What places to visit in Bali

Stretching east and west from the capital city of Denpasar are a series of popular resorts, each with its own personality. Whether you make one of these beachside towns your Bali home or head south for a five-star all-inclusive on the coast of Nusa Dua, we recommend experiencing the attractions and atmosphere of each place in turn. In the west, Kedungu is a quieter spot, less touched by tourism, and offers excellent surfing close to Tanah Lot Sea Temple. Canggu is a favourite destination for digital nomads and other long-term European visitors, which has blossomed into a bohemian escape with some of Bali’s best spas and wellness retreats.

Upscale Seminyak is a foodie’s paradise filled with fine restaurants, chic cafés, and gelato stands among luxury hotels and coastline boutiques. You’ll find plenty of laidback nightlife here, but the real party town is Kuta next door, Bali’s famous hotspot for surfers who love to dance until late. East of the capital, Sanur is a family-friendly shore with safe swimming, watersports, and entertainment for all ages. Take a side trip from your resort to explore any of these destinations or tour along the coast to visit them all. While you’re passing, Denpasar is a vibrant city where you’ll feel immersed in local life. It also has some of the best traditional Balinese food on the island.

South of Denpasar, the bulb-shaped peninsula at the bottom of the country is best known for the selection of five-star resort hotels offering Bali all-inclusive holidays along its eastern coast. The Laguna, Melia Bali, and the Grand Hyatt are just three amazing properties that welcome visitors to this exclusive region where the sea is filled with boats, and the land hosts three of Bali’s best golf courses. Among the impressive places to visit on the Bukit Peninsula are the stunning beaches of Balangan and Dreamland, the captivating cliff temple of Pura Luhur Uluwatu, and the fishing village of Jimbaran, where some of the island’s best seafood is served.

One of the top destinations to add to any Bali beach holiday is the central town of Ubud. Set in a countryside dominated by rice fields and tropical rainforest, Ubud is a centre for art, wellness, and food. A favourite spot for yoga and cycling with a fine collection of galleries and cafés, it’s also home to some of Bali’s best pool villa hotels, including FuramaXclusive Resort Villas and Alila Ubud. Adding a two or three-night Ubud stay to your Bali itinerary is a fantastic way to see a different side of the island. Visiting this region opens opportunities to visit the enchanting Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary; the UNESCO recognised Jatiluwih Rice Terraces and the scenic landscape around Munduk Village. Other attractions nearby include Bali Botanic Garden and Ulun Danu Beratan Temple on the shore of Lake Beratan.

On the eastern side of Mount Batur, beyond the crater lake of Danau Batur, begins Bali’s Karangasem Regency, a less-visited edge of the island with some incredible day trip destinations. For active and experienced hikers, two trails lead to the summit of Mount Agung, Bali’s highest peak, with unrivalled panoramic views. Around the mountain’s slopes are the spellbinding cave waterfall of Tukad Cepung, the grand temple complex of Pura Besakih, and - nestled in a valley of lush green rice fields - the artisan silver-making town of Sidemen. Closer to the coast, you’ll find the iconic Gates of Heaven photo spot at Pura Lempuyang and the pools of Ujung Water Palace close to the rebuilt city of Amlapura. Finally, at the easternmost point of Bali, you can enjoy beach days and surfing without the crowds at Amed, Jemeluk, and Lipah. 

A three-hour drive from Denpasar means most visitors never reach West Bali National Park - those who do discover a place unlike anywhere else on the island. Bali’s only park features diverse landscapes, from dense jungle and mangrove forests to savannahs and offshore coral reefs. It’s also home to rare wildlife, including Bali starlings, Menjangan deer, and sea turtles. While on the north coast, take the time to travel east to sail and swim with dolphins at Lovina Beach before pausing to see Sekumpul Waterfall cascading in the misty jungle as you return south.

Making the most of a trip to Bali is easy when Indonesia’s multi-centres and tours include add-on stays at the nearby destinations of Lombok and the Gili Islands. Combining a Bali beach stay with an Ubud break and an island escape is one of the best ways to make your Southeast Asia adventures go further. Day trips can also be enjoyed from Bali’s resorts to the three closer islands of Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan, and Nusa Ceningan. A short boat ride from Sanur takes you to the largest island of Penida, where you’ll search for hidden waterfalls and swim with manta rays. Lembongan is a paradise for snorkelling and diving, while Ceningan, accessed by the famous yellow suspension bridge, offers unforgettable sights such as the Blue Lagoon, Mahana Point, and Secret Beach.