To experience Bali’s heritage, you must visit all the popular places to see in Central Bali. Since Central Bali is equidistant to south and north of Bali, you can plan an itinerary through Triptickers to make the most use of your time exploring the area’s natural landscapes and ancient sites.
Read on to find out the best places to visit in Central Bali, the most mountainous region on the island.
1. Goa Gajah Cave
Travel back to the 9th century when you visit the Goa Gajah cave, also known as the ”Elephant cave.” Head to the western borders, 6 km from central Ubud to Bedulu village and find the one-of-a-kind archaeological site, which offers several on-site relics. Explore the rock cravings and meditation caves to ruins of bathing pools and fountains. The site allows you to imagine how the Goa Gaja Caves were once a spiritual center of the Hindu sages.
2. Ubud Monkey Forest
Book our Bali travel packages and pay a visit to the famous Ubud Monkey Forest, which houses almost 700 Balinese monkeys and 186 species of trees and plants. The forest will present you with three main Hindu temples where you can seek blessings and some monkey moments that will keep you entertained. Observe these playful primates swinging around and feeding on bananas in their natural habitat. Pura Beji, an ancient bathing temple, can be seen located northwest of the Monkey Forest. In addition, you will find several ancient temples with guardian statues covered in moss and Banyan tree roots uniquely hanging over staircases that can make for great exotic photo opportunities.
3. Rice Terraces of Tegallalang
One of the highlights of Central Bali is a trip to the interiors to explore a set of exotic rice terraces. The two main ones are the Tegalalang and Jatiluwih rice terraces, where the Tegalalang Rice Terraces are the easiest of the two to visit but far smaller than Jatiluwih. The beautiful and cascading green rice paddies come across looking like a stunning emerald green stretch spread all over like an eternity, making it one of the most beautiful places to see in Central Bali. Check out the local rice farmers working on the paddies using the traditional Balinese irrigation system passed down from the 8th century. When you reach the top of the terraces, you can view the scenic green paddies with narrow channels that allow water to run between the decks and underneath the soil. Capture some great pictures amid the Instagram-worthy scenic landscapes during your visit and get immersed in the lap of mother nature.
4. Tegenungan Waterfall
If you are travelling to Bali as a newly married couple, head to Tegenungan Waterfalls, one of the most romantic spots on the island. Situated in the picturesque tropical jungle of Kemenuh village, the Tegenungan Waterfall looks spectacular during the early morning hours as the sunlight seeps from above. You can see the waterfall down along a cliff surrounded by damp greenery of plants and blooming trees. Swim, shower or dip your feet as a couple in the natural wide pond at the bottom of the waterfall. The Bali honeymoon packages offered by GT Holidays will take you and your partner to this fantastic spot where you will feel one with nature amidst the calming sounds of the water and chirping birds and fresh air that enhances your closeness to mother nature.
5. Abian Kusuma Sari Coffee Plantation
You may have already heard about the famous Kopi Luwak, aka Bali jungle cat poop coffee, mainly produced in the Indonesian Archipelago. If you are a coffee connoisseur, visit the Abian Kusuma Sari coffee plantation in the Tampaksiring region of Bali for a one-of-a-kind tasting. The plantation is located within the lush jungle, where the guide will take you along the walking paths to the tasting area. You get to sample around a dozen or so different types and flavours of tea and coffee in small glass demitasse cups. Enjoy flavours that are wonderful and diverse in taste, ranging from savoury to sweet.
6. Bali Bird and Reptile Park
If you intend to visit Bali with family, then the Bali Bird and Reptile Park should be on your list of places to see in Central Bali. As one of the favourite and best zoo parks in Bali, it holds a wide range of the largest and finest collection of Indonesian birds in the world. You can also spot several exotic birds from Africa and South America. The Reptile Park also offers several species of land and water reptiles on display, ranging from the giant Komodo dragon, geckos and pythons to frogs, crocodiles, turtles and tortoises. Experience the excitement as you stroll around two hectares of beautiful tropical nurseries and get close to birds and reptiles.
