Finding the best places in Bali starts with good planning and local tips. Booking with World Holiday Vibes made exploring Indonesia’s island paradise simple. Ancient temples, white sand beaches, and bright green rice terraces wait around every corner.
Why Travellers Love Bali
Choosing the best places to go in Bali depends on what you enjoy. This small island just 153 km wide packs mountains, temples, and coastline into one compact spot. Every region is unique and unique.
1.Sacred Temples Worth Seeing
Bali attractions include spiritual sites built centuries ago. These are not museums, people still pray and conduct rituals here on a daily basis.
Tanah Lot Temple sits on rocks 20 metres from shore. It is possible to cross over in low tide when the waves recede. Built in the 1500s, this sea temple guards Bali’s coast. Go between 5:30-6:30 PM to take beautiful photos of the sunset.
Uluwatu Temple stands on 70-metre cliffs above the ocean. It is believed to keep off sea spirits and dates back to the 1000s. The 50-70 performers in the Kecak dance at 6:00 PM sing and perform ancient tales with fire.
Besakih Temple spreads across Mount Agung’s slopes at 1,000 metres up. This “Mother Temple” from the 700s includes 23 separate temples. The primary one boasts of Hindu deities Vishnu and Brahma and Shiva. Carry along clothes that cover shoulders and knees or hire a sarong at the gate.
Tirta Empul Temple has had holy spring water from 962 AD. There are 30 fountains in which people can participate in customary cleaning ceremonies. Both spouts are spiritual. Say prayers at every water-fountain and be sprinkled three times.
2.Attractive Beaches to Visit
The best places in Bali line the coast. The different beaches have something to offer.
Seminyak Beach is located on the west south. Stretching 3km beyond fancy beach clubs such as Potato Head and Ku De Ta, there is grey sand. Surfers love the waves. Calm spots work for swimming. The sun sets at around 6:00- 6:30 PM every day.
The views at Kelingking Beach on Nusa Penida resemble a dinosaur head on the surface- every one shares the photos. The beach is reached by a 200 metres downstep of steep bamboo stairs (30-40 minutes). Blue water and white sand come together, and it is unsafe to swim because of intense currents. Sanur boats take 30-45 minutes and are priced at £4-7.
Padang Padang Beach is concealed under rocks in an entrance to a cave. It is a 100-metre long stretch that became popular in the 2010 film Eat Pray Love. Best surfing is between April and October and the waves are 2-3 metres. Entry costs £0.70. Simple shower and food booths present.
Reef protection helps the Sanur Beach to remain calm compared to west-side beaches. The 5km track is appropriate for joggers and cyclists. Superficial water prevents child injuries. The conventional boats provide a fishing tour, or island hopping to the Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Penida.
3.Green Landscapes: Rice Terraces
Rice terraces show clever farming things built over thousands of years. These Bali attractions use bamboo channels to share water fairly.
Tegalalang Rice Terrace is located 10 km north of Ubud cut into 600-metre slopes. Since 2012, the subak water system has been recognised by UNESCO. Colours change by season, bright green, October-March, golden yellow, April-September. Viewing platforms and swings are priced at £0.50-2.50 to view photos.
Jatiluwih Rice terraces occupy 600 hectares with an elevation of 700 metres. UNESCO secures this conventional system dating back to the 800s. It has a 4 km walking path that offers superior views compared to the road. Entry costs £2. The temperatures are 5-7 degrees lower in comparison with the coastal regions.
4.Secret Places on the Outskirts
Beyond famous spots, other places make planning to visit Bali more rewarding.
Buleleng is made up of seven falls in Sekumpul Waterfall. The stroll will cover 45-60 minutes with 300 and more steps and crossing rivers. Local guide services cost £5-7 and explain plants like wild ginger. The majority of water moves during November-March yet trails become slippery.
Sidemen Valley is located between the coast and mount Agung in east Bali. Here, the traditional village life remains. Rice terraces are intermingled with snake fruit plantations and weaving stores. Homestays begin at £10 per night including home cooked meals. Trek Mount Agung from here.
Campuhan Ridge Walk is 2km between rivers of Ubud that offer a view of the valley. This is a simple cement walk that is not more than 50 metres high. Ibah Hotel is the starting point and it goes through 2-metre high grass to finally arrive at Karsa Kafe. Walk between 6: 00-7: 00 AM to avoid heat and congestion.
Tukad Cepung Waterfall is located within a cave in the rock with the sunshine penetrating inside. The 15 minutes walk involves taking of stone steps over a narrow passage and crossing of shallow streams. The water is flowing during the whole year. Optimum time to take photos is 11:00 AM-1:00 PM. Entry costs £0.70.
5.Ubud: Art and Culture Centre
Ubud’s galleries and shows make it the best places in Bali for culture fans.
Sacred Monkey Forest keeps 12.5 hectares of jungle with three Hindu temples and 700 long-tailed monkeys. This area was established in the 1300s and has been used to preserve nature as an income source earning the admission of £4. Three monkey groups live here main temple group (300+), central group (200+), and east group (150+). Never look at monkeys, keep things in place and only feed in designated places.
Ubud Art Market is open 9:00 AM-6:00 PM daily and offers handmade products of Bali and Java. Paintings, carvings and fabrics are sold by the ground floor. On the upstairs, there is silver jewellery and leather. Prices are initial 3-4 times excessively high-negotiating will happen. Witness craftsmen at work in neighbouring Mas (wood carving) and Batuan (painting) villages.
Ubud Palace has traditional dances at 7.30 PM every night. Legong, Barong and Kecak perform one time every week with 20-25 gamelan musicians. Hotel prices are far higher than palace tickets, which cost £5. The royal family remains in the palace that was built in the 1800s. Open spaces during the daytime.
