Overview
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1. Rice Fields in Ubud
Who says Ubud, says rice terraces. This town is located in the middle of a beautiful landscape, full of lush green rice fields and terraces. The most famous is, of course, the Tegalalang rice terrace, but there are so many more rice terraces, each unique and beautiful in its own way. The Mancingan Rice Terraces are one of them. What makes these rice terraces so beautiful is the palm tree road running through the vast expanse of the lush rice fields. It’s definitely a place you should add to your Bali bucket list.
Besides the rice terraces, there are plenty of other beautiful places to visit and things to do in Ubud, like hiking up Mount Batur or chasing waterfalls. You can read all about it in our Ubud guide.
Tip: The Tegalalang Rice Terrace actually consists of several rice terraces. Most people visit the most popular part. This part was actually set up by the government to attract tourists. However, just behind the most famous terrace, there is another terrace: the Mupu rice terrace. It is part of the Tegalalang Rice Terrace but is privately owned by a family. This part of the rice terrace is just as beautiful and a lot less busy! Therefore, consider visiting this part (too)!
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2. Waterfalls in Munduk
Munduk is located in the north of Bali and is home to some of the most tranquil nature and landscapes in Bali. With many stunning waterfalls nearby, this place should be on top of your Bali bucket list if you are a waterfall lover. Here, you even have the option to do a 3-4 hour trek through the beautiful jungle of Munduk, which takes you past 4 different waterfalls: Golden Valleys, Red Coral, Labuhan Kebo, and Melanting.
In addition to the 4 waterfalls that you can discover during the Munduk waterfall trek, there are a few other waterfalls in the area of Munduk that are definitely worth a visit. Ideal for a full day of chasing waterfalls.
Here are some of our favorite waterfalls in Munduk.
Banyumala Waterfall
Banyua Wana Amertha
Gitgit Waterfall
Sekumpul and Fiji Waterfall
3. Diving in Amed
Amed is definitely one of the hidden gems of Bali and, without a doubt, one of the best places to go diving. Located on the east side of the island, this fishing town is home to a stunning coastline with both white and black sand beaches.
With its colorful reefs, corals, and shipwrecks, like the USAT Liberty, and a wide variety of marine life, it is a real paradise for underwater enthusiasts. There are also many other fun things to do in Amed, from relaxing on the beach to exploring nearby villages.
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4. Surfing in Uluwatu
Uluwatu is known to be home to the best beaches in Bali. It is located in the south and offers clear blue waters, trendy areas, white sand beaches and so much more. With its legendary surfing waves, it is known as a real surfer’s mecca and the place to be for surfing in Bali.
Even if you are not a surfer, there are so many other fun things to do in this area, like visiting the Uluwatu Temple and watch the famous Kecak Dance.
5. Slow Down in Sidemen
If you would like to discover Bali but are not a fan of busy tourist places, then Sidemen should be on your Bali bucket list. This tranquil village is filled with beautiful rice fields and spectacular views of Mount Agung. It is an off-the-main tourist destination, where you can experience an authentic part of Bali and slow down at the same time. You can also enjoy a trek through the rice fields, participate in a silver workshop, or visit some other beautiful places in Sidemen.
6. Nungnung and Leke Leke Waterfall in the heart of Bali
The Leke Leke Waterfall and Nungnung Waterfall are two spectacular waterfalls in the heart of Bali. They are located about an hour’s drive from the center of Ubud. Just because they are located a little further from the center, you can still call them a hidden gem, and they are much less busy than most other well-known places in Ubud. In our opinion, they were two of the most beautiful and impressive waterfalls in Bali.
7. The Beaches of Nusa Penida
Nusa Penida is a small island located southeast of Bali, so a visit to these islands is often combined. Penida is part of the Klungkung Regency and is the biggest of the three Nusa islands. It is known for its stunning landscapes, rugged cliffs, crystal-clear waters, and most of all, its magical beaches. Kelingking Beach and Diamond Beach are two of the most famous places to visit in Nusa Penida. Besides the beautiful beaches, Nusa Penida is also home to a beautiful and unique underwater world. For example, you can even go snorkeling or diving with manta rays. From Penida, you can also easily visit the two other Nusas: Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan.
8. Snorkel on the Gili Islands
The Gili Islands, or in short the Gilis, are 3 islands right off the shore of Lombok. If you are looking for tropical island vibes, the Gili Islands are your place to be. These three islands are surrounded by white sand beaches, crystal clear blue water, tropical vibes, and no motorized vehicles! With spectacular reefs and fascinating marine life, snorkeling is one of the best things to do on the Gili Islands.
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General Information
Best time to visit Bali
Bali experiences only two seasons: wet season and dry season. Due to its location, Bali experiences high temperatures all year round.
The best time to visit Bali is generally between April and October, during dry season. Know that the months of July and August are high season and that is when you can expect the biggest crowds. You can, of course, expect dry weather during dry season and also the beaches are cleaner in this period.
Yet, the rainy season also has its advantages: Nature is much greener, the waterfalls even more impressive, fewer crowds, and lower prices. Temperatures remain high, at an average of 28°C, but the days will feel more humid. So, the best time to travel to Bali depends entirely on what you prefer and what you plan to do in Bali, Indonesia.
How to get around
The most popular way to get around in Bali is without a doubt by scooter. The roads are generally in good condition and you can easily discover the highlights in a certain area by scooter. Prices vary from 60.000 to 120.000 IDR per 24 hours. Please note that traffic, especially in the centers of more popular places like Ubud and Canggu, can be very hectic.
If you are not confident about driving a scooter yourself, you can always hire a private driver or join an organized tour.
To move between different areas with your luggage, you often have the option to take a bus or shuttle. If there is no bus available between two regions, it is best to travel with a local driver or taxi.
Where to stay in Bali
In Bali, you will find some very unique places to stay, from the most luxurious resorts to spectacular bamboo houses. The best bases to tick off these unique things on your Bali bucket list are Ubud, Canggu, Uluwatu, Munduk, and Amed. In all these areas, you will find a wide range of accommodations for every budget.
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Win-Win for everyone
Did you know that, if you buy or book something through our links, we receive a small commission?
However, you still pay the same and therefore have no extra costs! So a win-win for everyone. This way, we can continue to add even more travel inspiration and tips to this blog for your next adventure. Thanks a lot!
