Famous for its offshore setting and gorgeous backdrop, Tanah Lot Temple is an ancient Hindu shrine that is definitely one of the top Bali tourist spots. Onshore, there are several smaller shrines, restaurants, shops and a cultural park that guests can visit - especially when its high tide and impossible to cross the causeways to the Temple. When it's low tide, guests can cross to view the legendary Tirta Pabersihan fountain which is the source of holy water for all temples in the area.

Surrounded by breathtaking hills, rice paddies, streams and more, Besakih Temple sits majestically on the southwestern slopes of Mount Agung. Better known as Bali's "Mother Temple", it comprises of over 86 temples - three of which are dedicated to the Hindu Trinity:Pura Penataran Agung,Pura Kiduling Kreteg, andPura Batu Madeg. Besakih Temple was nominated as a World Heritage Site, but has yet to make it on the list.

Overlooking the Indian Ocean, Uluwatu Temple not only dates back to the 10th century, but is also referred to as one of the six temples that are considered the pillars of Bali's spirituality. The temple has a small forest that lies ahead of it, where hundreds of monkeys dwell - with locals believing that they protect the temple from evil spirits. Every evening, from six until seven, a Kecak dance is performed at the adjacent cliff-top stage. While visitors are charged an entrance fee, the sunset backdrop and graceful movements of the performance makes up for it.

More popularly known as theSacred Monkey Forest of Padangtegal, this sanctuary is home to hundreds of grey long-tailed macaques. Just walking distance from some of Ubud's resorts and guest houses, the forest allows visitors to see the macaques in their natural habitat, swinging from one branch to another, feeding on bananas and more. If you choose to walk through the sanctuary, you'll also come across several ancient temples and statues.

Goa Gajah, known as the Elephant Cave, was built as a place for meditation back in the 11th century. Contrary to its name, it isn't a sanctuary for elephants nor does it have anything to do with elephants at all - except for a statue found in one of the caves depicting Ganesh, a Hindu lord depicted by an elephant head.

Dedicated to the Hindu Goddess Saraswati,the goddess of learning, literature and art, the Pura Taman Saraswati temple is a beautiful and charming place of worship. Apart from that, its main attractions are its water garden and lotus pond. The temples interiors entail several wood carvings, giant masks, statues of Goddess Saraswati and a statue of the devil Jero Gede Mecaling in front of the temple.

Located along the main Jalan Raya Ubud road, the Ubud Royal Palace is easily accessible and is often part of one's itinerary when in Ubud. Built during the 1800's, not only is one of the more famous Bali tourist spots, but its also where one can watch an dance performance set against the palace's Balinese architecture and charming garden settings.

Often referred to as Bali Museum, the Museum Negeri Propinsi Bali is Bali's main museum. Being the oldest and largest museum, there are over 10,000 exhibits spread throughout the property with Balinese architecture and tropical gardens as their backdrop. In total, it takes an hour or two to go through all the exhibits - all of which give insight to Bali's art and history. There are traditional paintings, religious artifacts, old textiles, musical instruments and more.

Trunyan Village is a remote mountain village on Mount Batur. This indigenous Balinese community is known for its unique burial rites. As opposed to cremating the deceased, bodies are instead laid out on the ground to rot away in the village's boneyard. To get to the burial ground, one must take a boat ride half a kilometer away from the village itself. Bodies are wrapped, and are laid out by a large old tree. Apparently, the smell the tree gives off along with the mountain's cool air are what neutralizes the odor of the decomposing bodies.

Thanks to its strategic location, Ubud Art Market is the perfect shopping place for Balinese souvenirs and handicrafts. Veer away from the usual postcard and go through several stalls of silk scarves, handmade woven bags, baskets, hats, statues and other handmade goods.

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