Southeast Asia is home to some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world, and Indonesia is no exception. Bali truly showcases the beauty of nature, hosting everything from gorgeous cliffside beaches to lush jungle landscapes. There is no shortage of incredible things to do and see here. Here’s my list of the top 8 most beautiful places in Bali!
1. Diamond Beach, Nusa Penida
It’s not surprising that the top three spots in this list are awarded to the island of Nusa Penida. This island, a short ferry ride from the main island of Bali, is home to some of the most beautiful places in Southeast Asia.
Diamond Beach is hands down the most breathtaking place I have ever witnessed. The jagged rocks and cliffs contrasted by the gorgeous blue water makes for a stunning landscape. The views are incredible just from the stairs above, but if you’re looking to truly enjoy the beach I highly recommend making the twenty-minute hike down. It is a bit steep, but well worth it!
NOTE | This is a pretty popular travel destination, so I recommend getting here early to avoid the crowds!
2. Kelingking Beach, Nusa Penida
Kelingking Beach has been at the top of my bucket list since I first started traveling. It earned its nickname of “T-Rex beach” due to the shape of the cliffs surrounding the beach. Seeing this place in person after dreaming of it for so long was surreal!
The hike down to Kelingking Beach is a bit more dangerous than the hike mentioned previously. It only took us about 40 minutes to get down and 30 to get back up, but it is definitely a workout. Some of the path is secured with bamboo rails, but you will often find yourself on all fours climbing up and down the rocks. We had an absolute blast with this hike and were rewarded with a gorgeous beach at the end of it! We made the trek down in the early afternoon, relaxed at the beach for a while, then hiked back up just in time to watch the sunset over the cliffs.
If you’re not interested in making the hike down, you can just enjoy the views from above! Many people line up to take photos and watch the sunset. We came to Kelingking twice – once to hike down to the beach, and again to snap some pics and enjoy the view. I do recommend getting here early if you’d like photos as this is the most popular destination on the island!
There’s a small stand at the bottom with snacks, water, and Bintang if you’re feeling keen.
3. Broken Beach, Nusa Penida
Broken beach is named after its shape – the cliffs essentially form a ring with a small archway allowing water into the cove. Unlike the first two beaches on this list, you can’t actually get down to the water, but the views from above are incredible! There’s plenty of spots around the cove to settle in for some scenic photos and a picnic. We visited early in the morning (around 7am) and had the entire place to ourselves!
About a 5 minute motorbike ride away is Angel’s Billabong, a natural infinity pool situated in the cliffs. You can only swim in the pool during low tide, so check the tides before you go!
4. Tegalalang Rice Terrace, UBUD
Bali is well known for its sprawling rice paddies. Tegalalang Rice Terrace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Ubud, is easily the most popular on the island. While the terraces are a bit touristy on the edges with many shops lining the entrance, the paddies themselves remain in stunning condition with deep green hues.
The area is incredibly photogenic, and there are plenty of swings and insta-spots set up if you’re interested. For us, we decided to skip the photo-ops and venture deep into the rice fields to enjoy the landscape. There are farmers working on the fields and some will ask for a donation to maintain the paddies . While it’s not necessary, its definitely kind, especially since you are enjoying all their hard work!
NOTE | The fields develop a yellow hue around April and October as the harvesting period nears. We visited in May and the paddies were a deep green again!
5. banyumala waterfall, munduk
Located a bit off the beaten path in the northern hills of Bali is Munduk. It’s filled with gorgeous waterfalls and views over the mountains in Bali, but our personal favorite was Banyumala Twin Waterfalls. This was actually our favorite waterfall in the entirety of Bali!
There’s two main waterfalls (hence the name twin waterfalls), one of which you are able to swim in! The powerful falls are massive and absolutely breathtaking. The hike down takes about 15-20 minutes and is fairly easy. Once you arrive, you are greeted with incredible views!
6. Campuhan Ridge Walk, Ubud
This relaxing nature walk in Bali offers beautiful jungle views and lush greenery. The beautiful path is about 2km long and very easy to walk. It’s also an incredible place to watch the sunrise!
While this is an easy walk, there is very little shade to protect you from the hot Bali sun. I recommend going early in morning while temperatures are still moderate and fewer people are on the path.
NOTE | This spot is a bit difficult to find. Type in Warwick IBAH Luxury Villas and Spa on your GPS. Once you arrive, you will see a split in the road and a sign that says “Going to the Hill” pointing to the left. Follow this sign and you will find the entrance and parking!
7. The Edge, Uluwatu
The Edge is a luxury hotel located on the cliffs of Uluwatu and is famous for its pool club Oneeighty. The gorgeous pool extends out over the cliff, offering an incredible view of the bright blue water below. Even if you don’t stay at the hotel, you can still visit the pool club and enjoy the cliffside views. We spent the entire day lounging in a daybed and enjoying cocktails!
NOTE | Reservations are REQUIRED to visit the pool club. You can make them here.
8. Dreamland Beach, Uluwatu
I’m wrapping up this list with our favorite beach on mainland Bali. Its golden sands and crystal waters make it the perfect place to spend a day lounging. This beach is also famous for surfers, and has a good break at nearly all tides. There’s a multitude of restaurants and beach bars to stop at for refreshments when you’re ready for a break from the sun.
When you first arrive to Dreamland, you’ll see a ton of chairs and umbrellas set out on the sand, usually quite full of beachgoers. I highly recommend venturing to the right to explore more of the scenic and less crowded areas of the beach. Dreamland is quite a bit larger than some of the other popular beaches in Uluwatu (such as Bingin), so there’s plenty to explore!
Traveling to Bali? Read more of my travel guides to this beautiful island here!