Whether you are visiting Bali with your family, planning a honeymoon trip to Bali, or looking for somewhere to go and relax by yourself, there are some incredible places to visit in Bali that will fit everybody's criteria.
We've delved into which places are best for which kind of visitor below, to help you get started on planning your ultimate trip to one of the most beautiful islands in the world.
1. Seminyak: Best for nightlife and shopping, and for families
A brilliant hotel in SeminyakOne of Bali's top destinations, Seminyak is known for its nightlife, shops, beaches with plenty of waves for those wanting to surf, and restaurants. Along Seminyak's beach, you'll be able to see some of Bali's best sunsets at one of the many beach-facing bars or restaurants.
Its most popular beaches include Seminyak Beach, but also Petitenget Beach and Double 6 Beach. Accommodation there is a good mix of budget to higher-end, and with Seminyak being relatively close to the airport, it is easy to reach and a good location to start or finish a Bali trip from.
Top things to do:
- Spend the day at Potato Head Beach Club
- Visit Petitenget Temple
- Learn how to surf as a beginner, or practice your surf if you've surfed before
- Pick any of the beachfront bars on Seminyak Beach for a sunset beverage
2. Ubud: Best for nature and a honeymoon
Sacred Monkey Forest in Ubud, Bali Ubud has long been known as the center of Bali's arts and spiritual life, as a result of its beautiful natural jungle surroundings. You'll find sprawling rice paddy terraces and lots of lush greenery nearby, as well as many yoga studios, spas, and temples. It is also known for Monkey Forest, where you'll be able to see plenty of Bali's monkeys!
Due to the high concentration of luxury hotels, this is also one of Bali's top destinations for a honeymoon. Being inland means many visitors combine Ubud with a second location, such as Nusa Dua or Jimbaran, and Ubud is also a good spot to visit Tanah Lot, an important Hindu temple in Bali, from. From there the visit to the temple takes around 30–40 minutes.
Top things to do:
- See Hindu temples and shrines dotted along rice paddies
- Visit Ubud's rice terraces and explore the rain forest
- Explore Elephant Cave and Gunug Kawi
- Meet the monkeys at Monkey Forest
3. Uluwatu: Best for quieter beaches and advanced surfers
Cliff-top beaches in UluwatuKnown for its cliff-top beaches, Uluwatu is worth visiting if you are trying to get further away from the crowds. The stunning beaches around Uluwatu will make you feel like you are on the edge of the world, and its beaches are also good for surfers, with the waves being almost perfect daily between March and November.
If you don't surf that is not a problem, because Uluwatu is also perfect for sunset drinks and ocean views, and you can always watch the surfers instead of joining them!
Top things to do:
- Visit Pura Luhur Uluwatu Temple, one of the most important temples in Bali
- Surf on Uluwatu beach, particularly if you're an experienced surfer (Canggu or Seminyak are recommended for beginners)
4. Nusa Dua: Best for relaxing on the beach
The rising sun shone on Nusa Dua Located on the east side of Bali, Nusa Dua is one of Bali's more luxurious spots with lots of nice hotels on the coast, meaning that it is quieter than somewhere like Kuta or even Seminyak. It is best for those looking for a relaxing holiday on the beach, and is nearby some of Bali's best snorkeling spots too.
You'll undoubtedly visit Nusa Dua Beach during a visit to Nusa Dua, a white sand beach that is perfect for swimming, or the beautiful Mengiat Beach.
Top things to do:
- Snorkel at Tanjung Benoa reef, which is ideal for beginners
- Enjoy Nusa Dua Beach or Mengiat Beach
- Take in the power of the ocean at Water Blow, a cliff at which ocean waves hit and blow over the crowd
- Experience Balinese culture at Puja Mandala Temple
5. Canggu: Best for surfing at all levels
Canggu is a good place to surfIf you are looking for somewhere that is less busy than Seminyak or Kuta but still want to surf, Canggu, a resort village on the south coast of Bali, might be your best shot. Nearby you'll find lots of beautiful rice paddies and idyllic scenery.
