Bali, for better or for worse, is an Instagrammer’s paradise. There is no shortage of natural beauty, luxurious establishments, and of course Instagram-friendly meals to be had. The Instagram culture in Bali was almost obnoxiously overwhelming, but when in Rome, right? You might as well flex on the ‘gram like everybody else. Just make sure to actually enjoy yourself while you’re out there because come on, you’re in Bali, fam. Life is good here.
Anyway, here are 25 of the best spots to take pictures on this incredible island. Flex away.
Ulun Danu Temple
The Ulun Danu Temple is a killer spot at sunrise. You can even take a ride in one of those little boats towards the temple in the middle of the lake for maximum Instagram compatibility.
The Gates of Heaven (Pura Lempuyang)
What would your trip to Bali be without the iconic picture at the Gates of Heaven? On a clear day, majestic Mount Agung in the background will provide you an additional 50 Instagram likes per hour. My squad and I came here for that iconic photo and it happened to be during one of Bali’s biggest religious ceremonies. To me, that was far more intriguing, exciting, and Insta-worthy than that generic reflective pic at the gates. Spoiler alert: the photo is only reflective because the photographer holds a mirror at the lens to give the illusion. Instagram vs. reality, am I right?
Mount Batur at Sunrise
Pictures legitimately don’t do it justice so you’ll have to force yourself to get up at 3 AM to see it for yourself. Seriously, when I first saw pictures online, I didn’t think it would be worth it. I’ve done it twice now.
Read my complete guide on the Mount Batur Sunrise Trek here!
Crate Cafe, Canggu
For the low price of around $4 USD, you get delicious food and coffee delivered in an Instagram-friendly arrangement. This is one of many Canggu hotspots but it is easy to see why hungover folks flock to this place like the promised land itself.
Tegallalang Rice Terraces
Although quickly becoming one of Bali’s most touristy spots, there are still few places quite like the rice terraces of Tegallalang. The golden hour lighting in the morning is still some of my favorite that I’ve seen throughout my travels. This place truly is special.
Jatiluwih Rice Terraces
A bit more off the beaten path than Tegallalang are the rice terraces of Jatiluwih. It is about a two hour scooter ride from the main tourist hubs of Bali but well worth the journey. If you want to experience some stunning beauty without the hordes of tourists, Jatiluwih is the spot for you. Make sure to stop by some of the neighboring waterfalls that only locals know about.
Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary
This is one of Bali’s most famous tourist attractions. But don’t be naive. These monkeys are vicious and you will have to fight tooth and nail to snag those juicy Instagram likes. Only the bravest tourists will pay for a banana to be put in their hair to get that crucial “monkey on head” picture.
The Bali Swing
Legend has it that many centuries ago, the Bali Swing was where Instagram was invented.
Tanah Lot Temple
This is one of the best sunset spots in Bali. What this picture doesn’t show is that the hundreds of other people who have heard the same thing. Just like with the Gates of Heaven, we were lucky to run into a traditional Balinese ceremony while we were there. Between the ceremony, black sandy beaches, and surreal location for such a beautiful temple, Tanah Lot was one of my favorite worth-the-tourist spots in Bali.
Omnia Bali
You are on vacation after all, hey? Omnia is a spot unlike any other if you want to spend the entire day chilling and treating yourself to a life of luxury along the cliffs of Uluwatu.
Uluwatu Temple
This is genuinely one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen. I don’t have anything snarky to say about this one.
Dreamland Beach
Don’t be fooled by the calm waters. I tried surfing here for my second time ever and thought I was going to die.
Cucukan Beach at Sunrise
I almost feel bad for putting this on here. As far as my clique is concerned, we are the only tourists that know about this place. We’ve adventured here a few times for sunrise and have never been disappointed. It’s always just us, a few locals, and all the doggos we could ask for.
The Lawn, Canggu
This is my happy place. Sunsets and coconut mojitos are the name of the game. Just make sure to get your real estate at the infinity pool early to make it easier to crop everyone out of your Insta pic.
Padang Padang Beach
With Bali being considered one of the world’s top island destinations, I was actually surprised that the beaches were not the tropical paradises that I imagined. Padang Padang is one of the closest you’ll find to dreamy beaches in Bali.
Copenhagen Cafe
I would eat here every day if I could.
For more on Copenhagen Cafe, check out my city spotlight on it here!
