★ Imprescindibles 20
Templo hindú en una colina arbolada a 2 kilómetros al norte de la ciudad de Bangli, que sirve como templo real del reino de Bangli. Inscripciones hacen referencia al sitio desde finales del siglo IX, cuando se llamaba Hyang Api. El santuario interior contiene una torre meru de once niveles. El patio exterior presenta un baniano de 400 años y está decorado con platos de porcelana china incrustados en las paredes. Tallas de piedra de demonios flanquean la entrada principal, y tres patios escalonados ascienden hasta el santuario principal.
Former royal court of the Klungkung kingdom. Famous painted ceiling depicting punishments in the afterlife. Floating pavilion (Bale Kambang) with elaborate murals.
Former home of Spanish-Filipino artist Antonio Blanco. Flamboyant art and eccentric personality preserved. Beautiful garden overlooking the Campuhan valley.
Outstanding museum of Balinese and Indonesian art set in beautiful gardens. Traditional and contemporary works. Dance performances, art classes. Peaceful atmosphere.
Ancient Bali Aga village on Lake Batur accessible only by boat. Open-air cemetery where bodies are placed under a banyan tree instead of cremated. Unique and eerie cultural experience.
One of the oldest Bali Aga villages maintaining pre-Hindu traditions. Famous for geringsing double-ikat textiles, the rarest weaving technique in the world. Calm and authentic.
Presidential retreat built in 1957 by Indonesia's first president Sukarno. Modernist architecture set among gardens with valley views. Next to Tirta Empul temple. Limited opening hours.
Royal family temple of Mengwi surrounded by a moat and beautiful gardens. Peaceful and uncrowded alternative to major temples. UNESCO World Heritage Site.
11th-century village temple with some of Bali's most elaborate stone carvings. Intricate reliefs covering every surface. Quiet, uncrowded. Local guide available. Beautiful example of Balinese temple art.
Beautiful cliff-backed beach popular with surfers. Simple warungs on the cliff. Less developed, more authentic feel. Gorgeous at low tide.
Traditional fishing village with black volcanic sand beaches. Colorful jukung boats line the shore. Relaxed pace, great snorkeling right off the beach.
Calm black sand beach on Bali's north coast. Famous for early morning dolphin watching boat trips. Quiet alternative to the south.
Secluded white sand beach reached by 300+ steep steps. Cave with bats at one end. Pristine and uncrowded thanks to the challenging access.
Hidden cove beach near Diamond Beach with dramatic rock formations and a natural arch. Steep steps down. Less visited than other Nusa Penida beaches. Stunning scenery.
One of Bali's most secluded beaches. 500+ steps down a cliff. Vast stretch of white sand usually deserted. Abandoned shipwreck on the beach. Bring water. No facilities.
Parque nacional en las regencias de Buleleng y Jembrana en el noroeste de Bali, establecido en 1941 originalmente para proteger al tigre de Bali, hoy extinto. El parque abarca aproximadamente 190 kilómetros cuadrados incluida un área marina de aproximadamente el 18 por ciento. Los esfuerzos de conservación se centran en el estornino de Bali, en peligro crítico de extinción y endémico de la isla. El área marina alrededor de la isla de Menjangan contiene más de 110 especies de corales de 18 familias.
Tranquil valley with terraced rice paddies and views of Mount Agung. Much quieter than Ubud with authentic village life. Excellent trekking and homestays. The real Bali.
Historic residence of the Ubud royal family, partially open to visitors. Beautiful traditional architecture. Nightly dance performances in the courtyard. Free entry to grounds.
Grand water palace built in 1919 by the last King of Karangasem. Mix of Balinese and European architecture. Reflecting pools, bridges, and ocean views. Beautifully restored.
One of the cleanest and most well-preserved traditional villages in Bali. Identical bamboo-roofed houses along a stone path. No motorized vehicles. Living heritage site.
Activities & local 13
Pre-dawn boat trips from Lovina to see spinner dolphins. Boats depart at 6am, trips last 1-2 hours. Large pods frequently spotted. Combine with north coast sightseeing.
Open-air zoo and safari park with Indonesian and African animals. Night safari, elephant rides (ethical debate), water park. Good for families. Full day needed.
Giant swings over a tropical ravine with rice terrace views. Multiple swing heights (up to 78m drop). Photo packages included. Very popular, expect queues. Book online.
Natural sulphur hot springs on Bali's north coast. Water flows from dragon-head fountains into tiered pools. Lush tropical garden setting. Quiet and affordable. Restaurant on site.
