Sightseeing

Amed and Tulamben
In a remote location on the north coast, Amed and Tulamben are the most popular sites for diving or snorkeling in Bali. A shallow World War II shipwreck offers easy access to the colorful underwater world. The area is also known for a wide variety of beautiful fish, including sharks. Diving courses are also available for the uninitiated.


Batubulan
Just outside of Denpasar on the road to Ubud, the small village of Batubulan greets you with platoons of stone statues that line the roadside in a impressive array. Terrible fanged demons, noble warriors, and animals of all shapes and sizes and at all stages of completion rest under the shady trees waiting to be purchased.


Batukaru
This 2,278 meter peak towers over the local landscape and strongly influences local spiritual beliefs. All local temples have a shrine dedicated to the spirit of this ?coconut shell? mountain, and high on its slopes is the important temple of Pura Luhur, the ancestral temple of the royal family of Tabanan.


Bedugul
In the center highlands of Bali is the serene mountain area of Bedugul where high altitude vegetables, fruits, and flowers thrive in the cool climate. There is also a large botanical garden nearby. At Lake Beratan, various water sports are also available.


Besakih
Temple Bali?s ?mother temple,? Besakih is the largest temple in Bali. Situated over 900 meters up the slopes of Gunung Agung, it has been regarded as a holy place since pre-historic times. The first recorded mention of its existence is from an inscription that dates from the year 1007 AD. Since the 15th century, it has been regarded as the central temple for the entire island. Each traditional kingdom has its own temple within the compound, and so do each of the caste groups. There is a total of 18 separate sanctuaries.

To the Balinese, a visit to the temple sanctuaries at Besakih is a special pilgrimage. During full moons, the entire compound of Besakih celebrates the visits of the gods with an enormous throng of visiting pilgrims.


Celuk
Balinese jewelry is unique, and Celuk is the home of much of it. Nearly every family in Celuk is involved in their trademark gold and silver work that has become very famous over the years


Geger Beach
Only 5 minutes from the Nusa Dua golf course, Geger Beach is often referred to by tourists 'in the know' as ?a hidden paradise?. The especially clear water makes this beach particularly suitable for swimming as well as surfing.


Gitgit Waterfall
South of Singaraja is Gitgit waterfall, Bali?s highest waterfall. Nestled deep in the mountains, this beautiful wilderness area is a must for nature lovers who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the larger towns.


Goa Gajah
Literally meaning 'Elephant Cave', Goa Gajah was an ancient monastery of Hindu and Buddhist monks who used to meditate in the cave. Believed to be built in the early 11th century, its face is elaborately carved and depicts a demon splitting open the rock with its bare hand at the mouth of the cave.


Goa Lawah
About 43 kilometers east of Denpasar, Goa Lawah is one of the most sacred temples in Bali. Built in the 11th century, this temple occupies a natural cave that is inhabited by thousands upon thousands of chirping bats.


Gunung Agung
The tallest mountain in Bali at 3,142 meters above sea level, the active volcano Gunung Agung is said to be the 'home' of the Balinese gods. Religiously, the Balinese Hindus orient themselves towards Gunung Agung as the center of their spiritual world. Gunung Agung, accordingly, is also home to the 'mother temple' of Bali, Besakih. In 1963, the volcano?s last eruption killed more than a thousand people and destroyed several villages. Hiking trips to the summit are now popular with athletic tourists, who are rewarded with some of Bali's most spectacular views.


Gunung Kawi
These 11th century tombs, carved out of the rock face of the gorge of the Pakerisan river, are approached by a steep descent through breathtaking scenery. Across the gorge are some more impressive tombs that were the meditation caves of the men who were the keepers of the tombs.


Jagat Natha Temple
One of the most beautiful temples in Denpasar is the Jagat Natha Temple at the northeast corner of Puputan Square. This temple really comes alive during full moons, when worshippers from all over the city gather to bring offerings. Its restful shade and gnarled frangipani trees offer a welcome contrast to the nearby city traffic.


Jatiluwih
Approximately 20 kilometers from Tabanan, the road climbs up high into the hills to a small village named Jatiluwih. At 850 meters altitude, the view here is one of the finest in Bali. Bali?s trademark terraced rice fields stretch into endless contours over the hills and valleys as far as the eye can see.


