Destination Guide: Where To Go in Bali?

Bali is a dream destination because it offers something for everyone. We visit for the culture and the people, some tourists go for the beaches and surfing, while others are there to party.

You can easily find all of these things, but not always in the same place. Knowing where to go can make a real difference to your trip.

After 2+ years travelling the island, we've got a pretty good grasp of it. In this guide, we'll explain the main places to visit in Bali and what each is known for.

Bali Destinations: An Overview

To simplify things from a tourist's perspective, we can divide Bali into four main areas: the south, the Bukit Peninsula, central Bali, and the rest. There are also several islands but we'll get to those later.

In the rest of this guide, we'll delve into specific towns, villages, and islands that are worth visiting. But if you're looking for somewhere to base yourself, you might find our other guide on 'Where to stay in Bali?' more useful.

Destination Map

Top Places To Visit

Ubud

Ubud is Bali’s most popular tourist destination. And with good reason.

It’s home to many of the island's most popular attractions, including the Sacred Monkey Forest, Tirta Empul Water Temple, and the famous Tegallalang rice terraces.

It’s also Bali's artistic hub, with a thriving community of traditional craftspeople. You can shop for local crafts at the town's many markets. Or you can learn a new skill yourself at a class or workshop, with the likes of cooking, jewellery making, pottery, and wood carving available to try.

If self-care is your thing, Ubud is a renowned destination for wellness and spirituality. You'll find many beautiful open-air studios and shalas offering yoga, meditation, breathwork, dance, sound healing, and more.

Ubud is centrally located at the heart of Bali, so you can easily visit no matter where you’re staying.

With several iconic temples and places to see traditional Balinese dance, Ubud is often touted as the cultural heart of Bali. However, keep in mind that most of what you see today is tailored towards tourists.

Uluwatu

Technically, Uluwatu is just one village, but it's commonly used to refer to the entire Southwest section of the Bukit Peninsula. The area is known for stunning coastal views, world-class surf breaks, and a selection of beautiful, unspoiled white sand beaches.

Our favourite is Nyang Nyang, a long stretch of beautiful natural beach that remains largely untouched, other than a warung or two.

A few others worth checking out are Suluban Beach, Melasti Beach, and Pandawa. Uluwatu is very cliffy, so many of the beaches require walking down steep steps. You'll definitely meet your step goal for the day!

For a more luxurious experience, Uluwatu's beach clubs are some of the best in Bali. Check out Savaya for a lively atmosphere with some of the world's top DJs or Sundays for a relaxing day on their private beach.

The Indian Ocean provides Uluwatu with consistent and powerful waves almost every day of the year, which is why it's the best spot for seasoned surfers. However, beginners may find the conditions near Seminyak, Canggu, and Kuta a little easier.

The Nusa Islands

To the east of Bali are the three islands of Nusa Lembongan, Nusa Ceningan, and Nusa Penida, often just referred to as the Nusa Islands. Although Nusa means island in the local language - so this makes no sense at all!

It is possible to visit these islands as day trips to enjoy the highlights. However, we recommend staying over so that you can make the most of other activities, such as snorkelling, that you would otherwise miss.

If you are staying over and only have time for one of the islands, we prefer staying on Lembongan and visiting Penida from there.

Kintamani

Kintamani is the area around Mount Batur, the island’s second-largest volcano. Tourists come from all across the island to climb Mount Batur at sunrise, but very few will stick around to explore Kintamani afterwards.

We think this is one of Bali’s most underrated regions with more activities than most people realise. From soaking in natural hot springs to adrenalin-fuelled jeep adventures, ATVs, and canoeing on Lake Batur.

What makes Kintamani one of our favourite destinations is the incredible view of Mount Batur, which is best enjoyed from the variety of cafés and restaurants sprawled across the edge of the crater. Many also have hidden viewpoints, infinity pools, and hammocks overlooking the volcano.

You can easily visit Kintamani on a day trip from Ubud by yourself or as part of a guided tour. A popular excursion is to join a cycling tour from Kintamani to Ubud, which is almost entirely downhill.

