Bali

Indonesia
Jimbaran Beach showing landscape views and a sunset
Rejuvenate on idyllic beaches, explore mystical temples, browse galleries or cycle through the lush countryside of this famous island in the Indonesian archipelago.

Bali’s attractions draw a range of people, from backpackers and expats, to families and honeymooners. This once sleepy tropical island has become world famous for its gorgeous beaches, rolling mountains and unique cultural, spiritual and artistic flair.

Bali can be very cheap or moderately expensive, depending on your needs. Stay in a resort or hotel and book a tour, hire a private guide, jump in a taxi or bus, or rent a bicycle, motorbike or car to get around.

The island’s most famous beaches are in North Kuta, just a short drive north from the international airport at Denpasar, Bali’s capital city. Kuta Beach and Legian Beach are a surfer’s paradise.  In the villages of Kuta and Legian, markets, bars, water parks and food outlets keep the crowds entertained. Head to Sanur Beach, on the east coast, to enjoy the relaxed atmosphere that makes this part of the island popular with families.

Spend a few days inland, among the rice paddies and forests of Tegallalang Village or Ubud to see a more cultural side of Bali. Ubud is Bali’s artistic capital, so take your pick from the Puri Lukisan Museum, Neka Art Museum, Antonio Blanco Museum and the Arma Museum. Take a yoga class, bike along rice paddies or see the macaques on the temples’ roofs in Ubud Monkey Forest. Don’t miss the mysterious Elephant Cave, and take a dip in the ninth-century Tirta Empul baths.

South of Ubud, meet the animals at the Bali Zoo and Bali Bird Park. North of Ubud, in central Bali, is the Gunung Kawi Temple, carved into the mountain.

In South Kuta is idyllic Jimbaran Beach. Head here to enjoy a seafood banquet with your toes in the sand. On the east coast of South Kuta is Nusa Dua with Mengiat Beach and the Pasifika Museum. On the southwest coast, the Uluwatu Temple sits atop rugged cliffs, one of the best places on the island to watch the famous Bali sunset.

Popular cities in Bali

Nusa Dua Beach featuring a beach and tropical scenes
Denpasar
Known for Beaches, Family-friendly and Romantic

Reasons to visit

  • Sanur Beach
  • Sindhu Beach
  • Mertasari Beach
Museum Puri Lukisan which includes a temple or place of worship
Ubud
Known for Forests, Spas and Yoga
Visit Hindu temples in lush forests, treat yourself to rejuvenating body treatments and discover the thriving arts scene of Bali's cultural capital.

Reasons to visit

  • Ubud Monkey Forest
  • Ubud Traditional Art Market
  • Ubud Palace
Jimbaran Beach featuring a sunset and food
Kuta
Known for Beaches, Shopping and Sea
With beaches, amusement parks, nightlife and traditional Balinese culture and architecture, this city is one of the most popular island attractions in Indonesia.

Reasons to visit

  • Kuta Beach
  • Beachwalk Shopping Center
  • Poppies Lane II
Penida Island
Penida Island
Known for Islands, Nature and Snorkeling

Reasons to visit

  • Kelingking Beach
  • Diamond Beach
  • Thousand Islands Viewpoint
Nusa Dua Beach featuring a beach and tropical scenes
Nusa Dua
Known for Beaches, Relaxing and Family-friendly
This tourism estate has luxury seaside resorts, sweeping beaches, great surf and restaurants, shops and museums all within a gated community.

Reasons to visit

  • Bali Collection Shopping Centre
  • Moon Cot Sari Turtle Farm
  • Waterblow
Karangasem
Karangasem
Known for Snorkeling, Relaxing and Diving

Reasons to visit

  • Amed Beach
  • Lempuyang Luhur Temple
  • Taman Ujung Water Palace