Let me preface this by saying: writing this text has been a ache within the rear finish. You’d suppose arising with a listing of Bali points of interest could be straightforward. I imply, how onerous may it’s to checklist down temples, seashores, and waterfalls, proper? Mistaken. The issue isn’t discovering issues to do in Bali. It’s that there’s so much to do right here: numerous points of interest that may be organized into excursions in many various methods.
Though it’s potential to achieve a few of the vacationer spots DIY-style, probably the most standard means is by happening a tour. You’ll be able to be part of a bunch tour with a hard and fast itinerary. Or you may prepare a personal tour so you will have management of your time and stops. So except for their location, I organized this checklist by following how operators divide and bundle these points of interest into excursions. I may also be sharing with you the hyperlinks to the place we booked our excursions. Hopefully, it’s extra useful this manner.
WAIT, WAIT, WAIT! In case your are touring quickly and nonetheless on the starting stage, you can even go to our The Poor Traveler Masterlist. Right here, we compiled journey necessities, together with immigration necessities and all our advisable inns and excursions. Simply go to this web page: TPT Masterlist. Now we have a compilation for locations all over the world.
CHARTERING A PRIVATE RIDE
However if you’d like even extra flexibility, you may drive a rental automobile or motorbike. However in case you don’t need to drive like us, you may constitution a automobile with a driver. We did simply that on different days, simply so we may strive it and canopy it on this weblog. Listed below are the charges we gathered.
CAR FOR 1-3 PAX
- Period: 6 Hours
Fee: IDR 482,000 (USD 29, P1700)
Notice: With Driver - Period: 10 Hours
Fee: IDR 623,000 (USD 37, P2200)
Notice: With Driver
CAR FOR 1-5 PAX
- Period: 6 Hours
Fee: IDR 517,000 (USD 31, P1825)
Notice: With Driver - Period: 10 Hours
Fee: IDR 694,000 (USD 41.50, P2450)
Notice: With Driver
There are additionally choices for 12 hours, and teams of 6, 10, 14, 24, 32. You’ll be able to verify the charges right here:
Notice that the majority pre-arranged excursions already cowl the doorway charges. However in case you’ll pull a DIY or constitution a personal trip, you’ll should pay them your self individually.
✅ When you’re extra snug utilizing Klook companies in your excursions and tickets, please use our promo code THEPOORTRAVELERKLOOK for as much as P300 OFF or TPTKLOOK5 for as much as P500 OFF. These codes may change sooner or later, so finest to simply go to thepoortraveler.web/klook to redeem up to date low cost codes!
With out additional ado, let’s begin with my favourite tour.
NORTH BALI
Northern Bali is a far cry from the busy and crowded seaside areas within the south. It’s quieter and greener, but additionally full of iconic landmarks and pure magnificence. Give your self a full day to take pleasure in all the pieces with out dashing.
Handara Gate
Our first cease was Handara Gate, which stands on the entrance of the Handara Golf & Resort. However the gate shortly turned a pictures hotspot for vacationers, providing a much less hectic and fewer crowded different to the Gate of Heaven at Lempuyang Temple. It seems related however with out the Mt. Agung backdrop.
Whereas the Gate of Heaven can have you ever ready for hours, right here at Handara Gate, you may have a photograph taken in round an hour in case you come early. Once we visited, we solely waited for 45 minutes for our flip. However be aware that there’s nothing else to do right here apart from taking photographs.
Ulun Danu Temple
Ulun Danu Temple was in-built 1633 to honor Dewi Danu, the goddess of water, and sits on the shores of Lake Beratan. The temple’s multi-tiered meru towers are iconic. Guests can discover the temple grounds, watch native ceremonies, and study its cultural significance in Balinese water rituals.
Banyumala Twin Falls
Banyumala Twin Falls is tucked within the jungle. From the car parking zone, you may stroll or constitution a motorbike to get to the beginning of the path. Then, a brief trek alongside stone steps down the steep hillside will lead you to the bottom, the place you may be greeted by the falls.
The dual streams cascade right into a pure pool, and the water is chilly, good for a fast dip. It’s one in every of Bali’s quieter waterfalls, making it ideally suited if you wish to keep away from giant crowds and benefit from the forest environment.
