Bali, Indonesia Things To Do & See, Travel guide

As part of a three-day trip to Bali from Singapore, even though it was a short trip comparing what this beautiful island has to offer, I enjoyed it a lot. I did many exciting sightseeing activities around Denpasar, Ubud, and Nusa dua. This time I was more interested in experiencing Bali’s cultural and spiritual side instead of relaxing at the beach. Since my hotel was only 5 minutes from Kuta beach, it was one of my favorite destinations during my stay on the island.

I know there are a lot of bad reviews about Kuta beach, but to me, it’s something unique that can only be experienced in Bali and definitely agree it’s a crowded, not-so-clean beach, but it has its own charm. I have also visited Nusa Dua just to take a look; the crystal clear blue sea and the wonderful beach really impressed me. I was lucky enough to explore some breathtaking locations, which is why Bali is often called the Island of Gods.

Top Things to Do and See

There is a lot to do here in Bali; no matter your travel liking, you could always find something to enjoy while staying within your budget.
The locals are so friendly and cheerful. I met with a local family and was invited to dinner at a local restaurant. Since her son is a friend of mine and lives in the USA, I got her special attention and their unforgettable hospitality which elevated my desire to make future trips.

Visit Tanah Lot Temple

Tanah Lot is a rock formation off the Indonesian island of Bali. It is home to the pilgrimage temple Pura Tanah Lot, a popular tourist and cultural icon for photography and general exoticism. It’s 23 km Northwest of Kura beach and about 50 minutes by car. And a great for a spectacular view of the Sunset.

Pura Ulun Danu temple on a lake Beratan 

Pura Ulun Danu temple is widely considered the most beautiful temple in Bali, owing to its stunning landscape is surrounded by lake Beratan and a spectacular mountain backdrop. That is why it is one of the most Photgraphered temples in Bali and often draws enormous numbers of visitors. Therefore, this iconic site should not be at the top of your list, definitely don’t miss it when visiting Bali.

Check Out Petitenget Temple

Petitenget Temple is referred to as ‘Pura Petitenget’ by locals, it is a notable, centuries-old temple in Bali and one of the very few cultural landmarks in the island’s upscale beach resort area of Seminyak. Red bricks and Sandstone make up most of the temple’s architecture, giving it an antique feel.

Explore Ubud Monkey Forest

Ubud Monkey Forest is a popular tourist attraction and is often visited by thousands of tourists monthly. The Ubud Monkey Forest is a nature reserve and Hindu temple complex in Ubud. Its official name is the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary.

Visit Ubud Tegalalang Rice Terrace

Ubud Tegalalang Rice Terrace is a famous tourist attraction for its beautiful rice terraces; many tourists who travel to Ubud stop at this place to witness the beauty of the verdant terraced rice field scenery or have lunch at the restaurant while enjoying the beautiful scenery of terraced rice fields. Therefore, Ubud Tegalalang Rice Terrace is one of the tourist icons in Ubud Bali. The Ubud rice terrace is designed beautifully with exquisite hollowing rice fields and is precisely located on the hill bank. In this place, the Balinese farmer will do their rice field in the oblique area, complete with its system irrigation.

Visit Royal Palace in Ubud

Ubud Royal Palace is an Ubud Kingdom Palace with beautiful Balinese traditional houses as the residence of the Ubud King. It is set in the center of Ubud Bali, with a traditional art market just in front of it, and it is found by Ida Tjokorda Putu Kandel, who commanded from the year 1800 – 1823. This palace is an artistic, cultural life center, while the traditional market symbolizes the local economic resident. The existence of Puri Saren as a palace is equipped with a Wantilan/auditorium, a large building meeting room, and a banyan tree as a sheltered place in the daytime. Ubud village has been a “royal town” for over a hundred years.

Ubud Tegenungan Waterfall

Ubud Tegenungan Waterfall is one of the best waterfalls in Ubud village; this waterfall offers amazing scenery with clean water and a cool atmosphere. From the stepping zone, various steps go down to the stream if you need to see the waterfall. Tegenungan is one of the few waterfalls in Bali that isn’t situated in the highlands or mountains. Waterfalls are sharp drops along the course of a conduit; truly, it’s a charming spot to stay in light of the way green and nature homes include. You can take a bath in this amazing and beautiful Tegenungan waterfall.

Barong and Keris Dance Performance (Trance Dance)

Barong and Keris Dance performance is a Trance Dance by performing with a professional Balinese dancer; the dance only perform in the morning, and the dance tells a story about fighting good and evil by performing in figure Barong as the good character and Rangda as an evil character. We will watch this dance during full-day Ubud Tours for 1 hour. It is a great dance to watch before continuing the trip to Ubud village; the dancer brings the dance very well and makes you more comfortable to watch with a great story, making the Barong and Keris dance more interesting.

Golden Hour At Uluwatu Temple

Uluwatu Temple is a Balinese sea temple in Uluwatu. The Hindu temple is located on the cliff bank in the southern part of the Bali Peninsula, about 25 Km southerly part of Denpasar town. The name Uluwatu came from the word Ulu meaning the head, and Watu meaning stone. Therefore Uluwatu Temple means the temple built at the tip of a coral reef.

The best time to visit is during cultural performances, such as the Ramayana ballet or Kecak dance, which take place in a specially designated theater at the temple’s south, which takes place during the golden sunset hours, a perfect event for memorable pictures. Yet, one of the top places on the island to go to for scenic and sunset moments, together with ancient architecture, sculptures, and long-tailed grey macaques, inhabit a dense monkey forest nearby.

Dinner at the Beach Seminyak

It’s a perfect way of enjoying the Sunset from the beach and having dinner with the cultural show. In the upscale area of Seminyak, you will find an endless range of dining choices, especially by the beach. The variety of cuisine, style, setting, and atmosphere is huge.

Beaches in Bali

Batu Bolong Beach: This is a must-see beautiful white sandy beach. This beach is well known for its excellent waves, ideal for surfing lessons as they are not as high as on the west coast. It’s about 17 km northwest of Kuta beach, located in Canggu village of Kerobokan district.

Kura Beach: It is on the western part of the island and is one of Bali’s most famous beach resort destination. Also, it’s only minutes from the Ngurah Rai International Airport. However, it’s not ideal for you if you want a quiet and calm environment and a clean beach to swim on.

Nusa Dua Beach: From the Kuta area, it’s only a 20 – 30-minute drive. Beautiful clean beach, less crowded and good for the family. Great for pictures. Beach hotels with the private beach are very expensive. However, it is worth paying a visit and spending a day on the beach.

Book your Sightseeing Trip

There are a lot of beautiful places to visit and do some exciting sightseeing activities to bring unforgettable memories back home. Please click on our below affiliate link to see your options.