Where to Go in Bali | 12 Best Areas to Visit on Indonesia’s Popular Island

As you’re deciding where to go in Bali, explore this overview guide of some of the most magnificent towns, villages and landmarks on the island. Travelers from around the world flock to this gorgeous island, called the Island of the Gods by many for its lush beauty and ever-present spirituality. Almost anywhere you go in Bali is incredibly beautiful. Thick with verdant terraces cut for the growth of rice and rolling with hillsides that ascend to volcanic peaks, Bali is what you might be picturing when you think of paradise.

Why Bali?

Bali has something for nearly everyone. While its overall landscape and culture are rich, storied, varied and wholly interesting, you get the chance to dial down into some of the island’s features and unique offerings by selecting specifically where to go. Take the time to develop an itinerary, even if it’s just a loose one, so that you can ensure you and your traveling companions get to see temples, walk rice paddies, scuba through crystal clear waters, lay out on the best beaches and, in general, make the most of every moment during this superlative vacation.

Best Areas to Visit in Bali

Consider this review of Bali’s cities, towns and villages as your starting point for where to go in Bali. Plan your itinerary around the places you want to visit and give yourself plenty of time to soak in the magic of each destination.

As you get to know the island and its generally friendly and approachable people, you’ll start to explore further afield and discover your own hidden gems and favorite landmarks. Deciding where to go in Bali is easy to decide, only because there’s so much to do here.

1. Denpasar

Denpasar is the capital city of Bali. This is where many travelers first arrive in Bali and you may find that you stay for just enough time to get the lay of the land before venturing outward. This isn’t just a gateway city, though. You can find tons of bright green space and several craft markets and stalls where vendors are more than willing to haggle for the right price. Head to Puputan Badung Square to experience the heart of the city.

Check In to Inna Bali Heritage Hotel, Step Out to Puputan Badung Square

2. Ubud

Ubud is the cultural center of Indonesia’s Island of the Gods. When in Bali, nearly everyone spends time in this town in Central Bali. Full of attractions and art, you’ll love traveling here. Get into the rhythms of kecak dance shows. Marvel at shadow puppet performances. Dine on varied Indonesian and global cuisine or relax in places like the Ubud Village Resort and Spa.

Check In to Kamandalu Ubud Resort, Step Out to Ubud

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3. Kuta

Kuta is another place most travelers can’t wait to visit. This town is defined by its beach, Kuta Beach, beloved for its beach bars and restaurants, but mostly its incredible surfing. Take lessons from experts who have set up shop on the beach and be ready to meet your fellow travelers along this popular beach destination. The long, sandy beach is also home to luxuries like the Smart Salon & Day Spa Legian.

Check In to Sun Island Hotel & Spa Kuta, Step Out to Kuta Beach

4. Seminyak

If you’re looking for where to go to get the liveliness of Kuta, but a touch more luxury, then Seminyak is your place. This town is to the north of Kuta and features lots of upscale hotels, high-end shopping and on-trend bars. Check out the Potato Head Beach Club to get a feel for what a world-class beach club is really like in Bali. Upbeat music pumps, while an international crowd dances, drinks and mingles. If you love to socialize, this is one place you won’t want to miss.

Check In to Astagina Resort Villa and Spa, Step Out to Potato Head Beach Club

5. Canggu

Keep heading north from Seminyak to head into Canggu. This is where to go in Bali if you want to pick up the rhythms of daily Balinese life, including what it’s like to live in a village. The town features dark sand beaches that are extraordinary any time of day and definitely worth honing your photography skills to capture. This is a long coastal expanse characterized by genuinely rural inland features without much infrastructure for travelers.

Check In to D’Wina Villa Canggu, Step Out to Canggu

6. Uluwatu

If you’re looking for where to go to surf for much of your trip, Uluwatu is another spot worthy of your time, but the major draw here is Uluwatu Temple. Kecak dance, popular throughout the island, is performed here, but most travelers want to see the temple, perched at the edge of a dramatic cliff. Sunset is one of the great times to go to see its majesty lit up against a fiery sky. The beaches here such as Padang Padang Beach and Suluban Beach are also fantastic.

