Wanna spice up your TikTok or Instagram feed? Bali is literally tailor-made for Instagram. Blessed with white and black sand beaches, lush forests, roaring waterfalls, colorful cafes, and bars, what’s not to love about Bali? Capture the waves crashing onto the shores or wait until the sunset for a sky lit up in hues of orange and red. Frame your shot between the intricate gates of the temples. Get playful with the restaurants’ funky and colorful themes.
Take your pick among these 20 Instagrammable locations for your perfect Bali photos:
Beaches
1. Seminyak Beach
What could be better than chilling out on the beach and catching up with friends? Credit: brianna.martin
One of the best things to do in Bali is to spend a day on the beach and Seminyak Beach is one of the best. Situated on the west coast of Bali’s south, you’ll find a 3 km-long stretch of white sand beach that’s perfect if you want to chill and get your tan on. Though it may be a bit crowded because it’s so popular, the laid-back ambiance more than makes up for it.
Address: Seminyak, Kuta, Badung Regency, Bali
Directions: From Kuta and Legian, it’s only 10 minutes away by taxi or scooter. From the airport, you can also take a bus.
2. Jimbaran Beach
Jimbaran is just a short 15-minute drive from Bali Airport. Credit: sas_cn
Famous for its seafood and turquoise waters, enjoy delicious seafood to go along with the incredible views at Jimbaran Beach! Home to the biggest fish market in Bali, it’s teeming with great restaurants serving the freshest and most delectable seafood dishes. Plus, the golden sand and the calm waters also make it a great beach for swimming, especially for the little ones.
Address: Jimbaran, South Kuta, Badung Regency, Bali, Indonesia
Directions: Take a short taxi from the airport, Legian, Sanur, or Seminyak.
3. Sanur Beach
The Sanur Beach promenade stretches to around 8km of the Bali coastline. Credit: kirstenlaurelle
Want to enjoy some peace and quiet amidst Bali’s plethora of activities? Head to Sanur Beach. Thanks to its relaxed and upscale atmosphere, it attracts a more mature crowd compared to the other parts of Bali. Sanur also makes a pretty great Instagram location thanks to its crystal clear water and stunning shoreline that’s dotted with palm trees.
Address: Sanur, Denpasar Selatan, Denpasar City, Bali
Directions: It’s a 20-minute taxi ride from the airport, 30 minutes from Kuta, and 45 minutes from Seminyak and Ubud. You can also take a bus from Candidasa, Kuta, Lovina, Padang Bai, and Ubud.
4. Batu Bolong Beach
Batu Bolong is just one of Canggu’s three main beaches. The others, Berawa and Echo Beach, are worth a visit as well. Credit: nafalinabali
With the Tanah Lot Temple on its shores, Batu Bolong Beach is definitely one of the best Bali photo spots for sunset pictures. Take your camera out to snap shots of the temple’s arch with the pink sky in the backdrop. The beach is also a great area for surfing during high tide and for swimming during low tide.
Address: Dalung, Kuta Utara, Bali
Directions: Walk along the Canggu main street until you reach Old Man’s Bar and Restaurant. You’ll see the entrance of the beach right across it.
Waterfalls
5. Tegenungan Waterfall
There’s an entrance fee worth 15,000 IDR (around 1.50 AUD) to the falls. Credit: coach_chiro
Surrounded by nothing but vibrant trees and plants, Tegenungan Waterfall is a slice of paradise near Ubud. It’s become a popular spot for tourists over the years, so it’s best to visit early in the morning before the crowds. After getting your tickets, follow the pathway and go left to the viewpoint, where you can take stunning photos of the 25-meter-high waterfall.
Address: Jl. Ir. Sutami, Kemenuh, Kec. Sukawati, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali
Directions: Take a bus and alight at the Patung Bayi, Sakah stop then walk until you reach the falls.
6. Banyumala Twin Waterfalls
The falls are a 1.5-hour drive away from Ubud. Credit: lau_ms.laurent
Banyumala Twin Waterfalls is not just one of the island’s finest hidden gems but it’s also one of the best Bali things to do. Once you arrive at the main entrance, you’ll cross bamboo bridges and rocky pathways as the waterfall slowly reveals itself. You’ll find plenty of surrounding rocks and land where you can snap pictures of the cascading falls. After the hike, reward yourself with a refreshing dip in the pool.
Address: Wanagiri, Sukasada, Buleleng Regency, Bali
Directions: Follow the road to Bedugul, where you’ll pass by the Handara Gate and the Wanagiri Hidden Hills. The drive takes two hours from Canggu and 1.5 hours from Ubud.
