Last Updated on 18.07.2023 by Iliyan
Planning a trip to Indonesia and looking for the best things to do in one day in Bali? Well, you’ve come to the right place. This one day itinerary Bali, Indonesia, covers some of the best places!
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Bali Island: The Tropical Heaven of Indonesia
Bali is no doubt one of the world’s best destinations. It is a real tropical heaven with a unique mixture of sandy beaches and places to surf, ancient culture, exotic temples and palaces, as well as warm hospitality. Aside from that, the island is known by its rice fields, which stretch over to many places, to the foothill of the sacred volcanoes in a combination with thick tropical jungle. One day in Bali isn’t enough, but even for a day you can explore so many amazing places.
How to Get From Java to Bali?
For many travelers the main way to get to the heavenly island is by ferry from the harbour in Ketapang or by jet from Jakarta or Surabaya. Passing with a ferry from Java to Gilimanuk – the harbor in Bali – takes about 30 minutes. From there, there are microbuses to Denpasar, where you can take a taxi to Ubud, Kuta or some of the other cities.
- Ferry from Java to Bali: 6500 IDR (€ 0.40)
- Bus from Gilimanuk to Denpasar: 50 000 IDR (€ 3.15)
- Bus from Denpasar to Ubud: 100 000 IDR (€ 6.30)
But before that, after three days together, I should have separated with my faithful driver Erwin. I decided to ask him something for the ending. Here is part of the conversation:
– Erwin, have you been anywhere outside Indonesia?
– No, Sir. I have never left the country. I don’t have the opportunity to do so.
– Good, well if you have it, where would you go?
– Nowhere, Sir. Why would I do it?! I travel through my whole life and this is enough. And if had the opportunity, I would feed all starving children. They are the greatest fortune.
– What do you mean you travel?
– Well, I constantly drive people from all countries. This is how I travel through the world. Here, now I learned something about Bulgaria. I already have a friend from this country, right?
– Exactly.
Ubud
Ubud is known as the cultural heart of Bali – a centre for arts and crafts on the island. In and around the city are settled many magnificent ancient temples, wonderful rice fields, and a forest with monkeys, waterfalls, a volcano and many other landmarks. From Ubud, you can reach anywhere easily. It is worth to stay for at least a couple of days to feel the spirit and the atmosphere of the city. My stay was exactly a day long and I didn’t have the opportunity to visit all the places that I wanted. I still managed to go some of the most emblematic landmarks on the island.
One Day in Bali: Best Places to Visit
Even if you have only one day in Bali, you can visit unique places and sights if you organize your program well.
Pura Bratan
Pura Ulun Danu Bratan (Pura Bratan) is the major Shaivite water temple in Bali, Indonesia. It has been devoted to Shiva. The temple complex is located on the shore of the Bratan Lake in the mountain. It was built in 1663 and it was dedicated to the goddess of the rivers and the lakes Dewi Danu. The Bratan Lake is known also as the lake of the sacred mountain thanks to the fertility of this area. It is located at 1200m over the sea level and it has a cold tropical climate.
- Pura Ulun Danu Bratan Entrance Fee: 50 000 IDR (€ 3.15)
The Main Entrance of Handara Golf and Resort
Handara golf and resort is distinguished by the beautiful gate, inspired by the Bali architecture. Inside the complex is located also one of the best golf playgrounds in the entire Asia.
Munduk Waterfall
Munduk is one of the most picturesque waterfalls on the island, settled among thick green vegetation. From the parking to the waterfall, it is easy to get there – the road is short and direct.
- Munduk Waterfall Entrance Fee: 10 000 IDR (€ 0.63)
Buyan and Tamblingan Lakes
Buyan (on the left) is the second lake in size on the Bali Island after Batur. It is located at a 1214 m. altitude above sea level. Tamblingan is located at a 1224 m. altitude above sea level and it is a small lake, covering an area of 1, 5 square kilometers. It has a built wooden platform where against payment you can receive also a better panoramic view.
Jatiluwih Rice Terraces
- Jatiluwih Rice Terrace Entrance Fee: 40 000 IDR (€ 2.51)
Uluwatu Temple
Uluwatu (Pura Luhur Uluwatu) is a Hindu temple, located on a rock on above 80m above sea level in the south part of the Bali peninsula. The spiritual sanctuary of the temple is on the verge of steep rocks in the Pecatu village, the south part of Kuta. This is one of the nine important temples in Bali, intended to protect from evil spirits. Aside from that, the temple is a part from the Sad Kahyangan Temple (the six most holy places for pilgrimage in Bali). According to the Bali beliefs they are key places and are meant to provide spiritual balance in Bali.
Around the temple, there is a little forest which is inhibited by a large number of monkeys, for whom the employees of the temple complex are caring. Be careful because the monkeys can try to pull things from you.
- Uluwatu Temple Entrance Fee: 30 000 IDR (€ 1.88)
Jimbaran
The Jimbaran beach is located on the southwest shore of Bali. The sand is delicate and white, and the calm waters make it very suitable for swimming and diving. Jimbaran is a home of one of the most luxurious hotels in the island. The place is excellent for watching a sunset. On the beach, there are many fish restaurants, where you can order freshly caught fish and seafood.
Best Time to Visit Bali
The best time to go to Bali is during July-August, the time of the dry season but then, naturally, there the most tourists are there at that time. The locals say that between March and September is the best time for a clear and beautiful sunset over Uluwatu.
