🌋 Top 10 Landmarks to Visit in Bali in 2024 (Part II)

#BaliTravel #CulturalBali #Ubud #ExploreIndonesia #TravelDiaries #NomadLife #VolcanoHiking

💭 “Bali is a paradise which sends even a thrill to the most hardened travelers.”

—Roman Skaskiw

Picking up where we left off, let’s dive deeper into Bali’s cultural and natural wonders. This time, we’re heading north—starting with the enchanting city of Ubud.

🏡 6. Ubud

Leaving the busy western shorelines of Kuta, Legian, and Seminyak behind, we head north into Bali’s cultural and spiritual heart—Ubud. Nestled among dense tropical greenery, Ubud offers a completely different atmosphere.

🌿 Why visit?

A hub of temples, markets, and cafés with deep cultural roots.
Noticeably more humid than the coast, with frequent night rainfalls.
Best explored by scooter—or using Grab (the app that replaced traditional taxis in Bali).

Want to hire a driver for the whole day? It won’t cost more than €40 / $45 USD—a steal for getting around comfortably!

🐒 7. The Monkey Forest

Much like Uluwatu Temple, this sacred forest is home to troops of playful (and sometimes mischievous) monkeys. Guides will warn you repeatedly to be cautious, but there’s no need for paranoia—just keep your belongings close.

🐵 What makes this forest special?

Overgrown jungle vines that look straight out of Indiana Jones or Tomb Raider.
Ancient moss-covered statues, adding a mystical feel.
The chance to take a “monkey selfie” or watch another Kecak Dance ceremony—this one with music instead of chanting.

🏯 8. Saraswati Temple

This small but stunning temple is one of Bali’s most photogenic spots. It won’t take more than five minutes to walk around, but the scenic beauty makes it worth the visit.

What to expect?

Classic Balinese architecture, with lotus ponds and intricate carvings.
A mandatory sarong and kimono dress code (provided at the entrance).
A chance to capture some of the best temple photos in Bali.

Heads-up: Some tour group members noted that temple attire isn’t always freshly washed. If you’d rather avoid that, consider bringing your own sarong (they’re easy to find in local markets).

🌾 9. Tegallalang Rice Fields

One of Bali’s most iconic landscapes, the Tegallalang Rice Terraces offer an unforgettable view of lush, layered rice paddies. These terraces aren’t just for show—they’re a centuries-old farming technique that has allowed generations to thrive.

🍚 Why visit?

Famous filming location—featured in movies and music videos.
Offers swing experiences over the rice fields (~200K IDR / $12-15 USD).
Scenic coffee shops nearby, perfect for a break from the midday sun.

While rice paddies may not seem thrilling, the Balinese have turned them into a full experience with swings, nests, and picture-perfect moments. I personally skipped the swing—not because of the price, but because I had the irrational urge to jump mid-air. (Not advisable! 😂)

🌋 10. Batur Volcano

Would you hike up an active volcano at 2 AM just to watch the sunrise? That’s exactly what many travelers do at Mount Batur.

🏔️ Why visit?

A majestic sunrise hike, taking about 2 hours to reach the top.
Incredible panoramic views over Bali’s lush landscape.
A surreal experience of standing atop an active volcano.

Confession: I skipped the sunrise trek (jet lag + exhaustion won that battle). However, visiting later in the day still blew me away. Bali’s diversity—from ocean to jungle to mountains—is beyond remarkable.

💡 Quick Tip: Indonesia sits on the Ring of Fire, meaning tectonic activity is common. One night, I woke up to an earthquake aftershock so strong it felt like my room was a boat at sea. Just something to be aware of when traveling here!

🏝️ More Adventures to Come!

Bali’s magic doesn’t end here—there’s still more to explore! Stay tuned for Part III, where I’ll share even more must-visit locations. 🌍✨

In the meantime, if you need help planning your Bali adventure, feel free to reach out!