Joanna James
Bali is often considered to be one of the best vacation destinations in South East Asia. This island has everything, from pristine beaches to centuries-old cultural landmarks. So, if you're thinking about a trip to Bali soon, here are the top 5 must-see attractions you need to visit.
Bali is renowned for its ancient temples; these are scattered all across the island and are steeped in history and folklore. Among these, the Pura Tanah Lot stands out for its spectacular seaside setting and iconic architectural design. It is also an incredibly sacred place for the Balinese people as it is considered to be one of the most important sea temples found on the island. It is thought that the temple was built in the early 16th century by local fishermen under the guidance of a priest called Nirartha. Now, foreigners are not allowed to enter the temples under any circumstances, but you can still walk across to the main temple's premises and snap up several picturesque shots for the collection.
Mount Batur is a 1700-metre tall volcano that looms over the landscape of Bali. The volcano is the second highest peak found in Bali and is considered to be sacred by the locals. Every morning, as sun rays slowly start to creep up over Bali, you'll find hundreds of pilgrims and tourists making the trek up the mountain. The area that surrounds Mount Batu is covered in lush fields and sprawling highlands – these make for a gorgeous view from the top once you finally complete your hike. The site is around an hours' drive away from Ubud, so if you're staying at one of the many Bali family resorts found nearby – say, for example, the Holiday Inn Resort Baruna Bali – be sure to find some time to visit this iconic Balinese attraction.
Found perched atop a cliffside overlooking the Ocean in the distance, Uluwatu Temple is perhaps the most famous and most visited temple in Bali. The temple itself has been dated all the way back to the 10th century. It was constructed as a way to ward off and calm evil seas spirits and bring peace and prosperity to the island. The best time to visit Uluwatu Temple is during the evening, just in time for the sunset as the sea begins to glow and the skies turn into a brilliant red.
The sacred Ubud Monkey Forest is not only Bali's most visited forest, but it's one of the country's most famous attractions. Each year over 10,000 tourists flock to the sanctuary to see the forest's notorious monkey troops and their antics. There are over 1000 individuals in Ubud Monkey Forest who are divided into six distinctive troops. The forest interior also contains three ancient Hindu temples said to be constructed in the mid-14th century.
Of course, a trip to Bali wouldn't be complete without visiting one of the many spectacular beaches the island has to offer. While there are plenty of options to choose from, the Nusa Dua Beach is perhaps the best choice – especially if you're looking to get away from the crowds and enjoy a bit of quiet seclusion.
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.
