Bali is a 95-mile-wide island located located east of Java and west of Lombok. It is bestowed with rich distinctive culture, lush surroundings, sacred and exotic temples, lively nightlife, pristine beaches, surf-worthy waves and tropical weather. Bali, Indonesia has become cliched these days because this island caters to budget-savvy backpackers and to affluent travelers as well.
In this entry, I have created a round-up of the worthy places to go in Bali, Indonesia.
How to go there?
Ngurah Rai International Airport or Denpasar International Airport is located in South Kuta district and is just 13 kilometres from Denpasar, the capital of Bali. Flights from major international cities regularly fly in and out of the Denpasar Airport. It is also well connected to most of Indonesia and has regular domestic flights connecting it to major cities within the country. From the airport, you can easily hire a taxi to your destination. Please note that buses might not always be available from the airport.
Where to go?
Taman Ayun Temple is found in Mengwi, an area in central Bali, this is one of the many temples in Bali worth visiting. The place is beautifully tended and revered, it is a Royal family temple surrounded by a river pool, you are not allowed to wear shorts or short skirts but they provide Sarongs. Fee: 20,000 IDR.
For 50,000 IDR one can appreciate the intricate Balinese architecture in Ulun Danu Temple, but note that this site is extremely busy at any time of day. It’s pretty distant from all other attractions. The temple sits on the shore of lake Bratan and surrounded by mountains of Bali, the temple is dedicated to the Lake goddess.
Twin Lake/Wanagiri Hidden Hills – The view here is breathtaking from the edge of the cliff overlooking the lake. If you like to have photos with great backdrops, this place is very Instagrammable. The staff are very helpful while you are there. It will cost you 100,000 IDR per person, which is quite expensive.
A temple dedicated to Lord “Brahma”, Tanah Lot Temple is another temple worth passing by for 60,000 IDR. This is very picturesque, when low tide, you’re able to walk all the way to the temple. Go here early, when we went here, it was very busy and we couldn’t move around a lot.
Puseh Batuan Temple is another beautiful temple located in Sukawati Batuan village. Entrance fee is 10,000 IDR.
Tegalalang Rice field offers beautiful views and plenty of photo ops to capture your visit. You can see local farmers tend to their crops. There are some swings and rides around the area for the thrill seekers, however this place is very touristic and crowded. There are nice places to eat and a lot of great coffee shops around.
Alas Harum is a place where you can taste tea & coffee combination aside from their best product – luwak coffee. However, this is a very devastating place, since you can see here poor caged civets.
Lempuyang Temple is also known as the Gates of Heaven. This temple has been on everyone’s bucket list, it is a Hindu temple featuring two flanking Balinese gates that overlook Mount Agung. You need to be patient since you will have to wait for hours at the queue. People, especially Instagram lovers, come to this temple to take a picture (that looks like you’re entering the Gates of Heaven) and the photo will really result to a captivating one. But, set your expectations low, the water or reflection effect in the photos is just an illusion used by locals with a piece of glass. When you visit this place, please value their religion and know their history too.
This temple is considered as one the 6 holiest place of worship in Bali. We were lucky to witness some rituals and religious activity during our visit.
Tirta Gingga Palace is a former royal palace of Tirtagangga (which means water of the Ganges, Hinduism’s holy river). Entrance fee was 40,000 IDR. The pools are very beautiful with lots of fishes so you can spend a good few hours here.
Dreamland Beach is a good place for sunbathing or walking around, but not for swimming since big waves can appear here suddenly. It is a 100-meter white sand stretch and is leaned on a steep of white stone cliff overlooking the perfect view of Indian Ocean.
Padang Padang Beach is another beautiful beach in Bali. It is accessed by a flight of steep stairs and has a few caves that you can explore fairly easily. It is also a place swarming with tourists as many sunbathers flock to this beach. There are a few monkeys around too.
Uluwatu Temple is one of six key temples believed to be Bali’s spiritual pillars. The cliff-edge temple overlooks the coastline and the views were jaw-dropping. People visiting the place are busy finding a lovely spot to take photos. I really appreciate here the blue Indian Ocean waters, it was really mesmerizing. Despite being overrated, I liked it very much because the place is well-kept and serene.
