We recently published an article titled “Bali’s Top 500 Attractions”, and some readers asked if we could create a condensed version featuring iconic landmarks that can be visited in one trip.
After careful selection, we’ve compiled the “Top 10 Iconic Landmarks of Bali”. These landmarks showcase Bali’s culture, natural beauty, and unique charm, allowing you to deeply experience the island’s allure in a short time.
GWK Cultural Park
GWK Cultural Park is one of the few government-supported popular attractions in Bali, located near Jimbaran. It is renowned for its grand sculptures, spectacular architecture, and integration of Balinese culture. The most famous feature is the 121-meter-tall statue combining Shiva and Garuda, the fourth tallest in the world. The park also hosts various cultural events and performances, where you can enjoy traditional Balinese dances and music. Inside the park, there’s a cultural center offering in-depth information about Balinese culture.
Quick Reference: Complete Guide to Garuda Wisnu Kencana GWK Cultural Park in Bali
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Penglipuran Village
Stroll through the traditional Penglipuran Village to explore its history and heritage. Known as “Bali’s Most Beautiful Village”, it is one of the best-preserved traditional communities in Bali, maintaining its original Balinese culture and unique way of life. The village is steeped in Balinese culture and is a valuable treasure of Bali. Read the full introduction
Rice Terraces, Penglipuran Village, Coffee Plantation & Waterfall Day Tour
Pura Besakih
Pura Besakih is one of Bali’s most significant landmarks and the island’s largest and most sacred Hindu temple, located on the slopes of Mount Agung. Known as the ‘Mother Temple,’ it serves as the spiritual center of Balinese Hinduism, featuring multiple shrines and altars dedicated to various deities.
The grand temple complex is set amidst a stunning landscape of lush valleys and verdant rice fields, offering breathtaking views. Visitors can immerse themselves in the temple’s ancient religious atmosphere, explore its intricate architecture, and experience its sacred ambiance. Pura Besakih is also a key venue for many Balinese religious and cultural events, including festivals and ceremonies.
Monkey Forest & Pura Taman Saraswati
Located in the heart of Ubud, the Monkey Forest and Pura Taman Saraswati are must-visit landmarks.
The Monkey Forest in Ubud is a unique attraction where visitors can interact closely with monkeys in their natural habitat. Surrounded by dense trees and rich biodiversity, the forest offers a chance to observe various monkey activities and take photos with them. It’s also a great place to unwind, with peaceful walking trails that allow you to enjoy the natural beauty and tranquility.
Just a short distance away, Ubud Water Palace is a hidden gem tucked behind a Starbucks, often overlooked by tourists yet boasting breathtaking scenery. Compared to Ubud Palace, this temple offers a more serene and mysterious atmosphere, providing an excellent photography spot where you can capture unique and exquisite moments.
Nusa Penida
This recently popular island off Bali boasts unparalleled natural beauty!
We’ve created a five-part guide about Nusa Penida:
- 【Bali - Nusa Penida Complete Guide】Map, Boat, Accommodation, Transportation, Private Car, Activities, Photography, Attractions
- Nusa Penida Cuisine and Azure Seas: Top 9 Best Choices
- Introduction to Snorkeling Spots in Nusa Penida, How to Participate in Snorkeling?
- Nusa Penida Taxi, Gojek/Grab, Private Car, Motorcycle Transportation Guide
- Nusa Penida Accommodation Recommendations: 13 Highly Rated Options from Luxury to Budget
Taman Dedari (Fairy Garden)
Fairy Garden is a standout attraction in Ubud, famous for its unique giant fairy statue. Not only does it offer delicious cuisine, but it’s also a cultural and artistic venue. Under the fairy’s watch, savor local delicacies and immerse yourself in Ubud’s distinctive atmosphere for an unforgettable dining experience.
The venue offers numerous Instagram-worthy spots, so feel free to snap plenty of photos!
Tirta Empul Temple
Besides Bali’s most famous Tirta Empul Temple, there are two other hidden holy water temples tucked away in quiet corners, all within easy reach, waiting to be discovered. These temples not only allow you to experience Bali’s unique religious culture but also offer a sincere and tranquil bathing experience in a relatively peaceful setting.
