Bali has consistently been an objective to be traveled once in a life time. From amazing beaches to lovely green mountains, Bali has it all. Besides, being a destination which is less expensive than others, it adds on the top list for every natural beauty admirer you can explore it. There are many exciting and spiritually soothing things to do in Bali, which are unmissable.
As soon as you step out of Denpasar Airport you immediately feel all your pores open up and then the signature smell of burning cloves hits you. Welcome to Bali. It’s a place where you can relax and really feel like you are somewhere culturally diverse without being too ‘difficult’. Bali is very touristy, yes, however its accessible and convenient, with good organization for travelers as locals speak English yet its possible to still have a unique cultural experience.
These elements make Bali a great introduction for virgin travelers wanting to explore South East Asia. Yes, the Bintang singlet-wearing revelers are still there, but Bali is a changed Island. The new Bali has become a foodie destination, with world class restaurants, fresh juice bars and Italian pizzas that could rival pies of Naples.
Have Rupias INR ready upon arrival just in case you need a visa on arrival. If you’re flight is getting in late you will need to arrange you’re own transport. There are literally dozens of taxi drivers hawking outside of the airport. For first-timers, forget the haggle and chose a registered means of transport just inside the airport it will cost around.
There are cash points of ATM’s in this area so if you forgot your Rupias then you can get some cash out here. Take out at least 200,000 INR if you don’t have cash already. You will need it. The Bali taxi Seminyak to Denpasar costs around 80,000 INR – about $6 USD. You may pay up to 200,000 INR from Denpasar to Seminyak at night- that’s just the way it goes.
The area of Seminyak, Kuta and Legian (all situated side by side) is an ideal starting point for first timers to Bali. Beach front resorts, great restaurants, hip boutiques, bars and of course Double Six Beach. It’s highly recommended to rent/hire a scooter in Bali. At $10 USD a day, It’s a cheap and convenient way to get around the areas of Seminyak, Kuta and Legian.
Just wear a helmet, obey the rules and have your wits about you. If you’re not into bikes, the area can be covered by foot and taxis are cheap and abundant so no biggie.
Let's check out below the top places to visit in Bali:
3. Bali Safari and Marine Park
7. Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary
1. Bali Zoo Park
Bali Zoo Park is set in 12 acres of lush tropical garden and surrounded by flowers. The zoo isn't just about having fascinating creatures in eco-friendly natural surroundings, nor is it just about permitting the visitor to be smart and get involved. You can take care of and ride elephants, pat the deer, play with hares, and get very close to snakes, see crocodiles, and bear-cubs.
You can pretty much observe winged animal shows and lions, tigers and enjoy up close. From the second you enter the entrance of Bali Zoo Park you can hold and take pictures with the tropical feathered creatures, feed the creatures, and much more.
2. Padang Padang Beach
Uluwatu is one of the most beautiful places in Bali. If you want to see the best beach clubs, and enjoy some beach time besides various sightseeing spots like the Uluwatu temple and Garuda Wisnu Kencana, then visit Uluwatu. Spick and span clean beaches, clear blue waters and wonderful people all around. What more could you ask for?
Uluwatu has an amazing hidden beach and tons of beautiful restaurants overlooking the sea. Head out to Padang Padang beach. One very interesting thing in Padang Padang is that the tourists (mostly foreigners) clean the beach themselves. Their argument is that they themselves would like to come back to a cleaner beach, so why not sweat a little for that.
3. Bali Safari and Marine Park
Bali Marine and Safari Park has the best vegetation in Indonesia, and you will be welcomed with more than 60 unique types of animals here. You can take a safari tour here, and see the animals roaming around freely. Many other shows and events go on here throughout the day. Staying here overnight in hotels and watching the elephants and giraffes wander around near your hotel window is fascinating.
4. Goa Gajah
Goa Gajah is also known as the Elephant Cave, is a spiritual Hindu site, situated in the town of Bedulu, Gianyar Bali. 2km southeast of Ubud and a 1.5-hour drive from Denpasar air terminal. Goa Gajah is cut into a stone face and you enter through the largemouth of an evil presence.
Inside the T-formed cavern, you can see fragmentary remaining parts of the lingam, the phallic image of the Hindu god Shiva, and its female partner the yoni, in addition to a sculpture of Shiva's child, the elephant-headed god Ganesha. Before the cave is 2 square washing pools with waterspouts held by six female figures.
5. Gitgit Waterfall
Bali Gitgit Waterfall is a lovely traveler objective in the north piece of Bali. Waterfall is situated in the level zone with a height of around 35 meters and it is encircled by a tropical tree and produces the continually characteristic water fall during the year. The waterfall voice around the beguiling nature is stunning and it is a different fascination which can be appreciated by every guest who drops by.
A few ranches secure the tropical jungle around the waterfall and in this spot, you can frequently meet the wild monkeys near the waterfall. Book your Bali Packages right away!
6. Uluwatu Temple
Uluwatu Temple is one of the best known sea temple in Bali, positioned on a long cliff edge on the island’s southwestern Bukit peninsula. During the day, you can take beautiful scenic pictures from over the walls of the temple and later, enjoy the dramatic sunsets. The waves below the temple walls make it one among the best Instagram spots in Bali.
It is well known with travelers and local people as well as some naughty monkeys. Tourists are cautioned to be watching out for the monkeys, who grab up things like caps, handbags, and glasses from the clueless ones. If you're lucky, you'll spot grey long-tailed macaques that inhabit the forests surrounding the temple.
