TOP-25 Attractions in Bali

Bali is an island where ancient temples coexist with rice terraces, and volcanoes greet sunrises over the ocean. Over the years of our work, we have selected places that truly touch the heart: not tourist checklist items, but power spots, beauty, and tranquility. Below are 25 locations with practical details: prices, times, and nuances that aren't always mentioned in guidebooks.

1–10 Attractions in Bali

1. Batur Volcano

Climbing Batur is a classic Bali morning. You start in the darkness (around 4:00 AM) and hike for 2–3 hours up the volcanic slope to meet the sunrise at an altitude of 1717 m. Honestly: it’s cold and windy, but when the sun emerges from behind the clouds over Lake Batur, you forget about the fatigue.

• Entrance Fee: around 100,000 IDR
• What to Bring: flashlight, warm sweater (at the summit +10–15 °C), comfortable sneakers
• Tip: local guides boil eggs in volcanic fumaroles—give it a try.

Journey to Yourself Bali Tours include a climb with an experienced guide and breakfast at the summit.

2. Tanah Lot Temple

A temple on a rock in the surf, one of the nine sea temples that protect Bali. Come at sunset: during low tide, you can approach the base of the rock and receive a blessing from a sacred spring. During high tide, the temple seems to float on the water.

• Entrance Fee: around 60,000 IDR
• Parking Fee: 5,000 IDR
• Best Time: 5:30 PM–6:30 PM (sunset)
• Nuance: it gets crowded in the evening; if you want peace, come in the morning.

3. Tirta Gangga Water Palace

The former residence of the Raja of Karangasem, a labyrinth of ponds with lotuses, stone paths over water, fountains, and statues of nagas. The place is meditative: the rustle of water and the greenery of rice fields around. You can take off your shoes and walk on the steps over the pond; Balinese people believe the water here purifies.

• Entrance Fee: 30,000 IDR
• Hours: 8:00 AM–6:00 PM
• Tip: if you're going to take photos on the steps, come before 9:00 AM to avoid crowds.

Weekend Retreat in Bali often includes a stop at Tirta Gangga on the way to the east coast.

4. Git Git Waterfall

A 35-meter waterfall in the northern part of the island. The descent is easy (15–20 minutes), but it's humid—the path goes along a stream, and during the rainy season (November–March 2027), it can be slippery. At the foot, there’s a natural pool where you can swim under the falls.

• Entrance Fee: 20,000 IDR
• Difficulty: easy (suitable for everyone)
• What to Bring: a change of shoes, towel

5. Ubud Monkey Forest

A sacred forest with three ancient temples and a population of long-tailed macaques. The monkeys move freely, are used to people, but remain wild: hide your glasses, phones, and food. Respect the space—this is not a zoo, but a power place.

• Entrance Fee: 80,000 IDR
• Hours: 8:30 AM–6:00 PM
• Rules: do not feed them, do not look them in the eye (they see it as a challenge), do not touch the babies.

6. Goa Gajah Cave

The Elephant Cave from the 9th century is one of the oldest archaeological monuments on the island. The entrance to the cave is cut in the shape of a frightening mask (possibly of a demon or the goddess Kali). Inside, there are niches for meditation, lingams, and yonis. Nearby are sacred baths with six water-carrying nymphs.

• Entrance Fee: 50,000 IDR
• Hours: 8:00 AM–5:00 PM
• Dress Code: sarong is mandatory (provided at the entrance)
• Tip: walk around the entire area; there's a second section with ancient stupas and rice fields.

7. Lake Bratan and Pura Ulun Danu

The temple of the lake goddess sits on the shore of the crater lake Bratan, at an altitude of 1200 m. In the morning, when mist rolls over the water, the pagodas of the temple seem to float in the air—this is the shot on the 50,000 IDR bill. It can be cool even in the heat, so bring a light jacket.

• Entrance Fee: 30,000 IDR
• Boat Rental: from 100,000 IDR (canoe for 2 people)
• Best Time: 7:00 AM–8:00 AM (mist, soft light)

8. Ubud: The Cultural Heart of Bali

The center of traditional Balinese painting, dance, and crafts. Stop by the Ubud market (Pasar Ubud) for batik and wood carving, visit galleries on Jalan Raya (Jalan Raya Ubud), and try the duck betutu warung.

• Market: open daily, bargain (the first price can be reduced by 30–50%)
• Souvenirs Budget: from 50,000 IDR for a bracelet, from 200,000 IDR for a painted mask
• Tip: walk through the alleys of Ubud—hidden are the best cafes and yoga studios.

9. Underwater World: Snorkeling and Diving

Bali is surrounded by coral reefs. The best spots: Tulamben (the sunken ship USAT Liberty), Nusa Penida (mola-mola sunfish from August to October 2027), Amed (soft corals, turtles). Respect the corals—do not touch or stand on them.

• Snorkeling: from 500,000 IDR (boat + equipment + instructor)
• Diving: from 1,000,000 IDR for two dives
• Equipment: mask, snorkel, fins; if you don’t have your own, rental is included.

