Our top Bali sights on a map
Bali has something different to offer on every corner. You will find our highlights mainly in the center, in the south and on Nusa Penida. But there are also a few beautiful sights to discover in the north.
The best way to discover all the sights is to take a round trip through Bali.
We have created a map with the must-see highlights in Bali. You can also download the map as a PDF and view it offline.
Download Bali sightseeing map as PDF
Tegallalang rice terraces
What do you need to know? The Tegallalang rice terraces are the most beautifully landscaped rice terraces in Bali. You walk along small paths and there are places to sit and relax everywhere. Unfortunately, there are also some very touristy attractions, such as large swings. You don’t pay the entrance fee (25,000 IDR / 1.50 euros) at the entrance, but in a side street (Google Maps).
Our tip: The rice terraces are divided into two areas. A ticket for one area does not give you access to the other. We were in the first one. It’s great for photos because it’s so beautifully laid out. The second is bigger and you can walk through it for longer.
Jatiluwih rice terraces
What do you need to know? The Jatiluwih rice terraces are much larger than the Tegallalang rice terraces. You have hiking trails of different lengths here. Because the rice terraces are so extensive, you will encounter far fewer people than in the Tegallalang rice terraces. However, the rice terraces are also relatively flat. The entrance fee is 50,000 IDR (3 euros).
Our tip: Take one of the longer hiking trails. Preferably the yellow or blue one. Most people are only there for a few photos and only walk the short red route at most. The hiking trails are signposted at the entrance.
Gembleng waterfall
What do you need to know? The Gembleng waterfall is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Bali. It has different levels on which small pools have formed. You can bathe in them and enjoy the view of the jungle. You walk up the waterfall and have the opportunity to stop at one of the pools from time to time.
Our tip: come very early and walk up the steps to the top. After the Warung Gembleng there is a pool where there is almost never anyone. Most people stay in the middle and don’t see that the waterfall goes much higher. The warung (meaning small restaurant) itself is also cool and has a great view.
Mount Batur
What do you need to know? Mount Batur is one of the highest volcanoes in Bali and is still active. But you don’t need to worry. There are warning systems. The volcano is particularly popular at sunrise. From its summit you have a great view of the sunrise, if the clouds don’t spoil it for you. You can only get to the volcano on a guided tour.
Our tip: It can get very crowded on the summit at sunrise. We were there in the rainy season and everything was full of people. Alternatively, you can also do a sunset tour on Mount Batur. There are hardly any other tourists then.
For the sunrise tour on Mount Batur (which we did)
Insider tip: Sunset tour on Mount Batur
Monkey Forest
What do you need to know? There are a lot of monkeys in Bali. An entire forest near Ubud belongs to them. The Monkey Forest looks totally enchanted, with beautiful paths and old statues and temples. The highlight, however, are the 600 monkeys that roam freely throughout the forest. Admission costs IDR 80,000 (4.50 euros) and you can buy bananas for the monkeys at the entrance.
Our tip: Take good care of your valuables. The monkeys also like to rip sunglasses off your head and cell phones out of your hand. They have learned that they then get something to eat in exchange.
To the tour through the Monkey Forest
Ubud
What do you need to know? Ubud is located in the center of Bali. The town is the perfect starting point for excursions to rice terraces, waterfalls and Mount Batur. Ubud itself is also well worth a visit. The town is much more authentic than Canngu or Kuta and has some beautiful sights to offer.
Highlights:
- Sweet Orange Walk Trail through rice fields in the middle of the city
- Campuhan Ridge Walk
- Ubud Market
- Ubud Palace
Our tip: Look for accommodation outside the city center of Ubud. Then you can get to the sights in the area without annoying traffic and can drive into the city for a day to explore everything there. We recommend The Studios.
Kelingking Beach
What do you need to know? You’ve probably seen a photo of Kelingking Beach before. It is THE insta-hotspot of Bali. The steep cliff behind the beach looks like a dinosaur’s head from above and a small hiking trail leads down to the beach. The beach is absolutely beautiful, with white sand and turquoise blue water.
Our tip: Come early and hike down to the beach. Please note, however, that the path is very strenuous even in the morning and you should wear good shoes. In some places, the path is exposed and the steps down are very high. At the bottom, however, there is hardly anything going on and you have the dream beach almost all to yourself.
Broken Beach
What do you need to know? Broken Beach is a bay that is completely surrounded by rocks. The water flows into the bay through a hole in the rock. From the opposite side, you have a beautiful view of the cool rock bridge. You can also walk over the rock bridge and around the bay. Next to Broken Beach you will also find Angel’s Billabong. However, Broken Beach is very touristy.
Our tip: Broken Beach is another place where you should be as early as possible. And take a look out to sea. You can often see dolphins, turtles and manta rays.
Diamond Beach
What do you need to know? Diamond Beach is definitely one of the most beautiful beaches in Bali. There are steep cliffs around the beach and a large rock in the sea. At the top it is again full of tourists. But you can also walk down to the beach. Then you have an almost deserted beach. But only do this if you are sure-footed and have some climbing experience.
Our tip: check beforehand when the tide is high and low. At high tide, the beach is more or less gone. Your visit is more worthwhile at low tide. The times change by a few hours every day.
Aling Aling waterfall
What do you need to know? The Aling Aling waterfall consists of three waterfalls. You can’t get directly to the water. But that’s not a bad thing. The real highlight is in front of it. In the waterfall area, you can jump into the water from 5, 10 and 15 meter high rocks and slide down water slides of different lengths. Especially cool if you’re on vacation with older children.
Our tip: If you don’t really want to jump and slide, you can say so at the entrance and pay significantly less admission. You can then relax and watch the others jump and slide.
Sekumpul waterfall
What do you need to know? The Sekumpul waterfall is supposedly the highest in Bali. But no one could tell us exactly. Nevertheless, it is impressive. There are actually several waterfalls falling down in the middle of the jungle. You can only hike to the waterfall basin with a guide.
Our tip: If you’ve already been to a few other waterfalls, you don’t necessarily have to hike down and can save yourself the money for the guide. Then you can go to a viewpoint for around one euro (20,000 IDR). From here you have a great view of the waterfall.