12 Cultural Tourist Destinations in Bali You Must Visit

Bali is not only famous for its stunning beaches but also boasts a rich cultural heritage, making it one of the best cultural tourist destinations in Bali. In 2025, TripAdvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Awards named Bali the Best Cultural Destination in the World, thanks to its strong Hindu traditions, vibrant arts, captivating dances, and preservation of its authentic way of life.

If you’re planning to visit Bali and want to experience a different side of the island, exploring cultural tourist destinations in Bali is a must. This article will take you through Bali’s unique culture and give you a list of 12 tourist destinations in Bali that you should check out. Read until the end for practical tips and advice to make your journey unforgettable.

Why is Bali the Best Cultural Tourist Destination in the World?

Bali has been recognized as the Best Cultural Destination in the World by TripAdvisor in 2025, based on reviews from travelers around the globe. This award highlights Bali’s popularity as a cultural hub with rich traditions and ever-evolving arts. With over 6.3 million international visitors coming to Bali in 2024 and an expected 6.5 million in 2025, Bali continues to be a prime destination for those seeking a deep cultural experience.

Bali is renowned for its strong Hindu traditions, which encompass magnificent temples, traditional ceremonies, dances, and crafts that are still preserved. This cultural richness can be found in every corner of Bali, whether in the traditional villages or at cultural sites that combine the island’s natural beauty with its local culture.

Bali is not just a place for natural sightseeing; it also offers spiritual and historical experiences. From awe-inspiring temples to lively traditional ceremonies, each cultural tourist destination in Bali provides a unique experience that blends art, religion, and the daily lives of the Balinese people.

What Aspects of Balinese Culture Are Famous?

Bali is home to various iconic cultural traditions that are nationally and internationally well-known. Here are some cultural elements of Bali that you should know:

• Kecak Dance
  The Kecak Dance is a mass dance that tells the story of the Ramayana with the distinct “cak-cak” chant. This dance is often performed at Pura Uluwatu, one of the most famous cultural tourist destinations in Bali.
• Ogoh-Ogoh
  Every year, just before Nyepi, Bali is filled with processions of Ogoh-Ogoh, giant effigies that symbolize the expulsion of evil spirits. This event is a tourist attraction, especially in villages like Ubud, where the Ogoh-Ogoh tradition is firmly rooted.
• Calonarang Drama
  Calonarang Drama is a theater performance that depicts the battle between good and evil. The performance is filled with spiritual symbolism and captivating costumes.
• Wayang Kulit
  Wayang Kulit is a shadow puppet theater that narrates epic stories from the Ramayana and Mahabharata. Typically performed in traditional villages in Bali, this art form brings characters to life through shadow puppets with captivating lighting.
• Pendet Dance
  The Pendet Dance is a graceful, welcoming dance often performed at temples or cultural events in tourist destinations like Ubud. It is an offering to the gods and is an important part of Bali’s traditional ceremonies.
• Traditional and Religious Ceremonies
  Bali is also famous for its colorful traditional and religious ceremonies, such as Nyepi (Silent Day), Galungan, and Melukat (ritual purification).
• Barong Dance
  The Barong Dance portrays the balance between Barong (good) and Rangda (evil). This performance is one of the most popular in Gianyar and gives an in-depth view of the philosophical balance in Bali’s way of life.

Read more: Which Part of Bali is the Most Beautiful? Explore Bali’s Hidden Paradise

12 Cultural Tourist Destinations in Bali You Must Visit

Bali offers an abundance of cultural tourist destinations that provide fascinating experiences for visitors. Here are 12 must-visit places to experience Bali’s rich cultural heritage:

1. Luhur Uluwatu Temple

Located in Pecatu, Kuta Selatan, Badung, Pura Luhur Uluwatu is one of Bali’s most iconic temples. Perched on a cliff with spectacular ocean views, this temple is famous for its Kecak Dance performed at sunset. The dance tells the story of the Ramayana, accompanied by the rhythmic “cak-cak” chants. This temple combines spirituality, art, and natural beauty, making it a must-see cultural destination in Bali.

2. Besakih Temple

Pura Besakih, located in Besakih, Karangasem, is the largest and holiest temple in Bali, situated at the base of Mount Agung. With 23 smaller temples, it is a major center for Balinese Hindu worship. Pura Besakih offers a spiritual experience, stunning views, and magnificent Balinese architecture.

