The 5 best places to visit in Bali as a first timer.
Surfing perfect waves at sunrise, sipping a Bintang while monkeys swing above your villa, and watching fire dancers perform under a sky full of stars...
Bali isn’t just a destination… It’s a mood.
From the spiritual calm of Ubud’s jungle temples to the wild cliffs of Uluwatu, this Indonesian island is packed with contrast, colour, and culture.
One moment I was hiking through rice terraces enjoying the most surreal nature, and the next I was in Canggu enjoying its world class cafe culture!
But for first-timers, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed…
Do you go straight to the islands? Base yourself in one town? Book everything in advance?
After bouncing around Bali for weeks, these are my top 5 places to visit… A mix of surf towns, spiritual retreats, beach clubs, and island escapes.
You’ll also find tips on where to stay, how long to spend in each spot, and what to book in advance, so you can plan your dream Bali trip with confidence.
These five destinations are the perfect way to fall in love with the Island of the Gods!
If you’re still planning your wider trip, check out my full guide on where to go in Southeast Asia, which helps compare all the major stops across Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Indonesia.
The famous Tanah Lot Temple.
Disclosure: I sometimes use affiliate marketing. This will not cost you anything, but helps with my travel costs. I only recommend companies I use myself.
In no particular order the best places to visit in Bali from my personal experience, along with the most unique accommodation option in each place:
Canggu.
Stay at: 🏨 Hotel Tugu Bali – A beachfront boutique stay packed with Balinese antiques, dreamy sunset views, and romantic dining on the sand. Perfect for couples or solo adventurers looking for style and soul.
Ubud.
Stay at: 🏨 Kamandalu Ubud – Luxurious villas nestled in the jungle, with private pools and views over the lush valley. A true “Bali retreat” experience.
Nusa Penida.
Stay at: 🏨 Autentik Penida Glamping – A super unique jungle glamping experience with tents set on platforms overlooking the forest and sea. Perfect for a wild, off-grid adventure.
Uluwatu.
Stay at: 🏨 The Edge Bali – One of the most spectacular luxury resorts in the world, with glass-bottom sky pools, cliffside villas, and views you’ll never forget.
Seminyak.
Stay at: 🏨 The Legian Bali – Iconic beachfront elegance, three-tier infinity pool, and some of the best service on the island. Great for a splash of luxury.
A common sight in Bali.
Canggu.
Ahh Canggu…
If there’s one place in Bali that perfectly blends beach, cafes, surfing, and good vibes, it’s Canggu.
This once laid-back surf town has grown into a buzzing hub for travellers, digital nomads, and beach lovers.
World class fitness, trendy cafés and rice fields are three of the things that I fondly remember from my daily routine by the coast.
That’s the everyday vibe in Canggu.
It does feel modern, but it still feels like it holds onto that raw Bali energy, especially once I stepped away from the main streets.
From affordable villas to boutique hotels with jungle views, Canggu offers the perfect introduction to Bali life.
Canggu’s surf culture is everywhere.
A world class café culture.
Canggu’s café scene is amazing, and easily one of the best in Southeast Asia…
Its up there with Da Nang in Vietnam, and Chiang Mai in Thailand as my favourite place for a coffee and some deep work.
Most cafés double as coworking spots with strong Wi-Fi and AC, making them a dream to work in…
I have spent many days enjoying the vibes in the local food spots, while making significant progress on my projects.
It’s one of the top reasons the area is such a magnet for remote workers and brunch enthusiasts….
There’s a spot for every vibe…
Boho interiors, jungle views, seaside breeze, or minimalist decor.
Sums up the awesome cafes in Canggu.
With so much competition in Canggu, cafés really have to get creative to stand out, and that’s exactly what makes the breakfast scene here so exciting.
Many spots offer photogenic, health-conscious dishes with a twist, but Copenhagen Cafe takes it to another level.
It’s hands down my favourite place for breakfast in Canggu.