Wanagiri Hidden Hill
Wanagiri Hidden Hill, additionally known as Wanagiri Heaven, overlooks Lake Buyan and Lake Tamblingan. It’s well-known for its swings, hen’s nests, and photograph platforms. The spot turned in style for vacationers, because of Instagram. Going early helps beat the gang and allows you to benefit from the surroundings with out ready in your activate the swings.
Jatiluwih Rice Terraces
Jatiluwih Rice Terraces are a UNESCO World Heritage website and canopy a whole bunch of hectares with rigorously maintained paddies. The terraces use the normal subak irrigation system, which has been practiced in Bali for hundreds of years. Strolling alongside the paths offers you a more in-depth have a look at the farmers at work and loads of alternatives to understand the dimensions and design of the panorama.
North Bali Excursions
As talked about earlier, that is my favourite Bali Tour as a result of I appreciated all 5 stops. We booked our tour on Klook. You’ll discover a variety of operators providing this tour, however particularly, we booked this North Bali Instagram Tour:
✅ BOOK NORTH BALI INSTAGRAM TOUR HERE!
This web page has a variety of choices, so be sure to select NORTH BALI. This can be a non-public tour, which means it was simply Vins and me sharing the automobile. However don’t fear, even non-public excursions in Bali should not costly, in comparison with different locations. The distinction between a personal tour and a join-in tour per individual isn’t a lot.
However in case you’re on a finances and you actually need to be part of a bunch tour with different vacationers, I discovered this on Klook, too. However we haven’t booked this one. Simply presenting another choice.
✅ BOOK NORTH BALI INSTAGRAM TOUR HERE!
CENTRAL BALI
Central Bali encompasses a number of regencies, however most of the beloved points of interest within the area are within the northern half of Badung and Gianyar Regencies. And at its coronary heart lies Ubud, stated to be the cultural core of Bali.
There’s so much to see and do in Central Bali, so that you’ll discover numerous iterations of this tour, often together with 4 to 5 websites, however some gadgets change. Listed below are a few of the most standard stops:
Sacred Monkey Forest
The Sacred Monkey Forest is house to over 600 long-tailed macaques and three major temples that date again a whole bunch of years. Strolling by way of the shaded paths lined with historical statues and mossy carvings, you get a way of how these temples have been a part of native life for generations. The monkeys roam freely, stealing snacks and inspecting guests’ luggage, so maintain on to your belongings.
Tegalalang Rice Terraces
Tegalalang Terraces are a traditional instance of the subak irrigation system that has formed Balinese agriculture for hundreds of years. The terraces rise in neat steps alongside the hillsides, with small paths that allow you to stroll among the many paddies. Many farmers nonetheless work right here, planting and harvesting rice utilizing conventional strategies, which makes it straightforward to understand the dimensions and energy behind the beautiful surroundings.
Entry right here often begins at properties that supply big swings and plenty of different photograph alternatives. You’ll should pay for these, however you may completely skip them in case you don’t need to.
Tirta Empul
Tirta Empul Temple, in-built 926 AD, is known for its holy spring the place locals and guests take part in ritual purification. You’ll be able to take part, stepping from fountain to fountain as water flows over every individual. Or you may simply admire from a distance or stroll across the temple complicated, composed of swimming pools, fountains, and shrines devoted to Vishnu. It’s an interesting glimpse into Bali’s religious traditions.
Ulu Petanu Falls
There are two major Central Bali Excursions accessible on Klook, they usually differ primarily within the final cease. One ends the tour at Ulu Petanu Falls. This can be a lesser-known waterfall. The trek to achieve it’s brief however includes some uneven terrain and stepping stones over streams. As soon as there, the water crashes into a large pool surrounded by rocks and greenery.
✅ BOOK UBUD BALI INSTAGRAM TOUR HERE!
Penglipuran Village
The opposite tour’s finale is at Penglipuran Village. It has preserved conventional Balinese structure and customs for hundreds of years, making it among the finest examples of cultural heritage on the island. The village streets are lined with bamboo fences and stone pathways, and households preserve their houses based on previous guidelines. Visiting right here gives a glimpse of each day life in a group that takes pleasure in protecting its traditions intact whereas welcoming curious vacationers.
