Brahma.

This mesmerising temple is built at the edge of a 70-metre-high rock or cliff projecting into the sea. It is not only a place of worship but also a cultural treasure of Bali, attracting travellers from all over the world to witness evening Kecak dance performances.

The strategic positioning of the temple gives an awe-inspiring view to the travellers who come to witness the natural beauty of the island. Around the temple, you will see many monkeys, as they are believed to guard the temple against bad influences in local culture. The best time to visit the Uluwatu temple is in the evening, as it creates a picturesque view as the sun goes down.

-Seminyak

Seminyak is a beautiful coastal town located on the west coast of Bali. It is located in the North of Kuta. This place is known for its beautiful atmosphere, luxury accommodations, high-end restaurants and a variety of shopping options. The area is ideal for sunbathing and surfing. Visitors can enjoy beautiful sunsets while sipping cocktails at one of the beach clubs or bars.

Seminyak also has a variety of international restaurants and chic boutiques. The vibrant atmosphere and the availability of a variety of eating and shopping options make this place a hotspot for food enthusiasts and shoppers alike. Those seeking relaxation can go for spa treatments and have a rejuvenating experience.

Seminyak provides a wide array of options for visitors to relax and enjoy at the beach. This place caters to both adventure seekers and those looking to unwind in style.

-Nusa Penida

Nusa Penida is an island in the southeast of Bali. It is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and pristine beaches. This destination has gained a lot of popularity for its beautiful cliffs and crystal-clear waters. The beauty of this place makes it a paradise for nature lovers and photographers.

The primary attractions of Nusa Penida are Kelingking Beach, which is famous for its T-Rex shaped cliff, and Angel's Billabong, a natural infinity pool with a beautiful ocean view. Nusa Penida also offers options of snorkelling and diving. It has beautiful coral reefs and a diverse marine life.

This island’s beauty is complemented by its laid-back vibe, which is in stark contrast to the more commercialised areas of Bali. Exploring Nusa Penida requires some effort, as many sites are accessible only by hiking or boat rides. However, the reward is an unforgettable experience this place offers its visitors.

These are some of the most beautiful places to visit in Bali if you're ever on the island. Bali has a good mix of commercial/touristy spots for the more casual tourists and out-of-the-way hidden gems for more adventurous travellers. It's a great place to add to anyone's bucket list.

Adding on to that, most travellers also invest in a travel insurance policy when they're planning a trip. This is an additional expense made to ensure that they stay covered and are protected in case of an emergency. Tata AIG allows you to compare travel insurance plans so that you can find your best match.