Bali's trendiest surf area with multiple breaks. Echo Beach for experienced surfers, Batu Bolong for beginners. Packed with cafes, coworking spaces, and yoga studios.
Cultural park featuring the 121m tall Garuda Wisnu Kencana statue, one of the world's tallest. Balinese dance shows, exhibition halls. Impressive scale. Sunset views from the plateau.
Traditional Balinese market in Semarapura selling textiles, spices, ceremonial items, and local crafts. Very few tourists. Best in the morning. Great for authentic souvenirs.
Natural hot spring pools on the shore of Lake Batur with direct volcano views. Multiple temperature pools. Great after a sunrise trek. Modern facility with restaurant.
Nusa Penida es una isla montanosa al sureste de Bali, separada por el estrecho de Badung y formando un distrito de la regencia de Klungkung junto con Nusa Ceningan y Nusa Lembongan. El interior asciende hasta 524 metros y el clima es mas seco que el Bali continental. La espectacular costa sur de la isla, con sus acantilados de caliza y calas turquesas, se convirtio en un importante destino turistico despues de que imagenes de Kelingking Beach atrajeron la atencion mundial. Lanchas rapidas desde Sanur llegan a la isla en 30 a 45 minutos.
Small local night market on the main road in Sanur. Authentic Balinese food at local prices. Satay, bakso, nasi campur, grilled seafood. Open from 5pm. Budget-friendly dining.
Walk along the beach from Seminyak to Echo Beach at sunset. Pass famous beach clubs (La Plancha, Potato Head). Live music, fire dancers, cocktails. Bali's best sunset scene.
Jungle swing and nest photo platforms overlooking the rice terraces. Multiple installations along the road. Popular Instagram spot. Usually included in rice terrace tours.
Parque acuatico premiado en el centro de Kuta. 22 toboganes, rio lento, zona infantil. Consistentemente votado mejor parque acuatico de Asia. Bien mantenido.
Beaches & coast 23
Small Japanese patrol boat wreck in 3-12m depth, easily accessible from shore. Covered in coral, full of tropical fish. Great for both snorkelers and divers.
Secret white sand cove hidden behind the headland at Padang Bai. Short jungle walk to reach it. Crystal clear water, excellent snorkeling.
Popular snorkeling spot next to Padang Bai. Sheltered bay with colorful coral and abundant fish. Easy access from the beach. Boat trips also available.
Nusa Penida's main beach for swimming and snorkeling. White sand, palm trees, coral reef. Famous sunset spot. Good manta ray diving nearby.
Stunning white sand beach on Nusa Penida's east coast. Newly built concrete stairs make access easier. Dramatic cliff scenery. Less crowded than Kelingking. Crystal clear water.
Wide golden sand beach with good surf. Part of the Pecatu development area. Strong currents, use caution. Stunning cliff backdrop.
Busy surf beach at the end of Canggu strip. Consistent left-hand break. Lined with beach bars and restaurants. Great sunset views. Rocky at low tide.
Sheltered bay in Amed with pristine coral reef starting just 10m from shore. Calm waters, excellent visibility. Great for beginners. Underwater sculptures.
Jimbaran es un pueblo pesquero y complejo turistico en el sur de Bali, situado al sur del aeropuerto internacional Ngurah Rai en el cuello de la peninsula Bukit en el distrito de Kuta Sur de la regencia de Badung. El pueblo es conocido en todo Bali como destino gastronimico de mariscos, con filas de puestos al aire libre a lo largo de la playa donde los comensales eligen mariscos vivos asados sobre brasas de cascara de coco. La bahia en media luna ofrece aguas tranquilas y vistas a la pista del aeropuerto.
Iconic T-Rex shaped cliff on Nusa Penida. Steep dangerous trail to the beach below. Viewpoint is the main draw. One of Bali's most photographed sights.
Amplia playa de arena famosa por el surf y los atardeceres. Zona turistica animada con bares y tiendas. Ideal para surfistas principiantes.
Stunning white sand beach framed by towering limestone cliffs. Dramatic access road carved through rock. Crystal clear water. Instagram hotspot.
Pequeña isla frente a la costa noroeste de Bali en el Parque Nacional de Bali Occidental, regencia de Buleleng. El nombre de la isla significa «ciervo» en balinés, en referencia a los ciervos salvajes que la habitan. Menjangan está rodeada de algunas de las paredes de coral mejor conservadas de Bali, convirtiéndola en el principal lugar de buceo y esnorquel. La isla también alberga tres templos hindúes. Las paredes de coral y los acantilados submarinos alrededor de la isla alcanzan los 60 metros, albergando vibrantes gorgonias.
