Things to See in Bali: Temples, Rice Terraces and Coasts

The places to see in Bali fall roughly into three groups: Ubud, the island's cultural centre, with its surrounding rice terraces and water temples; sea temples overlooking the ocean, such as Tanah Lot and Uluwatu; and nature stops such as Mount Batur, the lakes and the Nusa islands. The island may look small, but traffic is heavy, so combining these areas in a single day is difficult; focusing on one area each day is the most efficient approach.

Ubud and around: the heart of the island

Ubud, set among forests and rice fields, is where Balinese art and traditions live on.

• Ubud Palace and market: The royal palace in the centre and the craft market just opposite. Traditional dance performances are held at the palace in the evenings.
• Sacred Monkey Forest: A forest with temples, home to hundreds of long-tailed macaques. The monkeys are interested in glasses, hats and food; hold on to your belongings and do not feed them.
• Tegallalang rice terraces: Terraces built step by step on the slopes of the valley. Early morning is more enjoyable for both the light and the crowds.
• Tirta Empul: A water temple known for its pools fed by a sacred spring. Balinese people perform purification rituals here; visitors can also take part if they follow the rules.
• Goa Gajah (Elephant Cave): A historic cave with an entrance decorated with carved figures, and the temple remains around it.

Around Ubud there are also a short walking trail on the Campuhan ridge, villages known for wood and silver craftsmanship, and art museums.

Sea temples

Tanah Lot stands on a rock that is surrounded by the sea at high tide. Its silhouette at sunset makes it one of the most photographed places in Bali. This is also when the crowds reach their peak.

Uluwatu Temple is in the south of the island, on the edge of a high cliff dropping sheer into the ocean. The Kecak dance performed here at sunset tells an episode from the Ramayana epic through the rhythmic chanting of dozens of men. The monkeys around the temple, like those in Ubud, are interested in belongings.

The north and the mountains

• Mount Batur: Treks starting after midnight to watch the sunrise from the summit are very popular. They are done with a local guide and require a moderate level of fitness. The lake and hot springs at the foot of the volcano are also worth seeing.
• Ulun Danu Beratan: A temple on the lakeshore in the Bedugul area that seems to rise from the water. As it is in the mountains, the air is cooler than on the coast.
• Jatiluwih rice terraces: Wide terraces that form part of Bali's traditional irrigation system (subak), on the UNESCO World Heritage List. They are quieter and more expansive than Tegallalang.
• Besakih Temple: The temple complex on the slopes of Mount Agung is known as Bali's "mother temple".

The east: Sidemen, Lempuyang and Amed

East Bali offers a slower pace, away from the crowds. The Sidemen valley, with its rice fields and mountain views, is a peaceful place to stay. Lempuyang Temple is famous for its gate, known as the "gates of heaven", with Mount Agung in the background; however, the wait for a photo can be long. Amed and Tulamben are coastal villages known for snorkelling and diving. Tirta Gangga is a water palace with pools and stepping stones.

The Nusa islands

Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan, south-east of Bali, are reached by boat. Kelingking beach on Nusa Penida, with its headland resembling a dinosaur's back, is a very well-known view; the path down to the beach is steep and challenging. Boat trips run from the islands for snorkelling and seeing manta rays. Sea conditions are changeable, so boat crossings and trips depend on the weather.

The southern coasts

Coastal areas such as Seminyak, Canggu, Kuta, Jimbaran, Nusa Dua and Sanur are hubs for both beaches and accommodation. We explain which one suits you in detail in our article Where to stay in Bali.

Lesser-known stops

If you want to get a little away from the busy spots, good alternatives are the waterfalls around Munduk in the north, early-morning boat trips off the Lovina coast, and the snorkelling spots around West Bali National Park and Menjangan Island in the west. As these areas are far from the south of the island, it is more comfortable to visit them with one or two nights' stay rather than as a day trip.

How should you plan your route?

In Bali, distances that look short can take a long time because of traffic. So:

1. Split your stay between two areas: for example, a few nights in Ubud and a few on the coast.
2. Give each day a single area: the north, the east or the south.
3. Visit temples early in the morning or close to sunset.
4. Dress appropriately for temples; for the rules, take a look at our article on Bali culture and temple etiquette.

We do not have a ready-made catalogue programme for this route; if you would like us to plan one for your group, you can write to us via our contact page.

Frequently asked questions

What should first-time visitors see in Bali?

The rice terraces and water temples in and around Ubud, the sunset and Kecak dance at Uluwatu, and Tanah Lot are the essential stops for a first trip. If you have time, you can set aside a day for Nusa Penida.

Is climbing Mount Batur difficult?

It requires a moderate level of fitness. It is a trek in the dark, starting after midnight, and is done with a local guide. Comfortable shoes and a warm layer for the summit are recommended.

Can you visit Nusa Penida as a day trip?

You can, but the roads and the distances between spots on the island take time. Many prefer to stay a night to explore more comfortably. Boat crossings depend on the weather.

Are the monkeys in Bali dangerous?

They are generally not aggressive, but they are interested in food and shiny objects and sometimes grab them and run. Hold on to your glasses, hat and phone, and do not feed or touch the monkeys.