Inspired by Nordic flavours and minimalism, this spot lets you build your own brunch board, choosing from a list of small dishes like scrambled eggs , avo on rye, smoked salmon, acai, and even cinnamon buns.
You tick your choices on a little paper menu, and everything comes out beautifully plated on wooden boards. It’s casual, stylish, and the portions are perfect if you want variety without going overboard.
It’s also super affordable given the quality, and trust me, it gets busy for a reason!
A beautiful breakfast in Copenhagen.
If you’re after that Bali Instagram aesthetic, Gigi Susu is the spot, with picture perfect flat whites, matcha pancakes, and queues constantly.
For something more practical (but still stylish), ZIN Café is another favourite of mine, and really popular with digital nomads.
There are plenty of plugs, fast Wi-Fi, and a rooftop space made for deep work sessions.
Another colourful cafe in Canggu.
A surf crazy town… For all levels.
Another thing which is a way of life in Canggu is surfing.
On my first ever day in Canggu I was walking around Batu Balong exploring, and all I saw was scooters riding past with surf boards and dogs.
I knew at that point, how deep the surf culture runs in the coastal town…
Canggu is an ideal spot for surfing, whether you’re a total beginner or looking to level up your skills.
I had a great session at Batu Bolong Beach, which is one of the best beginner-friendly surf spots in Bali. The waves felt consistent, and not too daunting, and the vibe was relaxed.
There are surf rentals and instructors lining the full length of the beach.
Surfboards on scooters is typical of Bali.
There are dozens of surf schools offering lessons and board hire, and the locals are super friendly if you need help choosing a break that suits your level.
Echo Beach and Old Man’s are great options too if you’re ready for a bit more challenge.
The famous walk through the sea to Tanah Lot.
A famous temple not far away.
Just a short ride from Canggu is one of Bali’s most iconic landmarks, Tanah Lot Temple.
Set on a rocky outcrop in the ocean, this sea temple is especially famous for its sunset views and the narrow water walkway that appears at low tide..
Allowing you to walk right up to the base of the temple (although entry inside is restricted).
It’s a key spiritual site for the Balinese and a popular photo spot, especially as the sun dips behind the temple and the waves crash around it.
It’s only about a 30-minute scooter ride from central Canggu (if you take the shortcuts), and makes for a perfect late afternoon trip before grabbing dinner or a beach drink on your return.
It gets very hot here, so wear a cap and sunscreen… I got a really bad sunburn!
The famous gates of Tanah Lot Temple.
My recommended tour in Canggu:
Learning to surf at Batu Bolong Beach was such a fun experience, and way less intimidating than I expected.
My instructor was super patient, broke everything down step-by-step, and had me standing up (briefly!) within the first 20 minutes.
The best part was how chilled and social it felt… Our small group was full of beginners, so we were all cheering each other on and laughing at the wipeouts. It made the whole morning even more enjoyable!
Ubud.
You will have seen some of the most incredible nature in Bali online, and that will be Ubud!
The jungle town is Bali’s cultural heart…
A place where nature meets tradition, and every corner feels like a scene from a storybook, with rice terraces, jungle temples, and incense smoke drifting through the town.
The ancient temples offers a deeper, more spiritual side to the island…
While Canggu might win for modern cafés and surfing, Ubud is where you go to slow down, soak up the scenery, and reconnect with nature.
It’s packed with Bali’s authentic charm and energy… The kind of place that makes you fall in love with the island.
A colourful setting in a temple in Ubud.
A town full of monkeys.
You don’t have to look hard to spot monkeys in Ubud… they’re everywhere… Literally everywhere!
They were keeping an eye on the tourists, looking for food, or anything else they could steal.
The Sacred Monkey Forest is the most famous spot, home to thousands of Balinese long-tailed macaques who roam freely among ancient temples and banyan trees.
But the monkeys don’t stay there… I saw them running along telephone wires in the town centre, and even peeking through my guesthouse window one morning!
A cheeky local.
You can wander freely through the Sacred Monkey Forest in Ubud, following winding paths beneath towering banyan trees and ancient moss-covered statues.
