Bali is a popular Indonesian island east of Java and west of Lombok, known for its beautiful beaches, scenic rice terraces and inspiring mountains. With a tropical climate year round and a plethora of activities for both thrill-seekers and those looking to unwind, Bali is an enduring staple on travelers’ bucket lists.
Here are 10 amazing reasons to visit Bali.
Visit Bali’s stunning beaches
There’s nothing quite like a dose of Vitamin ‘Sea’. Bali is well stocked in that regard, with amazing beaches dotted throughout the island. There’s a collection of popular beaches located in the southwestern strip of Bali that is served with a wide variety of shopping, dining and accommodation options. These beaches include:
- Kuta Beach: A beach well-known for its vibrant and party atmosphere, which continues late into the night. It’s also an ideal location to pick up surfing. Kuta can get fairly crowded during the peak season months of June, July and August.
- Legian Beach: This is Kuta Beach’s quieter and more relaxed northern neighbour with a long stretch of golden sand. Legian Beach has an upscale atmosphere that provides a good balance of liveliness and tranquility.
- Seminyak Beach: A beach that has a chic and upscale vibe. Given that Seminyak is a centre for exclusive fashion boutiques, the beach has a trendy and fashionable atmosphere.
- Petitenget Beach: A popular beach for its amazing sunsets, Petitenget Beach has a long stretch of white sand, making it an ideal location for walks and beach photography.
- Batu Belig Beach: A black sand beach with a calm and quiet atmosphere.
- Canggu Beach: A black sand beach that’s world-renowned for its consistent, barrelling waves and surfing culture.
If you’re willing to travel beyond the southwestern strip of the island, Bali has stunning beaches that are worth taking the time to get to. Nusa Dua Beach is known for its long stretch of white sand and calm, clear waters. Sanur Beach has calm, shallow waters with breathtaking sunrises. And Padang Padang Beach is a hidden gem with crystal-clear turquoise waters that’s reached via a stairway carved into the cliffside.
There are many more beaches to explore and if you have the time, it’s worth visiting several during your trip to Bali. Each has its own character and vibe. Some are more lively, offering a variety of water sports such as surfing, snorkeling and canoeing, and others are more tranquil, which are ideal for relaxing on a lounge chair under a parasol while immersing yourself in the calmness of the waves. When it comes to beaches, Bali has something for everyone.
Experience the rich cultural heritage of Bali
Bali’s rich cultural heritage is expressed via the population’s adherence to Balinese Hinduism, a syncretic blend of Hindu, Buddhist and indigenous beliefs and traditions. Bali New Year, for example, known as Nyepi, involves the boisterous Ogoh Ogoh Parade followed by the Day of Silence, in which almost everyone stays inside and businesses, schools, roads and the airport are closed for 24 hours.
Bali is known as the island of a thousand temples, with the number of temples actually estimated to be over 10,000. Visiting a temple in Bali is a great way to experience and learn about Balinese culture. Bali’s most iconic temples include:
- Tanah Lot Temple: Located about 300 metres offshore Bali’s main island, Tanah Lot means Land in the Sea and is believed to date back to the 16th century. It’s built on a unique rock formation where one can take in magnificent sunsets, making it one of the most photographed temples in Bali.
- Uluwatu Temple: Built on the summit of a dramatic cliff with crashing waves of the Indian Ocean down below, Uluwatu Temple dates back to the 11th century. It’s home to a sizeable monkey population and visitors can watch the captivating Kecak Fire Dance, a non-instrumental traditional Balinese performance that depicts a love story from the Ramayana.
- Ulun Danu Beratan Temple: Located in the mountainous Bedugul Regency, Ulun Danu Beratan Temple is surrounded by the tranquil waters of Lake Beratan, 1,500 metres above sea level and is depicted in the 50,000 Indonesian rupiah banknote.
Experience the majestic waterfalls of Bali
Bali is home to a number of breathtaking waterfalls, where you can take in the majesty of Bali’s nature and the island’s natural beauty. Bali’s most popular waterfalls include:
- Tegenungan Waterfall: Located near Ubud, Tegenungan Waterfall is where you can feel the power of Bali’s natural environment as water gushes down 15 metres from a clifftop to a base where you can enjoy a refreshing swim.
