What hotels in Denpasar have nice views? Cheap flights to Denpasar Bali Where is Denpasar located

Denpasar received the status of the capital of the island after the expulsion of the Dutch colonialists from Bali in 1958. Before this, the city was a modest administrative center of the Badung district, with which it shared the same name. However, the high-profile title changed little in the appearance and life of Denpasar, except that it somewhat expanded its borders and helped build a more impressive bureaucratic apparatus.

Gradually, the capital absorbed the neighboring cities of Sanur and Kuta, which are formally considered its districts, but in fact are independent resort areas. Denpasar is usually characterized as a place of mixture of Javanese, Chinese and European cultures, but if you walk along its streets, it becomes clear that the dominant modern life The cities still have “Asian motifs.”

Sights of Denpasar

In response to a request from Denpasar, it is no coincidence that search engines offer photographs of Puputan Square. It was from here that the island took its first steps towards independence, albeit in a rather unique way. In 1906, in response to attempts by Dutch troops to seize power in Badung, the local elite, taking their children, went to the square and committed puputan - ritual suicide. In memory of this event, you can find a memorial depicting a group of people dressed in white clothes and armed with knives.

On the territory of the square there is also the Museum of Bali, opened, ironically, by the same “bad Dutch” in 1937. The foundation of the funds consists of folk art and household items saved from being taken out of the country by smugglers. Three of its four buildings represent different styles of Balinese palace architecture. The main room houses various historical artifacts, from a 2,200-year-old stone sarcophagus to photographs of a puputan from 1906. Upstairs is a collection of everyday items and household utensils. In the first pavilion, decorated in the Singaraja style, you will see ancient Balinese textiles, and in the second, repeating the 18th century Karangasem style, you will see religious objects. The design of the third pavilion is in the Tabanan Regency style; It contains items related to music and dance, including a collection of masks, dolls and costumes. The museum has no catalogs or explanatory signs, so you just have to be content with the beauty of the exhibits on display. Opening hours of the Bali Museum: Tue-Thu 8.00-16.00, Fri 8.30-13.00; paid entrance.

Not far from Puputan Square, right at a busy intersection, the Denpasar “compass” Katur Muka, a Balinese idol carved in stone, pompously looks at the tourists scurrying around. Each of the divine faces of Torment faces a specific part of the world - South, West, East and North, so the statue is often perceived as an ordinary pointer. The one-way traffic system directs it north to Jalan Veteran or east along Jalan Surapati, which has since been renamed "Sanur Road". To the west of the junction is Jalan Gajah Mada, lined with banks, shops and restaurants. Soon it meets Jalan Sulawesi, and then the dirty and sometimes rather smelly Badung River.

The Bajra Sandhi monument rises above a large park in Renon. This huge monument, 45 meters high, is a symbol of the Balinese struggle for independence against the Dutch invasion in the early 20th century. The territory of the monument has a rectangular shape and is divided into three levels: in the first part there is a library, an exhibition center, a conference hall and information Center; in the second there are halls with an exhibition and a diorama dedicated to different periods of the island’s history and the ritual suicide of the Puputans; in the third zone, visitors, having climbed 70 steps, reach an observation deck from which a wonderful view of Denpasar opens. The Bajra Sandhi monument has a very beautiful appearance and is built in the style of Balinese architecture. Its territory is surrounded by tall trees and a well-kept garden, which makes it an excellent location for photography and a favorite vacation spot for city residents.

Religion for the residents of Denpasar is an integral part of life, so the local temples are never empty. The most interesting sanctuary from an architectural point of view is Pura Jagatnatha. The temple is dedicated to the presiding deity Sangyang Vidi. Of the many Hindu gods, three - Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva - are considered major, but this is the only one that fits most appropriately into the Indonesian panka sila, or national code. The temple itself is small, but impressively decorated in Hindu style. You can visit it any day except Friday.

The Pura Maospahit sanctuary looks more modest compared to its pretentious neighbor, although it has no fewer parishioners. The territory of the temple shelters several dozen unusual sculptures and statues, which are what most visitors hunt for. By the way, do not try to get into Pura Maospahit through the main gate - they are opened only on major holidays and even then not for the tourist fraternity. Go around the other side of the altar and you will see an alternative entrance. Donations are made on a voluntary-compulsory basis.

In addition to religious sites, Denpasar has a couple of royal palaces - the residence of the former rulers of Badung. One of them, Puri Agung Denpasar, has an unusual architecture for Bali, for which the Dutch are “to blame” for rebuilding the imperial residence to their own taste. The building is still inhabited to this day - at least according to documents according to which it is registered with the governor of the city.

The Puri Agung Pemekutan Palace is “typical Balinese” in appearance. The complex was built in the 16th century and served as a permanent residence for the royal family. Not to say that the buildings look particularly majestic, but for Denpasar, which is not rich in sights, this is already a must-see object.

