Bali
Unique among 17,504 islands that make up the Indonesian archipelago, Bali is a province and a state of mind. Home to most of Indonesia’s Hindu minority population, the island represents the core of the Tri Hita Karana philosophy — put simply, harmony among people, nature, and God. Bustling beachside towns occupy the south. This area is flush with tourists, high-end resorts and hotels, and dazzling sunsets over the ocean. With an ancient culture that overcame Dutch colonization, Balinese people have a warm character and serenity that permeates the island, giving it a distinctive vibe not found anywhere else.
Bali Museum
Bali’s equivalent to the Smithsonian or British Museum holds a trove of artistic and historical artifacts dating from the megalithic period to modern times. It is the island’s largest and oldest museum. The Museum Negeri Propinsi Bali houses over 10,000 exhibits in separate pavilions, all built in the puri-pura architectural style similar to Balinese temples - with stone carvings, bas-reliefs, and tropical gardens. A great introduction to Balinese art and history, it’s located at Puputan Square in central Denpasar, about 40 minutes North of the airport.
Explore PlaceBrahma Vihara Ashrama Buddhist Monastery
On an island with approximately 10,000 temples, this active Buddhist monastery nestled in the mountains of North Bali stands out as a must-see site for its spiritual and cultural significance. This site has impressive temples, Buddha statues, lotus-filled gardens, meditation rooms, spectacular views, and a deep feeling of serenity within its 10 acres (4 ha). A worthy stop on any itinerary in the area, it’s located about 6 miles (10 km) east of the beach resort town Lovina in the Buleleng District, approximately three hours north of Denpasar.
Explore PlaceBesakih Temple
Besakih is known as the Mother of all Balinese temples. She sits 3280 feet (1,000 m) high on the southwestern slopes of Mount Agung, a soaring holy volcano that’s in the Jungutan area of the Karangasem Regency. The temple site is about 25 miles (40 km) from Amed, and 31 miles (50 km) from Ubud, where most visitors will stay. As the only Balinese temple open to Hindus of all castes, Besakih is famous for a variety of different ceremonies. This means you’ll see an astounding array of colorful offerings left by groups of devoted Hindu who make the trek to pay homage. With scenic views and impressive ancient architecture, it’s popular with both religious pilgrims and tourists year round.
Explore PlaceUbud
Set in Bali’s lush interior, Ubud is the island’s cultural hub. As of late, it has become bustling tourist destination which bears little resemblance to a traditional Balinese village. Patches of paradise can still be found in Ubud, and it remains the center for spiritual tourism.
Explore PlaceNusa Dua
Nusa Dua is known for its long, sandy beach lines with international luxury hotel chains. Situated on the southeast coast of Bali, Nusa Dua can be reached from Denpasar by taxi or private car in around 35 minutes.
Explore PlaceCanggu
Canggu is a small area on the southwest coast of Bali nestled between bustling Seminyak to its south and Tanah Lot to the north. Known among expats as “The Gu,” the area was once a sleepy surfing village, completely unknown to the tourism industry. Canggu is now, arguably, the place to be seen on the island, whether at one of the contemporary cafes or mellow, beachfront bars. This place oozes chicness and can be reached in just under an hour from Denpasar airport.
Explore PlaceSanur
Set on the southeast coast of Bali, directly east of Kuta and north of the Denpasar airport, Sanur can be reached in around 25 minutes via car. This beach town offers a less intense atmosphere than Kuta, Legian, or Nusa Dua. It also has more Balinese than visitors, the atmosphere is laidback, and the nightlife is mellow. In spite of its relaxed atmosphere, visitors won’t have to look very hard for memorable things to do.
Explore PlaceSeminyak
Seminyak isn’t a traditional Balinese village and it isn’t for visitors looking for relaxation, but it has a charm all its own. Seminyak is located on the southwest coast of the island, directly adjacent to Kuta and Legian, and can be reached in around 30 minutes via private car or taxi service.
Explore PlaceJimbaran
Jimbaran is known as the seafood capital of Bali. The bay has a beautiful sunset, punctuated by jetliners landing at the nearby Denpasar airport.
