Bali : Top Attractions of Bali

Bali - Image by agus santoso from Pixabay

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                Bali could easily become one of the most charming and exotic destinations that you can ever visit. This small island in the Indonesian archipelago rose to prominence after being featured in the book and then movie "Eat, Pray, Love"! there is something for everybody to look forward to if you are planning a trip to Bali. Adventurers could go on surfing or hiking expeditions, art buffs could enjoy the vibrant art scene that Bali has to offer, and those looking for a spiritual turn would find solace in the many temples in Bali. If you want a traditional touch, you could always sway away from the beaten path and experience the charms of Old Bali! For those, who wish to be enamored by this amazing place, here are some of the most stunning places that you have to visit and things that you have to do while you are in Bali.

Pura Tanah Lot - Image by Marguy Wennmacher from Pixabay

Pura Tanah Lot

Build in the early 16th century, Pura Tanah Lot is one of the most iconic temples that you can visit in Bali. It is situated about 20km northwest of Kuta and attracts hundreds of tourists and visitors every evening. Though outsiders are not allowed entry into any of the temples in the complex you can easily stroll through the complex and take in all the charm and glory of the place. Watching the sunset from the temple is a mesmerizing affair!
The Batu Bolong temple is nearby and a pathway from Pura Tanah Lot easily takes you there. It is another sea temple built on a rock outcrop and is connected to the mainland through an eroded causeway. Once you are done visiting the temples, you can enjoy sipping into the famous Kopi luwak or civet coffee in one of the clifftop cafes in the place.

Mount Batur - Image by Adli Wahid from Pixabay

Mount Batur
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If you are looking forward to doing something romantic in Bali, an hour’s drive from Ubud will take you to Mount Batur. It is an active volcano in the Kintamani District sacred to the Balinese people and rising to a height of 1,500m. Visitors generally start the hike early before dawn such that they can enjoy a splendid sunrise from the top of the peak. If you are lucky to get here on a clear day, you will get terrific vistas of the surrounding landscape and lake Batur. While you are here, you could also go and visit Pura Ulun Danu Batur on the northwestern side of the lake or calmly soak in a hot spring in Toya Bungkah.

Pura Lahur Uluwatu - Photo by Jernej Graj on Unsplash

Pura Lahur Uluwatu

About 25km away from Kuta, Pura Lahur Uluwatu is one of the most famous temples that you have to visit in Bali. It is built atop a cliff grating you some of the most stunning views ever. The temple is situated at the tip of the Bukit Peninsula making the name apt for it (Ulu= tip; Watu= rock). The best time of the day to visit this temple is also sunset when the sky and the sea glow together in unanimity. The temple is believed to have been constructed in the 10th century to ward off evil sea spirits! A beautiful pathway will take you to the temple from the entryway passing through some of the most stunning views that you’ll ever witness. You should also look out for the ceremonial sunset Kecak dance which is conducted every day!

Pura Ulun Danu Bratan - Photo by Norbert Braun on Unsplash

Pura Ulun Danu Bratan

After visiting famous temples and age-old temples, it is time to take a trip to one of the most beautiful temples in Bali- Pura Ulun Danu Bratan. This temple was constructed in the 17th century along the western shores of Lake Bratan and against the imposing backdrop of Gunung Bratan. The temple is reflected on the crystal-clear water of the lake and during high tide appears to float on it. It is dedicated to the Balinese goddess of seas and lakes, Dewi Danu. The temple also boasts of a Buddhist Stupa to the left which is indicative of how the Balinese Hindus had adopted Buddhist principles. The best time to visit the temple has to be early mornings when the hordes of tourists have not arrived yet. This is one of the most pleasant times and the temple looks most photogenic, often with mist covering the waterbody!

Seminyak - Image by Victoria Al-Taie from Pixabay

​Seminyak

The busy streets of Seminyak could become your favorite part of the Bali trip if you love to shop. From flamboyant designer items to chic shops, this place has all of it. Biasa, Bamboo Blonde, and Magali pascal are some of the top-notch boutiques. Seminyak Square and Seminaya Village are the major shopping malls though you’d find better deals in the small shops. There is also a flea market near Seminyak Square which will get you the most amazing deals if you just know how to bargain.

Lempuyang Temple Complex - Photo by Khamkéo Vilaysing on Unsplash

Lempuyang Temple Complex

Pura Lempuyang is one of the most iconic places to visit in Bali- in fact, the intricately crafted white Gates of Heaven against the backdrop of crystal-clear skies is something that most people think of when talking about Bali. There is a series of temples to be explored while you are in the Lempuyang temple Complex. Pura Luhur Lempuyang is one of the most sacred temples in Bali and accessibility is quite difficult, albeit very rewarding. You have to climb 1,700 steps through the jungle to reach the top of the temple which is about 1,200 meters above sea level.

The Sidemen Valley - Photo by Geio Tischler on Unsplash

The Sidemen Valley
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If you want to feel the essence of Old Bali away from the hubbub of the busy streets, a 90-minute drive to the north-eastern side of Ubud would take you to Sidemen Valley. There are several small villages in the area where the locals tend to do their daily activities such as farming. There is also a path that would take you to the top of Mount Agung through the rice fields, and cocoa and coffee plantations. You could also partake in other activities such as traditional weaving and yoga while you enjoy your solitude.

​Sekumpul Waterfall - Photo by Alexandra Dementyeva on Unsplash

​Sekumpul Waterfall
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About 66km away from Ubud towards the northern side is Bali’s most beautiful waterfall- the Sekumpul Waterfall, a series of 7 falls cascading over a lush, green, jungle-clad cliff. You have to go on a trekking spree to reach near to the waterfalls through rice fields and forests of rambutan and durian trees. The round trip takes about 3 to 4 hours depending upon how fast you could do the trek. The trek could be strenuous at parts but the result is worth all the hard work!