Bali

One of Bali's six sacred sea temples, dramatically perched on a 70-metre clifftop at the southwestern tip of the Bukit Peninsula. The nightly Kecak fire dance performed at sunset on a clifftop stage is among the most spectacular performances in Southeast Asia.

Bali's most iconic landmark — an ancient sea temple perched on a rocky islet just offshore, surrounded by crashing waves. Most spectacular at low tide when you can walk across to the base, and at sunset when the silhouette against a flaming sky is unforgettable.

Home to a colossal 121-metre bronze statue of the Hindu god Vishnu astride the mythical Garuda bird — one of the tallest statues in the world. The hilltop cultural park hosts daily traditional Balinese dance performances and commands sweeping views across the Bukit Peninsula.

A UNESCO-recognised 17th-century royal water temple surrounded by a wide moat, with distinctive multi-tiered Balinese meru shrines rising above manicured gardens. Far fewer crowds than Tanah Lot or Uluwatu, with genuine spiritual atmosphere.

Ubud's most legendary warung, famous across Bali for fall-off-the-bone barbecued pork ribs and the dangerously potent house martinis. A true institution operating since 1995 — consistently packed with both travellers and expats who know the real Bali.

Ubud's most celebrated fine-dining restaurant, consistently ranked among Asia's best — a farm-to-table tasting menu that showcases hyper-local Balinese and Indonesian ingredients interpreted through a modern lens. Reservation essential.

Seminyak's most architecturally striking restaurant — a soaring open-air bamboo pavilion serving refined modern Indonesian cuisine. The menu journeys across the archipelago with dishes from Sumatra, Java, Sulawesi and Bali, all beautifully presented.

A Balinese institution since 1941 — this humble Sanur warung serves exactly one thing: a perfectly balanced plate of fried fish, fish soup, and steamed rice. The legendary simplicity and quality have kept locals and tourists returning for over 80 years.

An open-air bamboo pavilion set above a private rice paddy in Seminyak, serving fresh seafood and sustainable Indonesian produce. The setting — tropical garden, lily pond, and rice field — is among the most romantic in Bali.

Seminyak's most iconic beach club — a sprawling complex with an infinity pool overlooking the Indian Ocean, a curved wall of repurposed wooden shutters, and some of the best cocktails on the island. The ultimate Bali beach club experience.

Seminyak's most atmospheric bar and nightclub — a labyrinth of eccentric, art-filled rooms decorated with plants, vintage furniture, and neon, spilling across a lush tropical garden. Great cocktails and an eclectic crowd from 6 PM through to the early hours.

A cliffside surf bar perched above Uluwatu's world-famous Suluban surf break, with tiered decks giving front-row views of surfers carving the reef below and the Indian Ocean horizon. Cold Bintang, great burgers, and one of Bali's best sunset vantage points.

Ubud's most serious specialty coffee destination, sourcing directly from Balinese and Indonesian highland farms. A beautifully designed multi-level space with a cupping lab, single-origin pour-overs, and excellent Indonesian small plates.

Seminyak's cult espresso bar — hidden down a narrow alley, serving some of Bali's finest espresso in a stripped-back industrial space. A local institution that kick-started the island's specialty coffee culture.

Bali's most famous beach — a wide, golden crescent of sand stretching 3 kilometres, with consistent surf that made Kuta the birthplace of Indonesian surfing. The waves are perfect for beginner lessons and body boarding; the sunsets are spectacular.

A quieter, more upscale stretch of Bali's west coast — long and wide with golden sand, world-class sunsets, and a relaxed vibe. The backdrop of chic beach clubs, boutiques and cafes makes it easy to spend a perfect half-day here.

A secluded cove at the foot of dramatic limestone cliffs, accessible through a narrow cave passage. The turquoise water, white sand, and natural rock formations make it one of Bali's most photogenic beaches — and the snorkelling off the rocks is outstanding.

Bali's cultural heartland in a single day — the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, Ubud Art Market, the Royal Palace, and the iconic Tegallalang rice terraces just north of town. The most rewarding full-day excursion available from Benoa.

A pre-dawn ascent of an active 1,717-metre volcano in Bali's highlands, reaching the crater rim in time for a sunrise that illuminates the caldera lake, neighbouring volcanoes, and — on clear days — the entire island. One of Southeast Asia's most rewarding short treks.

The most photographed agricultural landscape in Southeast Asia — a sweeping cascade of UNESCO-recognised subak terraces carved into a deep river valley north of Ubud. The traditional cooperative irrigation system (subak) has shaped this landscape for over a thousand years.

Bali's best accessible snorkelling — a sheltered bay on the east coast with crystal-clear water, healthy coral gardens, turtles, reef sharks, and diverse tropical fish. The Blue Lagoon site is protected from ocean swell and ideal for all skill levels.

An exhilarating 2-hour raft through Grade II–III rapids on the Ayung River, Bali's longest river, passing through pristine jungle gorges, rice paddies, and dramatic stone cliff carvings. One of Bali's most popular active excursions, suitable for most fitness levels.