7. Gitgit Waterfall
Remember to wear sturdy sandals when hiking to the waterfalls. Credit: vikutxa
Located in the mountains, Gitgit Waterfall is a sight to behold. The towering waterfall is powerful and booming, making it the ideal spot for your Bali photos. For a leisurely swim, head to the left side to find calmer waters. You’ll also find toilets, changing facilities, and a seating area where you can place your belongings.
Address: From Lovina, you can ride a scooter or drive for 40 minutes to reach the falls.
Directions: Jl. Raya Bedugul - Singaraja, Gitgit, Sukasada, Buleleng Regency, Bali
8. Leke Leke Waterfall
You just need to hike for about 15 minutes to reach the Leke Leke Falls. Credit: sophie___tang
Fall in love with the incredible oasis that is Leke Leke Falls. When you look up you’ll instantly see a narrow stream of water surrounded by the most vivid forest, and once you look down you’ll find cobalt-coloured waters instead. After taking photos of the scenery, take the plunge and go for a dip in the small but refreshing pool.
Address: Antapan, Baturiti, Tabanan Regency, Bali
Directions: Go on a 1-hour taxi or scooter ride from Canggu or Ubud to reach the falls.
Temples
9. Lempuyang Temple
The famed Gates of Heaven can be found on the slopes of Mount Lempuyang. Credit: cateyibi
No visit to the Island of the Gods is complete without a stop at the Lempuyang Temple. Also known as the Gates of Heaven because of its otherworldly appearance, it’s one of the oldest and most highly regarded temples on the island, in addition to being the most popular spot for Bali photos. There’s no lake by the temple but you can achieve the reflective effect by holding a mirror under your camera lens.
Visit Bali’s most picturesque attractions without the hassle of renting a scooter or hiring a private driver with the Bali Instagram tour! On top of the Gates of Heaven, you’ll also visit and take pictures at the Ulun Danu Beratan Temple, Handara Gate, Tirta Gangga Water Palace, and more.
Address: Tri Buana, Abang, Karangasem Regency, Bali
Directions: Ride a scooter or taxi to reach the temple. From Ubud and Canggu, the drive will take around two hours. If you’re coming from the Amed Coast, it will only take 30 minutes.
10. Tirta Empul Temple
Take part in the purifying ritual at Tirta Empul Temple. Credit: _misel_
Marvel at the intricacies of traditional Indonesian architecture at Tirta Empul Temple. The sprawling complex boasts elaborate gates and captivating courtyards, but the jewel in the crown is the spring in the temple. With flowing holy spring water, it’s where Balinese Hindus do their purification rituals. Locals can join in as well, just remember to wear a sarong before you enter.
Address: Jalan Tirta, Manukaya, Tampaksiring, Gianyar, Bali
Directions: Take a 30-minute scooter or a taxi ride from Ubud. It’s also an hour away from the airport, Seminyak, and Kuta.
11. Taman Ayun Temple
“Taman Ayun” means beautiful garden in English. Credit: mariabalbuenag
You haven’t seen a garden like this before. At Taman Ayun, you’ll be greeted by one Meru temple, complete with multi-tiered roofs, right after another. As you walk through the complex, you’ll see different shrines, fountains, and fish ponds. It also has a gate similar to the Lempuyang Temple, where you can snap photos.
Address: Jalan Ayodya No.10, Mengwi, Badung, Bali
Directions: From Ubud, go on a 45-minute ride to the temple. It will take around 1.5 hours from Seminyak, Kuta, or Denpasar.
12. Ulun Danu Beratan Temple
It costs 50,000 IDR (around 5 AUD) to visit the temple. Credit: Guillaume Marques
When you see Ulun Danu Beratan Temple in person, you’ll know why it’s always the subject of so many Bali photos on Instagram. The temple, thanks to the surrounding lake, looks like it’s floating. And with the misty Bedugul mountain range in the backdrop, the entire complex makes up a breathtaking panorama.
Address: Candikuning, Baturiti, Tabanan, Bali
Directions: The temple is a 2.5 hour drive from Seminyak and 1.5 hours away from Ubud.
Natural wonders
13. West Bali National Park
Check out the wooden bridge, take in the fresh ocean air, and enjoy the tranquil vibe. Credit: wijayya_
The West Bali National Park is a natural gem that’s just waiting to be discovered. Blessed with vibrant forests, untouched waters, incredible beaches, and towering mountains, it has everything you can ask for a park and more. While you’re exploring the park, you might also encounter the native Bali starling and herds of deer.