3. Tanah Lot Temple

Located in Beraban, Tabanan, Pura Tanah Lot is one of Bali’s most iconic temples, sitting atop a rocky outcrop in the sea. Famous for its breathtaking sunset views, this temple is one of the most photogenic cultural destinations in Bali. A visit to Tanah Lot is incomplete without witnessing its beauty at dusk.

4. Tirta Empul Temple

Located in Tampaksiring, Gianyar, Pura Tirta Empul is famous for its holy spring water used in purification rituals. Visitors can partake in these spiritual ceremonies, immersing themselves in the water believed to cleanse the soul and bring inner peace. The temple’s beautiful architecture and tranquil atmosphere make it a meaningful cultural experience.

5. Penglipuran Village

Penglipuran village, located in Bangli, is a traditional village known for its cleanliness and well-preserved conventional architecture. The town offers a unique glimpse into authentic Balinese life, showcasing traditional homes and well-maintained surroundings. A visit to Desa Penglipuran is a chance to experience the authentic culture of Bali in a peaceful environment.

6. Tenganan Village Pegringsingan

Located in Karangasem, Tenganan village Pegringsingan is a Bali Aga village that maintains ancient Balinese traditions. Famous for its gringsing weaving, a traditional fabric only found here, the town also practices the unique makare-kare ritual, a symbolic duel between two men. Visiting Tenganan offers a rare and unique cultural experience that is hard to find elsewhere in Bali.

7. Garuda Wisnu Kencana (GWK) Cultural Park

Located in Badung, Garuda Wisnu Kencana (GWK) Cultural Park is a famous cultural park featuring the giant Garuda Wisnu statue, representing the Hindu god Vishnu and the mythical bird Garuda. The park hosts various art and artistic performances, making it a modern cultural landmark in Bali.

8. Ulun Danu Bratan Temple

Located in Baturiti, Tabanan, Pura Ulun Danu Bratan sits on the edge of Lake Bratan, with the surrounding mountains providing a stunning backdrop. This temple is one of Bali’s most photogenic sites, representing the spiritual life of the Balinese people. Bali’s architecture and natural beauty make this temple a must-visit cultural destination.

9. Ubud

Located in Gianyar, Ubud is the cultural heart of Bali, known for its art galleries, craft markets, and traditional dance performances such as Barong Dance and Legong Dance. Ubud offers an immersive cultural experience, with a vibrant artistic atmosphere and a peaceful, inspiring environment.

10. Goa Gajah

Located in Bedulu, Gianyar, Goa Gajah, or the Elephant Cave, is an ancient site featuring mythological carvings and a sacred bathing pool. This archaeological site offers a deep insight into Bali’s spiritual and historical past, making it a fascinating cultural destination.

11. Taman Ayun

Located in Mengwi, Badung, Taman Ayun is a royal temple surrounded by vast gardens and beautiful ponds. The temple features classic Balinese architecture and is a serene place to explore Bali’s royal history and architectural beauty.

12. Desa Trunyan

Located in Kintamani, Bangli, Desa Trunyan is famous for its unique funeral tradition, where the deceased are placed under a Trunyan tree instead of being buried or cremated. This village offers a unique cultural experience and insight into Bali’s spiritual practices. Lake Batur’s stunning view adds to this extraordinary place’s charm.

Tips for Visiting Cultural Tourist Destinations in Bali

To make the most of your visit to the cultural tourist destinations in Bali, here are some valuable tips:

• Choose the Best Time to Visit: Visit in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat and crowds. Off-season months (April, May, October) are ideal for a more peaceful experience.
• Respect Local Customs: Wear proper attire (sarong) when entering temples or sacred places, follow local customs, and avoid disturbing ceremonies.
• Prepare Transportation: Rent a car with a driver or use an organized tour to explore multiple cultural destinations in Bali in one day.
• Book Tickets in Advance: For performances like Tari Kecak at Uluwatu or Barong Dance in Ubud, book tickets online for the best seats.
• Bring a Camera: Don’t forget to capture the beauty of temples, traditional villages, and dances for unforgettable memories.

Read more: Recommendations for Bali Traditional Villages You Must Visit During Your Vacation!

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Bali is one of the world’s wealthiest and most fascinating cultural tourist destinations. From magnificent temples exuding spiritual peace to traditional Balinese dances, the island offers an enriching cultural experience that connects you with its history and natural beauty. With the 12 cultural tourist destinations in Bali listed above, every visitor can experience Bali’s unique and vibrant culture.

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