If you go to the eastern part of the Balinese capital, you can stumble upon the Taman Werdi Budaya Cultural Center. It is open every day except Monday, 8.00-17.00; paid entrance. You should definitely go inside if you have never seen national Balinese dances and are eager to listen to something from local folklore. The action is designed for the average tourist. Every June and July the Art Center hosts a large Balinese art festival. Be sure to ask about the opportunity to watch rehearsals, they are just as interesting as the performances themselves. Dancing can also be seen near Sekolah Tinggi Seni Indonesia, formerly known as the Indonesian Dance Academy and now as the Dance Academy.

Recreational facilities

The choice of entertainment in Denpasar is limited, because Kuta with all the attributes of nightlife is nearby. If you wish, you can “soap up at the cinema”, which is a 5-screen cinema complex “Wisata 21” (Jl. Thamrin, 29). Tickets are cheap (up to $2), films are shown in the original language with subtitles, the poster is given in the Bali Post newspaper. Another popular form of entertainment is traditional Balinese dancing, which is widely represented in the city’s venues.

In the eastern quarter of Kesiman, barong dancing is performed in the center of "Catur Eka Budhi" (Jl. Waribang). Performance time: 9.30-10.30, admission 50,000 Rp, travel by bemo from Ubung and Kereneng stations to Batubulan. Many travel agencies organize trips to the shows directly from the resorts, costing $15-20 per person, including entrance fees and transportation. A five-minute walk to the south from this site they give performances of kechak dance, which are even more spectacular. They can be seen from 18.30 to 19.30 on the Stage Uma Dewi. During the day, during a break between contemplating the emotional experiences of the dancers, it is useful to spend time walking around the city or in shopping centers.

Food in Denpasar

Denpasar is not considered the most suitable city for gastronomic tourism: in Bali, for example, you can find places with a higher level of service and an extensive menu. Nevertheless, the owners of local warungs will not leave travelers hungry. Almost every cafe serves fried or boiled rice with additives and spices, fried pork (babi guling), black bean soup, and spicy rudjak fruit salad. The prices for all dishes are not modest in the capital, so you can have breakfast, lunch and dinner in warungs on a royal scale.

Asian cuisine is popular in Denpasar, and not only Indonesian: there are many Chinese and Korean eateries open in the city. Fans of European breakfasts should wander around the local bakeries, where they can stock up on the freshest buns for their morning coffee. An important nuance: you can dine in street restaurants until a maximum of 22:00. If for some reason you had to be late for your meal, the local night market will help. Starting late in the evening, a real food bacchanalia unfolds here, and it’s very difficult not to take part in it. It’s hard to say how well exotic delicacies will go with an unprepared digestive system - 90% of the dishes offered at the bazaar are fried in liters of vegetable oil and heartily seasoned with the most thermonuclear varieties of spices. But there is no doubt about the freshness of the products: Denpasar residents themselves love to dine at such markets, and without any harm to their health.

Shopping

Denpasar is ideal for shopaholics who are in constant search of “something like that”, with an indispensable Asian flavor. The most visited retail outlets are shops and workshops offering locally produced batik. Such beauty is not cheap, but if you look at the creative process - many stores provide this opportunity - it becomes clear why sellers are not eager to bargain. In particular, do not pass by Bali Bidadari Batik, where local artists create right in front of admiring tourists. There is a wonderful selection of painted fabrics at both Maju Batik Fabric and Sahara Batik Fabric.

Erlangga has a good reputation among inexpensive stores - don't count on cheap batik, but there are plenty of cheap T-shirts and souvenirs here. Kumbassari Market is a hybrid of a shopping center and a wholesale market, where you can buy anything from rubber flip-flops to tableware. In addition to painted trinkets, you can also buy more luxury goods in Denpasar, such as jewelry. In this regard, the best option for shopping would be the city factory-store UC Silver Gold. It is better to go here with a good guide who will tell you in detail about the quality and stages of creating jewelry, and will not persistently persuade you to buy every second piece of jewelry.

Where to stay

There is no reason to develop the hotel business in the city, which for 99% of tourists remains only a transit point on the way to the beach resorts of the island. As a result, there is no such thing as five-star hotels in Denpasar. But there are enough decent fours with an average cost for a double room – from 394,000 IDR (about 1,750 RUB). In cases where you want to be as isolated as possible from the hotel staff and the whole world in general, you can rent a villa. Depending on the level of interiors, the presence of a separate pool and location, such a pleasure can cost either 956,917 IDR (4,360 RUB) or 6,582,784 IDR (approximately 30,000 RUB). There are also several hostels in Denpasar, where for 136,655 – 153,600 IDR (600-700 RUB) a tourist will be provided with overnight accommodation in a separate room with a double bed. A bed in a common room will cost even less – from 65,830 IDR (approximately 300 RUB).

Transport

For travelers who do not like to be dependent on circumstances, in Denpasar it is advisable to rent a motorcycle or scooter, which are rented out almost at every turn. True, it is better to first observe how the townspeople behave on the roads in order to be aware of the peculiarities of national traffic, which here, by the way, drives on the left. The conditions for renting motorbikes in Bali couldn’t be more loyal: no passports as collateral and no requirements to present a driver’s license, everything is at your own peril and risk. The most economical way is to rent a vehicle for a month. Typically, office owners offer decent discounts for such clients. The daily rate is several times more expensive.