The monkeys were roaming around completely at ease, leaping across temple rooftops, playing in the trees, or occasionally sitting right in the middle of the path.
They’re used to tourists, which makes it easy to grab some awesome shots of them.
If you’re lucky, you might even score a classic Bali monkey selfie…
If you’re looking for a less crowded (and arguably more peaceful) monkey encounter, I also recommend Sangeh Monkey Forest, a hidden gem just north of town that’s ideal for day trips.
A tired monkey.
Beautiful nature everywhere.
Ubud is surrounded by some of the most photogenic scenery in Bali…
Therefore, exploring it is a true highlight of the jungle town!
Start your morning with the Campuhan Ridge Walk, a peaceful trail through rolling hills and palm-lined paths. I had a brilliant day hitting my daily step count with incredible scenery.
I stopped at a local warung for some traditional food, and then at a cafe for an iced coffee a little later…
A whole day with no real plan… Just exercise, sunshine, and nature.
For something more iconic, Tegallalang Rice Terraces offer postcard views of stepped rice fields, bamboo swings, and hidden cafés overlooking the valley.
This is the Bali you will have seen on Instagram!
Go early to beat the crowds and get the best lighting, and I recommend using one of the famous wings, as they are actually quite fun.
Rice fields in Ubud.
Speaking of cafés, Ubud also has some brilliant jungle restaurants.
Tis Café is one of my favourites, with elevated rice terrace views, great food, and a dreamy setting that feels a world away from town.
Bring your swimming gear, and enjoy a couple of beers in the most picturesque setting.
Tis Cafe.
A Spiritual Town.
Many tourists call Ubud the spiritual soul of Bali.
You can start with the Ubud Palace, right in the town centre. It’s small but beautiful, and often hosts traditional Balinese dance performances at night.
There is always heavy traffic around the palace, so you can’t miss it.
As I explored Ubud on foot, I also found lots of family-run temples tucked into quiet streets.
I also recommend that you go and visit Goa Gajah (Elephant Cave), which is an ancient archaeological site with a mysterious, carved entrance and tranquil temple grounds.
It’s only a short scooter ride away and perfect for a half-day cultural trip.
A temple in Ubud.
All around Ubud, you’ll spot Hindu offerings, incense, and local rituals, adding to that peaceful, spiritual energy the town is known for.
Spiritual vibes.
Is Ubud better than Canggu?
That depends on what you’re looking for.
Ubud wins for nature, authenticity, and culture, as it’s surrounded by jungle and temples, and the town itself feels much more traditional.
But for me, Canggu just edges it, thanks to its world-class cafés, and fitness culture, which are ideal for my perfect daily routine.
They’re very different vibes, and if you have time, I highly recommend visiting both.
My favourite tour in Ubud… Which covers everything!
If you’re short on time or just want someone else to handle the logistics, this top-rated Ubud day tour is ideal.
It covers all the must-see sights in one trip:
Sacred Monkey Forest.
Tegallalang Rice Terraces.
Tirta Empul Temple (famous for its holy water cleansing ritual).
Tegenungan Waterfall.
Ubud Palace.
It was a full-on day, but well organised and great value, plus, our guide shared loads of cultural info I’d have otherwise missed.
You can even add a swing over the rice terraces for that classic Bali photo.
Nusa Penida Island.
Nusa Penida technically isn’t part of mainland Bali, but it’s one of the three Nusa Islands just off the southeast coast…
However, it’s easily one of the most spectacular day trips you can do while staying on the island.
Famous for its dramatic cliffs, unreal beaches, and jaw-dropping viewpoints, this island has exploded in popularity in recent years… and for good reason!
Just a short speedboat ride from Sanur or Padang Bai, it’s close enough for a day trip, but wild enough to feel like a proper island escape.
Kellingking Beach.
The iconic Kelingking Beach.
This is the viewpoint you’ve seen all over Instagram…
A cliff shaped like a T-Rex, towering over a hidden white-sand beach.
