Must-See in Bali: Our Highlights Guide

Must-See in Bali: Our Highlights Guide

Bali is a truly magical destination. With its countless awe-inspiring temples and vibrant daily ceremonies filled with chanting and gamelan music, the island has a unique charm. You’ll find beautiful beaches with aquamarine waves and surfers riding the curls, as well as iconic rice paddies that stretch for miles. Don’t miss the canang sari, daily flower offerings seen everywhere on this “Island of the Gods.”

“From pristine beaches to lush landscapes and cultural treasures, Bali offers something for every traveler,” says Giordano Faggioli, general manager of Ayana Estate. “Guests can relax, explore, and seek spiritual rejuvenation or adventure for a memorable experience.”

Bali attracts a diverse crowd, from wellness enthusiasts and design lovers to surfers and celebrities. For the best Bali experience, visit multiple locations instead of just one vibe.

Customize your Bali trip to fit your preferences,” suggests Faggioli. “Climb Mount Batur for a stunning sunrise and immerse yourself in local life at Sukowati market.

Enjoy the warm hospitality of the locals. After your time in Bali, you’ll leave feeling happier, healthier, and sun-kissed.

Best Hotels & Resorts

Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan

The Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan, designed by John Heah over 25 years ago, is a stunning hotel in the Sacred River Ayung valley near Ubud. With 18 suites and 42 villas, it offers excellent service and beautiful architecture, earning it a spot as one of the world’s best hotels.

Guests enjoy amenities like a spa, yoga classes, and diverse dining options, including Indonesian and Mediterranean cuisine. Ubud is just a 10-minute drive away, and the resort offers a free shuttle service.

This luxurious resort is a must-visit for anyone wanting to experience the beauty and peace of Bali.

Capella Ubud

Located in lush green forests, our unique tented camp blends seamlessly with nature. Designed by architect Bill Bensley, Capella Ubud, Bali pays homage to the adventurous spirit of early 1800s European settlers.

More than just a hotel, our camp offers a truly unique experience. Hidden among the trees, it allows guests to enjoy Bali’s natural beauty in stylish comfort. Capella Ubud features 22 one-bedroom tents and one two-bedroom lodge, each with its own private pool.

The Ritz-Carlton, Bali

The Ritz-Carlton, Bali offers 313 spacious and elegantly designed suites and villas, starting at 100 sqm, all set in a beautiful tropical ambiance. Located on a stunning clifftop by the beach, the resort provides tranquil views of the Indian Ocean, perfect for romantic getaways, family vacations, or business trips.

Enjoy six amazing dining options, a luxurious marine-inspired spa, a glamorous beachfront chapel, and fun activities at Ritz Kids. The resort also features various meeting and event spaces to create lasting memories. Guests can enjoy complimentary WiFi, access to the Kids Club, and a daily schedule of recreational activities, along with refreshments served hourly by the pool.

Things to Do

Ride a Bike Through Rice Fields

Explore the stunning rice terraces of Tegallalang, known for their beauty and UNESCO status. For a more personal experience, ride a bike through the emerald paddies, with many Ubud hotels and tour companies offering guided tours.

Try Surfing

Bali is famous for its surfing, boasting both professional-grade waves at places like Keramas and Uluwatu, as well as beginner-friendly spots like Baby Padang at Padang Padang Beach and Batu Bolong in Canggu. There are plenty of surf camps and instructors available across the island.

Visit Hindu Temples

Bali is home to thousands of beautiful Hindu temples that showcase impressive architecture and a mystical atmosphere. Don’t miss Pura Tirta Empul, where you can cleanse yourself in holy spring waters; Pura Besakih, the largest temple; and Pura Luhur Uluwatu, a clifftop temple known for its stunning sunset views and authentic kecak fire dances.

Take a Yoga Class at The Yoga Barn

Ubud is a hub for spirituality and wellness, featuring numerous yoga studios. The Yoga Barn offers over 100 classes a week in various styles, including yin, vinyasa, and Hatha, along with meditation, sound healing, and ecstatic dance.

Best Shopping

Gaya Ceramic

Founded by an Italian couple, Gaya Ceramic is a renowned design studio with a skilled team of about 100 Balinese craftsmen. Their showroom is filled with stunning handmade dishes and decor, making it hard to leave without a purchase.

Canaan x Rou

This small shop offers a carefully curated selection of collaborative goods made by Balinese artisans. You’ll find unique items like placemats, stylish brass cutlery, and plant-dyed shibori clothing. Great gifts include signature Canaan candles, artisanal fans from Yogyakarta, and beautiful ceramics inspired by wabi sabi.

Magali Pascal

Discover elegant and earthy womenswear at this Canggu boutique. Established in 2005, the Magali Pascal label combines effortless French style with a trendy color palette perfect for island getaways.

Drifter

You don’t need to be a surfing expert to enjoy shopping at this popular surf shop. Housed in a reclaimed joglo, Drifter features colorful surfboards crafted by top shapers, along with their own art-inspired tees, international bikini collections, original artwork, boho jewelry, and ocean-themed books.

Best Restaurants

Kaum: At Kaum, explore Indonesia’s diverse cuisine with regional dishes and spicy sambals made from locally sourced ingredients.

Zest: Zest is a stylish vegan restaurant in Ubud, serving colorful organic dishes like jackfruit steaks and cassava fettuccini, all wrapped around a living frangipani tree.

Hujan Locale: Hujan Locale is a hidden gem that blends a casual warung vibe with fine dining. Enjoy unique cocktails and views of a classic Balinese neighborhood.

Chef’s Table at Sokasi: Dine at Sokasi in a bamboo pavilion overlooking the Ayung River. Experience traditional Balinese cooking with dishes featuring wild ginger and coconut flavors.

Cuca Restaurant Bali: Cuca offers a creative nine-course tapas tasting menu by chef Kevin Cherkas, showcasing Indonesian ingredients with dishes like sushi, BBQ octopus, and fried chicken.

Best Time to Visit Bali Island, Indonesia

The best time to visit Bali is during the summer holiday months and local festivals. One of the biggest holidays is Nyepi in March, which includes parades with large demon dolls (ogoh-ogoh) the night before a day of silence. On Nyepi, the airport closes, and tourists must stay at their hotels, offering a chance to experience Balinese culture and enjoy stargazing.

For surfers, the best waves are on the west coast from May to October, while the east coast gets better as the winds change.

“People visit Bali all year because of its great weather,” says Faggioli. “I prefer June to August, when the weather is really nice.”

Bali has two seasons: rainy and dry. The rainy season is from November to March and can have heavy rain, but there are also sunny days. The dry season from April to October is hot and less humid, with daytime temperatures in the high 70s to 80s Fahrenheit.