In a nutshell
- Bali is an incredibly diverse island, with beautiful beaches, lush jungles, rice terraces, and volcanoes. There’s so much to discover.
- In this guide, we’ll show you what to do in Bali. We skip the overrated tourist traps and share tips on how to experience the popular spots without the crowds.
- The best way to explore it all? A 2-3 week Bali itinerary packed with adventure and hidden gems.
The Best Places to Visit in Bali on a Map
Bali has something unique to offer around every turn. Most of our favorite places to visit are in the center, the south, and on Nusa Penida, a small island east of Bali. But you’ll also find a few hidden gems up north.
The best way to experience them all is on a road trip.
We’ve put together a map with all the must-see places in Bali for you. You can even download it as a PDF to use offline while you’re exploring.
Get the tourist attractions of Bali map as a PDF
Tegallalang Rice Terraces
What do you need to know? The Tegallalang Rice Terraces are some of the most stunning in Bali. You can wander along narrow paths, with plenty of spots to sit and soak up the scenery. Sadly, there are also a few overly touristy features, like the famous giant swings. You won’t pay the entrance fee (25,000 IDR / $1.50) at the main gate, but rather down a small side street (check out the spot on Google Maps).
Our tip: there are two separate sections, and your ticket only covers one of them. We explored the first one, which is perfect for photos thanks to its beautiful layout. The second area is larger and offers longer walking routes if you want to stretch your legs a bit more.
Jatiluwih Rice Terraces
What do you need to know? The Jatiluwih rice terraces are much larger than those in Tegallalang. There are several hiking trails of different lengths here, and since the terraces stretch out over such a vast area, you’ll come across far fewer people than at the more famous Tegallalang. That said, the landscape is relatively flat. The entrance fee is 50,000 IDR ($3).
Our tip: if you can, opt for one of the longer trails – preferably the yellow or blue route. Most visitors just stop for a few photos and stick to the short red route. You’ll find signs for all the hiking trails right at the entrance.
Gembleng Waterfall
What do you need to know? Gembleng Waterfall is one of the most stunning waterfalls in Bali. It’s made up of several levels, with natural pools where you can take a refreshing dip and enjoy beautiful jungle views. As you climb up the waterfall, you’ll find a few spots to pause and cool off.
Our tip: come early and make your way up the steps to the very top. Just past Warung Gembleng, there’s another pool that’s almost always empty. Most visitors stick to the middle and don’t realize the waterfall stretches much higher. The warung itself is also a great little spot with awesome views.
Mount Batur
What do you need to know? Mount Batur is one of Bali’s highest and still active volcanoes. But no worries, it’s closely monitored with modern warning systems. It’s especially popular for sunrise hikes, offering stunning views from the summit if the weather cooperates. You can only hike Mount Batur with a guided tour.
Our tip: the sunrise trek is no longer a hidden gem in Bali. We went during the rainy season and it was still packed. For a quieter experience, consider a sunset trek instead. You’ll have the mountain almost to yourself.
Book the sunrise tour to Mount Batur (which we did)
Book the less crowded sunset tour to Mount Batur
Monkey Forest
What do you need to know? There are plenty of monkeys in Bali and they’ve claimed an entire forest for themselves near Ubud. The Monkey Forest feels like an enchanted place, with winding paths, ancient statues, and moss-covered temples. But the real highlight is the 600 monkeys roaming freely through the trees. Entrance is IDR 80,000 ($4.50), and you can grab bananas for them at the gate.
Our tip: keep a close eye on your belongings. These clever little guys are known for snatching sunglasses off your head and phones right out of your hand. They’ve figured out that a stolen item often means a snack in return.
Book a tour through the Monkey Forest
Ubud
What do you need to know? Ubud sits in the heart of Bali and is the perfect base for exploring nearby rice terraces, waterfalls, and Mount Batur. And Ubud itself is definitely worth a visit, too. The town feels more authentic than Canggu or Kuta and offers plenty of beautiful places.
Places to visit:
- Sweet Orange Walk Trail through rice fields in the middle of the city
- Campuhan Ridge Walk
- Ubud Market
- Ubud Palace
Our tip: choose accommodation just outside Ubud’s city center. This way, you can easily reach the nearby places without dealing with heavy traffic and still drive into town for a day of exploring. We recommend The Studios.
Kelingking Beach
What do you need to know? Chances are you’ve already seen a photo of Kelingking Beach. It’s Bali’s ultimate Insta hotspot. The steep cliff above the beach famously resembles a dinosaur head from above, and a narrow trail snakes down to the shore. The beach itself is stunning, with boasting white sand and crystal-clear turquoise water.
Our tip: get there early and hike down to the beach. It takes about an hour. Keep in mind the trail is quite steep and challenging – even early in the day. So sturdy shoes are a must. Some sections are exposed, with high steps that require careful footing. Once you reach the bottom, you’ll find a peaceful, almost deserted dream beach all to yourself.
Broken Beach
What do you need to know? Broken Beach is a secluded bay almost entirely encircled by rock formations. The ocean flows into the bay through a natural hole in the cliff, creating a stunning view from the opposite side. You can even walk across the rock bridge and explore the bay from above. Right next to Broken Beach is Angel’s Billabong, a natural infinity pool. However, Broken Beach can get quite crowded with tourists.
Our tip: arrive early to beat the crowds. And don’t forget to look out to sea. Dolphins, turtles, and manta rays are often spotted here.
Diamond Beach
What do you need to know?Diamond Beach is without a doubt one of Bali’s most stunning beaches. It’s framed by steep cliffs and features a dramatic rock formation jutting out of the sea. The viewpoint above tends to get quite crowded with tourists. However, if you hike down to the shore, you’ll often find the beach nearly deserted. But that is only recommended for those who are sure-footed and comfortable with some light climbing.
Our tip: be sure to check the tide times before you go. At high tide, much of the beach disappears, so visiting at low tide is definitely more rewarding.
Aling Aling Waterfall
What do you need to know? The Aling Aling Waterfall actually consists of three separate falls. You can’t access the main falls directly, but that’s not a drawback. The real fun is in front of them. Here, you can jump off rocks at heights of 15, 30, or even 50 feet, and slide down natural water slides of various lengths. It’s especially great if you’re traveling with older kids looking for some adventure.
Our tip: if jumping and sliding aren’t your thing, let the staff know at the entrance. You’ll pay a much lower fee and can simply relax while watching others take the plunge.
Sekumpul Waterfall
What do you need to know?Sekumpul Waterfall is said to be the highest waterfall in Bali, though no one could give us an exact figure. Regardless, it’s truly impressive. The waterfall is actually a series of several falls cascading down deep in the jungle. To reach the waterfall basin, you need to hike with a guide.
Our tip: if you’ve already seen a few other waterfalls, you might skip the hike and save the guide fee. Instead, visit the viewpoint for about one dollar (20,000 IDR). It offers a fantastic view of the falls without the trek.
Book the tour to Sekumpul Waterfall
These were the most beautiful places in Bali
Have you ever been to Bali? What do you find the best things to do in Bali? Let us know in the comments.