Joanna James
Bali, a gem in the Indonesian archipelago, known as the 'Island of a Thousand Gods', is mysterious, exciting and the epitome of tropical island vibes. Whether it's sun, sand and sea, exploring the lush interiors or discovering the exotic culture you seek, here are the best attractions in Bali.
Mount Batur is a sacred volcano located in Kintamani. Plan a day trip to the central highlands of Kintamani and discover the magic of Bali. The trek to the summit of the mountain begins predawn, which means you get there in time to see the first rays of the sun pierce through the sky in golden slivers. It's all very romantic and an experience to be remembered forever. The views are astounding and stretch across the Batur Caldera, the Batu Lake and distant mountains. It's the perfect day excursion from popular Bali beach resorts. The likes of Anantara Uluwatu Bali Resort will be happy to help you plan your tour.
Representing Bali on postcards and souvenirs, Pura Tanah Lot is an iconic attraction that encompasses the essence of Bali. The shrine is easy to reach from Kuta and Uluwatu resorts in Bali and sits on an off-shore crop of rocks. It is believed to have been commissioned by a priest named Nirartha in the 16th century to protect the island. At low tide, it's possible to walk up to the temple, and although tourists cannot enter the main shrine, the surroundings are quite interesting to explore. Hang around for the sunset, which lights up the entire temple in a fiery glow and explore the nearby village before heading back to your resort in Bali.
Beach resorts in Bali are popular, especially those located in Uluwatu as the area is ideal for all sorts of water sports including surfing. Apart from the fab beach allures, the area is home to Pura Luhur Uluwatu, which means Uluwatu Temple. The local name for the temple is Pura. Located on a beautiful seaside cliff, this temple is a top attraction in Bali and is not to be missed. The temple, dating back to the 10th century, was established as protection for the island from sea demons. At the back of the temple is a forest where monkeys dwell; hence, the cheeky creatures can be seen around the compound of the shrine. As a bonus, you can hang around until evening to catch a sunset performance by traditional kecak dancers of Bali.
Ubud is Bali's cultural hub and ideal for exploring when you want to visit the interiors of the island. Known as the birthplace of modern Balinese art, Ubud is home to royal palaces and ancient temples. Delve deeper into the arts by visiting the galleries and museums in the area while the arts and crafts markets are ideal for picking up souvenirs, trinkets and beautiful artworks.
Easy to reach from Bali resorts, the terraced rice fields of Bali are iconic images that many people associate with the island. You can visit the rice terraces of Tegallalang or Jatiluwih. Both are rewarding and give you a chance to enjoy the beauty of nature.
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.
