Bali is without doubt one of the world’s best travel destinations. There are lots of great things you can do on this world-famous island. The main thing you shouldn’t miss is the rich culture and some iconic landmarks and sights that you can only find on this magical island. There are lots of temples, historical sites, and great nature view spread in 8 regencies in Bali. This is because Bali used to be a kingdom.
Bali is all travelers’ dream come true. Whether you want a beach getaway and sunbathe, a relaxing spa getaway, a jungle trail adventure, or you just want to drink wine, dine, and shop across the island, there truly is something for everyone.
The Incredible Beaches
All the beaches in Bali attract tourists with their impressive landscapes, crystal clear waters and various activities to do. There are rocky beaches beneath towering limestone cliffs and long palm-lined shorelines, as well as a few more secluded coves. If you prefer to join the crowds, beaches like Kuta, Sanur, and Nusa Dua are known for their bustling nightlife scene. But if you prefer a secluded place to make the most of your vacation, then beaches like Balangan, Suluban, and Amed are your best bet. However, the favorite beach of all tourists is the stunning Kelingking Beach in Nusa Penida. This destination is known for its T-rex-shaped cliffs and striking blue waters. All the stunning beach views in Bali are waiting for you to explore.
The Iconic Tanah Lot Temple
Tanah Lot is one of the most iconic temples in Bali which is located on a rock and is surrounded by the waves of the high seas that constantly crash against the bottom. This temple is located in Beraban village, Tabanan regency, which is about 20km northwest of Kuta. The Tanah Lot temple is beautiful during the day against a backdrop of the blue ocean and sky, but the view is most dramatic at sunset with its silhouette creating one of Bali’s paintings.
Tanah Lot is said to be the best place in Bali to enjoy the sunset. You can admire the beauty of the temple right from the beach. There are also several restaurants around the beach, so you can enjoy the view while having your dinner.
The Mountains
Bali is home to stunning mountains, perfect for those of you who like adventure. One popular mountain is Mount Batur. Located in Kintamani, Bangli, this extraordinary natural site is a popular place to view the enchanting sunrise. It is popular for all mountain climbers, with the sun rising earlier than the mountains being the highlight. Due to its decent height, Mount Batur is an excellent place for beginners. Hiking up Mount Batur usually takes 3 hours. Official guides are recommended as a safety precaution. Like Mount Agung, Mount Batur is active. Be sure to check its volcanic activity alert levels before planning a trek.
An overview of Kintamani, is a mountain village in central Bali. This village is located in Karangasem Regency in east Bali and a popular spot for several viewpoints such as Penelokan, which aptly means ‘a beautiful stopover’. Penelokan is the best place to enjoy panoramic views, with dark lava slopes and the black molten rocks of Mount Batur.
Furthermore, those who are looking for green and fresh land should try to go to Mount Lesung. From here, you can enjoy a spectacular view of the lake because Lake Tamblingan is located to the north of this mountain.
Ubud Monkey Forest
The Ubud Monkey Forest is a nature reserve and Hindu temple complex in Ubud. It is a home for about 340 monkeys which are known as long-tailed Macaques (Macaca fascicularis). There are four groups of monkeys each occupying different territories in the park. Its official name is the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary (Balinese: Mandala Suci Wenara Wana). Walking around Ubud is an experience in itself. This park is heavily forested and hilly. A deep ravine ran through the garden grounds, at the bottom ran a rocky stream. Trails allow visitors to access many parts of the park, including ravines and rivers.
The monkeys rest at night and active during the day, which allows them to interact with the visitors during park opening hours. Visitors can observe their daily activities such as; mate, fight, and care for their children. You can observe them up close, and even get to sit next to the monkeys along the park’s paths.
This forest is home to three Hindu temples, all built around 1350. The temples play an important role in the spiritual life of the local people, and monkeys and their mythology are important in Balinese artistic traditions.
The Monkey Forest area is sacred to the local community, and some parts of it are not open to the public. The sacred area of the temple is closed to everyone except those who wish to pray and wear traditional Balinese religious attire. Ubud is about an hour and a half drive from the airport, and you can reach it by taxi.
The Rich Culture
Balinese cultural and religious traditions influence almost every aspect of life and attract people to Bali to see them live. An important belief in Balinese Hinduism is the natural elements are influenced by spirits. Another amazing culture that can be found on this island of gods is the many festivals and rituals, such as Galungan, Kuningan, and Nyepi. Every important event in the process of human life is always followed by a certain ceremony, for example there are Balinese ceremonies for birth, puberty, maturity, marriage or death, and then there are ceremonies on important holidays in the 250-day Balinese calendar, such as Nyepi (day of silence), Galungan and Kuningan or ceremonies related to natural phenomena (such as the full moon). With these daily ceremonies and rituals, humans would be connected to gods, ancestors, family and community.
The Barong and Kris Dance is one of the island’s most iconic dance dramas depicting the classic 12th century tale of good versus evil. It is a frequent stop on popular tourist itineraries to Ubud. Performances are held daily and only in the morning, with dancers and gamelan troupes consisting of local villagers.
