What to do in Bali 15 must-sees© zephyr_p - Adobe Stock
Bali, the Island of the Gods, shines out over the entire Indonesian archipelago. Proud of its traditions, this small island cultivates its love of art and beauty, notably through the many offerings to the gods that dot its streets. With its splendid volcanic beaches and majestic mountains, Bali is the ideal place for a zen vacation. Here, all is order and beauty, luxury, calm and pleasure... Le Petit Futé invites you on a journey to this fantastic island. Here are the 15 must-sees during your stay!
1. Kuta, Bali's seaside resort
A view of Kuta, Bali's seaside resort©
Kuta was, along with Kathmandu, one of the favorite destinations of post-Sixties backpackers. Today, this charming fishing village in the center of the island has become one of the world's surfing hotspots. The waves are renowned and the best surfers come to battle them.
Kuta is also a temple to partying, where bars and discos stay open until the early hours. A more affluent clientele also comes here for shopping: you'll find numerous luxury boutiques. Somewhat overrun by mass tourism, Kuta is nonetheless a mythical place to discover in Bali! About half an hour from Kuta, you can visit the famous Tanah Lot temple, which seems to have risen straight from the waters.
To book beginner/intermediate surf lessons, click here.
Good to know to obtain your Indonesian visa easily, go directly to this site.
2. Klungkung, the royal capital
Klungkung, the royal capital©
Formerly the royal capital, Klungkung, located in the east of the island, is also known as Semarapura. The remains of its former palace are a must-see, in particular the Palace of Justice and the Floating Pavilion, two real marvels. They are one of the few remaining testimonies to the reign of the Gelgel dynasty from the late 14th to the 16th century. It was during this dynasty that Bali extended its power over Lombok and Java. Klungkung boasts a pleasant garden where you can relax amidst lotuses and water lilies.
3. The royal baths of Tirtagangga, Bali's sacred springs
The royal baths of Tirtagangga,©
Still in the eastern part of Bali, this charming little village nestled in some of the island's most beautiful rice paddies will leave you speechless. The springs at Tirtagangga are reputed to be sacred. That's why, some 50 years ago, the raja built a Water Palace here, quite unlike anything you'll see in Bali. It's not a religious monument, but a place dedicated to relaxation and meditation... You can stroll around admiring the many Balinese statues and water lily ponds. Ideal for a romantic getaway! In fact, Bali is the destination of choice for a honeymoon that will leave you with wonderful memories.
Book my tour of Bali's Instagrammable places
The must-read article to discover Indonesia's must-sees.
4. Tanah Lot, a fairytale setting
Tanah Lot©
Built in the 16th century, the temple of Tanah Lot stands atop a rock overlooking the sea in the south of the island. Seemingly rising straight from the sea, this spot is as beautiful as it is magical... Built under the orders of a priest who came here every day to meditate, it's the ideal place to meditate and admire the raging sea, which contrasts with the surrounding tranquillity. When the sun sets, the spectacle is breathtaking: the sun turns red, sometimes fuchsia pink, and the shadows of the temple give it a mysterious relief... A natural spectacle found only in Indonesia!
To book your guided tour of Taman Ayun and Tanah Lot temples, click here.
5. Admire Jatiluwih and its rice fields
Jatiluwih©
If Jatiluwih means "truly wonderful", it's no coincidence! At the foot of the Batukaru volcano, this village is most famous for its exceptional rice terraces, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It's a protected area, and fortunately, tourist facilities have not yet denatured the landscape. Harvesting is still done in the traditional way, and you'll come across many rice growers at work. Don't hesitate to ask them for more details about this traditional craft, and they'll be delighted to share their secrets with you. And now you're off for a deep dive into the island's culture!
Read the article for the best tours of Bali.
6. Pura Kehen, Bali's must-see sacred temple
Pura Kehen©
Sanctuary to the royal ancestors, Pura Kehen is an impressive temple built in terraces. Dedicated to Shiva, it is certainly one of Bali's most revered buildings. A colossal staircase of volcanic stone, filled with intricately detailed Balinese statues, leads up to the front door. The door is topped by a demon's head to ward off evil spirits... Admire the work of the sculptors: their works are splendidly displayed everywhere.
This Hindu edifice is located to the north of Kabupaten Bangli, in the south-east of the island of Bali. The site is divided into 3 zones:
- outer sanctuary (jaba pisan),
- middle sanctuary (jaba tengah),
- the main sanctuary (jero).