Good to know: Unlike the owners of rental companies, Denpasar police always require a driver's license from tourists riding a scooter. Failure to have a document in hand can result in a hefty fine, so it’s better not to take risks.

If you don’t want to maneuver in the traffic flow and quarrel with city extreme sports enthusiasts, look for minibus stops - bemo (stuffy, cramped, but incredibly cheap). Almost all minibuses travel not only around the city, but also cross its borders, transporting passengers to neighboring resorts: Kuta, Jimbaran, Ubud, Nusa Dua and others. As a rule, the names of the starting, ending and major intermediate points are written on the minibuses themselves, which make it easy to identify their route. The cost within the city does not exceed 2000 Rp, but tourists usually overpay. You can stop the bemo at any stop - just wave your hand. You can also take a city taxi. The only thing, as in the case of a minibus, is to negotiate with the driver before you get into the cabin and the car takes off. The Balinese, of course, are smiling and hospitable people, but skinning seven skins from an ignorant tourist in this part of Southeast Asia is an honorable tradition that they try not to deviate from.

How to get there

Denpasar has its own Ngurah Rai Airport, located 13 km south of the city. You can get here from Moscow with a transfer using flights Moscow – Singapore – Denpasar (Singapore Airlines) and Moscow – Istanbul – Denpasar (Turkish Airlines + Air Asia). Rossiya planes also fly from Sheremetyevo to the main city of Bali: non-stop flight, travel time - 12 hours 20 minutes. By the way, at Denpasar airport there is a decent duty free zone, so if during your trip you didn’t have time to buy everything you planned, here you can catch up.

You can get from the airport to Denpasar proper by transfer, if provided by the hotel, by bus (parking near the domestic and international terminals), or by taxi. The best option for traveling families is to order an individual transfer with a driver online.

is a small island in the Indonesian archipelago. It is covered with emerald rice paddies, clove forests and cinnamon trees. Bright tropical flowers are fragrant throughout the island. It is washed by the warm waters of the Indian Ocean.

The city of Denpasar is located in the south of the island and has been its capital since 1958. The population of the administrative center is 500 thousand people. The locals are very good-natured, cheerful and friendly people. They sacredly honor their traditions and ancient religious customs, not allowing even guests to violate them. Therefore, tourists should take it for granted and follow the established code of conduct.

Weather

Due to its proximity to the equator, temperature fluctuations here are very small. All year round the temperature remains constant within 30-33°C during the day and 22-26°C at night. Humidity is high at any time of the year, but the bulk of precipitation falls during the rainy season from December to February. The water in the ocean is like fresh milk - its temperature does not drop below 26 degrees; during the dry season, which peaks in August, it warms up to 29 degrees.

Attractions

The architecture of Denpasar is an amazing mix of Javanese, Chinese and European cultures, mixing modern construction with a provincial landscape.

In the city center is Puputan Square. It is decorated with a monument representing a group of Balinese - men, women and children - with Malay daggers in their hands. The monument symbolizes the resistance of the local population to colonization at the beginning of the 20th century. And nearby rises a 5-meter statue of the god Shiva.

Near the square, one of the main city attractions is the Pura Jagatnath Temple. This is an amazing palace. Its walls are made of white corals, it stands on a turtle shell, and statues of dragons surround it along the perimeter.

The world famous Bali Museum is located nearby. It is an architectural ensemble of palaces and temples built in the style of local traditions. They amaze the imagination with their exquisite forms and refinement of details. The main theme of the museum is anthropology and ethnography. The exhibitions are dedicated to the history, culture, traditions and customs, and religion of the Aboriginal people. Household items, costumes and masks, sarcophagi, and elements of folk art are exhibited here. This treasury is full of exclusive gold and silver jewelry, unique weapons of the Malays.

The arts center is located on the southeastern outskirts of Denpasar. The huge complex, in which the straightforwardness of Art Nouveau and the elegance of the East are intricately intertwined, is spread over five hectares of coconut grove. There is an Art Museum and several art galleries representing all aspects of the cultural and historical life of Bali.

The center's calling card is an amphitheater with a capacity of 600 people. Every year in June-July, a large-scale festival takes place on its stage, the program of which includes theatrical performances, musical compositions and graceful oriental dances. A restaurant has been built on the territory, serving mainly national cuisine - spicy and unusual in taste for a European. “Sate” is grilled meat seasoned with local spices and sauces, “gado-gado” is a salad of local vegetables with peanut butter, “soto ayam” is a spicy chicken soup, fried rice and pasta cooked according to a secret Balinese recipe. Denpasar has flourished in the last 30 years. This was greatly facilitated by the increased interest of tourists in these places. Fashionable hotels and exotic rural mini-hotels have sprung up in the city. There are many restaurants offering Oriental, American and European dishes, as well as cafes with family cuisine.

"Bioscope" is a local cinema with five screens. Young people like to relax here. The poster for the sessions is specific. They mainly show Indian and Indonesian films, as well as American films with martial arts.

