Bali is not a very large island and most sights are relatively easy to reach on a sightseeing tour. However for those who are new to this beautiful and culturally interesting island, here are a few pointers.

Where are you staying in Bali?

Firstly, to get your bearings right, Bali Airport is located in the southern part of Bali in Tuban which is part of the greater Kuta area. There are towns north of Bali airport and south of Bali airport. Towns in the Kuta area cover the stretch of coast north of the airport namely Tuban=> Kuta Center=> Legian => Seminyak => Kerobokan, in that order. These are all between 5 to 30 minutes drive from the airport.  Towards the east, you have Denpasar, the capital of Bali, and Sanur, a quiet seaside town which is becoming more and more popular.

Then you have the area south of Bali airport. This part is called the Bukit, or Southern Peninsular. Towns here include Jimbaran on the west side (10 minutes south of Bali airport), and Nusa Dua and Benoa on the east side (about 20-30 minutes from the airport).

Sightseeing places South of Kuta.
If you are staying in South Bali, such as in Nusa Dua or the Kuta area, you might consider visiting Denpasar City, Jimbaran Beach for a seafood dinner, or Uluwatu Temple.

• Jimbaran Beach
  Jimbaran is the first town south of Bali airport. It is well know for its grilled seafood. Book a dinner there on the beach and watch the sunset while you enjoy the freshest lobsters, jumbo prawns, fish, crab and mussels. Prices range from about Rp 125,000 to Rp 300,000 for a good meal.

• Ulu Watu Temple
  Uluwatu temple is set atop a cliff in the south western most tip of Bali. The view of the coastline there is spectacular.  Many tourists go there in the evening to watch the Kecak Dance at sunset. The performance is from 6 - 7 pm and is usually followed by a dinner at Jimbaran if you join a tour.

Sightseeing places North of Kuta up to Ubud
You can also do a full day tour north of the Kuta area and visit temples and craft villages. You could do a tour of craft villages, or you could do a temple tour.  Or you could combine a bit of the two.  What makes sense is to tour to Ubud and includes a stop at the various villages along the way. Visit Mas woodcarving village, Celuk silversmiths village, and the Goa Gajah Elephant Cave.

• Craft Villages
  Mas and Celuk are too well known villages north of Kuta.  Mas is a woodcarving village where you will be able to find mass production of locally made crafts. Celuk is the silversmith and goldsmith centre of Bali. Almost every family in this village are in the trade and you will be able to find a wide range of high quality silver jewellery here.
• Goa Gajah
  This is an ancient hermitage which has a grotesque demon figure carving as its entrance. The carving resembles the large flapping ears of an elephant, hence the name Elephant Cave. Ancient scribes indicate that the cave is of Buddhist origin, however as you enter, you will see Hindu linggas and a state of Ganesha, the elephant god of Hinduism. You will see elements of both religions such as stupas, Buddhas and a 1000 year old statue of a Buddhist goddess as you navigate this man made cave.

Another popular tour is the temple tour where you visit the Taman Ayun Royal Temple in Mengwi and Tanah Lot, a temple that sits on a rock off the coast. You will arrive at Tanah Lot in time for the sunset which presents that best phototaking opportunities.  If you are staying in South Bali, you may want to combine this tour with a stop over at some small villages along the way. If you are saying in Ubud, you may want to visit Goa Gajah along the way.

• Taman Ayun Temple
  This is one of the great temples of the ancient Mengwi Dynasty built in 1637 during the reign of Raja Gusti Agung Anom.  The temple is made up of 3 sections and is surrounded by a large moat. The most interesting section is the inner court which is surrounded by brick wall and has its own moat. Here you will find the tall exquisite merus which are pagoda like towers used for prayers. The gardens in the outer courts are pretty and the moat has fish and floating lotuses.
• Tanah Lot Temple
  If there is only time for one place, the visit Tanah Lot Temple. This is a holy temple that sits on a rock off the coast and is next to the Le Meridien Nirwana Golf & Spa Resort.  The temple forms a lovely silhouette at sunset.  Living under the rock are poisonous black sea snakes which the locals believe are guardians of the temple. You can actually make a donation and go and see them. Combine your trip to Tanah Lot with a delicious grilled seafood dinner at one of the restaurants at Tanah Lot itself.

Sightseeing places north of Ubud
If you stay in Ubud, you will be closer to such places as Bedugul and Kintamani. There is also alot of beautiful scenery up in this area.

Places of interest include Tegallalang, Petulu, Tampaksiring, Kintamani and Mount Batur, Lake Bratan and Bedugul.

• Kintamani and Mt. Batur
  This is where you will be able to view Mount Batur and Lake Batur. Kintamani is a town on the rim of the Mount Batur caldera. There is a restaurant there where you can have breakfast and take photos from. You could also go down to Toya Bungkah town which is known for its hot springs.  Some people are happy with taking photos and going on a short drive around the area. If you like trekking, then you may like to stay there and do the early morning trek up Mt. Batur to catch the spectacular sunrise.

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