6.Adventure Activities
Physical challenges are considered as the best places in Bali by active travellers in Bali.
The hikes begin 3.30-4.00 AM at the village of Toya Bungkah, and arrive at the 1,717-metre crater with the rising of the sun (6.15-6.30 AM). The 5.5 km ascent in 2-3 hours is through loose volcanic rock, which requires the use of torches and strong shoes. Guides charge £18-25 including breakfast cooked using volcano steam. Harmonious weather occurs mostly in April-September. Summit temps drop to 10-15 degrees.
Ayung River rafting operates on the longest river of Bali throughout the year on a 12 km of jungle. No previous skills are required in Class II-III rapids such as Rolling Stones and Gorilla Face. Hotel transfers, gears, showers and lunch plus around 2 hours was approximately £22 per cap. Highest water December-March makes things more challenging.
Nusa Penida snorkelling tours go to the rare sea life of the Manta point and Crystal bay. It is known that manta rays congregate every year at cleaning locations (8-15 metres deep) most frequently in April- October. Crystal bay has over 200 types of fish, sea turtles and infrequent ocean sunfish July-October. All-day tours with equipment and lunch cost between 32 and 42.
7.Getting Around and Planning
Reaching various Bali resorts and attractions needs transport knowledge.
Ngurah Rai Airport is located 13 km to the south of Denpasar, which is the sole Bali airport. Taxi desks can be booked in advance: it costs 3.50 to Sanur, 6 to Ubud, 7.50 to Seminyak. Ride apps are 300 metres distance outside terminals, which can save 30-40 per cent in terms of distance by walking.
Scooter rentals cost £2.50-3.50 daily needing international permits or Indonesian licences. Left hand drive, use helmets- police check frequently. Fuel costs at petrol stations are at 50 cents per litre. On-side vendors are more expensive.
The 10-hour private drivers will cost between 28-35 pounds inclusive of petrol and parking. Good for temple tours, rice terrace trips, and waterfalls where guide knowledge helps. Book with hotels or World Holiday Vibes.
Weather splits into seasons. April-October- Dry months with 80-90% sunshine, small rainfall. Wet (November-March) contains 10-15 wet days a month – short afternoon rains. The temperatures remain constant throughout the year: 26-32 C at the coastline, 20-28 C in the highlands.Temple visits need proper dress: cover shoulders and knees, wear temple sashes for ceremonies. Don’t enter temples during periods (traditional rule, varies by enforcement). No photos inside inner areas. Don’t step on offerings.
8.Where to stay
Picking from the best places in Bali resorts means matching location to budget and plans.
Ubud accommodations start with £7 hostels and continue to villas worth 150 and above in their monthly rent depending on the location and size of the villas with private pools. Guest houses in the mid-range (between 20-35) are inclusive of breakfast, air con, and access to a pool. Central Ubud implies walking to markets and restaurants. The less expensive and less noisy outer areas such as Tegalalang and Petulu are less expensive.
Areas with Seminyak and Canggu beaches are on a premium price: £30-60 on good hotels around sand. Seashore contributes 30-50 percent as compared to one block inland. These are the regions that suit individuals who desire nightlife, food varieties and surf over culture.
Sanur attracts families and elder travellers seeking relaxing atmospheres. The gardens and breakfast buffets are available in beachfront resorts (£40-100). Two block guesthouses (2 blocks inland) are cheaper (£15-25).
Such East Bali destinations as Amed and Candidasa remain small scale in terms of tourism. Diving: It is also cheap to dive around reefs at -20-40, which includes three meals in beach cafes. Much better than being caught in west Bali.
For official travel advice and entry requirements, see the UK government’s travel guidance for Indonesia: Foreign travel advice — Indonesia (gov.uk).
World Holiday Vibes packages are cheaper to book than at individual rates in terms of rooms, activities and transfers. Their holiday in Bali can be categorised as either low-end or luxury resorts.
FAQ’s about best places in bali
See Tanah Lot Temple for sunset photos, Tegalalang Rice Terraces for farming views, Ubud Monkey Forest for wildlife, Seminyak Beach for coast time, and Uluwatu Temple with Kecak dance. The five are used to cover the diversity of Bali in 7-10 days. Get the authentic local feel in add smaller attractions such as Sekumpul Waterfall or Sidemen Valley.
Ten or fourteen days is effective. Spend 3-4 days in Ubud for culture and rice terraces, 3-4 days at beaches (Seminyak, Canggu or Sanur), 2 days for temples and waterfalls, plus time for adventure things or island trips to Nusa Penida or Nusa Lembongan.
Scooters are the most free at the lowest cost (2.50-3.50 a day plus fuel) but require confidence in the traffic and appropriate licence. Private drivers (£28-35 for 10 hours) remove stress and share local tips, especially for temple manners and hidden spots. Ride apps are good when it comes to being around the city (usually 0.70-2.50). The buses transporting the visitors across towns are cheaper (£3.50- 7.50 per way) but have times of observation.
It varies. Big temples like Tanah Lot and Besakih mostly have paved paths with few stairs, though inner areas need climbing steps. Tegalalang Rice Terraces are seen outside the road but to walk through, one must step on uneven ground. The waterfalls are typically moderate to tough walks that cannot be undertaken when one has mobility problems. Search the specifics of the place to visit with World Holiday Vibes first and explain your requirements to get the corresponding plans.
April-June, September- early November offer a mix of consistent dry season (no rain, consistent sun) and fewer tourists than July-August and December- January. The peaks of harvest rice terraces are seen in April-May, green growing paddies in September-October. Shoulder rates decrease 20-40 percent. Smaller crowds are in such popular spots as Kelingking Beach or Tegalalang. Cheque Indonesian and international holidays to avoid festival overlaps.