Nightlife is concentrated in several local clubs and disco bars. The main entertainment is hot Balinese dances: legong, kecak, janger. The ardent natives are surprisingly artistic. They don’t just dance, they create entire folklore performances that captivate with their unique rhythms and storylines. But in general, life in Denpasar is calm and quiet.

Shops and small shopping complexes line the roads. Pasar Budung is the main city market, it is the largest and busiest on the entire island of Bali! Chinese, Arab and Indian traders invite buyers in every possible way, offering a variety of treasures. On the shelves you can find native spices and herbs, exotic fruits and vegetables. Offered to buyers are razor-sharp daggers, woven carpets with marvelous patterns, colorful sarongs - classic Balinese clothing, openwork gold and silver items, precious filigree tableware, ethnic goods - masks, toys, tools, handicrafts. Special attention deserve endek or ikat fabrics made using original local technology.

Transport connections in Denpasar are well developed. You can get to any point in the city by regular minibus. Horse transport is exotic for tourists, although for the Balinese it is the usual way movement.

Guests are offered many tourist routes and excursions. Walks can be on foot or by bike.

Bedugul is a mountain reserve in the vicinity of Denpasar with an area of ​​120 hectares. Its famous attraction is the marvelously beautiful orchid garden. As far as the eye can see, hundreds of flowers of different varieties and shades grow.

There is a monkey forest nearby. Monkeys are like tame squirrels! They make excellent contact with people, begging for treats and not causing trouble. The bird park is home to more than 250 species of tropical birds of bright colors. In the Reptile Park you can meet the largest lizard in the world - the Komodo dragon, growing more than three meters in length and weighing up to 100 kg. This is dangerous, so excursions in the Reptile Park are conducted only by experienced local guides.

10-20 km from Denpasar are the famous resorts of Sanur and the resort of Kuta. Sanur is suitable for family holidays. Coral reefs protect it on all sides, and the coastal waters here are calm and warm. Kuta, with its strong sea currents and steep waves, is a real paradise for surfers.

When going on vacation to the most famous region of Indonesia - Bali, you will definitely end up in Denpasar - the capital of this island, which is located in the southern part of the province and perfectly combines modern buildings, architectural monuments and rice fields.

You don't even have to look for where Denpasar is, as the resort's only airport is located next to it (just 13 km), serving international and domestic destinations. Therefore, upon arriving in Bali, you can quickly get to the city by taxi or ordered from your hotel. From others settlements The islands can be reached to the capital by trains and regular buses.

Since Denpasar is a city where people do not live permanently, but only use it as a departure point to various interesting places and places, there is a huge number of hotels here different levels comfort from cheap 1* options to super modern 5*.

Among all, the following hotels in Denpasar are very popular in Bali:

• Banyumas Villa 3* - located in the city center, has a swimming pool, parking, modern rooms.
• spa complex Alam Puri Art Museum 5* - these are luxurious villas in the Balinese style, there is even an art gallery, a swimming pool and spa services;
• Sanctuario Villa 5* - the complex is located on the outskirts of the city, so villas with private pools overlook rice fields;
• guest house Bali Contour 2* - provides comfortable rooms with air conditioning, a swimming pool, exercise equipment, and there is even a restaurant.
• Hotel b Bali – Modern, minimalist rooms are air conditioned and have balconies with garden or ocean views.

Weather in Denpasar

The capital of the island is no different from the rest of the territory. Here the whole year is also divided into 2 seasons: dry and rainy. The average daytime temperature is +29°C, night temperature is +25°C, and humidity is 85%.

But even in rainy weather, you can find something to do in Denpasar: visit attractions or entertainment centers, as well as go shopping.

Sights of Denpasar

One-day excursions regularly depart from Denpasar to all the attractions of the island of Bali.

Entertainment in Denpasar

The lack of beaches is compensated by a lot of entertainment. Here are the most popular nightclubs, karaoke bars, and, famous for hosting the Bali Arts Festival, the Taman Budaya Art Center. And many people come here specifically for shopping, since Denparas markets are considered the cheapest in Asia.

The remote tropical island of Bali cannot be called a tourist mecca, where everything works exclusively for the hotel business. This is a beautiful island with its own character, which you either fall in love with immediately or never come again.

Bali is a kingdom of volcanoes, impenetrable tropical forests and stunning sunsets on the ocean. The colorful traditions of the locals are a bizarre mixture of Buddhist, Hindu and ancient island beliefs. Balinese gods live in unusual temples on the water, numerous religious rituals and holidays are an incredible extravaganza of intricate colors.

Landscapes of Bali beaches can be safely placed in an exemplary picture. White sand, blue ocean, inaccessible coastal cliffs and bright tropical sun - here there is everything a tourist exhausted by a long winter needs.

The best hotels and inns at affordable prices.

from 500 rubles/day

What to see and where to go in Bali?

The most interesting and beautiful places for walks. Photos and brief description.

