Why should you holiday in Bali?

Indonesia consists of thousands of islands, including Bali, which despite its small size, is one of the undisputed highlights.

Bali is known as the Island of the Gods – and rightly so. Discover its majestic and breathtaking scenery, beautiful Hindu temples and endless beaches, which make the island the perfect place for a beach holiday.

Our Bali tours

Below, you can read more about some of Bali’s amazing highlights.

Munduk

Located in the Balinese Highlands, Munduk is one of Bali’s best kept secrets.

Surrounded by a stunning landscape, the peaceful, little town offers scenic walks, trekking in the lush jungle, roaring waterfalls and vantage points from which you can enjoy stunning highland views.

Besides its beautiful nature, Munduk also known for its production of coffee, vanilla, cocoa, fruits and vegetables, which you can sample at one of the many good restaurants in the area.

Ubud, the mysterious artists’ town

Scenically located in the volcanic highlands, nestled between lush green mountains, deep gorges and emerald green rice terraces, you will find the town of Ubud, a must-see on your tour to Bali.

The town is considered Bali’s cultural heart and spiritual capital, where art and crafts are very much in focus. There are many beautiful temples here, and it’s not unusual to witness ceremonial processions with the Balinese in traditional dress at the temples and in the streets of the town. You will also find many shops selling the beautiful wares made according to age-old traditions.

It is also possible to explore Ubud and the surrounding area by bike. You can, among other things, experience villages, rice fields and stunning views of the Batur volcano and the crater lake.

Bali’s temples

Bali has thousands of temples. The iconic landmarks are almost synonymous with Bali, hence the island’s nickname “the island of a thousand temples”. Hinduism plays a major role on the island and is a unique part of Balinese culture.

On our holidays, you will discover some of Bali’s largest and most beautiful Hindu temples.

In eastern Bali, you can visit the Besakih Temple, which enjoys a scenic location atop Mount Agung, at a height of almost 1,000 metres. The temple, which is also known as the Mother Temple, is Bali’s most important and most sacred temple.

In south-western Bali, you will find the Tanah Lot Temple. Tanah Lot is beautifully located on a rock by the sea, and the temple is one of Bali’s main landmarks.

North-east of Ubud, in the village of Tampaksiring, is the Hindu temple Tirta Empul. The temple is located at 12 sacred springs. The Balinese bring daily offerings and many of them bathe in the holy water.

On the west bank of Lake Bratan, you can experience the water temple Ulun Danu, which dates back to the 17th century. The photogenic temple is situated in picturesque surroundings and is often depicted as a symbol of Bali.

Lovina

Lovina on the north coast of Bali welcomes you with its dark volcanic beaches, clear, calm waters and chilled atmosphere.

Enjoy the long beaches and scenic surroundings, or go on one of the many excursions offered in the area.

Snorkelling at Menjangan

Roughly 10 km from Bali’s north-west coast, you will find the island of Menjangan, which is part of Bali National Park. The island is surrounded by a spectacular reef which, together with its marine life, makes it a favourite destination for snorkellers and divers from all over the world.

Choose an optional snorkel excursion if you wish to experience Bali beneath the waves. You will be sailed out to the spectacular reef, where a snorkelling guide will show you around, pointing out fish, seafood and corals.

Gitgit Waterfall

Bali has many beautiful waterfalls, but Gitgit Waterfall is one of the most popular, and you can visit it on an optional excursion.

The route to the waterfall takes you through the lush green jungle, and after around a 15-minute walk, you are rewarded with sight of the most beautiful waterfall. The waterfall cascades around 40 metres down through the rocky landscape and is accessible all year round.

Take a well-deserved break and enjoy a dip in the cold water of the beautiful waterfall.

Other highlights of Bali

The following sights are also waiting to be experienced in Bali.

• Discover Bali’s world-famous rice terraces, e.g. at Tegalalang or at Jatiluwih, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

• Kerta Gosa, also known as the Floating Pavilion, is the old Hall of Justice in Klungkung. The ceiling of the open building is decorated with pictures depicting what happens to you when you die if you do not behave properly in your earthly life.

• Visit the village of Tenganang, which is inhabited by the Bali Aga, a group of people considered to be Bali’s original inhabitants before the arrival of the Hindu-Javanese. The village is also known for its unique weaving technique, and you have the opportunity to buy beautiful hand-woven items.

• Discover authentic Bali in scenic Sidemen, located in the highlands east of Ubud. The area is especially famous for its scenic rice terraces, plantations and landscapes, which are great to experience on a hike. Enjoy the quiet, lush surroundings without having to share them with many other visitors.

• The small fishing village of Amed on the east coast of Bali is known for its dark volcanic beaches and excellent scuba diving and snorkelling at the stunning coral reef. The area is still off the beaten track and is ideal for a day at the beach, a snorkelling trip to Jemeluk Bay or perhaps a walk in the lush countryside surrounding the village.

Combine with a beach holiday

Extend your tour to Bali with a beach holiday in Bali or on one of the amazing surrounding islands, which promise long, lazy days by the water in the most scenic of surroundings.

