Best Places to Visit in Bali

Bali is more than just a tropical island — it’s a destination that blends spirituality, nature, adventure, and modern lifestyle in a way few places in the world can. From jungle-covered hills and ancient temples to surf beaches, volcanoes, and luxury retreats, Bali offers experiences that suit every type of traveler.

For first-time visitors, the island can feel almost overwhelming. There are countless “must-see” lists, hidden spots, and iconic landmarks scattered across different regions. Some travelers come for culture, others for beaches, and many for a mix of everything.

Before exploring Bali one destination at a time, there is a powerful way to understand the island as a whole — seeing it from above.

See Bali from Above: Helicopter Tours with Balicopter

One of the most memorable ways to experience Bali is by helicopter. From the air, the island’s contrasts become instantly clear: deep green rice terraces meet white-sand beaches, dramatic cliffs drop into turquoise water, and volcanoes rise above forests and lakes.

Helicopter tours allow travelers to see Bali from a perspective that simply isn’t possible by car or scooter. Instead of spending hours in traffic between regions, you can witness multiple landscapes in a single flight — coastlines, temples, jungles, and mountains unfolding beneath you.

Balicopter offers scenic helicopter tours across Bali using modern aircraft and professional pilots with deep local knowledge. Flights pass over iconic landmarks such as Uluwatu’s cliffs, the rice fields of central Bali, luxury resorts along the southern coast, and volcanic landscapes in the island’s interior.

Why choose a helicopter tour in Bali?

• You gain a full overview of the island in a short amount of time
  
  
• Ideal for first-time visitors who want context before exploring on the ground
  
  
• Perfect for couples, photographers, and special occasions
  
  
• A rare, once-in-a-lifetime experience that elevates any Bali trip
  
  

Starting your journey with a helicopter tour helps you understand where everything is — and often inspires which places you want to explore more deeply afterward. For travelers who value unique experiences, this is one of the most unforgettable ways to begin a Bali adventure.

Ubud – The Cultural and Spiritual Heart of Bali

Located in the island’s lush interior, Ubud is often considered the cultural soul of Bali. Surrounded by rice fields, rivers, and jungle, it’s a place where traditional life, spirituality, and creativity remain deeply connected.

Ubud attracts artists, yogis, digital nomads, and travelers seeking a slower, more reflective side of Bali.

Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary

The Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary is one of Ubud’s most famous attractions. This protected area is home to hundreds of long-tailed macaques and several ancient temples hidden among towering trees and stone statues.

Walking through the forest feels like stepping into a living temple complex. Moss-covered walls, carved gateways, and shaded pathways create a mystical atmosphere. While the monkeys are playful and curious, visitors should be mindful of their belongings and follow local guidelines.

Tegallalang Rice Terraces

The Tegallalang Rice Terraces are among the most iconic landscapes in Bali. Layers of bright green rice paddies cascade down the hillsides, showcasing the traditional Balinese irrigation system known as subak.

Early morning is the best time to visit, when the light is soft and the terraces are quieter. Many travelers combine Tegallalang with nearby coffee plantations or small villages to experience rural Bali at a relaxed pace.

Art, Yoga, and Wellness

Ubud is also known as Bali’s center for art and wellness. The town is filled with galleries, museums, and workshops showcasing traditional painting, carving, and dance. In the evenings, cultural performances take place in palace courtyards and temples.

Yoga studios, meditation centers, and wellness retreats are everywhere. Whether you join a single class or spend days focusing on relaxation and self-care, Ubud offers space to reconnect with yourself away from the busier coastal areas.

Cliff-Top Temples and Legendary Sunsets

Bali’s temples are inseparable from its landscapes, and some of the most dramatic are found along the island’s southern coastline.

Uluwatu Temple

Perched high on a cliff above the Indian Ocean, Uluwatu Temple is one of Bali’s most spectacular religious sites. Waves crash far below, and the open horizon creates a sense of scale and power.

At sunset, the temple becomes especially magical. Visitors gather to watch the sky change color as the sun dips into the ocean. The evening Kecak fire dance, performed in an open-air amphitheater, is a highlight — combining chanting, movement, and storytelling against the backdrop of the setting sun.

Tanah Lot Temple

Tanah Lot is one of Bali’s most photographed landmarks. Built on a rock formation just offshore, the temple appears isolated at high tide and accessible at low tide.

Sunset is the most popular time to visit, when the temple is silhouetted against glowing skies. While the main temple is not open to visitors, the surrounding area offers viewpoints, small shrines, and coastal paths perfect for photos and quiet moments.

