What to visit first in Bali. Unusual places in Bali or where else a sophisticated tourist can go. Tirta Gangga Water Palace

Before the trip, out of greed for impressions, I made for myself a list of two dozen places to visit, and when I arrived I discovered the same number of less significant, but also interesting ones. Now, if I were asked to highlight what was remembered and etched in my memory, I would highlight the following eight points, equal in importance, so do not pay attention to the numbering - each point is worthy of a separate visit.

Ubud

Ubud town glorified in the famous book “Eat, Pray, Love,” which I did not read as frankly girlish. Surrounded by real Balinese atmosphere This is where all the Balinese accents are carefully collected: temples, rice terraces, restaurants, Balinese dancing, neat streets and even a monkey forest. Let's add excellent infrastructure in the form of hotels, transport and recreational facilities and get an ideal place for quality rest. There is not one thing here - the sea, but it’s an hour’s drive along scenic roads islands. In addition from Ubud close to main attractions of Bali island.

Temple of Pura Besakih

Pura Besakih - the main temple of Bali, although I didn’t really like the overly touristy atmosphere there and in some places the outright extortion of meager sums of money, you can close your eyes to this. The thousand-year-old temple is worth a separate visit.

Volcanoes Batur and Agung

Climb to volcanoes Batur and Agung was my cherished dream, but the weather in March did not allow it. The weather was gloriously dry along the coast and rain was falling in the mountains. Therefore, I strongly recommend visiting volcanoes between May and September.

Ulun Danu Temple on Lake Beratan

All Balinese temples They are similar to each other like Easter eggs, but there are pleasant exceptions. Besides that Ulun Danu one of the main water temples in Bali, this is a very beautiful temple, which stands in a very beautiful place on the lake. It is especially beautiful at dawn; the temple looks great with a minimum of tourists. The image of the temple adorns the 50,000 Indonesian rupiah banknote.

Changgu Beach

The beach is located in the village of the same name Canggu on the shore Indian Ocean in the southwest of the island. It's worth coming here for a day to look at beaches with black volcanic sand and to the ocean. Spend the evening in a restaurant by the sea, watch the sunset and forget about all your current problems. This is not a tourist attraction in the classical sense – it’s just very nice here. There is plenty of accommodation, you don't have to make a reservation.

Pura Tanah Lot Temple

Another famous one Balinese temple. Myself Tanah Lot Temple ordinary, but the place in which it was built is worthy of an evening visit. If you are lucky with the sunset, you can consider that your trip to Bali was not in vain. The monks know how to choose places to build temples, you can’t say anything. There is only one drawback - there are a lot of people here, more than in Pura Besakih, but there are no options - the place is worth a special visit.

Temple of Ulu Watu (Pura Ulu Watu)

The temple itself may not be noticed. It is as small as the huge and majestic rocks on which it is built. Here you can spend hours watching the short life of the ocean waves, looking from the water to the rocks hanging above it, and then back to looking at the waves. On Ulu Vatu You can even find secluded places where only local monkeys will look at the sea with you.

Waterfall Secumpul

It's not even one waterfall, but the whole a cascade of more than a dozen waterfalls in the mountains near Lake Beratan. Yet again best time– dry season, from April to October. Although of course it’s more impressive when more water, in February - April. The attraction is one of the most remote; it will take a whole day to see it, including the journey there and back. Nearby is a less beautiful but more popular one Git Git waterfall, if you have time, you can visit both, if you need to choose, then there are no options - Sekumpul.
In addition, I advise you to read a couple of good reports on Bali, rent a car with a driver (50 bucks/day) and drive around, seeing all this plus dilute attractions dozens of good Balinese beaches.

How to find cheap accommodation on Bali

Budget accommodation or hotels in Bali can be found through the booking system Hotels Combined, a service I use myself. The advantage of the service is that it compares prices from dozens of booking systems - you just have to choose Best offer. In each article or report, I provide links to hotels where I stayed and which I liked.

How to get to Bali island

The most convenient way to get to the Indonesian island of Bali is through Singapore. Air travel from Kyiv can be purchased directly on airline websites, but it is most profitable to take advantage of flight offers for direction Kyiv-Singapore from aviasales, an aggregator that I use myself. The service selects the most advantageous offers - you just have to choose the best by price, departure time or airline.

From Singapore to Bali (Denpasar) the popular Asian low-cost airline Air Asia flies

Useful links when planning your travels

Aviasales- low cost air tickets around the world

HotelsCombined(RoomGuru)– allows you to save up to 20% when searching for budget accommodation, hotels and apartments as it searches across all popular booking sites, including Agoda, Booking.com and others

Booking.com– a familiar and convenient site for searching and booking accommodation around the world

Airbnb– the world leader in searching for apartments and apartments for travel, register using the link and get cash bonus for first booking

Rentalcars– a site for searching and renting cars all over the world with the possibility of free cancellation

- This is a great way to spend time, but it can also get boring. The ebb and flow of the tides hint: it’s time for adventure! Research Bali attractions very exciting: all the temples of the most popular Indonesian resort are built in harmony with nature, the hilly expanses and endless rice fields make your heart skip a beat, and it seems that it’s easy to join the measured life of the good-natured islanders.
Main Bali attractions miraculous - look at the tranquil landscapes, each of which is worthy of becoming a screensaver on your computer desktop. But the people here have done a great job - it’s not for nothing that Bali is called the island of a thousand temples. Monumental sanctuaries and sculptures are found literally at every turn.

Sacred places and religious sites

Tanakh Lot is one of the most famous Bali attractions. The temple, located on a low rock, seems to float above the ocean in the seething waves. Streams of water periodically break against the mountain, creating a spectacular “explosion”. During low tide, you can approach the abode of the gods along the sandy, wet bottom - but be careful! According to legend, poisonous sea snakes live at the base of the temple, protecting sacred place. It is better not to test this myth on yourself. You won’t be able to get inside: Indonesians protect their faith from prying eyes. There are a lot of shops nearby where you can buy souvenirs for your loved ones. Experienced tourists recommend coming here at 17:00 – 17:30, since Tanah Lot is indescribably beautiful in the rays of sunset.

Address: Jl. Tanah Lot, Beraban, Kediri, Kabupaten Tabanan, Bali, Indonesia.

How to get there: The temple is located 20 km from Denpasar, 23 km from Kuta, 17 km from Seminyak. You can get there either with a tour or by taxi for about 20 USD. Some people rent a car, but parking costs 0.30 USD.

Working hours: 08:00 – 18:00.

The Uluwatu complex is dedicated to the sea gods. It is located on the edge of a 70-meter sheer cliff. Now the complex includes three temples, the oldest of which was built using black corals. On the territory you can wander for hours along the stone paths, looking at the statues of Hindu arbiters of destinies. Fishermen regularly come here to appease the gods and ask them for calm and a good catch. Tourists try to arrive in the late afternoon, when the enchanting show begins - the mystical Kecak dance. One more Bali attractions covered with fur, they live right next to the temples - these are funny monkeys who are ready to pose for hours in front of the camera for a piece of something tasty. There are frequent cases of aggression towards tourists and theft - so keep a close eye on your belongings and do not once again reach out to the tailed ones.

