Who does not know Bali? This island is even popular throughout the world. Most foriegners might be more familiar about Bali if they are asked about Indonesia. Let’s getting know more about Bali with its iconic landmarks. Here are 8 of them!
1. Kuta Beach
Visiting Kuta Beach is one of the most popular things to do in Kuta, Bali. It is located at the west of Bali Island, Kuta Sub-district, Badung Regency. The location is very strategic, it takes only 15 minutes from Ngurah Rai International Airport. When entering the beach, there will be a gate in a form of Bentar Temple. That is the sign of Kuta southernmost area.
Kuta used to be trading transportation area. It was a port to link Balinese traders with traders from other regions. The interaction during the trading is also one of the factors the beauty of Kuta becomes so famous all over the world.
Kuta Beach is a good choice for you to do surfing, you can also rent the equipments you need. You also have to see the beautiful sunset.
2. Seminyak Beach
Another popular beach in Bali is Seminyak Beach. It seems like the second choice of beach in Bali if Kuta Beach is too crowded. It is located in Seminyak Village, Kuta Sub-district, Badung Regency. Seminyak Beach is at the north of Kuta Beach.
The area around Seminyak Beach used to be agrarian village. Although living near beach, most of the local people work as farmer. Since the renovation of Kuta Beach as tourism object, the area around it including Seminyak Beach was also cleaning up and preparing any services related to tourism in Seminyak Beach.
Along the way to Seminyak Street, it is often called as eating street because there are many restaurants. At the beach, there are many things to do in Seminyak, Bali such as swimming, sunbathing, or surfing.
3. Sanur Beach
Another favorite beach in Bali is Sanur Beach, which has been popular since 1937. There was Le Mayer, a Belgian man, who was also a painter, introducing the beauty of Sanur Beach. It is located at the east of Denpasar, or about 30 minutes from Ngurah Rai International Airport.
Sanur Beach has fascinating beach sand. This beach is quite safety for swimming because the sea water near the beach is shallow. The underwater view is also the best for snorkeling.
Some things to do in Sanur, Bali are cano, scuba diving, and jogging. Around the beach, there are souvenir shops, art shops, mini mart, money changer, and any other facilities. To enter Sanur Beach, there is parking fee, Rp 2.000 for motorbike and Rp 5.000 for car.
4. Besakih Temple
It has been common in Bali for some worship places to be tourism object too. One of them is Besakih Temple. It is located near Mount Agung, Karangasem Regency. It was built in 1284 by Rsi Markandeya, a Hindus.
This temple is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. for tourism, but 24 hours for worship. The ticket price is Rp 30.000 per person, and parking fee is Rp 5.000 for motorbike and Rp 10.000 for car.
Besakih Temple is the biggest temple in Bali. There are 46 big and small temples inside in 20 hectares area.
5. Tanah Lot Temple
Another favorite temple in Bali is Tanah Lot Temple. This temple is unique because it is built on a hill. It looks like on the sea from far away. Not only as a worship place for Hinduism people, Tanah Lot Temple is also functioned for any various performances.
There are 8 holy temples near this area, Penataran Temple, Penyawang Temple, Jero Kandang Temple, Enjung Galuh Temple, Batu Bolong Temple, Batu Mejan Temple, Tri Antaka Monument, and Pakendungan Temple.
Tanah Lot Temple is located in Beraban Village, Kediri Sub-district, Tabanan Regency. It is at the south of Bali Island. There is a myth about a holy snake which protect the holy of Tanah Lot Temple.
6. Mount Batur
Mount Batur is one of the famous landmark in Bali. It is located in Kintamani, Bangli. Many people know that caldera in Mount Batur is one of the biggest and the most beautiful in the world.
Its height is only 1.700 mdpl, very recommended for beginner hikers. This is one of best mountains to hike in Bali. Mount Batur was appointed as Global Geopark Network by UNESCO in 2012.
Near Mount Batur, you can meet local people, Bali Aga, who live in Trunyan Village. From the top of Mount Batur, you can also see the other mountains, Mount Abang and Mount Agung. Do not forget to see the fascinating sunrise there!
7. Gajah Cave
Bali still has many more worship place, another one is Gajah Cave. It has been exist since more than a thousand years ago. This is a worship place for Hinduism and Buddhism people.
This is a temple in a form of artificial cave. It was appointed by UNESCO as a world heritage that must be preserved.
Gajah Cave Temple is the oldest temple in Bali. It has been exist since Warmadewa Dynasty. Gajah Cave is located in Bedulu Village, Blahbatuh Sub-district, Gianyar, Regency.
The entrance ticket is Rp 30.000 per person. You can visit here for tourism from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and 24 hours for worship.
8. Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park
The newest iconic landmark in Bali is Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park. It is located in Ungasan Village, South Kuta Sub-district, Bandung Regency. The main icon is the god of Vishnu statue.
It is made by I Nyoman Nuarta. The inauguration was on September 22th 2018 by President Joko Widodo. This is the highest statue in the world.
Besides the statue, there are some other performances you can enjoy, such as Balinese Dance and Barong Keris Dance. If you are seeking where to watch Kecak Dance in Bali, you can also find it here. The ticket price is Rp 80.000 for domestic tourist, and Rp 125.000 for foreigners.
There are 8 iconic landmark of Bali. Do you feel more eager to visit Bali soon?