Tourism from Australia, Europe and Asian countries to Bali has increased over the recent years. According to
TourisTrack.com, a world traveler's guide, the following are the Top 10 Tourist Attractions in Bali.
1. Uluwatu
Uluwatu is a favorite tourist attraction in Bali due to its
tranquility, natural beauty and variety of cultural shows on offer. For
lovers of surfing, a visit to Uluwatu is a must. The beaches in this
area are world-renowned for their perfect waves, where many a surfer can
be spotted "getting barreled".
2. Kuta Beach
Kuta is Bali's most famous tourist area, and still holds an allure for
backpackers and travelers from all over the world. Kuta has become a
crowded area, with bars, clubs, souvenir shops and shopping centers
lining the streets. Traffic is an entirely different story, but it's all
part of the charm. As if she never slept, Kuta, has become the
metropolitan city of Bali and a popular destination for young
Australians looking for good time.
Regardless of the changes, Kuta also has the best beaches from which
to enjoy sunset, and Kuta Beach has become the meeting place for
tourists in Bali. The 5 km stretch of beach is ideal for activities such
as surfing, sunbathing or simply watching people go by as you sip a
cold beer.
3. Ubud
Ubud, known as the cultural center of Bali, offers a different type of
beauty. With no loud music blasting from crowded bars, girls in bikinis
or drunken tourists, Ubud is all about tranquility, culture and natural
landscapes. The rice fields surrounding Ubud are some of the best to be
seen in Bali, and use an ancient water irrigation system known locally
as "Subak".
Ubud has the atmosphere of a traditional village, with panoramic
views of green paddies becoming an alternative vista to those of the
sun-drenched beaches in the South. Tourists can also visit the
surrounding areas of Mount Kawi, Pura Kehen, Puri Saren Agung, Tirta
Empul and Yeh Pulu, while the cave at Goa Gajah was nominated as a
UNESCO World Heritage Site and is well worth a visit.
4. Seminyak
If you're looking for something a little more refined and not quite as
busy as Kuta, the upmarket are of Seminyak is a good choice for a
relaxed holiday. The variety of accommodation available can be
overwhelming, with luxury resorts sitting along side cute boutique
hotels, however private villas seem to be the choice du jour these days.
Seminyak is also home to dozens of restaurants and cafes,
particularly along Jl. Laksmana which is also aptly known as "Eat
Street". From fine dining to cheap and cheerful, there's bound to be
something for everyone. The beach at both Seminyak and Petitenget enjoy a
relaxed atmosphere, and are a popular place for both locals and
tourists to meet at the end of the day to watch the sunset.
5. Tanjung Benoa
Tanjung Benoa, located just north of Nusa Dua, is a popular holiday
destination for families due to its calm waters. This makes it
especially suitable for a variety of water sports, including jet-skiing,
para-sailing, snorkeling, diving and banana boats.
6. GWK
GWK, or Garuda Wisnu Kencana, is a 240-hectare cultural park located
on the Bukit Peninsula. The statue of the Hindu god, Vishnu, stands at a
height of 20 meters and once completed, will be the highest statue in
the world.
Visitors can enjoy views of the sunrise and sunset from the park, and
GWK is also equipped with a display area for theatrical dance
performances, depending on show schedules. In front of the entrance
gate, visitors are greeted by Balinese music that accompanies two
Balinese dancers.
There are also several shops, food stalls and even a factory outlet.
Some tour operators choose GWK as a location for an afternoon meal while
enjoying the sunset, making it a popular time to visit the park.
7. Sukawati Market
Sukawati Market is a well-known traditional art market located in the
village of Sukawati, Gianyar regency. Approximately 30 km from Ngurah
Rai International Airport, it's best to take a car with driver for the
45-minute journey.
The market sells traditional Balinese clothing, batik and crafts at
affordable prices, and is a good place to practice your bargaining
skills. Arriving between 8am and 10am, you are guaranteed "morning
price".
8. Jimbaran Beach
Jimbaran beach is best visited at night, when the cafes and restaurants that line the edge of the beach bustle with activity.
Seafood barbeques are what the area is known for, however there is
also a fish auction center where you can purchase the daily catch.
Dinner by candlelight is a popular choice for couples as well as
families looking to spend an enjoyable evening on the beach and should
not be missed.
9. Tanah Lot
Tanah Lot temple is the most renowned temple in Bali and seems to have
become an icon of the island. The uniqueness of this temple is its
location perched on a large rock in the middle of the sea.
The temple is only accessible at low tide, when you can cross over
and walk to the base of the temple. It is a very popular tourist
destination, especially in the late afternoon, towards sunset.
10. Sanur Beach
Sanur Beach is another famous tourist spot on the island of Bali. It is
located just east of Denpasar and is particularly popular with foreign
tourists who come to surf the good waves.
Not far off Sanur Beach, there are also several diving and snorkeling
locations. Due to the favorable conditions, these sites are suitable
for divers of all levels of expertise. In addition, Sanur Beach is also
known as Sunrise Beach as opposed to Kuta Beach which is famous for its
spectacular sunsets.