Bali: The Most Beautiful Sights and Highlights

One of Bali’s six holiest temples sits 70 meters above the sea on a cliff. Translated it means “temple on the rock”. Tourists are not permitted to visit the interior of the complex or visit the Padmasana, a stone, tiered throne of the gods. Only Hindus are allowed to enter the temple.

Nevertheless, the Uluwatu Temple is one of the must-sees in Bali – mainly because of the great view from the cliffs. The atmosphere is most beautiful in the evening when the sun slowly sets over the sea horizon. But then it is usually crowded around the temple, especially during the high season.

Beware of the monkeys around the temple complex. The cheeky animals are clever cameras, pickpockets, and food thieves and sometimes quite aggressive.

At the foot of Pulaki Mountain lies the Melanting Temple in a jungle. The creation of the complex goes back to the priest Danghyang Nirartha and a mystical legend that a local guide will be happy to tell you.

Melanting is one of the most important sanctuaries on the island. In addition, you have a great view of the mountain panorama and the sea from the temple.

One of the most beautiful temples in Bali is located directly on Lake Bratan. The water of the lake is considered sacred and is said to have healing properties. The water temple itself is more than 350 years old and dedicated to God’s Shiva, Brahma, and Vishnu.

Tip: Visit the temple in the morning before the huge rush of visitors.

In 1920 the famous royal tombs of Gunung Kawi were discovered. The imposing, meter-high stone monuments lie between picturesque rice terraces and palm trees. These were built in the 11th century under King Anak Wungsu in the typical East Javanese style.

Strictly speaking, Gunung Kawi is a memorial and not a burial site. The Tombs of the Kings contain no mortal remains.

The name of the most photographed Balinese temple is composed of Tanah (earth) and Lot (sea). Dedicated to the water god, Pura Tanah Lot practically stands in the water surrounded by rugged rocky cliffs.

Non-believers are not allowed to enter the interior of the Hindu temple. From the beach or the visitor terrace, however, you have an unforgettable view. It gets particularly crowded in the evening at sunset.

In the cliffs of the mainland is the Ular Suci Cave with a mysterious freshwater spring. Because Pura Tanah Lot is otherwise completely surrounded by salt water.

Bali’s highest and holiest mountain is 3,142 meters high. According to Balinese Hindu mythology, Gunung Agung symbolizes the center of the universe. The volcano is visible from many places in Bali and is a good landmark. The last eruption was in 1963. At that time more than 1,100 people died.

As part of a guided trekking tour that starts at night, you can climb the volcano.

Many participants report a unique adventure. However, physical fitness is a prerequisite for the sometimes very strenuous ascent.

The last king of the Kingdom of Karangasem had the 1.2-hectare water palace built on three levels with a decadent garden in 1946. The last fatal volcanic eruption in Bali destroyed the complex just 17 years later. Tirtagangga was subsequently rebuilt and is now open to visitors.

There are numerous pools, ponds, fountains, a swimming pool, and residential buildings. One of the highlights is a fountain with eleven tiers.

Idyllic and quiet is the Pura Taman Ayun Temple, which has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2012. The exact year in which the temple, which was completely restored in 1937, was built is unknown. Sources say it was built in the 17th or 19th century.

Pura Taman Ayun is one of the nine most important state temples and lives up to its name. Translated, this means “floating flower garden” or “temple of the floating garden”.

It is fitting that the central part is surrounded by a moat with water lilies. Inside the temple, there are gods and family shrines of the ruling family of Mengwi.

You can find traditional Balinese handicrafts and typical souvenirs at the Pasar Seni Ubud Art Market. Every day you can stroll around here, view handicrafts from the surrounding villages and buy after a trade.

An »Eat, Pray, Love« movie scene starring Julia Roberts was filmed at the market, making it (even) more popular. The Ubud Traditional Market is ideal for a relaxed shopping tour. With time, patience, and skill in haggling, you can buy beautiful clothes, decorations, or accessories here.

Art lovers must pay a visit to the Agung Rai Museum. The cultural center is picturesquely situated in a garden area. It opened in 1996. The exhibition ranges from traditional to contemporary art. You can see works by well-known and unknown Balinese and foreign artists here. The ARMA is the only Balinese art museum with works by the German artist Walter Spies. He lived and worked in Bali.

The Puri Agung Karangasem Palace was built in the 19th century. Despite damage from an earthquake, the three-part complex represents timeless elegance and luxury. It provides unique insights into the time when Bali was still ruled by Rajas.

Descendants of the royal family still live in Puri Agung Karangasem Palace. For a royal experience, you can book a night at the palace through Airbnb.

The temple city is an important sanctuary, named after Pura Besakih, the mother temple of all Balinese temples. The approximately three square kilometer complex consists of three main temples, 30 side temples, and 200 other buildings such as shrines, pavilions, or temple towers.