Indonesians are very friendly and welcoming people. In most of the places you travel to throughout the nation, you will be greeted with some of the greatest smiles you have ever seen. They are also very happy with their background, society, wild animals, food and more, and are enthusiastic about sharing it with others.
7. Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary
The monkey forest in Bali has many temples and statues that make the forests even more alluring to experience. Watching the monkeys here living in their natural habitat, swinging on the branches of the trees playfully, wandering around, and eating the fruits from the trees is extremely fascinating. It is an area worth experiencing on your Bali trip together with your family and friends.
8. Kuta Beach
One of the most famous beaches in Bali is Kuta beach, which is located on the western side of the island. It is known for its long stretches of white sandy beaches and clear waters, making it a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and surfing. The beach is also surrounded by a wide range of shops, restaurants, and bars, making it a popular spot for both day and night activities.
Kuta is famous for beach parties in Bali. So if you're planning to socialize a bit, Kuta beach is the best for you. Party lovers will fall in love with the Jalan Legian in Kuta, Bali. This place has the best nightlife in Bali. You will find a huge range of nightlife clubs, pubs, live music events, and cafes to relax. The party scene here keeps going, and in case you are hungry, there are many eateries here to satisfy your hunger.
9. Seminyak
Enjoy the freshness of the morning by jogging or surfing and having breakfast with your feet in the sand of the beach with Gado-Gado in Seminyak. It's a mix between Bali and the West. It is a city of manageable size but where the bustle of its shops, bars and restaurants can be overwhelming.
However, the seashore is very nice. There, beach warungs offer Indonesian specialties among Western dishes. At sunset, you can taste a local arak madu sitting under multicolored Balinese umbrellas. The night market is worth it, you can find a lot of bargains. Some of the best, freshest and amazingly cooked sea food is a true delight in Bali.
Bali offers International cuisine from all corners of the world to suit all tastes. Seminyak has every cuisine imaginable on offer. Jamie’s Italian and a sushi train are even in the area now! There is quite a strong organic, vegan and raw food movement going on as well.
Street snacks can be found after dark, street vendors fanning chicken skewers and roasting BBQ corn on the cob over charcoal can be found emerging at night in the little alley road that runs parallel to the beach.
Chez Gado Gado is located right on Double Six Beach. This restaurant is slightly upmarket (compared to street food) yet offers some great well-priced deals. Chez Gado Gado offers a varied International menu and is set right on the beach with some of the best dinner views in Bali so will please everyone’s tastes. An easy choice for dinner in Seminyak.
Tapas, steak, spaghetti, crepes, cappaccio and yes, you guessed it Gado Gado (classic Indonesian vegetable salad with peanut sauce). Escape the heat for an elegant night lounging with great cocktails and fresh pan Asian dishes at a good price. If you are tired of Mie Goreng but craving a dumpling, Mama San has you covered. Interesting retro decor with an old-Shanghai feel.
Ku De Ta is the epitomy of ‘beach to bar’ and is the best place to spend an evening in Seminyak. Chill on the grass with a cocktail and watch the sunset as vendors sell their wares from the beach. Ku De Ta has an extensive menu with good quality food and the bar turns into a nightclub with live music and DJ’s after dark.
Motel Mexicola does real Mexican and after living in California it’s pretty hard to get good Mexican. This place does the job. Great cocktails hard core ‘real’ Mexican food. Bambu in the famous Banyan Tree. Bambu is an up and coming restaurant in Bali. Being in the Banyan Tree, the quality is some of the best you will find in Bali.
Sushi station, grill station and a selection of local cuisine. Like with Gado Gado, you can’t go wrong with Bambu. It’s normally busy, make sure to book in peak season. These are just a handful of local restaurants in Seminyak. There are dozens of great eateries in the area. The food is Bali and this area in particular is high quality with great turn over. Look for spots that are busy.
Ku De Ta and Potato Head have great beach bar vibes and a great selection of cocktails and food. If you’re more of a hard core party reveler check out Sky Dome Super Club in Kuta.
10. Tanah Lot
Seafood in Bali is mouth-watering. The restaurants at Tanah Lot Temple offer memorable dining experiences along with scenic views of the Bali beach. Jimbaran Bay and its small group of seafood cafes are also a great spot in Bali for memorable sunsets along with grilled snapper served with local sambal chili sauce. Most of the restaurants in Bali are open all afternoon until late.
You can literally consume for days in Indonesia and always be attempting something new. Some popular Indonesian foods are satay (like lamb or poultry skewers), nasi goreng (a deep-fried rice plate with various other foods added to it like deep-fried eggs, veggies, and chicken), gudeg (a meal made from steamed young jackfruit, often served with rice, sambal sauce and poultry) and my favourite, sambal sauce — a hot sauce that can be added to rice and many various other dishes.
Indonesia is also among the biggest coffee manufacturers on the planet — the expression "a mug of Java" actually originates from Indonesia's island of the exact same name. They are also famous for Kopi Luwak, which is coffee made from the poop of the Luwak — a.k.a. the civet feline — that has eaten coffee beans and pooped them out. Sounds gross but it's actually unusual and quite expensive coffee.
11. Kintamani
Adventurers will uncover the paths that bring them to an active volcano in Kintamani. The early start (by 4 AM) is more than worth it when you admire the view and sun rising while sipping your coffee and banana sandwiches warmed on the volcano fumes! A steep climb by night but definitely worth the dream-like view at the top. And don’t miss the walk around the crater!
Bali is a place that everybody should experience a minimum of once during a lifetime. These destinations in Bali make it a visit worth visiting. Bali is additionally the foremost famous and visited island in the world.