Address: Pura Luhur Uluwatu, Pecatu, South Kuta, Badung, Bali, Indonesia

How to get there: Uluwatu is located in the south of Bali near the Bukit Peninsula. From popular resorts– Kuta and Seminyak – it will take 30-40 minutes to get there. There are no buses to the temple, you will have to either call a taxi (it will cost around 15 USD) or go on a guided tour.

Working hours: 08:00 – 18:00.

Price: 2.5 USD.

Tirta Empul translates as “temple of sacred water.” From the name it is clear that on its territory there is a source with life-giving moisture, as well as several pools for ritual ablutions. It is recommended to come here on weekdays early in the morning, when other tourists are still sleeping peacefully. On weekends and holidays Local residents want to touch the shrine. Since swimming in the waters on the temple grounds is of a religious nature, you will have to follow some simple rules. You can only take a dip in a sarong - if you don’t have your own, you need to purchase it for 1 USD. An offering with a stick of incense is purchased for the same amount. There are three large fonts in total, and first enter the left one. The purchased stick is lit and placed on the offering, after which they close their eyes, inhale three times and try to clear their thoughts as much as possible. Then the gifts are placed on the altar, and the most secret wish coming from the heart is made. Next comes the turn of the ablution itself. Before each entry into the stream, you need to wash your face 3 times, take water into your mouth three times and spit it out, then take the same number of sips. There are 13 springs in the left font; one plunges into them one by one from left to right, skipping 12 and 11 (they are intended for the dead). The font is designed to relieve negativity and stress, cleanse karma, harmony and forgiveness in family life. In the middle there are 2 springs that relieve curses. On the right there are 7 jets according to the number of human chakras - you need to go around them from right to left. According to beliefs and reviews of those who have experienced the healing power of cold water, the attitude towards life changes after such ablution - and this is already worth something.

Address: Jl. Tirta, Manukaya, Tampaksiring, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80552, Indonesia.

How to get there: Tirta Empul is located near the city of Denpasar. There are also excursions here, well independent travelers It is recommended to drive north from Ubud towards the Kintamani area and the Great Caldera (depression).

Working hours: 07:00 – 18:00.

Price: 1 USD for entry.

Besakih – “the mother of all temples” of Bali – is the most significant complex on the island. In addition to the main sanctuaries of Penataran Agung, Kiduling Kretega and Batu Madega, another 86 different religious buildings can be seen on the territory. Hinduism is firmly rooted in the concept of caste, but Besakih is open to believers of all social backgrounds. The Balinese turn a visit to their largest temple into a pilgrimage - just what is it worth to climb up the high mountain! Since each shrine celebrates its own day and they also host Hindu religious festivals, it will be difficult to enter the temple outside of prayer time. The task is also complicated by impostor guides who live en masse on the territory of Besakih. As a rule, they assure that they can only enter the temple for a donation. To avoid paying scammers, know that all official tour guides wear traditional clothes with a symmetrical pattern and are not afraid of the word “security.” As a last resort, climb not the central staircase, but the side one - it is intended for locals, and there are almost no barkers. To visit the temple you need to wear a sarong - either rent it (1.70 USD) or buy it in a shop (3.30 USD).

Address: Besakih, Rendang, Karangasem, Bali 80863, Indonesia.

How to get there: The most convenient way to get there from Sanur is by taxi or with a tour. The journey will take about 2 hours.

Working hours: 08:00 – 17:00.

Natural attractions of Bali

Agung – sacred mountain, highest peak islands (3031 m), causing awe among local residents. For them, this stratovolcano is like the central axis of the Universe. Temple complex Besakih is located right on his southern slope at an altitude of 1000 m. It is not for nothing that the Balinese treat the volcano with fear - this old guy has already caused a lot of trouble on the island in the 1960s. Now, while the mountain is dormant, excursions are conducted to it, the program of which includes climbing. Calculate your strength - the round trip will take about 10 hours. It is better not to go alone - invite fellow travelers, preferably accompanied by a guide or one of the local residents.

How to get there: It is better to approach by car from Besakih. Selected bus services run from Kuta to settlements Chandidas, Amed and Tulamben, but it will take quite a long time to get from them.

The Bird Park in Bali is a place where birds do not languish in cages, but flutter and roam freely. Peacocks, toucans, parrots, pelicans, flamingos, pigeons and ostriches are not at all afraid of people and willingly make contact. Nearby there is a similar reptile park, where the bravest and strongest can hold a Komodo dragon, python or iguana.

Address: Jl. Serma Cok Ngurah Gambir, Singapadu, Batubulan, Sukawati, Batubulan, Sukawati, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80582, Indonesia.

How to get there: As a rule, a visit to the park is included in the program of excursions to the sights of Ubud. You can get there on your own by taxi or rented car: the journey will take approximately 1.5 hours from Ubud, 2-3 hours from Denpasar.

Working hours: from 09:00 to 17:30.

Price: 26 USD per adult ticket, 13 USD per child ticket.

Sangeh Forest, located 20 km from the capital of the island, Denpasar, is a real natural temple where monkeys reign supreme. This forest is revered as sacred - in the 17th century, the Pura Bukit Sari temple was built in its thickets. Now monkeys are actively climbing trees and rare statues and are happy to communicate with tourists for a handful of nuts. But be careful: your caps, sunglasses and cameras may seem much more attractive to the tailed monsters than a bag of treats.

Address: Jl. Brahmana, Sangeh, Abiansemal, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80353, Indonesia.

How to get there: You can order a taxi from Kuta and Seminyak - you will have to travel 25-30 km.

Working hours: from 07:30 to 18:00.

Price: entrance ticket 1 USD, parking – 0.30 USD.

Tegallalang Rice Terraces are Bali attractions indescribable beauty. With the help of man, the landscape of this area changes every year beyond recognition: agricultural work reshapes undulating terraces, which then turn into windows of blue water, and then into a lush green carpet. If you decide to visit these fields, be sure to use sunscreen and bring a hat.

Address: Tegalalang Village, Gianyar regency, Bali Island.

How to get there: most convenient route will be from Ubud - this magnificence extends just 5 km from the city. The nearest rice fields from Kuta are 40 km away, and from Denpasar – 30 km.

Price: 0.70 USD.

Elephant Cave or Goa Gajah is located in the jungle near Ubud. In the 9th century, monks meditated and lived here, not elephants, as the name might suggest. But why was the cave called that? There are many legends and versions about this. Probably one of the sculptures at the entrance was an elephant - or because the nearby river was called that. However, while history carefully keeps its secret, tourists admire the mystical atmosphere reigning inside the cave. Shadows sway fancifully in the niches, the slightest sound echoes with a ringing roar, and carp gurgle in the ponds. The main thing when visiting a sacred place is to maintain silence and be sure to wear a sarong.

Address: Goa Gajah, Ubud, Bali, Indonesia.

How to get there: You can walk or bike from Ubud. It is more difficult to get from other cities, since there are no organized bus services. The best option is to join a tour.

Working hours: 08:00 – 17:00.

Price: 2 USD.

