Bali is one of the most contentious Southeast Asian tourist spots, often divided between those who love its misty temples, rice terraces and sandy beaches as well as those seeking quieter getaways.

Culture enthusiasts won’t want to miss visiting some of Bali’s spectacular Hindu temples, particularly Pura Tanah Lot, an ocean temple perched atop a rock outpost with breathtaking ocean views.

bali places to go in a day

1. Tanah Lot Temple

Bali has quickly become a must-see tourist destination due to its natural beauty and cultural significance, drawing thousands of tourists every year. Home to numerous iconic landmarks and temples such as Tanah Lot Temple, this island destination is sure to delight.

Temple Tanah Lot is located atop a rocky outcrop in the sea and is well known for its breathtaking sunset views. Additionally, it serves as an important cultural landmark in Bali; visitors can gain insights into its history and significance from knowledgeable local guides.

At low tide, exploring a temple allows for easy walking along its rocky outcrop and admiring its beautiful surroundings. To ensure you don’t get caught in unexpected high waves while there, check the tide time on any particular day prior to visiting.

When visiting temples, it is essential that visitors adhere to its etiquette and rules. Everyone must cover their heads and knees when sitting, wear a sash around their waists for extra dignity and refrain from leaving litter or trash on temple grounds.

Visitor should consider wearing a sarong or scarf to cover their shoulders and thighs as well as keep warm, and consider opting for shoes or sandals made of natural material rather than synthetic ones.

Are you curious to experience more of Bali’s vibrant culture? Luckily, there are various tours available that can take you around and show the main attractions. From half-day excursions to multi-day journeys, there’s sure to be one suitable for both budget and interests.

Experience the Kecak Dance at Tanah Lot Temple every evening to gain insight into Balinese culture while having an unforgettable experience.

The wet season (October to March) is an ideal time for visiting temples as they tend to be less crowded and lush compared to during other seasons. Additionally, this period allows for greater views of Bali’s natural scenery.

Discover the temple’s Holy Water Cave, a sacred site beloved by tourists from across the globe. Home to a natural pool of water believed to contain healing properties and provide spiritual renewal, it draws tourists from near and far alike.

2. The Bistrot Restaurant

Seminyak’s bustling “eat street,” The Bistrot is one of the city’s premier dining spots, boasting beautiful French decor, an excellent wine list and delicious food – making this restaurant a must-see when visiting Bali.

Bistrot is an inviting space with its stylish yet retro designs and charming vintage architecture that provides the ideal setting to unwind and spend quality time with loved ones or new acquaintances. Filled with antiques and artifacts from across Indonesian archipelago, its sumptuous furnishings add that special touch of magic that makes this venue truly remarkable.

Restaurant at Hotel de Paris features a comprehensive menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner that guests can indulge in at their leisure. These international-themed menus allow them to sample an array of international cuisines while emphasizing French classic brasserie dishes.

Evenings at The Bistrot offer an exquisite selection of innovative cocktails crafted by their resident mixologists based on Bali’s local ingredients and landscape.

Renaissance Bali Nusa Dua Resort now offers an unforgettable dining experience, offering up an enticing variety of seafood and plant-based dishes in both indoor and outdoor seating options. Also featured is an inviting courtyard where talented artists create pottery or paintings right before your very eyes!

Restaurant offers delicious food and cocktails to complement an amazing atmosphere, ideal for relaxation and catchup work. Plus, their staff is so friendly and helpful; be assured you’ll have an enjoyable evening there.

At Villa Padma Bali, their menu is ideal for visitors seeking something out of the ordinary during their trip to Bali. Their extensive selection of dishes ranges from European classics like Foie Gras Terrine and entrecote Bernaise, to Asian specialities like Singapore Laksa.

One of the menu’s highlights are its signature desserts – apple tartine and vanilla bean creme brulee are particularly delectable options.

While visiting Bali, make a point of stopping by this premier dining spot in Seminyak – consistently rated one of the top spots by both tourists and locals alike. Offering romantic ambience, delectable food, and original cocktails make this venue so beloved among both sides.

3. Ubud Palace

Ubud offers some of the finest experiences of Bali. From lush jungle waterfalls and luxurious day clubs overlooking jewel-toned rice terraces, to bustling markets offering local art, there are numerous activities you can experience during your stay here.

Ubud Palace (Puri Saren Agung) provides an exquisite way to discover Bali, with exquisite carvings and courtyards that make it one of the top places to visit in Ubud.

The palace is located near Ubud’s main road in its center. Nearby are popular markets as well as some of Ubud’s finest restaurants and shops.

As one of Bali’s major tourist destinations and with great historical value, Ubud Palace is often visited. Additionally, this structure serves as an example of traditional Balinese architecture.

Ubud Palace (Puri Saren Agung), established during Ida Tjokorda Putu Kandel’s rule and still used as his royal residence today. With beautiful stone carvings and courtyards crafted out of wood and marble, this architectural marvel dates back to 1890s.

Not only is the palace an impressive sight, it is also an ideal location for watching Balinese dance performances that honor Hindu mythology. Each performance offers something different and exciting!

Dance performances take place throughout the evening in Ubud Palace and should definitely be part of your itinerary! While admission to the palace itself is free, for performances you must purchase tickets.

As with other temples in Bali, visitors should dress modestly when entering any temples or shrines. This means keeping shoulders covered and shorts/skirts to the knee.

Unless you are familiar with Indonesian culture, it is wise to educate yourself about some of its rules prior to visiting any religious buildings, temples or mosques in Ubud Palace may require visitors to adhere to a dress code if you want a smooth experience and avoid any hassle later. While Ubud Palace has less strict dress codes than some temples may do. If possible it would be prudent for visitors to follow suit in order to avoid any unnecessary hassle later.

4. Kecak Dance

If you’re an admirer of Balinese culture, make sure you see a Kecak Dance show while visiting Bali. Not only will this give you a truly unforgettable experience but also give you an opportunity to immerse yourself in Indonesian art and witness its beautiful expression through dance.

This dance is one of Bali’s oldest forms, drawing its inspiration from the Ramayana saga and depicting King Rahwana kidnapping Sita from her husband Rama. Rama then comes to rescue her.

The performance begins with an incense ceremony and then male dancers enter the stage bare-chested and form a circle around a central performer sitting cross-legged. Chanting “Cak,” they then perform vigorously by shaking arms and bodies vigorously during a vigorous performance accompanied by vigorous arm claps.

Firelight adds an exquisite charm to the performance, illuminating dancers’ movements and gestures while beautiful costumes and sounds of dance add another dimension.

Kecak performances used to be widely seen at cultural sites and tourist spots across Indonesia; nowadays they’re more frequently performed at cultural spots or tourist hotspots.

According to The Jakarta Post, dance was first invented in a village called Bona during the early 20th century when residents there were suffering from an incurable disease and instead sought medical advice rather than making noises to drive away evil spirits.

As they chanted, their rhythm became addictive; soon thereafter they started dancing in time with it and this dance soon spread throughout other villages and towns.

Since then, dance has become an integral part of Bali’s traditional culture and one of three signature dances associated with Bali: Barong, Legong and Dedari.

When visiting Bali, make sure to schedule in a stop at Uluwatu Temple to watch this incredible performance in its circular outdoor amphitheater with views overlooking the Indian Ocean. Here you can watch this extraordinary dance.

The Kecak Dance is performed by an ensemble of fifty to one hundred men dressed in traditional sarongs who form concentric circles while wearing traditional headgear. Chanting the words, “Cak, cak, cak”, all throughout their performance as they vigorously shake their arms and bodies evokes images from Hanuman’s monkey army found in Ramayana mythology.