- Kanto Lampo Waterfall: At Kanto Lampo, water cascades down a series of multi-tiered of rock formations to create a stunning visual effect.
- Banyumala Twin Waterfalls: Located in the northern region of Bali, the Banyumala Twin Waterfalls, as the name suggests, features two parallel streams cascading down a lush, green cliff.
- Aling-Aling Waterfall: Providing a majestic sight of water streaming down a steep cliff, Aling-Aling Waterfall is also a popular hotspot for thrill-seekers where you can participate in cliff jumping and water sliding.
Much like beaches, the waterfalls of Bali have their own character and vibe. Some tend to be crowded, particularly at peak times, and others are hidden gems that provide a more tranquil vibe. Some waterfalls are fairly close to each other. For example, Tegenungan is around 20 minutes away from Kanto Lampo. And Kanto Lampo is only a 7 minute drive from Goa Rang Reng Waterfall, which is 10 minutes away from Tibumana Waterfall.
So if you have the time, it’s worth going ‘waterfall hopping’ to get a flavour of what Bali’s waterfalls have to offer.
Take in the beauty of Bali’s scenic rice terraces
Bali’s rice terraces are stunning agricultural tapestries carved into the hillsides of the island’s landscape. But they’re more than just a picturesque view. Bali’s rice terraces are a testament to the island’s rich cultural heritage and ancient water management practices known as subak, which dates back to the 9th century and is inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List.
In Bali, water management is in the hands of village cooperatives that work together to coordinate irrigation and ensure water is distributed in an equitable manner.
Stunning rice terraces to visit in Bali include:
- Jatiluwih Rice Terraces: Located in central Bali, Jatiluwih spans over 600 hectares. With a view of the imposing Mount Batukaru on the horizon, it’s renowned for its panoramic vistas having one of the most spectacular rice terrace landscapes in the world.
- Tegallalang Rice Terrace: Also known as Ceking Rice Terrace, Tegallalang is located 10 kilometres north of Ubud and situated in a valley that offers stunning views of emerald-green terraced fields that cascade down the slopes of the verdant landscape.
Bali’s rice terraces cater to a wide variety of interests. They’re a great way to learn about and experience the impact of the island’s traditional subak water management system. You can also relax and unwind as you immerse yourself in the tranquil rice terrace environment and gaze at incredible panoramic vistas. And if you want a more active experience, you can try hiking and cycling, along with some rice terrace locations such as Tegallalang offering zip lining and jungle swings.
Immerse yourself in Bali’s wellness scene
Bali has a thriving wellness scene that’s ideal for mental and physical relaxation and rejuvenation. There are numerous spas dotted throughout the island where you can enjoy a traditional Balinese massage, a deep-tissue treatment that combines elements of acupressure, aromatherapy and reflexology. And as described earlier, Bali’s abundant natural beauty from pristine beaches to lush rice terraces makes it ideal for hiking, surfing and various other outdoor activities.
Ubud is the epicentre of Bali’s wellness scene and is often described as the Yoga Capital of the World. There’s a vast array of yoga and meditation centres offering different styles of yoga instruction, from Hatha to Iyengar, to suit your preferences and experience level. Some of these centres are open-air spaces or situated within Bali’s panoramic rice terraces, making Bali’s yoga experience uniquely serene.
Ubud is also renowned for its healthy food scene. You’ll find a variety of raw food cafés and restaurants, juice bars, and vegan and vegetarian outlets, which are ideal for the health-conscious traveler. And ultimately, a highlight of Ubud is the vibrant community of like-minded people who come from around the world seeking wellbeing for mind, body and soul.
Visit the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary in Ubud
Also known as the Ubud Monkey Forest, the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary is a 30 acre forest in Ubud that’s home to over 1,200 Balinese long-tailed macaques. Along with watching monkeys feeding, playing and swinging from tree to tree, visitors can enjoy exploring the vast jungle environment that’s home to 115 tree species, spiritual statues and 14th century temples.
A highlight is to observe macaque behaviour within the complex social structures of their communities. Conflict resolution, social bonding and tool use are all intriguing to observe. Make sure to read the Monkey Forest guidelines that advise not looking at monkeys in the eyes and keeping your valuables safe to ensure you have a stress-free visit.