Jembrana
The least known region in Bali, scarcely visited by tourists, and sparsely populated, Jembrana is home to the densely forested highlands of Bali?s National Park. The flatter southern region is rice growing country. Villages have clean air and flowering shrubs that almost obscure the neat little houses. The local economy runs primarily on the harvesting of coconut, coffee, cloves, and vanilla. Jembrana has always been isolated and largely unaffected by events on the rest of the island, and its history has left it more influenced by Islam and Christianity than other regions of Bali.


Jimbaran Beach
Jimbaran Beach is just south of Kedonganan Beach and has very beautiful white sand suitable for recreation and relaxation. It is quieter than its neighboring beaches, and one will find nice hotels and many seafood restaurants. Jimbaran is, in fact, known for its delicious fresh seafood.


Kedonganan
Beach About 3 kilometers south of Bali's international airport, the fishing village of Kedonganan boasts a traditional fish market and a great number of traditional fishing boats that can be engaged to sail around the gulf for a picturesque view of the cresent beach.


Kehen Temple
Just north of Bangli, Kehen Temple is one of the largest temples in Bali and is a stirring example of the skill of the stone-carvers of the region. Founded in the 11th century, Kehen Temple has three courtyards that are each entered through towering, carved gateways.


Kertha Gosa
The Kertha Gosa pavilions, built in the 18th century, are located in Klungkung, 40 kilometers northeast of Denpasar. They are especially known for their ceiling murals that depict punishments in hell for miscreants and rewards in heaven for the righteous.


Kintamani
At 1,500 meters in altitude, the beautiful Kintamani area has a cool climate suited to growing certain fruits and vegetables. Situated on a ridge across a volcanic lake from the active volcano Mt. Batur, Kintamani offers some of the most stunning scenery to be found in Bali and is a must-see for most tourists.


Krambitan
The village of Krambitan, southwest of Tabanan, was once the home of the local royal family; the ancient palace is still maintained as a popular attraction. Music groups maintain unique ancient customs of music and dance using bamboo instruments.


Kuta Beach
Once a poor fishing village with a black history of lepers and witches, Kuta began to provide what visitors wanted and soon became a key point on the sea route from India through Southeast Asia to Australia. Now, Kuta is Bali's most famous and popular beach town. One of its primary attractions is its long stretch of white sand along its picturesque bay. The famous Kuta sunset is stunning, and there is a wide selection of hotels and bungalows to choose from. Kuta is also known for its lively nightlife, its wide variety of international restaurants, and its many recreational activities.


Lovina
Situated on the north coast of Bali about 10 kilometers west of Singaraja, Lovina has black sand beaches safe for swimming and snorkeling. Dawn charter trips with local fishing boats can be arranged and can yield hours of spectacular dolphin watching. For a little extra time and money, the boats can also take you to Menjangan Island and Labuan Lalang for great diving and snorkeling along some of the most beautiful coral reefs in Bali.


Mas
The village of Mas specializes in woodcarvings of any kind. Most of the prominent woodcarvers of Bali dwell here, producing elaborate and fine woodcarvings and teaching the younger generation to carve.


Medewi
Located about 72 kilometers west of Denpasar, the beach of Medewi is flat and stony and has long, rolling waves, making it very suitable for surfing and sunset watching.


Museum Bali
On the eastern side of the historic Puputan Square in Denpasar is the Museum Bali, built by the Dutch in 1932. The original collection was put together with the assistance of a German painter. Well apportioned exhibition halls display an excellent collection of Balinese artifacts from prehistoric to contemporary times, including weapons, dance costumes, ceramics, textiles, and paintings.


Nungnung Waterfall
The small village of Nungnung, about 40 kilometers north of Denpasar, hosts a 50 meter high waterfall as well as expansive rice terraces, making it a scenic, 'off the beaten path' place to visit.


Nusa Lembongan
The small island of Nusa Lembongan has become a popular destination for those seeking an isolated, quiet retreat. The boat trip to the island can take from one to two hours depending on the type of boat. One of the main attractions of the island is diving and snorkeling, with amazing corals and fish in crystal clear water.


Rambut Siwi Temple
Rambut Siwi Temple sits atop a cliff overlooking a breathtaking panorama of paddy fields on one side and a black sand beach on the other. Two caves overlook the sea, each with a view of the nearby boats.