Explore PlaceCandi Dasa
Candidasa, formerly known as Teluk Kehen, is known as one of Indonesia's incredible diving destinations – people come here especially to see manta rays and sea turtles. Despite its coastal location, don’t count on the beaches in Candidasa – concrete breakwaters run along the shore for the length of the town. Narrow, black-sand beaches beyond the town often disappear entirely at high tide.
Explore PlaceUluwatu
Uluwatu has some of the world’s best surf breaks, beautiful hidden beaches, and epic sunset views. The limestone cliff-fringed peninsula is home to the iconic Uluwatu Temple and other cultural opportunities. The area hasn’t been overdeveloped, so it’s still relaxing and peaceful. There’s a variety of accommodations available from inexpensive surfer rooms to deluxe resorts; and cliffside dining options with panoramic ocean vistas. Uluwatu is on the Southwestern tip of the Bukit Peninsula about 1 hour south of Ngurah Rai Airport.
Explore PlaceTabanan
Tabanan is a regency in Bali which covers a large portion of the inland and southwest coast. The majority of the area consists of rice fields and plantations, and as a result, is the major center of rice production on the island. The population here relies heavily on farming and agriculture, rather than tourism. The rice fields and terraces make this region particularly beautiful and it is also home to picturesque beaches, mountains, and lakes.
Explore PlaceAmed
Amed refers to a long stretch of coastline that starts at the village of Culik and stretches about 8.7 miles (14 km) to the east. It comprises the seven villages of Amed, Jemeluk, Bunutan, Lipah, Selang, Banyuning, and Aas. You can get there within a 3-hour drive from Ubud or Kuta. If you’re looking for a relaxed holiday, this place—with its slow pace and enchanting scenery— will definitely tempt you.
Explore PlaceSingaraja
Singaraja—by locals also known as Buleleng, the same name as the district—has more than 125,000 people and is Bali's second-largest city. It’s located along the northern coast, about a 2-hour drive from Ubud or 2.5-hour drive from Kuta. Its name combines tow Bahasa Indonesia words: “Singa” (lion) and “Raja” (king), but it has nothing to do with Disney and Simba.
Explore PlaceGianyar
The Gianyar province covers a corridor of land which stretches from Bali’s east coast, inland to Ubud. This area relies less on the tourist dollar, and more on industry profits. Gianyar village and its surrounds are home to many large factories that produce fabrics, as well as a famous night market specializing in authentic Indonesian cuisine.
Explore PlaceBenoa
Benoa — full name Tanjung Benoa — is a peninsula on the southeast coast of Bali. This peninsula extends north from Nusa Dua to Benoa village and is reachable from Denpasar airport in under 30 minutes. It’s best known as the best destination on the island for water sports like paragliding and jet skiing.
Explore PlaceLovina
Lovina stretches over 5 miles (8 km), and consists of a beach and a bunch of coastal villages—Kaliasem, Kalibukbuk, Anturan, and Tukad Mungga. The biggest and most popular is Kalibukbuk, located about 6.5 miles (10.5 km) west of Singaraja. To get to Lovina, take a 3-hour drive from Kuta or a 2.5-hour drive from Ubud.
Explore PlaceKuta
Formerly a quiet fishing village, Kuta became one of the first areas in Bali to undergo a major transformation to cater to the tourism industry. This village has become the most well-known part of the island. Kuta is situated on the southwestern coast of Bali and is a short, 15-minute drive from Denpasar’s Ngurah Rai International Airport. Kuta’s proximity to the airport makes it the first pit stop for many travelers arriving at the island, but it is also becoming increasingly common for travelers seeking quieter and lesser-known destinations to skip Kuta completely.
Explore PlaceNusa Lembongan
Nusa Lembongan is a tiny island off the southeast coast of Bali, across the Badung Strait. With its white-sand beaches, famous surf breaks, and snorkel-worthy reefs, this island is the perfect escape from the bustle of Bali’s hotspots. The popularity of the island continues to grow but it has managed to maintain a mellow surfer vibe. Simple accommodations with views of the surf breaks are readily available, but there are plenty of large hotel complexes under construction as well.
