In case you didn’t know- or have been avoiding Instagram for the last couple of years, Bali is a photographers dream! From picture-perfect sunsets to dramatic coastlines, to hidden waterfalls and sprawling rice paddies whether you are a budding travel photographer or just ‘doing it for the gram’, Bali offers views unlike an other island in the world.
But with tourism booming, and so much to see, it can be difficult to know where to go to get the ‘money’ shot without spending hours searching on Google or encountering large crowds certain to spoil the view. Not to worry! We round up the top spots for your Bali photos which will not only look amazing, but won’t spoil those Bali vibes. Just make sure you bring a decent camera!
HANDARA GOLF & RESORT BALI GATES
So the first on our list is actually a golf resort- yes really! But the entrance to the Handara Golf & Resort Bali is one of the most photographed spots in Bali and with good reason. The iconic pointy gates at the entrance are a Balinese dream with the breathtaking view of Bali’s smoky green mountains in the foreground. Just search ‘Handara Golf’ on Instagram and a dozen stunning images will appear!
Top Tip: This beautiful Bali backdrop gathers significant crowds, so arrive early to avoid long queues. Get there around 6.30 to ensure stunning sunrise pics and avoid having to pay the 15,000 IDR photo fee when the photo officer arrives around 9 am!
TEGALALANG RICE TERRACES
It’s hard to believe these picture-perfect rice terraces are located only 20 mins from bustling Ubud! The most popular rice terraces in Bali, and definitely one to consider for your Instagram, these rice terraces make a stunning backdrop for your Bali pics. Try to visit at either sunrise or sunset for stunning natural lighting and fewer crowds (the tourist buses are usually there by about 10 am.) Also, be sure to have some IDR on you- although there is no set entrance fee, you will be asked to donate to preserve the terraces (usually around 10,000 IDR.)
Top Tip: Due to the close proximity to Ubud, Tegalalang can get very crowded! If you have access to your own transport and enough time, consider visiting JATILUWIH RICE TERRACES instead. Although a longer drive, this UNESCO World Heritage site is VAST, meaning plenty of secluded spots even when it’s busy.
It will cost you 40,000 IDR entrance fee, but the peaceful walks, stunning views and relatively quiet spot means it is worth making the trek up north if you can.
UBUD MONKEY FOREST
Have you even been to Ubud if you haven’t visited the Monkey Forest? One of the top tourist spots in the area and the perfect opportunity to get up close and personal with these interesting primates! As well as a unique ‘monkey selfie’ the grounds are stunning and offer the perfect relaxing walk away from the busy scooter filled roads of Ubud town.
Top tip: These little monkeys may look friendly but they are incredibly bold! That means they will steal your lunch, sunglasses, water bottle and personal items if they take a shine to them! When visiting make sure you keep your belongings stashed away, and always exercise caution when approaching the monkeys. Although rare, they are wild animals and nobody wants their holiday ruined by a monkey bite/rabies panic!
Entrance fee: 80,000 IDR
HIDDEN CANYON
Perhaps one of the lesser-known photo spots in Bali, but still stunning, Hidden Canyon is well worth a visit! The entrance fee is around 200,000 IDR but with that, you get a guided, barefoot climb through breathtaking natural rock canyons and tranquil streams as you really get to grips with ‘natural’ Bali.
Top Tip: Prepare to get wet! It’s impossible to climb through all the cracks and crevices without entering the water, so wear something suitable- the entrance price includes the use of lockers and showers. You don’t need to worry about your phone/camera equipment getting wet either as the guide provides a useful waterproof bag and makes an excellent personal photographer as you focus on tackling the canyon obstacles!
TIRTA GANGGA WATER PALACE
Tirta Gangga Water Palace is stunning! A sprawling former royal palace, it is now open to the public and features beautiful gardens perfect for nature lovers and Insta backgrounds. Perhaps the most famous photo is the ‘fish photo’ where feeding the fish allows you to be surrounded by them in the water.
Top Tip: Like all popular Instagram photos, the ‘fish photo’ is harder to achieve now thanks to over-tourism, so rather than contribute to this, climb the stairs to the top of the water palace for stunning views that look over the whole estate and out to the ocean- you won’t regret the climb!
Entrance Fee: 30,000 IDR. There is an opportunity to enter a freshwater pool for an additional 10,000 IDR
TEGAL WANGI BEACH – SUNSET CAVE
Located on one of the most visited beaches in Bali, this little gem is perfect for catching the dazzling Bali sunset! To reach it, walk down from the carpark to the left of the beach, where the entrance to the cave is clearly visible. The natural rock pools scattered along the beach are the most popular, But for a less crowded yet equally enjoyable experience sit inside the hidden cave and watch the Bali sky do its thing!
Top Tip: If you have your heart set on experiencing the natural Jacuzzi’s make sure to check the tide times before visiting: At high tide, you risk the crashing waves ruining the experiencing and its important to stay safe when visiting the ocean!
NUSA PENIDA – KELINGKING BEACH
Another one of Bali’s iconic instagrammable spots, but this one is actually located on the picturesque Bali island of Nusa Penida. Kelingking Beach or ’T- Rex’ beach as its affectionately known (the island is shaped like a T-Rex dinosaur-once you see it you can’t unsee it!) The most famous vantage point is looking down on the island from the top, but you can walk down to the beach as well. Just be prepared for a pretty steep climb! If you aren’t up for the challenge, you can queue and have your photo taken at the beginning of the walkway down to save time.
Top Tip: Whilst the views on Nusa Penida- from Diamond beach to Kelingking to the famous treehouses at Rumah Pohon, are stunning be prepared to work… everything on Penida is steep! The roads can be basic and there is less infrastructure they on the mainland, so consider renting a driver to help navigate the island and drive you round the many Instagrammable spots!
NUSA CENINGAN – BLUE LAGOON
Wondering where you will find the most perfect baby blue waters in the whole of Bali? Wonder no more! This beautiful spot has the bluest waters you can ever imagine! Located on the Bali Island of Nusa Ceningan, this is a photo opportunity not to be missed.
Top Tip: If you are brave enough you can jump off the cliff into the water, but like all open water you should do so with extreme caution. It’s much better to get a photo perched safely on the edge, or visit the nearby Bali ‘Abyss Zipline’ where you can fly across a stretch of the lagoon water. Expect breathtaking views and the staff are more than happy to capture some shots/videos of the experience!
www.facebook.com/the-abyss-zipline-ceningan
With so many picture-perfect spots in Bali, we have barely scratched the service on what is on offer! Exploring this stunning island is such a rewarding experience- where are your favourite Bali photo spots? We would love to hear from you!