Joanna James
We all know about Bali's gorgeous beaches and world famous spas, but did you know there's a lot much more to do and see on the island? Here are 8 places you must make a point to visit as well!
Standing strong atop a massive rock, surrounded by the ocean, Bali's most iconic temple pays homage to the sea's guardian spirits. Tanah Lot Temple is one of the best places to see in Bali, it is an ancient pilgrimage temple with a rich and fascinating history and is the foreground to one of the most breathtaking sunset views that Bali has to offer.
Bali has gorgeous, lush green rice terraces that expand over miles and miles of land. Tegallalang, in Ubud, offers the most breathtaking views of these famously gorgeous rice fields. Bikes are available for hire and there are ATV riding adventures focusing on the Tegallalang terraces as well.
Also in Ubud, is the Ubud Art Market, or the 'Pasar Seni Ubud' as it is locally called, where you'll find lovely silk scarves, hand-crafted bags, hats and baskets, wooden carvings and statues, and even lightweight clothing. The market is located opposite the Puri Saren Royal Palace and features arts and crafts produced from the neighbouring villages of Tegallalang, Peliatan, Pengosekan and Payangan. It's the best place to go souvenir shopping in Bali!
The Sacred Monkey Forest, located on the peripheries of Ubud's main centre, is home to more than 7,000 individuals of Bali's Grey long-tailed macaque. The thick jungle is a place of great significance, both culturally and scientifically. It is the site of several conservation activities and scientific research focusing on these macaque species and also contains ancient, mystical temples, with guardian statues overrun by nature, which are sanctified by the locals.
Besakih Temple is the largest and holiest temple in Bali, and has been the island's 'mother temple' for more than a 1,000 years! The immense complex sits, 1,000 metres high, on the slopes of Mount Agung, surrounded by some of the island's most spectacular panoramic vistas. There are at least 23 temples, separate but connected, within the complex, each representing different deities with the largest and most important temple being Pura Penataran Agung.
A volcano, a magnificent lake and hot springs! What more could one ask for? Located in the central highlands of Bali is the Kintamani Volcano and Mount Batur Range, one of the most popular tourist destinations on the island. The volcano and mountain range surrounds the Batur Caldera Lake which spans over 13 square kilometres of land. Visitors can climb up to the volcanic crater and then take a winding road along the shores of Batur Caldera to the Toya Bungkah hot springs!
Goa Gajah or 'elephant caves' dates back to the 11th century and was constructed as a place of meditation. The archaeological site features a courtyard filled with relics, intricately carved rock walls, fountains, a central cave for meditation and bathing pools! Goa Gajah is located in Bedulu village around 6 kilometres from central Ubud.
Uluwatu Temple, located in the southwestern Bukit Peninsula; the same peninsula that houses the Bali International Convention Centre, is one the most significant Balinese temples. It stands on a gorgeous cliff, overlooking the sea and is particularly stunning at sunset and sunrise. An open amphitheatre constructed close to the temple features sunset Kecak fire dancers whose mesmerizing performance is one you won't soon forget!
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