✅ BOOK UBUD w/ PENGLIPURAN VILLAGE HERE!
Whichever of the 2 choices you select, be sure to select CENTRAL BALI within the choices. Different points of interest in Central Bali which are typically not included in excursions from Ubud are:
Blangsinga Bridge
Blangsinga Glass Bridge is a brief however thrilling walkway suspended over the Blangsinga River, and your entire ground is evident, so that you see all the pieces beneath your toes whether or not you need to or not. It’s a more recent attraction within the space, constructed to provide guests a fast adrenaline rush with out committing to a full-on hike or excessive sport.
The bridge sways somewhat when individuals stroll throughout, and crashing sound results play while you step on sure elements, including to the enjoyable. The encompassing jungle views additionally make the entire crossing really feel like a mini journey proper in the course of Gianyar.
Tegenungan Waterfall
Tegenungan Waterfall is likely one of the most simply accessible waterfalls in Bali, and it’s been attracting guests for many years. However if you wish to get near the cascade, you’ll nonetheless have to trek down the steps (which implies you’ll be climbing again up later).
The water drops into a big pool, good for a fast swim. The encompassing forest is dense and inexperienced, and the roar of the water drowns out the chatter from the crowds above.
Gianyar Night time Market
Gianyar Night time Market is the proper place to strive native Balinese avenue meals in a energetic setting. Stalls promote all the pieces from satay and fried snacks to desserts like klepon. Consuming right here is informal, enjoyable, and cheap, and it’s an effective way to expertise native flavors after a day of sightseeing.
Taman Ayun Temple
A UNESCO World Heritage Website, Taman Ayun Temple was in-built 1634 by the Mengwi Kingdom and is surrounded by a large moat and well-maintained gardens. Its multi-tiered meru towers and stone carvings are spectacular examples of Balinese temple structure. Strolling alongside the paths, you may see how the temple was designed as each a religious middle and a royal monument.
Sadly, we failed to go to this temple as a result of we ran out of time. However that is likely one of the causes we need to return!
EAST BALI
The drive to East Bali takes some time. The farther you go, the quieter it will get. It’s the a part of Bali that feels deeply rooted in its previous, the place each cease comes with a narrative. The points of interest listed here are far aside, however the preferred is certainly Lempuyang Temple.
Goa Raja Waterfall
Goa Raja Waterfall is a type of locations you gained’t discover plastered throughout postcards, which makes it even higher. The title means “King’s Cave,” and true to that, it’s tucked deep inside a forest close to Besakih. The path isn’t too lengthy, nevertheless it isn’t brief, both. When you hear the water, you’re shut.
The waterfall bursts out of a cave, echoing towards mossy rocks whereas daylight filters by way of from above. Locals say the cave is linked spiritually to Pura Besakih, Bali’s Mom Temple, only a few kilometers away. Whether or not or not you consider that, there’s one thing particular about standing there, half-soaked, surrounded by nothing however water and stone.
However to be trustworthy, Goa Raja wasn’t even in our unique itinerary.
Tukad Cepung Falls
We have been supposed to go to Tukad Cepung as a substitute, however for some motive, it was closed on the time. Our information then proposed to simply go to Goa Raja. However each waterfalls are identified for his or her curtains that cascade alongside a stream of daylight. You can too get near it.
Tirta Gangga
Tirta Gangga was constructed within the Nineteen Forties by the final King of Karangasem. The title means “holy water of the Ganges,” and even in the present day, locals nonetheless deal with it as a sacred website. The place is a maze of ponds, fountains, and guardian statues.
One pond with stepping stones is especially in style amongst vacationers {that a} lengthy line types round it. We weren’t within the photographs, although, so we merely walked across the maze of ponds and admired the fountains and guardian statues. However just for a short time. The solar was scorching that day, so we discovered a shady spot subsequent to a pond and sat for the remainder of our keep.
Lempuyang Temple
Lempuyang Temple, one in every of Bali’s oldest and most sacred temples, is claimed so far again over a thousand years. Most guests come for the well-known “Gate of Heaven,” the wildly Instagram-famous temple gates that completely body Mount Agung within the background. I’m positive you’ve seen the photograph. It’s all over the place! The reflection impact is only a mirror trick, however that didn’t cease the crowds from, nicely, crowding.
