Some people say that Bali is overrated, too touristy, and not worth a visit, while some say it is one of the best experiences in their travels in Indonesia. I guess it all depends on how you want to enjoy Bali. With so many places of interest and beautiful beaches, Bali will definitely still delight you.
Regardless, as time has passed, and places may have grown, Bali is still what it is. If you can look past the many tourists, especially during the peak season and enjoy instead of the many attractions dotted around catered explicitly for tourists, you might fall in love with Bali.
Bali deserves the attention it is still getting, and our top 10 must-visit places list is enough to show why you should not give Bali a miss!
Uluwatu Temple – Pura Luhur
Uluwatu Temple, a truly must-visit in Bali, is also known as Pura Luhur. Imagine a large rugged limestone cliff with a temple perched on it; to add to its dramatic grandeur it is like a scene from Cliffhanger. It is situated in Bukit Peninsula, which houses Bali’s few best beaches like Balangan, Padang-Padang and Nyang-Nyang as well as many good surfing spots. The temple itself is a majestic structure; constructed and expanded many times since the 11th century. It is perched on a steep cliff of 70 meters above the Indian Ocean. If you go on even higher grounds, you will be rewarded with a breathtaking view on either side and sunset over Uluwatu temple itself.
Pura Tanah Lot
Another majestic rock formation lies as a foundation of a popular pilgrimage temple, known as Pura Tanah Lot. It is most popular for its serenity and cultural significance as it is associated with the Balinese mythology as one of the seven temples that form a ring in the southwest of Bali. A travel tip is to visit the place during the low tide so that you can “walk across the water” to the temple for the full experience.
Pura Ulun Danu Bratan (Bali’s temple by the lake)
Pura Ulun Danu Bratan is another must visit temple in Bali, , this one is serenely resting at the edge of Lake Bratan unlike the rest that are perching on rocky cliffs. Imagine a beautifully structured temple with its image reflected on the clear lake doubling its beauty.
Dolphin sightings at Lovina
Another thing to see in Bali is the dolphins! Lovina is one of the best places in Bali to go on a dolphin sightseeing boat trip. You will leave the beach at dawn. Yes it may be quite crowded with other tourists trying to do the same especially during peak season, it is especially worth it when you find a school of dolphins happily jumping out of the sea. Lovina itself also offers many other attractions, activities and even boasts some backpacker scenes where you can chill out in cafes with live music.
Ubud
Yes, despite that one might be trying to escape the “eat, pray, love” trail, Ubud is one place you cannot miss in your visit. It is the heart of Bali, where all the action, people and energy are focused. Ubud is packed with the best of Bali: nature, culture, people, temples, museums, rolling rice fields/paddy fields, human-made gardens, and parks. You may take a bike tour, enroll in a cooking class, do adventure activities like whitewater rafting and abseiling, relax with yoga/meditation, get pampered spa sessions, immerse in the arts and theatres, and last but not least, the shopping. As you see, Ubud has a little bit of everything for the discerning traveler.
Party at Kuta Beach
Kuta is the most popular beach in Bali, which means you can be sure to find life and party scene here. Head here if you are looking to socialize, party and have a good time. You can be sure to find a range of places for different atmosphere and budget, ranging from Hard Rock Cafe to your neighborhood cafe and pub.
Ayana bar on rocks
We had two temples on the cliff, and now we get to drink off a bar perched on yet another cliff at Ayana bar resort * in Bali. This bar is known as the best bar in Bali, with long lines of people trying to get in on a daily basis to have a drink or some bites while overlooking the sea crashing into the rocks below. The bites at this incredibly popular bar are surprisingly good. Imagine the combination of drinking, chilling and dancing atop a cliff with the roaring sea stretching behind you to infinity while you watch white water crashing onto the side of the wall creates a spectacular natural show. If you decide which is the one bar you must go to in Bali, Ayana bar on the rocks is the place. You may get special access to the bar as a guest of Ayana Resort and Spa or RIMBA Jimbaran by Ayana *.
Private luxury at Nusa Dua beach
If you have a bit more of a budget to spare, splurge at Nusa Dua beach, where it is dotted with high-end hotels and resorts. You will be rewarded with private pristine beaches for you to slowly soak in the sun and the sea. Nusa Dua is also ideal for couples on honeymoon in Bali or people looking for a private and relaxing getaway.
Hike/Climb Mount Batur at Kintamani
Up in a highland in East of Bali, there lies Mount Batur caldera in Kintamani. A climb to the summit (1700 meters) of this active volcano is a great experience for any active travelers and surely a place of interest not to be missed. Many would do the sunrise hike for an ultimate experience, starting from as early as 4 am to reach in time for the 6 am sunrise. This hike is relatively easy, and the treks are quite well marked. From the peak of the mountain, there are views in all directions to sweep you off your feet, not literally, of course.
Coffee plantation at Bali Pulina Agro Tourism
An almost zen place for you to sit back and really appreciate your cup of coffee while An almost zen place for you to sit back and really appreciate your cup of coffee while overlooking the coffee plantation as far as the eye can see. Here you are served with various coffee and tea for tasting. You can also see the process of how the famous and expensive Kopi Luwak is made and get up close to the the civet cats themselves. If you are a coffee lover, do check this place out for the ultimate coffee experience.
So you have it, ten reasons to visit Bali and these are just the highlights. Now you know the reason behind Bali’s popularity, so maybe people can be right sometimes. Come over with an open heart and open arms, a huge ounce of patience and tolerance for the crowd, close an eye to all the touristy things glaring at you and enjoy yourself here. If all else fail, you can always jump on the next available fast boat and escape to Gili Islands or its rival Lombok!
