Indonesia, an island nation in Southeast Asia and the world’s largest archipelagic state, proudly houses Bali as a province in its lap of nature. Rightly renowned as the best travel destination in the world by millions of travellers, Bali is a world in itself.
From lazy but active volcanos, secluded but beautiful beaches, busy but happening towns, and narrow but rich markets, Bali is full of wonders where visitors of all ages come, go back and come again to find something new every time. Also known as the Islands of the Gods, if one thinks it is blasphemous not to visit Bali, know that it is absolutely true for globetrotters and travel enthusiasts worldwide!
Without further ado, let’s discover 11 places in Bali that are like icing on the cake.
Best Sightseeing Places in Bali
Add these places to your itinerary during your Bali holiday: -
- Mount Batur
- Ubud
- Sukawati Art Market
- Nyang Nyang Beach
- Nusa Peninda
- Kuta
- Jatuluwih Rice Terraces
- Desa Temukus Marigold Fields
- Sambangan Secret Garden
- Festivals of Bali
- Pura Basakih
Ubud
Located in the upper regions of Bali, Ubud is regarded as a cultural centre and is one of the most famous places in Bali. The town is well-versed in tourism, and it is dotted with varied accommodations, architectural marvels, remarkable sights, many temples and monasteries, museums and galleries and more. If you want to witness Balinese culture up close, Ubud is the place to be. Here, you can also visit some famous places in Bali like Ubud Monkey Forest, where thousands of long-tail monkeys look at you for food; Tegallang Rice Terraces, which is a UNESCO world heritage site; a scenic Camphun Ridge Walk for panoramic views of Ubud.
Mount Batur
Only 40 km from Ubud, Hiking Mount Batur has to be in your Bali Tour Packages from India. Simply because you cannot find this type of mount anywhere in India! Imagine climbing an active volcano and reaching above the clouds while the white smoke spurs from the mountain’s mouth. A 4-hour trek to Mount Batur can be challenging for some, but it will be rewarding enough as the Sun greets you in a way that words can’t describe. An experience not to be missed in Bali, your senses will remember this expedition forever. So, do include this unique Bali attraction in your tour package.
Sukawati Art Market
Shopping is an integral part of any vacation. Taking home souvenirs & local handicrafts, along with memories, is proof of a time spent well. Amongst many markets in Bali, Sukawati Art Market in Gianyar stands apart. It is one of the most famous and oldest markets in Bali. Divided into two parts – Art Market (Open from 10:00 to 17:00) and Local Market (Open from 08:00 to 15:00), it is a market of the haggler! From Balinese art like woodcarvings, paintings, and sculptures to clothes, jewellery, daily essentials, scented candles, and oils, get quality products at cheaper rates than other local markets.
Nyang Nyang Beach
It is not just one of the beaches of Bali; it is the most beautiful and cleanest beach in Uluwatu, south of Bali. When you have a bouquet of choices in beach city Bali, why not choose the best? This lesser-known, epic beach welcomes you to roam on glistening white sands where waves from turquoise blue water come and go. A less-crowded beach, you may find this beach all by yourself on some days. Experience a gorgeous view of sunrise and sunset owing to its east-facing stance.
Kuta
One of the best places to see in Bali, Kuta is an urban village loved by tourists from every corner. Kuta is also an answer to, ‘Where to go first in Bali?’ This small town is situated 5 km from Ngurah Rai International Airport and is known for beautiful beaches, great accommodation options, happening nightclubs and bars, and most importantly, surfing schools. The best place to learn surfing is at Kuta, owing to safe water and economical surf schools and rental shops. When in Kuta, you can also visit Bali’s iconic sea temple – Tanah Lot Temple – which is only 21 km from here. Among these best places to visit in Bali, Kuta is a complete package that offers everything.
Nusa Penida
Among the three famous islands places in the southeastern coast of Bali, Nusa Penida is the most gorgeous. Your trip to Bali will be incomplete without visiting here. Many public boats and ferries run from almost all ports in Bali to Nusa Peninda, with cheap ticket prices and comfortable rides. The island welcomes you on a long stretch of white sand with turquoise waters. A hike to a nearby cliff gives you fascinating views of the island and the blue ocean. Nusa Penida is home to Kelingking Beach - the most breathtakingly beautiful beach as per the Instagrammers. The island is perfect for snorkelling and diving as well.
Jatuluwih Rice Terraces
Rice terraces are a sight to behold for their neat expanse, green plantations and knowing more about a food that the entire world eats! Only a 1.5-hour road trip from Ubud takes you to the foot of Mount Batukaru, in the village of Jatiluwih. Walk upon 600 hectares of rice fields, the biggest in Bali. You can hike, cycle around, and click pictures of contoured terraces.
A few things to note before taking a trip here:
- Avoid coming in the harvest period of June-July; instead, choose between February and April to witness yellow and green rice plants in full bloom.
- Have some cash Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) handy for the entrance fee.
Desa Temukus Marigold Fields
It is a lesser-known and extraordinary sightseeing near the north coast of Bali, 6 km away from Lovina Beach. Looking at a huge spread of beautiful blooming golden-yellow marigold flowers can be soothing to the eyes and the mind. The nectar to butterflies, these flowers also have a great reverence to Balinese culture. Balinese people decorate their homes and temples with marigolds and use them in many rituals. These flowers are believed to bring good luck and prosperity. You can surround yourself with thousands of these in the fields with misty mountains in the background.
Sambangan Secret Garden
Situated on the North coast of Bali, Sambangan Secret Garden is a hidden gem. Nestled in vast forests, it is a series of ponds, waterfalls and lush vegetation. You can swim in the pond, hike a trail atop the waterfall, relax and rejuvenate amid the soothing sound of water and birds. Secret Garden is a great escape from the rushing and riveting side of Bali, holding some remarkable sightseeing places.
Festivals of Bali
Festivals hold the true culture of a place. Being a part of festivals not only heightens your experience of vacations but also gives you lasting memories. Balinese people predominantly adhere to Balinese Hinduism surrounding which they celebrate many festivals annually, with Galungan being the most popular one. Nyepi – when the entire Bali comes standstill, Kuningan – the D-day celebration when the 10-day fervour of the Galungan festival ends, and Saraswati – the day of honour towards the Hindu Goddess of wisdom, knowledge, and learning, are other popular festivals that are popular tourist attraction in Bali and worth being a part of.
Upcoming dates for these festivals are:
- Galungan – From 28th Februrary 2024 to 9th March 2024
- Nyepi – From 11th March 2024 to 12th March 2024
- Kuningan – 9th March 2024
- Saraswati – 14th February 2024
Pura Besakih
Also known as the Mother Temple of Bali, it is the largest temple in Bali situated on the slopes of Mount Agung, the highest mountain in Bali. With 23 temples in the complex, each dedicated to a different deity, the main temple houses Trimurti – the three main Gods in Hinduism – Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. It is a famous place in Bali and is considered a very holy site by the locals, who can be seen doing rituals or ceremonies in traditional attire. When visiting Bali, get enchanted at the Mother Temple of Pura Besakih and know why Bali is known as the Islands of the Gods.
Enough said! Make Bali your next travel destination. Go there and celebrate life!
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