Amlapura is the main architectural landmark of the island. The palaces of this old city managed to survive the era of Dutch rule because their owners did not resist the colonialists. These days, tourists can only visit Puri Agung, the former seat of the Karangasem kingdom, founded in the 17th century. It’s nice to stroll around the picturesque grounds of the palace and see the interesting pavilions.

Address: Amlapura old city, Karangasem, Kec. Karangasem, Kabupaten Karangasem, Bali 80811, Indonesia.

How to get there: from Denpasar take a bus from Batubulan bus station (0.50 USD).

Working hours: 06:00 – 18:00.

Swing on the beach of Nusa Penida, I didn’t even squeak, it really felt like flying over the ocean! The cost of the swing is 50k.

Bali is a very subtle troll. And every time I fall for this trolling, I hate Bali the first time I come here. Every time you come here, you’ve seen enough of Instagram and plan to immediately see #FabulousBali, cool surfing, volcanoes, beaches, but you see all this. Bali is one of the greatest differences between reality and Instagram. You just need to show that you live beautifully, since you dragged yourself here after spending a lot of money and a vacation.

Real Bali is different seasons and places, among which you still have to find your own, this is stressful traffic on the roads, huge distances between the desire to have rice fields in the window and surf every morning. And what kind of beaches are there?. In general, these are a lot of minuses and there are many of them.

But at some point, all this bullying of the island becomes so familiar and then I just open up, and the island opens up to him and to me. As a result, Bali always hacks and catastrophically changes something in me. On the day of departure, I no longer want to leave and promise to return. And I start a completely different game. Another life. Time spent in Bali for me is always some kind of Magic, a transition between levels, maybe someone knows what’s going on here? Please write to me, open your eyes.

So what is this post about, oh yeah. More often than not, it turns out that I live here in different places, I see a lot of things and I can’t keep quiet about it, I share. In general, this post is about interesting places in Bali (and you will see the trash for yourself), which are not exactly those on the lists of blogs and excursions (although they will quickly get there, so don’t be surprised), but my personal rating.

  • Spend a few days on the island of Gili air! And of course stay at the Beranda Boutique Hostel.
  • Take a walk through the botanical garden.
  • Surf.
  • Watch the sunrise at mountain lakes and at the Pura Ulun Danu Bratan (lake temple).
  • Visit the Sekumpul waterfalls (and the surrounding mountains!) and Tukad Cepung (at least).
  • Have lunch at Waroeng Cabe Cabean in Canggu.
  • Eat a Pavlova cake at Tiflis Georgian Cuisine in Canggu.
  • Work in a coworking space on the second floor of Starbucks in Canggu (for freelancers).
  • Go down early in the morning to Diamond Beach on Nusa Penida, listen to the ocean and swing on the swings (first photo of the post).
  • Visit the very south of Bali.
  • Take a steam bath at Bali Dacha).
  • I am constantly adding to this post, so I recommend bookmarking it :)

Now more about these and other places.

How to get to Bali (!) Cheaper and more interesting

What is important to know about Bali

  • Upon arrival in Bali, you should immediately buy a SIM card at the airport and call a taxi through the GoJak or Grab application - these taxis are several times cheaper than offline taxis in Bali. And from the airport, taxi drivers are generally crazy fast and can offer to take you to Kuta for 350 thousand, when GoJak will cost only about 40 thousand.
  • Visa to Bali. If you go to Bali for less than a month, you do not need a visa. If you want to stay for 2 months, then upon arrival you need to get a visa for 1 month (costs $35) and then extend it at immigration for another 1 month. You can get a social visa for 6 months. You can fly in and out of the country (in 1 day) every 2 months and live here for a long time.
  • Return ticket. Upon arrival at the airport, you may be asked for a return ticket from Bali (10% out of 100), so it is better to have one. How to print an unpaid air ticket reservation if you don’t have one is written.
  • Safety. Theft is rampant in Bali - unfortunately this is true. If you are riding a bike or walking along the road, then you should either put your purse in the bike or hold it tightly.
  • Frequent cases of reading bank cards (they copy the card through an ATM and after some time they withdraw money from your account) - be careful when using ATMs and, just in case, you should have several bank cards in case one is counted. It is also necessary to set withdrawal limits through mobile banking. I try to use only cash in Bali.
  • For driving a bike you need a license - either an international license of category A, or an Asian one (obtained in Bali or, for example, in Thailand). The availability of rights is checked mainly between Kuta and Canggu (districts of Bali), in other areas they are almost not checked. If they catch you, they will demand a fine, for which you can bargain and bring the price down to 100-50 thousand and move on. But in the event of an accident, the fault will be on your side anyway, if you do not have rights.
  • There is poor internet in Bali. In principle, it is good for communication, but for active freelancing it is bad. New— now there are places where it is quite good, but you have to choose, because there is still a lot of bad Internet.
  • During the rainy season(December-February) it is very difficult to see the volcanoes and enjoy walks around the island, because it rains (especially in the mountains) and is cloudy. And the surfing is much worse during the rainy season.
  • Information and communication in Russian. An excellent group on Facebook through which you can find accommodation in any price category, ask questions and communicate is called “Together in Bali”: facebook.com/groups/213136165450471/
  • Chip flights. Find the most cheap air tickets in Bali you can. You can watch a direct flight from Russia to Bali (which still requires a transfer), but most often the most profitable flight is via Bangkok or Kuala Lumpur with an independent connection.
  • Insurance. In fact, I often don’t buy insurance for those countries where I know that it’s easier for me to go to the hospital or I don’t need it there at all. But Bali is where I ALWAYS buy insurance. Because I really don’t like traffic here. Because here someone constantly breaks down and then, if he survives, he collects money from all over the world to pay for these endless thousands and hundreds of thousands of dollars. And it’s just that medicine here is so damn expensive, so You need insurance in Bali. Always. What insurance to choose today for Bali and buy it at a discount can be found in my special useful post, which I update constantly:.
  • About religion. Indigenous people Indonesians are Muslims, Balinese are Hindus (one might even say “pagans”), their religion is a strange mixture of local paganism, Hinduism and Buddhism. Therefore, the atmosphere in Bali is very unique and different from the other islands of the country. And the people are kinder, although in the tourist service sector few people are able to remain kind for a long time, and many Indonesians from other islands work here.

Surfing in Bali

This is the first point why I usually go to Bali, but over time I realized that it is better to choose the season for skiing and not go in November-February for surfing (wind, waves are worse and dirty, rainy season). At this time it is better to go to Malaysia for surfing, oddly enough :). Although you can surf at this time if you really want to.

Which area to choose for surfing, where to stay in Bali?

If you are a complete beginner, then first of course it is better to settle in Kuta, find a surf school or instructor there and surf there for a week or two. Then you can move to Canggu or Bukit or somewhere else (ask the school for a place that is relevant for you and for a given season, they will recommend it to you).

Apart from the first surfing lessons (+shopping and some creepy parties), there is nothing else to do in Kuta.

How to surf in Bali: schools, surf camps, private instructors

Group or private lessons. If you are a beginner and just want to try what surfing is, you can sign up for group lessons at one of the schools ($20-40 per lesson) or take a few lessons from a private instructor (about $50-100 per lesson). Classes with an instructor are supposedly more effective than classes at school, but only if you find a really good instructor.

