Best Places to Visit in Bali in 2026
A local's guide to the most unforgettable destinations across the Island of the Gods.
Bali is far more than beaches and beach clubs. From misty mountain temples to hidden waterfalls and terraced rice paddies, the island offers an extraordinary diversity of landscapes and experiences. Having served thousands of travelers since 2019, the Baliqu team has curated this list of the best places to visit in Bali — all easily accessible with your own rental car.
1. Uluwatu Temple & Kecak Fire Dance
Perched 70 meters above the Indian Ocean on a dramatic limestone cliff, Pura Luhur Uluwatu is one of Bali's six key spiritual pillars. The temple offers sweeping ocean views, resident macaques, and one of the most spectacular sunsets on the island.
- Best time to visit: Late afternoon (4:00 PM - 6:00 PM) for sunset.
- Kecak Dance: Performed daily at 6:00 PM against the sunset backdrop. Tickets: IDR 150,000.
- Dress code: Sarong and sash required (rentals available at entrance).
- Location: South Kuta, Badung Regency. About 45 minutes from Seminyak by car.
2. Tegallalang Rice Terraces
The iconic emerald-green rice paddies of Tegallalang are among Bali's most photographed landscapes. These centuries-old subak (irrigation) terraces cascade down hillsides in precise, beautiful patterns that reflect Bali's agrarian heritage.
- Best time to visit: Early morning (7:00 AM - 9:00 AM) to avoid crowds and catch the golden light.
- Entrance fee: IDR 25,000 per person (donation-based at some gates).
- Nearby: Combine with Tirta Empul Holy Spring Water Temple (15 minutes away).
- Tip: The famous "Bali Swing" and bird's-nest photo spots are located here, but expect queues.
3. Nusa Penida Day Trip
A 30-minute speedboat ride from Sanur Harbor, Nusa Penida is an untouched island paradise with dramatic coastal cliffs, crystal-clear waters, and world-class snorkeling. Having your own car on the mainland makes getting to the harbor easy, and scooters can be rented on the island itself.
- Kelingking Beach: The famous T-Rex shaped cliff. A steep 40-minute trek down to the beach.
- Angel's Billabong & Broken Beach: Natural infinity pool and archway formations.
- Crystal Bay: Perfect for snorkeling with manta rays and colorful coral.
- Boat cost: IDR 150,000 - 300,000 round trip per person from Sanur.
4. Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary (Ubud)
Home to over 1,200 long-tailed macaques, the Ubud Monkey Forest is both a conservation center and a spiritual site with three ancient temples hidden within dense jungle. It is a must-visit for families and wildlife enthusiasts.
- Entrance fee: IDR 80,000 per adult, IDR 60,000 per child.
- Best time: Morning (8:30 AM - 10:00 AM) when monkeys are most active but less aggressive.
- Safety: Do not make eye contact with monkeys, hide food and sunglasses, and keep a safe distance from mothers with babies.
5. Sekumpul Waterfall
Often called the most beautiful waterfall in Bali, Sekumpul is actually a cluster of seven falls plunging down a verdant cliff face in Buleleng Regency, northern Bali. The trek involves descending hundreds of steps and crossing a shallow river — but the reward is breathtaking.
- Location: Sekumpul Village, Buleleng. About 2.5 hours from Seminyak by car.
- Entrance fee: IDR 20,000 - 50,000 depending on the trekking route.
- Guide required: A local guide is mandatory for the full seven-waterfall trek (IDR 150,000 - 200,000).
- Tip: Combine with a visit to the nearby Ulun Danu Beratan Temple for a full northern Bali day trip.
6. Tanah Lot Temple
Pura Tanah Lot is Bali's most iconic sea temple, perched on a rocky outcrop that becomes an island during high tide. The temple is a pilgrimage site for Balinese Hindus and a cultural landmark for visitors.
- Best time: Sunset (arrive by 5:00 PM). Low tide allows walking closer to the temple base.
- Entrance fee: IDR 60,000 per adult.
- Nearby: The Tanah Lot cultural park includes shops, restaurants, and cultural performances.
- Location: Beraban, Tabanan. About 45 minutes from Seminyak by car.
7. Sidemen Valley
For travelers seeking authentic Bali away from the tourist crowds, Sidemen Valley offers terraced rice fields, traditional weaving villages, and views of Mount Agung that rival those of Ubud — without the Instagram crowds.
- Activities: Rice field trekking, traditional ikat weaving workshops, and riverside yoga.
- Best time: Sunrise, when Mount Agung is visible on clear days.
- Location: East Bali, about 1 hour from Ubud by car.
- Tip: Stay overnight in a riverside villa for the full Sidemen experience.
8. Bingin Beach & Padang Padang
The Bukit Peninsula is home to some of Bali's most beautiful hidden beaches. Bingin Beach and Padang Padang offer golden sand, turquoise water, and excellent surfing — accessible only by descending steep staircases through limestone cliffs.
- Surfing: Consistent reef breaks suitable for intermediate to advanced surfers.
- Beach clubs: Try Kelly's Warung at Bingin for fresh seafood with ocean views.
- Entrance: Padang Padang charges IDR 15,000; Bingin is free but parking is IDR 5,000.
- Tip: These beaches are not wheelchair or stroller accessible due to steep stairs.
Explore Bali at Your Own Pace
The best way to experience Bali is with your own vehicle. Public transportation is limited, and ride-hailing apps are restricted in many tourist areas. With a Baliqu rental car, you can leave early, stay late, and discover hidden spots that group tours never reach.
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