Bali attractions: what to see on the island

In Bali, rich natural resources are closely intertwined with a distinctive culture and a fusion of religions. Simply lounging on the beach or in the pool is impossible without experiencing an incredible array of experiences. The highlights of the Island of the Gods are temples, authentic villages, mountain peaks covered in dense jungle, picturesque parks and gardens with a diverse range of flora and fauna, and waterfalls. All this and much more can be seen on this Indonesian tourist island. Let's explore Bali's most interesting attractions.

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Bali temples and palaces

In Bali, there are about 20 thousand temples and complexes dedicated to local spirits and gods, as well as royal palaces of different eras. Of all the iconic buildings of the island, several of the most famous and visited can be distinguished.

Tanah Lot.

One of the main spiritual symbols of Bali is located on a coastal sea cliff in the southwestern region of Tabanan. The ancient Hindu temple Tanah Lot was built in the 16th century. It is one of the seven seaside temples on the island. Around Tanakh Lot there are walking alleys, souvenir shops and restaurants. Near the temple you can spend time in the Park of Culture. Foreigners can visit only the courtyard, entrance to the walls of the temple is forbidden.

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Pura Besakih

On the slopes of Agunga, the pagodas of Bali’s most incredible temple complex rise. Among all the Hindu shrines of the island, this is the largest and most revered. The Balinese call it the Mother of All Temples. The construction of the ancient complex was completed in the 11th century and it is still active today.

There are 22 temples dedicated to different deities. Pura Besakih is located at an altitude of about a thousand meters, in the vicinity of the village of the same name. Very often religious festivals and festivals are held near it, more than 70 events throughout the year. Tourists are not allowed to enter the interiors of the temples, but the outer territories are open for walks.

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Tirta Gangga

Picturesque water palace, built in the middle of the 20th century by King Karangas. Tirta Ganga means water from the Ganges River, meaning sacred water. A beautiful place for peaceful walks surrounded by water lawns, a pond with lotuses, fountains, statues and sculptures, drowning in lush greenery. The architectural design of the palace is very unusual and exotic even for Bali. Tirta Gangga is located in the east of the island, on the way to Amed Beach.

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Tirta Empool

The temple of the sacred water of Tirta Empul is the best place to purify the soul and thoughts. This is what Balinese think and many travelers come for it. It is one of the five most sacred temples of the Hindu community in Bali, with several blessed springs. The temple was founded in 926 and still operates today. It is a truly special place with its extraordinary spiritual atmosphere. There is a temple-source 14 kilometers from Ubud.

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Gunung Kawi Temple

The royal tombs of Gunung Kawi are a curious location for anyone interested in Bali history. In total, 10 tombs are carved in the rock, which date back to the 11th century. Each is dedicated to members of the Balinese royal dynasty, beginning with King Udayan. To the foot of the rock with tombs leads a staircase of 300 steps. Everything is shrouded in dense jungle, which gives the place even more mystery. Gunung Kawi is one of the most striking examples of ancient Indonesian civilization, because the tombs have survived to this day in their original form.

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Goa Gaja

Also known as the Elephant Cave. Just 10 minutes from Ubud You can visit one of the most extraordinary natural and architectural places on the island. Goa Gaja is an ancient sanctuary dug by hand. According to historians, the temple already existed in the 11th century. The history of this place is very ambiguous, and there is still debate about religious affiliation. Inspection of the cave from the inside is allowed, but do not forget about the sarong. The surroundings of the mysterious Goa Gaja are a separate attraction. Stroll along the stone steps to the ruins of a Buddhist temple, and admire the landscapes of rice plantations.

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Parks and gardens

On tourist Bali there are many parks and zoos, a visit to which will bring a lot of impressions.

Forest monkey

The main decoration of Ubud and the whole island is the sacred Monkey Forest. This is an old garden of shady jungles that grew around temple buildings and sculptures. In the forest live sacred to the locals macaques, which can not be offended and can be fed. Monkeys are very mischievous and adapted to crowds of passers-by, so it is better not to show them valuable things. The park forest is very extensive - about 12 hectares of shady alleys and real Balinese landscapes.

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Bali Bird Park

Not far from Monkey Forest there is another great location for family walks - Bird and Reptilian Park. Very beautiful and atmospheric place. Only here you can walk along the alleys with flamingos and see parrots of all kinds and colors in their natural habitat. Komodo lizards and alligators also live in the park. It is one of the main ecotourism centers in Bali. Spacious and well-kept territory, interesting show performances with the participation of tame birds and a sea of positive.

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Mason Elephant Park

Sumatran elephants in Bali. In Elephant Park, you can not only see magnificent animals. Ironing, touching, feeding and bathing are also allowed. Approximately 30 elephants live here. To spend time with animals, you can stay for the night. Mason has lodges, a restaurant and all amenities. Several times a week, elephant shows are held in the park.

