Visit Bali: what are the best things to do and see on Indonesian island?
Located just below the equator, the island of Bali unlocks you with its beauty and beaches. If many tourists go there to rest and enjoy their holidays without too much effort, the Indonesian island is far from being a landmark of resorts without activity. And then, who said there was nothing to do in Bali or rest? If you're planning to leave 1 or 2 weeks in Bali, you won't be bored! From the cultural discovery of the island through the villages, temples, history and culture, passing through nightlife, sports activities and relaxation with spas and yoga, there is indeed a lot of Things to do in Bali !
First, here are the must-see sites to visit in Bali:
1. Ulwatu Temple (Pura Luhur)
Flickr – Sean McGrath
Imagine a large cliff on which a temple is perched, and add a splendid view to it... The temple is located on the Bukit peninsula, in the extreme south of Bali, where there are also some beautiful beaches such as Balangan and many excellent surf spots .
The construction of this majestic temple of Uluwatu began in the 11th century by a cliff, 70 meters above the Indian Ocean. His visit provides beautiful views of the ocean, but you will have to pay attention to your business because the temple is inhabited by many thieving monkeys.
2. The Temple Tanah Lot (Pura Tanah Lot)
Flickr – Jos Dielis
Here is another rock formation on the waterfront that serves as a foundation for this very popular pilgrimage site. It is the most famous of the Bali temples for the serenity it releases and its cultural significance because it is associated with Balinese mythology as one of the seven temples that form a ring in the southwest of Bali. The ideal is to go there during the low tide so you can discover it on foot. Too bad that he is a victim of his success, the site being very frequented, with the obligation to pass through a small range of vendors.
3. The Ulun Danu Temple on Lake Bratan (Pura Ulun Danu Bratan)
Flickr – rapidacid
Another temple yes, but it is the most beautiful one can visit in Bali. It’s the famous “tree at the edge of the lake”, which unlike the other temples perched on the edge of a cliff, rests serenely on the edge of the lake Lake Bratan . It is of course one of the most beautiful places on the island not to miss under any pretext! The reflection in the water of the temple (also known as Bedugul) and the mountainous surroundings offer a superb setting for a visit.
4. ♪ rice fields
Flickr – didiz rushdi
There are not only beaches and temples that make the reputation of Bali. You will also see a lot of rice fields, whether on terraces or not, during your trip to the Balinese lands. Here are the most remarkable: Tegalalang, Antosari, Busungbiu, Karangasem, Jatiluwih and Pupuan.
5. Observe dolphins in Lovina Beach
Pixabay – Mariamichelle
Lovina Beach is just one of the best places in the world for observation of dolphins by boat . Be warned, you will not be the only ones to go to the dawn by boat (especially in the high season) but the trip is still worth a visit today, and you will realize once the dolphins jump out of the water in front of you! Lovina is much less frequented than the South of Bali and there are many nice corners to rest and take his time.
6. Ubud
Flickr – VasenkaPhotography
The streets of Ubud are growing. The village is the Bali Cultural and Spiritual Centre , far from the tumult of Dempasar and Kuta. You might as well as everyone coming for his monkey forest ( Monkey Forest ), but there is much better to do in Ubud. A great way discover Ubud , the surrounding villages and the surrounding landscapes is by bicycle and walk quietly. You will find bike rental agencies on site. Go to meet locals and if you are lucky you can join a ceremony or a festival. Do not hesitate to stay in one of the guesthouses very luxurious from the corner, to enjoy a spa and a massage, with a room overlooking the rice fields on the terrace.
7. Hiking on the Batur volcano
Flickr – William Cho
In a mountainous region of eastern Bali, there is the caldeira of Mont Batur Kintamani. A trek at the top of the 1700 meters of this active volcano is a great experience for all travelers eager for new sensations. The perfect time to hike is at sunrise: starting at 4am, you will arrive in time for the first lights of the day (at 6am). This hike is relatively easy and the trails are quite well marked. From there you will have a panoramic view of the whole region, a magical moment.
8. Nightlife of Kuta
Kuta Beach is the most popular beach to see in Bali, which means that you will easily find places to go out in the evening. You will find a range of bars and clubs for all budgets and atmospheres. If you are looking for more places class (but more expensive) Seminyak nearby, has the best clubs in Bali.
9. Go grab a coffee at Bali Pulina Agro Tourism
Flickr – Jos Dielis
Here is a very quiet place to enjoy an excellent coffee produced locally, with a view of the plantations with a loss of view. Here you are served coffee or tea, the opportunity to taste the famous and very expensive Kopi Luwak , and to observe how it is produced and roasted.
Now, here are the activities (sportal and cultural) that you can do in Bali:
10. Learn to surf on Kuta Beach
Flickr – aishifu ash
If there’s a place to learn how to surf in Bali, it’s Kuta Beach. The sandy beach does not contain any coral and it is therefore more pleasant if you start. You will be spoiled for the choice of surf schools on the beach.
11. The Bali Arts Festival
Flickr – Pandu Adnyana
If you stay in Bali between mid-June and mid-July, you will have a great chance to discover the Balinese Art Festival, an event known worldwide for its daily cultural performances, craft exhibitions and many other artistic activities.
12. Attend a Kecak dance
Flickr – Jos Dielis
Kecak is a traditional dance or choreography of Bali that can be seen in particular with temple Pura Dalem Taman Kaja Ubud. It is a kind of ritual in which a choir of a hundred men tells the episode where the monkeys help Prince Rāma to beat the demon Ravana to recover his wife Sītā kidnapped by Ravana. Impressive.
And other activities such as these:
- Make it rafting on the Ayung River in Sayan
- Eat seafood in Jimbaran Bay
- Dive or make snorkeling to Lembongan Island or Menjangan Island
- Have a very chic cocktail Ayana Bar on Rocks
- Taste the typical dish Babi Guling
- Attend a buffalo race in Negara
How to go to Bali?
There is no direct flight to Bali from France. You will at least make a stopover in Shanghai, Singapore, Bangkok, or Kuala Lumpur. Average between 17 and 25 flight hours. Air France provides a daily flight from France to Denpasar via Singapore, while KLM, Malaysia Airlines, EVA Air, Thai Airways, China Eastern and many other companies regularly serve Bali. To find cheap flights to Bali, you can search our partner's website Ulysses .
Where to sleep in Bali?
Bali is a very touristic island. The best known cities, like Kuta, are not necessarily the best place to stay in Bali . If you are leaving in Bali, do not hesitate to search for your hotel at the best price on this Compare hotels .
Do not hesitate to read, in addition to the things to do in Bali, our article on travel to Bali .
Have you visited Bali? Do you have to add something that wouldn't be in the list?
Loading comments ...