Angel’s Billabong is one of the most popular destination in Nusa Penida and is one of the most incredible sights I’ve had on this trip, but tourists were not allowed to go down the steps all the way to the infinity pool.
Broken Beach/ Pasih Uug Beach is a few minutes walk from the Angel’s Billabong. This place was very amazing with seawater gushing through a hole in the unreachable hollow beach area, you can only see the view from above and walk around the place.
Kelingking Beach is a place I will definitely recommend to travelers visiting Nusa Penida. For us, since we were with our parents, we didn’t get down to the beach, instead we walk a little bit higher and further away from all the tourist and resulted to this amazing view!
Travel Tips:
- Respect the locals and appreciate their culture.
- Keep in mind that you are a tourist, dress appropriately and follow rules.
- Like in Vietnam, you will be a millionaire in Bali. Don’t exchange your money in the small money exchange outlets, be wary always.
- Buy sim card at the airport for internet, it’s very useful.
- Review and read blogs about the places to go, you will spend a lot of wasted time on some destinations, so ALWAYS plan your trips ahead.
- Drinking water is expensive in Bali.
- If travelling on a tight budget, don’t eat in restaurants, they are expensive.
- Always TRY to haggle by 40-50% off. Also, don’t let the local vendors scheme you so always ask for prices beforehand.
Travel Details:
Hotel:
D BEDS Hostel Kuta
- Address: Jalan Pantai Kuta
- Phone :03614753399
- Email : Booking@dbeds.com
- Website: https://dbeds.com/
Tour Provider:
Weda Bali Top Tours
- Visit: WEDA-Bali Top Tours
- Contact: Ngurah Weda
Update: Special thanks to our personal tour guide, Anter Astari, who passed away last July 2019. You will be remembered, Anter.
Mom, Dad and my sisters with Anter. We are grateful meeting you.
Suggested Itinerary with Fees:
Disclaimer: Prices may vary
PRIVATE BALI TOUR PACKAGE
BEDUGUL TOUR
Pick up at 8am
Entrance fee / head
- Taman Ayun Temple 20k
- Ulun Danu Temple 50k
- Twin Lake View/Wanagiri 40k
- Handara Gate 30k
- Tanah Lot Temple 60k
The transport is 600k / car 10 hours / day
NUSA PENIDA ISLAND
Pick up at 6:15am
Destinations
- Angel’s billabong
- Broken Beach
- Kelingking Beach
- Crystal Bay
The price is 850k / person
All Inclusive with 1 meal
The car would be sharing; maximum of 5 pax
UBUD TOUR
Pick up at 8:30aM
Entrance fee / head
- Batuan Temple 10k
- Tegenugung Waterfall 15k
- Pura Tirta Empul 15k
- Tega lalang Rice Terraces 10k
- Coffee plantation with swing
- Xplore Ubud
- – Ubud Palace
- – Puri Taman Saraswati (FREE)
The transport is 500k / car 10 hours / day
ULUWATU TOUR
Entrance fee / head
Pick up at 9am
- Nusa Dua Beach Watersport (optional)
- Pandawa Beach 15k
- Dreamland Beach 20k
- Padang Padang Beach 10k
- Uluwatu Temple 30
- Kecak and Fire Dance 100k (optional)
The transport is 500k / car 10 hours / day
LEMPUYANG TOUR
Pick up at 6am
Entrance fee / head
- Lempuyang temple 20k
- Tirta Gangga 30k
- Taman Ujung 60k
The transport is 650k / car 10 hours / day
There’s an additional 50k / hour if more than 10 hours. The time and itinerary is flexible based on the request
INCLUDES: Parking fee, Toll fee, Petrol, Driver
EXCLUDES meals and personal expenses
More Photos:
Bali is surrounded by turquoise waters, covered by lush jungle, have wonderful natural sites, celebrates colorful traditions and cultures and boasts powdery white sand beaches. It is truly the Island of the Gods. What are you waiting for? Add Bali, Indonesia to your bucketlist!