Tourist Attractions in Bali

The most interesting and beautiful tourist sites in Bali

Photos, reviews, descriptions, and links to maps

About Bali

The remote tropical island of Bali cannot be called a tourist mecca, where everything works exclusively for the hotel business. It is a beautiful island with its own character, which you either fall in love with immediately or never come back.

Bali is a realm of volcanoes, impenetrable rainforests and stunning oceanfront sunsets. The vibrant traditions of the locals are a bizarre mix of Buddhist, Hindu and ancient island beliefs. Balinese gods live in unusual temples on the water, and the numerous religious rituals and festivals are an incredible extravaganza of intricate colours.

The scenery of Bali’s beaches can be safely placed on a model picture. White sand, blue ocean, impregnable coastal cliffs and bright tropical sun – here is everything a tourist exhausted by a long winter needs.

Top-30 Tourist Attractions in Bali

Ubud

Ubud is located away from the island’s beach resorts. It is known as the cultural centre of Bali for its many galleries, museums, workshops and antique shops. International art festivals are often held here. The city’s hotels and restaurants are individually designed. Ubud is surrounded by picturesque terraces of rice fields, which are located on the slopes of a volcanic ridge.

Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary

 4.5/5

45552 reviews

The monkey can be considered the unofficial symbol of Bali. There are several places where these animals live in groups on the island. One of them is located in Ubud. This is a forest of monkeys, which the Balinese consider sacred, on its territory there is a temple Pura Bukit. Numerous inhabitants of the forest are not afraid of tourists at all. They are very good at getting in contact with people, sometimes they even get cheeky and steal sunglasses, jewellery and anything that is not good in the bag.

Open time

Monday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Waterbom Bali

 4.7/5

13316 reviews

The water park covers an area of 4 hectares. It is famous not only for its water rides and pools, but also for its numerous tropical gardens and splendid spas. After a thrilling ride on the slides, tourists can enjoy a relaxing Balinese massage, mineral baths or a boat ride on the peaceful river. The water park has a floating bar and a restaurant where you can enjoy local coffee.

Open time

Monday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Tirta Gangga

 4.6/5

17192 reviews

An architectural and park complex with numerous ponds, fountains and canals that are connected by alleys and bridges. It was built in 1946 for the royal family. Despite its relatively short age, the palace looks like an ancient landmark thanks to its traditional architecture and high humidity, which causes the walls to overgrow with green moss after a few months.

Open time

Monday: 6:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Tuesday: 6:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Wednesday: 6:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Thursday: 6:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Friday: 6:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Saturday: 6:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Sunday: 6:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Taman Ujung

 4.6/5

8310 reviews

Ujung Palace, like Tirtha Gangga, was built by the last king of the Karangasema dynasty, who received his architectural training in Holland. The complex is built in a mixed architectural style. European and Balinese features can be discerned in its outline. The palace was built in 1921, but after the earthquake of 1976 it stood abandoned for a long time. It was restored between 2001 and 2003.

Open time

Monday: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Thursday: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Friday: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Saturday: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Sunday: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Agung Rai Museum of Art

 4.5/5

1017 reviews

The museum is located within the city of Ubud. It was opened in 1980 with funds from the patron and collector Agung Rai. The collection is dedicated to Indonesian painting from the Middle Ages to the beginning of the 21st century. There are also rare works by European artists who lived and worked in Bali. The museum space is actively used to organise temporary exhibitions.

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Museum Pasifika Bali

 4.5/5

534 reviews

The museum exhibits a unique collection of painters from the Asia-Pacific region. The museum’s holdings include works by more than 200 masters. The gallery is also known for its extensive collection of antiques. The space of the museum is divided into 11 halls dedicated to different directions in art. Five halls display paintings by Indonesian artists.

Open time

Monday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Neka Art Museum

 4.5/5

644 reviews

The museum is named after its founder, local artist and collector Suteji Neka, who is the son of the famous Balinese woodcarver Wayan Neka. The gallery was opened in 1982. Suteji has dedicated his life to the study of Balinese culture, the development of art in Indonesia and collecting. The Neka Museum’s exhibition consists of traditional Wayang paintings, photographs, wood and bronze sculptures.

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Jatiluwih Rice Terraces

 4.7/5

9967 reviews

Rice terraces are a famous and popular attraction in Bali. They are located in the west of the island on the slopes of Mount Batukaru. Jatiluwi is not only a tourist attraction, but also real agricultural land. Special varieties of rice are grown here. The terraces are located 700 metres above sea level. The site is listed as a UNESCO natural landmark.