Kelingking is without doubt the most famous spot on Nusa Penida, and it really does live up to the hype in real life.
It reminded me of the spectacular beaches in Southern Thailand which I had visited earlier in my trip.
The viewpoint is incredibly scenic, with turquoise water crashing far below and a jagged ridge that leads down to the beach (although the hike down is very steep, it is very fun).
There are often monkeys hanging around the cliff edges too, so keep your snacks and sunglasses close!
Even if you don’t hike down, the views from the top are surreal, I could’ve happily stayed there all day!
Such an amazing place.
How long do you need on Nusa Penida Island?
You can see the main highlights on a full-day tour, especially if you join a private or small-group trip.
The roads are pretty rough, and the distances between stops are longer than they look, so trying to do it solo on a scooter can be tiring and stressful if it’s your first visit.
I did a full-day tour with a private driver and it made everything much easier. We were able to hit all the best photo spots, without the chaos of big group tours, or wasting time getting lost.
An awesome viewpoint.
Making the most of the views.
Some other awesome viewpoints.
While Kelingking gets most of the attention, there are several other epic viewpoints and coastal wonders which we enjoyed seeing:
Broken Beach – A collapsed cave that formed a circular cliff with a natural arch in the sea — super photogenic!
Angel’s Billabong – A natural rock pool right next to the ocean with crystal-clear water and a surreal infinity effect.
Diamond Beach – On the east side of the island, this one feels like a hidden paradise, with a steep staircase carved into the cliffside.
Each spot looks like a postcard… I found it to be crazy how many insane views are packed onto one island.
Broken Beach.
Crystal Bay to chill out a bit after exploring.
After a day of climbing cliffs and chasing viewpoints, Crystal Bay is the perfect spot to unwind.
There’s a long stretch of beach here with soft sand, calm water (great for swimming), and a handful of laid-back cafés where you can grab a coffee or cocktail to cool down…
You will need it, as it is one of the hottest places I have ever visited!
We chilled here for an hour or so before the boat back to Bali and it was the perfect way to wind down.
This private tour will make your experience way more enjoyable.
If you want to see the island’s highlights without any hassle, this private full-day tour is the one I’d recommend:
🚗 Private Nusa Penida Tour – Kelingking Beach, Broken Beach, Angel’s Billabong & Crystal Bay.
You’ll get picked up from your Bali hotel, ferried over to the island, and driven to all the best stops by a local guide who knows how to beat the crowds.
I was able to relax and enjoy the views without worrying about logistics — and that made a huge difference.
Crystal Bay.
Uluwatu.
Perched on the southern cliffs of Bali, Uluwatu is a unique area of the island…
To me it felt like a different world compared to the bustle of Canggu, or the temples of Ubud.
With dramatic ocean views, peaceful surf beaches, boutique villas, and some of the best sunsets in Bali, it’s no wonder Uluwatu is growing fast in popularity.
It feels much slower down south in Bali, and it is much more spread out.
Uluwatu is a mixture of modern and traditional though, with fiery dance performances, open-air gyms, fresh coconuts on every corner, and unique beach clubs carved into the cliffside.
If you're looking to mix Balinese tradition with tropical vibes, this is a good pick.
Padang Padang Beach is popular.
Some beautiful beaches.
The beaches in Uluwatu are some of the most picturesque in Bali, with turquoise water, soft sand, and cliffs rising dramatically behind you.
My personal favourite is Padang Padang Beach…
It’s hidden away down a stone staircase, and through a narrow rock crevice, which opens up to a gorgeous little cove.
This beach feels very secluded and private, and the vibe is chill.
There are lots of surfers, international travellers, and of course, local vendors selling coconuts and Bintangs under umbrellas.
Other beaches worth visiting:
Bingin Beach – Known for its surf and rustic beach cafés.
Thomas Beach – Quiet and peaceful with long stretches of sand.
Suluban Beach – Tucked under the cliffs near Single Fin bar, with a cool cave entrance.
Fresh coconuts in Uluwatu are awesome.
Coconuts on every corner.
