Experience Bali.
Newsflash! Bali is not only Kuta, Legian, Seminyak and the southern coast. Once you get out of these dense and touristy areas, there are places just waiting for adventurous souls to discover – some of them really off the beaten tracks, with pristine and unspoiled landscapes you won’t find elsewhere on the island.
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Visit Bali
Newsflash! Bali is not only Kuta, Legian, Seminyak and the southern coast. Once you get out of these dense and touristy areas, there are places just waiting for adventurous souls to discover – some of them really off the beaten tracks, with pristine and unspoiled landscapes you won’t find elsewhere on the island.
You’ll certainly find your own piece of heaven if you look beyond Bali’s main beach areas. Take a boat ride and escape the mainland to the Nusa islands, or venture to the central highlands for scenic treats and to be close with nature. Coincidentally, these are also popular places for backpackers in Bali. Here are some of our favourite places in Bali to escape the crowds.
Fact Sheet
Bali Tourism
Bali attracts the adventure souls from all around the globe towards itself. So, whether you are a backpacker, surfing enthusiast, diver or simply looking to indulge in an adventure of your lifetime, Bali is the place for you. From so many options to choose from, the Island wont disappoint you. What makes Bali a unique Island is the hippy and spiritual vibe associated with it. Home to many mystical monasteries and temples, Bali is a haven for those seeking spirituality and finding themselves. Take a break from the dreaded, hectic lifestyle and soothe your senses amidst the turquoise oceans and calm ambience. This factor has given Bali tourism a boost since the 20th century. Bali is adorned with beautiful temples. For a peaceful and meditative session, visit the temples of Saraswati, Tanah Lot, and the Besakih Temple.
Bali has a tropical climate almost throughout the year. The best time to visit Bali is around May, June and July. Tourists keep pouring in all year round. This is solely because the weather is pleasant throughout. With so many activities flourishing in this area, people do not want to miss out on the same. Holidaying in Bali is as pocket-friendly as it could get being an international hot-spot. It is cheap and offers the same exotic experience as any other beach destination. Bali offers visa-on-arrival, but you can book for a prior visa. You can find numerous flights that will take you to Bali. These flights can be found at every airport throughout India and are easily accessible. You will land at Ngurah Rai International Airport which is about 13 kilometres away from Denpasar, the capital of Bali and the main gateway into the island of Bali. Some of the most economical and comfortable flights are offered by HolidayMonk that are covered in Bali holiday packages.
There are tremendous options for things to do in Bali and the places you can visit to make the most of your Bali holiday. Apart from temple hopping that is a part of many Bali holiday packages, never miss the magical sightseeing offered by Bali. Breathtaking sunrise or sunset from atop any of the four volcanic mountains that Bali houses are a treat to the eyes. The tranquillity will take over all your worries. Mount Batur, Mount Agung, Mount Bratan and Mount Merbuk are the four volcanic mountains, and all of them offer breathtaking views. Head for an adventurous motorbike ride along the rice terraces and rugged trails. They are so green that you’ll be seeing green for the rest of the day. Ubud and Tegalalang hail the most popular rice terraces and we recommend going early in the morning to avoid the crowd and enjoy the lush greenery. The beautiful views will be the high point of your relaxing Bali holidays.
If you are not a fan of motorbikes and exploring the island through its edgy lanes, dive in the marine heaven. Considered as a surfer’s paradise, Bali is an ideal destination that serves perfect surfing conditions such as right wind speed, excellent waves. Beach bumming is an incredible way to relax in the glimmering shores and discovering a whole new world of exotic underwater life. If you are an amateur, you can opt for surfing classes under professional supervision. Apart from surfing, you can snorkel. Swim and end it all with a fun-filled cruise trip. Bali is considered as a surfer’s paradise, mostly because of the excellent waves which are ideal for surfing. Many Bali packages include surfing lessons and cruise trips, choose according to your preference. So there we have it. Get your tickets and get going to Bali, a beautifully diverse island. Bali holiday packages are a rage, and you can even customize yours that just suits your needs. So, pack your bags and get set go for a cherishable trip.
Tanah Lot Temple
Tanah Lot is among the island’s most iconic temples, positioned on top of a rock and surrounded by the waves of the open sea that constantly crash against its base. The temple is scenic by day against the blue ocean and sky, but the scene is most dramatic during sunsets with its silhouette creating one of Bali’s picture postcard images.