How to find a surf school in Bali

  • English speaking (cheaper)- in English-speaking surf schools, you can look in the area or at Google maps in the right area. Or on - here you can see the rating and location, there are individual and group, expensive and very cheap classes. You can watch it in the “Bali – Impressions” section.
  • Russian-speaking (more expensive)— on the website mybalitrips.com you can see a comparison of different schools with prices and options, choose and book lessons.
  • Surf Discovery - the school is not listed on the website, but one of the most popular schools in Bali is located in Kuta. I like the atmosphere there and low price for board rental. Lessons are more expensive though.

Surf camps. If you want to immerse yourself in surfing, training and a surf party with its own special atmosphere, then you can sign up for a surf camp. The Russian-language surf camp in Bali is located in the Canggu area and is called Wave House. In addition to this, there are many English-language (international) camps, but in order to study there, you need English. If English language not a problem for you, then the international surfcamp - the best choice. This is also an excellent choice for those who are already good at boarding.

Volcanoes of Bali and Java islands

Even before I started traveling, about 10 years ago I read about the volcanoes of Indonesia - how beautiful, scary and dangerous they are. And maybe this partly pushed me to come here for the first time. The volcanoes in Indonesia are very cool. To travel around them, it is better to choose the dry season and not come in November-February. We still need money, of course.

The most popular and accessible volcanoes from Bali:

Volcano Batur (Bali)

Batur is located in Bali, height 1717 m. Climbing the Batur volcano and watching the sunrise at the top is very popular among visitors.

If you haven't seen many mountains in your life, you'll love it. For me, the view from Batur is boring.

Volcano Batur is located in the crater of an old volcano, inside of which there is a volcanic lake. You can see the lake from the top, which also offers views of the island of Bali and other volcanoes. It looks best at dawn. Therefore, the ascent to the volcano usually begins at 2 am.

The climb to the volcano is quite simple, although not short, and accessible to ordinary person without preparation. Average cost of climbing Mount Batur: $50.

Where to book an excursion to Batur:

But be aware that if you leave your bike close to the guides who are guarding the road to Batur, imposing their services, you may end up with a crippled vehicle after the hike - the guides often cut the tires too much independent tourists. Route maps usually indicate a point for safer parking.

Mount Agung (Bali)

You can also climb it yourself; excursions are expensive, around $100. Volcano Agung is the highest and most scandalous point in Bali (known for its periodic eruptions). But people go to see it. Worth finding detailed description on blogs and take advantage of it. For example, here the guys have chewed everything over: how to climb Agung on your own>>

Volcano Bromo (Java)

Bromo is located in the east of the island of Java, the height of the volcano is 2329 m. This is one of the most beautiful and popular volcanoes in Indonesia among tourists, one of the most active volcanoes in the world.

Volcano Ijen (Java)

These two volcanoes are often visited on the same excursion and are located close to each other. Ijen is famous for the fact that inside its crater there is a beautiful turquoise sulfur lake that emits blue flames at night, this is the largest acid lake in the world.

You can book your trip to Ijen at mybalitrips.com. You can go on your own by car or bike, but be prepared to fight through very rude guides.

Bali waterfalls

For me, Balinese waterfalls are the most beautiful in Asia. Some I love, even though they are full of tourists. There are about 130 waterfalls in Bali; of course, you don’t need to see all of them or even half of them, but you should definitely visit at least 1-2 waterfalls in Bali. Let's see which ones you can see first.

Waterfalls north of Ubud (1-2 hours):

Sekumpul or Gerombong waterfall

Sekumpul is one of the largest and beautiful waterfalls Bali. There is a dam where you can swim. The waterfall is located in the northern part of the island in the mountains (about 70 km north of Ubud). You can take a tour, or you can get to Sekumpul by bike or car.

I love this waterfall and its surroundings! You can stay nearby in a homestay in the mountains for several days and feel that untouched, simple Balinese atmosphere and cool mountain air.

Banyumala Twin Waterfalls

located near Sikumpul, the waterfall is large and beautiful.

→It’s convenient to stay for a few days in the area of ​​the mountains and these waterfalls and go around all the interesting places here: Sikumpul, Twin Waterfall, lakes, rice fields with swings, etc. :).

Git-Git (Gitgit)

A very popular waterfall among excursions in Bali, which is so-so, a normal waterfall. Located near Sikumpul, you can stop by on the way back.

Aling Aling

The 30-meter waterfall is located in a group of waterfalls that can be seen all in one walk. It is located in the northern part of Bali, a good waterfall with a lagoon for swimming, but it takes more time, it is better to arrive before lunch.

Jembong

waterfall, which is located next to the popular Git-Git. There are very few tourists here, but despite its little-known status, Jembong is very beautiful and unusual, different from other waterfalls in Bali. Located in a forest among cocoa trees, in central Bali in the village of Ambengan.

Blemantung

waterfall among coffee plantations. Geographically, it is located in the area of ​​a group of waterfalls with Sikumpul, but further to the east. The waterfall is little known among tourists, but it is also very beautiful and good precisely because there are few people here. The height of the waterfall is about 50 meters.

East of Ubud (1 hour one way):

Tukad Cepung Waterfall

my favorite waterfall, even though it’s full of tourists. Type the name into Google Maps and be sure to mark it for a visit). Located an hour's drive from Ubud to the east. Here he is, handsome:

from Kuta:

Tegenungan

The advantages of this waterfall are that it is easy to get to - it is only an hour's drive from Kuta and the walk to the waterfall from the parking lot is very close, unlike other waterfalls in Bali. The waterfall itself is very beautiful, it’s better to come here a little later than lunch, when observation deck you can see how the sun illuminates and highlights the water falling among the tropical greenery with bright colors.

Far from everything, in the northeast:

Yeh Mempeh

- a waterfall for non-lovers tourist places, walks through the jungle and complete privacy. A long and beautiful path through the tropical forest leads to the waterfall. The waterfall is located far from all places, on the north-eastern coast of Bali, in the village of Les.

Beaches of Bali

Bali is not at all beach place. There are almost no normal ones here. Let's see what is there.


Deserted Uluwatu beach. It’s almost impossible to swim, but it’s crazy beautiful.

Gili Islands

White sand and azure water are here. It’s not very convenient to go into the water because of the sharp corals and the beaches are mostly shallow, but finally such that you can lie on the water and relax, and not hit the waves like in Bali.

  • There are no bikes on any of the Gili Islands, only horses and bicycles.
  • Throughout the Gili you can find diving schools, snorkeling, marijuana and magic mushrooms.
  • Fruits are expensive.
  • If you snorkel alone, be very careful with the currents! There are a lot of dangerous currents on the Gili Islands that can carry you into the ocean.

There are three Gili Islands in total. My impression of them is short:

Gili Trawangan is the largest of the islands, but you can get around it on foot in a couple of hours; it is only about 2 km long. There are clubs with loud music and dancing, and beaches that look white and almost bountiful, but coral, it hurts to walk. There are diving tours and schools.

Gili Meno. Smaller than Trawangan, here you can swim straight from the shore to the underwater Nest statues and admire them with a mask. They are located directly opposite the Bask resort hotel. From about 11 to 14.30 there are a lot of people with excursions. But on the other hand, it’s not scary to swim with them. There's not much else to do on Meno.