10. Taman Ujung Water Palace

The summer residence of the Raja of Karangasem from the early 20th century, a blend of Balinese, Javanese, and European architecture. Spacious ponds, pavilions, wide stairs. After the earthquake in 1979, the palace was restored but retained the spirit of abandoned grandeur.

• Entrance Fee: around 50,000 IDR
• Hours: 7:00 AM–7:00 PM
• Best Time: early morning (deserted, soft light) or evening (golden hour)

Each of these places is not just a tick on the itinerary, but an opportunity to pause. If you are planning your journey, take a look at Jay Shambo programs—we design tours so that you have time to feel the island.

11–20 Attractions in Bali

11. Pura Tirta Empul

A temple of sacred springs built in 960 AD. Balinese people come here for the ritual of "melukat," cleansing under the streams of thirteen fountains. You can also enter the pool (wear a sarong over your swimsuit), move from left to right, and immerse yourself under each stream, skipping the last two as they are for cremation rituals.

• Entrance Fee: around 50,000 IDR
• What to Bring: swimsuit, sarong, towel, dry clothes
• Rules: women during menstruation are not allowed to enter the water (temple taboo).

12. Tegalalang Rice Terraces

Terraces of emerald rice fields carved into the valley slopes. The "subak" irrigation system has existed for over a thousand years (recognized by UNESCO). You can descend between the terraces, walk to the swings over the abyss (separate fee of 100,000–200,000 IDR for photos), and visit a café with a view.

• Entrance Fee: donation of 10,000–20,000 IDR (several collection points)
• Best Time: morning or late evening (fewer people, soft light)
• Tip: wear closed shoes—the paths are muddy and slippery after rain.

13. Sekumpul Waterfalls

One of the tallest and most spectacular waterfalls in Bali (80 m). The descent takes 30–40 minutes: steps, paths along rice fields, crossings through streams. Down below, the roar of water, rainbows in the spray, the coolness of the jungle.

• Entrance Fee: around 20,000 IDR + guide (mandatory) 100,000–150,000 IDR
• Difficulty: medium (physical fitness required)
• What to Bring: trekking shoes, raincoat, water
• Important: the return climb is steep, so allow extra time.

14. Ubud Monkey Forest

(This duplicates point 5, leaving an extended version here.)

A 12.5-hectare forest with three temples (Pura Dalem Agung, Pura Beji, Pura Prajapati) and over 700 long-tailed macaques. The monkeys are the guardians of the forest and are treated with respect. Observe the hierarchy of the troop, grooming rituals, and the play of the babies, but maintain a distance.

• Entrance Fee: 80,000 IDR
• Hours: 8:30 AM–6:00 PM
• What to Remove: glasses, bottles, jewelry—monkeys pull out everything shiny.

15. Uluwatu Temple

An 11th-century temple on a steep cliff 70 m above the Indian Ocean. One of the nine sacred sanctuaries protecting Bali from evil spirits. In the evening, the Kecak dance takes place here with 70 men in sarongs singing "cak-cak-cak" in unison while enacting episodes from the Ramayana against the backdrop of the sunset.

• Temple Entrance Fee: 30,000 IDR
• Kecak Dance: about 100,000 IDR (starts at 6:00 PM, book in advance)
• Dress Code: sarong is mandatory
• Important: guard your belongings—monkeys near the temple are especially cheeky.

16. Nusa Dua Beach

A sheltered bay with white sand and calm waters, perfect for families with children. Along the beach, there is a well-maintained promenade, 5★ hotels, and water activities (parasailing, jet skiing, catamarans).

• Entrance Fee: free
• Sunbed Rental: from 50,000 IDR
• Water Sports: from 200,000 IDR (depending on the activity).

17. Besakih Temple

"The Mother of All Temples," the largest temple complex in Bali, located on the slopes of Mount Agung (altitude 1000 m). 23 separate temples dedicated to different deities. It is a pilgrimage site for Balinese people; only part of the territory is open to tourists.

• Entrance Fee: around 60,000 IDR
• Dress Code: sarong and selendang (belt), covered shoulders and knees
• Tip: hire a guide at the official booth at the entrance to avoid persistent "voluntary" guides inside.

18. Lake Tamblingan

A crater lake in the mountains, surrounded by primary forest. Less touristy than Bratan. It's quiet here: you can rent a canoe, paddle to the opposite shore, visit the forest temple Ulun Danu Tamblingan, and take a trek along the shore.

• Entrance Fee: free
• Canoe Rental: from 150,000 IDR for two
• Trekking: guide 200,000–300,000 IDR
• Tip: bring warm clothing—it can be cool at an altitude of 1200 m.

19. Jimbaran Beach# Bay with Golden Sand and Evening Seafood Markets

A bay with golden sand, calm waters, and evening seafood markets. At sunset, tables are set up along the shore, where fish, lobsters, squid, and shrimp are grilled, providing a dinner with views of the ocean and the lights of landing airplanes.

