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Top 5 Can’t Miss Spots in Bali

  • Writer: Erin
    Erin
  • Dec 20, 2021
  • 3 min read

Updated: Jul 31

Bali is a secret paradise, unlike anything else in the world. It is the most popular spot in Indonesia, and for good reason. Traveling to Bali, you'll find lush rainforests, beautiful beaches, fascinating cultures, and amazing weather year-round. Adding Bali to your must-see list is the undeniable choice, and these are our top five spots for any first time visit to Bali.


A panoramic view of the ancient Gunung Kawi temple complex in Bali, featuring five large, ornate rock-cut shrines carved into the face of a cliff. Each shrine resembles a candi (temple) and is set within a recessed archway. In the foreground to the right, a traditional Balinese pavilion with a dark, thatched roof stands on a stone platform. The top of the cliff is covered with lush green banana trees, and the ground in front of the carvings is a mix of stone and earth.
Gunung Kawi

Gunung Kawi

This site is one of Bali's oldest monuments. A complex of ten monuments in the river valley is said to be a memorial to each member of 11th-century Balinese royalty. These stunning sights are said to have been carved out of the rock by hand. The monuments sit at the bottom of a 250 step staircase, so bring your walking shoes.



A panoramic view of the majestic Pura Besakih temple complex in Bali, featuring numerous multi-tiered meru (pagoda-like) towers with dark, thatched roofs. The towers vary in height and number of tiers, creating a dramatic skyline against a vibrant blue sky with scattered white clouds. The architecture is traditional Balinese, with intricate details visible on the structures and surrounding rooftops. In the far background, a faint line of blue suggests the ocean.
Pura Besakih


Pura Besakih

Much like Gunung Kawi in the clustering of sites, Pura Besakih is Bali's most important temple. It encompasses 23 temples. The most famous and stunning is Pura Penataran Agung. This temple is built on six terraces and is still a practicing temple, which means tourists are only allowed to visit the exterior of the complex. It is still home to many ceremonies. The temples are over two thousand years old and have been used as a temple of worship by the first Javanese conquerors. There is a dress code at the temples, and you are required to wear sarongs and sashes. They have these for rent, or you can bring your own to be respectful of the culture and religion.


A breathtaking view of Sekumpul Waterfall in Bali, showcasing multiple powerful streams of water cascading down a steep, lush green cliff face. The rock is heavily covered in vibrant green moss and dense tropical foliage, contrasting with the white foam of the falls. A bright blue sky with white clouds is visible above the canopy of trees.
Sekumpul Waterfall

Sekumpul Waterfall

This beautiful remote jungle waterfall is over 10 mi past Singaraja, which you can incorporate into a full day of water. Getting to this location is part of the fun. Once you leave the parking lot, you'll trek through the quaint Sekumpul village, where trees of clove, cacao, and jackfruit lead the way to steep stairs that wind all the way down to the river. After you cross the river, the fruits of your labor will be waiting for you to take in the otherworldly beauty. If you do not take a guide to the falls, be weary of stalls marked 'Registration Station' in the Sekumpul village. These are scams and are not official entrances with the falls. You'll find the official entrance hut past homes and small shops at the very end of the path.


A traditional Balinese stone gate, intricately carved and reddish-brown, stands as the entrance to the Agung Rai Museum of Art, surrounded by lush tropical greenery and palm trees. Two stone guardian statues, each draped with a blue and white sarong, flank the dark wooden doorway. The gate is topped with ornate rooflines and decorative elements.
Agung Rai Museum of Art Entrance

Agung Rai Museum of Art

The museum to beat all museums in Bali. The collection was built by an art dealer that specialized in Balinese artwork to foreign collectors. This has created a haven for local artists, traditional Balinese artwork and local modern art. The museum's compound is made up of two buildings that house the permanent collections. This museum aims to develop and preserve the art of painting, dance, music, and other cultural art forms.


A curious macaque monkey perches on the moss-covered, grey stone statue of a monkey in the Ubud Monkey Forest. The live monkey is facing the statue and appears to be gently touching its nose or face. The statue has intricate details, and both monkeys are partially obscured by green moss and foliage in the background.
Monkey with Sculpture in Ubud Monkey Forest

Ubud Monkey Forest

This unique temple ground houses three temples and is a sanctuary to over six hundred grey monkeys. The temples that make up the grounds are Beji, Dalem, and Prajapati temples. In addition to these temples, there is a cremation temple that is part of a more significant cremation ceremony that takes place every five years. These grounds are adorned with beautifully carved sculptures. While exploring the forest, you might find six colonies of monkeys. It is best to keep as much distance between you and them as possible and to avoid eating while they are around.


What's stopping you from going to dive headfirst into this culturally diverse and historical country? No matter what it is, we can work through the logistics together. Schedule a consultation with me today to learn more about the top five destinations and everything else that Bali has to offer to plan your amazing vacation.

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