【2026 Bali Must-Visit】Top 10 Iconic Landmarks: World Heritage Sites, Cliffside Fire Dances, and Volcanic Sunrises

We recently published a post on “500 Top Attractions in Bali”, and some readers said the number of spots was overwhelming. They asked for a condensed version—ideally, a list of iconic landmarks you can cover in a single Bali trip.

After careful curation, we’ve put together the “Top 10 Iconic Landmarks in Bali.” These spots showcase the island’s culture, natural beauty, and unique charm, letting you dive deep into Bali’s essence in a short time.

GWK Cultural Park

GWK Cultural Park is one of the few popular attractions in Bali backed by government support. Located near Jimbaran, it’s famous for its grand sculptures, impressive architecture, and Balinese cultural elements. The most iconic feature is the 121-meter-tall statue of Vishnu riding the Garuda, the fourth tallest in the world. The park also hosts cultural events and performances, where you can enjoy traditional dance and music. There’s a cultural center offering deeper insights into Balinese culture.

Quick Reference: Bali Garuda Wisnu Kencana GWK Cultural Park Complete Guide

Klook Coupon: Bali GWK Cultural Park Admission Ticket Bali Beach & GWK & Uluwatu Temple Sunset Tour

Ticket prices for such attractions vary with peak seasons. Check the Bali Ticket Price List for the latest reference before your trip.

Penglipuran Village

Stroll through the traditional village of Penglipuran Village and explore its history and heritage. Known as ‘Bali’s Most Beautiful Village,’ it preserves one of the most intact traditional communities on the island, holding special significance for maintaining original Balinese culture and a unique way of life. The village is steeped in Balinese cultural influences, making it a priceless treasure of Bali. Read the full guide

Penglipuran Village Day Tour (with Cooking Class)

Rice Terraces + Penglipuran Village + Coffee Plantation + Waterfall Day Tour

Pura Besakih — The Mother Temple

Pura Besakih is one of Bali’s most important landmarks and the largest and holiest Hindu temple on the island, perched on the slopes of Mount Agung. Revered as the spiritual heart of Bali, it is also known as the ‘Mother Temple,’ featuring multiple shrines and altars dedicated to various deities.

The grand temple complex of Pura Besakih sits amidst stunning valleys and lush green rice terraces, offering breathtaking views. Visitors can soak in the centuries-old religious atmosphere, explore the intricate temple architecture, and feel the sacred ambiance. It also serves as a key venue for many Balinese religious and cultural events, such as festivals and ceremonies.

Sunrise Trekking Mount Agung from Pura Besakih

Monkey Forest & Pura Taman Saraswati — Ubud’s Monkey Forest and Water Palace

Both located in the heart of Ubud, the Monkey Forest and the Ubud Water Palace are unmissable landmarks.

Ubud’s Monkey Forest is a unique attraction that draws visitors for close encounters with monkeys. With dense trees and rich biodiversity, it serves as a natural habitat for these primates. Guests can observe various monkey activities and interact with them for photos. It’s also a great place to unwind—stroll along forest paths and enjoy the natural beauty and peaceful atmosphere.

Purchase Monkey Forest Tickets

Another nearby gem, the Ubud Water Palace, is a hidden corner tucked behind a Starbucks that often goes unnoticed by tourists, yet it boasts breathtaking beauty. Compared to the Ubud Royal Palace, this temple is more serene and mysterious, offering a fantastic spot for photography where you can capture unique and exquisite moments.

Nusa Penida

A recently popular island off the coast of Bali, boasting stunning natural beauty!

We’ve created a five-part guide to Nusa Penida:

1. Bali - Nusa Penida Complete Guide: Map, Ferry, Accommodation, Transportation, Private Driver, Activities, Photography, Attractions
2. Nusa Penida Food and Blue Skies: Top 9 Best Choices
3. Nusa Penida Snorkeling Spots Guide: How to Join Snorkeling?
4. Nusa Penida Taxi, Gojek/Grab, Private Driver, and Scooter Transportation Guide
5. Nusa Penida Accommodation Recommendations: 13 Highly-Rated Stays from Luxury to Budget

Taman Dedari

Taman Dedari is a standout attraction in Ubud, famous for its one-of-a-kind giant fairy statue. It not only offers delicious cuisine but also serves as a venue that blends culture and art. Dining under the fairy’s protection while savoring local flavors and soaking in Ubud’s unique atmosphere makes for an unforgettable dining experience.