Explore PlaceNusa Penida
Of the three islands off the coast of Bali, Nusa Penida is the largest. It is located to the southeast of the mainland. You have two transportation options to get there— the public boat takes around 90 minutes and is the most economical option, and a speedboat can get you there in just 50 minutes. Both options depart from Sanur.
Explore PlaceLegian Beach
Legian is a suburban and beach area on the west coast of Bali in Indonesia, just north of Kuta and south of Seminyak, Set between 2 of Bali's most famous beaches, Legian is a mix of the surfing Mecca scenes of Kuta and the partying crowd of Seminyak. It's a great recreational place where you can swim in clear waters and go for leisurely walks along streets lined with boutiques and restaurants.
Explore PlaceSideman
Sideman valley (pronounced like “si de man” in Spanish) is one of Bali’s hidden gems, although it has experienced a sudden increase in popularity. You will get there within a 45-minute drive inland from Padang Bai, one hour from Candidasa, 1.5 hours from Ubud, or 2 hours from Kuta. Local hiking trails traverse rice fields, the valleys of the Unda river, and working plantations. Sidemen can be a good setting-off point for a trip to Agung Volcano or a day trip to other sights in East Bali.
Explore PlacePemuteran
A small village close to West Bali National Park, also known for an entry point to Menjangan Island. A true diver's and snorkeler's heaven.
Explore PlaceMore about Bali
The colorful ceremonies and daily offerings of the Balinese Hindu religion are lovely and unmistakable. Ornate temples are on nearly every street. You can visit spectacular shrines by the sea in Tanah Lot and Uluwatu, or in the highest mountains of Besakih and Lake Bratan.
The south coast of Bali is the center of tourism, where each beach town has its own character and crowd. It’s the most developed part of the island and has something for everyone — from hipster-heavy Canggu, the wild party town of Kuta, to upscale, glamorous Seminyak; all side by side on the shores of the Indian Ocean. Denpasar is the biggest city and seat of government. Sanur is a destination for families and retirees, while the Bukit Peninsula features a combination of world-class surf spots, hidden beaches along steep cliffs, and 5-star resorts.
Ubud is in the middle of Bali and forms the epicenter of art and New Age attractions. A quaint town set among the rice fields, it is home to craftsmen, artists, and searchers from Bali and beyond. Mount Agung is an active volcano with the islands’ tallest peak and serves as the spiritual center of Bali — the home of the Gods, set among verdant mountains that stretch from east to west.
West Bali is the island’s nature preserve. West Bali National Park dominates the landscape with its vast swath of preserved land that is surrounded by villages and rice fields. North and east Bali have laidback beach towns that offer a quiet respite from the bustle of southern Bali. To the southeast are Nusa Lembongan, Nusa Penida, and Nusa Ceningan — these three pristine islands that are known for their diving and nature tours.
Browse some of our favorite itineraries
Get excited and browse our selection of our favorite hand made tours including Bali. From romantic honeymoons to family-fun; these are completely flexible and arranged to your needs.
Bonding Your Souls in Bali
Whether it’s your honeymoon, anniversary, or simply an overdue romantic getaway, reconnect with your sense of adventure and each other in Bali, Indonesia.
Our Love in Bali & Beyond!
Make a lasting memory when you unplug from the digital world and tune into nature and each other. Island hop your way to happiness and a deeper connection.
A Blessed Union in Bali
Make this romantic getaway something truly special when you go on adventures, participate in spiritual ceremonies, and reconnect to nature on the island of Bali, Indonesia.
Family Tales & Cultural Adventures
Be the family that tells amazing stories when you enjoy nature excursions, cultural exchanges, and visit sacred sites all in the span of one family vacation.
Little Island. Big Trip.
This family vacation, skip standing in the hot sun at a theme park and choose the breathtaking beauty of Bali, Indonesia. Soft sand, aquamarine oceans, and the beauty of nature.