Here are two more holy water temples we recommend for you:
Dalem Pingit Holy Spring is a relatively hidden temple. This temple not only boasts unique architectural styles but also has a holy spring deeply revered by local devotees. In this tranquil environment, you can experience the sincerity and peace of Bali’s primal religion. Dalem Pingit is famous for its beautiful waterfall holy spring.
Pura Gunung Kawi Holy Spring is a temple renowned for its rock carvings. Besides ancient statues, there is also a hidden holy spring here, offering blessings to devotees and visitors through bathing. This serene temple area is filled with a sense of mystery, making you feel as if you’ve traveled through time to experience Bali’s ancient sanctity.
These two different holy water temples each have their unique charm and cultural depth, providing a relatively secluded bathing environment where you can find peace and purification within Bali’s sacred atmosphere.
Tirta Empul Temple Spiritual Cleansing & Ubud Exploration Tour
A Less Crowded Tirta Empul Ubud Spiritual Journey & Purification Experience
Tanah Lot Temple
Bali’s Tanah Lot is a famous landmark, renowned for its magnificent seaside temple. Built on a massive rock, this temple is one of Indonesia’s most famous Hindu temples. At sunset, visitors gather here to admire the stunning scenery under the setting sun, making it one of Bali’s top ten famous landmarks.
However, due to its popularity, if you choose to visit in the evening, be mindful of transportation issues when returning.
Quick Reference: Detailed Introduction to Tanah Lot Temple and Guide to Tides and Surrounding Attractions
Pura Ulun Danau
Pura Ulun Danau, completed in 1633, is located on the shores of Lake Bratan in central Bali, also known as the “Lake Bratan Water Temple.” Since Lake Bratan is the main source of irrigation for central Bali, Pura Ulun Danau was once used as a ceremonial site to worship Dewi Danu, the goddess of water, lakes, and rivers in Bali. Additionally, the 11-tiered Pura Ulun Danau is also a temple built for Shiva and Parvati, with a statue of Buddha enshrined within, making it a temple that blends Hinduism and Buddhism.
What’s particularly special is that this water temple in Bali is featured on Indonesian currency, currently the second-largest denomination in circulation. 50,000 Indonesian Rupiah is approximately USD$3.
Northern Bali Sunrise Tour & Handara Gate & Ulun Danu Beratan Temple Day Trip
Jatiluwih Rice Terrace
The terraced rice fields around Ubud are one of Bali’s highlights, offering a picturesque and magnificent landscape that has earned UNESCO World Heritage status. There are two main rice terrace areas in Ubud:
- Tegalalang Rice Terrace is one of the most accessible and popular terraces in Ubud. The layout of this area is unique, with winding paths between the terraces resembling a green canvas that vividly showcases the vitality of nature. Here, the rolling waves of rice fields create a moving agricultural poem, blending natural beauty with farming culture.
- Another less commercialized terrace area is Jatiluwih Rice Terrace, though it’s farther from Ubud—about a 90-minute drive from Ubud Palace. However, it offers a more authentic experience of the terraces’ beauty!
The best time to capture the beauty of the rice terraces is at dawn, just as the sun rises. At this moment, golden sunlight bathes the terraces, creating rich layers of shadows and presenting an enchanting play of light and shadow. It’s a favorite time for photographers and visitors alike, as the terraces seem to be immersed in a golden dream.
Bali Central Day Tour: Tegalalang Rice Terrace & Monkey Forest & Elephant Cave
Travel Map & How to Plan?
We’ve compiled the above locations on a map, which you can save by clicking here (link).
If you plan to visit the “Top Ten Landmarks,” we recommend arranging your itinerary as follows:
- Start by staying in Ubud for three to four days to experience its culture and scenery;
- Then move to Sanur for one night before heading to Nusa Penida for a day trip;
- For the final days, consider staying in Jimbaran or Seminyak, close to Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park and Tanah Lot Temple, making it easy to reach the airport on your last day.