1. Ubud city

Ubud is located away from the beach resorts of the island. It is known as the cultural center of Bali due to its many galleries, museums, workshops and antique shops. International art festivals are often held here. Hotels and restaurants in the city are created according to individual design projects. Ubud is surrounded by picturesque terraced rice fields, which are located on the slopes of a volcanic ridge.

2. Monkey forest in Ubud

The monkey can be considered the unofficial symbol of Bali. There are several places where these animals live in groups on the island. One of them is in Ubud. This is a monkey forest, which is considered sacred by the Balinese; the Pura Bukit temple is located on its territory. Numerous inhabitants of the forest are not at all afraid of tourists. They make excellent contact with people, sometimes they even get very impudent and steal sunglasses, jewelry and anything else that doesn’t fit in their bag.

3. Waterpark "Waterbom Bali"

The water park covers an area of ​​4 hectares. It is famous not only for its water attractions and swimming pools, but also for its numerous tropical gardens and magnificent spas. After an exciting roller coaster ride, tourists will be offered a relaxing Balinese massage, mineral baths or a boat ride on a quiet river. The water park has a floating bar and a restaurant where you can sample local coffee.

4. Tirta Gangga Water Palace

An architectural and park complex with numerous ponds, fountains and canals, which are interconnected by alleys and bridges. It was erected in 1946 for the royal family. Despite its relatively small age, the palace looks like an ancient landmark thanks to its traditional architecture and high humidity, due to which the walls of the buildings are overgrown with green moss after a few months.

5. Ujung Water Palace

Ujung Palace, like Tirta Gangga, was built by the last king of the Karangasema dynasty, who received an architectural education in Holland. The complex was built in a mixed architectural style. In its outlines you can see European and Balinese features. The palace was built in 1921, but after the 1976 earthquake it stood abandoned for a long time. The restoration was carried out in the period 2001-2003.

6. Agung Rai Museum of Art

The museum is located in the city of Ubud. It was opened in 1980 with funds from philanthropist and collector Agung Rai. The collection is dedicated to Indonesian painting, from the Middle Ages to the beginning of the 21st century. There are also rare works by European artists who lived and worked in Bali. The museum space is actively used for organizing temporary exhibitions.

7. Pacifica Museum

The museum exhibits a unique collection of painters from the Asia-Pacific region. The museum collections contain works by more than 200 artists. The gallery is also known for its extensive collection of antiques. The museum space is divided into 11 halls dedicated to different areas of art. Paintings by Indonesian artists are exhibited in five halls.

8. Neka Museum

The museum is named after its founder, local artist and collector Suteji Nek, who is the son of the famous Balinese woodcarver Wayan Nek. The gallery was opened in 1982. Suteji dedicated his life to studying Balinese culture, developing art in Indonesia, and collecting. The exhibition at the Neka Museum consists of traditional paintings in the Wayang style, photographs, sculptures made of wood and bronze.

9. Jatiluwi Rice Terraces

The rice terraces are a famous and popular attraction in Bali. They are located in the west of the island on the slopes of Mount Batukaru. Jatiluwi is not only a tourist site, but also real agricultural land. Special varieties of rice are grown here. The terraces are located at 700 meters above sea level. The object is included in the UNESCO list of natural attractions.

10. Temple Pura Tanah Lot

The temple is located on a rock washed by sea waters, so it can be reached by land only at low tide. Pura Tanah Lot is a particularly revered temple. It is believed that every Balinese should visit it at least once in their life. Only believers can climb to the top of the rock and visit the temple; tourists are not allowed further than the stone staircase, so they have to photograph the structure from afar.

11. Pura Besakih Temple

Pura Besakih is the main Hindu temple complex in Bali. It consists of 22 religious buildings located on terraces at the foot of Gugung Agung. Local residents call the complex the “Mother of all temples.” Together with the mountain, it is considered the main holy place in Bali. Unfortunately, tourists are allowed to enter the first level of Pura Besakih, only Hindus can go further.

12. Uluwatu Temple

The temple is located in the southern part of Bali. It was erected to protect the gods of the island from the attacks of sea demons. The building is located on the very edge of a sheer 90-meter cliff. The temple was founded in the 11th century by Javanese Brahmins. The goddesses Rudra and Devi Laut are worshiped on its territory. Religious ceremonies are held in the courtyard, which is closed general access, however, tourists can visit the outer courtyard.

13. Tirta Empul Temple

The temple complex is located near the village of Tampak Siring. It is surrounded by rice fields and tropical forests. It is believed that Tirta Empul was founded more than a thousand years ago near a natural spring, where the god Indra healed his warriors and gave them new life. People come to the temple to draw water from the healing spring and take a bath in one of the temple pools.

14. Gunung Kawi Temple

Gunung Kawi is believed to have been founded in the 11th century, making it the oldest cave temple on the island of Bali. The complex is a system of caves carved into the rock. Using a stone staircase you can go down to the sacred temple spring. The site of Gunung Kawi contains royal tombs, marked by funerary towers and bas-reliefs. Local residents believe that the temple is a powerful place of power on the island.