The Gili Islands

The Gili Islands are an archipelago of islands that are technically part of Bali’s neighbour, Lombok. The hippy-vibe islands make a great addition to any Bali itinerary with direct boats from Padang Bai taking around two hours.

You can get to the Gili Islands by taking a public boat from the ports at either Padangbai, Serangan, or Amed (currently closed). We recommend leaving from Padangbai and using Eka Jaya as they have the biggest boats. The crossing takes over 2 hours.

Once you arrive, there are no cars or scooters on the islands. The main way to get around is by walking or bicycle.

Due to the time it takes to get there and the boat schedules, the Gili Islands can't be done on a day trip. You’ll need to stay at least one night, but we'd recommend spending at least 3 days to make the most of your visit.

Amed

Amed is a fishing village on the east coast of Bali. It was once Bali's main salt production area, but today, it's a favourite destination among divers and snorkelers. The sea has excellent visibility and is home to some of the richest marine life on the island.

In Amed, you'll find most of Bali's dive centres and resorts, offering everything from fun dives for beginners to advanced PADI courses.

Around 30 minutes north of Amed by car is Tulamben Bay, which is another diving hotspot. This is where you can see the USAT Liberty shipwreck, which has been underwater for over 80 years.

You can also see the famous coral garden, a 150m long reef with rare species such as ghost pipefish and mantis shrimps.

If scuba diving isn't for you, you can still enjoy underwater life in Amed with a good old snorkel. Emily and I spent a whole morning exploring the different snorkelling spots in Amed, including a shallow Japanese shipwreck that is just a short swim from the shore.

Sidemen

Sidemen is one of the most authentic parts of Bali and the place to catch a glimpse of real rural Balinese life. The village of Sidemen itself is tiny, but it’s surrounded by stunning rice terraces and lush green landscapes that go on for miles.

If you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the tourist areas, Sidemen is a great place to visit. The locals here are extra welcoming as there are fewer tourists. You can learn a lot about Balinese life by talking to them, even with limited English compared to the rest of Bali.

The area around Sidemen is great for trekking - but you'll definitely need a guide for this as the routes are not easy to follow. We spent two hours trekking with a local who taught us about all aspects of Balinese life including families, religion and traditions, marriage, schools, agriculture, and everything in between.

The village also has lots of silver-making classes, cooking classes, and a few beautiful waterfalls including Gembleng which is one of our favourite waterfalls in Bali.

Canggu

Canggu started life as a quiet surf destination. However, over the last decade, it’s grown into the number one hub for digital nomads in Bali, if not the whole of South East Asia.

But even if you're not a nomad, the town may still be worth a visit.

Canggu is the foodie capital of Bali and is packed with fantastic cafes and restaurants. And it’s not just the local dishes that taste good here. You can find delicious cuisine from countless different countries. The town is particularly well known for its legendary brunch spots such as Crate Café (our favourite).

Make sure you carve out time to watch the sunset at one of the beachside restaurants on Batu Belong Beach or from one of Canggu's beach clubs which cater to all tastes. Whether you're seeking a lively party spot or somewhere laid back to enjoy a pool day.

And if you want to keep your night going after, Canggu has a great bar scene. Head to X-Bar, Old Mans, Motel Mexicola, or Sand Bar to party the night away close to the beach.

Canggu has a strong community of travellers and digital nomads, which is why we spend a lot of time there. However, when it comes to actual tourist attractions, you won't find anything cultural.

Seminyak

Seminyak is a lively tourist town that attracts couples and young families. It's more upmarket than Kuta and Legian, but still affordable when compared to the all-inclusive resorts of Nusa Dua.

The highlight of Seminyak is undoubtedly the beach, which stretches for 3km along the coast. It's home to many casual beachside cafes, as well as plenty of great beach clubs like Desa Potato Head, Mrs Sippy, and Ku De Ta.