Suluban Beach
Suluban Beach or Uluwatu Beach is one of Bali’s top surf beaches. It is also one of the most surreal settings for a beach that I’ve seen. It is small but it is beautiful.
Aling Aling Waterfall
Don’t go chasing waterfalls. Because you’ll spend your whole vacation doing it. Bali is home to tons of waterfalls, but this one might be my favorite.
The Green School
The Green School is beautiful but do not go just to take pictures. At the least, keep an open mind while you’re here and listen to how The Green School breaks away from the traditional educational system.
The Secret Valley Club – Alam Sambangan
This place was a Secret Valley Club indeed. There were no other tourists here besides us even though it crossed off all of the necessary Instagram hot-spot requirements. Infinity pool? Check. Giant lettering? Check. Swings? Check.
Campuhan Ridge Walk at Sunrise
Make sure you do it at sunrise. The lighting is clutch and will statistically augment your Instagram likes by at least 6.4%.
The Hot Springs At Lake Batur
Most Mount Batur tour operators will throw in a visit to some hot springs following the hike. Not only is it relaxing, but the scenery along the shores of Lake Batur are stunning.
Jungle Fish, Ubud
I would probably go here every single day if I didn’t have to pay a $12 entrance fee. Worth it.
Rock Bar
The Water Palace
There are too many amazing places in Bali to list. However, this should get you well on your way towards maximum Insta likes. Bali is a surprisingly huge island and it would take several months to truly be able to explore every corner and every attraction it has to offer. From natural beauty to man-made luxuries, Bali truly is an Instagrammer’s paradise.
Check out my own ‘gram here, watch my Bali YouTube video, and make sure to subscribe to my blog to travel the world getting lit with me.
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Omg, i want to be in each and every photo! Bali is so gorgeous and thank you for putting this list together. How many days did you travel to be able to cover each and every destination mentioned here?
I was in Bali for a month and felt like I barely had a chance to explore the island! There’s so much more to do than what I’ve listed, I swear it could take years to see it all
Loved your video! I agree that there are more and more spots that are becoming increasingly over-IG’d, but yeah, it’s usually for a reason. Bali is beautiful. I can’t wait until I can take a picture in a flowing dress, running up to those awesome gates! 🙂
The rice terraces and Rock bar look particularly amazing. Great, inspiring post, thanks.
I’ve never been to Bali before and certainly done want to has any dope there 😉 these spots look awesome even if they are over run with obnoxious Instagrammers
I just came back from Bali, saw most of this places and I must say Bali is a heaven on Earth! Most people go for the beaches but I was really stunned by the rice fields. They look gorgeous.
Bali is in my bucket list due to stunning landscapes and lots of greenery. I loved the rice field terrace farming picture the most. You have taken stunning photos.
This post is great! The rice terraces were the first places that came to mind but Pura Lempuyang and the Rock Bar look fantastic too. I’ll have to add these to my must visit list!
Bali is such a beautiful destination! I have only been to a few, clearly need to revisit again! I need to make it to the gates of heaven next time!
I’m soooo excited to go to Bali next year!! You’ve got some great tips here. All those cafes have made my mouth water and the mountain sunrise sounds looks soo beautiful! (If i can bring myself to get up at 3am…)
The gates of Heaven and the Hot springs are my favorites in Bali. I cant wait for my month long trip to SE Asia <3 thanks for sharing this!
Great compilation. I have been to about half of these places. I attended a wedding at Ayana and that Rock Baris crazy beautiful. I have yet to go to the Gates of heaven though. That looks incredible and I have yet to see a bad photo of it! Would love ot climb Mount Agung one dya too. Will just have to pack a flowy red skirt in my backpack just ot get that photo!
I’ve never really been interested in Bali but some of these places look amazing! Might have to change our next holidays plans.
Ah yeah, nice snaps. Bali is picturesque for sure.
Thank you for loving my island 🙏🙏🙏
I have seen your post its looks so amazing and what breathtaking scenes you’ve captured and shared with us. Just beautiful! Thank you so much for sharing. Such Bali is a beautiful tourist destination around the word.
Best post I have read till now and photographs are also looking very great. Thanks a lot to share.
Wish we were there. How long would you recommend to visit Bali for? 3 weeks would be enough to cover main things?
I think three weeks is a pretty good amount of time! Gives you enough time to see the main things and maybe make a trip or two to one of the neighboring islands.
Ohh really its great post shared by you shortly i am planning to visit there so your post is really helpful for me i have listed your destinations thanks
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