Listly by Joanna James
Bali is a place of breathtaking beauty with an overwhelming list of things to see and do. So, without further ado, here are the top 8 things you must check out when travelling around the island.
Explore Bali's luscious rice paddy fields via bike or ATV! Bikes are available for hire and ATV riding adventures can be booked in advance. The fields provide some of the most breathtaking views both in Bali and around the world, the best vantage point is along Tegallalang which is lined with small restaurants overlooking the fields as well as plenty of roadside stalls.
Bali has its fair share of magnificent temples, but the most picturesque, without a doubt, is Pura Luhur Uluwatu, which stands on a beautiful cliff overlooking the sea. The best time to visit is either at sunrise or sunset. A visit to Uluwatu is made truly unique by the presence of monkeys and fire dancers.
Ubud's monkey forest also called the Sacred Monkey Forest, is a place of enchanting beauty. The thick jungle is home to more than 7000 monkeys who are not known to be shy of visitors (so watch out for your belongings!) several hotels arrange tours to the forest, as well as, to several other points of interest. A Bali Kuta resort such as the famous Holiday Inn Resort Baruna Bali, for instance, offers several tours and excursions around Bali.
Bali is an island renowned for its stunning resorts and hotels, which are made especially famous by their iconic infinity pools that boast the most spectacular vistas in the world. No trip to Bali can ever be truly complete without experiencing at least one infinity pool.
Bali's famous smoothie bowls are found in every nook and cranny of the island and are the perfect respite from the glaring sun and heat. The island contains some of the juiciest and freshest fruit found across the world and the smoothie bowls, filled to the brim with delicious sliced fruit, are heaven sent.
The Gili Islands are a fantastic getaway from the bustling Bali city life and are worth spending at least a day in. Each island has its own 'personality' so to speak, for instance, if you're looking for quiet seclusion, Gili Air or Meno is more your scene, while Gili T, the largest of the islands, is much more crowded and supports an exciting nightlife! If you're looking for adventure, then spend a day at Lombok Island, there are several waterfalls and swimming holes to explore and volcanoes to climb!
Of course, at the end of the day, Bali is all about the beach life, so a tip to remember when you travel there is to try and avoid the main beaches. These might be a little disappointing and not exactly the peaceful paradise you painted in your mind. Visit Geger Beach, Karma Beach, Pasir Putih Beach, Amed Beach or Green Bowl Beach if you can, or put on your hiking shoes and discover a hidden patch of beach paradise for yourself!
Situated about 20km northwest of Kuta, is Pura Tanah Lot, one of the most significant landmarks in Bali. It is a pilgrimage temple that stands atop a beautiful, natural rock formation just offshore and has a rich and fascinating history. The temple is a particularly sensational sight at sunset!