Tanah Lot pays homage to the guardian spirits of the sea, and it’s also among Bali’s key sea temples. The onshore site is dotted with smaller shrines and visitors’ leisure facilities such as shops, a cultural park where regular dance performances are shown regularly, restaurants where you can enjoy a sunset dinner with the memorable view.
Uluwatu Temple
Uluwatu is one of Bali’s most important sea temples, positioned on a tall cliff edge on the island’s southwestern Bukit peninsula. By day, you can take in the picturesque seascape from over the temple’s walls and cliff borders and occasionally spot grey long-tailed macaques that inhabit the surrounding forests.
In the late afternoon, you can wait for the dramatic sunsets, or book early for a spot at the open-air amphitheatre nearby, where Kecak fire dances are performed with the sunset and ocean as an exotic backdrop. The waves below the cliff and the temple are hailed as among Bali’s best and internationally-known surf spots.
Besakih Temple
Besakih Temple, the ‘mother temple’ of Bali, sits on the south-western slope of Mount Agung – Bali’s tallest peak. Besakih is the largest of all temple complexes in Bali, comprising 18 separate sanctuaries that each belong to different caste groups. They surround a central complex with 3 main temples that are dedicated to the Hindu trinity, namely Shiva, Brahma and Vishnu.
Besakih was nominated as a World Heritage Site in 1995, but as yet remains unvested. There are at least 70 ceremonies or religious celebrations held each year here, as each shrine has its own anniversary. The best visiting times are in the early mornings and in the evenings when the temple complex is much quieter.
Tegallalang Rice Terraces
The rice terraces of Tegallalang offer one of the best views that you can take in while up in Ubud. The village of Tegallalang is just up north from the main Ubud centre. Along the main road of Jalan Raya Tegallalang, there are roadside stalls and art shops offering items and curios of all kinds, together with small restaurants offering lunch or dinner with the great view over the deep and lush valley.
The Tegallalang rice terraces spread down below and to the far opposite side of the valley. Besides enjoying the view from up high, you can also go down and follow the trail through the rice fields to greet farmers and enjoy the paddies from up close.
Ubud Monkey Forest
Ubud Monkey Forest is a natural forest sanctuary that’s home to a horde of grey long-tailed macaques. Officially the Sacred Monkey Forest of Padangtegal, it is one of Ubud’s most popular attractions and the site is well-preserved thanks to a community-based management program. The forest is within easy walking distance from Ubud’s town centre.
Besides watching playful monkeys in their natural habitat, swinging through canopies, lazing along pathways or feeding on bananas, you can take cool walks along paved pathways through the leafy nutmeg forest. Beautiful ancient temples with eerie guardian statues covered in moss also call the monkey forest their home.
Ubud Art Market
Ubud Art Market is one of the landmarks in central Ubud, conveniently just across the road from the Ubud Royal Palace. The market has countless small shops that are run by local vendors who sell a wide range of items such as beautiful silk scarves, lightweight shirts, handmade woven bags, baskets and hats, statues, kites and many other locally sourced and handcrafted goods.
Most of the goods found at the Ubud Market are made in the neighbouring villages of Pengosekan, Tegallalang, Payangan and Peliatan. Naturally, bargaining is essential. The Ubud market starred briefly in the Hollywood movie Eat Pray Love, which shows a scene with actress Julia Roberts strolling through the stalls which are bustling with activity in real life.
Kintamani
Kintamani is a mountain village in central Bali that’s home to Mount Batur, which is Bali’s second tallest peak, and the Batur caldera lake. The village is located in the Karangasem regency in east Bali and is a popular spot for sightseeing thanks to vantage points such as Penelokan, which aptly means ‘scenic stopover’. Penelokan is the best site for panoramic views, with Batur’s rugged features of dark lava slopes and black molten rocks in view.
The still-active Mount Batur volcano erupted about 24 times since 1800, each time reshaping the surrounding landscape. It’s popular among mountain hikers, with the early sunrises from the ridges being its highlight.
Bali Safari and Marine Park
Bali Safari & Marine Park is Bali’s largest animal theme park, home to over 60 species roaming within enclosures that closely mimic their natural habitats. Bus safaris take visitors on tours ‘around the world’ with animals from different continents, and there are animal talent shows held regularly in an open stage. A different section is dedicated to aquatic animals, with aquariums holding exotic fish specimens such as piranhas.
After enjoying the safari bus rides, families travelling with children can have a blast together at an adjacent water park and a park filled with a variety of amusement park rides. The park is also home to Bali Theatre, which shows the modern Bali Agung shows at scheduled