For those of you who feel like getting around Bali, this is your chance to get out and see the sights. The following pages let you know where to go and how to get there.  So if you need a break from the beach, start reading…

TEMPLES – COASTAL

Tanah Lot  – Southwest Bali,

Tabanan regency. Built on a large rock and cut off from the mainland at high tide, this is one of Bali’s most spectacular sunset sight.

Uluwatu – South Bali on Bukit Badung.

This cliff-top temple – dedicated to the spirits of the sea – has spectacular views and is popular for viewing sunsets.

Pura Jayaprana – Northwest Bali.

Superb views of Menjangan island.

Pura Rambut Siwi  – Southwest Bali, (10km from Medewi),

Another cliff-top temple with views of Java and on a clear day, Mt. Bromo.

TEMPLES – INLAND

Pura Besakih – Besakih, Karangasem regency

Northeast Bali.

Bali’s most important temple with over 80 shrines devoted to the various gods and spirits.

Pura Tirta Gunung Kawi

A water temple dedicated to the Rice Goddess.

Pura Luhur Batukaru – Tabanan, South Bali.

Dedicated to the god of Mt. Batukau, this temple is a small haven for flower and bird lovers.

Pura Ulun Danu Batur – near Batur village.

The second most important temple after Besakih, housing more than 90 shrines.

Pura Ulun Danu Bratan – near Bedugul. This temple has several shrines which are located on both the lake’s shore and on various small islets.

Pura Gunung Kawi

Set in a ravine in Tampaksiring, the temples Candi’s are carved into the rock face. .

Pura Tirtha Empul

Considered the holiest spring in Bali, this temple is frequently visited by Balinese seeking mental cleansing and physical healing.

Brahma Vihara Ashrama Buddhist Monastery – near Lovina. (combine with a visit to Banjar Tega Hot Springs). The Largest Buddhist monastery in Bali, set in beautiful surroundings.

Caves

Goa Gajah or Elephant Cave – near Teges, Gianyar regency.

Dating from the 11th century, there are conflicting opinions as to whether this cave was originally a Buddhist or a Hindu heritage.

Goa Lawah or Bat Cave – Klungkung regency.

Famous for the thousands of fruits bat that live here, this can be an interesting, if pungent, experience.

Goa Karang Sari – on Nusa Penida Island, Southeast of Bali.

This cave extends over 200 meters into the hillside and during the Galungan festival hosts a torchlight procession and various ceremonies.

PALACES

Puri Semarapura – Klungkung. A palace dedicated to the God of Love, this palace was home to the Kings of Klungkung.

WATER PALACES

Taman Ujung Water Palaces –  near Amlapura, East Bali.

Set in a beautifully landscaped park, the ruins of this palaces are a tribute to the slightly eccentric designs of King Anak Agung Ngurah.

Puri Agung Kanginan – Karangasem, Amlapura.

Built from a hotch-potch of different styles, including Chinese, European and Javanese.

Tirtha Gangga Royal Bathing Pools – near Amlapura, Karangasem regency. Great views of both Mt. Agung and the Lombok Strait.

VILLAGES

Asak – near Amlapura, East Bali – Traditional costumes, stone carvings and woven crafts.

Krambitan – near Tabanan

Specializes in bamboo instruments and music.

Bungaya – near Amlapura, East Bali

As in Asak, this village specializes in traditional arts and crafts.

Negara – West Bali

Famous for bull races.

Sawan – near Singaraja, North Central Bali

A picturesque village where Gamelan instruments are made.

Tenganan

A Bali Aga village renowned as a centre for weaving. The only places in Indonesia where ‘geringsing’ cloth is made. (see Arts & Artist / ‘Textiles’).

Lake Batur – Mt. Batur, Bangli regency.

The largest lake in Bali and home to the goddess Danu, This lake lies within the crater of the Mountain.

Lakes Buyan and Tamblingan – Mt. Lesong in Buleleng province.

Less visited, these lake offer great walks and the chance of a little solitude for those wishing to escape the hustle and bustle of the tourist scene.

Trunyan – on the shores of Lake Batur, Northeast Bali

An original Bali Aga village set in a fantastic landscape.

Lake Bratan – Mt. Catur near Bedugul.

Location of the superb Ulun Dabu Temple, this lake offers both superb scenery, and watersports such as jet-skiing for the more adventurous.