Seminyak is excellent for shopping with several shopping malls and many boutique outlets such as the Bali Boat Sheds. On the outskirts of Seminyak is the huge Trans Studio Mall, complete with an indoor theme park and a rollercoaster on its roof.

If nightlife is important to you, Seminyak should be high on your destination list. You'll find everything from cocktail bars to sports bars and speakeasies. Our favourite is Shooters, where you can try your hand at axe throwing and mini golf in between drinks - what could go wrong?!

You can also party into the early hours in Seminyak, with Motel Mexicola, La Favela, and ShiShi among Bali’s top nightclubs.

Lovina

Right on the north coast of Bali sits the sleepy little town of Lovina, a quiet resort area where you can see wild dolphins just off the coast.

With the dolphins being Lovina's top attraction, you won't struggle to find a local captain who will take you out on his boat to catch a glimpse of the playful creatures. I was even lucky enough to be in the water with my snorkel when a group swam right beside me!

On the outskirts of Lovina, you can visit the peaceful Banjar Hot Springs and Brahmavihara-Arama, which is Bali's biggest Buddhist temple.

Plus, with the town's location in northern Bali, you're never too far from incredible waterfalls, with Gitgit and Aling-Aling among the best in the region.

Sanur

Sanur might be the closest destination to Bali's capital, Denpasar, on this list. But it couldn’t be further in terms of its general vibe.

This charming coastal town is one of the more peaceful spots in southern Bali, with a laid-back vibe that tends to attract international retirees and families looking for a more chilled-out holiday or long-term stay.

Sanur Beach may not be the most beautiful in Bali. But the calm waters make it perfect for swimming and its location on the east coast is a great spot for catching the sunrise.

Sanur isn't known for one particular activity but it does have plenty to do depending on your preferences.

Arts enthusiasts can visit Le Mayeur Museum, an art museum in the former home of a Belgian painter who lived there with his Balinese wife.

There's also the Turtle Conservation And Education Centre, as well as several well-maintained cycling paths including one along the beach and one through the rice fields.

Sanur also has some watersport activities, including jet skis and banana boats. Although nearby Nusa Dua has a much wider choice.

Munduk

Munduk is a small region in the mountains of northern Bali that's best known for its beautiful waterfalls. The steep volcanic rockface and the wet climate has seen several large waterfalls form among the jungle terrain.

Munduk has four main waterfalls which can be visited individually or as part of a half-day hike known as the "Munduk Waterfall Trek".

Nestled within the jungle are many rustic eco-resorts with charming cottages and cabins overlooking the lush green valleys below. Perfect for a quiet escape surrounded by nature.

Other than waterfalls, there's not a massive amount to do in Munduk. However, you can easily combine it with a visit to neighbouring Bedugul.

Bedugul

Bedugul is a mountainous area in northern Bali surrounding three large picturesque lakes; Lake Bratan, Lake Tamblingan, and Lake Buyan

On Lake Bratan sits one of Bedugul’s most iconic landmarks, Ulun Danu Beratan, which is known as the floating temple as the pagodas appear to float on the shore. Ceremonies and offerings to the Balinese water and river Goddess Dewi Danu often take place here.

The region is one of the best places in Bali for trekking, especially in the tropical jungle between Lake Tamblingan and Lake Buyan. Guided hikes can last a few hours and often include a boat trip across the lake.

Bedugul is also home to the Bali Botanic Gardens, the largest botanic garden in Indonesia. Highlights of the gardens include the cactus greenhouse, bamboo forests, and the orchid garden. Our favourite part was whizzing around the rainforest trail on e-scooters.

And if you're hungry after all of that exploring, Bedugul is also known for its many pick-your-own strawberry farms. These are best visited between August and September for the freshest fruit.

Its location in the mountains means that Bedugul has a much cooler climate than the rest of Bali, so pack appropriately with plenty of layers.

Nusa Dua

Nusa Dua is typically where you’ll find the most famous all-inclusive resorts in Bali, set amongst upscale restaurants, beautiful beaches, and even an 18-hole golf course.

