Best Places to Visit in Bali For First Timers

Bali is a beautiful island in Indonesia that attracts millions of visitors every year with its stunning natural scenery, rich culture, and diverse activities.

Whether you are looking for a relaxing beach vacation, an adventurous outdoor adventure, or a spiritual journey, Bali has something for everyone.

With so many options to choose from, it can be hard to decide where to go and what to do on your first trip to Bali. To help you plan your perfect Bali itinerary, here are some of the best places to visit in Bali for first timers.

Nusa Dua Bali

Nusa Dua is a resort area in the south of Bali that offers a tranquil and luxurious escape from the hustle and bustle of other parts of the island.

Nusa Dua is known for its pristine white sand beaches, clear blue water, and upscale hotels and restaurants. It is also a great place for water sports enthusiasts, as you can try activities like parasailing, jet skiing, flyboarding, and snorkeling.

One of the highlights of Nusa Dua is Waterblow, a natural phenomenon where waves crash against the limestone cliffs and create a spectacular spray of water. You can also enjoy panoramic views of the ocean from this spot.

Uluwatu

Uluwatu is another popular destination in the south of Bali that boasts some of the most dramatic and scenic views on the island. Uluwatu is famous for its cliff-top temple, Pura Luhur Uluwatu, which is one of the six key temples of Balinese Hinduism.

The temple is perched on a 70-meter-high cliff overlooking the Indian Ocean and offers a stunning backdrop for watching the sunset.

You can also catch a traditional Balinese dance performance, called Kecak, at the temple every evening.

Uluwatu is also a surfer’s paradise, as it has some of the best waves in Bali. You can find several surf spots along the coast, such as Padang Padang, Bingin, and Suluban.

Seminyak

Seminyak is a trendy and cosmopolitan area in the west of Bali that offers a vibrant and lively atmosphere. Is home to some of the best restaurants, bars, clubs, and shops in Bali, where you can enjoy delicious food, drinks, music, and fashion.

Seminyak also has a long stretch of beach that is perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and surfing. One of the best things to do in Seminyak is to visit one of the many beach clubs that line the shore, such as Potato Head Beach Club, Ku De Ta, or La Plancha.

These beach clubs offer comfortable loungers, refreshing pools, tasty snacks, and cocktails, as well as amazing views of the sunset.

Ubud

Ubud is the cultural and spiritual heart of Bali that offers a serene and peaceful retreat from the busy coastal areas.

Ubud is surrounded by lush green rice terraces, tropical forests, and ancient temples that create a picturesque and tranquil setting. Is also known for its artistic and creative vibe, as it has many art galleries, museums, workshops, and markets where you can admire and buy local handicrafts.

Some of the must-see attractions in Ubud are the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary⁵, where you can interact with hundreds of friendly monkeys; the Tegalalang Rice Terrace, where you can walk among the stunning green fields; and the Campuhan Ridge Walk, where you can hike along a scenic trail.

Nusa Penida

Nusa Penida is an island off the southeast coast of Bali that offers a more rugged and adventurous experience than the mainland.

Nusa Penida is less developed and more remote than other parts of Bali, which makes it ideal for travelers who want to explore nature and wildlife.

Has some of the most breathtaking landscapes in Bali, such as Kelingking Beach, which resembles a T-rex head; Broken Beach, which has a natural archway over the water; and Angel’s Billabong, which is a natural infinity pool.

Is also a great place for snorkeling and diving, as it has rich marine life and coral reefs. You can even spot manta rays and turtles in some spots.

Where should I go for the first time in Bali?

There are many beautiful places to visit in Bali. Some of the most popular tourist attractions include:

Mount Batur: A popular trekking destination in Bali, Mount Batur is an active volcano that offers a stunning view of the sunrise from the top.
Tanah Lot Temple: A beautiful temple located on a rock formation in the sea, Tanah Lot is one of Bali’s most iconic landmarks.
Taman Ayun Temple: A beautiful temple surrounded by a moat, Taman Ayun is a great place to visit if you want to learn more about Balinese culture.
Ubud Monkey Forest: A nature reserve and Hindu temple complex in Ubud, Bali, the Monkey Forest is home to over 700 monkeys and 186 species of trees.
Goa Gajah Gianyar: Also known as the Elephant Cave, Goa Gajah is an archaeological site that dates back to the 11th century.
Pura Ulun Danu Bratan: A beautiful temple located on the shores of Lake Bratan, Pura Ulun Danu Bratan is one of Bali’s most picturesque landmarks.
Sekumpul Waterfall: Located in northern Bali, Sekumpul Waterfall is one of Bali’s most beautiful waterfalls.
WaterBom Waterpark: One of the best waterparks in Asia, WaterBom Waterpark has a wide range of water slides and attractions for all ages.
Garuda Wishnu Kencana Cultural Park: A cultural park located on a limestone hill in south Bali, Garuda Wishnu Kencana Cultural Park features a large statue of Vishnu and Garuda.
Nusa Lembongan: An island located southeast of Bali, Nusa Lembongan is known for its beautiful beaches and crystal-clear waters.

Is $100 a day enough for Bali?

You should plan to spend around Rp1,176,938 ($78) per day on your vacation in Bali, which is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.

This includes the cost of food, accommodation, and local transportation. However, the amount you spend will depend on your travel style and the activities you plan to do.

If you’re planning to stay in luxury resorts and eat at high-end restaurants, then you’ll need to budget more. But if you’re willing to stay in budget accommodation and eat at local warungs (small restaurants), then $100 a day should be enough for a comfortable trip.

What I wish I knew before visiting Bali?

Here are some tips for visiting Bali:

Expect crowds in non-pandemic times as Bali is one of the most touristed islands on earth.
Choose your base carefully as chaotic traffic and hot weather are likely to make you stick close to your hotel or guesthouse rather than wander far on foot or sit in stuffy taxis.
Don’t fret about “Bali belly” as hygiene standards have improved markedly across the island, and many kitchens offer good quality organic produce. While dodgy prawns will always be out there, by staying hydrated, avoiding notorious local liquor arak, and consuming street food with a degree of caution, the dreaded Bali belly should be kept at bay.
Dress for the occasion as many higher-end bars, restaurants and clubs enforce a dress code.
Respect religious customs as religion rules the roost in Bali. Plan accordingly if your travel dates fall on Nyepi when everything in Bali (even the airport) shuts down for the day, and always dress modestly (covering the shoulders and knees) and conduct yourself appropriately when visiting temples and holy sites.
Prepare for a mixed bag of price tags as it’s still possible to visit Bali on a shoestring by staying in guesthouses, dining at warungs and shopping at local markets, but you can just as easily blow your life savings.
Be cautious of wild and stray animals.
Avoid plastic water bottles.

Is it worth going to Bali for 1 week?

It is worth going to Bali for 1 week. Bali is a beautiful island with many things to see and do.

There are many popular tourist attractions such as Mount Batur, Tanah Lot Temple, Taman Ayun Temple, Ubud Monkey Forest, Goa Gajah Gianyar, Pura Ulun Danu Bratan, Sekumpul Waterfall, WaterBom Waterpark, Garuda Wishnu Kencana Cultural Park, and Nusa Lembongan.

If you’re planning to visit Bali for the first time, you can follow a 7-day itinerary that covers the highlights of the island. According to BudgetYourTrip.com, you should plan to spend around Rp1,176,938 ($78) per day on your vacation in Bali, which is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.