15. Lake Bratan and Pura Ulun Danu Temple

Bali's main water temple is located at Lake Bratan, which is located at an altitude of more than 1200 meters above sea level. The complex is a symbol of the island and one of its most popular attractions. The lake is considered sacred as it provides water to irrigate the surrounding farmland. The Pura Ulun Danu Temple was built in the 17th century under King Mengwi in honor of the goddess of water.

16. Elephant Cave - Goa Gajah

An ancient cave temple located near the city of Ubud. "Goa Goja" is translated from Indonesian as "elephant cave". Apparently, the temple received this name thanks to the bas-relief located at the entrance. It vaguely resembles the face of an elephant. It is difficult to come up with another explanation, since elephants themselves have never been found in Bali. Inside the temple there are sculptures of Hindu and Buddhist gods. The cave complex was discovered in the middle of the 20th century.

17. Bat Cave - Goa Lawah

A cave system that is the oldest Shaivist sanctuary. As the name suggests, it is home to a large number of bats. One of the legends claims that at the beginning of the 20th century there was a huge statue of a dragon in one of the caves. One day the Dutch entered there and, frightened, shot the sculpture with guns. That same night they disappeared without a trace. According to another legend, a 30-kilometer underground passage leads from Goa Lawah to Pura Besakih.

18. Bird Park in Bali

A natural area home to more than 250 species of birds brought to the island from different parts of the Earth. Most birds fly freely around the park; for the rest, fairly spacious cages have been built. The Bali Bird Park is home to several species of parrots, peacocks, toucans, prehistoric cassowaries and many other species. You can feed some birds yourself.

19. Safari and Marine Park

A huge park home to more than 60 species of exotic animals, including Komodo dragons and white tigers. Tourists are transported around the territory, just like during an African safari. There are restaurants within the park where you can enjoy traditional Balinese food and bungalows for overnight stays. The marine part of the reserve is home to a huge number of fish species brought from different seas.

20. Elephant Park in Bali

Bali is not the home of elephants. These huge animals were brought here from the island of Sumatra and a nursery park was organized. On its territory you can observe the habits of elephants, ride on the back of an animal or feed baby elephants; it will also be interesting to visit a small museum. The park was organized by a passionate Australian, N. Mason. In addition to the elephant area, there are rice fields and green walking alleys.

21. Bali-Barat

A natural reserve covering an area of ​​760 km². Within its borders are tropical forests, savannas, mangroves and swamps, jungles and highland plains. In the marine part of the reserve there are several beaches, very popular with divers, and a large coral reef. The fauna is represented by dozens of species of birds and mammals. Most of the reserve is closed to the public; movement is only possible along special trails.

22. Volcano Agung

Mount Agung is Bali's highest point (3142 meters) and a sacred place for the island's inhabitants. According to one popular legend, the volcano was created by the Hindu god Pasupati. Over the entire history of observations, Arung has erupted four times; as a result of the last cataclysm in the 20th century, more than 2 thousand people died. Several walking routes lead to the top middle category difficulty, the ascent takes about 6 hours.

23. Volcano Batur

Gunung Batur is located in the northeastern part of the island, the mountain reaches a height of 1717 meters. There is a volcanic lake in the pit at the top. The volcano is active, the last eruption was recorded in 2000. Gunung Batur is a popular natural attraction. Climbing to its top takes about one and a half hours. From an almost two-kilometer height, picturesque views of the island open up.

24. Tegenungan Waterfall

One of the most beautiful waterfalls in Bali, located 16 km. from the city of Denpasar. An observation deck for tourists is located at the top of the water stream, from where you can admire the fall of powerful jets. Below are baths and a small temple. Tegenungan is located in the bed of the Petanu River, which is considered sacred by the Balinese. In the evenings, you can watch a picturesque sunset from the observation deck.

25. Sekumpul Waterfall

Sekumpul is located in northern Bali near Singaraja. Water flows gain maximum power during the rainy season. It is during this period that the waterfall is especially picturesque. Sekumpul is a group of six waterfalls that cascade into a deep lake at the foot of a cliff. The road to the attraction runs through rice fields, cliffs above the abyss and fern thickets.

26. Munduk Waterfall

The waterfall is located in the vicinity of Lake Tamblingan. It represents a powerful stream of water, as if escaping from a rock overgrown with dense jungle. This shape is very typical for Balinese waterfalls. At the height of the tropical rainy season, Munduk is filled with maximum power. So far there are few tourists in the area of ​​the waterfall, since the main routes pass away from this place.

27. Nusa Dua Beach

Nusa Dua is a great place for sunbathing and swimming in the clear waters of the ocean. The beach is located in the southern part of Bali. There is no tourist infrastructure or any significant attractions; after sunset, life in the vicinity of the beach “dies out.” The place will be of interest primarily to lovers of nature and solitude, looking for peace and spiritual relaxation.

28. Balangan Beach

The beach is not very suitable for swimming due to the abundance of algae and inconvenient entry into the water. It is famous for its picturesque natural views, so there are still quite a lot of visitors here. The beach is surrounded by rocks, from where you can admire the sea surface and take spectacular photographs. When the weather conditions are right, Balangan is perfect for surfing.