However right here’s the factor: If you wish to keep away from falling in line for hours otherwise you’re after the most effective circumstances, you’ll should get up actually early, hours earlier than daybreak. You see, this temple is situated near the easternmost tip of the island, two to 3 hours away from Kuta or Seminyak, and even Ubud, relying on the site visitors state of affairs.
Whenever you arrive on the car parking zone, you’ll want to attend and board a shuttle that can deliver you to the doorway. Right here, you’ll be given a queue quantity. You’ll additionally have to put on a sarong and hike up a bit to the precise temple.
Keep in mind that you’ve little or no management over your time. Because you’re queueing, it is going to be onerous to foretell the precise time you may be known as for the photographs. Mt. Agung may not be seen when it’s your flip, and there’s nothing you are able to do about it.
There isn’t a bodily queue. You’ll be able to spend the wait time exploring the temple, though once we visited, most elements have been closed as they have been making ready for a competition the following day. There are different photograph spots too.
When it’s lastly your flip, the photograph session will occur shortly. In a short time. In all probability only a minute or two. It’s free, however you’re anticipated to make a donation.
Lempuyang Temple is a historic and vital spiritual and cultural website. When you’re visiting since you like temples and also you recognize historical websites, go for it. When you’re right here for a photograph, I don’t suppose the drive and the lengthy wait are value it. I imply, it’s a terrific shot, however I don’t suppose I might anticipate hours once more only for pics. I haven’t even posted my photographs on-line, haha. Bali has different extra picturesque spots. However that’s simply my private opinion.
As a result of our teammates went right here at daybreak, Vins and I opted for a sundown go to. So this was truly our LAST cease.
Our timing wasn’t good, and the climate didn’t cooperate. After ready for hours, when it was lastly our flip for the photograph, it was so overcast that Mount Agung hid behind the clouds, and so did the solar. We didn’t get to see the sundown in any respect. However that’s probably not the fault of the tour operator. It’s simply that climate and wait occasions are a giant issue right here, and operators don’t have any management over them.
If you need the sundown tour, that is the precise tour that we booked on Klook:
✅ BOOK LEMPUYANG SUNSET TOUR HERE!
However in case you want the dawn tour, guide this as a substitute:
✅ BOOK LEMPUYANG SUNRISE TOUR HERE!
Tackle: Lempuyang Temple, Purwa Ayu Village, Abang District, Karangasem, Bali, Indonesia
Entrance Payment: IDR 70,000
Shuttle Fare: IDR 50,000
Taman Ujung Water Palace
Taman Ujung was constructed within the early twentieth century by the King of Karangasem and combines open ponds, bridges, and conventional Balinese structure. Strolling throughout the stone pathways over the water, you may take pleasure in fountains, pavilions, and statues whereas taking in views of the hills and sky with out bumping into anybody.
Different excursions additionally make a cease at Taman Ujung Water Palace, however this wasn’t a part of our itinerary.
SOUTH BALI
Southern Bali is the a part of the island that the majority vacationers know, with well-known seashores, iconic temples, and cultural points of interest all packed right into a small space. Visitors could be chaotic, however the views, sunsets, and photograph ops make it definitely worth the drive.
Most excursions have three to 4 of the next points of interest of their itineraries. It’s only a matter of choosing the proper mixture for you.
Tanah Lot
Tanah Lot is one in every of Bali’s most well-known sea temples, perched on a rock formation simply off the coast. Constructed within the sixteenth century, it’s nonetheless an energetic website for worship, and the sundown views draw crowds each night. The waves crash towards the rocks beneath, making it one of the photographed spots on the island.
Padang Padang Seashore
Padang Padang Seashore turned well-known after a sure Hollywood film was filmed right here, nevertheless it’s nonetheless value visiting for its small cove, white sand, and clear water. The trail down includes stairs carved into the rocks, which provides a little bit of journey earlier than you hit the seaside. It’s in style with surfers and sunbathers, so anticipate some firm throughout peak hours.