Remember to dress appropriately before visiting a Balinese temple. In particular, the lower part of the body should be covered. Short skirts, dresses and shorts should be avoided! Entrance to the temple is possible for a small fee of between 1.20 and 2 IDR.
Book my visit to Pura Kehen temple
7. Goa Gajah, the elephant cave
Goa Gajah©
There has been much speculation about the origins of this cave located south of Ubud town. It would appear that its name comes from the god of wisdom, Ganesh, who takes the form of an elephant. In any case, Goa Gajah is a marvellous site, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1995. You'll be impressed by the temple's imposing entrance, where numerous statuettes are displayed here and there. These include lingams (phallic representations of the god Shiva) and several Buddhas.
The site dates back to the 11th century, but was renovated in the early 20th century. To visit this sacred site, you'll need to wear a Balinese sarong. The site is open every day, immersing you more than ever in the local culture!
The activity to book: a guided tour of central Bali's must-sees.
8. Admire the sacred Lake Batur and its colorful waters
lake batur©
At the foot of Mounts Batur and Among, at an altitude of 1,000 m, lies a sumptuous crater lake: Lake Batur. At over 10 km in diameter, it is the island's largest lake. The color of its waters changes according to the reflections in the sky: a fascinating sight! Near the lake are numerous hot springs, where it's pleasant to bathe while admiring one of the island's most beautiful panoramas. You can also enjoy lovely walks around the lake, discovering the Balinese flora.
Read morewhere to go in Indonesia? Our favorites.
9. Ubud, Bali's cultural zone
View of Ubud©
Ubud is the cultural heart of Bali. It's the ideal place to immerse yourself in Balinese tradition. For example, you can attend performances of wayang kulit, a typical Balinese shadow theater, listed as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity. If you'd like to find out more about Balinese art in general, the Puri Lukisan Museum is well worth a visit. However, the town's main attraction is the Monkey Forest. You'll walk through a veritable temple dedicated to a few hundred little monkeys. An unforgettable experience!
Other must-sees in Ubud include
- the Jalan Raya Ubud street market,
- the Goa Gajah, Pura Taman Kemuda Saraswati , Gunung Kawi and Pura Tirta Empul temples,
- ubud Palace,
The city is also a mecca for yoga, a practice you can discover in the purest Hindu tradition.
10. Nusa Lembongan, a Balinese haven of peace
Nusa Lembongan©
In the kabupaten (sub-division of the province of Bali) of Klungkung, lies a charming islet. Still little visited by tourists, Nusa Lembongan is a veritable little paradise as Bali knows how to offer. With its white sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters and sumptuous sunsets, the island is not only a magnet for idlers!
Here, you'll find yourself at the heart of Balinese culture, surrounded by fishermen and children playing on the beach. Strolling along the winding lanes in the heart of the island, you'll discover typical villages, where nature is still preserved. And, of course, you don't need a car! It's time to get back to basics, so as not to disturb the ambient plenitude.
11. A Zen visit to the Pura Luhur Uluwatu Temple
Pura Luhur Uluwatu Temple© Adobe Stock
It's not for nothing that Bali is known as the"Land of 10,000 Temples"! They're everywhere, to our great delight. Pura Luhur Uluwatu is a must-see during your stay in Bali. This pointed temple, resembling a shadowy fir tree, is as beautiful as it is original. Perched at the end of a cliff, it dominates the waves in all its splendor. Located on the Bukit peninsula, the Uluwatu temple dates back to the 11th century. Perched 75 metres above sea level, it is overrun by thieving monkeys: watch out for your belongings! The temple is open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., offering a view like no other.
Book my ticket for Uluwatu Temple
12. Lake Bratan and Ulun Danu temple
Lake Bratan and Ulun Danu temple© Daniel Ferryanto - Adobe Stock
Most of Bali's temples are located on cliffs. Not so with the temple on Lake Bratan, Pura Ulun Danu, one of the most beautiful in Bali! It sits majestically in the middle of the water, reigning supreme. This Hindu-Buddhist sanctuary is dedicated to the goddess of water. The lake is located on an ancient volcano crater. Today, it irrigates most of the central part of the island. After admiring the reflection of the temple on the water, take a stroll through Munduk's spice plantations. You'll also have the opportunity to take the ridge road along lakes Buyan and Tamblingan.