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Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park (GWK)

The Bukit Peninsula offers to visit many places where the heart will freeze with delight. Among the most iconic are the temple of Uluvatu, built on a high rock and a park of culture and recreation with a huge statue of Vishnu. Garuda Vishnu Kenchan Park is a huge center of culture, where art, crafts, traditional dances and Balinese music are reflected. Every day from 11:00 to 18:00 it is not just a park with the most majestic pedestal of Vishnu, but a center of customs and traditions with vivid demonstrations. GWK is located in Jimbaran.

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Bali Safari and Marine Park

Taman safari in Bali. The park is home to more than 120 species of animals, including the endangered Komodo dragon and orangutans. It is the leading wildlife conservation safari park in Indonesia. An incredible adventure for the whole family. In the park you can go on safaris and even night safaris, walks in jeeps, feed tigers and leopards, ride elephants and have fun. For young guests there is a swimming pool with water slides. In the safari park you can rent a comfortable room or suite. Also on the territory there are three restaurants, cafes, diners and a bakery.

The Amazing Taman Safari Bali

Bali natural places

Waterfalls, peaks and lakes of Bali should be given more than one vacation! Among the many locations, pay attention to the following.

Tegallalang Rice Terraces

Bali has a lot of rice. But especially beautiful are the classic rice cascades in Tegallalang. Here rice is grown according to the traditional irrigation system for Bali. The terraces consist of several tiers and perfectly fit into the hilly relief, creating a unique landscape. This is one of the most picturesque plantations on the island, a real work of agricultural art. The emerald terraces of Tegallalang are the most photogenic, you should definitely visit these sights of Bali.

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Kanto Lampo Falls

There are many waterfalls in Bali, but Kanto Lampo is considered one of the most beautiful. This is a whole cascade of streams along rocky ledges, from a height of up to 30 meters. A shallow pool is formed below. The place is very picturesque, besides getting to Kanto Lampo is easy. It is located near Gianjar on the straight road from Ubud. Not far from the waterfall there are showers and cabins for changing clothes. There is a small parking lot for bikes. The natural scenery at the waterfall is very impressive. Nearby there is an observation deck and a cave with bats.

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Tukad Chepung Falls

A more photogenic waterfall is not found throughout Indonesia. These are the best places in Bali. The waters of Tukad Chepunga fall from a 15-meter height into a narrow canyon. From above, it looks like someone is pouring milk from a jug. On a sunny day, the water and the canyon shimmer with all the colors of wildlife, creating a unique range for the best pictures. In the pool of the waterfall you need to go down the stone stairs. Tukad Chepung is located in the village of Penida Kelod.

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Secumpool Falls

Secumpool Falls is also known as Gerombong. An impressive place where water falls from several ledges at an altitude of 80 meters. In the ranking of the highest waterfalls in Bali, he should give the championship. The passage to the waterfall provides a sufficient level of physical preparation for any excursion option. This miracle of Balinese nature is located between the cities of Singaraja and Bedugul. Hiking routes to the waterfall begin from the settlements of Secumpool and Lemuk.

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Batur volcano

The main volcano in Bali, 1,717 meters high, is considered active, but ascents to Batur are allowed. The danger of an active volcano attracts even more people who want to reach its summit, so excursions to Batur are always in demand. The climb lasts no more than three hours and requires an average level of training. The views that open from the highest point of the volcanic mountain are the very reason why the hike is worth making. The main condition for the finishing goal is to have time to meet the dawn, so excursions to Batur usually start around 3 am. Be sure to watch the weather forecast, as the main beauty opens in clear weather.

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Lake Bratana

The high mountain lake is one of the most important sources of fresh water in Bali. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Bali. On the shore of Lake Bratan is located Hindu temple Oolong Danu, built in honor of the goddess of water. The extraordinary temple on the lake and the beautiful surroundings create an ideal location for a day trip. Near the lake there is a water entertainment center where you can book a boat trip or rent a catamaran. On the walking alley along the pond, snack shops and souvenir shops are open.

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Seminyak Beach

The prestigious resort town of Seminyak in southern Bali boasts modern infrastructure and an incredibly beautiful coastline. Along the coastline and inland are hotels of various categories, restaurants and bars to suit every taste, spas, clubs, travel agencies, bike and watersports rentals, shops, and boutiques. Seminyak is considered a quieter resort compared to neighboring Kuta, which boasts more nightlife. The beach is the resort's main asset: a wide, uncrowded beach with yellow sand and a gentle slope into the sea. The highlight of Seminyak Beach are its magical sunsets.

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Campuhan Ridge Walk

The Champuan Trail, better known as the Artists Trail, is the most beautiful route on the island, which starts from the main street of Ubud. To get to the right path, find a small bridge over the Champuan River. Further, the route runs along the walls of the Pura Gunung Lebach temple. Behind the temple, a narrow cobbled path opens up a stunning panorama of the green valley. Connoisseurs of landscapes will like this place the most. It is not for nothing that the route was called the Path of artists who sought to convey all its colors in their painting. The length of Campuhan is about 3 kilometers. If you go further north, you will find yourself among the rice fields of the village of Bangkiang Sidem. There's an authentic café nearby. It's better to go back the same way.

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