Uluwatu Temple & Kecak Hearth Dance
Uluwatu Temple sits on a cliff about 70 meters above the Indian Ocean and is over 1,000 years previous. Watching the sundown whereas the Kecak Hearth Dance efficiency unfolds beneath is unforgettable. Monkeys roam the temple grounds, so regulate your belongings, and don’t be stunned if one decides your sun shades are truthful sport.
Uluwatu Temple and Kecak Hearth Dance are often the final two stops in South Excursions. However the different two stops can change.
✅ BOOK TANAH LOT + PADANG PADANG + ULUWATU TOUR HERE!
Different websites that would exchange Tanah Lot and Padang Padang Seashore are:
Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park
Garuda Wisnu Kencana is house to one of many tallest statues on the planet, depicting Vishnu driving the legendary hen Garuda. The park contains exhibition halls, efficiency phases, and huge open areas to discover. It’s not solely a terrific place for photographs but additionally for studying about Hindu mythology and Balinese tradition.
Melasti Seashore
Melasti Seashore is a cliffside seaside with clear water and dramatic rock formations. It’s much less crowded than Padang Padang, making it simpler to stroll alongside the shore or take photographs. The drive right down to the seaside includes steep steps, however the views from the highest alone are definitely worth the effort.
Nusa Dua Seashore
Nusa Dua Seashore is lined with luxurious resorts however nonetheless has a public space the place guests can calm down on smooth sand or swim in calm waters. It’s good for households or anybody on the lookout for a low-key seaside day. The promenade alongside the seaside can be nice for a leisurely stroll with a view of the Indian Ocean.
When you want this tour, guide this as a substitute:
✅ BOOK GWK + MELASTI BEACH + ULUWATU TOUR HERE!
KUTA, LEGIAN & SEMINYAK
Kuta, Legian, and Seminyak are all within the southern half of Badung Regency. This space is the epicenter of tourism actions in Bali. If you need crowds, power, and choices for actually all the pieces, Kuta, Seminyak, and even Legian ship. From lengthy sandy seashores to infinite eating places and nightlife, this space is at all times buzzing. No marvel these are the busiest elements of the island.
Kuta/Legian/Seminyak Seashore
Kuta Seashore, Legian Seashore, and Seminyak Seashore are literally elements of the identical stretch of sandy shore! It’s lined with numerous institutions, dotted with surf colleges, and scribbled by a relentless stream of individuals. Legian sits proper subsequent to Kuta and is barely calmer however nonetheless energetic. Seminyak Seashore is extra upscale, lined with boutique inns and seaside golf equipment, and in style for watching sunsets over the Indian Ocean. You’ll be able to simply discover this seaside by yourself. No have to guide a tour.
Seminyak Meals Tour
Seminyak has turn out to be a foodie hotspot in Bali, providing all the pieces from conventional warungs (small, family-run native eateries) to high-end eating places. A meals tour allows you to pattern Balinese staples like babi guling, sate lilit, and contemporary seafood whereas discovering tucked-away cafés. You’ll go away stuffed, somewhat sweaty from strolling, and totally satisfied that Balinese meals deserves extra credit score than it will get.
Bali Nightlife
Nightlife in Kuta, Legian, and Seminyak ranges from informal seaside bars to very large golf equipment with worldwide DJs. Kuta has the traditional occasion scene with low-cost drinks and dwell music. Seminyak leans extra towards upscale lounges and cocktail bars. Both means, it’s straightforward to discover a place to bop, seize a drink, or simply people-watch till your toes complain.
Seminyak additionally has a vibrant homosexual scene. A bit of Jalan Camplung Tanduk Highway in Seminyak is the unofficial homosexual strip, with homosexual bars, drag reveals, and LGBTQIA+-friendly seaside bars.
NUSA PENIDA
Nusa Penida is a separate island, accessible solely by quick boat or ferry from Bali. It’s tough, uncooked, and price each bump on the highway. The island is much less developed than mainland Bali, which implies roads could be difficult, however the surroundings and photograph alternatives are unbelievable.
Kelingking Seashore
Kelingking Seashore is known for its T-Rex-shaped cliff, and sure, it seems precisely like the photographs. The perspective is excessive above the ocean, and a hike right down to the sand is steep and difficult, however doable when you’ve got sturdy footwear. From the highest, the turquoise water and white sand beneath take the time really feel rewarding, even when your legs are shaking.
