What to See in Bali

UNESCO World Heritage

Bali has only one UNESCO World Heritage listing: its "Traditional Irrigation System of the Rice Terraces" (2012), known as subak.

Cities and Cultural Heritage

Amed ★★
A quiet coastal area in eastern Bali made up of several fishing villages with black sand beaches. The spot is popular with divers.

Besakih ★★★
At the foot of Mount Agung, this village surrounded by beautiful landscapes is home to the main Hindu temple of Bali and several Balinese temples.

Candidasa ★
On the east coast of the island, this seaside town is appreciated for its tranquillity despite its lack of beaches and black sand.

Denpasar ★
Bali’s capital is hardly a tourist hub and primarily serves travelers as the island’s air gateway. However, the city has several interesting temples, palaces, and museums.

Gilimanuk ★
At the far west of Bali, this is where ferries depart for the nearby island of Java.

Goa Gajah ★★
This is a cave temple located not far from Ubud. After serving as a Buddhist sanctuary, the site is now dedicated to Hinduism.

Jimbaran ★
Next to Kuta, this fishing village has transformed into a beach resort with many upscale or all-inclusive hotels.

Kuta ★
South of Denpasar, this is the surfers' and young travelers' mecca, with beaches, infrastructure, and nightlife all geared 100% toward Western visitors. The "Kuta district" also includes the resorts of Legian and Seminyak, which are quite similar and popular with tourists.

Lovina ★★
This is a coastal area in northern Bali made up of several small villages where you can surf, dive, watch dolphins, or enjoy the black-sand beaches. The area remains quieter than Kuta and its surroundings.

Mengwi ★★
A town north of Denpasar known for its complex of temples.

Nusa Dua ★
East of the Bukit Peninsula, this area hosts several high-end and all-inclusive hotels. Windsurfing, diving, and golf are popular activities here.

Nusa Lembongan ★★
A pretty, fairly quiet little island with beautiful beaches, a few kilometres southeast of Bali. Surfing and diving are popular activities here.

Nusa Penida ★★★
It’s the largest island southeast of Bali. You’ll find beautiful, fairly wild landscapes (cliffs, caves, waterfalls, beaches) and plenty of birds. The island is also home to several Hindu temples. Diving is a popular activity here.

Padangbai ★
This small port on Bali’s east coast is where ferries depart for Lombok. Padangbai also has beautiful beaches, diving opportunities, and temples.

Pemuteran ★
On Bali’s northwest coast, this small fishing port offers visitors its beaches and excellent diving opportunities.

Sanur ★
A seaside resort southeast of Denpasar with a more mature, European clientele than Kuta.

Semarapura ★★★
This former capital, of historical interest on par with Bali, features a beautiful palace (the "Klungkung Palace") partly dating from the 17th century.

Singaraja ★
The former capital of Bali still retains some remnants of its colonial past along with several temples.

Pura Kehen Temple ★★
This is a charming 11th-century Hindu sanctuary located in the town of Bangli.

Tanah Lot Temple ★★★
Perched on a rocky outcrop near the west coast, this sacred temple is especially popular with tourists at sunset. It has now become Bali’s most famous site.

Uluwatu Temple ★★
Located in southern Bali, on the Bukit Peninsula, this is one of the island's main Balinese temples.

Tenganan ★★
This village in the east, near Candidasa, is home to the most famous "Bali Aga" (traditional Balinese village) on the island.

Tirta Gangga ★★
This small village in the east is home to a surprising "water palace". You can also go on a few treks in the surrounding area.

Ubud ★★★
In the heart of Bali, amid forests and rice terraces, this town is the island's cultural and artistic hub. Ubud is also home to several temples, palaces, museums, and a monkey reserve.

Natural Heritage

Bedugul ★★★
A charming highland region in central Bali, centered on the village of the same name, with lakes and rice terraces. Ideal for hiking and birdwatching.

Mount Agung ★★
At 3,142 m, it is the summit of Bali. You can climb it, though the ascent is not necessarily the easiest compared to other peaks on the island. Additionally, Agung is an active volcano.

Mount Batukau ★
You can climb this extinct volcano, the second-highest peak on the island, located in central Bali.

Mount Batur ★★★
With the lake of the same name at its base, this active volcano offers beautiful landscapes and trekking opportunities. Its summit is popular with hikers for its panoramic views.

West Bali National Park ★★
Located in the northwest of the island, this coastal park—also known as Bali Barat—offers diverse landscapes where many birds nest. You can hike and go diving here.

Bukit Peninsula ★★
This is the southernmost part of Bali. It features high cliffs, numerous beaches, and several surfing spots.

Ayung River ★★
This river near Ubud offers interesting rafting opportunities.