Sheltered white sand bay on Nusa Lembongan. Calm, shallow water perfect for swimming. Beach bars and restaurants. Boat arrival point. Good for families.
Playa de arena blanca inmaculada en el enclave de lujo de Bali. Agua turquesa tranquila, ideal para familias. Bien mantenida, menos vendedores ambulantes.
Excellent drift snorkel site between Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan. Strong currents carry you over vibrant coral. Organized tours include this stop.
Nusa Penida es una isla montanosa al sureste de Bali, separada del continente por el estrecho de Badung y administrada como distrito de la regencia de Klungkung. Sus aguas son un importante destino de turismo marino, con Manta Point en la costa suroeste sirviendo como estacion de limpieza donde las rayas manta oceanicas se congregan durante todo el ano. El lugar se encuentra en las aguas del Area Marina Protegida de Nusa Penida y se accede en barco desde Crystal Bay o directamente desde el continente balines.
Tiny cove beach accessed through a rock crevice. White sand, clear water, dramatic cliffs. Featured in Eat Pray Love. Arrives quickly at capacity.
Home to the world's largest Biorock coral reef restoration project. Swim through underwater structures growing new coral. Calm water, excellent visibility.
Playa tranquila y poco profunda en la costa este con un largo paseo pavimentado. Protegida por el arrecife, sin olas grandes. Encanto retro de Bali.
Playa de moda con beach clubs de lujo como Potato Head y Ku De Ta. Hermosos atardeceres, corrientes fuertes. El lugar para ver y ser visto.
Barco de carga estadounidense de la Segunda Guerra Mundial torpedeado por el submarino japonés I-66 el 11 de enero de 1942 y varado en Tulamben en la costa noreste de Bali. El naufragio mide 125 metros de largo. La erupción del monte Agung en 1963 desplazó el naufragio 40 metros mar adentro a 8-30 metros de profundidad, donde ahora descansa cubierto de corales. Es uno de los sitios de buceo recreativo más accesibles del mundo. La proa se encuentra a aproximadamente 9 metros de profundidad, la popa a unos 30 metros.
Dramatic surf beach below Uluwatu cliffs, accessed through a cave. World-class left break. Rocky reef, experienced surfers only.
Culture & history 12
El Templo Madre de Bali en las laderas del Monte Agung. El complejo hindu mas grande y sagrado con 23 templos. Mas de 1000 anos. Contrate un guia local.
9th-century rock-cut cave with a demon face entrance. Ancient bathing pools and fountains. Compact site with Buddhist and Hindu elements. UNESCO-listed.
11th-century rock-cut shrines carved into cliff faces along the Pakerisan River. 300+ steps down into a lush valley. One of Bali's oldest and most atmospheric sites.
Hilltop temple complex famous for the 'Gates of Heaven' photo spot framing Mt Agung. Long queues for the mirror photo. Several temples along the steep path.
Beautiful temple in central Ubud fronted by a lotus pond. Free entry. Traditional dance performances in the evenings. Illuminated beautifully at night.
Templo marino hindú sobre una formación rocosa en el distrito de Kediri, regencia de Tabanan, construido en el siglo XVI por el sabio Dang Hyang Nirartha. El templo está dedicado al dios del mar Dewa Baruna y es uno de los siete templos marinos direccionales de Bali, tradicionalmente ubicados a la vista unos de otros para formar una cadena alrededor de la costa. La formación rocosa es accesible a pie con marea baja. Las cuevas marinas bajo la roca albergan serpientes marinas sagradas veneradas como guardianes del templo.
Hidden rock-cut Buddhist monastery with meditation niches carved into the cliff. Often missed by visitors despite being near Goa Gajah. Peaceful, mystical atmosphere. Free entry.
Sacred water temple famous for its holy spring purification pools. Visitors can participate in the purification ritual. Bring a sarong. Beautiful stone carvings.
Former royal water palace with tiered pools, fountains and stone carvings. Walk on stepping stones over fish ponds. Beautiful mountain backdrop. Swim in the pools.
Traditional market across from Ubud Palace. Handmade crafts, batik, paintings, wood carvings, woven baskets. Bargaining expected. Arrive early for best selection.