Sadha Kapal
Temple Sadha Kapal Temple in Kapal is known for its intricate decorative carvings. Dating from the Majapahit period, this temple was originally an old dynastic sanctuary of the Mengwi royal family. The split gate and 16-meter high tower are constructed in ancient Javanese style. Sixty-four stone seats, similar to megalithic ancestral shrines, commemorate warriors who died in battle.


Sakenan Temple
Built in the 13th century on a small island very close to Benoa Harbour and Nusa Dua, Sakenan Temple can now be reached by road.


Sangeh
Sangeh is a foothill village that includes about 14 hectares of dense, unmolested forest with hundreds of monkeys in residence. The unique trees cannot be found in any other part of Bali, and their existence in Sangeh remains a mystery. A lovely, mossy temple -- hidden amongst the tall and gracious trees -- provides an exotic setting for interacting with the multitudes of banana-loving critters.


Sanur
On the Eastern coastline and sheltered by a coral reef, the waves in Sanur are much gentler than in other areas of Bali. Fisherman still wander the beach, and the colorful outrigger canoes can be hired for sailing trips along the coast and to outlying islands. In the last two decades, the once sleepy village of Sanur has become an international resort area, with numerous hotel complexes offering accommodations to suit every budget.


Taman Ayun Temple
Taman Ayun means 'beautiful garden', an appropriate name indeed for this most picturesque temple located in Mengwi. King of Mengwi I Gusti Agung Anom built is stately courtyards and its large moat in the year 1634. Containing both the royal family ancestral shrines and shrines to the major deities, Taman Ayun was the main temple for the ancient kingdom of Mengwi and is now a popular tourist attraction.


Tampaksiring
The spring that bubbles up in the inner courtyard of the Tirta Empul Temple in Tampaksiring is believed to have magical curative powers, and throngs of people visit the special bathing pools with their mossy walls.


Tanah Lot
Carved out of the landscape by tides, wind, and rain, the huge offshore sentinel rock of Tanah Lot supports a small but picturesque temple that is Bali's most photographed location. Only reachable by land during low tide, Tanah Lot Temple is the favored destination of most tourists to view the sun set as it retires behind the remarkable natural formation.


Tanah Wuuk
Tanah Wuuk is a beautiful river valley just 2 kilometers north of Sangeh. Its location off the main road and hidden behind rice fields makes it a very quiet and private place to enjoy the pristine nature.


Tanjung Benoa
Located north of Nusa Dua, this is a beautiful white sand beach area where visitors can enjoy many types of water recreation and sports such as snorkeling, parasailing, diving, boating, sailing, and more. This area is an extension of Nusa Dua, with easy access to its luxurious hotels and other tourism facilities.


Tenganan
Protected for centuries from the outside world by its surrounding walls, the village of Tenganan has maintained its ancient pre-Hindu customs through a strong code of non-fraternization with outsiders that continues today. Tenganan is famous for its unique woven material called gringsing, which is supposed to protect the wearer with magical powers.


Tirta Gangga
Just north of Karangasem on the slopes leading up to Mount Agung is Tirta Gangga, a veritable water playground designed by 6 princes of the royal family of Karangasem. The exotic pools and water fountains sustained some damage during eruptions of Mt. Agung, but the water gardens remain as serene and temting as ever to the weary traveler.


Trunyan
Dating to pre-Hindu times, the remote mountain village of Trunyan still maintains many of its ancient customs. It is one of the few villages left in Bali whose inhabitants are truly native Balinese, as opposed to the Javanese immigrants that make up most of Bali's population. Known as 'Bali Aga', these native Balinese in Trunyan are perhaps best known for their unusual custom of disposing of their dead on the ground instead of below it.


Ubud
Famous for its painter?s community, Ubud is special in more ways than one. Its beautiful surroundings and gracious way of life have drawn celebrities and artists from all over the world for decades; some have even adopted Ubud as their home. An array of boutique hotels and unique restaurants now beckon to Bali's most culturally inclined tourists.


Uluwatu Temple
At the westernmost tip of the southern peninsula of Bali, this is of one Bali's most famous and spectacular temples. The location is dramatic, perched on the edge of a high cliff with a picturesque sunset view. The temple was first used for worship by an 11th century priest, Empu Kuturan, who came to Bali to bring religious law and to form traditional villages. Filled with the scent of frangipani blossoms, this popular temple is also home to many friendly monkeys.