Bali is a paradise island that offers a respite from the hustle and bustle of city life. With its beautiful beach clubs, scenic mountains, private villas with pools, and authentic cuisine, it's no wonder that Bali is a popular vacation destination.
If you're wondering what to see and do in Bali, here are some attractions worth visiting:
1. Tanah Lot
Perched on a huge rock, Tanah Lot is one of Bali's most famous temples where Balinese worship the god of the sea. The temple sits on the beach, offering breathtaking views of the waves crashing against the shore and the sun setting in the distance. To capture the perfect shot, head to the raised rock on the right side of the temple at sunset. The yellowish hues of the setting sun combined with the crashing waves make for a spectacular sight.
2. Kuta
Located at the southern tip of Bali, Kuta is the island's most lively beach, renowned for its surfing and nightlife. The beach is flat with large waves, making it a haven for surfing and skateboarding. There are plenty of surfboard rentals and surf instructors available along the beach. Kuta is also home to Bali's airport and is just 15 minutes away by car. It's a bustling area with the highest concentration of tourists on the island.
3. Pura Luhur Uluwatu
Uluwatu Cliff, also known as "Lover's Cliff," has a fascinating legend. According to the tale, a young couple in love was forbidden by their parents to be together, so they jumped into the sea and drowned there. The Poseidon Temple was later built on top of the cliff, overlooking the rough sea.
Another legend has it that in ancient times, a sailor offended the god of the sea, who then raised a huge wave and threw the ship onto the shore, forming the cliff's shape. The Poseidon Temple, built entirely of hard granite in the 11th century, is a remarkable sight.
4. Ubud
Located in the south-central part of Bali, Ubud is a cultural and artistic hub, situated away from the beaches. The town is surrounded by lush rice paddies, creating a peaceful, idyllic ambience. The streets are dotted with art stores and museums that showcase Bali's rich cultural and artistic heritage, including painting, sculpture, music, dance, photography, and architecture. Ubud is also a popular destination for Westerners living in Bali, and it's where the movie "Eat Pray Love" was filmed.
5. Kintamani Volcano
Kintamani is a highland area in the northern mountains of central Bali, 68 kilometers from Denpasar. It's centered around Batur, a 1717-meter-high mountain and one of the few cool places in Indonesia that's suitable for healing. The hills around Kintamani have many restaurants where you can try the local dishes unique to the area.
6. Pura Ulun Danau
Also known as Ulun Danau Temple, this is Bali's most unique temple. It's located on the shore of Lake Beratan and features a blend of Hindu and Buddhist styles. The temple is a water temple, dedicated to the goddess of the lake, Dewi Danau, who is the spiritual support of the local people. Near the temple is the Laila Botanical Garden, which is a must-see attraction.