• Dinner: from 200,000 IDR per person (fish, rice, vegetables, drink)
• Tip: book a table in advance, choose cafes in the middle of the beach (prices are lower, quality the same)
• Best Time: 17:30–18:30 (sunset)

20. Traditional Tenganan Village

One of the oldest Balinese villages, inhabited by Bali Aga descendants of the island's indigenous people. Traditions are preserved: unique architecture, double-weave textile (geringsing), and calendar rituals. The village is closed off, living as a community, with marriages taking place within the village.

• Entrance: donation of 10,000–20,000 IDR
• What to See: weaving workshops, traditional houses, pisang calendar (recorded on palm leaves)
• Tip: respect the residents' privacy, avoid entering yards without an invitation

These locations go a step deeper than standard routes. If you want to see Bali from the inside, with a guide and meaning, check out our Jay Shambo programs where the routes are designed to have a rhythm: movement and silence.

21–25 Attractions in Bali

21. Bali Bird and Reptile Park

A collection of over a thousand birds from 250 species: Bali starlings (endemic, nearly extinct in the wild), birds of paradise, parrots, toucans. There is a reptile area with Komodo dragons, pythons, and iguanas. The park participates in programs for the conservation of endangered species.

• Entrance: about 140,000 IDR (adult), 70,000 IDR (child)
• Hours: 9:00–17:30
• Tip: arrive by 10:00 for the raptor feeding show

22. Goa Lawah Temple (Bat Cave Temple)

A temple at a bat cave built in the 11th century. Above the entrance to the grotto hangs a living carpet of hundreds of fruit bats. Balinese people believe that the cave is connected underground to the Besakih Temple (25 km in a straight line). It is a place of power and one of the nine guardian sanctuaries of the island.

• Entrance: about 30,000 IDR
• Dress Code: sarong is mandatory
• Feature: strong guano smell, breathe through your mouth
• Important: access to the inside of the cave is closed; view from the outside

23. Bali Museum (Museum Negeri Propinsi Bali, Denpasar)

A state museum established in 1932 with a collection of traditional costumes, carvings, musical instruments, weapons, masks, and archaeological finds. Four buildings in different architectural styles of Bali. A quiet place in the bustling Denpasar where you can hide from the heat and learn about Balinese history.

• Entrance: about 60,000 IDR
• Hours: Tuesday–Sunday 8:00–16:00 (closed on Monday)
• Tip: take an audio guide or book a tour; without context, the exhibits lose their meaning

24. Balangan Beach

A small beach with white sand and turquoise water at the foot of limestone cliffs. Popular among surfers as the waves are consistent but not too aggressive (suitable for intermediate level). The infrastructure is simple: a few warungs, sunbeds, and a surfing school.

• Entrance: free
• Board Rental: from 100,000 IDR / day
• Surf Lesson: from 400,000 IDR (2 hours, instructor)
• Important: during low tide, sharp corals are exposed; wear sandals

25. Jatiluwih Rice Terraces

The largest expanse of rice terraces in Bali, a UNESCO World Heritage site. 600 hectares of tiered fields irrigated by the "subak" system. A less touristy place than Tegallalang, you can walk for hours along paths among the emerald greenery, meeting farmers working in the fields.

• Entrance: about 40,000 IDR + parking 5,000 IDR
• Best Time: planting season (October–December 2027, April–June 2027) fields are bright green
• Tip: take a trekking map at the entrance; routes range from 1 to 4 hours

How to Plan Your Route in Bali

Twenty-five spots are a lot for one trip. In practice, a comfortable pace is 2–3 locations per day, considering the road, traffic (which does exist in the southern part of the island), and time for contemplation. A few tips from our experience:

• Geography: Bali can be roughly divided into the south (beaches, cliff temples), the center (Ubud, rice terraces), the north (mountains, waterfalls, lakes), and the east (water palaces, quiet beaches). Build your route by zones to avoid crisscrossing the island.
• Transport: a bike (from 50,000 IDR / day) gives freedom, but you need a license and skill; a car with a driver (from 500,000 IDR / day) is safer, and the driver can suggest where to stop.
• Temples: wear a sarong, respect the rules (do not enter shrines during ceremonies unless invited). Women are prohibited from entering temples during menstruation; this is not discrimination but a matter of ritual purity.
• Money: withdraw cash in advance in remote places (Sekumpul, Jatiluwih) as there are no ATMs.

Journey to Yourself: Bali Tours, Author's Retreat Tours is a ready-made itinerary where we have already gathered the key points, added practices, and left space for your pace. You are not just ticking boxes but experiencing the island through sunrises, meditations, meetings with masters, the silence of temples, and the noise of waterfalls.

Bali does not reveal itself in a week. But even a short trip, if approached mindfully, can change you. Choose places that resonate, move slower, and leave time to simply sit and observe. The island senses this and responds.