Bali, an island province of Indonesia, has been shaped by centuries of Hindu influence, volcanic activity, and a deep connection between daily life and ritual. The island’s temples are a major part of its landscape as more than 20,000 exist across Bali. One of the most visited is Uluwatu Temple, perched dramatically on a cliff 70 meters above the Indian Ocean. Visitors at sunset often stay for the Kecak dance performance, which takes place on an open-air stage, accompanied not by instruments but by the rhythmic chanting of dozens of men in a trance-like chorus.

Ubud, located in central Bali, is often considered the island’s cultural center. It’s where travelers find traditional woodcarving workshops, batik classes, and local dance performances almost every evening. The Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary is home to hundreds of long-tailed macaques and features centuries-old statues and temples hidden under thick canopies. Just outside town, the Tegallalang rice terraces provide a look at subak, Bali’s ancient irrigation system that’s recognized as a UNESCO cultural landscape.

Bali's coastline is diverse, offering black sand beaches near Amed, coral reefs in Menjangan Island, and popular surf breaks along Kuta and Canggu. In the northeast, Mount Batur draws early risers for sunrise treks to its crater. The hike begins before dawn, and on clear days, the summit offers views all the way to neighboring Lombok. After descending, many stop at nearby hot springs fed by the volcanic soil, or visit the floating temple of Ulun Danu Batur on the shores of Lake Batur.