Last on the list, and this was the last of the islands that I came to and thought about staying there for a couple of days. But I was delayed)). This is the most cool island and by chance we chose some incredible hotel here, Beranda Boutique Hostel (check out the photo on the booking), from which we didn’t want to leave. The hotel cost 700-900 rubles/day for two with breakfast.

Snorkeling on Gili. Under the waters of the Gili you can see turtles, colored corals, statues, fish (lots of fish, beautiful, colorful, feed them from your hands). You can snorkel on your own, or book an excursion for 100 thousand rupees. A good and detailed description of snorkeling on Gili can be read here: baliforum.ru/index.php/topic,117426.0.html

How to travel between the Gili Islands:

A public boat leaves in the morning and costs 35 thousand rupees. You can find a more expensive and secluded option.

How to get to Gili:

  • The easiest way is to order a fast boat from these guys: boat to Gili. For $30 you can purchase a round-trip ticket to Gili, which includes transfer from your hotel to the pier (and back). Moreover, you can leave on the appointed date and return on any day.
  • You can go crazy and take a ferry to Lombok and sail from there to Gili - it’s cheaper, but you will need to get to the pier yourself and leave the bike with someone for a fee (the most cheap option managed to negotiate for 50 thousand per day).

Nusa Penida Island

Beautiful, the beaches are not really for swimming and relaxation, but rather for beautiful photos. The roads to some beaches are very bad for a bike! If you are not confident in your driving skills, take an SUV.


Diamond beach

You can get to Nusa Penida by boat from the Sanur Beach pier. You can buy tickets directly on the pier, but it’s easier to do it online and know exactly what time and where you need to be on the pier. For example, through this service: Gilitransfers.com

Ticket prices: from $17 there and from $12 back.

Where to live. Nusa Penida has many hotels at different prices. It’s better to search for recent reviews and ratings here:

Detailed report from Nusa Penida: soon:)

Beaches of Bali

Beaches Nusa Dua. On the beaches of Nusa Dua, like everywhere else in Bali, there are waves, but they hardly reach the shore and you can swim here even with children. And if it’s important for you to arrange beach holiday in Bali, then when choosing a place you should pay attention to this area. If you have planned to settle in another place, then you can come to the public beaches of Nusa Dua only for swimming: Geger Beach and Mengiat Beach, Nikko beach.

Beaches in Bukit area: Good for swimming and you can try the beaches of Padang Padang beach and Balangan beach.

Beaches unsuitable for swimming: Kuta, Seminyak.

Black beaches in eastern Bali also not suitable for swimming, but very atmospheric. There are dirty and crowded ones, but you can find secluded and cleaner ones. As soon as I remember where one such beach is located, I’ll write right away, otherwise I forgot to put a point last time (I’ll also be grateful if you share).

My favorite beach in Bali

Diving and snorkeling in Bali

Diving schools - Tulamben, Amed and Menjangan areas. Except east coast There are diving centers in Nusa Dua, Sanur, on the Nusa Lembongan islands and of course Gili.

Diving spots in Bali:

In Tulamben there is a wreck of the Liberty ship, where you can walk around with scuba diving. The ship, which was wrecked during the Second World War, is located literally 30 meters from the shore and 5 meters from the surface of the water, so you can see it even with or without a regular mask.

Amed is a diving center in Bali. A quiet and cozy beach with its own hotels, cafes and big amount signs of dive centers.

The cost of snorkeling in Bali is $40-70 for an all-inclusive day trip. Diving cost is $100 on average per dive (including transfer, equipment and light snack).

Lempuyang. Temple Of Lempuyang Luhur

The temple is located in the mountains in eastern Bali. Famous for photographs of Agung and its reflection. Until I found out how such pure reflections in photos are obtained, I puzzled over it for a long time.


Agung should be visible outside the gate, but this is what it looks like during the rainy season.

There are a lot of people here and there is a line of people wanting to take pictures, but the temple grounds are beautiful. And the photos are good for Instagram.

Palace with fish Taman Tirtagangga

It is located not far from Lempuyang - if you are returning from it, you will pass by. I came here just for these fish:

Monkey forest in Ubud

Monkey forest is located in Ubud. There are even two Monkey Forests - one touristy and the other not so much. This is really not just a park or a temple, but a whole forest where you can walk along the paths among the huge number of monkeys living in it.

You can come here by bike/car or use the GoJack online taxi. Entrance fee is $1.5 for adults and $1 for children.

I like it here - there are so many monkeys that I get a lot of good portraits.

Botanical Garden in Bali Bedugul Botanical Garden

Non-tourist among foreigners great place, is located near the lakes, not far from the abandoned hotel. Here you can walk in the fog (probably not so pleasant in the heat) and just enjoy the real jungle and trees, bamboo, silence...

You can get there by bike or car, find a point on the map by name.

In general, in the lake area there are a lot of interesting non-tourist places that still need to be explored and explored!

This abandoned hotel is already so touristy - the entrance here costs 10 thousand rupees and everyone is allowed in, that it’s not even interesting to come here. should be deserted. But if you're interested, you can of course come and wander around. The owner of the place is in prison. Russians like to gossip that this place is associated with legends and fear of ghosts among the locals, but as far as I understand, the locals are simply not interested in such places.

A detailed photo report from there can be viewed here: .

Bali dacha

Located in Ubud. Russian place. There is a cool bathhouse here and apparently there are various events. I really like the area for photo shoots and just relaxation.

Swings and rice terraces Bali

The Tegalalang tourist rice terraces in Ubud are a creepy place with expensive swings, I don’t wish anyone to go there and grind in this bunch of tourists. A swing with a view of the rice gorge interspersed with tourist cafes and buildings costs $30. What lengths do people go to for Instagram?

There are rice terraces in the mountains and between Ubud and the lakes... in general, there are many of them in Bali.

Secret point with the most beautiful swing for 50 thousand rupees ($3.5) is in the mountains, you can find it on Google map and the name Warung Fiji.


Here the swing was so-so - the first minute was normal, then it started to get motion sick and there wasn’t much pleasure. But the view for photos is one of the best in Bali! And the cost is only 50 thousand instead of $30

Another incredible swing just for the sensations, and for photos of course, also located on the beach Diamond Beach on the island of Nusa Penida. They also cost 50 thousand rupees:

There is another swing at Charlie's Chocolate Factory. The place itself didn’t appeal to me at all and I didn’t like the chocolate. The swing is so-so, but if you drive by, you can stop by for a swing:

Elephants in Bali

This item came here only because people often ask about elephants. Personally, I really don’t like tourist places with elephants, most often it’s a terrible sight and a terrible life for elephants.

Elephant Safari Park. Elephant nursery, park - a huge area with a lake, watering holes and a playground for baby elephants. Elephants brought from the island of Sumatra and elephant calves born in Bali live here.

The cost of the Elephant Park tour, including transfer from the hotel and back and lunch, is $86. Without elephant ride: $65 (includes lunch and transfer from hotel and back). Admission ticket to the park, if you get there on your own - $20 for an adult and $5 for children under five years old.

