Rebecca Engel
Bali is an incredible Indonesian island that has captured hearts all around the world. With its stunning beaches, ancient temples, lush rice fields, and friendly locals, it’s no wonder millions of people visit each year. But with so many amazing spots to choose from, where should you go first?
Whether you’re planning your first trip or coming back for more adventures, these are the most beautiful places in Bali that will leave you speechless. From hidden waterfalls to sacred temples, each location has something special that makes it worth the journey.
1. Lovina Beach
Located in North Bali, Lovina Beach is perfect for people who want a more relaxed beach experience. The black volcanic sand creates a unique contrast with the blue waters, making it one of the most beautiful places in Bali for photography.
What makes Lovina special is the chance to see dolphins swimming in their natural habitat. Early morning boat trips give you the best chance to spot these playful creatures. The waves here are gentle, making it great for beginner surfers and families with kids.
The beach also has some of the most stunning sunrises on the island. Wake up early and watch the sun paint the sky in brilliant colors as it rises over the calm waters.
2. Sidemen Village
Tucked away in East Bali, Sidemen Village feels like stepping back in time. This peaceful area is often called “Ubud 30 years ago” because it shows what Bali looked like before tourism took over.
Rolling green rice terraces stretch as far as you can see, with Mount Agung towering in the background. The views here are absolutely breathtaking, especially during sunrise when the mountain peak glows in the morning light.
Local families still live traditional lives here, making their own crafts and working in the rice fields. You can stay in a bamboo house and wake up to roosters crowing and farmers starting their day. It’s one of the most beautiful places in Bali for experiencing authentic culture.
3. Pura Ulun Danu Bratan
This stunning temple sits on the shores of Lake Bratan in the mountains of central Bali. The temple appears to float on the water during high tide, creating one of the most photographed scenes on the island.
Built in 1633, this Hindu temple honors the goddess of water and fertility. The cool mountain air and misty lake create a mystical atmosphere that feels almost magical.
Visit early in the morning when the lake is calm and mirror-like. The reflection of the temple in the still water creates a perfect photo opportunity that will make your friends back home jealous.
4. Echo Beach
Just north of Canggu, Echo Beach has become famous for its incredible sunset views and laid-back atmosphere. The beach stretches for miles with consistent waves that attract surfers from around the world.
Several beach clubs and restaurants line the shore, giving you plenty of options for food and drinks. You can spend the whole day here switching between surfing, sunbathing, and enjoying cold beverages.
The sunsets here are legendary. As the sun drops toward the horizon, the sky explodes in shades of orange, pink, and purple. It’s the perfect way to end any day in Bali.
5. Tegalalang Rice Terrace
These ancient rice terraces north of Ubud showcase the incredible engineering skills of Balinese farmers. The stepped fields cascade down the hillside like giant green stairs, creating one of the most beautiful places in Bali.
The best time to visit is early morning or late afternoon when the light is soft and golden. You can walk through the terraces on narrow paths and see farmers tending to their crops using methods passed down through generations.
Many cafes and restaurants overlook the terraces, so you can enjoy a meal or coffee while taking in the amazing views. Some places even have swings that let you soar over the rice fields for an unforgettable photo.
6. Dreamland Beach
Hidden away on the Bukit Peninsula, Dreamland Beach lives up to its name with pristine white sand and crystal clear water. The beach is surrounded by dramatic limestone cliffs that provide natural windbreaks and create a secluded feeling.
The waves here are perfect for intermediate surfers, but the beach is also great for swimming and relaxing. The water is incredibly clear, so you can often see tropical fish swimming near the shore.
Beach clubs and warungs (local restaurants) line the clifftops, giving you amazing views while you eat and drink. The whole area has a more upscale feel compared to other beaches in Bali.
7. Tanah Lot Temple
Perhaps the most famous temple in Bali, Tanah Lot sits on a rocky outcrop surrounded by crashing waves. Built in the 16th century, this Hindu temple can only be reached during low tide when you can walk across the rocks.
The temple honors the sea gods and is said to be guarded by poisonous sea snakes that live in the caves below. Whether you believe the legends or not, the setting is undeniably dramatic and beautiful.
Sunset is the most popular time to visit, when hundreds of people gather to watch the sun sink behind the temple. The scene becomes even more magical as the temple lights up against the darkening sky.
8. Kintamani Volcano and Lake Batur
This active volcano and its crater lake create one of the most dramatic landscapes in Bali. The area sits high in the mountains, so the weather is cooler and often misty, adding to the mysterious atmosphere.
Many people wake up before dawn to hike to the summit and watch the sunrise. The trek takes about two hours, but the views from the top are absolutely worth the early start and physical effort.
Lake Batur, formed in the volcano’s crater, is a beautiful deep blue color that contrasts with the black volcanic rock. You can take boat trips on the lake or relax in natural hot springs heated by the volcano.
9. Sekumpul Waterfall
Hidden in the mountains of North Bali, Sekumpul is widely considered the most spectacular waterfall on the island. Actually a collection of several waterfalls, the main cascade drops 80 meters through lush jungle into a natural pool below.
