Must-Visit Places In Bali, The Land Of Love

Bali, the land of love, nestled in the Indonesian archipelago, is a one-of-a-kind tourist attraction and travel destination attracting mostly honeymooners, and couples to ignite their flame and find themselves surrounded by scenic beauty and breathe in an atmosphere of romance.

Renowned for its stunning landscapes, boasting pristine beaches and majestic volcanic mountains, the ‘Island of Gods’ is a colourful palette of adventure, culture, and relaxation. Deep in its history, and rich in tradition, Bali displays its spiritual and artistic heritage through its ancient temples and vibrant cultural festivals.

The tranquil retreats of Ubud, exotic beaches, and more are all destinations enchanting, splendid, and deserving of all its visitors from around the globe.

For all the honeymooners, couples, and happy families out there, here are some must-visit places in Bali:

1. Handara Gate:

Built in the year 1976, the Handara Gate is located in Pancasari Village Bedgul and is atop a crater of an extinct volcano at an altitude of almost 1400 meters above sea level.

This traditional Hindu-style gate, symbolising the entrance from an outside world or dimension into a spiritual realm, was built to welcome golfers from around the globe into the golf resort. The lush green rainforest in the backdrop, surrounded by crater lakes along with creeping bentgrass green creepers makes it all the more special, specifically for photographers and Instagrammers.

2. Pura Tirta Empul:

Mayadenawa was the name of the king who ruled over Bali. He was just as mighty as he was arrogant gaining a boon from Shiva to shapeshift at will. With this power, he had hoped to have become god. He destroyed temples and denied his people from worshipping deities. This led to a battle with Indra, the king of Devas, and Indra finally defeated him. And during the battle he pierced his staff on the ground creating a sacred spring that came to be called Tirta Empul

Dedicated to lord Vishnu, this temple has several springs which are said to have been created by lord Indra. The localites believe that the water could purify and cleanse a human from all his past deeds if he bathes here. Roughly translated to ‘water gushing from the Earth’, Tirta Empul is considered one of the 5 holy temples in all of Bali.

The temple of the Holy Water is located in the village of Manukaya, near the town of Tampaksiring situated just below the Presidential Palace.  Soekarnao, Indonesia’s first president built this temple.

3. Ulun Danu Beratan Temple:

In the mountain-led terrain of Bedugul in Bali, by Lake Beratan, is the magnificent Ulun Danu Temple situated 1500 meters above Sea level. The crystal-clear lake oozes of calmness as soft occasional breezes tease the lake causing ripples.

The temple complex consists of four sacred buildings. The 3-level high Linga Pura for lord Shiva, the 11-level high Pura Puncak Mangu dedicated to lord Vishnu, the Pura Teratai Bang, and the Pura Dalem Purwa.

This is also a temple built with the Trimurti belief, representing the 3 ultimate gods in Hinduism – Brahma, Vishnu, and Maheshwara with 3 colours to symbolise the gods Red, black, and white respectively.

4. Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park:

The 60-hectare park is a place dedicated to preserve the art, culture, and spirituality of the island of Bali. The Garuda Wisnu Kencana Park on the Bukit Peninsula houses a statue, a magnanimous monument of Garuda which is 120 meters in height and 64 meters in width sculpted by a renowned contemporary Nyoman Nuarta.

The creators of this statue claim that they were inspired by the story from the Puranas of Lord Garuda who set out in pursuit to bring Amrit to release his mother who was held captive by the Nagas. Lord Vishnu agreed to help Garuda upon condition that he become a vehicle to carry lord Vishnu. Garuda agreed. And the creators of the monument immortalized this anecdote from the Puranas with their artistic hands.

5. Ubud Monkey Forest:

Located in Ubud is a popular and enchanting sanctuary, home to hundreds of long-tailed macaques scientifically called Macaca fascicularis. The forest has four groups of monkeys occupying different territories in the park.  Visitors can explore lush, tropical pathways while observing these playful monkeys in their natural habitat, amidst ancient temples and statues.

6. Tegallalang Rice Terrace: 

Lush green forests, ridge walks alongside the splendid scenery, rice terraces are the features that captivate and attract tourists. Tegallalang Rice Fields or Tegallalang Rice Terraces is a chain of paddy fields arranged to appeal to the sense of sight in a most captivating way.

These fields follow the traditional Balinese irrigation system called “Subak” developed in the 9th century. This irrigation system is not just watering the roots, but a sophisticated system – autonomous and interdependent. Just the science behind their process is interesting enough to attract tourists. Families, bachelors, and young couples from all over visit the Tegallalang but wait till you try their authentic coffee.

From their authentic tradition to fantastic sceneries to delicious delicacies that are mouth-watering, Bali is a place to visit, and cherish and a place deserving on you’re bucketlist