Let me preface this by saying: writing this text has been a ache within the rear finish. You’d suppose developing with a listing of Bali sights can be straightforward. I imply, how laborious might 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 loads to do right here: numerous sights that may be organized into excursions in many alternative methods.
Though it’s potential to achieve among the vacationer spots DIY-style, probably the most regular method is by occurring a tour. You’ll be able to be part of a gaggle tour with a hard and fast itinerary. Or you may prepare a non-public tour so you have got management of your time and stops. So other than their location, I organized this checklist by following how operators divide and bundle these sights into excursions. I will even be sharing with you the hyperlinks to the place we booked our excursions. Hopefully, it’s extra useful this fashion.
WAIT, WAIT, WAIT! In case your are touring quickly and nonetheless on the starting stage, you may also go to our The Poor Traveler Masterlist. Right here, we compiled journey necessities, together with immigration necessities and all our really useful accommodations and excursions. Simply go to this web page: TPT Masterlist. We have now a compilation for locations all over the world.
CHARTERING A PRIVATE RIDE
However in order for you even extra flexibility, you may drive a rental automotive or bike. However if you happen to don’t wish to drive like us, you may constitution a automotive with a driver. We did simply that on different days, simply so we might strive it and canopy it on this weblog. Listed here are the charges we gathered.
CAR FOR 1-3 PAX
- Length: 6 Hours
Fee: IDR 482,000 (USD 29, P1700)
Notice: With Driver - Length: 10 Hours
Fee: IDR 623,000 (USD 37, P2200)
Notice: With Driver
CAR FOR 1-5 PAX
- Length: 6 Hours
Fee: IDR 517,000 (USD 31, P1825)
Notice: With Driver - Length: 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 examine the charges right here:
Notice that almost all pre-arranged excursions already cowl the doorway charges. However if you happen to’ll pull a DIY or constitution a non-public journey, you’ll should pay them your self individually.
✅ For those who’re extra comfy utilizing Klook companies to 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 would possibly change sooner or later, so greatest to only 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 seashore 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 every thing with out dashing.
Handara Gate
Our first cease was Handara Gate, which stands on the entrance of the Handara Golf & Resort. However the gate rapidly turned a images hotspot for vacationers, providing a much less hectic and fewer crowded various to the Gate of Heaven at Lempuyang Temple. It appears to be like comparable 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 if you happen to 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 aside from taking images.
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 find out about 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’ll be greeted by the falls.
The dual streams cascade right into a pure pool, and the water is chilly, excellent for a fast dip. It’s one in all 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 referred to as Wanagiri Heaven, overlooks Lake Buyan and Lake Tamblingan. It’s well-known for its swings, hen’s nests, and picture platforms. The spot turned in style for vacationers, due to Instagram. Going early helps beat the group and allows you to benefit from the surroundings with out ready to your activate the swings.
Jatiluwih Rice Terraces
Jatiluwih Rice Terraces are a UNESCO World Heritage website and canopy lots of of hectares with fastidiously maintained paddies. The terraces use the standard subak irrigation system, which has been practiced in Bali for hundreds of years. Strolling alongside the paths provides you a better take 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 quite a lot of operators providing this tour, however particularly, we booked this North Bali Instagram Tour:
✅ BOOK NORTH BALI INSTAGRAM TOUR HERE!
This web page has quite a lot of choices, so be sure you select NORTH BALI. It is a non-public tour, which means it was simply Vins and me sharing the automotive. However don’t fear, even non-public excursions in Bali are usually not costly, in comparison with different locations. The distinction between a non-public tour and a join-in tour per individual isn’t a lot.
However if you happen to’re on a price range and you actually wish to be part of a gaggle 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 lots of the beloved sights within the area are within the northern half of Badung and Gianyar Regencies. And at its coronary heart lies Ubud, mentioned to be the cultural core of Bali.
There’s loads 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 here are among the most regular stops:
Sacred Monkey Forest
The Sacred Monkey Forest is house to over 600 long-tailed macaques and three major temples that date again lots of of years. Strolling via the shaded paths lined with historic 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 basic 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 lots of different picture alternatives. You’ll should pay for these, however you may completely skip them if you happen to don’t wish 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 non secular traditions.
Ulu Petanu Falls
There are two major Central Bali Excursions out there on Klook, and so they differ primarily within the final cease. One ends the tour at Ulu Petanu Falls. It is a lesser-known waterfall. The trek to achieve it’s quick however entails 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 in keeping with previous guidelines. Visiting right here gives a glimpse of each day life in a neighborhood that takes delight in maintaining its traditions intact whereas welcoming curious vacationers.
✅ BOOK UBUD w/ PENGLIPURAN VILLAGE HERE!
Whichever of the 2 choices you select, be sure you select CENTRAL BALI within the choices. Different sights in Central Bali which can be 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 the complete ground is evident, so that you see every thing beneath your toes whether or not you wish to or not. It’s a more moderen attraction within the space, constructed to offer guests a fast adrenaline rush with out committing to a full-on hike or excessive sport.
