Bali isn’t just a destination. It’s an experience. This island blends sacred temples, endless rice terraces, wild beaches and a sense of spirituality that lingers in every corner.
If you’re planning your first trip, get ready to discover more than just picture-perfect views. This guide takes you through the must-see spots to start exploring Bali with confidence, from awe-inspiring temples to landscapes that leave you speechless.
It’s time to let go and live the trip you’ve imagined so many time
Visiting Uluwatu Temple
Perched high on a cliff overlooking the Indian Ocean, Uluwatu Temple is one of the most spectacular sanctuaries in Bali. It’s a sacred place in Balinese Hinduism, dedicated to the spirits of the sea, and while the temple itself is striking, it’s the setting that truly takes your breath away.
Arrive in time for sunset and you’ll witness something unforgettable, the sun melting into the waves as the rhythm of a Kecak dance echoes through the palm trees. It’s one of those moments that stays with you long after the trip is over.
- Expert tip: keep an eye on your belongings. The monkeys around here are known for their curious taste in sunglasses, caps and phones. Look away for a second and you might be waving goodbye to more than just the view.
Taking a Dip at Kuta Beach
Kuta might not be the most peaceful beach in Bali, but it’s definitely one of the most iconic. It’s the perfect spot if you’re after a bit of action, good vibes and the chance to learn how to surf on gentle waves. If this is your first trip around Southeast Asia, its chaotic energy might take you by surprise. Street stalls bursting with life, motorbikes everywhere and a whole lineup of bars that fill with energy as night falls.
It may not be the favourite choice for travellers chasing absolute calm, but it’s an ideal first taste of the island’s pace. Its energy will get under your skin in no time.
Diving into the Ubud Monkey Forest
In the heart of Ubud there’s a wild little world where temples are covered in moss and monkeys do as they please. The Monkey Forest isn’t a zoo, it’s a sacred sanctuary where macaques live in semi-freedom. Walking through it, beneath towering trees and jungle-covered statues, feels like stepping into another universe.
Bring patience, curiosity and avoid direct eye contact with the monkeys. They’re adorable, but they’ve got attitude and you don’t want to end up on their bad side.
Visiting Tanah Lot
Tanah Lot looks like it was made for a magazine cover. This Hindu temple rises from a rock in the middle of the sea and can only be reached on foot when the tide is low. It’s one of the most photographed spots in Bali, and for good reason. The sunsets here are spectacular and no one wants to miss them.
Even though it’s one of the most visited places on the island, it still holds a special atmosphere. If you can, go early in the morning or just after sunset, when most travellers have already left and the place feels much more peaceful.
Visiting the Ubud Palace and Practising Yoga
You don’t need much time to visit the Ubud Palace, but it’s definitely worth a stop. Right in the heart of town, surrounded by art shops and cafés, this small complex preserves traditional Balinese architecture. In the evening, it turns into a stage for classical dance performances loved by locals.
If you’re staying nearby, try to catch a show. Sitting in front of the stage, with live music and dancers in shimmering costumes moving to the rhythm of the story, is a beautiful way to connect with local culture. It’s hard not to fall in love with Bali in a moment like that.
And if you’re feeling up for it, this is also the perfect place to try yoga. Ubud is Bali’s spiritual core, and yoga is part of its soul. You don’t need to be an expert or super flexible. Many classes are designed for beginners and take place in settings that are already worth the visit on their own.
Hiking Mount Batur
Watching the sunrise from the top of Mount Batur is one of those challenges many travellers set for themselves in Bali. The hike begins in the early hours, flashlight in hand, and ends with the sun rising over the lake. It’s not a difficult trek and it’s actually quite popular, but it does require energy and proper footwear, so it’s worth being prepared.
Once you reach the summit, the reward is huge. A view of volcanoes, drifting clouds and complete silence. If possible, try to do the hike with a small group and a local guide.
