Joanna James
Bali, whose wide popularity has made the stunning island synonymous with the entire Indonesian archipelago, brims with cultural and natural wonders. Venture out in the paradisiacal destination and discover all that is charming and captivating, which draws tourists in doves to the Indonesian island.
A UNESCO World Heritage site and, without a doubt, a place of mind-blowing beauty in all of Bali—a 20-minute drive up north from the famous town of Ubud is the scenic Tegalalang Rice Terraces. Wide, sprawling layers of rice paddies extending as far as the eye can see, the beautiful emerald-hued paddies are just as verdant as Indonesia in its heyday of agriculture, thanks to a sophisticated ancient irrigation system and skilled farmers who are still adept at agricultural practices of yore.
Tucked away in the Singaraja region, 66 kilometres away from the Ubud city centre, Sekumpul Waterfall isn't a single waterfall, but a collection of around seven waterfalls. Considered by many as the Indonesian island's finest waterfall, the cascading wonder of nature is sure to give your fill of scenic beauty. It is not only the stunning waterfall that makes for a fantastic experience but also the adventurous trek through Bali's thick jungle that leads to the falls, treating you to a slice of both breathtaking nature and exciting adventure.
Animal lovers looking forward to catching sight of Bali's well-known long-tailed macaques, head over to the Monkey Forest at the heart of Ubud, a safe haven for a good 1,000 or so of those impish macaques. While this sanctuary may be more of an open-air zoo to the tourists to the idyllic island, it is a holy site for the locals, who come to pray in the three ancient temples within the confines of the nature reserve.
Perched atop a dramatic cliff, overlooking the turquoise blue waters, Uluwatu Temple, in Bali's southernmost village of Pecatu, is one of the most sacred places of worship on the entire island. While the cultural, historical and religious significance is what brings the locals to the picturesque temple, the mind-blowing scenic beauty is what makes it a top tourist attraction in Bali. At a good 230 feet up on the cliff, you are greeted with some awe-inspiring views of the stunning seascape that are bound to leave you amazed.
Get a break from all the tourist attractions for a change in scenery and go surfing in the alluring waters that surround Bali to treat yourself to a bit of thrilling adventure. One of the best things to do in Tabanan and many other coastal cities on the island, catching a wave in Bali is sure to give you your much-awaited rush of adrenaline. To complement your surfing, you could also find a slew of fine beachside hotels and resorts, including the likes of Nirjhara.
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.
