Looking for the most beautiful places in Bali? Here are 10 IG-worthy, picture perfect spots on the island.
The secret is out—Bali is one of the most naturally scenic, photo-friendly places on earth.
With tropic-style weather year-round, a thriving digital nomad community and low crime rates, it’s the perfect vacation spot for solo and budget travelers alike.
Those wanting to capture some the Bali magic on film and get some insta-worthy shots, these are some of the most beautiful places in Bali.
1) Handara Gate
The Handara Gate is an in Instagram favorite, but it’s not the entrance to a grand temple; it’s the entrance to a golf course. Since its rise to IG fame, the course has instituted an IDR 30k fee to take a “selfie” with the gate, and the lines can spread hours.
The golf course is unique in that you can play in the mountains. The jungle setting in the background makes for dramatic photographs, making it worth the stop.
2) Wanagiri Hidden Hills
Wanagiri Hidden Hills is on the north side of the island and exists solely for photographs. Overlooking one of Bali’s largest lakes, you can pose in a bird’s nest, egg, on a swing or over the edge of a boat.
Entrance fee to pose is IDR 100k. This is the costliest stop, but allows you to knock out all the epic photos in one place. Try to go when it’s not raining so you have less cloud cover over the river.
3) Banyumala Twin Waterfalls
There are many of beautiful waterfalls in Bali, but the Bayumala Twin Waterfalls are just a few minutes away from Wanagiri Hidden Hills, have crystal clear waters and are easy to reach with a short 20-minute hike.
The entrance fee here is IDR 20k. This is a great secluded spot if you don’t want to fight the crowds for waterfall pictures.
4) Lempuyang Temple
If you want a picture walking along the gates of heaven, with Mt. Agung in the background, you’ll need to make the road trip up to Lempuyang Temple, one of the oldest and most important temples in Bali. The image is created by a Bali local that holds a mirror to phone and makes the reflection. You get three poses and 30 pictures total as they’ll just keep shooting while you’re up there — they’re experts.
You’ll want to bring cash to tip the photographer (I recommend a minimum of 20k), cash to enter the temples and cash to borrow a sarong if you’re a lady. All three are donation-based. There’s no bad time of day to go here photography wise, just be aware that the line to get this shot could span for more than 2 hours and there’s very little shade.
5) Tirtta Gangga
This elaborate water temple is famous for its scenic koi pond. Guests can walk along the stone steps to the middle of the main fountain structure. Fish food is sold on the way in. If you buy 2-3 bags that should be plenty to attract fish for pictures, and cost IDR 5k-10k max. The entrance fee is IDR 10k, make sure to have small change. There’s a pagoda that provides shelter and beer and refreshments for sale inside if you need a moment to reboot.
This is a must-see while in Bali and makes an easy stop for anyone taking the road back from the Lempuyang Temple.
6) Tegalalang Rice Terraces
Ubud is smack dab in the middle of the island and makes a great base to explore rice fields in the area. The Tegalalang Rice Terraces are just 20 minutes outside of central Ubud but they look like they’re in a jungle paradise. In addition to the IDR 15k entry ticket, there is a IDR 5k parking fee per car and two donation spots as you walk through the terraces. You can also pay to take a picture with the over-the-shoulder crop buckets.
The best time to visit is before 10am to avoid both the heat and the crowds. There’s ample shopping along the main road on the drive in, making this a great place to stop if you want an alternative to the Ubud Market.
7) Tegenungan Waterfall
Tegenungan waterfall is also close to Ubud center and only costs IDR 15k admission. This is the party waterfall, since there’s music playing and plenty of designee “selfie spots” on the way down. In addition to the main waterfall, which has a murky color in the water, there’s a smaller waterfall on the descent that is stunning and often overlooked. You can access it via a divergent foot path.
This is also a great spot for shopping — even in haggling prices start at much lower than they do in Ubud.
8) Saraswati Temple
This temple is in the middle of central Ubud but is delightfully different from the rest and features a pond of water lilies that make it look like an oasis in the big city. You can dine next next door, at the Cafe Lotus, to have lunch with this view. The lilies open up in the morning and close at night, making this a big draw for photographers and influencers.
There are dance shows performed at the temple at night.
9) Udaya Resort & Spa
One of the best, and most affordable, things to do in Bali is take a flower bath. I went to the Udaya Resort & Spa and booked the Celebration of Flowers treatment first, starting at the equivalent of USD$20. I liked it so much that I returned the next week for a longer, 2-hour treatment, a splurge at $50. The flower bath is so luxurious and depending on the treatment you choose you get to soak for 20-45 minutes.
There is a complimentary shuttle every hour into central Ubud; make sure you let the staff at the front desk know that you want to take it. Also, treatments usually require a 50% deposit before the fact to hold your spot. I highly recommend that you pick the Udaya over Karsa Spa. The latter is currently rated No. 1 on TripAdvisor but I had a terrible experience with the service there and ended up wasting cab fare to get there without being able to get a flower bath I’d had reserved for 2 weeks.
10) Ulun Danu Bratan Temple
Known as the floating temple, this beauty sits in the middle of the second largest lake on the island and is incredibly scenic. Guests can kayak around the lake to get a better view or enjoy the portion of the temple that is open to the public. Make sure to dress respectfully. The ticket to enter is IDR 50k.
Bonus: Nusa Penida
While not technically on the island of Bali, Nusa Penida makes an easy day trip and is worth the journey. The roads are not well-paves here, so it’s advised that you go with a guide. You can access the islands by fast boat from the mainland. Leave your luggage at your hotel and just bring a day pack with you, including snacks and food since restaurants here aren’t very common.
You can visit the main photo spots, like Broken Beach and Kelinking Beach viewpoint, in just a few hours. Be prepared to wait in line with crowds to get the perfect picture. Check out my friend Jo from Wander With Jo for more Bali beach hot spots!
Till next time, safe travels.
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These are great tips! I can’t believe the photo lines can get up to around two hours! The spas you recommended for a flower bath look amazing, and I can’t believe how cheap they are! How many days would you recommend in Bali?
I would say at least a week in Ubud to knock out these sites on day trips, and then another week on the coast!
Yes! I am so excited by your photos! I’m traveling to Indonesia this summer and I’m so jazzed to see some of these places. Thanks for sharing!
So beautiful. All your pictures are amazing. We haven’t visited Bali yet but it’s high on our travel bucket list. Good to know about the entrance fees and rules before we do!
Bali is such a beautiful place, I’d love to visit! So many instagrammable places – that spa looks incredible! xo
Nice list Jen! There would be so many places to add, but great as a start.
I als explore these alluring places during my last journey and have a joyful time with my buddies.
This was really fantastic information. Where can I stay in Bali that is not really high up (I am afraid of heights)?
Ubud doesn’t feel high up, or anywhere along the beach that’s sea level 🙂