The park is about an hour and a half drive from Kuta or half an hour from Ubud.

Dolphins in the ocean in Bali

It's not like mine favorite place, but decided to list it. You can see free dolphins in the ocean in Bali at dawn, at 5-7 am, in the Lovina Beach area. You can get here on your own by car or bike, or book a tour at the hotel.

The distance from Kuta is approximately 90 km.

The cost of a trip to the ocean with fishermen, where you can see dolphins, is around $5. The cost of the tour when booked from a hotel in the south of the island is about $20.

Fishing in the ocean in Bali

I'm not a fisherman. I just heard that this topic is interesting to others and I’m listing it. You can catch it in Bali different types snapper, tuna, mahi-mahi, red snapper, black marlin, barakuda, etc.
There are two types of fishing in Bali: coral, for catching small fish (up to half a meter), or trolling from a boat (hunting for tuna, Mahi-Mahi and other fish).

Cost of coral fishing in Bali: $120-150 (4-6 hours). Trolling cost: $180-230 (4-6 hours). The price includes transfer from the hotel, snacks and all fishing equipment.

Approximate route of travel and life in Bali for 2 weeks

Text coming soon)

In the meantime, you can choose excursions and adventures in Bali on the website mybalitrips.com - quite a lot of things, Russian-language support and fresh reviews.

Post started in 2014, last update: 2019, there are still a lot of places not finished (I’m writing!), so add them to your bookmarks and come back!

Arrived in Bali, sitting in your villa on the Internet looking for interesting things nearby? Common situation. And by the way, you've come to the right place. This article contains the most interesting sights of Bali with photographs, descriptions and locations.

We have deliberately excluded all attractions with animals, zoos, elephant rides, camels and the like, as we consider this a violation of one of the most important principles - the principle of non-violence (ahimsa).

This list of attractions mainly includes beautiful, unusual places that will decorate your Instagram or blog. You have already seen many of the spots presented here on instablogs, and many have become business cards islands of Bali.

We have collected all the information on the Gili Islands in a separate place.
Guide to Nusa Penida Island.

Sights of Bali on the map

To make it easier to navigate, we have marked all the attractions of the island of Bali on the map. This map can be saved to any device and then routed to the desired location. In order for the map of Bali attractions to be saved, you need to be logged in to your Google account and click the asterisk in the upper left corner of the map next to the name.

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Tukad Chepung Waterfall is located south of Ubud. It is definitely considered one of the most picturesque waterfalls in Bali. Tukad Chepung Waterfall represents jets of water falling into a dark well through rays of bright light. This very picturesque place constantly attracts instabloggers who want to get a gorgeous photo for their collection.

You can drive up to the waterfall by car or bike, but you will have to walk about 15 minutes from the parking lot to the point. Entrance to the waterfall territory is paid, but the price is low - only 10,000 Indonesian rupiah. This is very little, cheaper than a portion of Mie Goreng (fried noodles with vegetables) at a local cafe.

The best time to visit Tukad Chepung Waterfall is on sunny days, which are extremely rare in Ubud.

2

Abandoned Boeing 737. Bali, Bukit Peninsula.

Many people talk about an abandoned plane in Bali and it often appears on Instagram, as it is a legendary and super popular landmark of the island. There are actually THREE abandoned planes in Bali. Yes Yes. Three whole planes and several more sawn fragments of fuselages different models, which are scattered across different parts of the island.

One Boeing 737 (the most popular) is parked on the Bukit Peninsula near Pandawa Beach. The second one, exactly the same, found its last port in South Kuta. And the third intact Boeing 737 was discovered in the western part of Bali in the Jembrana Regency area. We marked all these abandoned planes on the map of Bali attractions, which you will find at the very beginning of this article.

3 Ubud Hanging Gardens Hotel


This 5 star hotel in Ubud can be considered one of the luxury attractions of the island of Bali. It is a complex of luxury villas located on a mountain in the jungle. Each villa has its own private pool and fantastic panoramic views. There is also a common area with a two-level swimming pool and views of the Ayung River.

This is an ideal place for some significant events in life, or not very significant ones, if you have enough money. The price of such a villa on Booking.com starts from $570 per night. By the way, this hotel is part of.

4 Pura Lempuyang Luhur


Pura Lempuyang is a complex of temples (very beautiful) that are located on a mountain and connected by stone steps. They say that to the top temple, which is located on the peak, you will have to walk 1,700 steps. But you don't really have to go that high (although I recommend it), beautiful photos can be taken at the lower levels.

There is a fee to visit Pura Lempuyang. At the entrance you will be asked to make a donation. You can only approach the temple from the south side. There is parking and an entrance to the trail. There they will show you a map of the trail because it will bifurcate and connect and you can get quite lost.

5 Kelingking beach


Kelingking beach

Kelingking Beach is considered a secret beach, although you have seen these mind-blowing photos on travel bloggers' blogs and Instagrams. It is located on the southwestern edge. It's close to Bali and there are convenient speed boats ($35 roundtrip). There are also tours.

The beach itself is hidden in a small bay, which is surrounded by tall cliffs. Remarkable panoramic platform, where you can take amazing selfies or fantastic landscape shots. If you find yourself in Nusa Penida, I highly recommend visiting Kelingking Beach at sunset.

If you decide to go down the path, be aware that some steps may be missing and the climb may be somewhat difficult. Be sure to take water with you, as the beach is absolutely wild. Please note that this beach may have strong rip currents.

6 Tegallalang Rice Terraces in Ubud


In general, on the island of Bali there are several most picturesque places, with fantastically beautiful levels on which rice fields are built. In this review of attractions, we will talk about the most popular place in Bali, where you can see the famous rice terraces. These terraces are located in the center of Bali in the Ubud area in the village of Tegallalang.

Initially, these were ordinary peasant lands where rice was grown. But today it is one of the top tourist spots in Bali. There was an entrance fee and there were souvenir shops and cafes all around. There are even special tours to the rice terraces in Ubud.

Finding Tellalang Rice Terraces is quite easy. You just need to turn off the main road in time. We will mark this place on the map. The map is waiting for you at the beginning of this list.

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Taman Festival is a huge, abandoned shopping and entertainment complex that was almost completely built, but never opened. Eight hectares of territory, an Olympic swimming pool, restaurants, boutiques and so on. Today it all turns into a jungle.

Taman Festival Park is a favorite place for graffiti artists and all hunters for cool photos. It’s easy to find, parking is paid (2500 rupees), sometimes local guys can also forgive the entrance fee (10-15 thousand).

No one knows exactly why the owner left the amusement park almost completely completed. There are legends that he was intimidated by Islamic radicals who carried out terrorist attacks in Bali in the 2000s. They also say that lightning struck the roof of the building and it collapsed.

Taman Festival Park is located right on the coastline in the northeast of Denpasar.

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The largest bamboo bridge in Asia. It is 23 meters long and can accommodate up to 30 people at a time. The bridge was built by a group of environmental activists IBUKU. Next to the bridge there is a small eco-settlement - a bamboo village.

This is very interesting place, is located on the island of Bali just south of Ubud in the town of Abiansemal. And here is one of the largest bamboo hotels in the world.