Beach holiday at Sanur

Sanur is located on the coast of south-eastern Bali and is one of Bali’s most popular seaside resorts. It offers miles of beautiful sandy beaches and is the perfect destination for a wonderful beach holiday. The beach is protected by a coral reef, making the water calm and the beach incredibly child friendly.

Besides the beach, you can also stroll through the lovely town, where you can experience temple ceremonies, taste Javanese coffee or visit one of the interesting restaurants where you can taste Balinese specialities.

Beach holiday in Nusa Dua

At the southernmost tip of Bali, you will find Nusa Dua, another of Bali’s fantastic beach resorts.

A quiet and peaceful beach holiday awaits you here in a luxurious area by some of Bali’s finest, golden sandy beaches. The area is ideal if you’re looking for a holiday in peaceful, luxurious surroundings, where all you have to worry about is relaxing and enjoying the hours lying on the beach in the sun.

Beach holiday in Nusa Lembongan

Nusa Lembongan is a small island, a mere 35-minute boat ride south-east of Bali.
Measuring just 8 km2, the tropical paradise island offers plenty of opportunity to take things down a notch with long, lazy days on the beach, engaging in pure relaxation. If you need to spice up your day, the island is an ideal place to snorkel, surf and dive.

On Nusa Lembongan, you can also experience Devil’s Tears, a rocky cove, where the waves crash against the cliffs. It’s also a beautiful place to watch the sunset.

Beach holiday on the Gili Islands

Between Bali and the island of Lombok, you will find the Gili Islands.
Gili consists of three islands, and you will visit Gili Trawangan, the largest of the three.

The islands are surrounded by beautiful coral reefs, and so not only offer a beach paradise with sublime sandy beaches, but also a paradise for divers and people wishing to snorkel.

Motorised vehicles are banned on the islands, so you get about by walking, cycling or on horse-drawn carts, making for a very special experience.

Combine with experiences in Java

Combine a beach holiday in Bali with a tour to Java, where you can experience a fascinating landscape featuring rice fields and beautiful conical volcanoes. Java offers many highlights, such as:

• Yogyakarta, the soul of Java, where you can experience the island’s history and traditions. See, among other things, the sultan’s palace Kraton Yogyakarta, the traditional craft batik and the large Hindu temple compound Brambanan, where you can experience the Shiva Shrine of Loro Jonggrang, which is said to be Java’s most elegant temple.

• North-west of Yogyakarta, you can visit the magnificent Borobudur Temple, one of the world’s largest Buddhist monuments. The temple dates back to the 8th or 9th century and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

• Experience Java’s volcanoes, including sunrise on the Mount Bromo volcano, and trek to the top of the Ijen crater, where you will find the beautiful turquoise crater lake at an altitude of around 2,300 metres.
• Discover authentic Bali in scenic Sidemen, located in the highlands east of Ubud. The area is especially famous for its scenic rice terraces, plantations and landscapes, which are great to experience on a hike. Enjoy the quiet, lush surroundings without having to share them with many other visitors.
• The small fishing village of Amed on the east coast of Bali is known for its dark volcanic beaches and excellent scuba diving and snorkelling at the stunning coral reef. The area is still off the beaten track and is ideal for a day at the beach, a snorkelling trip to Jemeluk Bay or perhaps a walk in the lush countryside surrounding the village.

Combine with experiences on the Komodo islands and western Flores

Komodo is a UNESCO-protected national park located east of Bali. On an extension to Komodo, you visit the islands of Kelor, Flores and, of course, Komodo.

The highlight of Komodo Island is without doubt the large Komodo dragons that live in the wild here. The Komodo dragon is the world’s largest living species of lizard, and its appearance is reminiscent of mystical dragons. On Komodo Island, you get to see the big lizards in their natural surroundings.

On the island, you can also see buffaloes, wild deer, parrots and a scenic, yet rugged landscape, which differs somewhat to what you have seen in Bali.

Combine with city break in Singapore

Combine your Bali tour with the state-of-the-art metropolis of the East, Singapore. The small island state is South-east Asia’s smallest country, but its size is no reflection of what it has to offer. Singapore offers a wealth of experiences in a multicultural society:

• Singapore is a veritable mecca if you love shopping. It is brimming with large shopping centres where you can buy everything the heart desires. You even have the option to purchase your goods tax-free. So just make room in your suitcase for all your new purchases.

• Singapore offers a whole host of diverse and interesting culinary experiences. Whether you’re into exciting food markets selling local produce, cosy cafés, small stalls in a green oasis or prestigious Michelin restaurants, Singapore has something for you.

• Take a trip to the small Sentosa Island, where fabulous beaches and countless activities are waiting to be explored. Head to Universal Studios, for example, or discover some of the island’s other fun adventure parks.

• Be captivated by Singapore’s unique architecture with its enchanting Super Trees, the impressive Marina Bay Sands hotel and the many tall skyscrapers. And visit the colourful areas of Little India and Kampong Glam and see the distinctive red lanterns of China Town.

Any questions?

If you have any questions about Bali, obtaining a quote, booking the tour or our other tours to the East, please contact our travel specialists.

We look forward to sending you on your holiday of a lifetime!

TourCompass – From tourist to traveller