Bali, Indonesia

1. Canggu Beach

Canggu Beach is both the name of a village and a popular coastal area located roughly between Seminyak and Tanah Lot on the west coast of southern Bali. Canggu Beach comprises a long string of connected black-sand beaches, almost all of which offer great surfing conditions and attract surfers from all over the world. It is possible to walk the entire length of Canggu Beach – bring your hat and sunscreen and enjoy the coastal scenery and the many beach bars you will find along the way. For a change from the beach you can have some fun at Splash Waterpark and enjoy a seafood barbeque at Echo Beach House.

2. Bali Safari and Marine Park

Located in Gianyar in Bali, the Bali Safari and Marine Park is a definite must-see attraction for families and animal lovers. Although the park is more of an open zoo than a genuine safari destination, you will have the chance to see over 60 species of animals from Africa, Asia, and India at very close range in natural surroundings. You can tour the park by bus or grab the unique chance to take an elephant back safari. The park offers various activities, including animal encounters, dining at the Tsavo Lion Restaurant, the night safari, and the Bali Agung Show, which features over 100 actors and includes elephants and live music. For a break from the animals you can have some fun at the Waterpark and Funzone.

Bali Safari and Marine Park, Jalan Bypass Prof. Dr. Ida Bagus Mantra Km, 19.8 Kec, Gianyar, Bali 80551, Phone: +6-23-61-95-00-00

3. Blanco Renaissance Museum

Art lovers who are planning a visit to Ubud should not miss the chance to visit the Blanco Renaissance Museum, which is housed in the hilltop home and studio of the late Philippine-born artist Don Antonio Blanco. The galleries are housed in a palatial building that combines architectural elements from both Bali and Spain and houses a substantial collection of the artists’ life works, including collages, paintings, and lithographs displayed in elaborate and unusual frames. You can also tour the studio and gardens and even enjoy a meal at the museum café. Please note that the museum is not suitable for children or those who dislike nudity in art.

Blanco Renaissance Museum, Jalan Campuhan, Ubud, Bali, Phone: +6-23-61-97-55-02

4. Garuda Wisnu Kencana

If you can drag yourself away from the beaches for a day, a visit to the Garuda Wisnu Kencana cultural park will offer a glimpse into Balinese culture and mythology. At the heart of the park is the enormous (and as yet unfinished) statue of Vishnu, which will eventually reach a majestic height of over 1,500 feet and will be visible from just about all over the island. The GWK is a popular venue for outdoor events and its lofty location on the top of a hill affords sweeping views over Bali. You can tour the GWK on foot, by shuttle, or on a Segway Tour, and highlights of your visit will include seeing Balinese dancers, watching the Balinese Parade, and dining at the authentic on-site restaurant.

Garuda Wisnu Kencana, Jalan Raya Uluwatu, Ungansan, Kuta, Bali, Phone: +6-23-61-70-08-08

5. Goa Gajah

Located close to the city of Ubud in the Sukawati area of Bali, the Goa Gajah archaeological site (aka Elephant Cave) is one of Bali’s most sacred Hindu sites. It is believed that the cave was once a sanctuary used by Hindu priests for meditation. You enter the cave via an enormous and rather frightening entrance, resembling the gaping mouth of a mythological demonic creature that has been hewn out of the surrounding rock face – presumably to ward off ill spirits. Visitors to the cave will be struck by the quiet and serene atmosphere inside – the cave is still used as a Hindu religious site and visitors need to dress appropriately (knees and shoulders covered).

Goa Gajah, Jalan Raya Goa Gajah, Sukawati, 80582, Bali

6. Jimbaran Beach

Jimbaran Beach and Jimbaran Bay are located on the southwestern coast of the narrow strip of land that joins the Bukit Peninsula to the Bali mainland. Visitors who prefer to escape the overly touristy areas around Kuta and Sukawati will find they can still discover secluded areas to enjoy the sun along this stretch of beach. There are plenty of sunset and seafood restaurants where you can relax after a day on the beach as well as good local shopping and markets to explore. For a taste of culture you should not miss visiting the cliff-top Uluwatu Sea Temple and the adjacent amphitheater to watch the daily Kecak Fire Dance at sunset.

7. Kuta Beach

Kuta Beach was once a quiet little fishing village nestling on the western coast of Bali’s narrow isthmus, but is today considered to be the island’s most famous and busiest beach resort areas. The beach is very popular with surfers and the arrival of thousands of annual visitors has resulted in a rash of upmarket resorts, restaurants, good shopping opportunities, two water parks, and exciting nightlife. You can enjoy a wide variety of beach activities besides surfing and swimming – try your hand at windsurfing lessons, stand-up paddleboarding or even stand-up paddleboard yoga lessons. After a busy day in the sun, you can visit the Kuta Theatre for an entertaining family show.

8. Legian Beach

Legian Beach is a long stretch of coastline that lies between Kuta Beach and Siminyak Beach, two of Bali’s most popular holiday destinations. Visitors who are looking for a good stretch beach that has many hotels, resorts, and bars but less of a party vibe will probably find Legian Beach perfect. You can spend your days relaxing in the sun, join the local and visiting surfers, take long relaxing beach walks, or join in a game of beach volleyball or beach soccer. Nearby attractions include the Waterbom Bali waterpark, 5GX Bali Reverse Bungy, and a good variety of shopping markets and restaurants.

9. Luhur Uluwatu Temple

Located on a beautiful cliff top near Pecatu Village about 15 miles south of Kuta, Luhur Uluwatu Temple is a must-see attraction for all visitors to Bali. The temple is believed to be one of the six spiritual pillars of Bali and the site has been home to a Hindu temple since the 11th century. The current temple complex includes a beautiful cliff-side pagoda, some crumbling stone arches, and a protective stone wall, all precariously perched 230 feet over the beach below. You will find that this site is one of the very best on the island for watching dramatic sunsets, and the site also hosts the nightly Kecak Fire Dance. The temple is said to be protected by dozens of mischievous monkeys – you need to keep an eye on your possessions.

10. Millennium Bridge

We have all become accustomed to using environmentally friendly bamboo bowls, boards, and other utensils in our homes, but when you visit Sibang Kaja in Bali you will have the chance to see the famous Millennium Bridge , which has been constructed entirely out of bamboo and other local grasses. The 75-foot covered bridge is found adjacent to the Green School, an international school for sustainable living, which occupies a 20-acre campus and boasts over 75 bamboo-based buildings. The bridge consists of 192 bamboo poles, which symbolize the 192 countries in the world and was constructed in just 4 months using traditional methods. Not only can you admire and walk across the bridge, you can also hire it as a venue for small functions.