The venue is filled with many photogenic spots perfect for snapping pictures, so feel free to capture memories!

Dining Experience at Taman Dedari

Tirta Empul Temple

Beyond Bali’s most famous Tirta Empul Temple, there are two other holy spring temples hidden in serene corners, all within a short distance from each other, waiting to be discovered by explorers. These two sacred sites not only let you experience Bali’s unique religious culture but also offer a sincere and tranquil bathing experience in a relatively quiet environment.

Here are the two other holy spring temples we recommend:

Dalem Pingit Holy Spring is a relatively secluded temple. It boasts unique architecture, and its sacred spring is deeply revered by local devotees. In this peaceful setting, you can feel the authenticity and serenity of Bali’s original religion. Dalem Pingit is known for its beautiful waterfall-fed holy spring.

Pura Gunung Kawi Holy Spring is a temple famous for its rock carvings. Beyond the ancient statues, there is also a hidden holy spring where devotees and visitors can bathe to receive blessings. This tranquil temple area is filled with a sense of mystery, making you feel as if you’ve traveled back in time to experience Bali’s ancient sacredness.

These two different holy spring temples each have their own unique charm and cultural depth, while also offering a relatively quiet bathing environment, allowing you to find peace and purification in Bali’s sacred atmosphere.

Tirta Empul Temple Purification Ritual & Ubud Exploration Tour

A much less crowded holy spring Ubud Spiritual Journey & Purification Experience

Tanah Lot Temple

Bali’s Tanah Lot is a famous landmark, renowned for its stunning sea temple. Built atop a massive rock, it is one of Indonesia’s most iconic Hindu temples. Every sunset, visitors gather here to admire the breathtaking view as the sun sets, making it one of Bali’s top ten landmarks.

However, due to its immense popularity, if you plan to visit in the evening, be mindful of transportation to and from the area.

Quick Reference: Tanah Lot Detailed Guide: Tides & Nearby Attractions

Pura Ulun Danau Bratan

Pura Ulun Danau Bratan, completed in 1633, sits on the shores of Lake Bratan in central Bali, and is also known as the ‘Lake Bratan Temple.’ Since Lake Bratan is the primary irrigation source for central Bali, this temple was once the site of ceremonies honoring Dewi Danu, the goddess of water, lakes, and rivers. Additionally, the 11-tiered Pura Ulun Danau Bratan is dedicated to Shiva and Parvati, and a statue of Buddha is also enshrined here, making it a temple that blends Hinduism and Buddhism.

Notably, this Balinese water temple is featured on Indonesian currency, appearing on the second-largest denomination in circulation: the 50,000 Indonesian Rupiah note, which is worth about USD$3.

Bali North Sunrise & Handara Gate & Lake Bratan Temple Day Trip

Jatiluwih Rice Terrace

The terraced rice fields around Ubud are a highlight of Bali, offering a picturesque landscape that has earned UNESCO World Heritage status. Ubud has two main rice terrace areas:

1. Tegalalang Rice Terrace is the most accessible and popular rice terrace area near Ubud. Its unique layout features winding paths through the terraces, creating a green canvas that showcases nature’s vitality. Here, the rice paddies ripple like waves, forming a moving agricultural poem that blends natural beauty with farming culture.
2. The less commercialized Jatiluwih Rice Terrace is farther from Ubud, requiring a 90-minute drive from Ubud Palace, but it offers a more authentic experience of the pristine terraced fields!

The best time to capture the beauty of the rice terraces is in the early dawn, just as the sun rises. At this moment, golden sunlight spills across the terraces, casting rich layers of shadow and creating a mesmerizing play of light and shadow. It’s the favorite time for photography enthusiasts and travelers alike, as the terraces seem to be immersed in a golden dream.

Central Bali Day Tour: Tegalalang Rice Terraces & Sacred Monkey Forest & Elephant Cave

Jatiluwih Rice Terraces Electric Bike Tour

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Travel Map & How to Plan?

We’ve plotted all the spots mentioned above on a map—click here (link) to save it.

If you’re planning to visit the “Top 10 Landmark Attractions,” here’s a suggested itinerary:

1. Start with three to four days in Ubud to soak in its culture and landscapes;
2. Then head to Sanur for an overnight stay before spending a day exploring Nusa Penida;
3. For the final few days, choose to stay in Jimbaran or Seminyak, close to Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park and Tanah Lot Temple, so you can easily reach the airport on your last day.

Bali Area Guides