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Bali is famous with tourists not only because of its amazing arts and culture, but also spectacular views, picturesque beaches and thousands of temples. It is an island of rainforests, rice fields, monkey and volcanoes. When starting to visit it, note that the southern parts of the island, mostly popular with tourists, is where the most of amazing historic monuments are located. Further north the landscapes are smoother, the villages are smaller and the culture is much more authentic. In the past all the power was held in eastern Bali, whereas nowadays central and eastern parts of Bali are the center of arts and theatre.

Pura Luhur Uluwatu - The temple of the world

This temple is situated on the southernmost end of Bali, where nearly 100-metre rock cliffs are rising above the ocean. It is spectacularly located on the edge of the island cape, 70 meters above the sea level. Being one of the Bali's 'directional temples' in Bali, Pura Luhur Uluwatu was built in the 10th century. The Gateway is untypically split, with wing-shaped sculptures on the sides. The second courtyard entrance is guarded by sculptures of gods with elephant's heads, and the most inner part of the temple cannot be accessed by tourists. Tourists are advised to beware of the monkeys that inhabit the area. On the south of the temple and parking there is a short cliff-top walkway with an amazing view on the ocean and the temple complex.

The temple is open daily from dusk until dawn and an entrance fee applies.

Tanah Lot Temple

One of the most famous Balinese temples situated on its south coast. As one of the sea temples, it was built to worship the gods of the sea. The rock on which Tanah Lot is situated has been shaped by the ocean tides, while the surrounding views present random black towers and clusters of plants on the cliffs. The nearby caves are inhabited by 'sacred' snakes, and the Balinese people try to keep out of their way. The inside parts of the temple can be accessed by the confessors only, while from the nearest end tourists can admire spectacular views, in particular of sunsets.

The temple is open daily from dusk until dawn; an entrance fee applies.

The Temple of Water - Pura Tirtha Gunung Kawi

The temple of water is situated in the central part of Bali. In this picturesque temple built for the goddess of Lake Batur, there is a holy pond supplied with water falling from the rock cliff. In front of the building there are two pools for both men and women. The wooden sanctuaries and pavilions draw everyone's attention with their bright colors. In a picturesque valley near the temple there is Pura Gunung Kawi, a complex of temples carved in the front rock, which are the monks' destination. The whole complex was built in the 11th century and is still in a great shape.

Pura Ulun Danu Bratan Temple and the Bratan Lake

On the mountain ridge dividing the island into north and south is the peaceful Danau Bratan, a lake that fills the crater and is often filled with mist that covers the whole volcano. As it is the major source of water for the nearby fields, the inhabitants of the nearby Bratan worship the goddess of Pura Ulun Danu Bratan. Constructed in the early XVII century, it is one of the most important water temples in Bali.

Bedugul - A small town situated 1300 m above the sea level; it is a mountain resort by the lake, popular with the local people as a weekend trip destination.

Pura Besakih - Mother Temple

Eastern part of Bali is dominated by a huge Gunung Agung, an active volcano, which is 3,142 meters above the sea level high. Pura Besakih, also called as 'The Mother Temple', is situated in the higher parts of its steep slopes, and is the biggest and most important place of worship on the island. It is actually a complex made up of many temples and national sanctuaries of all Balinese Hindu confessors. Pura Besakih was built as a terraced sanctuary in the VIII century AD at the latest. Further gradually developed within the next centuries it grew into the present complex, which consists of about 30 public temples as well as hundreds of sanctuaries.

The temple is open daily from dusk until dawn; an entrance fee applies.

Active volcano caldera - Gunung Batur

In the north-east part of Bali, further down the island, there is the majestic Mount Batur: the caldera is 1717 meters tall, 11 km wide and 180 meters deep. The volcano is still active, with black lava flowing from the summit down to the valley. East of the volcano is a summit of Gunung Abang, a huge mountain of 2,153 meters. It also contains the biggest caldera lake on Bali, which looks best when visited by noon, by the time the mist falls down. 

Lovina Beach

In the north part of Bali there is an 8 kilometer-long beach covered with black sand. In the very nice and calm resort you'll feel that life has a much slower pace than anywhere else; it is also a great site to take a dive or a dolphin watching tour. Tourist fascinations within the area include a Buddhist shrime, built in 1958. Other attractions around Lovina Beach include hot springs, along with a public bath accompanied by a number of facilities such as changing rooms and a restaurant.

Balinese dance and drama

Celebration on Bali is always accompanied by music and dances. Every dancing party, temple ceremony or a family event is entertained by a performance of a few gamelan orchestras (music bands consisting of two drummers and a few other musicians who play gongs, metallophones, and cymbals). Balinese dances are lively and dynamic, therefore may seem unbelievably spontaneous, but are in fact carefully choreographed. The best opportunity to see them is during one of temple celebrations, which happen almost every day. Other interesting attractions are public performances for the tourists, lasting up to 90 minutes.

Please let us know in advance if you would like to see the Balinese dance performance.

Ubud

This remarkable town situated in the middle of the island of Bali is also the centre of arts. Thanks to plenty interesting places within walking distance, it is very popular with tourists. The museums and art galleries are full of Balinese arts and crafts, both traditional and modern, including paintings, drawings, sculptures and architecture. There are also small privately owned craft workshops along with their artists. One of the interesting tourist destinations is the Monkey Forest, open dusk till dawn (an admission fee applies).

Tegalalang Rice Teraces

These beautiful rice paddy sites are situated in Tegalalang, central Bali, near Ubud - and are considered to be the most spectacular ones on the island. The steep slopes of traditional Balinese rice with long stalks are lying based upon a river.

Celuk

As the centre of gold and silver work, Celuk is situated in the south-central part of Bali. The tiny workshops, usually situated in the back of people's houses, are very popular with tourists. On the other hand, fancy jewelry shops present their beautiful silver and golden brooches, earrings, bracelets, or clip-on earrings jeweled with noble stones.

Taman Burung Bali

This Bali Bird Park is situated in central Bali, near Ubud, and is inhabited by over a thousand exotic birds of 250 different species. This spectacular place has been designed to protect rare bird species from Indonesia and other places of the world. The 2 hectares of botanical landscape include walking alleys from which the birds can be admired. Bird Park is open daily from 9AM until 6PM; an admittance fee applies.

Bali Museum

It is located in Denpasar, Bali, at the Taman Putan square. Built in the thirties of 20^th century by the Dutch, it presents Balinese history and culture since the prehistoric times until the beginning of 20th century. The Bali Museum stands out for its amazing architecture, which blends two basic types of public buildings: temples (pura) and palace (puri).

Check out our Bali sightseeing photo gallery!

JAWA