Address: Jl. Raya Cekik-Gilimanuk Jembrana, Bali
Directions: From Lovina, it’s a 90-minute drive while it’s just 15 minutes away from Pemuteran. From Denpasar, it’s a 4 to 5-hour ride away.
14. Jatiluwih
Visit the Jatiluwih Rice Terraces, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Credit: Rio Lecatompessy
Admire man-made structures in incredible natural landscapes at Jatiluwih Rice Terraces. Soak in the sights of rows upon rows of rice fields over 600 hectares with the Batukaru mountain range in the background. For the best views, head to one of the restaurants overlooking the rice paddies and grab a meal to take it all in.
Address: Jalan Jatiluwih, Penebel, Tabanan, Bali
Directions: From Ubud, it’s only a 1.5-hour drive while it will take you two hours if you depart from Seminyak, Canggu, and Kuta.
15. Nusa Penida
Head to Kelingking Beach for a photo of one of Bali’s most recognisable spots. Credit: carolinepoh79
Looking for a unique island adventure? Nusa Penida is the place to be. View dramatic cliffs, relax at white sand beaches, dive and see colorful coral reefs and fish, and more. The island may get fewer visitors than the other Nusa islands, but it packs quite a punch. For a fuss-free experience exploring all the picturesque sites, go on the Nusa Penida Instagram tour. Take photos of Bali’s most captivating panoramas and get an in-depth look at some locations that only locals know.
Address: Nusa Penida, Klungkung, Bali
Directions: Take a speedboat or ferry from Bali. The trip takes around one hour each way.
16. Mount Batur
Chasing sunrises in Bali
Start your day right with a sunrise hike up Mount Batur for uninterrupted views of the orange-hued Bali skyline. With a height of around 1,717 meters above sea level, it usually takes three hours to reach the top, but the stunning views more than makeup for it. Feeling adventurous? On your way down, head to the nearby Lake Batur to see the Ulun Danu Batur Temple and Toya Bungkah.
Address: Kintamani, Bangli, Bali
Directions: The mountain is 1.5 hours away from Ubud by car.
Bars and restaurants
17. Sea Circus
From the food to the interior and the exterior, Sea Circus is picturesque from every corner. Credit: bali_cafes
Start your day right and get brekkie at Sea Circus. Right from the get-go, you’ll be greeted by a colorful façade and cool murals on the exterior, and funky decor inside. While it’s gained popularity for its delicious acai bowls and freshly-brewed coffee, it’s also a great place at night thanks to its wide range of refreshing cocktails and liquors.
Address: Jl. Kayu Aya No.22, Seminyak, Kec. Kuta, Kabupaten Badung, Bali
Directions: It can be reached by foot from accommodations in Seminyak and Petitenget.
18. Motel Mexicola
Match the vibrant decor at Motel Mexicola. Credit: joytanhuilyn
During the day, Motel Mexicola is one of the best places for lunch in Bali, serving great Mexican food and drinks. You’ll find something to photograph in every corner, thanks to the vivid furniture and decorations. At night, it transforms into a hopping fiesta with neon lights and lively music for a great night out.
Address: Jl. Kayu Jati No.9X, Kerobokan Kelod, Kec. Kuta Utara, Kabupaten Badung, Bali
Directions: Take a 25-minute taxi from Kuta and Seminyak Beach hotels to reach Motel Mexicola.
19. The Bistrot
Take throwback Thursdays to another level at The Bistrot. Credit: thebistrotbali
At The Bistrot, you’ll feel like you’ve traveled back in time as you take in the hanging chandeliers and the vintage photographs decorating the walls. Over the years, it’s become one of the most popular Bali photo spots, serving as the location of a number of pre-nuptial and commercial photoshoots.
Address: Jl. Kayu Aya No.117, Seminyak, Kec. Kuta, Kabupaten Badung, Bali
Directions: Go on an hour-long drive from Ubud. From Kuta and Denpasar, the journey takes less than 20 minutes
20. Cabina Bali
Let the food come to you and order the Floating Breakfast at Cabina Bali. Credit: docs_who_travel
Hungry but don’t want to leave the pool? Not a problem at Cabina, where you can enjoy the Floating Breakfast without leaving the water. The restaurant also has colorful tables and chairs if you want to enjoy your meal on land. From the towering palm trees to its drink menu full of fruity cocktails, Cabina is the ultimate tropical restaurant.
Address: Jl. Batu Belig Gg. Daksina No.1, Kerobokan Kelod, Kec. Kuta Utara, Kabupaten Badung, Bali
Directions: It’s a 15-minute drive away from Seminyak Beach and an hour-long drive from Ubud.
Written by: Alyssa Dela Cruz
