MyGlob Editorial
Bali packs an astonishing variety of sights into a compact island: clifftop sea temples, terraced rice valleys carved over a thousand years, jungle waterfalls, an active volcano you can climb before dawn, and royal water palaces. The challenge is not finding things to see but organising them so you are not stuck in traffic all day. This guide walks through the landmark sights worth your time and the practical strategy for touring them well.
The great temples
No Bali itinerary is complete without its temples. Tanah Lot and Uluwatu are the showstopper sea temples, both best at sunset, the latter paired with a Kecak fire dance. Inland, Pura Besakih on Mount Agung is the mother temple, and Tirta Empul is famed for its holy spring where worshippers perform purification rituals. Ulun Danu Beratan, seeming to float on a misty mountain lake, is one of the island's most photographed shrines. Dress respectfully with a sarong and sash at every one.
Rice terraces and the green heart
The sculpted rice terraces are pure Bali. Tegallalang, just north of Ubud, is the famous and easily reached one, with its dramatic stepped valley and now a few thrill swings over the green. For something quieter and recognised by UNESCO, head to the Jatiluwih terraces in the central highlands, where the scale is vast and the subak irrigation system, a centuries-old cooperative water-sharing tradition, is still in use.
Waterfalls in the jungle
Bali's interior hides dozens of waterfalls. Tegenungan, near Ubud, is the most accessible and dramatic for the effort. Further afield, the north and centre hide taller, cooler cascades reached by jungle steps, where you can swim in plunge pools far from the crowds. Bring sturdy footwear, expect a small entrance fee, and go in the morning before tour buses and afternoon rain arrive.
Volcanoes and mountain sunrises
Mount Batur is the classic sunrise trek, a roughly two-hour pre-dawn hike to a 1,700-metre summit for a glorious view over the caldera and lake, usually done with a local guide for safety and access. The taller, sacred Mount Agung is a far more demanding climb. Even if you do not hike, the volcanic Kintamani region offers spectacular caldera views from roadside warungs over a hot coffee.
Water palaces and royal heritage
In the east, the Tirta Gangga and Taman Ujung water palaces are serene complexes of pools, fountains, stepping stones and gardens built by the former royal family of Karangasem. They are peaceful, photogenic and far less crowded than the southern hotspots, making the drive east well worth it for a half day of calm.
How to tour smartly
Distances look short on a map but traffic is unpredictable, especially around the south and Ubud. Cluster sights by region rather than zig-zagging: do the eastern temples and water palaces together, the central highlands and lakes together, and the southern sea temples together. Hiring a private driver for the day is excellent value and removes the stress of navigation and parking. Start early to beat both the heat and the crowds.
Tours versus going independent
Organised tours suit travellers who want everything arranged, including guides and tickets, while a private driver gives you a custom route at your own pace. For the volcano trek and any cave or canyon adventure, a licensed local guide is essential for both safety and access. Whatever you choose, agree the itinerary and price clearly in advance, and build in buffer time so the day stays enjoyable rather than rushed.
