Having captured the hearts of many, and with good reasons like amazing food, fancy hotels, gorgeous beaches, relaxed vibes, tropical weather and beautiful temples scattered in every corner of the island. There's so much to do and so much to see, it's quite easy to miss what shouldn’t be missed.
To save you the hassle, we’ve come up with our top 6 must-see destinations in Bali, Indonesia.
1. Tanah Lot:
Meaning "Land [in the] Sea" in the Balinese language, Tanah Lot, one of seven sea temples around the Balinese coast, sits on a large offshore rock which has been shaped continuously over the years by the ocean tide and has been a part of Balinese mythology for centuries.
Each of the sea temples was established within eyesight of the next to form a chain along the south-western coast. In addition to Balinese mythology, the temple was significantly influenced by Hinduism.
2. Tegallalang Rice Terraces:
According to history, the subak (traditional Balinese cooperative irrigation system), was passed down by a revered holy man named Rsi Markandeya in the eighth century.
The Tegallalang rice terraces are famous for its beautiful scenes of rice paddies and offer a scenic outlook that spreads down before you and away to the slopes across the valley. The high roadside location is a well-known spot for tourists to stop and take photos. Painters and nature lovers also enjoy visiting this spot, and there are numerous art kiosks and cafes near the ledge offering their ware.
3. Padang Beach:
Popularly known as Taplau (short for tapi lauik meaning waterfront) is located in the city of Padang, West Sumatra, Indonesia. This beach is located in a dense urban area in the District of West Padang, and extends from Purus to Batang Arau estuary. The beach is approximately 23 km from Minangkabau International Airport or 30 minutes by car.
4. Mount Agung:
Mount Agung or Gunung Agung (Balinese: Holy mountain) is an active volcano, with a large and deep crater that occasionally emits smoke and ash. It is also the highest point in Bali. It dominates the surrounding area, influencing the climate, especially rainfall patterns.
5. Pura Ulun Danu Bratan:
Located on the shores of Lake Bratan in the mountains near Bedugul, Pura Ulun Danu Beratan, or Pura Bratan, is a major Shaivite water temple. Built in 1633, this temple is used for offerings ceremony to the Balinese water, lake and river goddess Dewi Danu, due to the importance of Lake Bratan as a main source of irrigation in central Bali.
The 11-storey pelinggih meru in the complex is dedicated to Shiva and his consort Parvathi. Buddha's statue is also enshrined in this temple. This temple is also called as Bali temple on the lake because it looks like it is floating when the Bratan river water rises.
6. Penglipuran Village
Famous as one of the tourist destinations in Bali because of its society who still preserve their traditional culture in their daily lives. The architecture of buildings and land processing still follows the concept of Tri Hita Karana, the philosophy of Balinese society regarding the balance of relations between God, humans and their environment.
Penglipuran Village succeeded in building tourism that benefited all of their communities without losing their culture and traditions. The Penglipuran community applies "community-based-tourism" to avoid tourism capitalism in their village. With this concept, no individual will benefit directly from tourism because these benefits will be allocated for village development. Tourism actors such as tour guides, ticket guards and other officers will be directly employed by the village and get paid from the amount of profit earned, for example, 40% of the total ticket sales.
These locations are all uniquely special, and likely to give you a taste of all the main attractions that Bali has to offer. Are you packing yet?
More info: travelrouge.co.uk