The state temple Pura Penataran Agung Besakih is the center of the huge complex. A steep staircase takes you to the temple entrance. Non-believers may enter the temple, but only up to a prescribed perimeter.

The foundation stone for the Pura Besakih Temple is said to have been laid by a priest from Java in the 18th century. Over the centuries, the area has been expanded to include new temples and religious buildings.

What sounds like a fun attraction has a religious background. Monkeys are considered sacred in Bali and are therefore allowed to jump around freely. There are 600 to 700 in the Monkey Forest, a 14th-century Hindu complex with three temples. Only devout Hindus have access to the interior of the temple.

A visit to the Monkey Forest will make you acquainted with many monkeys that are more cunning than their cute exterior suggests. The animals are not shy. If you are afraid of so many (partly) encroaching monkeys in one place, you should skip the monkey forest. However, the monkeys here are not nearly as aggressive and intrusive as at the Uluwatu Temple.

Bali’s bright green rice terraces are architectural masterpieces. About 12 kilometers from Ubud are the well-known Tegalalang Rice Terraces, which are undoubtedly among the most beautiful in Bali. You have to see the lush rice fields that have been painstakingly built by hand!

An interesting alternative is the Jatiluwih Rice Terraces.

In 1987, the Balinese Independence Monument Bajra Sandhi was erected. The official opening took place in 2003. The 45-meter-high monument is full of symbols and stories.

Two aspects are presented: Hinduism with its mythology and parts of the country’s history. August 17, 1945, is particularly noteworthy. It was then that Bali gained independence.

If you want to learn more about Balinese culture and history, this is the place to be. The Negeri Propinsi Bali Museum displays prehistoric pieces, artifacts, architecture, and traditional textiles.

This is not a classic museum. The exhibitions are sometimes a bit confusing due to the lack of English explanations about the exhibits. It is advisable to book a guide. He will give you authentic insights into the local culture.

Goa Gajah was first discovered by a Dutch archaeologist in 1923 and is a temple and cave in one. Experts suspect that the complex dates back to the 11th century.

What is certain is that there were no elephants in Bali at the time it was built. The cave probably got its name from the elephant’s head above the entrance. It is unclear whether the depiction shows a demon instead of an elephant. Inside is a statue of the Indian elephant god Ganesha. He may also have been the namesake of Goa Gajah.

There are holy water springs just in front of the cave.

To visit the Pura Lempuyang Temple, you should be prepared for a hike. Namely, the main temple is 1,175 meters above sea level at the top of Mount Lempuyang. It is one of the oldest temples in Bali and is one of the national temples.

You reach the highest point via 1,700 steps. On the way, you will pass through other temples and get to know the monkeys that live in the surrounding forest.

Fit hikers can make the ascent in two hours. You can take your time because the wooded area along the way is beautiful and the arrival at the destination is worth all the hardships.

As the only Buddhist monastery in Hindu-dominated Bali, Brahma Vihara Ashrama is a specialty in its own right. Between 1958 and 1970 the complex was built by Theravada Buddhist devotee Bhikku Giri Rakhita. This Buddhist school tradition is widespread in Thailand. Thailand, together with the government of Indonesia, financed a large part of the monastery complex. That is why there are many references to Thai culture in the form of images, artwork and decorative elements.

An Ashram is a place of rest and meditation. Visitors should behave with respect when viewing. There is much to admire in the main and outbuildings. You should plan enough time to let the place work on you.

For those who are interested, two-week meditation courses are offered in the monastery.

Near the monastery are the Banjar hot springs. The natural springs are centuries old. Thanks to modernization work, they are now among the most popular wellness and healthy options on the island. There are several pool areas, a restaurant, and souvenir shops. Those who don’t want to take a bath can enjoy the tropical gardens or the view from the restaurant.

Puputan is a Balinese term for ritual suicide performed before an impending enemy conquest. In 1906 a historic puputan occurred. At that time, Dutch soldiers marched into the city of Badung through deserted streets. Loud noises could only be heard from the royal palace. After the arrival of the Dutch, a procession of courtiers, women, and children led by the Raja came out of the palace. At a sign from the rajas, one of the priests thrust his sword into the ruler and the rest of the procession also began killing themselves.
The monument at Taman Puputan Square commemorates this event. The square is surrounded by an idyllic garden that provides a stark contrast to this tragic memory.

At the relatively small Sanur night market, there are Balinese delicacies and a good mood. The market is popular with locals and travelers alike. You’ll get full here for little money. Besides food, there are quite unspectacular souvenirs and other goods. Sanur is primarily a street food market.

Ambitious trekkers can climb Gunung Batur in two hours. The active volcano is a Hindu sanctuary and a fascinating natural work of art at an altitude of 1,717 meters. The last eruption was in 2000.

A guided tour is a must. Start: mostly at night.

Once at the top you have the opportunity to see the sunrise from a new perspective. There are also optional combo tours that include a visit to a coffee plantation.

Finally, a few quick tips for your stay in Bali.

Our tour tips for Bali