16 of the best · Bali, Indonesia
Tanah Lot and Uluwatu on the coast, Besakih on Mount Agung, the holy spring of Tirta Empul, the royal water temple of Taman Ayun, Ubud’s palace and Monkey Forest, and the surf and reefs.
Our 16 favourites, listed A–Z · Updated October 2026
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Three Bali addresses we return to, chosen from this list by people who know the island well.
A temple on the rock
The sea temple on a rock off the coast of Tabanan, cut off at high tide and silhouetted at sunset.
The Kecak at sunset
A temple at the edge of a sheer cliff above the Indian Ocean, with a Kecak dance at sunset.
The bathing pools
The temple of the holy spring at Tampaksiring, where people bathe in the purification pools.
The stories behind the list.
The back story
Sea temples on the rocks at Tanah Lot and the cliffs of Uluwatu, the mother temple on the slopes of Mount Agung, the holy springs of Tirta Empul and the water temples of a UNESCO landscape: what they mean, and how to visit with respect.
Sea, mountain and water temples.
The Elephant Cave
The Elephant Cave near Ubud: a carved cave mouth, bathing pools and a ravine.
On the slopes of Mount Agung
Bali’s mother temple: a complex of temples climbing the slopes of Mount Agung.
The Kecak at sunset
A temple at the edge of a sheer cliff above the Indian Ocean, with a Kecak dance at sunset.
UNESCO World Heritage
The 18th-century royal water temple at Mengwi, its tiered shrines set inside a moat.
A temple on the rock
The sea temple on a rock off the coast of Tabanan, cut off at high tide and silhouetted at sunset.
The bathing pools
The temple of the holy spring at Tampaksiring, where people bathe in the purification pools.
On Lake Beratan
The lake temple at Bedugul, its shrines appearing to float on Lake Beratan in the highlands.
In the town.
Temples in the forest
A forest of temples and long-tailed macaques on the southern edge of Ubud, run by the village of Padangtegal.
Jalan Monkey Forest, UbudExplore View on map
Dance in the courtyard
The palace of Ubud’s royal family in the centre of town, where dances are performed in the courtyard in the evening.
On the Bukit.
The great statue
A cultural park on the Bukit around a vast statue of Vishnu riding the Garuda, with performances through the day.
Jl. Raya Uluwatu, Ungasan, Kuta SelatanExplore View on map
Days out with children.
For families
A safari and marine park on the coast road east of Sanur.
Jl. Bypass Prof. Dr. Ida Bagus Mantra No.22X, GianyarExplore View on map
For families
A water park of slides and pools in gardens at Kuta.
Jl. Kartika Plaza, Kuta, Badung 80361Explore View on map
In the water and on the mat.
Wrecks, walls and mantas
The wreck of the USAT Liberty at Tulamben, the reef walls of Menjangan in West Bali National Park and the manta rays off Nusa Penida.
Reefs and beach breaks
Beach breaks for beginners at Kuta and Canggu, and reef breaks for the experienced at Uluwatu, Padang Padang and Bingin.
The island’s yoga capital
Ubud is the island’s centre for yoga, from hotel shalas to the wellness programmes of COMO Shambhala and Fivelements.
17 of the best Restaurants
8 of the best Cafés
11 of the best Bars
28 of the best Hotels17 of the best Arts & Culture
14 of the best Nature & Beaches6 of the best Walks
9 of the best Shopping
11 of the best Health5 of the best Property5 of the best Developments5 of the best Drivers & Boats6 of the best Getting Around