Open time

Monday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Tanah Lot

 4.6/5

88788 reviews

The temple is located on a cliff washed by the sea waters, so it is only accessible by land during low tide hours. Pura Tanah Lot is a particularly revered temple. It is believed that every Balinese should visit it at least once in a lifetime. Only believers can climb to the top of the rock and visit the temple, tourists are not allowed further than the stone staircase, so you have to photograph the structure from afar.

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Besakih Great Temple

 4.5/5

13189 reviews

Pura Besakih is the main Hindu temple complex in Bali. It consists of 22 religious structures located on terraces at the foot of Gugung Agung. Locals refer to the complex as the “Mother of all temples”. Together with the mountain, it is considered the main holy site in Bali. Unfortunately, tourists are allowed to enter the first level of Pura Besakih, only Hindus can go further.

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Uluwatu Temple

 4.6/5

37356 reviews

The temple is located in the southern part of Bali. It was erected to protect the island’s gods from attack by sea demons. The building sits on the very edge of a sheer 90 metre cliff. The temple was founded in the 11th century by Javanese Brahmans. The goddesses Rudra and Devi Laut are worshipped on its grounds. Religious ceremonies are held in the inner courtyard, which is not accessible to the public, but tourists can visit the outer courtyard.

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Pura Tirta Empul

 4.6/5

21256 reviews

The temple complex is located near the village of Tampak Siring. It is surrounded by paddy fields and tropical forests. Tirtha Empul is believed to have been founded over thousands of years ago near a natural spring where the god Indra healed his warriors and gave them new life. People come to the temple to draw water from the healing spring and perform ablutions in one of the temple pools.

Open time

Pura Gunung Kawi Sebatu

 4.6/5

2086 reviews

Gunung Kawi is believed to have been founded in the 11th century, making it the oldest cave temple on the island of Bali. The complex is a system of caves carved into the rock. A stone staircase can be used to descend to the sacred temple spring. Within Gunung Kawi are royal tombs marked by funerary towers and bas-reliefs. Locals believe that the temple is the island’s powerful seat of strength.

Open time

Ulun Danu Beratan Temple

 4.6/5

37952 reviews

Bali’s main water temple is located by Lake Bratan, which is more than 1,200 metres above sea level. The complex is the symbol of the island and one of its most popular attractions. The lake is considered sacred as it provides water to irrigate the surrounding farmland. The Pura Ulun Danu Temple was erected in the 17th century under King Mengwi in honour of the goddess of water.

Open time

Monday: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Thursday: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Friday: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Saturday: 5:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Sunday: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Goa Gajah

 4.2/5

7494 reviews

An ancient cave temple located near the town of Ubud. “Goa Goja is Indonesian for “elephant cave”. Apparently, the temple got this name due to the bas-relief located at the entrance. It remotely resembles the face of an elephant. It is hard to think of another explanation, as there have never been elephants in Bali. Inside the temple there are sculptures of Hindu and Buddhist gods. The cave complex was discovered in the middle of the XX century.

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Goa Lawah Temple

 4.7/5

5060 reviews

A cave system which is the oldest Shivaite sanctuary. As the name suggests, it is home to a large number of bats. One of the legends claims that at the beginning of the 20th century there was a huge statue of a dragon in one of the caves. One day the Dutch entered the cave and, frightened, shot the sculpture with rifles. The same night they disappeared without a trace. According to another legend, a 30 kilometre underground passage leads from Goa Lavah to Pura Besakih.

Open time

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

Bali Bird Park

 4.6/5

11359 reviews

A natural area that is home to more than 250 species of birds brought to the island from different parts of the world. Most of the birds fly freely around the park, while the rest are housed in spacious cages. The Bali Bird Park is home to several species of parrots, peacocks, toucans, prehistoric casuars and many other species. You can feed some of the birds yourself.

Open time

Monday: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM

Bali Safari and Marine Park

 4.5/5

19394 reviews

A huge park with over 60 species of exotic animals, including Komodo dragons and white tigers. Tourists are taken around the area in vehicles, much like an African safari. There are restaurants serving traditional Balinese food and bungalows for overnight stays. The marine part of the reserve is home to a huge number of fish species imported from different seas.