I ain’t afraid to admit it… Uluwatu is the first place I have ever tried fresh coconut.
They’re everywhere… Roadside stalls, beach cafés, even the car park outside the Uluwatu Temple had a local with a cooler full of fresh ones!
I ended up addicted to them during my last trip, as they are perfect after a hot scooter ride, or post-workout.
We even got one every day from our hotel owner as we chilled by the pool.
It’s one of those little details that makes Uluwatu feel very tropical… Palm trees and coconuts!
Another world class cafe scene.
A world class fitness scene.
Wherever you visit in Bali, you are guaranteed some amazing gyms!
It is my favourite fitness destination, along with Thailand…
Uluwatu is no different, If you’re into fitness, you’ll love Bambu Fitness, which is a huge open-air gym with bamboo architecture, ocean breeze, and one of the most scenic workout settings I’ve ever experienced.
In terms of CrossFit-style classes, mobility work, and strength training, Bambu is truly world class.
As with most fitness facilities in Bali, Bambu has a healthy café attached to it, which is very popular, especially after Saturday team workouts.
If you’re staying longer or want to try somewhere new, Uluwatu Collective and Bali Training Centre are two more high-end options with great programming, drop-in sessions, and strong fitness communities.
One of my favourite Crossfit gyms.
A cliffside temple with traditional fire dances.
I found Uluwatu Temple (Pura Luhur Uluwatu) to be one of Bali’s most sacred and visually striking temples, along with Tanah Lot.
It is dramatically perched on the edge of a 70-metre cliff, with the Indian Ocean crashing below.
It makes for a very picturesque setting, and soem great exploration.
Even if you aren’t into temples, this one is well worth the trip for the views alone.
The area is also full of monkeys (long-tailed macaques), which makes for an entertaining wander. Similar to the monkey forests on Ubud, the local animals are very friendly.
The famous cliffs of Uluwatu.
You can easily reach Uluwatu Temple by scooter or Grab taxi from anywhere in the Uluwatu area, and it’s around 15–20 minutes from most beach spots.
Make sure to stay for the traditional Kecak fire dance, which starts just before sunset…
The cliffside amphitheatre fills up fast, but if you grab a spot early, you’ll get an unforgettable view of the performance and the sun dipping below the horizon.
I would advise you to bring a cap, as there is no shelter from the sun when you take your seat.
Uluwatu Temple.
A traditional Kecak fire dance in Uluwatu.
This is one of the most iconic cultural experiences in all of Bali, and a big draw to the island, and it completely lived up to the hype!
We arrived late in the afternoon, explored the dramatic clifftop temple with monkeys running wild, then grabbed a drink before settling into our seats for the sunset performance…
The whole show was dramatic, powerful, and a fun experience..
Looking out over the ocean as we enjoyed the show made it even more memorable.
These tours are super organised and sell out fast, especially in peak season, so I definitely recommend booking ahead to secure your seat.
A traditional Kecak fire dance.
Seminyak.
Trendy cafés, boutique shops, beach clubs, and a golden coastline that comes alive at sunset, welcome to Seminyak.
It’s one of Bali’s most popular places to stay, especially for first-time visitors looking for comfort, beach access, and nightlife all in one spot.
I personally prefer Canggu and Ubud, however, Seminyak feels more polished, with better roads, upmarket hotels, and a slightly older crowd.
It is definitely the place to visit if you want to experience Bali’s best nightlife.
Whether you’re here to party, relax by the pool, or sip a cocktail under a palm tree at the beach, Seminyak delivers the full Bali holiday vibe.
The beach in Seminyak is a colourful area.
A very popular beach.
Double Six Beach is the most famous stretch of sand in Seminyak, and it’s always buzzing by late afternoon… Sunbeds, cold drinks, and live acoustic music fill the beach as the sun begins to set, so the atmosphere is fun.
It is a very colourful spot in Seminyak, with palm trees, and colourful quirky bars.
Double Six Beach.
