Top Things to Do in the Bali | Must-See Attractions & Experiences

Plan Your Travel To Bali

Places To Visit In Bali

Pura Taman Ayun

Built in 1634 by the Raja of Mengwi dynasty to honour his noble ancestors, Pura Taman Ayun or the beautiful garden is an ancient temple in Mengwi, Bali. The ornamented gateway of the temple leads to a fountain spouting water through nine jets to represent the nine gods of Hinduism. The old-world charm and architectural marvel of this temple draw visitors here throughout the year. Located in the Mengwi village and only 18km from Denpasar, the Pura Taman Ayun Temple complex is a standing testimony to the royal heritage and spiritual beliefs of Bali. Surrounded by a wide moat, the temple is also known as the Garden Temple due to its beautiful landscapes and fish and lotus ponds. Read More

Pura Taman Pule Mas popularly known as 'Pura Ring Jagat', which means 'temple for the whole world' is located in the central part of Mas village, a few kilometers south of central Ubud. The temple has been the site of hermitage by Danghyang Nirartha and also keeps some of the Holy Priest’s personal relics. The place has interesting architecture, multiple shrines, and enticing gardens. Taman Pule itself means “beautiful garden” which refers to a purple tangi tree planted behind an altar. After every 210 days, a three day Kuningan festival or "odalan" is celebrated in the temple. During this time, the temple is the most crowded because devotees from all over the island come with their offerings and take their positions in the queues, early in the morning, to get a sight of their deity. In Spite of the crowd, this is the most cheerful time to visit the temple. At the back of the main temple, there is a padmasana—a sacred seat made as a tribute for Ida Sanghyang Widhi Wasa, the Ultimate God of Hindu beliefs. Read More

Located in central Ubud, Pura Taman Saraswati, also known as Ubud Water Palace, is a sandstone-carved temple dedicated to Saraswati, the Hindu goddess of knowledge and arts. Notable for the beautiful lotus pond and water garden surrounding the main temple area, it also features a cafe for snacks and a traditional dance performance.

Located in Kintamani, Central Bali, Pura Ulun Danu Batur is a Hindu temple dedicated to the Lake Goddess Dewi Danu. Comprising of nine temples, the majestic compound features 285 shrines and is one of the most important temples in Bali. The temple was damaged by volcanic eruptions before being rebuilt in 1926, and with its traditional Balinese architecture continues to be visually delightful.

Situated west of Lake Bratan in Bedugul, Pura Ulun Danu Bratan is a 17th-century temple dedicated to the Hindu trinity of Brahma-Vishnu-Shiva. Surrounded by the lake which gives it a 'floating' appearance, the temple is constructed in traditional Balinese style with tiered shrines to honour the Hindu gods. The backdrop of the Bedugul mountains makes this a picturesque site of religious worship. The iconic Pura Ulun Danu Bratan Temple in Bali is one of the city's most loved attractions. Situated next to Lake Beratan, the lake's calm waters reflect the beautiful temple and create a hypnotic floating image. You can rent a boat for a trip on the lake here and enjoy majestic view of the temple from the lake. Read More

Situated in the heart of Jimbaran, the majestic Pura Ulun Siwi Temple was constructed in as early as the eighteenth century and has been serving as a glorious place of worship ever since. The religious abode is home to a number of distinct features that sets it apart from the other temples which are built in keeping with the traditional Balinese architecture. With gateways that are beautifully made of coral stone instead of the traditionally used bricks, the spectacular Pura Ulun Siwi Temple houses a colossal pagoda in its inner courtyard which is raised up to eleven tiers. Popularly referred to as the Kahyangan Jagat Ulun Siwi in the local language, the sacrosanct place stands tall, facing the east, unlike the majority of Balinese temples that face southwards. Lush with trees and flanked by mountains, the surrounding areas of the temple create a serene and picturesque setting. On days of religious importance, the holy abode is thronged by devotees in large numbers, and the temple comes to life with the incessant chants, offerings, prayers, and the scent of incense mingled with flowers. Read More

Royalty in Bali leads to Puri Agung Karangasem, a term used to refer to the several palaces belonging to the Karangasem dynasty. The elegant sculptures of the Puri Agung complex welcome you into the main palatial structure called 'Maskerdam' (Amsterdam), with Dutch architectural features and antique furniture still on display. For an insight into the regal history of Indonesia, the Karangasem complex cannot be missed.

Located south of Tabanan, Puri Anyar Kerambitan is the former palace of the Tabanan kingdom. Built in 7th century, the building maintains its regal charm and is filled with paintings and artefacts from a bygone era. Traditional dance performances such as Legong Leko are held here, and one can have a banquet dinner here to get a taste of royalty. Descendants of the royal family still live within the old palatial compound and visitors are welcome to find out more about the history of this Balinese royal family's life here by asking them about it. The family opened up the palace and their royal dinners to the public as a means to earn an income after they had let the land go to the people that worked on it. Rockstars such as David Bowie and Mick Jagger were amongst the visitors that came to Puri Anyar Kerambitan to sample the Royal Feasts Read More

The only palace to still be in use by the royal family, Puri Gede in Amlapura features detailed wood carvings and stone carvings that add to its regal charm. The 19th-century palace has multiple brick buildings that belong to the Dutch period, and the restoration of Rangki, the main structure, makes it a must-visit for tourists exploring Balinese heritage. Situated opposite Puri Agung Karangasem, the Puri Gede temple compound is not open to the general public unless there are festivals or other special occasions that occur. Read More

Located in Seminyak, Purpa Art Gallery is a popular contemporary art destination, featuring the works of famous artists such as Walter Spies and Nyoman Lempad. Owned by the passionate art conosseiur Ari Purpa, the gallery is instrumental in bringing emerging artists to the forefront through its special exhibits.Make sure to take home an artwork to remind you of your Balinese holiday. Purpa Fine Art Gallery in Seminyak houses a unique collection of both emerging and established artists, both international and Indonesian. This contemporary art space strives to assist artists through their careers in the long term. Purpa Fine Art Gallery aims to excite, inspire and intrigue their diverse clientele. Read More