Open time

Monday: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM, 6:00 – 9:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM, 6:00 – 9:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM, 6:00 – 9:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM, 6:00 – 9:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM, 6:00 – 9:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM, 6:00 – 9:00 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM, 6:00 – 9:00 PM

Elephant Safari Park Lodge Bali

 4.1/5

3187 reviews

The island of Bali is not the birthplace of elephants. These huge animals were brought here from the island of Sumatra and organised a breeding park. On its territory you can observe the habits of elephants, ride on the back of an animal or feed elephants, as well as visit a small museum. The park was organised by a passionate Australian, N. Mason. In addition to the elephant area, there are rice paddies and green walkways.

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West Bali National Park

 4.5/5

3150 reviews

A nature reserve covering an area of 760 km². It includes tropical forests, savannahs, mangroves and swamps, jungles and high plains. In the marine part of the reserve there are several beaches, very popular with divers, and a large coral reef. The animal world is represented by dozens of species of birds and mammals. Most of the reserve is closed to the public, and travelling is possible only on special trails.

Open time

Mount Agung

 4.4/5

2140 reviews

Mount Agung is Bali’s highest point (3142 metres) and a sacred place for the islanders. According to one popular legend, the volcano was created by the Hindu god Pasupati. Arung has erupted four times in the history of observations, the last cataclysm in the XX century killed more than 2 thousand people. Several hiking routes of medium difficulty category lead to the summit, the ascent takes about 6 hours.

Mount Batur

 4.5/5

3401 reviews

Gunung Batur is located in the northeastern part of the island, the mountain reaches a height of 1,717 metres. There is a volcanic lake in the pit at the summit. The volcano is active, with the last eruption recorded in 2000. Gunung Batur is a popular natural attraction. It takes about an hour and a half to climb to its summit. From almost two kilometres high, you can enjoy picturesque views of the island.

Tegenungan Waterfall

 4.3/5

29430 reviews

One of the most beautiful waterfalls in Bali, located 16 kilometres from the city of Denpasar. The viewing platform for tourists is located in the upper part of the water stream, from where you can admire the fall of powerful jets. At the bottom are bathing centres and a small temple. Tegenungan is located in the bed of the Petanu River, which is considered sacred by the Balinese. In the evenings you can watch the picturesque sunset from the observation deck.

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Sekumpul Waterfall

 4.1/5

712 reviews

Sekumpul is located in the northern part of Bali near Singaraja. The water flows reach their maximum power during the rainy season. It is during this period that the waterfall is especially picturesque. Sekumpul is a group of six waterfalls that descend into a deep lake at the foot of the cliff. The road to the attraction passes through rice fields, cliffs above the precipice and fern thickets.

Open time

Munduk Waterfalls Trekking Point

 4.6/5

184 reviews

The waterfall is located in the vicinity of Tamblingan Lake. It is a powerful jet of water, as if bursting out of a rock overgrown with thick jungle. This shape is very characteristic of Balinese waterfalls. At the height of the tropical rainy season, Munduk is at its most powerful. So far, there are few tourists in the area of the waterfall, as the main routes go away from this place.

Open time

Nusa Dua Beach

 4.5/5

708 reviews

Nusa Dua is a great place to sunbathe and swim in the clear waters of the ocean. The beach is located in the southern part of Bali. There is no tourist infrastructure and any significant attractions, after sunset, life in the vicinity of the beach “dies out”. The place will be interesting first of all for nature lovers and seclusion seekers, looking for peace of mind and mental relaxation.

Open time

Balangan Beach

 4.6/5

2217 reviews

The beach is not very suitable for swimming due to the abundance of seaweed and an uncomfortable entrance to the water. It is famous for its picturesque natural views, so there are still quite a lot of visitors. The beach is surrounded by rocks, from where you can admire the sea surface and take spectacular photos. With the right weather conditions, Balangan is perfect for surfing.

Open time

Pandawa Beach

 4.6/5

9155 reviews

Considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Bali, Pandawa is located in the southern part of the island. Despite the fact that the beach was opened relatively recently, it already has a decent tourist infrastructure, including cafes, watercraft and beach equipment hire. The coastline of Pandawa is quite long and is bounded on both sides by rocky outcrops.

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Five Arts Studio

 4.8/5

60 reviews

A hiking trail of about 3 kilometres that starts in Ubud and passes through picturesque hills, fields and jungle. The best time to hike the Artists’ Trail is early in the morning, before the hot sun begins to scorch you mercilessly. You can take great panoramic photos or pose against the lush Balinese greenery as you hike along the trail.

Open time