Angel’s Billabong
Angel’s Billabong is a pure infinity pool carved into the cliffs the place waves crash into the rocks beneath. The water right here is evident and calm at low tide, good for dipping your toes or taking photographs. Timing is vital as a result of excessive tide could be harmful, however when it’s proper, it’s an uncommon and beautiful spot.
Damaged Seashore
Damaged Seashore, or Pasih Uug, has an enormous pure arch that lets ocean water circulate right into a round cove. The present is robust, so swimming just isn’t suggested, however strolling alongside the cliff offers dramatic views of waves crashing by way of the arch. It’s a fast cease for photographs, however one which reveals off the uncooked energy and fantastic thing about the island.
Crystal Seashore
Crystal Seashore is one in every of Nusa Penida’s calmer seashores, with golden sand and clear water that’s good for swimming or browsing. The trail down is steep however manageable, and the waves are often gentler than the west coast spots. It’s a pleasant approach to finish the day after cliff-hopping and pool-exploring, giving your legs an opportunity to calm down within the sand.
Some excursions exchange Crystal Seashore with one other seaside.
✅ BOOK NUSA PENIDA FULL DAY TOUR HERE!
DENPASAR
We’re not going to wrap up this text with out dabbling in Bali’s capital — Denpasar. It typically will get overshadowed by Ubud and the southern seashores, nevertheless it’s additionally filled with tradition, historical past, and a few of the finest eats on the island. A day right here could be a mixture of exploring conventional websites, wandering public seashores, and sampling meals from avenue distributors to eating places. Additionally it is much less touristy than Kuta or Seminyak.
Puri Agung Jro Kuta
Puri Agung Jro Kuta is a standard Balinese palace within the coronary heart of Denpasar. It dates again centuries and was as soon as house to the royal household of Kuta. Guests can discover the gates, courtyards, and complicated carvings whereas studying concerning the historical past of the native monarchy.
Sanur
Sanur is a quieter seaside space with a protracted public stretch good for strolling or watching the dawn. Alongside the beachfront, there are many native meals stalls, cafés, and eating places serving contemporary seafood, Nasi Campur, and different Balinese favorites. It’s straightforward to spend just a few hours right here combining a stroll alongside the sand with an off-the-cuff meals crawl.
Meals Tour
Denpasar is good for a food-focused day due to its selection. Avenue stalls promote satay, babi guling, and fried snacks, whereas eating places supply trendy takes on Balinese and Indonesian dishes. Sampling a mixture of flavors is simple, and each cease comes with an opportunity to speak with locals and see how conventional cooking is finished.
We booked our tour on Viator:
✅ BOOK DENPASAR FOOD TOUR HERE!
We’ll be making a separate article, whereby we’ll dive into Bali’s meals scene and share with you the most effective dishes we tried within the island.
We’re speaking noodles, babi guling, satay, desserts, and extra! We’ll be hitting up all the pieces from avenue stalls to fancy eating places, making an attempt all of the native favorites and hidden gems!
The place to Keep in Bali
Whereas we’ve a separate article going deep into the finest technique for selecting your Bali lodging, we’ve additionally rounded up a few of the finest locations to remain beneath in your quick access.
🔥🔥🔥 Use AGODATPT for 10% off on choose inns! 🔥🔥🔥
The Poor Traveler readers and followers can now use a particular low cost code to attain 10% low cost, as much as USD 100 (roughly PHP 5700)! To use and avail of the promo code, go to AGODATPT Promo Code.
Prime Motels in Ubud
Prime Motels in Kuta
Prime Motels in Seminyak
Seek for extra Bali Motels Right here!
Have Peace of Thoughts Whereas Touring!
Getting a journey insurance coverage is non-compulsory, however we extremely suggest this, particularly when touring overseas. Journey could be unpredictable, and although we hope we’ll by no means use it, having it offers us peace of thoughts in case of surprising delays, cancellations, or emergencies.
For worldwide locations, contemplate PGA Sompo’s TravelJOY Plus insurance coverage. You’ll be able to GET IT HERE. Don’t overlook to make use of WORTHIT for a particular reasonably priced price.
Updates Log
2025 11 23 – First uploaded
Edited by: Asta Alvarez