Iconic temple on the shores of Lake Beratan. Appears to float when water is high. Featured on the 50,000 rupiah banknote. Cool mountain climate at 1200m.
Antiguo templo en un acantilado a 70m sobre el Oceano Indico. Famosa danza del fuego Kecak al atardecer (entradas se agotan rapido). Cuidado con los monos traviesos.
Getting there 4
Punta oeste de Bali. Ferry a Ketapang, Java Este (45 min, funciona 24h). Puerta para viajes por carretera hacia/desde Java.
El unico aeropuerto de Bali, ubicado en Tuban cerca de Kuta. Mostradores de alquiler de coches en la sala de llegadas. Hub internacional con vuelos directos desde Asia, Australia, Oriente Medio y Europa.
Terminal principal de ferrys a Lombok (4-5 horas de travesia). Ferrys publicos salen aproximadamente cada hora. Tambien lanchas rapidas a las islas Gili.
Punto de salida de lanchas rapidas a Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan y Nusa Ceningan. Varios operadores, 30-45 min de travesia. Reservar en temporada alta.
Nature 16
Natural rock pool on the cliff edge that looks like an infinity pool over the ocean. Stunning at low tide. Very dangerous at high tide. Next to Broken Beach.
Dramatic natural rock arch forming a circular bay. Crystal clear turquoise water below. Often combined with Angel's Billabong next door. No swimming allowed.
Easy 2km paved path along a narrow ridge with grass fields on both sides. Best at sunrise when light is golden and it's cool. Starts from the end of Jalan Raya Ubud.
40m high waterfall near the road from Ubud to Lovina. Easy 15-minute walk through tropical vegetation. Several smaller falls nearby. Can be combined with a north coast trip.
Iconic Balinese split gate (candi bentar) at a golf course entrance. Mountain and mist backdrop. One of Bali's most photographed spots. Quick photo stop.
Arrozales en terrazas UNESCO a 700m. Amplios paisajes panoramicos, sistema subak tradicional. Mucho menos concurrido que Tegallalang. Senderos entre los arrozales.
Lago cratérico en Kintamani, regencia de Bangli, dentro de la caldera del volcán Batur a 1.031 metros de altitud. El lago mide 7,5 kilómetros de ancho y 2,5 kilómetros de largo, con una profundidad máxima de 88 metros y una superficie de 15,9 kilómetros cuadrados. Manantiales termales cerca del pueblo de Toya Bungkah vierten en el lago. El lago se utiliza para la acuicultura y riega las tierras agrícolas circundantes. Es el lago más grande de Bali y drena hacia las tierras bajas de la isla a través de una red de manantiales.
Santuario de bosque sagrado con mas de 700 macacos de cola larga. Antiguos templos cubiertos de musgo en el interior. Hermosos banyanes. Asegure todo -- los monos agarran todo.
Punto más alto de Bali a 3.031 metros, estratovolcán activo en la regencia de Karangasem. Los balineses lo consideran una réplica de la montaña cósmica Meru. El sagrado complejo de templos Pura Besakih se encuentra en sus laderas suroeste. La montaña crea una sombra pluviométrica que divide Bali en una zona norte más seca y una zona sur más húmeda. Grandes erupciones ocurrieron en 1843, 1963 y entre 2017 y 2019. La erupción de 1963 fue una de las más mortíferas de la historia volcánica de Indonesia, causando más de 1.000 víctimas.
Active volcano (1717m) with a popular sunrise hike. 2-hour trek starting at 4am. Stunning caldera views with Lake Batur below. Guide required. Cook eggs in volcanic steam.
Cool highland village with several waterfalls (Red Coral, Golden Valley, Melanting). Coffee and clove plantations. Trekking through jungle. Peaceful mountain retreat.
Often called Bali's most beautiful waterfall. Multi-stream cascade in a lush jungle ravine. 30-minute trek with steep stairs and river crossing. Worth every step.
Iconicos arrozales en terrazas al norte de Ubud. Hermoso sistema de irrigacion subak. Famosos columpios en la jungla para fotos. Muy turistico pero realmente impresionante.
Powerful waterfall just 30 minutes south of Ubud. Easy access with good facilities. Very popular, arrive early. You can swim in the pool below. Beautiful green setting.
Beautiful twin waterfall in a lush setting east of Ubud. Easy 10-minute walk from parking. Swimming pool at the base. Much less crowded than nearby waterfalls.
Hidden waterfall inside a canyon cave. When sunlight streams through the cave opening, it creates magical light beams through the mist. Short walk through a river.