Best of Bali — A Scenic Journey Through Waterfalls, Temples, Volcano Views, and Rice Terraces

There’s a reason travelers call this the “best of Bali.” This thoughtfully curated journey traces Bali’s spiritual and natural heart—from sacred waters to jungle-sculpted temples, from panoramic volcano views to UNESCO rice terraces carved with devotion. Every stop offers a quiet revelation. More than a tour, this is a living, breathing invitation into the island’s timeless soul.

Your day begins in the early morning from your hotel in South Bali. As golden light rises over rooftops, you’re driven through quiet village lanes toward your first sanctuary of the day.

📍 Tegenungan Waterfall — Morning Mist and Jungle Energy

Tucked within lush forest near Ubud, Tegenungan Waterfall is a powerful sight at the break of day. A short walk down stone steps leads to this broad cascade where cool mist dances through the air.

• Dip your toes in the refreshing pool beneath the waterfall.
• Let the rushing water set the pace for your day—vital, pure, and energizing.
• Capture your first serene jungle photo with soft light filtering through palms.

It’s a place where the Balinese spirit of nature and cleansing reveals itself immediately—a refined balance between movement and stillness.

📍 Holy Spring Temple (Tirta Empul) — A Sacred Cleansing Ritual

Just a short drive from the waterfall, you arrive at Tirta Empul, Bali’s famous water temple. Built in the 10th century, this site remains an active place of purification, where worshippers bathe in sacred fountains.

• Witness local devotees and visitors alike participating in holy bathing rituals.
• Learn the meaning of each water spout in the bathing pools.
• Explore the temple’s inner courtyards, shrines, and traditional pavilions.

This is more than sightseeing—it’s a chance to observe a living, breathing ritual that continues to nourish Balinese life to this day.

📍 Gunung Kawi — Valley of Kings and Spiritual Echoes

Next, the tour takes you deeper into the cultural highlands to Gunung Kawi, an ancient temple complex carved directly into a river valley. To reach it, descend a stone stairway through sweeping rice terraces.

• Marvel at ten massive stone shrines, believed to honor ancient royalty.
• Walk beneath towering palms where offerings line mossy pathways.
• Absorb the silence—a sacred echo from centuries past.

Gunung Kawi stirs something intuitive—a sense of awe and reverence that touches the soul.

📍 Kintamani & Mount Batur View — Dining with a Volcano

By midday, you’ll arrive in Kintamani, a highland village offering panoramic views of Mount Batur and its surrounding lava plains. Here, lunch is served overlooking the volcanic landscape.

• Enjoy a freshly prepared Balinese meal with sweeping views.
• Gaze across Lake Batur and the rugged black lava fields hugging the mountain’s base.
• Learn about the spiritual and geological importance of this unmistakable caldera.

It’s a moment to pause, savor, and reflect—with nature’s power unfolding before you.

📍 Tegalalang Rice Terraces — Timeless Green Waves

The final stop is Tegalalang, a breathtaking amphitheater of emerald-green rice terraces that seem to ripple through the valley. This is one of Bali’s most iconic vistas, and with good reason.

• Walk the narrow trails that weave between rice paddies and coconut groves.
• Watch farmers tending to the land as they have for generations.
• Snap your own postcard-worthy photo as the sun casts golden highlights across the fields.

Tegalalang isn’t just a view—it’s a graceful portrait of tradition and community, shaped by the ancient subak irrigation system.

🍃 Each moment on this route reveals a new side of Bali—its spiritual essence, natural majesty, and cultural heritage wrapped into one unforgettable day.

🏨 Where to Stay Before the Journey – South Bali Retreats

The St. Regis Bali Resort – Nusa Dua – A beachfront icon offering refined elegance, perfect for a peaceful start to your island exploration.

The Westin Resort Nusa Dua Bali – Nusa Dua – Family-friendly comfort paired with wellness programs and direct beach access.

Bvlgari Resort Bali – Uluwatu – A cliffside sanctuary with dramatic views and world-class privacy above the Indian Ocean.

Raffles Bali – Jimbaran – An exquisite escape offering private villas, curated cultural journeys, and tranquil luxury.

Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay – Jimbaran – A serene beachfront retreat with traditional design and personalized experiences.

W Bali Seminyak – Seminyak – A vibrant, stylish oasis for those who want beachfront energy and luxury amenities before the journey.

Hotel Tugu Bali – Canggu – An artistic and soulful boutique hotel that blends culture, history, and quiet charm near the surf.

This journey was curated with care by the editorial team at BaliExpertGuide.com, devoted to preserving cultural experiences that connect past and present.

📸 Follow more sacred journeys at @baliexpertguide