29. Pandava Beach

Pandawa is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Bali, located in the southern part of the island. Despite the fact that the beach was opened relatively recently, a decent tourist infrastructure has already been created on it, which includes cafes, water boat rentals Vehicle and beach equipment. The Pandava coastal strip is quite long, bordered on both sides by rocky outcroppings.

30. Artists' Trail

A walking route of about 3 km, which starts in Ubud and passes through picturesque hills, fields and jungle. The most best time for a walk along the Artists' Trail - early in the morning, before the hot sun has yet begun to mercilessly scorch its scorching rays. While hiking along the route, you can take stunning panoramic photos or pose in front of the lush Balinese greenery.

Before our trip to Indonesia, we read a lot about the sights of the island of Bali and chose what to see. And we visited many of them, so now we present you not just a list with descriptions of places (you will find many of these without us), but our own rating of Bali attractions with personal reviews and impressions. But the impressions were different...

We visited about twenty Bali attractions and we have our own review for each of them. But I decided to include only 13 in the rating, because it’s the damn dozen after the Balinese New Year that looks the most organic, don’t you agree? 🙂

But without ranting, I present to you my rating– from the weakest impressions and less pleasant reviews to the strong and amazing.

Sights of Bali: from so-so to the coolest. No. 13. Goa Gajah

Caves of Goa Gajah are located 13 kilometers from Ubud and this is their main advantage. The entrance to the cave is decorated with the face of a demon (and this is the second advantage this place), in the photos of tourists it seems big and scary... But it only seems. The cave itself is small, you can walk around it in a minute. Due to its convenient accessibility, there are many Chinese tourists here.

Caves of Goa Gajah on the map of Bali- at the end of the article.

No. 12. Tanakh Lot

It’s just a rally on Bolotnaya, by God: there are just as many people, but under your feet it’s like a swamp (with snakes), your shoes immediately become wet. Well, if you arrived at low tide, then Tanakh Lot– just for show, not for lifelong memories. Well, you can also take a photo against the backdrop of a crashing wave.

Tanah Lot Temple on the map of Bali- at the end of the article.

No. 11. Tirtaganga Water Palace

In fact Tirtaganga Water Palace– a very beautiful and original place. It's nice to walk through a stone labyrinth in a pond with huge fish! But due to its remote location from any civilization and due to the fact that there is nothing to have fun besides this labyrinth, this attraction of the island of Bali receives such a low place.

Tirtaganga Palace on the map of Bali- at the end of the article.

No. 10. Besakih Temple

Yes, it is called the main temple of the island of Bali. Yes, it often tops “What to see in Bali” lists. Yes, it is located next to the picturesque Agung Volcano. Yes, he's handsome. But nowhere have we met so many unpleasant people “grazing” near this Bali landmark. It is impossible to approach the temple itself without passing through the barrier of the most impudent merchants and “helpers”, at whom you just yell “Get the hell away from us!!!” They extort money ($5) to just walk silently next to you. Otherwise, you will supposedly not be allowed close to the temple. Otherwise, you can supposedly only walk along a dirt road behind a fence, from where you can see absolutely nothing. About maternal Besakih Temple we have .

Besakih Temple on the map of Bali- at the end of the article.

Sights of Bali: Besakih Temple. The Balinese are very pleasant and friendly people. And they send the most rude and unpleasant individuals to Besakih Temple.

No. 9. Taman Ayun

A beautiful place to take a walk. Very picturesque park areas, although there are no benches. Tourists will do a lot good photos. And it's easy to get to and parking is free. The reviews are most positive.

Taman Ayun Temple on the map of Bali- at the end of the article.

Impressive in any weather.

No. 8. Taman Ujung, Palace on the Water

In fact, I was even ready to put it above the legendary Uluwatu Temple, but only because of the inconvenient accessibility of this Bali landmark, I put it lower.

IN Taman Ujunge you can spend a couple of hours just walking, you can take a hundred beautiful photos against the backdrop of picturesque paths, trees, gazebos. But the most powerful impression is when you climb the high stairs to the observation deck and see from there the blue, blue sea. A delightful sight. And there are also few people here - both tourists and locals. Reviews about this Bali attractions the most positive.

Taman Ujung Temple on the map of Bali- at the end of the article.

It is not yet frequented by tourists, and this is also its charm.

No. 7. Uluwatu Temple

Another popular one landmark of Bali island, which I did not include in the top five. There are two reasons. Firstly, there are a lot of aggressive monkeys there, and one of them stole and broke Zhenya’s glasses. And before that, another monkey jumped on Zhenya’s chest, snatching a bottle of water. But we dealt with it))) And there are many such “victims”: we were in Uluwatu twice and in total we heard about six times someone squealing because of the impudent behavior of the monkeys.

The second reason is the inability to really see and get closer to the Uluwatu Temple. So here the main photos are of rocks, waves crashing against them and the surrounding nature. Very beautiful. You could stand and watch for a whole hour, enjoying it, but no way - in ten minutes someone will appear next to you? That's right, another cheeky macaque.

Uluwatu Temple on the map of Bali- at the end of the article.