It’s a good spot to chill out for a couple of hours, especially before dinner. You’ll find plenty of casual beach bars here with happy hour deals, beanbags in the sand, and cold Bintangs on hand.
It’s not the quietest beach in Bali, but it’s lively, easy to access, and it was a solid first stop during our time in Seminyak.
A great place to chill out.
The nightlife is very lively in Seminyak.
Without a doubt, If you’re coming to Bali to let your hair down, Seminyak is one of the top places to do so.
There are rooftop bars, beachfront clubs, late-night lounges, and everything in between.
Potato Head Beach Club and KU DE TA are the most famous places, both offering world-class cocktails and live DJ sets.
It is definitely more upmarket than the backpacker bars of Kuta or Gili T, but still just as fun and lively.
A very nice central hotel option.
If you’re looking for a clean, stylish hotel in the heart of Seminyak, IZE Seminyak by Lifestyle is a great pick.
It’s right in the action, minutes from top restaurants, bars, and shops, but still manages to feel calm and welcoming.
The rooftop pool is a hidden gem for lazy afternoons, and the rooms are modern, bright, and very comfy.
A very modern hotel in Seminyak.
Which is my favourite place in Bali?
This is a tough one…
because every part of Bali has its own unique appeal., and I love the whole island!
The jungle calm of Ubud is beautiful, and Nusa Penida blew me away with its picture perfect settings, and then Uluwatu’s cliffs at sunset? Unreal!
But if I had to choose, Canggu wins for me!
The world-class fitness scene, with CrossFit boxes, and aesthetically pleasing gyms, fits my lifestyle perfectly…
Add in the amazing café culture, sunny beach days, and laid-back digital nomad vibe, and it’s somewhere I could easily base myself for months.
I had some of the best breakfasts of my entire South East Asia trip here, and the daily routine of training, working, and relaxing near the beach felt ideal!
Bali has so many sides, but Canggu is where it all came together for me.
I’ve also written a full comparison of Bali vs Thailand if you’re torn between the two — including what each place does better for food, fitness, beaches, and digital nomads.
Typical scenes in Canggu.
Also planning Vietnam or Thailand? Check out my similar guides:
Frequently asked questions about visiting Bali.
Before you start packing your bags, here are some of the most common questions first-time travellers have about visiting Bali, plus a few things I wish I’d known before my first trip:
Do I need a visa to visit Bali for the first time?
Most travellers can enter Bali (Indonesia) visa-free for up to 30 days, depending on your nationality. This is called a Visa on Arrival (VOA), and it’s now available online at Indonesia’s official immigration website. Alternatively, it can be purchased at Denpasar Airport upon arrival for around $35 USD.
When is the best time to visit Bali?
Bali is warm year-round, but the best time to visit is during the dry season (April to October).
April–June & September – Fewer crowds, lush landscapes, perfect for surfing and exploring.
July–August – Peak tourist season with amazing weather, but higher prices and busy beaches.
November–March – Rainy season, with humid days and tropical downpours, but also great deals!
Is Bali safe for solo travellers?
Yes, Bali is one of the most solo-friendly destinations in Southeast Asia.
Locals are warm and welcoming, and the island has a well-established tourism scene. I felt safe at all times.
A local warung in Ubud.
What’s the best way to get around Bali?
Bali doesn’t have public transport, but there are plenty of ways to get around:
Scooter rental – Popular and cheap, but be careful!
Gojek / Grab – Ride-hailing apps for motorbike taxis and car rides.
Private drivers – Best for day trips around Ubud or the north.
Ferries – For visiting Nusa Penida or the Gili Islands.
How much does it cost to travel Bali?
Bali is super flexible when it comes to budget. Here’s a rough idea:
Backpacker: £20–£35/day (guesthouses, warung food, scooter hire).
Mid-range: £50–£80/day (private villas, western meals, tours).
Luxury: £100+/day (boutique resorts, private drivers, spas).
Disclosure: I sometimes use affiliate marketing. This will not cost you anything, but helps with my travel costs. I only recommend companies I use myself.