Canggu is one of the places that is recommended for beginner surfers too, and you'll be close to a number of popular beach clubs and bars at which to enjoy Bali's beach views from.
Top things to do:
- Visit Pura Batu Bolong and Pura Batu Mejan, two beautiful temples near Canggu
- Rent a scooter and explore the rice terraces
- Learn how to surf as a beginner on one of the nearby beaches
6. Penida Island: Best for unspoiled beauty
Beach in Nusa Penida island, Bali, Indonesia If you are really looking to escape the crowds, it's worth looking into visiting Penida Island just off Bali. Tourism there isn't as developed, but you'll find some of the most picturesque and unspoiled beaches and sights around, with lots of affordable accommodation options.
A day trip there is doable, with speedboats leaving from Sanur in the morning and returning in the afternoon, but we do recommend staying the night or 2 nights if your itinerary allows it. That way you can see more of the island. Tours are available on the island that will take you to snorkeling spots and to see its unspoiled beauty.
Top things to do:
- Visit Kelingking Beach, or Broken Beach
- Snorkel at nearby Crystal Bay or Manta Point
7. Kuta and Legian: Best for budget travelers
The beach of KutaOne of the most popular destinations for young travelers in Bali are Kuta or Legian: this is where you'll find the majority of hostels, lower-end bars and clubs. While it's very busy, the beaches are still beautiful and it is a good place to go if you are traveling alone and looking to make friends along the way.
If you are visiting Bali with your family, this is also where you'll find New Kuta Green Park Bali: a water park for families with 12 main water activities, kids' playgrounds, and a separate aviary, or Waterbom Bali, another popular waterpark.
Top things to do:
- Visit the Bali Sea Turtle Society to learn more about turtle conservation in Bali
- Get wet at one of Bali's waterparks
- Enjoy Pandawa Beach or Kuta beach for gentler waves than most of Bali's surfing beaches
- Visit Tanah Lot, home to an important Hindu temple (around 45 minutes from Kuta or Legian).
8. Jimbaran: Best for a honeymoon in Bali
Jimbaran has beautifl sceneryJimbaran is one of Bali's most popular honeymoon destinations, with plenty of beautiful, seafront luxury hotels to choose from. That's not all there is to Jimbaran, however, as this is also one of the main spots for surfing and beaches, with a lot of smaller beaches that have a more private feel to them.
If you're looking for a beautiful hotel in Bali, chances are high that you'll end up finding one in Jimbaran!
Top things to do:
- Visit idyllic Dreamland Beach or Green Bowl Beach
- Relax in one of Jimbaran's many luxurious resort hotels
- Enjoy a traditional massage at a luxury spa
- Walk along the beautiful limestone cliff coastlines of Bingin Beach, or surf its waves
9. Sanur: Best for families visiting Bali
Traditional fishing boats in Sanur,Bali One of the more popular spots for families visiting Bali is Sanur. Along its beautiful coastlines you'll find a lot of family-friendly hotels, amenities, and restaurants, with the beaches' waters mostly calm and shallow. The vibe is generally more relaxed, and it's a good starting point for family excursions to east Bali and central Bali, as Sanur is located close to Bali's highways.
Top things to do:
- Go shopping at Sindhu Market or see local market life at the Sanur Morning Market
- Visit Sanur Beach
- Explore the nearby Tirta Empul Temple
10. Bedugul: Best for sightseeing and active travelers
The temple on Lake Bratan, Bali Located in central Bali, Bedugul makes a good change from Bali's beach life and has plenty to offer in terms of botanical gardens and beautiful scenery which make for good biking and camping trips. This is a good place to visit in Bali if you want to escape the crowds and see more of Bali's lush rainforest and venture off the beaten path. There is also a beautiful lake, Lake Bratan, which has temples that are also worth a visit.
Top things to do:
- Visit Bali Treetop Adventure Park with your family
- Explore Bedugul Market
- Enjoy Balinese art at Sugeng Ariawan Arts Gallery
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