Aside from its picturesque nature, Bali also possesses unique culture and history. You can find their traces in many beautiful decorations or carvings all over the island. And that’s only the small portion—you can find more of Bali’s cultural treasures in the nooks and crannies of its well-loved destinations.
Balinese’s deep appreciation of their culture is evident in many forms, shown in their well-preserved sacred temples, architecture, and traditional dance performance.
But that doesn’t mean that they reject modernity entirely. It’s what makes the island unique, the modern world can co-exist among the many traditional buildings on the island.
Learn more about Balinese culture in these 7 wonders of Bali’s cultural treasures!
Read Also: Yes, Our Money Has Many Zeroes: A Local’s Guide to Visiting Bali for the First Time
7 Wonders of Bali’s Cultural Treasures You Should Never Miss
1. Ubud Monkey Forest
Location: Jl. Monkey Forest, Ubud, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571
Ubud Monkey Forest serves as a nature reserve and Hindu temple complex where the people of Bali go to pray.
It’s the home to approximately 340 long-tailed Macaques monkeys and has become a popular destination due to its serene and fresh surroundings.
Aside from that, you can also learn more about Balinese culture and beliefs. The three temples in the premises are dedicated to different Hindu gods:
- The main one is dedicated to Lord Shiva, the destroyer and transformer.
- Another part of the temple has a holy spring used to cleanse the body and soul before worshipping the Goddess Gangga.
- Last but not least is the cremation temple dedicated to Lord Brahma Pajapati.
We suggest that you come with a tour guide to really learn everything in detail. After all, there are about 27 acres of land to uncover, all rich with history and culture.
2. Taman Ayun Temple
Location: Jl. Ayodya No.10, Mengwi, Kec. Mengwi, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80351
Another temple you should never miss is the Taman Ayun Temple.
It has a splendid view, with lush greenery and a magnificent pond all for you to enjoy. Among that, you can see the Royal Temple of Mengwi standing proud and tall.
Built in the 17th century, it was built as a family temple for the royalties of the Mengwi Empire. The complex has four different courts.
Each one is quite majestic, the most grand of all is perhaps the ornamental features and reliefs depicting the 9 Gods guarding each cardinal direction.
Due to its strong and sophisticated architectural design, UNESCO has declared it as part of the world cultural tourism site.
3. Uluwatu Temple
Location: Pecatu, South Kuta, Badung Regency, Bali
The Uluwatu Temple is a temple dedicated to Sang Hyang Widhi Wasa in his manifestation as Rudra. It is believed that it was specifically designed to ward off evil from the island.
Built on a cliffside, it sits high above the sea overlooking a beautiful view of the blue ocean. You can witness the sky turning a pretty combination of yellow, orange, and red by the time sunset comes.
On top of that, you can enjoy cultural performances such as the Ramayana ballet or the fiery Kecak dance in their amphitheater.
The show is usually performed with the sunset in the background, making it the perfect scene to end your day.
Read Also: 7 Amazingly Gorgeous Temples of Indonesia
4. Tanah Lot Temple
Location: Beraban, Kec. Kediri, Kabupaten Tabanan, Bali 82121
Tanah Lot Temple is one of the most popular temples on the island due to its unique location. It sits on top of a rock, seemingly floating on the open sea.
The temple offers a scenic view on a clear day. But the view during sunset is even more beautiful, creating a dramatic silhouette and adding an extra flair to your pictures.
The temple itself is dedicated to the guardian spirits of the sea. Along with learning the history behind the temple, you can also watch the fiery Kecak dance here.
5. Agung Rai Museum of Art
Location: Ubud, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571
The museum was built in 1996 as a form of commitment to preserving and developing Balinese art and culture. It showcases various artworks in many styles, ranging from traditional to contemporary.
The museum also acts as a space for people to develop different modes of art such as sculpting, dancing, and many others. Special exhibitions are held to show that, the legong show.
Legong is one of the most beautiful royal court performances you will ever witness. It is made up of fast movements that require flexibility and attention to detail.
So, be prepared to have your breath taken away if you ever decide to pay the museum a visit!
6. Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park
Location: Jl. Raya Uluwatu, Ungasan, Kec. Kuta Sel., Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80364
Garuda Wistu Kencana Cultural Park is a vast open park known to have one of the largest statues in the world.
The statue depicts the Hindu god Wisnu riding a Garuda and is 121 meters in height. Aside from the statue, you can also witness the exotic Lotus Pond with its huge pillars carved in great detail.
In the late afternoons, there are various cultural performances you can watch such as the Barong dance which depicts the eternal battle of good versus evil, Legong, and the Kecak dance.
Read Also: 7 Museums in Bali that Put Balinese Beaches to Shame
7. Ubud Art Market
Location: Jl. Raya Ubud No.35, Ubud, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571
Another way to appreciate Bali’s cultural treasure is through our last stop: Ubud Art Market. Bring a little piece of Bali home with the perfect souvenirs at an affordable price.
The products showcase the best part of Balinese culture. You can find the infamous rattan bag, along with many other things like Barong shirts, plaited pieces, accessories, or even Balinese paintings.
Looking to Get Away From the Busy Cities?
Looking to escape from your routine in the busy and polluted city? Sit back, relax, and breathe in the fresh air at Bobocabin Ubud!
Located at various scenic destinations all over Indonesia, enjoy the greenery and rest well in this homey cabin to refresh your mind.
Give yourself some privacy with our smart window, adjust the lighting to enhance your comfort, and put on some music for a great ambience—all within your fingertips.
Feeling like grilling? Go make some BBQ with your loved ones for some quality time. To close the night off, enjoy the warmth of your very own campfire under the stars.
Witness the grand beauty of Mount Batur with a stunning view of the green rice field up close from Bobocabin Ubud. For booking and more information, download the app here.
Header image: Ayadi Ghaith via Unsplash