Visiting the Tegalalang Rice Terraces
There are rice fields all over Bali, but this is one of the most accessible and photogenic. Just a few minutes from Ubud, the Tegalalang terraces unfold like a green carpet across the hills. The best time to visit is early in the morning, when the light is soft and the heat hasn’t set in.
It’s not just about the photo. Many farmers allow visitors to walk through their plots for a small tip. Walking among the rice fields, with the sound of flowing water and birdsong all around, feels like pure calm.
Visiting Besakih Temple
Set on the slopes of Mount Agung, Besakih Temple is the most sacred religious complex in Bali. Known as the ‘Mother Temple’, it includes more than 80 structures spread across terraces connected by stairways and walkways. Its setting, wrapped in mist and lush greenery, gives it a powerful presence even before you step through the entrance.
Ceremonies often take place here, and if you’re lucky, you’ll see Balinese worshippers climbing the steps in procession, dressed in traditional clothing and carrying offerings. This is a spiritual space, full of life, offering a glimpse into the most genuine side of local culture. It’s not just about the architecture. Religion and daily life still pulse here with intensity.
To make the most of your visit, take your time, wear a sarong (you can rent one there) and if you can, explore with a local guide.
Besakih may not be part of the fastest itineraries, but it’s one that stays with you.
Escaping to West Bali National Park
If you’re looking for wilder nature and fewer crowds, West Bali National Park is the place to go. Tucked away in the northwest of the island, this protected area is home to jungle, mangroves, remote beaches and coral reefs. You can hike, snorkel or simply switch off from the noise and discover a different side of Bali that’s quieter and more untamed.
Very few travellers make it this far, which makes it a true gem for those who want to go beyond the classic route and dive into the more rural heart of Balinese culture.
Learning to Cook Balinese Food
Balinese cuisine is a reflection of its culture. Colourful, full of spice and deeply symbolic. Joining a cooking class with a local family isn’t just a fun way to spend a morning, it’s also a chance to learn about ingredients, customs and techniques passed down through generations. It’s an intimate way to connect with daily life. Preparing a nasi goreng or a lawar with your own hands, then sharing it with your hosts, brings you closer to the real rhythm of the island.
Attending a Local Ceremony
In Bali, ceremonies aren’t special occasions. They’re part of daily life. Watching a Hindu ritual as a respectful observer, whether in a neighbourhood temple or by the sea at sunset, is a powerful experience. Seeing how people gather, how they dress, how they prepare the offerings connects you with something real that most tourists never get to see. For a first-time visit, it’s a reminder that this island has deep roots, and it’s worth taking the time to watch, listen and learn.
Getting Lost in a Night Market
When evening falls and the stalls light up with a warm glow, Bali’s night markets come to life. You won’t find fancy souvenirs here, but you will find local food, laughter, music and a raw, unfiltered rhythm. This is where the island shows its most spontaneous side. Tasting freshly grilled satay, sharing a table with strangers or discovering sweets you never knew existed gives you a far deeper sense of place. For a first-time visitor, it’s a shot of real life with no stage set.
Trying local food
Eating in Bali is much more than just fuelling up. It’s an immersion into a cuisine full of contrasts. Sweet and spicy, crispy and soft, always served with rice and rich in meaning. For first-time visitors, trying the local food is a direct and delicious way to connect with the culture.
Among the most popular dishes is nasi goreng, fried rice with vegetables, egg and sometimes chicken or seafood, usually served with krupuk, a crispy cracker. Mie goreng is the noodle version and a classic you’ll find in any local warung. Satay, skewers of meat with peanut sauce, is perfect if you’re after something tasty and easy to eat. Lawar brings together coconut, vegetables, spices and minced meat in a surprisingly good mix.
The best part is you don’t need to go to fancy restaurants to eat well. Warungs, small family-run places, are real flavour temples. They’re cheap, homemade and full of character. Vegetarian and vegan options are easy to find across the island, many with a healthy and mindful approach. If you can, pair your meal with a fresh juice or Balinese tea and, if you’re feeling bold, finish with a dessert made from rice and coconut. Absolutely delicious.