9


Another secret beach in the northwest of the Bukit Peninsula. Famous for its golden sand and very clear water. There’s also a cave there, which you’ve definitely seen on Instagram and travel blogs. Here she is:


The beach is open to the public, the only fee you will be charged is the parking fee (2000 rupees). The best time to visit is at sunset and keep in mind that there are tides, then it will be difficult to enter the cave.

The road from Canggu to Tegal Wangi Beach takes about an hour and a half one way.

10 Uluwatu Temple (Pura Luhur Uluwatu)


A Hindu temple on a high 70-meter cliff. It was built in ancient times. The chronicles mention that the first temple building was installed here in the 11th century by one sadhu from the island of Java.

Uluwatu Temple is in excellent condition and its grounds are absolutely breathtaking. panoramic views. Judge for yourself.


Permanent residents Pura Luhur Uluwatu is a flock of macaques. Be careful when contacting them, they very often take away valuables: phones, cameras, bike keys, and so on. It will be extremely difficult to get your property back.

11 Pura Tanah Lot


Earth Temple or Pura Tanah Lot. A very popular attraction on the island of Bali. It is located approximately 20 kilometers from Kuta. The temple was built in the 15th century by the Hindu Brahmin Nirarthi.

Pura Tanah Lot Temple can only be visited during low tide. In addition, you can climb to the top level only if you profess Hinduism. Tourists of other religions can only visit the lower level of the temple.

Pura Tanah Lot is one of the seven sea temples that, according to Balinese mythology, guard the southwest coast of the island. This ancient temple began to collapse, and, oddly enough, the Japanese government began to restore it. They have allocated $180 million to build an artificial rock nearby to prevent destruction.

There is a fee to visit: 20,000 rupees for locals and 60,000 rupees for foreigners.

12


A very beautiful temple, which was built on the shore of the mountain lake Bratan (yes, bro). Pura Ulun Danu Bratan was built in 1633 in honor of the water deity Dewi Danu.

Lake Bratan is located at an altitude of 1200 meters above sea level and is surrounded by green mountains. It is interesting to know that although the temple is dedicated to a deity from Balinese mythology, the tallest structure (11 tiers) in the complex is dedicated to Shiva. In addition, there is also a Buddha shrine in Pura Ulun Danu Bratan.

Pura Ulun Bratan is featured on the IDR 50,000 banknote.

13


The building is from the 9th century. As usual, its purpose is unclear to modern people. There is no clear version of why these caves were built. Inside there are attributes of various deities, often from different religious movements: Shiva and Buddha. There is also an opinion that the name of the cave “Cave of Elephants” is somehow connected with Ganesha, since there are references to him inside.

English Wikipedia says that this was a meditation room, and all these images at the entrance were supposed to ward off evil spirits. However, this place is now sacred to the Balinese and you will be required to wear a sarong to enter.

14


The most picturesque Sekumpul waterfall in the north of Bali in the Buleleng regency. Secumpul Waterfall consists of 6 or 7 separate streams that fall from a green, densely jungle-covered peak.

To see the Secumpul waterfall you will have to walk part of the way along mountain path, so flip flops and sandals would be inappropriate here. Closed shoes only.

15 Campuhan Ridge Walk


A walking trail along the very top of the Champuhan ridge in Ubud. Perfect place For romantic walks and maximum concentration of topics for landscape photography.

The place is very picturesque. On the sides you will see green hills and village buildings buried in the jungle. And on one of the sides, parallel to the hill, the Champuhan River runs.

Conclusion

So far these are all the sights of Bali that we know. Of course, this is far from full list, because the island of Bali is huge and there are a lot of interesting things on its territory. If you know any similar places on the island, then leave names or locations in the comments.

Far tropical island Bali cannot be called a tourist mecca, where everything works exclusively for hotel business. This is a beautiful island with its own character, which you either fall in love with immediately or never come again.

Bali is a kingdom of volcanoes, impenetrable tropical forests and stunning sunsets on the ocean. The colorful traditions of the locals are a bizarre mixture of Buddhist, Hindu and ancient island beliefs. Balinese gods live in unusual temples on the water, numerous religious rituals and holidays are an incredible extravaganza of intricate colors.

Landscapes of Bali beaches can be safely placed in an exemplary picture. White sand, blue ocean, inaccessible coastal cliffs and bright tropical sun - here there is everything a tourist exhausted by a long winter needs.

The best hotels and inns at affordable prices.

from 500 rubles/day

What to see and where to go in Bali?

The most interesting and beautiful places for walks. Photos and brief description.

Ubud is located away from beach resorts islands. It is known as the cultural center of Bali due to its many galleries, museums, workshops and antique shops. International art festivals are often held here. Hotels and restaurants in the city are created according to individual design projects. Ubud is surrounded by picturesque terraced rice fields, which are located on the slopes of a volcanic ridge.

The monkey can be considered the unofficial symbol of Bali. There are several places where these animals live in groups on the island. One of them is in Ubud. This is a monkey forest, which is considered sacred by the Balinese; the Pura Bukit temple is located on its territory. Numerous inhabitants of the forest are not at all afraid of tourists. They make excellent contact with people, sometimes they even get very impudent and steal sunglasses, jewelry and anything else that doesn’t fit in their bag.

The water park covers an area of ​​4 hectares. It is famous not only for its water attractions and swimming pools, but also numerous tropical gardens and magnificent spas. After an exciting roller coaster ride, tourists will be offered a relaxing Balinese massage, mineral baths or a boat ride on a quiet river. The water park has a floating bar and a restaurant where you can sample local coffee.

An architectural and park complex with numerous ponds, fountains and canals, which are interconnected by alleys and bridges. It was erected in 1946 for the royal family. Despite its relatively young age, the palace looks like an ancient landmark thanks to its traditional architecture and high humidity, due to which the walls of the buildings are overgrown with green moss after a few months.

Ujung Palace, like Tirta Gangga, was built by the last king of the Karangasema dynasty, who received an architectural education in Holland. The complex was built in a mixed architectural style. In its outlines you can see European and Balinese features. The palace was built in 1921, but after the 1976 earthquake it stood abandoned for a long time. The restoration was carried out in the period 2001-2003.

The museum is located in the city of Ubud. It was opened in 1980 with funds from philanthropist and collector Agung Rai. The collection is dedicated to Indonesian painting, from the Middle Ages to the beginning of the 21st century. There are also rare works by European artists who lived and worked in Bali. The museum space is actively used for organizing temporary exhibitions.

The museum exhibits a unique collection of painters from the Asia-Pacific region. The museum collections contain works by more than 200 artists. The gallery is also known for its extensive collection of antiques. The museum space is divided into 11 halls dedicated to different directions in art. Paintings by Indonesian artists are exhibited in five halls.

The museum is named after its founder, local artist and collector Suteji Nek, who is the son of the famous Balinese woodcarver Wayan Nek. The gallery was opened in 1982. Suteji dedicated his life to studying Balinese culture, developing art in Indonesia, and collecting. The exhibition at the Neka Museum consists of traditional paintings in the Wayang style, photographs, sculptures made of wood and bronze.

