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Bali is an Indonesian island between Java and Lombok, set apart by its Hindu culture in a mostly Muslim country. Volcanoes dominate the interior, terraced rice fields step down their slopes, and temples, offerings and ceremonies are woven into daily life. The island's traditional subak irrigation system is recognized by UNESCO.
Ubud, in the cultural heartland, is known for crafts, dance and the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, where macaques roam among moss-covered temples. North of town, the Tegallalang rice terraces draw photographers, and worshippers bathe in the spring-fed pools of Tirta Empul. Farther west, the broad Jatiluwih terraces form part of the UNESCO-listed landscape, and Pura Ulun Danu Beratan appears to float on a mountain lake. Hikers climb Mount Batur before dawn to watch sunrise over its caldera, and Pura Besakih, the mother temple, sits on the slopes of Mount Agung. The east offers the rural valley of Sidemen, snorkeling at Amed and the temple gates of Lempuyang. On the coast, Uluwatu Temple crowns a sea cliff known for evening kecak dances, and Tanah Lot perches on a rock in the surf.
Bali suits couples, surfers, yoga practitioners and families, though traffic in the south can be heavy. Modest dress is expected at temples. Many visitors pair Ubud with a beach base such as Canggu, Seminyak or Sanur.
WiserMap travel guideBali Indonesia Rice Terraces Sea Temples and VolcanoesExplore Bali, Indonesia: Ubud's temples and rice terraces, Uluwatu and Tanah Lot, Mount Batur, Nusa Penida, Balinese food, when to go and how to get around.Read the guide
A Hindu water temple near Tampaksiring founded in the 10th century around a sacred spring. Balinese and visitors bathe in the purification pools, moving along a row of stone spouts. A sarong is required and can be borrowed, and you should follow the posted order of spouts and rules.
A lakeside temple from 1633 on the shore of Lake Beratan in the cool highlands near Bedugul, dedicated to the water goddess Dewi Danu. Its tiered meru shrines seem to float on the water when the lake is high. Morning brings mist and fewer people, so bring a light jacket.
Bali's largest and holiest temple complex, often called the Mother Temple, on the slopes of Mount Agung. It has over 20 temples climbing up the mountainside. Wear a sarong, ignore pushy unofficial guides, and use the official ticket office and shuttle from the parking area.
A sea temple perched on cliffs about 70 meters above the Indian Ocean at Bali's southwest tip. The clifftop paths give great sunset views, and a Kecak fire dance is performed in the amphitheater each evening. Keep sunglasses and phones secure, as the monkeys here are known to snatch items.
A small Hindu temple on a rock in the sea off the west coast, reached on foot at low tide. Only worshippers can enter the temple, but visitors can see the holy spring at its base. It is especially popular at sunset, so expect crowds and check the tide times before you go.
Sculpted rice terraces in a valley north of Ubud, watered by the traditional subak irrigation system. Paths lead down into the terraces, with cafes, swings and photo spots along the rim. Local farmers ask for small donations at points along the trail. Visit early in the morning for soft light.
Vast rice terraces on the slopes of Mount Batukaru, part of the UNESCO-listed Cultural Landscape of Bali Province. Marked walking trails of different lengths run through the fields. It is quieter and larger than Tegallalang, and the views are best when the rice is green before harvest.
An active volcano in the Kintamani highlands, with a popular pre-dawn trek to the summit for sunrise over Lake Batur and Mount Agung. Hikes take about two hours up and start around 4 am, and hiring a local guide is expected. Bring warm layers and a torch, and check for activity alerts.
Ubud is Bali's cultural center, with the Royal Palace, art museums, galleries, yoga studios and nightly dance shows. The Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary is a jungle temple park home to hundreds of long-tailed macaques. Do not carry food or loose items, and avoid eye contact with the monkeys.
East Bali has quieter countryside. Sidemen is a valley of rice fields and weaving villages, Amed is a string of fishing villages with good snorkeling, and Pura Lempuyang is known for its gate framing Mount Agung. At Lempuyang there is often a long wait for the famous photo at the gate.
South Bali's busiest beaches. Kuta has surf schools and crowds, Seminyak has beach clubs and sunset bars, and Jimbaran Bay is known for seafood dinners on the sand. Swim only between the flags, as currents can be strong. Traffic is heavy, so allow plenty of time between areas.
A rugged island southeast of Bali, about 45 minutes by fast boat from Sanur. It is famous for Kelingking Beach with its T-rex shaped headland, Broken Beach and snorkeling with manta rays. Roads are rough and steep, so hire a driver, and the trail down to Kelingking is very steep.
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