Ubud is considered Bali's cultural heart, with art galleries, traditional markets, and plenty of cultural landmarks await. Visit the Ubud Palace, the Ubud Market, and the Saraswati Temple, which is a water temple with stunning architecture.
Tirta Empul temple is a Hindu Balinese water temple famous for its holy spring water, which is believed to have curative properties. After, visit the nearby Gunung Kawi Sebatu temple; known for its tranquil & serene location and beautifully manicured gardens, and a perfect place for meditation.
Witness the natural beauty of Bali with a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Jatiluwih Rice Terraces. After, visit the Batukaru Temple, nestled in Bali's central highlands, it is one of Bali's most important temples yet is relatively quiet due to its remote location.
Head to Amed Beach to experience the island's less crowded and less developed coast. Apart from the beach's pristine beauty, the area is also known for great snorkeling and diving sites.
Experience some of the local cuisine with a traditional Balinese cooking class while in the trendy seaside town of Seminyak. Learn how to create local dishes, such as nasi goreng, sate, and beef rendang.
Visit one of Bali's most remarkable temples, the Uluwatu Temple, located atop a 70-meter cliff overlooking the Indian Ocean. After, stay for the daily Kecak Fire Dance, a spectacular traditional dance performance amidst Uluwatu's mesmerizing sunset.
Visit the ancient Balinese village of Tenganan and learn about its unique culture and traditions. After, visit the grand water palace, Taman Ujung, with stunning landscaped gardens and a beautiful pond.
Besakih Temple, also dubbed as the Mother Temple, is Bali's largest and the holiest temple. The complex is a sprawling collection of shrines, temples, and clans, with various stages of the mountain towering above it.
Head to the tranquil and calm waters of Sanur Beach, a great place to relax and unwind after exploring Bali's cultural sites. It's also a great area for shopping, dining, and art galleries.
Get away from Bali's crowds and traffic by visiting the beautiful Sidemen Valley. Tucked between rice fields and steep slopes of Gunung Agung, the valley boasts picturesque landscapes and traditional Balinese village life.
Visit the sleepy Munduk Village, situated in a verdant valley of coffee plantations, clove and avocado trees, and the largest waterfall in Bali. Munduk Waterfall is 70 meters tall and is a popular spot for a refreshing dip in its fresh and cool water.
Experience the beautiful Jembrana Rice Field for views of the emerald-green terraced fields. After, discover the Pod Chocolate Factory, where you'll learn about chocolate-making and get to taste Bali's own variety.
Visit the laid-back Candidasa Fishing Village, where many of the locals still make their living from fishing. You can relax on the beach, go for a swim or visit the traditional rice fields and rice patties.
Depart early in the morning and take a ferry from Bali to Nusa Penida island for a day trip to the most beautiful hidden beaches. High on the list is Kelingking Beach, known for its unique shark-like limestone formation.
Return to Seminyak for some last-minute souvenir shopping or just spend the day relaxing on the beach. In the evening, celebrate a farewell dinner and the experiences gained during this unique and immersive Balinese cultural adventure.
You can get around Bali's cultural sites and attractions by renting a car with a driver or by hiring a taxi. For short distance trips, you can also use a scooter but ensure you have the right licenses and safety gear. Note that travel times vary depending on distances and traffic. Travel costs for a car with a driver and petrol is around USD 40-60/day. Taxis have an average cost of IDR 100,000-250,000/ride. Fast boats to Nusa Penida Island are available from several ports in Bali, including Sanur Beach.
If you have less time, we recommend focusing on Ubud, Uluwatu Temple, and Nusa Penida Island. Bali's most famous sights and attractions are within these areas' vicinity. If you have extra days, try exploring other destinations such as Lovina, Bedugul, or Menjangan Island. You can also visit Bali's premier water park, Bali Waterbom.
The main international gateway to Bali is Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS), also known locally as 'Bali Airport.' DPS is located 13 km south of Denpasar and 29 km from Ubud, the cultural heart of Bali. The airport serves as a hub for most of the international airlines flying to Bali, such as Garuda Indonesia, AirAsia, and Qatar Airways.