13 Incredible Must Visit Places in Bali for First Timers
You’ve just booked your ticket to Bali and now you’re wondering what places you should visit.
Planning a trip is not an effortless task, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the sea of information available online.
You know the feeling. The numbing sensation of procrastination kicking in.
Ah yes, paralysis by analysis.
Instead, you might even find yourself on Instagram, looking at amazing traveler snaps of Bali and dreaming about how your perfect vacay should be like.
So let’s stop the madness.
Let us show you the most epic places you must visit in Bali.
Map of the Must Visit Places in Bali
1. Bali Swing
This is the iconic, original swing you see in all the Instagram posts.
These days, it seems like a trip to Bali just isn’t complete without a visit to the Bali Swing. In fact, the swings have been so popular that they’ve been poppin’ up all over Bali!
The package price to the park is $35 USD and this includes unlimited access to all 12 swings + 5 nests and a lunch buffet.
If you don’t plan on going on any of the swings, the entrance fee is $10 USD.
2. Tanah Lot Temple
Tanah Lot Temple is one of Bali’s most unique landmarks and is the most visited temple on the island.
This famed Hindu shrine is situated on top of a rock formation facing the ocean and combines the natural, cultural and historical aspects of Bali in one place.
During high tide, the pathway to the temple is fully submerged by the sea and impossible to walk over to the temple.
No matter when you go, it’s easy to feel awestruck with wonder and Tanah Lot Temple is simply amongst Bali’s must-see destinations.
Entrance Fee: 60,000 IDR per person
3. Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary
If you want to kick it up a notch and spend some time with wildlife, head over to the famous Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary in Ubud.
This forest sanctuary is one of Ubud’s most popular attractions and home to over 700 gray long-tailed macaques. The entire area is a nature reserve and you can watch the playful monkeys in their natural habitat.
No trip to Ubud is really complete until you visit the famous Sacred Monkey Forest.
Entrance Fee: 50,000 IDR per person
4. Balinese Gate
If you’re in the area or looking for some quick snaps, this beautiful Balinese gate is a very popular photography destination.
Funny enough, the gate is actually the entrance to the Handara Golf Course. Other than that, there’s not much to do here unless you fancy a round of golf.
5. Uluwatu Temple
Uluwatu Temple is undeniably one of the most famous sights in Bali and one of the six key spiritual pillars of the island.
This Hindu Balinese temple is renowned for its striking location on a clifftop approximately 70 meters above the ocean.
It’s the perfect place to catch a sunset view and to watch the Kecak Fire Dance, performed every night against the seaside backdrop.
Entrance fee: 50,000 IDR
6. Bali Safari & Marine Park
The Bali Safari and Marine Park is home to over 100 unique species from three different regions: Indonesia, India, and Africa.
There’s no shortage of excitement here, you can sit back and enjoy the ride while you tour the largest wildlife-themed park in Bali.
Listen to the tour guide narrate as the Safari bus takes you inside the enclosures, built to closely mimic the animal’s natural habitats.
7. Tegenungan Waterfall
Tegenungan Waterfall is located at the halfway point between Ubud and Denpasar, it is perhaps the most visited of all the waterfalls in Bali.
It’s an incredible spot to go to for a day trip and it’s best to get here early to avoid the crowds.
There is a 15-minute steep trek through the lush jungle before getting to the waterfall so make sure you wear proper shoes.
It’s tempting to wear flip-flops but you don’t want a nasty sprain to stop you from exploring all the other must-visit places in Bali 😉
Entrance Fee: 15,000 IDR per person
8. Underwater Sculptures at Gili Meno Island
Just off the shore of Gili Meno, you’ll find a popular snorkeling hotspot, 48 life-size human sculptures arranged in a perfect circle.
Designed by world-renowned sculptor, Jason deCaires Taylor, the unique statues symbolizes life and were placed underwater to act as an artificial reef.
The sculptures are a 5-minute swim from the beach and can be accessed by anyone.
9. Tegalalang Rice Terrace
Tegalalang Rice Terrace is about 30 minutes north of Ubud and is famous for its beautiful slopes of rice paddies across the valley.
The rice paddies use a tradition Balinese irrigation system (called subak) and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
It is one of the most visited destinations in Bali and definitely something not to be missed in your itinerary.
Entrance Fee: 10,000 IDR per person
10. Tirta Empul
Tirta Empul was built back in 926 A.D. and is dedicated to Vishnu, who is the Hindu god of water.
It’s one of the biggest temples you’ll find in Bali and divided into 4 sections, you’ll want to allow yourself about an hour to fully explore this particular temple.
Pura Tirta Empul is famously known for an area called the Jaba Tengah, two purification pools where locals and tourists alike can come and perform the purification ritual. The traditional ritual involves a thorough cleansing from the first to the last water sprout, which is believed to be filled with magical powers.
Entrance fee: 50,000 IDR
11. Bali Sea Turtle Society
The Bali Sea Turtle Society (BSTS) is a non-profit organization in Kuta that is working to protect olive ridley sea turtles.
Every few days, turtle hatchlings are released into the ocean from Kuta Beach and it’s truly a heartwarming experience to watch.
You can participate too! The activity is open to volunteers and you can find the next release date on their official Facebook page.
Releasing the baby turtles is by donation (every little bit helps!) and is on a first-come, first-served basis.
12. Mount Batur
Mount Batur is an active volcano on the eastern side of Bali and has erupted 25 times since 1800, reshaping the surrounding landscape each time.
To get up to the top you have to hire a local tour guide. The 1,700-meter trek is done in the morning before dawn and takes about 2 hours to hike to the summit.
Once you’re at the top, you’ll be rewarded with a breathtaking sunrise overlooking the valley below.
13. Gunung Kawi
Immerse yourself in Balinese history and visit Gunung Kawi.
This unique landmark is one of Bali’s largest ancient temple complexes and was built in the 11th century to serve as a royal tomb.
Surrounded by lush green jungle and rice terraces, this incredible temple features 10 large candi (shrines) carved directly into the stone cliff.
Entrance Fee: 15,000 IDR per person
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re looking for an oasis of adventure, a spiritual journey, or a different cultural experience, Bali is a tropical paradise with a little bit of everything.
We truly hope this guide has helped you discover some gems in Bali that you’d like to add to your itinerary!
