Women dancing a traditional Balinese dance
It's Bali Time!
Bali, with its beautiful nature, strong culture, and incredibly nice people, offers something for every type of traveler.
Looking for stunning beaches to relax on or even to surf? Go to Uluwatu!
Looking for calm, quiet, green nature? Go to North Bali!
Looking for a strong cultural experience in everyday habits? It’s all around Bali!
Most of you probably don't know where Bali is. Well, Bali is actually an island, not a country, located in Indonesia, Southeast Asia.
Bali was once awarded the number 1 spot in TripAdvisor's Travelers' Choice Award for 2017's best global destination and 2021's most popular destination.
But now, over time and with the rapid development in Bali, some areas have shifted in popularity. As an Indonesian living in Bali for the last 3 years, let me share with you the things to do in Bali and places to visit in Bali for your 2025 trip! Here are four must-visit areas in Bali, each with destinations that highlight the region's unique charm.
Seminyak & Canggu
Seminyak is the best place for trendy beaches like Double Six Beach, while Canggu is the right place for the best beach clubs in the whole world!
- Double Six Beach: One of Seminyak’s most popular beaches, Double Six Beach is known for its soft sand, beautiful sunsets, and vibrant atmosphere. It’s perfect for relaxing, enjoying a drink at one of the beachfront bars, or catching some waves.
- Petitenget Temple: Located near the beach, Petitenget Temple is a historic and active Hindu temple. It’s a peaceful spot where you can experience Bali's spiritual practices while enjoying the temple's beautiful oceanfront setting.
- Beach clubs in Canggu: Finns Beach Club, The Lawn Canggu, La Brisa Bali, Cafe del Mar Bali, Tropical Temptation, Komune Beach Club, and Atlas Beach Fest. But the 3 top beach clubs with their unique features are Finns Beach Club, La Brisa with their Sunday market, and Atlas Beach Fest.
- Tanah Lot: A short drive from Canggu, Tanah Lot is one of Bali’s most iconic sea temples. Situated on a rocky outcrop, the temple is especially stunning at sunset when the sky and ocean create a dramatic backdrop.
Early morning at Mount Batur, Bali, Indonesia
North Bali
For a more serene and less touristy side of Bali, the northeast region offers tranquil beauty and exciting adventures. This area is perfect for those seeking nature, adventure, and a deeper cultural connection.
- Besakih Temple: Bali’s Mother Temple, Besakih is a sprawling temple complex located on the slopes of Mount Agung. It’s the largest and most important Hindu temple on the island, offering panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
- Mount Batur: Mount Batur is an active volcano that offers a popular sunrise trekking experience. The hike to the summit provides incredible views of the caldera and Lake Batur, making it one of Bali's top adventure activities.
- Amed: Amed is a peaceful coastal village known for its excellent diving and snorkeling. The waters are clear and filled with vibrant coral reefs, making it a perfect destination for underwater exploration.
- North Bali has many incredible waterfalls like Gitgit, Sekumpul, Aling-Aling, Munduk, Tamblingan, Nungnung, and Banyumala Twin Waterfalls. But beware of the roads, as to reach some waterfalls, you will pass through steep and narrow paths.
Ubud, Gianyar Regency, Bali, Indonesia
Ubud
Ubud is Bali’s cultural epicenter, known for its artistic heritage, spiritual ambiance, and lush surroundings. It’s the ideal place to explore Bali’s traditional arts, nature, and spirituality.
- Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary: Everyone visiting Ubud must add this location to their list. With thousands of monkeys in this sanctuary, you will not only explore ancient temple ruins while walking among the monkeys, but you will also see their funny everyday habits!
- Tegallalang Rice Terrace and Alas Harum Bali: These iconic rice terraces in Ubud are among Bali’s most photographed spots. Not only that, Ubud now offers Alas Harum Bali, where you can try 32 different Balinese coffee variants and enjoy a pool bar with a stunning rice terrace view!
- Stroll around Ubud Center: You will find many cafes, beautiful temples along the streets of Ubud Center, and places to shop for unique Balinese crafts at Ubud Market. It feels like everything you need in Ubud is right in the center! Tips if you're going shopping at Ubud Market: Don’t forget to bargain!
Uluwatu sunset
Uluwatu
As mentioned above, Uluwatu is the best place to visit for amazing beaches and to do everything! Uluwatu has: Padang Padang Beach, Suluban Beach (Blue Point Beach), Dreamland Beach, Bingin Beach, Thomas Beach, Melasti Beach, Gunung Payung Beach, Balangan Beach, and Pandawa Beach. I can't recommend just one beach because all of them are a must-visit!
- Uluwatu Temple: Besides the beaches, Uluwatu also offers something different but must-try! Perched on a clifftop above the Indian Ocean, Uluwatu Temple is one of Bali’s most iconic landmarks. Its location offers panoramic ocean views, and visitors can watch the famous Kecak Dance at sunset, adding a spiritual and cultural element to the experience.
To explore these areas, I believe 3-4 weeks would be the best time to enjoy everything in Bali!You can start from Seminyak - Canggu - North Bali - Ubud - Uluwatu for the best route from Ngurah Rai Bali International Airport.
While traveling around Bali, you need a good internet connection to find these locations. Traditionally, travelers buy a local SIM card, which can be inconvenient and its price is not always predictable. It’s time to switch to Eskimo eSIM, starting from just $1.80, Eskimo offers coverage in over 80 countries, including Indonesia.