Nestled in the heart of Indonesia, Bali is a paradise that beckons travelers with its stunning landscapes, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality. As you embark on a journey to explore this enchanting island, you'll discover a tapestry of breathtaking destinations that captivate the soul. From lush rice terraces to pristine beaches and ancient temples, Bali offers a kaleidoscope of experiences for every wanderlust-seeker.

In this blog post, we will unveil the magic of three of Bali's most awe-inspiring destinations, each with its unique charm and allure. Discover why Bali is truly a haven for those seeking beauty, tranquility, and adventure and why you should consider it as your next destination.

Jatiluwih Rice Fields

Bali is full of treasures, but here are the three destinations that you shouldn't miss

Among the myriad of sights, three destinations stand out as the epitome of Bali's allure – Kelingking Beach, Jatiluwih Rice Fields, and the island's ancient and culturally significant temples. The first one on the list is admittedly off the main island of Bali, on Nusa Penida Island; however, you can get here with a fast boat ride and then a quick scooter to this location.

Kelingking Beach – Nature's Masterpiece

Nestled on the southwestern coast of Nusa Penida, Kelingking Beach is a breathtaking testament to the raw beauty of Indonesia's many islands. Often referred to as "T-Rex Bay" due to its dinosaur head-shaped cliff, the beach boasts pristine turquoise waters and golden sands. The panoramic views from the clifftop are nothing short of mesmerizing. To get there, take a ferry from Sanur to Nusa Penida, and once on the island, hire a local guide or rent a scooter to reach Kelingking Beach.

Trekking down to the beach itself is a hike we rank #1 of the most difficult hikes we've ever done. At the halfway point the steep concrete stairs turn into an ever-steeper descent of treacherous rocks with only a precariously built bamboo fencing to use as support. There were many times that we needed to use all fours to traverse down. This hike requires perfect weather conditions; if it were to rain as you were on this hike or down at this beach, it would likely make it impossible to accomplish.

When you reach the bottom of the stairs and land on the sand, we guarantee that the turquoise water and lush green cliff faces will amaze you. That being said, this is not a beach you can swim at or even wade too far in. The waves pull the sand underneath them so aggressively that is possible to be swept into the dangerous India ocean current. Fret not, there are other beaches on the island great for swimming.

The most impressive part of this experience is that Balinese locals make the trek down every day with juice and water, and they set up a little stand where you can pay an incredible markup for possibly much-needed hydration. We did in fact buy two water bottles to make it back up, a climb that in the middle of the day sun had us close to heat exhaustion. We encourage you to prepare and understand the intense hike you are getting into if you decide to go down, which, if you are capable of, we ABSOLUTELY recommend it.

Kelingking Beach

One of the world's most impressive beaches

Kelingking Beach the view from above

The path down in it's treacherous glory

Indian ocean meets American tourist meets Nusa Penida's beautiful cliffs

Jatiluwih Rice Fields – Terraced Beauty

Jatiluwih, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, unveils the iconic rice terraces that paint the landscape in vibrant shades of green. These meticulously crafted terraces cascade down the hills, creating a visually stunning masterpiece. To reach Jatiluwih, head towards Tabanan Regency. The journey offers glimpses of Bali's rural life, and upon arrival, you can explore the terraces on foot or by bike.

(This location immediately made me reminisce about playing the phone game "Godus" where you terraform beautiful green landscapes in terrace-like structures. If you know, you know - Chris.)

Jatiluwih sprawls on for as far as the eye can see, all while being framed by 3 beautiful volcanos. We were incredibly lucky on this day that a tropical rainstorm cleared up in time for us to enjoy its splendor.

We accessed this location as a part of a full-day tour where we had a Balinese tour guide drive us all across the island to see many of its beauties. We highly recommend such a tour as you can see some of Bali's most impressive and culturally significant temples, stop at a traditional market to try delicious tropical fruit and enjoy the views of the island out of the car window as you make your way around.

Jatiluwih Rice Fields

An up close view of the rice shoots, offering pedestal, and 2/3 volcanoes in frame

Walk the trails to immerse yourself deep in the fields

Sacred Temples – Spiritual Sanctuaries

Bali is adorned with numerous temples, each carrying its own spiritual significance. Among these, the Ulun Danu, Taman Ayun, and Tanah Lot temples stand out as must-visit landmarks.

Ulun Danu Temple, perched on the edge of Lake Beratan in Bedugul, presents a serene and picturesque setting. Known for its 17th-century architecture, this temple is dedicated to Dewi Danu, the goddess of lakes and rivers. According to Balinese mythology, the origin of Ulun Danu Temple involves a king who transformed himself into a bamboo shoot by Lake Beratan. Discovered by a young woman, the bamboo shoot turned back into the king, and their union brought prosperity to the land. In gratitude, the locals built Ulun Danu Temple to honor Dewi Danu, the water goddess, symbolizing their reverence for the sacred waters. This temple embodies the Balinese people's deep spiritual connection with their deities and the natural environment.

A short drive from Ubud, the Taman Ayun Temple is a notable example of traditional Balinese architecture and garden design. Enclosed by broad canals and accessed via a bridge leading to a richly decorated gate, Taman Ayun, which translates to "beautiful garden," lives up to its name. This temple complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was built in the 17th century and serves as a striking reminder of the island's royal past.

Lastly, Tanah Lot, one of Bali's most iconic temples, stands on a rocky islet, surrounded by the crashing waves of the sea. This temple is particularly famous for its stunning sunsets, where the silhouette of the temple against the fiery hues of the sky creates a breathtaking view. Tanah Lot, associated with Balinese mythology and revered for its serenity and cultural significance, is not just a religious site but also a testament to the island's natural beauty.

Unfortunately, our itinerary went astray from a tropical rain storm, a story for another blog post, so we didn't get here in time to capture the best photos, though we saw it as the sun set!

Visiting these temples offers a glimpse into Bali's spiritual heart, weaving together tales of gods and royalty with the island's natural splendor. Each temple, with its unique location and history, contributes to the rich tapestry of Balinese culture, making them essential stops for any traveler seeking to experience the true essence of this enchanting island.

Taman Ayun Temple

Ulun Danu Temple

Balinese locals preparing for a ceremony at Ayun Temple

Balinese Tour Guides are the best!

Ulun Danu Temple

Check out Reels we've made at these locations!