Sacred Water Temples and Highland Landscapes

Water plays a central role in Balinese spirituality, and some of the island’s most meaningful temples are connected to springs, lakes, and rivers.

Ulun Danu Beratan

Ulun Danu Beratan Temple sits on the shores of Lake Beratan in Bali’s cooler highlands. Surrounded by misty mountains, the temple appears to float on the water, especially in the early morning.

The peaceful setting makes this one of the most serene places to visit in Bali. Many travelers combine Ulun Danu with a visit to nearby waterfalls or botanical gardens for a full day in the mountains.

Tirta Empul

Tirta Empul is one of Bali’s most important water temples. It is famous for its purification pools, where locals and visitors participate in ritual cleansing using holy spring water.

Visitors are required to wear traditional sarongs and follow respectful behavior. Participating in the ritual offers a rare glimpse into Balinese spiritual life and is often described as a deeply moving experience.

Beaches, Islands, and Outdoor Adventure

While Bali’s cultural sites are extraordinary, the island is equally famous for its beaches and outdoor activities.

Nusa Penida

Nusa Penida is a rugged island southeast of Bali, known for its dramatic cliffs, hidden beaches, and vivid blue water. It feels less developed and more wild than Bali’s main tourist areas.

Kelingking Beach is the most famous spot, with a cliff formation shaped like a dinosaur. Other highlights include Angel’s Billabong and Broken Beach. While access can be challenging, the scenery is among the most stunning in Indonesia.

Mount Batur Sunrise Hike

Mount Batur is an active volcano located in central Bali. Hiking to the summit before sunrise is one of the island’s most popular adventures.

The hike is moderately challenging but accessible to most travelers with basic fitness. At the top, hikers are rewarded with panoramic views over the caldera, Lake Batur, and — on clear days — Mount Agung in the distance.

Seminyak and Canggu

For travelers looking for modern Bali, Seminyak and Canggu offer a lively mix of beaches, cafés, boutiques, and nightlife.

Seminyak is known for upscale resorts, stylish beach clubs, and fine dining. Canggu attracts surfers, digital nomads, and creatives with its relaxed atmosphere, coworking spaces, and vibrant café culture.

Both areas are ideal for watching sunsets, learning to surf, and experiencing Bali’s contemporary lifestyle.

Final Thoughts: Discovering the Best Places to Visit in Bali

Bali is an island of contrasts — ancient and modern, quiet and vibrant, spiritual and adventurous. Its true beauty lies in how seamlessly these elements coexist.

Whether you’re drawn to temples and traditions, beaches and nightlife, or mountains and jungle, Bali offers experiences that stay with you long after your trip ends.

Seeing the island from above adds a powerful layer to any journey. A helicopter flight gives context, perspective, and a sense of scale that transforms how you experience everything afterward.

However you choose to explore, the best places to visit in Bali are not just destinations on a map — they are moments, landscapes, and emotions that make the island unforgettable.

FAQ: Best Places to Visit in Bali

What are the best places to visit in Bali for first-time visitors?
First-time visitors should focus on Ubud for culture, Uluwatu and Tanah Lot for iconic temples, Nusa Penida for dramatic landscapes, and Seminyak or Canggu for beaches and dining. These locations offer a balanced introduction to Bali’s nature, spirituality, and modern lifestyle.

How many days do you need to explore the best places in Bali?
To see the main highlights, most travelers need at least 7–10 days. This allows time for cultural sites, beaches, a day trip to Nusa Penida, and outdoor activities like a Mount Batur sunrise hike.

Is Bali suitable for travelers who don’t like crowded places?
Yes. While some areas can be busy, Bali offers quieter regions such as the central highlands, northern coast, and less-developed islands like Nusa Penida. Visiting popular attractions early in the morning also helps avoid crowds.

What is the best way to see Bali in a short time?
For travelers with limited time, combining ground exploration with a scenic helicopter flight is one of the most efficient ways to understand Bali’s geography and highlights. Aerial views provide a unique overview of the island in a single experience.

Are Bali’s temples open to tourists?
Many temples are open to visitors, but some areas may be restricted during ceremonies. Modest dress is required, and sarongs are often provided or mandatory.

Is Nusa Penida worth visiting during a Bali trip?
Yes. Nusa Penida is considered one of the most impressive places near Bali, known for its cliffs, beaches, and turquoise water. It’s ideal for travelers who enjoy dramatic landscapes and adventure.

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