This might sound weird, but somewhere along the line, I started to think I’d never make it to Bali. And yet on a strange random Wednesday, there I was, standing on this beautiful cliff, hearing the waves crash below while it was being hugged by the setting sun. And there I was, amongst it all, sipping coffee in a corner café, lost in a maze of temples and rice terraces, trying to take it all in without tripping over my own excitement!
One thing I’ve learned is that Bali doesn’t hand itself to you all at once. It’s in the little things: the smell of incense in a temple, the sun bouncing off turquoise waves, the laughter of locals in a market alley, more and more.
That’s why I’ve realized even a short period here is enough to feel it true self. And during my wonderful week, I’ve found six spots that made me stop, stare, and genuinely remember why people come here, and keep coming back. These are my best places to visit in Bali, and trust me, each one feels like stepping into a dream…
1. Uluwatu Temple: A Sunset That Actually Stops You
Uluwatu is one of those places to visit in Bali that makes you want to drop your bag or whatever you have with you and just stare. Perched on a cliff with the Indian Ocean crashing below, the sunset here will ruin every other sunset you see for the rest of your life.
If you’ve ever wondered what counts as a “must visit place in Bali,” this is the first. Wander the paths, watch the sky, maybe even sit in awkward silence next to strangers who are doing the exact same thing. And when the Kecak dance starts, the chants, the fire, the storytelling, you realize Bali has a flair for theatrics like it’s an everyday thing.
2. Ubud: Learning To Take Life Slow
When I first wandered into Ubud, I couldn’t stop noticing these tiny little wonders. Handmade crafts spilling out of tiny market stalls, cafés hiding between art galleries, and rice terraces that seemed to go on forever. Quite the contrast, if you ask me.
It quickly became clear why this is one of the best places to go in Bali, not because it’s flashy, but because your pace slows, your eyes wander, and for a moment, nothing else will matter. I grabbed a coffee, ducked into a gallery, took a little detour down a terrace path, and thought: why not just stay here a little longer? Pretty sure you will too.
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3. Ulun Danu Beratan: The Floating Temple
When I reached Lake Beratan, I had to do a double take, because at first, it really looked like the temple was floating on the water. That morning, the lake was so still it perfectly mirrored everything: the temple, the clouds, even my travel-worn reflection staring back at me. Honestly, this is one of those places to see in Bali if you’re into some down time with a little mist, a little rest, and the usual travel fatigue left behind…
4. Tanah Lot: THE Golden Hour
I mean, after your very first sight of Tanah Lot, you’ll immediately understand why it’s so iconic. Perched on that rocky outcrop, surrounded by the endless sea, it’s one of the best frames anyone could ask for. Sure, it gets a little crowded, but if you catch the light just right; early morning or as the sun slips into the water, it almost feels like the temple is yours alone.
For me, this is one of the must visit places in Bali where timing really changes everything. I remember standing there, watching the sun melt into the horizon, and understanding why people never get tired of coming back.
5. West Nusa Penida: Bali Untamed
Mainland Bali is kind of familiar, like somewhere you could stroll around without thinking twice. But Nusa Penida? That hit me like a visual overload. I remember stepping off the boat and seeing Kelingking Beach for the first time, wow. Broken Beach had me circling the cliffs and had to pinch myself at Angel’s Billabong… you know what I mean.
It’s rugged, untamed, and honestly one of the best places to go in Bali where I didn’t even touch my phone; I just let my eyes roam and my heart catch up. If this sounds like your kind of week, this 7-day Bali itinerary brings all of it together, without the stress of planning every detail yourself!
6. Mount & Lake Batur: A Morning To Remember
Yes, you need to set your alarm ridiculously early. Yes, your legs will complain. But watching the sun creep across Lake Batur while steam rises from the earth is almost… I don’t know, spiritual to say the least? If you want one of those places to visit in Bali that makes you think, “Okay, I might actually get it now,” this is it. Just you, the mountain, the lake, and the first golden light of the day.
But if your brain gets a bit foggy during planning all this, we’ve put together this fascinating 7 Day Bali Holiday that strings these moments together with ease, or, if you want more ideas and inspiration, explore our complete range of Bali Holidays!
Why I Loved These Places!
Here’s the thing; in these places to visit in Bali, I kept catching myself slowing down and just being there… Uluwatu’s cliffs stopped me mid-walk, Ubud’s peace had me nursing a coffee, Penida’s wild edges made me grip the railing and laugh and Batur’s mornings felt like a beautiful reset. Each place came with its own small moment, its own surprise, and together they made Bali feel alive, without ever feeling exhausting… The best places to see in Bali are about moments you actually remember and trust me, Bali does that really well.
If reading this sparked a little wanderlust, there’s plenty more waiting across Cox and Kings’s curated journeys around the world.
