13 Things You Can't Miss in Bali

THE ISLAND

A place that everyone keeps going back to that is also a favourite destination for many first timers. Some of those who have been to the island loved it so much that they had also made this as their home-base. I mean why wouldn't you? There's so much beauty in one island from the jaw dropping landscapes, lush surroundings , rich culture, and amazing food, it makes Bali one enticing island to call home.

Bali is mainly known for its yoga retreats, a massive surf lifestyle, and a base for many digital nomads. Aside from this, it's a very modern island with plenty of things to do and a lot of places to see.

At this point, I've been to Bali 3 times now, and I must say, there are definitely things that I did in my third visit that wasn't available in the first. New activities and new sites have popped up which truly shows how Bali keeps evolving as tourism continues to grow.

If this is your first time in Bali or if you've already been, keep reading to see what are the 13 things you can't miss in Bali!

IS BALI SAFE?

With the ongoing volcano eruptions and natural disasters happening on the island and around Indonesia as a whole, this is something that will eventually be up to your judgement.

Call it luck, but there was a time when I experienced an earthquake in Bali, there was also a time when a volcano erupted one day after I left the island. Both events happened and luckily nothing major had ever happened to me. It is a scary thought as I think back to it as Mother Nature is not who you would want to mess with. Bali is safe in my opinion but you have to be aware and know that this is a natural disaster prone island. Keep your eyes peeled on the news and do some research to see any sort of warnings prior to your visit. This would be the best way to go about it.

13) TANAH LOT TEMPLE

An iconic temple that sits on a unique rock formation right at the shore. A favourite spot to watch the sun go down for the many. This place gets really crowded throughout the day especially when the sun is about to set. There's a walking path that is available when its low tide to gain access to the rock base. Here, you will find a natural spout that provides holy water for all the temples in the area. Highly recommended for sunset.

12) CAMPUHAN WATERFALL (NEAR GITGIT)

One of the very few, natural waterfalls in Bali. I say natural because there are many waterfalls in Bali that has turned into an amusement park. Nothing wrong with that as locals in the area need some source of income. Unfortunately, many are overdone and in my opinion it ruins the natural beauty of a waterfall. It almost seems like it's been turned into a big amusement part. For example, Tegenugan Waterfalls is a thing a beauty but it just feels like it's a massive tourist trap, which it actually is. It just ruins the experience for me when there's a bar that plays loud music right on the waterfall. Campuhan on the other hand is left alone. Hence, it's one of my favourites.

11) SACRED MONKEY FOREST

Located in Ubud, the Sacred Monkey Forest is a sanctuary to over 700 monkeys with 180 plus different kinds of trees. A great place to take a stroll and of course, see the monkeys. Watch out for your belongings when you're inside as monkeys are notorious for taking small things and running away with it. Ensure that your bag is closed and do not bring water bottles inside, if you must, keep them inside your bag.

10) ULUWATU TEMPLE

A well known Balinese Hindu temple that sits on a cliff with an amazing view of the Indian Ocean. The views from the top is remarkable. This is another favourite spot to catch the sunset. This is a religious site to temple attire is a must though a sarong will be given to you prior to your entry. Monkeys are lingering around in this area so be aware of your belongings just like how you would in the Monkey Forest.

9) SWING AWAY

There are many swings in Bali located in a dreamy spot with lush surroundings. Bali Swing is one in particular I would highly recommend you to check out. It's safe, fun, and it also includes a buffet style meal with the entry fee! Come in the morning and as early as possible to avoid queueing to get your turn on the swings and other spots you'd like to get a photo of.

8) UBUD MARKET PLACE

This will be your go to local market if you're looking to get some souvenirs or get any sort of shopping done. There are no set prices here so that means you have to be able to bargain. A rule of thumb when bargaining with vendors in these markets is that you need to get the price down to at least half of what they had originally asked for. There are many random things you can find here that you won't be able to find anywhere else.

7) PURA LEMPUYANG TEMPLE

Pura Lempuyang Temple, also known as Heaven's Gate is one of the most Instagrammed photos in Bali. A temple with a beautiful backdrop of Mount Agung. You need to get here early, preferably before 9 am to avoid a long queue for the photo. Many photos online can be deceiving as they are shot with a reflective glass to make it seem like there's a puddle with the most perfect reflection of the temple with the backdrop of Mount Agung. This is not real.

6) BEACH DAY

Being that you're on an island, you'd be crazy to not enjoy one of the many beach spots in Bali. Some of the favourite beach spots are Kuta, Seminyak, Uluwatu, Canggu, Jimbaran, and Nusa Dua. Kuta and Seminyak is very touristy, Canggu has the cool, hip surfer vibe, and Uluwatu, Jimbaran as well as Nusa Dua would be my top favourites as these areas are much cleaner than Kuta and Seminyak. Have a cold one, catch a wave on a surf board, or if you just want to lay around and do a whole lot of nothing, you must do a beach day or several beach days when you're in Bali.

5) CAMPUHAN RIDGE WALK

A great place to take a walk and soak in the lush surroundings in the area. The trail can be very peaceful and scenic if you're lucky to have it all to yourself. Try to make it out early here if possible.

4) PURA TIRTA EMPUL

A Hindu Balinese temple famous for its holy spring water. You may explore and walk around the temple and/or you may also take a dip in the holy water. Many foreigners and locals come here to cleanse their mind, body, and soul by having a dip.

3) ULUN DANU BATUR TEMPLE

A temple dedicated to the goddess of the lake. A must see temple for sunrise or sunset as it makes the place even more majestic.

2) MOUNT BATUR

Standing at 1,717 m high, Mount Batur is a hike that you'll be doing early in the morning. Depending on your condition level, the hike can take up anywhere between 4-5 hours round trip. You typically start at 3 am, go to a spot where you have a small breakfast, then make your way to the top around 5 or so, just before the sun rises. You will have your second breakfast and catch the sunrise from the summit. It is an amazing experience you cannot miss. I've done this hike 3 times now and it will never get old for me.

1) TEGALLALANG RICE TERRACE

Situated in Ubud, the Tegallalang Rice Terrace is the number one thing you can't miss in Bali. There's just something so magical about this place and seeing it first thing in the morning is out of this world. I highly recommend waking up bright and early to get here, before anyone else wakes up, so that you have this place all to yourself. Trust me, it's worth it! Walking through the paddy fields as the sun rises and witnessing this beauty is like walking into a fantasy world. It's so surreal just thinking about the whole experience.