If, like us, you can’t afford to stay here just yet, it’s still worth visiting Nusa Dua. The Pacifika Museum is one of our favourite museums in Bali, while the Bali Collection is an adorable shopping and entertainment complex.

The Tanjung Benoa Peninsula, just north of Nusa Dua, is Bali’s hub for watersports. Here, you can try jet skiing, parasailing, flyboarding, banana boats, and wakeboarding.

If you'd like to keep your feet firmly on land, Nusa Dua also has a theatre where you can catch the Devdan Show which combines traditional Indonesian dance with crazy acrobatics and special effects.

Pemuteran

Northwest Bali is one of the least populated and least visited corners of the island. The area is best known for West Bali National Park, a large protected area that's home to many exotic and endangered animal species.

Menjangan Island is a small uninhabited island just off the coast of (technically part of the national park) which you can visit on a boat trip from Pemuteran. The island is home to wild deer and is where you'll experience some of Bali's best snorkelling spots.

There's plenty more to see and do, from colourful temples to beautiful hiking routes and relaxing hot springs.

Pemuteran is the main village in Northwest Bali. Nestled between the mountains and the sea, this charming little fishing village offers an idyllic escape from the busier tourist resort areas of the south. If you're planning to spend more than one day in the region, this is the best place to stay.

Medewi

Medewi is a sleepy little surf town along Bali's western coast, best known for its striking black sand beaches, legendary surf breaks, and laid-back way of life.

The coastal town offers a glimpse at what Bali was like a decade or two ago, before the influx of mass tourism, with its rustic ocean-front cafes, stunning jungle scenery, peaceful waterfalls, and undisturbed temples.

Jimbaran

Jimbaran is the area that connects the Bukit peninsula to the rest of Bali, just a short distance south of the main international airport.

If you love fish and seafood, you need to add Jimbaran to your itinerary. It’s home to Bali’s biggest fish market, which is a local experience to say the least.

You can choose your catch from the wide choice at the market and take it to a local restaurant where they'll cook it according to your preference.

If you'd rather stick to eating fish than shopping for it, visit one of the seafood restaurants along Jimbaran Beach. These are among the top-rated places to eat on the island and still at super affordable prices.

Just outside of Jimbaran is the GWK Cultural Park, home to the iconic Garuda Wisnu Kencana statue. At 122m tall, this is the tallest statue in Indonesia and can be seen across most of southern Bali.

You can go inside the statue where there's a small museum and cultural centre with traditional performances and local food.

Denpasar

Despite being Bali’s capital, Denpasar is one of the island’s least visited areas among international tourists. The bustling city doesn’t quite have the same draw as the Bukit’s idyllic beaches or Ubud’s rice terraces.

But that’s not to say that Denpasar doesn’t have anything to offer visitors. The city may not be packed with big tourist attractions, but it does have a handful of hidden gems, from museums and malls to several impressive temples.

If you have limited time in Bali, Denpasar shouldn’t be top of your list of places to visit. We also wouldn’t recommend basing yourself in the city during your trip. However, if you’re spending prolonged time on the island and want to see a different side of Bali, it’s certainly worth taking a day trip.

Kuta

Kuta (and neighbouring Legian) is home to some of the island's cheapest hotels and resorts and historically has been a popular place to stay for Aussie holiday-goers.

However, in our opinion, it’s too overcrowded, full of tourist traps, and is, well... a little trashy to be honest with you, especially at night. We wouldn't recommend staying around here - unless you're looking for a cheap hotel close to the airport the night before your flight.

That being said, you can still visit Kuta during the day. The area is home to some great shopping malls that are equipped with cinemas, arcades, and familiar shopping chains. Kuta Beach can get quite crowded so it's not ideal for a relaxing beach day, but it is one of the best spots for beginner surfers with a sandy bottom and consistent waves.

The highlight of Kuta has to be Waterbom, Bali’s biggest water park. The huge water park is packed with exciting water slides, a lazy river, wave pools, water playgrounds, and lots more. It's a fun place to spend a sunny day in Bali.