Bali – More Great Places to Visit on this Exotic Island

The gorgeous lands of Bali have so much to offer that just one piece on the subject would never be enough to cover all the land’s pleasures. And so, let us once again go back to this exotic region and see even more of the wondrous sights on offer.

Pura Tanah Lot 

Behold Pura Tanah Lot, one of the most iconic temples that Bali has to offer. On a rocky islet encompassed by crashing waves lies this spectacular temple, one that is sure to stun all who visit, yourself included. Every evening, a flood of tourists flows into the lanes dotted with souvenir sellers, all to glimpse at the beauty of the setting sun hanging low in the sky behind the temple.

The temple was built at the beginning of the 16th century and though to be inspired by the priest Nirartha. Unfortunately, foreigners aren’t allowed access into any of the temples though it’s still quite fun to walk across over to the main temple at low tide, snapping pics and absorbing the atmosphere of this beautiful setting. 

Once you’ve had your fill of temples and shrines, you can head up to one of the many clifftop restaurants and cafes for a bite to reenergize and maybe even try the famous Kopi luwak. There’s also another sea temple, Batu Bolong, in the area to which one can casually walk to if it catches their fancy.

Nusa Dua Beach 

Want to get away from the bustle of city life in Bali? Then Nusa Dua Beach is exactly what you need.  Listen to the gentle splashing of waves on the smooth, white sands while relaxing on a comfortable sun lounger with a cool drink in hand. While it may be lacking in a unique cultural identity like other places in Bali, if serene tranquillity and elegant beauty is what you’re after, then this beach more than has you covered. 

This sweeping stretch of beach is home to some of Bali’s best luxury beach resorts, and resort staff work hard to keep the sand clean and free of any trash. Walking for miles along the beach, surfing, swimming, sunbathing, and parasailing are all popular activities, but you may have to pay a fee or eat at one of the resorts to use their sun loungers.

When you’ve had your fill of the beach, relax at a posh resort spa or shop the chic stores at Bali Collection, an open-air shopping mall.

Between the resorts and attractions, a paved promenade skirts the shore, allowing for off-sand strolling.

The Sidemen Valley

The emerald Sidemen Valley, about 90 minutes northeast of Ubud, evokes the feel of Old Bali before the tourist hordes descended on the island. Sleepy villages nestle in the valley amid cascading rice terraces, while the cloud-capped Mount Agung watches over them like a benevolent sentry.

A stroll through the small villages, surrounded by farmland and rice paddies, where the locals still engage in their traditional activities, is the highlight of a visit here. Make your way to the top of Mount Agung through the countryside, or trek past cocoa and coffee plantations through rice fields and lush countryside.

Rafting the rivers, going on yoga retreats, and participating in cultural activities like dancing, carving, or traditional weaving are all popular activities here. In this area, it’s easy to save a buck as B&Bs and homestays are quite abundant but if you’re willing to splurge, there are also luxury villas available. 

Tirta Empul Temple

Tirta Empul Temple, located in the lush tropical forest of Central Bali, dates back to around AD 960 and provides a glimpse into a sacred purification ritual. Three courtyards make up this important temple complex, which is a national cultural heritage site. Locals come to pray and soak in the healing waters that gush from a series of sculpted spouts in the large, rectangular pool, which is fed by a holy mountain spring.

If you want to participate in the cleansing ritual with the locals, it’s best to consult an experienced guide first to ensure that you follow the local rules. Early morning and late afternoon are the best times to visit the temple to avoid the tourist buses.