Sights of Bali: Uluwatu Temple at sunset- this is an indescribable sight! It’s a pity I didn’t see him “live”, but only in the photo: a monkey stole one of my glasses, and we hid the second in a backpack so as not to lose them.

No. 6. Gitgit Waterfall

A very beautiful and powerful waterfall that is easy to get to. Few tourists. And, to be honest, based on my reviews, I would make two fifth places, which would include two attractions of the island of Bali - Gitgit waterfall and Tegallalang Rice Terraces. Look at the photo: can you really say which is more beautiful?

And also to Gitgit waterfall you can get very close and within five seconds you will be completely wet. A wonderful, very joyful feeling.

Gitgit waterfall on the map of Bali- at the end of the article.

Gitgit Waterfall- one of the few attractions of Bali island, which are easy to reach. It's right next to the road.

№ 5. Tegallalang Rice Terraces

The Tegallalang rice terraces are located 10 kilometers from Ubud, they are very easy to get to, access to the terraces is free (which is generally very surprising for Bali). The views are fantastic. Be sure to visit them, enjoy this wonderful spectacle without haste, and take a lot of photos. And no one will bother you - there are no annoying merchants or guides here. But there are several nice cafes overlooking this beautiful landmark of the island.

I don't know if anyone can give me a clue for this Bali landmark negative reviews?

Tegallalang Rice Terraces on the map of Bali- at the end of the article.

Sights of Bali: Tegallalang Rice Terraces near Ubud. Not only beautiful, but also free!

No. 4. Jati Luwih Rice Terraces

Yes, you know, Jati Luwih is the second rice terrace in the top five most impressive attractions of Bali island. Getting to them is long and difficult, but when you get there... You will see as many of these terraces as the eye can see! They will be everywhere, big, small, flooded, not flooded, so be prepared to stop every 50 meters and take a photo.

Jati Luwih rice terraces on the map of Bali- at the end of the article.

When you see such beauty, the rice will seem tastier!

No. 3. Nung-nung Falls

Honestly, the day we visited Nung-nung waterfall, I didn’t think I would put him third in my ranking. But time has passed, and I catch myself thinking that this is the landmark I remember most often, or rather, my feelings...

Firstly, because of the descent. TO Nung-nung waterfall there is such a steep staircase that you don’t go down it, but run! You run at full speed towards the waterfall! Which is thundering somewhere out there, calling you...

And now you’re close, it’s time to say “secondly.” The first time you see Nung-nung makes a very big impression. It gets louder and louder, and you are already very close, there are only thirty steps left, twenty, ten and now... The steps break off and you turn 90 degrees. Here he is!!! As in “The Master and Margarita” - “Love jumped out in front of us, like a killer jumps out of the ground in an alley, and struck us both at once!” The Nung-nung waterfall had exactly the same feeling.

It thunders, makes noise, yells, beautiful, powerful, calls you to itself, and there is no one else here except you...

And thirdly, this is the way back, along steep high steps, which I didn’t count, but my body is sure that there were about 600 of them (at least I know what 300 are - we climbed them in St. Peter’s Church in Munich). And my heart jumped out, and my temples pounded, and about ten stops were made. But what doesn't kill us makes us stronger, right? And then, when we were at the top, the only thing I kept repeating was “Wow! Wow!"

Update.- at the end of the article.

And a few months later we made an even steeper (in every sense) ascent - to !

Nung Nung waterfall on the map of Bali

No. 2. Mount Batur, Lake Batur and Agung Volcano All three of these Bali attractions can be seen from one observation deck. It was these views that we went to admire. 🙂 You can drive along the road and change the angle, take various photos at other observation platforms. It's good to arrive in the afternoon to take daytime photos of Bali's sights and photos of Bali at sunset.

Sights of Bali: Mount Agung and Lake Batur

This place was my favorite even before the trip - after hundreds of viewings photo Bali. I was very afraid of disappointment because Ulun Danu Temple It seemed to me the most mystical place on the island, a place of power and beauty. But when we arrived here, to say that the impressions fully met our expectations would be an understatement.

Lake Bratan and Pura Ulun Danu Temple on the map of Bali- at the end of the article.

Sights of Bali: Pura Ulun Danu Temple on Lake Bratan. Our favorite place on the island.

You look not only at the beautiful temple, but also enjoy a quiet walk in the park, lying on the grass near Lake Bratan, you admire the mountains and the clouds sliding down from them. And then you definitely get on a motorboat and drive around everything Lake Bratan, you see how the clouds touch the water, form bizarre shapes, and everything around is as it only happens in films. But now it’s not in films, it’s with you, and you feel so happy that you’re in one of the most beautiful places land...

Have you ever seen how the clouds fall right onto the water and then reveal to you one beautiful place after another? While walking along the high-mountain lake Bratan, this is also possible...

MAP OF BALI WITH ATTRACTIONS

As you understand, dear readers, all these Bali attractions we drove around ourselves, on our own two wheels))) So that you can find these beautiful places, we have compiled map of Bali with attractions:

AND A LITTLE MORE ABOUT TRAVEL