Bali has a way of sneaking under your skin. I first visited years ago, completely taken by rice terraces, temples, and turquoise water. Returning in February 2024 with Kaydes, then two, shifted everything. I noticed different things. Slower things.
The island’s magic isn’t just visual. It lives in the rhythms of daily life. Incense drifting from small roadside shrines. The quiet precision of farmers working knee-deep in rice paddies. The echo of monkeys calling through dense forest. Even in places like Seminyak, there’s a pace that feels distinctly Balinese.
From iconic landscapes to quieter cultural moments, these are eight Bali sights that stayed with me. Some were long-time favourites. Others were rediscovered through the eyes of a small, barefoot travel companion!
1. Jatiluwih Rice Terraces
Jatiluwih offers a far more expansive and peaceful rice terrace experience than the often-crowded Tegalalang. As a UNESCO World Heritage site, it showcases Bali’s agricultural ingenuity on a grand scale, with rolling green paddies stretching toward volcanic peaks.
We wandered slowly along the paths, stopping often. Kaydes spotted frogs in the water. Farmers worked nearby, completely unfazed by visitors. The terraces operate using the subak system, a centuries-old cooperative irrigation method rooted in Balinese philosophy and community life. It’s practical, spiritual, and deeply communal.
Allow at least an hour here, longer if you enjoy walking. Entry is around IDR 50,000, and mid-morning or late afternoon offers the best light and cooler temperatures.
If you’re based closer to Ubud and short on time, Tegalalang remains a good alternative. Go early. The terraces are beautiful, but they’re busiest by mid-morning.
2. Ubud Monkey Forest
The Ubud Monkey Forest is often described as chaotic, but approached calmly, it’s a fascinating place. Home to more than 700 long-tailed macaques, the forest feels alive with movement and sound.
The key here is respect. The monkeys are confident and curious, but feeding or provoking them is discouraged. Keep belongings secure and give them space. Kaydes was delighted by their antics, though we kept a firm hold on hats and sunglasses.
Beyond the monkeys, the forest contains ancient temples and statues wrapped in moss and roots. It’s a place where nature and spirituality quietly coexist. Entry is around IDR 80,000 for adults. Visit early to avoid tour groups and heat.
Ubud itself sits at the cultural heart of Bali. Long known as the island’s artistic and spiritual centre, it’s a place where daily offerings line the pavements, yoga studios sit beside family compounds, and ceremonies quietly interrupt traffic without apology. While parts of Ubud are undeniably busy, step a street or two away from the main road and the pace shifts. You’ll find small temples, shaded courtyards, and cafés overlooking rice fields where time seems to stretch.
3. Gili Islands
A short boat ride from Bali, the Gili Islands feel like a reset. We stayed on Gili Air at Mowies, a relaxed, car-free island where transport is limited to walking, cycling, or horse-drawn carts.
Snorkelling here is exceptional. Clear water, healthy coral, and abundant marine life. We joined a glass-bottom boat tour and swam above coral gardens, spotting tropical fish and a sea turtle that caused more excitement from me than from Kaydes!
February is an ideal time to visit. The water is warm, visibility is strong, and conditions are manageable for families. Even a short stay provides a real sense of tranquillity, and Kaydes adored chasing tiny crabs along the shore.
4. Tanah Lot Temple
Tanah Lot is one of Bali’s most photographed temples, and for good reason. Perched on a rock formation just offshore, it feels dramatic and elemental, especially at sunset.
This is an active spiritual site, so modest dress and respectful behaviour matter. Entry is around IDR 60,000. Check tide times before visiting, as access to the rock base depends on sea levels.
Tanah Lot is associated with sea spirits and plays an important role in Balinese coastal ceremonies. Local legend speaks of sea snakes guarding the temple. Whether or not you believe the stories, there’s a powerful sense of reverence here, particularly as the sun drops and the crowds thin.
5. Campuhan Ridge Walk
The Campuhan Ridge Walk, near central Ubud, is a gentle, scenic trail perfect for a morning stroll. The path winds through hills, rice paddies, and tropical greenery, offering panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
It’s best done early. Morning brings cooler air, softer light, and far fewer people. The path can be slippery from overnight dew, so proper footwear helps.
What I loved most was the everyday life unfolding alongside the trail. Locals heading to temples. Farmers beginning their day. It’s an unshowy, honest glimpse into Bali’s quieter rhythms.
6. Uluwatu & Dreamland Beaches
Bali’s southern coastline delivers scale. Uluwatu Temple sits high on dramatic cliffs, with the Indian Ocean stretching endlessly below. Monkeys roam the grounds, and sunset brings the famous Kecak fire dance, which blends chant, movement, and storytelling in a mesmerising performance.
Nearby beaches like Dreamland and Padang Padang offer golden sand and strong surf, while Jimbaran is better suited to families. Shallow water, gentle evenings, and seafood dinners on the sand make it an easy, relaxed stop.
Early mornings are best here, especially with children. Fewer crowds and gentler sun make all the difference.
7. Seminyak & surrounds
Seminyak, with its cafés, beach paths, and laid-back energy, is ideal for slower days such as arrival or departure days. From Seminyak, beaches like Double Six and Petitenget are an easy stroll away. Early mornings or late afternoons are best, when the light is softer and the water calmer, especially when travelling with a small child.
We stayed at Anantara Vacation Club Legian, which worked beautifully with Kaydes. The location is central without feeling hectic, the kids’ club was genuinely useful rather than token, and having so many good eateries within walking distance like SugarSand, was a standout for relaxed meals with a toddler.
We’ve also stayed at Viva Dash Hotel Seminyak, which was handy for beach clubs and outings. Kynd Community became our regular stop for personalised! smoothie bowls, while Sisterfields was an easy, lunch option when we wanted something unhurried.
8. Bali Sea Turtle Society
Watching baby turtles make their first dash to the ocean is one of the most quietly magical experiences in Bali. The Bali Sea Turtle Society (BSTS) located on Kuta Beach, works to protect endangered sea turtles by releasing captive-bred hatchlings into the wild from April to October.
For a small donation, visitors can participate in a supervised release, gently letting a tiny turtle crawl toward the waves. Tucked away from the busier end of the sand, it’s easy to miss unless you’re looking for it, which somehow makes the experience feel even more special.
Arrive in the late afternoon when temperatures are cooler. Avoid flash photography and bright lights, and let the turtles move on their own so they can imprint on the beach.
Bali continues to reveal itself slowly. Even after many visits, there’s always another path, another ceremony, another quiet moment that lingers. Whether you’re travelling solo, with friends, or with a small hand in yours, it’s a place that rewards patience, curiosity, and slowing down.
Bonus Bali Beauties:
- Bali Butterfly Park (near Tabanan)
- Ubud Market for souvenirs
- Sacred Monkey Forest in Sangeh
- Tirta Empul Holy Water Temple
- Tegalalang Rice Terraces (if you’re closer to Ubud)
Have you been to Bali, or is it still on your list? I’d love to know which places stayed with you, or which ones you’re dreaming about visiting next.
Lore & Tempo is where motherhood meets adventure. I’m Ren – storyteller, explorer, and single mum in Wellington, New Zealand. I’ve been lucky enough to wander through 45 countries. 15 of them with my +1, Kaydes, either strapped to my front, on my hip, or running ahead on her own adventures. I created this space to share single parent life, travel tips, and the joy of exploring the world.