The bridge sways a little bit when individuals stroll throughout, and crashing sound results play whenever you step on sure components, including to the enjoyable. The encircling jungle views additionally make the entire crossing really feel like a mini journey proper in the midst of Gianyar.
Tegenungan Waterfall
Tegenungan Waterfall is among 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 must trek down the steps (which implies you’ll be climbing again up later).
The water drops into a big pool, excellent for a fast swim. The encircling forest is dense and inexperienced, and the roar of the water drowns out the chatter from the crowds above.
Gianyar Evening Market
Gianyar Evening Market is the proper place to strive native Balinese avenue meals in a energetic setting. Stalls promote every thing 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 non secular heart and a royal monument.
Sadly, we failed to go to this temple as a result of we ran out of time. However that is among the causes we wish 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 sights listed here are far aside, however the preferred is unquestionably 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 identify means “King’s Cave,” and true to that, it’s tucked deep inside a forest close to Besakih. The path isn’t too lengthy, however it isn’t quick, both. When you hear the water, you’re shut.
The waterfall bursts out of a cave, echoing in opposition to mossy rocks whereas daylight filters via from above. Locals say the cave is related 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 an alternative, however for some motive, it was closed on the time. Our information then proposed to only go to Goa Raja. However each waterfalls are identified for his or her curtains that cascade alongside a stream of daylight. You may also get near it.
Tirta Gangga
Tirta Gangga was constructed within the Forties by the final King of Karangasem. The identify means “holy water of the Ganges,” and even as we speak, 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 images, 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 all Bali’s oldest and most sacred temples, is alleged to this point 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 certain you’ve seen the picture. It’s in all places! 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 very best circumstances, you’ll should get up actually early, hours earlier than daybreak. You see, this temple is positioned near the easternmost tip of the island, two to 3 hours away from Kuta or Seminyak, and even Ubud, relying on the visitors scenario.
While you arrive on the car parking zone, you’ll want to attend and board a shuttle that may convey you to the doorway. Right here, you’ll be given a queue quantity. You’ll additionally must put on a sarong and hike up a bit to the precise temple.
Keep in mind that you’ve got little or no management over your time. Because you’re queueing, will probably be laborious to foretell the precise time you’ll be referred to as for the images. Mt. Agung won’t be seen when it’s your flip, and there’s nothing you are able to do about it.
There isn’t any bodily queue. You’ll be able to spend the wait time exploring the temple, though once we visited, most components have been closed as they have been making ready for a pageant the following day. There are different picture spots too.
When it’s lastly your flip, the picture session will occur rapidly. In a short time. Most likely 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. For those who’re visiting since you like temples and also you respect historic websites, go for it. For those who’re right here for a photograph, I don’t suppose the drive and the lengthy wait are value it. I imply, it’s an incredible shot, however I don’t suppose I’d look ahead to hours once more only for pics. I haven’t even posted my images 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 really our LAST cease.
Our timing wasn’t excellent, and the climate didn’t cooperate. After ready for hours, when it was lastly our flip for the picture, 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 instances are a giant issue right here, and operators haven’t any management over them.
If you would like the sundown tour, that is the precise tour that we booked on Klook:
✅ BOOK LEMPUYANG SUNSET TOUR HERE!
However if you happen to favor the dawn tour, e book this as an alternative:
✅ BOOK LEMPUYANG SUNRISE TOUR HERE!
Deal with: 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 almost all vacationers know, with well-known seashores, iconic temples, and cultural sights all packed right into a small space. Site visitors will be chaotic, however the views, sunsets, and picture ops make it well worth the drive.
Most excursions have three to 4 of the next sights of their itineraries. It’s only a matter of choosing the proper mixture for you.
Tanah Lot
Tanah Lot is one in all 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 lively website for worship, and the sundown views draw crowds each night. The waves crash in opposition to the rocks under, making it one of the crucial photographed spots on the island.
Padang Padang Seaside
Padang Padang Seaside turned well-known after a sure Hollywood film was filmed right here, however it’s nonetheless value visiting for its small cove, white sand, and clear water. The trail down entails stairs carved into the rocks, which provides a little bit of journey earlier than you hit the seashore. It’s in style with surfers and sunbathers, so count on some firm throughout peak hours.
Uluwatu Temple & Kecak Fireplace 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 Fireplace Dance efficiency unfolds under is unforgettable. Monkeys roam the temple grounds, so regulate your belongings, and don’t be stunned if one decides your sun shades are truthful recreation.
Uluwatu Temple and Kecak Fireplace 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 change Tanah Lot and Padang Padang Seaside are:
Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park
Garuda Wisnu Kencana is house to one of many tallest statues on this planet, depicting Vishnu driving the legendary hen Garuda. The park contains exhibition halls, efficiency levels, and enormous open areas to discover. It’s not solely an incredible place for images but additionally for studying about Hindu mythology and Balinese tradition.