Book my ticket to Ulun Danu Temple
13. Head for Lovina Beach to admire the dolphins!
t_o_m_o - Adobe Stock
Head for the north of Bali, much less touristy than the south. Its wilderness areas are simply magnificent. There are many activities on offer, but the most famous is dolphin-watching at Lovina Beach. You board a boat at dawn, and relax in the calm of the early morning. Suddenly... dolphins leap out of the water before your astonished eyes! It's an unforgettable spectacle, simply superb! Don't forget your camera: perhaps you'll be quick enough to capture some beautiful images.
To book your dolphin-watching excursion, click here.
14. Dare to hike Batur volcano
Batur volcano© saiko3p - Adobe Stock
This time you're heading east of Bali, towards Mount Batur. More than just a mountain, it's an active volcano, 1,700 metres high. Thrill-seeking hikers love it! Despite the difference in altitude, the hike is not particularly difficult. Allow between 2 and 3 hours to reach the summit. From up there, your efforts are rewarded by a magnificent view. This unusual hike is recommended between April and September, during the so-called "dry season". By this we mean that you're more likely to avoid a heavy downpour, as often happens in Bali.
Worth reading if you want to discover the world's active volcanoes.
Book my guided tour to the summit of Mount Batur
15. Experience a day in the life of a Balinese
Balinese customs© Tropical studio - Adobe Stock
You'll soon realize that life and customs are very different in France and Bali! To better understand this part of Indonesia, try to plan a day and night in the company of a local family. The experience should be immersive, to better understand the civilization with which you'll be spending one or more weeks. Before you leave, take the time to find a few families who offer this service. Don't go for those who do it on a large scale, like a tour operator... Choose authentic families who set aside just a few days a year for this extraordinary day out. You'll all be winners, enriched by each other's culture and differences.
Discover also the most popular things to do in Bali:
What's the most beautiful part of Bali?
If you had to visit just one place in Bali, it would have to be Mount Batur. This famous volcano is 1,717 metres high. We recommend this hike at sunrise. Mind you, you'll have to start at around 2 or 3 a.m.! However, the view from the top is well worth the effort. You're literally above the clouds... Shades of yellow and orange mingle with the blue of the sky, with mountainous landscapes in the background, standing out like black silhouettes. It's a breathtaking sight!
What to do in Bali with your family
Beaches are a must during your family trip to Bali. We particularly recommend
- Seminyak beach, with all comforts close at hand.
- The beaches of the Bukit peninsula: Suluban beach and Thomas beach, for example.
- Legian beach: palm trees, fine sand, a wide beach and turquoise water: what more could you ask for?
Ubud is also a great place to visit with children. With its nature walks, markets, shows and local specialities to sample, there's never a dull moment! To the east of Bali, take the whole family to discover Bali's superb stepped rice paddies. The rice paddies of Sidemen, in particular, will amaze young and old alike, as will the beautiful roads leading to them. If you're traveling with teenagers, the south coast offers a pleasant aquatic experience. You can snorkel, raft, dive or surf. Pure family fun!
Where to stay in Bali?
To help you make your selection, here are some of the best-rated accommodations in Bali:
- The most affordable
Sanak Retreat Bali offers holidaymakers absolutely adorable, comfortable wooden bungalows. Refinement is the order of the day here, surrounded by rice paddies and mountains. An idyllic setting for an unforgettable vacation! Click here to book your room.
- More Zen
To enjoy a warm ambience in a dream setting, head to the Pramata Watu Kurung, which also boasts a superb view. Spa and massage services are available, as well as a fine restaurant. Click here for for hotel availability.
- The most luxurious
In Ubud, The Sankara Suite and Villas welcomes you in total luxury. Imagine a vast room, a king-size bed, all the comforts of home, an infinity pool and a spa... All you have to do is let yourself go! Tempted? Book your night in just a few clicks here.
Bali is an ideal destination for lovers in search of a romantic getaway. All these addresses are perfect for welcoming couples in a magical atmosphere.
What's the best time of year to visit Bali?
We advise against visiting Bali between November and March, which is the wet season. January is the worst, as it rains almost continuously. Please note, however, that this is only an indication, as things can change from one year to the next, just like anywhere else in the world! It can be very hot during this period, with little rain, although this is not the norm.
The dry season runs from April to October, with fewer showers and temperatures between 24 and 32°C. But don't forget to bring rain gear, as the dry season doesn't mean zero rain. Bali's climate is both equatorial and tropical. It's hot and humid, so be prepared!
