5 Best Places to Visit in Bali

The cultural heart of Bali, Ubud sits amongst the rice paddies that cascade the foothills of the central mountains.

In Ubud, travelers can visit fascinating museums to learn about local history, spiritual complexes to delve into the island’s unique culture and customs, food markets to explore the regional cuisine, and craft shops to purchase souvenirs to commemorate a Bali vacation. These are among the best experiences in Bali, all of which can be enjoyed from Ubud.

You can also wander the emerald rice terraces or peruse Monkey Forest to witness the endemic wildlife that thrives amongst the flourishing forest flora.

Highlights: Ubud Monkey Forest • Tegalalang Rice Terraces • Goa Gajah • Ubud Royal Palace • Campuhan Ridge Walk

Recommended Length of Stay: 2-3 days

Lovina is a corner of Bali that boasts beautiful beaches and local villages where time slows down and travelers can soak up the sunshine in style overlooking the sparkling sea.

Some beaches feature black-sand shores and others offer calmer swells than those in Bali’s surf spots. Boats sit on the sand encouraging travelers to call to captains and set sail across the silky blue waters to quiet coves and castaway isles.

In the evenings, you can visit gourmet seafood restaurants to tuck into the fare Bali has to offer.

Highlights: Bike tours • Dolphin watching • Snorkeling • Spa therapies • Sunset watching

Recommended Length of Stay: 2-3 days

The Seminyak beach resort boasts a strip of sand featuring classy dining establishments, sensational surfing, and scuba diving just beyond the shore.

Sunset cocktails are a staple for evenings in Seminyak, boutique stores are great places to find curiosities to commemorate your stay, and temple tours can let you uncover the spirit of Bali.

When visiting Seminyak, you can spend most of your time lounging on the beach and swimming in the sea between meals, shopping trips, and cruises around the island.

Highlights: Potato Head Beach Club • Scuba diving • Nyaman Gallery • Horseback riding • Surfing

Recommended Length of Stay: 2-3 days

The Bukit Peninsula represents the southern end of Bali and it is a great place to find some sensational island experiences.

Pura Luhur Uluwatu is an iconic temple on the edge of the Uluwatu cliffs and one of the top Bali tourist attractions. Fire-dance shows are cultural traditions that take place around the corner from the famous spiritual site and Padang Padang beach is one of the world’s best surf spots.

You can experience these highlights and more during a day trip to the Bukit peninsula, complete with cocktails on a terrace nestled on the peninsula’s towering cliffs overlooking the sea. Plan to visit during the best time in Bali for great weather to experience the beauty of the Bukit Peninsula in style.

Highlights: Fire-dance show • Padang Padang • Pura Luhur Uluwatu • Paragliding • Museum Pasifika

Recommended Length of Stay: 1-2 days

Nusa Penida is one of three exotic islands off Bali’s coast that you will be thrilled to visit during your stay on the island.

Crystal Bay is an immaculate scuba-diving destination on the island that shows off the region’s colorful coral reefs, hidden beaches, and majestic marine life. During a visit, you can also climb a winding staircase within a cave to visit the impressive Balinese Hindu temple, Goa Giri Putri.

Be sure to stop at the humble coastal village of Ped for scrumptious Balinese seafood and Angel’s Billabong lagoon for surreal scenic photography of Nusa Penida, some of the top Bali attractions.

Highlights: Crystal Bay • Goa Giri Putri • Ped • Atuh Beach • Banah Cliff Point

Recommended Length of Stay: 1 day

Explore the tropical shores of Bali, escape to the lush forests that veil the island, immerse yourself in the local traditions and spiritual culture, and wallow in the warm waters as you snorkel or scuba dive to spot underwater wonders on sample itineraries from our Bali vacations.

If you want to find out more about Bali and the beautiful Indonesian islands, discover travel tips and inspiration in our Bali travel guide.