Melasti Seaside
Melasti Seaside is a cliffside seashore 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 images. The drive right down to the seashore entails steep steps, however the views from the highest alone are well worth the effort.
Nusa Dua Seaside
Nusa Dua Seaside is lined with luxurious resorts however nonetheless has a public space the place guests can chill out on comfortable sand or swim in calm waters. It’s excellent for households or anybody on the lookout for a low-key seashore day. The promenade alongside the seashore can also be nice for a leisurely stroll with a view of the Indian Ocean.
For those who favor this tour, e book this as an alternative:
✅ 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 would like crowds, power, and choices for actually every thing, Kuta, Seminyak, and even Legian ship. From lengthy sandy seashores to infinite eating places and nightlife, this space is all the time buzzing. No marvel these are the busiest components of the island.
Kuta/Legian/Seminyak Seaside
Kuta Seaside, Legian Seaside, and Seminyak Seaside are literally components 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 Seaside is extra upscale, lined with boutique accommodations and seashore golf equipment, and in style for watching sunsets over the Indian Ocean. You’ll be able to simply discover this seashore by yourself. No must e book a tour.
Seminyak Meals Tour
Seminyak has turn out to be a foodie hotspot in Bali, providing every thing 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 depart stuffed, a little bit sweaty from strolling, and absolutely satisfied that Balinese meals deserves extra credit score than it will get.
Bali Nightlife
Nightlife in Kuta, Legian, and Seminyak ranges from informal seashore bars to very large golf equipment with worldwide DJs. Kuta has the basic occasion scene with low-cost drinks and reside music. Seminyak leans extra towards upscale lounges and cocktail bars. Both method, it’s straightforward to discover a place to bounce, seize a drink, or simply people-watch till your toes complain.
Seminyak additionally has a vibrant homosexual scene. A piece of Jalan Camplung Tanduk Highway in Seminyak is the unofficial homosexual strip, with homosexual bars, drag reveals, and LGBTQIA+-friendly seashore 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 will be difficult, however the surroundings and picture alternatives are unbelievable.
Kelingking Seaside
Kelingking Seaside is known for its T-Rex-shaped cliff, and sure, it appears to be like precisely like the photographs. The point of view is excessive above the ocean, and a hike right down to the sand is steep and difficult, however doable in case you have sturdy footwear. From the highest, the turquoise water and white sand under take some 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 under. The water right here is evident and calm at low tide, excellent for dipping your toes or taking images. Timing is vital as a result of excessive tide will be harmful, however when it’s proper, it’s an uncommon and beautiful spot.
Damaged Seaside
Damaged Seaside, or Pasih Uug, has an enormous pure arch that lets ocean water circulate right into a round cove. The present is robust, so swimming will not be suggested, however strolling alongside the cliff provides dramatic views of waves crashing via the arch. It’s a fast cease for images, however one which reveals off the uncooked energy and great thing about the island.
Crystal Seaside
Crystal Seaside is one in all 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 method to finish the day after cliff-hopping and pool-exploring, giving your legs an opportunity to chill out within the sand.
Some excursions change Crystal Seaside with one other seashore.
✅ 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, however it’s additionally filled with tradition, historical past, and among the greatest eats on the island. A day right here generally is a mixture of exploring conventional websites, wandering public seashores, and sampling meals from avenue distributors to eating places. It is usually 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 in regards to the historical past of the native monarchy.
Sanur
Sanur is a quieter seashore space with an extended public stretch excellent 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 a couple of hours right here combining a stroll alongside the sand with an informal meals crawl.
Meals Tour
Denpasar is good for a food-focused day due to its selection. Road stalls promote satay, babi guling, and fried snacks, whereas eating places supply fashionable takes on Balinese and Indonesian dishes. Sampling a mixture of flavors is straightforward, and each cease comes with an opportunity to speak with locals and see how conventional cooking is completed.
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 very best dishes we tried within the island.
We’re speaking noodles, babi guling, satay, desserts, and extra! We’ll be hitting up every thing 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 have now a separate article going deep into the greatest technique for selecting your Bali lodging, we’ve additionally rounded up among the greatest locations to remain under to your easy accessibility.
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High Motels in Ubud
High Motels in Kuta
High Motels in Seminyak
Seek for extra Bali Motels Right here!
Have Peace of Thoughts Whereas Touring!
Getting a journey insurance coverage is optionally available, however we extremely suggest this, particularly when touring overseas. Journey will be unpredictable, and although we hope we’ll by no means use it, having it provides us peace of thoughts in case of sudden delays, cancellations, or emergencies.
For worldwide locations, take into account PGA Sompo’s TravelJOY Plus insurance coverage. You’ll be able to GET IT HERE. Don’t neglect to make use of WORTHIT for a particular reasonably priced fee.
Updates Log
2025 11 23 – First uploaded
Edited by: Asta Alvarez