The rice terraces are a famous and popular attraction in Bali. They are located in the west of the island on the slopes of Mount Batukaru. Jatiluwi is not only tourist site, but also real agricultural land. Special varieties of rice are grown here. The terraces are located at 700 meters above sea level. The site is included in the UNESCO list of natural attractions.

The temple is located on a rock washed by sea waters, so it can only be reached by land at low tide. Pura Tanah Lot is a particularly revered temple. It is believed that every Balinese should visit it at least once in their life. Only believers can climb to the top of the rock and visit the temple; tourists are not allowed further than the stone staircase, so they have to photograph the structure from afar.

Pura Besakih is the main Hindu temple complex in Bali. It consists of 22 religious buildings located on terraces at the foot of Gugung Agung. Locals The complex is called the “Mother of all temples.” Together with the mountain, it is considered the main holy place in Bali. Unfortunately, tourists are allowed to enter the first level of Pura Besakih, only Hindus can go further.

The temple is located in the southern part of Bali. It was erected to protect the gods of the island from the attacks of sea demons. The building is located on the very edge of a sheer 90-meter cliff. The temple was founded in the 11th century by Javanese Brahmins. The goddesses Rudra and Devi Laut are worshiped on its territory. Religious ceremonies are held in the courtyard, which is not publicly accessible, but tourists can visit the outer courtyard.

The temple complex is located near the village of Tampak Siring. It is surrounded by rice fields and tropical forests. It is believed that Tirta Empul was founded more than a thousand years ago near a natural spring, where the god Indra healed his warriors and gave them new life. People come to the temple to draw water from the healing spring and take a bath in one of the temple pools.

Gunung Kawi is believed to have been founded in the 11th century, making it the oldest cave temple on the island of Bali. The complex is a system of caves carved into the rock. Using a stone staircase you can go down to the sacred temple spring. The site of Gunung Kawi contains royal tombs, marked by funerary towers and bas-reliefs. Local residents believe that the temple is a powerful place of power on the island.

Bali's main water temple is located at Lake Bratan, which is located at an altitude of more than 1200 meters above sea level. The complex is a symbol of the island and one of its most popular attractions. The lake is considered sacred as it provides water to irrigate the surrounding farmland. The Pura Ulun Danu Temple was built in the 17th century under King Mengwi in honor of the goddess of water.

An ancient cave temple located near the city of Ubud. "Goa Goja" is translated from Indonesian as "elephant cave". Apparently, the temple received this name thanks to the bas-relief located at the entrance. It vaguely resembles the face of an elephant. It is difficult to come up with another explanation, since elephants themselves have never been found in Bali. Inside the temple there are sculptures of Hindu and Buddhist gods. Cave complex was discovered in the middle of the 20th century.

A cave system that is the oldest Shaivist sanctuary. As the name suggests, it is home to a large number of bats. One of the legends claims that at the beginning of the 20th century there was a huge statue of a dragon in one of the caves. One day the Dutch entered there and, frightened, shot the sculpture with guns. That same night they disappeared without a trace. According to another legend, a 30-kilometer underground passage leads from Goa Lawah to Pura Besakih.

A natural area home to more than 250 species of birds brought to the island from different parts of the Earth. Most birds fly freely around the park; for the rest, fairly spacious cages have been built. The Bali Bird Park is home to several species of parrots, peacocks, toucans, prehistoric cassowaries and many other species. You can feed some birds yourself.

A huge park home to more than 60 species of exotic animals, including Komodo dragons and white tigers. Tourists are transported around the territory, just like during an African safari. There are restaurants within the park where you can enjoy traditional Balinese food and bungalows for overnight stays. In the marine part of the reserve lives great amount species of fish imported from different seas.

The island of Bali is not home to elephants. These huge animals were brought here from the island of Sumatra and a nursery park was organized. On its territory you can observe the habits of elephants, ride on the back of an animal or feed baby elephants; it will also be interesting to visit a small museum. The park was organized by a passionate Australian, N. Mason. In addition to the elephant area, there are rice fields and green walking alleys.

A natural reserve covering an area of ​​760 km². Within its borders are tropical forests, savannas, mangroves and swamps, jungles and highland plains. In the marine part of the reserve there are several beaches, very popular with divers, and a large coral reef. Animal world represented by dozens of species of birds and mammals. Most of the reserve is closed to the public; movement is only possible along special trails.

Mount Agung is Bali's highest point (3142 meters) and a sacred place for the island's inhabitants. According to one popular legend, the volcano was created by the Hindu god Pasupati. Over the entire history of observations, Arung erupted four times; the last cataclysm in the 20th century killed more than 2 thousand people. Several lead to the top walking routes medium category of difficulty, the ascent takes about 6 hours.

Gunung Batur is located in the northeastern part of the island; the mountain reaches a height of 1717 meters. There is a volcanic lake in the pit at the top. The volcano is active last eruption was recorded in 2000. Gunung Batur is a popular natural attraction. Climbing to its top takes about one and a half hours. From an almost two-kilometer height, picturesque views of the island open up.

One of the most beautiful waterfalls in Bali, located 16 km. from the city of Denpasar. An observation deck for tourists is located at the top of the water stream, from where you can admire the fall of powerful jets. Below are baths and a small temple. Tegenungan is located in the bed of the Petanu River, which is considered sacred by the Balinese. In the evenings, you can watch a picturesque sunset from the observation deck.

Sekumpul is located in northern Bali near Singaraja. Maximum power water flows collected during the rainy season. It is during this period that the waterfall is especially picturesque. Sekumpul is a group of six waterfalls that cascade into deep lake at the foot of the cliff. The road to the attraction runs through rice fields, cliffs above the abyss and fern thickets.

The waterfall is located in the vicinity of Lake Tamblingan. It represents a powerful stream of water, as if bursting out of a rock overgrown with dense jungle. This shape is very typical for Balinese waterfalls. At the height of the tropical rainy season, Munduk is filled with maximum power. So far there are few tourists in the area of ​​the waterfall, since the main routes pass away from this place.

Nusa Dua is a great place for sunbathing and swimming in the clear waters of the ocean. The beach is located in the southern part of Bali. There is no tourist infrastructure or any significant attractions; after sunset, life in the vicinity of the beach “dies out.” The place will be of interest primarily to lovers of nature and solitude, looking for peace and spiritual relaxation.

The beach is not very suitable for swimming due to the abundance of algae and inconvenient entry into the water. It is famous for its picturesque natural views, so there are still quite a lot of visitors here. The beach is surrounded by rocks, from where you can admire the sea surface and take spectacular photographs. With appropriate weather conditions Balangan is great for surfing.

Pandava is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Bali, it is located in the southern part of the island. Despite the fact that the beach was opened relatively recently, a decent tourism infrastructure, which includes a cafe, water rental Vehicle and beach equipment. The Pandava coastal strip is quite long, bordered on both sides by rocky outcroppings.

A walking route of about 3 km, which starts in Ubud and passes through picturesque hills, fields and jungle. The best time to walk along the Artists' Trail is early in the morning, before the hot sun has yet begun to mercilessly scorch its scorching rays. While hiking along the route, you can take stunning panoramic photos or pose in front of the lush Balinese greenery.

 

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