We meet again, fellow globetrotters. I’m glad you somehow found your way to this little corner of the internet again. If you’re here today, I’m guessing you’re either planning a Bali trip from India, or you’re curious whether Bali makes a strong case for all the hype.
I’m going to be brutally honest with you here. On my recent Bali holiday, I saw the places everyone talks about, tried the things people recommend, and experienced the island the way most first-time travellers do. Long story short? It was a fantastic vacation. But it wasn’t perfect, and that’s what I want to talk about…
At some point in the last 5 or 6 years, it felt like everyone suddenly decided they wanted to go to Bali. Instagram was flooded with that one photo of a girl in a flowy dress on a swing, or standing with a backpack in front of that perfectly symmetrical temple. Every second travel reel had Bali in it and every travel influencer seemed to be living there.
And I’ll be honest with you, I usually avoid places that become too popular, because I don't know, maybe I’m too contrarian? But then I thought something I rarely think about: if this many people love it, there must be something special about it. So I gave in. I got on a Bali trip package from India, took my bags, and went in…
The Places to Visit in Bali: Here’s What I Saw
One thing I realised pretty quickly was that Bali is a lot of different contrasting experiences bundled into one (despite its tropical island recognition). The island has beaches, jungles, temples, rice terraces, and small towns that all feel completely different from each other. Here are some of the places to visit in Bali that I went to during my trip!
Ubud: The ORIGINAL Bali
One thing I genuinely appreciated about Ubud was how it has managed to stay true to its roots despite the wave of globalisation that seems to be happening all around. For me, Ubud reflects what I imagine when I think of the real Bali. Not just in how it looks, but in the kind of experiences you have and the everyday interactions that happen here…
Ubud feels like a village that slowly grew into a travel destination rather than a town that was built for tourism. The streets are very peaceful, temples appear around almost every corner, and rice fields stretch out just beyond the town. That’s not to say modern influences haven’t arrived. You’ll definitely spot Western cafés, smoothie bars, and boutique stores here and there. But that’s hard to avoid in places people love to visit. What impressed me is that even with its popularity, Ubud still seems to hold on to much of its own.
While I was there, I spent most of my time exploring some of the well-known spots around town. One of the first places I visited was the Ubud Water Palace, a beautiful temple complex surrounded by lotus ponds that feels surprisingly peaceful for somewhere so central!
And of course, I had to see the Tegallalang Rice Terraces. You’ve probably seen them in photos already, those endless green steps kept on the hills. I also went looking for a small hidden waterfall in Sumampan. It’s not one of those massive, roaring waterfalls Bali is famous for, but you’ll like it, I know.
Before leaving the area, I also walked through the Ubud Art Market, which is full of handmade crafts, textiles, and colourful souvenirs. Even if you’re not planning to shop, it’s worth visiting just to know what all is in store.
Want an amalgam of culture, nature, and coastal beauty of Bali? Explore the Bali Beaches and Bliss holiday that takes you through Ubud and Kuta!
Kintamani: Really COOL Views
Kintamani was a cool place, quite literally. After the humidity of the lower parts of Bali, the air here was cooler, the landscape opened up, and Bali didn’t feel tropical in the usual sense anymore. Firstly, what most people come here for is Mount Batur, an active volcano that forms the backdrop almost throughout your time here. And with the iconic Lake Batur sitting beside it, you realise just how different this part of Bali is from the beaches most people associate with the island.
One of the most popular things people do here is catching a sunrise from Mount Batur. Some hike up the volcano before dawn, while others take a jeep ride closer to the caldera to watch the sun rise over the lava fields. Even if you’re not waking up at 3 AM for a trek, the views here are still incredible.
Another interesting thing about this area is that it’s part of the Batur UNESCO Global Geopark, which basically means the entire region is shaped by volcanic activity, from the massive caldera walls to the black lava fields left behind by past eruptions. If you have the time, it’s also worth heading down towards Lake Batur itself (I wish I did that too).
Tanah Lot: The Temple in the Middle of the Sea
The temple itself dates back to the 16th century and is dedicated to Dewa Baruna, the sea god. I even heard someone say that there are caves beneath the rock that are guarded by sacred sea snakes (that’s totally up to you to believe).
It sits on top of a giant rock in the ocean, with waves crashing against it from every side. During high tide, the rock is completely surrounded by water, making the temple look like it’s floating, and when the tide goes down, you can actually walk to it across the rocks!
History aside, the setting is what really makes it memorable. The dark temple standing on a coral rock, the ocean constantly moving around it, and the sky slowly changing colours near sunset; it’s pretty easy to see why this is considered one of the best places to visit in Bali.