Check In to Klapa Resort, Step Out to Padang Padang

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7. Nusa Dua

How you refer to Nusa Dua is up to who you ask. For some travelers, this is the entire eastern portion of the Bukit Peninsula, but if you want to get specific about where to go, it’s also the name of a luxury resort area designed just for travelers. The beaches here are free of vendors, due to the presence of superlative hotels and restaurants. For some fun and delicious cuisine, take a seat and have a bite at the “Dirty Duck Diner,” officially known as Bebek Bengil Crispy Duck – Nusa Dua.

Check In to INAYA Putri Bali, Step Out to Nusa Dua

8. Tabanan

Tabanan is where to go if you’re hoping for lots of jaw-dropping scenery and want to see the unbelievable Tanah Lot Temple. While this area isn’t as developed for traveler accommodations, it’s still an excellent town to visit within central Bali. Get views of Mount Batukaru, Bali’s second highest peak, rising high in the sky in the distance or take your group to Taman Ayun, a temple complex that features grassy courtyards and inner shrines with multiple tiers. The temple is on the UNESCO World Heritage Site list, so it’s worthy of your time. At Tanah Lot Temple, the star of the area, a temple rests on a rocky outcropping surrounded by water. The landmark used to be attached to the mainland, but over time, the sea has created an island of it.

Check In to Tijili Hotel Bali, Step Out to Tanah Lot Temple

9. Gianyar

If you’re wondering where to go in Bali to see animals and wildlife, Gianyar is your place. This town is the capital city of the regency of the same name and has lots of attractions where you can witness animal life in action. Check out the Goa Gajah Elephant Cave for a chance to get up close and see gorgeous stone carvings. This sanctuary was built in the 9th century and it was originally believed that the main carving was of an elephant. To see actual animals, head to Bali Safari & Marine Park, where an air-conditioned tram takes you through wildlife enclosures that are homes to real elephants, plus a white rhinoceros.

Check In to The Grand Bakas Villa, Step Out to Bali Safari & Marine Park

10. Sanur

Spend a few days in Sanur if you love the idea of going where historic travelers have typically journeyed to discover Bali. This town is the island’s oldest luxury resort region, and the ambience follows suit. While you’ll have no trouble finding plenty of glorious hotels and exceptional dining, the area isn’t full of the hustle and bustle of other beach resorts. Here, you’ll find a more low-key crowd that likes its quiet relaxation. Do things like get gelato at Massimo Italian Restaurant or admire the Prasati Belanjong PIllar, a stone with an inscription from 914, making it the oldest historical artifact in Bali.

Check In to Prime Plaza Suites Sanur – Bali, Step Out to Sanur

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11. Nusa Penida

One of the foremost questions on the minds of all travelers to Bali is where to go to dive or snorkel. The answer for many is Nusa Penida, known for its jade and turquoise waters that offer high visibility once underwater. The flow of the current here tends to head to the south, but monsoon seasons can influence streams, too, so pay attention to what’s been happening in the Lombok Strait upon your arrival. Discover diving locations where you can enjoy a favorite pastime or get certified in scuba for the first time. Check out Penida Bay where you can find assistance and equipment.

Check In to The Sunjaya, Step Out to Penida Bay

12. Amed

Travel to Amed to experience a getaway made for snorkelers and divers. This area isn’t so much a town as it is a collection of villages that line the shores. This is also where to go if you’re the sort of honeymooners who like quiet beauty and an active vacation. Once you’ve had your fill of snorkeling or diving, you can also use this town as your starting point for day trips to places like Besakih Temple, Bali’s most sacred temple, or the water palace at Taman Tirtagangga.

Check In to Ocean Resort Amed, Step Out to Taman Tirtagangga

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