Shop till you drop at Bali’s bustling markets
Bali’s markets offer a diverse blend of traditional and modern shopping experiences. They’re ideal to shop for souvenirs, admire Balinese craftsmanship, try delicious street food and engage in light-hearted haggling.
Popular markets in Bali include:
- Badung Market: Located in Bali’s capital of Denpasar, Badung Market is the largest traditional market in Bali. Spanning over 4 floors and open 24 hours a day, its a sensory overload of bustling activity and vibrant colours where you can buy fresh produce, try traditional Balinese dishes and browse handmade crafts, textiles and clothing.
- Ubud Art Market: Located in central Ubud, Ubud Art Market is a great place to explore and browse authentic Balinese artisanal products and souvenirs. From hand-woven bags and intricate wood carvings to traditional Indonesian Batik clothing, there’s an abundance of Balinese culture on display.
- Sukawati Art Market: Located in Sukawati and a 10 minute drive from Tegenungan Waterfall, Sukawati Art Market is one of the oldest art markets in Bali. It stands out due to the extensive selection of items on sale and for having lower prices compared to other markets.
Savour the taste of authentic Balinese cuisine
Balinese cuisine is a rich blend of bold flavours, exotic spices and diverse cultural influences derived from India, China and neighbouring Indonesian islands. Try Nasi Campur, a delicious mixed rice dish with portions of meat, eggs, vegetables, fish and sambal (Indonesian chilli sauce). Or if you want a quick snack, try Pisang Goreng, sliced bananas coated in batter and deep-fried until golden brown. Often served with grated coconut or palm sugar syrup, Pisang Goreng is an ideal street food snack to have while you’re on the go.
If you’re working up a sweat on a sunny day and you want something to drink, Es Kuwut is a sweet, refreshing drink consisting of coconut water, basil seeds, honeydew melon, coconut flesh and lime juice. And for a caffeine hit, try a cup of Kopi Bali, a Balinese coffee renowned for its distinct bright and citrusy flavour profile.
Scale the heights of Bali’s majestic mountains
Bali’s mountains are majestically carved into the island’s landscape, forming peaks that offer stunning views and have shaped Bali’s culture, spirituality, and way of life for centuries. They’re great places to go hiking and trekking, visit mountaintop temples, relax in natural hot springs and witness breathtaking sunrises.
The two most popular mountains to climb in Bali are Mount Batur and Mount Agung.
Mount Batur is a 5,633 feet high mountain that’s considered a moderate climb and renowned for its stunning sunrises. It’s an active volcano whose activity is monitored closely, with its last eruption occurring in 2000. Mount Batur is located within an inner and outer caldera structure (a large depression formed when a volcano collapses due to the emptying of its magma chamber), estimated to have been formed 23,700 years ago. The outer caldera is home to Lake Batur, which adds to the scenic charm of Mount Batur rising up from the lake’s surface.
Mount Agung is a 9,888 feet mountain whose peak is the highest point in Bali. Revered as the most sacred mountain in Bali, Mount Agung is a challenging climb that requires a good level of fitness. However the steep hills and long trails are worth it as the scenery is incredible. Much like Mount Batur, Mount Agung is an active volcano with its latest eruptions occurring between 2017 and 2019.
When choosing a mountain to climb in Bali, make sure to select one that’s appropriate for your experience and fitness levels. Bring water and snacks, take breaks if you need to and book a guided tour to ensure you remain safe and can make the most of your hiking experience.
Immerse yourself in Bali’s thriving digital nomad scene
Bali is an attractive destination for people looking to make the most of the island’s natural beauty, warm climate and remote work-friendly infrastructure. Work isn’t so bad when you can do it by the beach or on a poolside lounger. For those looking to extend their stay, Indonesia has introduced specific visas such as the Remote Worker Visa.
Budget-friendly accommodation along with affordable food and transport make Bali a cost-effective location to work from. There are also various co-working spaces such as Biliq Seminyak and Hub Bali Coworking Legian that provide fast wifi, free coffee and opportunities to network with like-minded freelancers and entrepreneurs. And ultimately Bali’s cultural blend of relaxation and adventure makes it a digital nomad haven ideal for those wanting a healthy work-life balance.
