Bali travel destinations 2022? Bali is a small island of approximately 5,800 km sq located among the Indonesian archipelago of islands. Distance from Australia is approximately 4,600 km and flights to the island depart from most major international airports. Bali itself is divided into areas that are known as Regency’s , this is similar, metaphorically, to the states in Australia or America. Each Regency is further split into districts and again into sub-districts/villages. Each village will have its own community groups. Seminyak is actually a sub-district of Kuta, many regard it as its own unofficial district. The village is on the West Coast of Southern Bali north of Kuta and Legian. Depending on the day time and traffic it takes around 45 minutes to 2 hours to get to Seminyak, see our guide here on best way to travel from the international airport to Seminyak. Discover additional info at places to see in Bali.
In Balinese, “Ulu” means “tip” or “land’s end,” and “Watu” means rock, a fitting name for the location of the temple on the Bukit Peninsula, along the island’s southwestern tip. Like Pura Tanah Lot, sunset is the best time to visit, when the sky and sea glow in the late afternoon light. Archaeological finds here suggest the temple is of megalithic origin, dating from around the 10th century. The temple is believed to protect Bali from evil sea spirits, while the monkeys who dwell in the forest near its entrance are thought to guard the temple from bad influences (keep your belongings securely stashed away from their nimble grasp). A scenic pathway snakes from the entrance to the temple, with breathtaking viewpoints along the way. Only Hindu worshippers are allowed to enter the temple, but the beautiful setting and the sunset Kecak dance performances that take place here daily are more than worth the visit.
Kuta is known as the party capital of Bali and it’s very very westernized. When I first visited years ago, there was no beach shopping mall with designer stores, a range of fabulous beachfront restaurants, no no, and when I visited in 2019, I was actually shocked by just how “not Bali” that Kuta is! But saying that, if you’re craving something more Americanized, or you want to go clubbing, then Kuta is a good place to be. Seminyak is one of the great places to visit in Bali for couples. Seminkyak for me has a little more class and sophistication to it and it’s home to a strip of the best beach bars and restaurants in Bali. It’s probably one of my favourite places in Bali to visit. Seminyak has all you need and it caters wonderfully for vegans!
More than a thousand years old, Pura Besakih is known as the Mother Temple for a reason: It’s the holiest Hindu temple complex in Bali – and the biggest. Set in a spectacular location on the southern slopes of Mount Agung, at an altitude of 1,000 meters, Pura Besakih is actually a series of many different temples, which serve as the spiritual center for the Balinese people. Pura Penataran Agung is the largest. Lush rice paddies and forests ring this temple complex, and many important festivals take place here; you might be lucky enough to see one during your visit. Plan to spend about three hours touring the temples. It’s also a good idea to wear comfortable walking shoes – you’ll need to walk a fair distance and climb many stairs. Insider’s Tip: Locals trying to sell sarongs, incense, guiding services, and various other items bombard visitors at the gates here, but your ticket includes everything that you’ll need during your visit. The best time to visit Pura Besakih is early in the morning before the tourist buses arrive.
It is a natural habitat of more than 600 Balinese long-tailed monkeys. The Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary is located in Ubud and it serves as a tourist attraction hotspot due to its wildlife as well as religious value. There are around 115 species of various kinds of trees there and combined with monkeys who are always on the lookout for getting some treats from the tourists, this is a delightful place for nature lovers. Spread of 12.5 hectares of land, this place is owned by the Pandangetal community. Apart from the monkeys, there are also Timor Rusa Deer who are kept because of their beauty. The temples in here dare back to the 14th century and are constructed with amazing sculptures and carvings of dragons and monkeys. This is a great place to head to for some fun time with playful monkeys. Find even more details at https://rt-discoverbali.com/.
The slopes of Gunung Agung house Balis highest mountain, Pura Besakih, one of the best tourist attractions in Bali. Legends say that this nine directional temple was built to protect the island from evil. With 28 structures on terraces, it is surrounded by scenic rice paddies, lush forests and vegetation. Quick tip: Hire a registered guide to understand the signs and symbols through terraces. Dress appropriately! Mount Agung is the not just Bali’s spiritual center but it is also the highest peak there. A very revered mountain of Bali, Mount Agung’s peaks are shrouded in mist and clouds. The mountain looks scenic and a beauty to behold during dawn. Its picturesque beauty is perfect for getting some photography done. Trekking and rock climbing is a favored activity over in Mount Agung and it starts early. It is among the best places to see in Bali.