Experience Bali’s iconic sights on the Bali Harmony Escape, including Tanah Lot and more!
Uluwatu: The BEST Sunsets in Bali
It’s a lot drier, a little more rugged, and far less dense than places like Ubud. In terms of traditional cultural sightseeing, there isn’t much to do either, apart from the iconic Uluwatu Temple and the famous Kecak dance performance that takes place near it in the evenings. But that doesn’t mean the place is boring in any way.
The highlight of Uluwatu is the landscape itself. This southern edge of Bali is all about stunning cliffs dropping straight into the ocean, hidden beaches far below, and views that stretch endlessly across the Indian Ocean. Standing near the temple and looking out over the waves crashing against the rocks below, and catching some of the best sunsets you’ll see anywhere on the island is what makes people add it to their list of the best places to visit in Bali.
Want a holiday designed just for you? Connect with the experts at Cox & Kings here!
Nusa Penida: The Under Dog
Not too long ago, I heard that Nusa Penida was still somewhat under the radar. But I think word clearly got out. Today, this rugged island has become one of the top places to visit in Bali, with its cliffs, viewpoints, and pristine beaches. It can get crowded at times, and you’ll probably see your fair share of people trying to capture the perfect photo. But even with all that, the landscapes here are so striking that it still feels worth the trip.
One of the best places I love here was the Kelingking Beach, with a cliff that looks suspiciously like a T-Rex. Then there was the Angel’s Billabong, a natural infinity pool in the rocks, and right next to it Broken Beach, where the sea has formed a giant circular arch in the cliffs. Another spot that’s hard to miss is Diamond Beach, with its steep staircase leading down to bright white sand and incredibly clear water.
If there’s one piece of advice I’d give, it’s this: don’t just do a rushed day trip. Staying on the island for a couple of days makes the difference. You’ll get to explore these places at a slower pace, and more importantly, you’ll avoid the big day-trip crowds that usually arrive from mainland Bali!
Looking to truly experience Nusa Penida? Check out this Bali Island Explorer that takes you through Ubud, Nusa Penida, and Kuta!
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What I Didn’t Like About Bali
Alright, time for the honest part. Because while Bali is incredible in many ways, there were a few things that genuinely bothered me.
Beep Beep…
The traffic in Bali can be insane. Many of the roads were never designed for the number of visitors the island gets today. So you’ll often find yourself stuck behind long lines of scooters, cars, and tour buses, especially around popular areas. Distances that look short on the map can easily take much longer than expected.
The Plastic Problem
This was probably the biggest disappointment. Some parts of Bali are beautifully maintained. But in other areas, the amount of plastic waste and litter on the streets, and sometimes even near beaches, gave me a pinch on the chest. Local organisations are working on it, but it’s still something travellers will notice.
Overtourism
Places like the famous Bali swings, certain temples, and popular photo spots can get extremely crowded. Sometimes you’ll see insanely long queues just to take a single picture.
Instagram vs Reality
Some places look much bigger or more colourful in photos than they actually are. That doesn’t mean they’re not worth seeing, but it’s a reminder that social media often shows the most flattering angles.
Looking for even more inspiration? Check out our article on 6 of the best places to visit in Bali here and start planning your adventures.
Best Time to Visit Bali
If you’re planning a Bali trip from India, timing (in a way) does make a difference. The best time to visit Bali is usually between April and October, which is the island’s dry season. It’ll give you sunnier days, lower humidity, and generally better conditions for hopping between beaches, temples, and viewpoints without constantly checking the sky.
From November to March, Bali moves into its rainy season. That doesn’t mean it pours all day though. Most of the time it’s more like sudden tropical showers that appear out of nowhere, do their thing for a while, and then disappear again.
Honestly, Bali looks good in pretty much any weather. You just learn to keep an eye on the clouds… and maybe carry a light rain jacket just in case.
Planning a Bali Trip from India
If you’re considering a Bali trip from India, the good news is that planning it is fairly simple. Flights from major Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, and Chennai connect easily to Denpasar International Airport.
Bali Visa for Indians
One of the easiest parts of planning the trip is the Bali visa for Indians. Indian travellers can get a Visa on Arrival (VOA) in Indonesia, which allows you to stay for up to 30 days.
You simply apply when you arrive at the airport, pay the fee, and you’re good to go. Just make sure your passport has at least six months validity from your date of travel.
If you’ve been thinking about taking that Bali trip from India, I can tell you this much, it’s an experience worth having at least once in your lifetime. Want the Bali holiday of your dreams? See all Bali trips from India by Cox and Kings here!
