Top 5 Things to do in Bali for the Trip of a Lifetime

 Bali has a place on nearly every traveler’s bucket list, and with good reason; the allure of warm weather and perfect beaches, the thrill of jungle adventures and the rich history of the island’s many Hindu temples makes Bali a top destination for all kinds of tourists. Thanks to the region’s breathtaking views, fascinating cultural heritage and overwhelming biodiversity, tourism makes up 80% of the local economy, and in 2017 Bali was even named the top destination in TripAdvisor’s “Traveller’s Choice Award”.

Here’s our list of the top five things to do in Bali: Island of the Gods

1. Ubud Palace
At the beginning of the 8th century, an Indian noble named Rsi Markaneya traveled to Bali to establish the first Hindu temple in all of Indonesia. When he arrived on the island, he felt magnetically pulled to a location in the foothills that he believed to be sacred, and it was here that he founded the first temple on the island. This is the history of the enigmatic Ubud Palace.

Now, in the modern day, the palace is open to visitors and hosts events including Balinese dancing and various festivities. When it comes to the recorded history of Bali, this is where it all started.

2. Monkey Forest
And while you’re in Ubud, you have to visit the peculiar Monkey Forest situated in the center of town. The Mandala Suci Wenara Wana is the natural habitat and sanctuary of the Balinese long-tailed Monkey, as well as the site of 3 Hindu temples constructed in the 14th century. The park has a strangely spiritual yet mischievous atmosphere, thanks to the playful monkeys and the many statues of revered Hindu deities scattered around the park.

The Ubud Monkey Forest is an important site not only for ecological conservation and research on the social behavior of monkeys, but also for historic and cultural preservation, which makes it one of the coolest and most educational things to do in Bali.

3. Pura Besakih
Definitely one of the most picturesque views in the world, Pura Besakih is the mother temple of Bali and watches over the rest of the island intently. The temple complex houses 23 unique but related temples, which eventually lead visitors to the most sacred temple of all: Pura Penataran Agung. The temple complex, located on the south slope of the Agung volcano, narrowly avoided complete destruction in 1963 when the same volcano erupted. The faithful Balinese people took this as a sign from powerful, but merciful gods and kept practicing their beliefs there.

Pura Besakih attracts over 100,000 visitors a year, and at least 70 festivals occur here annually, on a cycle based on a 210 day Balinese calendar called Pawukon. If you can arrange it, it’s definitely worth a visit during one of these events.

4.Seminyak Beach 
For those looking for a relaxed, island vacation, Seminyak is your place. Home to hip bars, high-scale shopping, luxury accommodations and relaxing beaches, Seminyak is one of the most carefree spots on the whole island. Whether you’re interested in the gentle surf, fine cuisine, contemporary art, Seminyak has something for even the most eclectic of visitors.

During your stay, you could even stay in a villa in Seminyak. Consider choosing villa-Bali to help find the best accommodation for you and your family.

5. Tirta Gangga
A truly unique site, Tirta Gangga is a Hindu water palace that even rivals many of the better-known temples in architecture and beauty. Built in 1946 by the late King of Karangasem, Tirta Gangga is a series of pools and fountains nestled in the thick jungle of the Balinese foothills.

The whole site is incredibly well kept and boasts entrancing sculpture gardens and amazing buildings, whose greatness is reflected on the many surrounding pools.