The hike to reach the waterfall takes about 30 minutes through tropical forest and rice terraces. You’ll need to wade through shallow streams and navigate some steep paths, but the journey is part of the adventure.
When you finally see the waterfall, the sight is breathtaking. Multiple streams of water crash down the cliff face while mist creates rainbows in the sunlight. It’s easily one of the most beautiful places in Bali for nature lovers.
10. Ubud
Known as the cultural heart of Bali, Ubud combines art, spirituality, and natural beauty in one amazing package. The town is surrounded by rice fields and jungle, while the streets are filled with galleries, temples, and traditional markets.
Yoga studios and meditation centers attract people seeking spiritual experiences, while cooking classes and art workshops let you learn about Balinese culture. The famous Ubud Market is perfect for buying handmade crafts and souvenirs.
Monkeys roam freely through the town, especially around the Sacred Monkey Forest. These playful creatures add to Ubud’s charm, though you should keep your belongings secure around them.
11. Diamond Beach
Located on the eastern tip of Nusa Penida island, Diamond Beach gets its name from the sparkling white sand that looks like crushed diamonds in the sunlight. Massive limestone cliffs frame the beach, creating one of the most dramatic coastal scenes in Indonesia.
The beach is relatively new to tourism, so it still feels wild and untouched. Palm trees lean over the sand, and the turquoise water is perfect for swimming on calm days.
Getting to Diamond Beach requires a steep hike down a cliff path, but the effort is rewarded with one of the most beautiful places in Bali. The views are so stunning that you’ll want to spend hours just sitting and taking it all in.
12. Batu Belig Beach
Situated between the popular areas of Seminyak and Canggu, Batu Belig Beach has a more relaxed vibe than its famous neighbors. The dark volcanic sand stretches for kilometers, giving you plenty of space to find your own quiet spot.
The beach is known for having some of the best sunsets in Bali. As evening approaches, beach bars come alive with music and cold drinks. You can watch surfers catching their last waves while the sky changes colors above.
Local warungs serve fresh seafood and cold beer at prices much lower than the fancy beach clubs. It’s the perfect place to experience authentic Balinese beach culture without the crowds.
13. Jatiluwih Rice Terrace
These ancient rice terraces date back over 800 years. The word “Jatiluwih” means “truly beautiful,” and one look at these emerald green fields proves the name is perfect.
The terraces cover an enormous area, much larger than the more famous ones near Ubud. You can drive or bike through the fields on quiet roads, stopping whenever you want to take photos or just enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
Local farmers still work these fields using traditional methods and water management systems called “subak.” Watching them plant and harvest rice gives you a glimpse into centuries-old farming traditions that continue today.
14. Nusa Penida
This rugged island off Bali’s southeast coast feels like a different world entirely. Dramatic cliffs, hidden beaches, and crystal clear water make Nusa Penida a paradise for adventurous travelers.
The famous Kelingking Beach viewpoint shows off towering cliffs that look like a T-Rex head from above. Other spots like Angel’s Billabong and Broken Beach feature natural rock formations that create stunning swimming holes and arches.
Getting around the island requires a scooter or driver, as the roads are rough and steep. But every viewpoint rewards you with incredible scenery that rivals any postcard. It’s definitely one of the most beautiful places in Bali for photographers.
15. Gitgit Waterfall
Located in the mountains of North Bali, Gitgit Waterfall cascades 35 meters down a cliff face surrounded by thick tropical forest. The relatively easy 10-minute walk through the jungle makes it accessible for most visitors.
The pool at the base of the waterfall is perfect for swimming and cooling off from the tropical heat. The water is refreshingly cold and incredibly clear, making it a popular spot for a natural shower.
Local vendors sell fresh fruit and drinks along the path, and you might even see monkeys swinging through the trees overhead. The whole area feels like a natural paradise hidden away from the modern world.
16. Amed
This peaceful fishing village on Bali’s east coast is famous for having some of the best snorkeling and diving in Indonesia. The calm, clear water is home to colorful coral reefs and tropical fish just meters from the black sand beach.
Traditional fishing boats called “jukung” line the shore, painted in bright colors that create beautiful photos against the black sand. Local fishermen still use these boats every day, heading out before dawn to catch fresh fish.
The area has a completely different feel from busy southern Bali. Life moves slowly here, and you can spend days just relaxing on the beach, swimming, and enjoying fresh seafood at local warungs.
17. Ubud Monkey Forest
This sacred forest sanctuary in the heart of Ubud is home to over 700 Balinese macaque monkeys. Ancient temples hidden among the trees add a mystical atmosphere to this unique attraction.
The monkeys are used to humans and often pose for photos, though you should never try to touch or feed them. Watching their social interactions and playful behavior is endlessly entertaining, especially if you visit with children.
Stone carvings and statues covered in moss create an almost magical setting. The forest feels like stepping into an ancient fairy tale, where nature and spirituality blend together perfectly.
