While many of us love Bali for its relaxed lifestyle and chic beach clubs, what really makes this island so special is the culture and the people. Here, we take a look at the most important cultural landmarks which definitely deserve a spot on your next Bali itinerary.
Besakih
Bali’s unique form of Hinduism is an inseparable part of the local culture, so it’s little wonder that many of Bali’s most important landmarks are Hindu temples. The most revered of these is Besakih, also known as the Mother Temple. Built high on the slopes of Mount Agung, Besakih is the largest and most important temple on the island and hosts at least 70 ceremonies each year. Featuring some 86 clan temples, the elevated temple grounds also provide beautiful views of the island and out to the ocean.
Other noteworthy temples in Bali include the stunning clifftop temple of Uluwatu; the scenic lakeside temple of Ulun Danu Beratan and the iconic sea temple of Tanah Lot to name but a few.
Jatiluwih
Cascading rice terraces are among the most iconic of Bali’s views and nowhere can you witness their enduring beauty quite like in Jatiluwih. Located in the northwest of the island, the Jatiluwih Rice Terrace stretch far and wide and has even been included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. UNESCO praises Jatiluwih for embodying the Balinese principle of Tri Hita Karana (the three causes of well-being) in its subak system – “a cooperative water management system of canals and weirs.” Jatiluwih stands at an unique intersection of nature, culture and religion and shows how intricately the three are intertwined in the Balinese culture. If you need more convincing to visit Jatiluwih, know that President Obama included the site into his Bali itinerary!
Ubud Palace
To this day, the Ubud Palace commands centre stage in the heart of Ubud village, located right across from the famous Ubud Art Market. This beautiful palace was the official residence of the royal family of Ubud and over the centuries, has seen the village around it go through quite the transformation. The palace is not huge in size, but does feature beautiful courtyards and interesting examples of classic Balinese architecture. In pre-pandemic times, Ubud Palace was known for hosting traditional Balinese dance performances. This is an interesting place to visit to get a glimpse of the intricacies of Balinese royal heritage.
Tirta Gangga
Tirta Gangga is a beautiful water palace located in Karangasem in East Bali. This formal royal palace gives yet another nod to Balinese royalty, as well as offering seemingly endless photo ops amidst serene fish ponds and cascading fountains. Dating back to the 1940s, the palace takes its name from the holy Hindu river of Ganges, thus tying in with the island’s Hindu faith. The palace ground feature large fish ponds, pools and fountains and makes for a scenic and refreshing addition into any Bali itinerary.
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