Just 12 kilometres off the southeast coast of Bali lies Nusa Lembongan, a compact gem in a trio of islands that make up part of the Lesser Sunda chain, born from volcanic origins. Though it spans only 8 square km's, the island is a place of striking contrasts and natural beauty. Bright coral reefs encircle the island, while soft white beaches and weathered limestone cliffs shape its edges.

Celebrated in March, the Balinese New Year known as Nyepi is a truly unique spiritual occasion unlike any other in the world. Instead of loud celebrations, fireworks or street parties, the island enters a state of complete silence. No flights arrive or depart, no vehicles take to the road and even electricity use is minimised. Known as the “Day of Silence,” Nyepi is devoted to self-reflection, meditation and purification.

First established in the 17th century, Pura Batur is one of Bali’s most venerated temples, second only to Pura Besakih on the sacred slopes of Mount Agung. Perched at roughly 900 metres above sea level, this mountain sanctuary overlooks the dramatic caldera of Mount Batur, an active volcano steeped in myth and raw geological power.

Tanah Lot, which translates to “Floating Land,” is one of Bali’s most revered and iconic sea temples. Located in the village of Beraban...

Standing proudly at 1175 metres above sea level, on the peak of Mount Lempuyang, this ancient temple complex is among Bali’s oldest and most revered, believed to predate most Hindu temples on the island. Although there is some confusion about the site’s exact age, the establishment of temples here stretches back at least a millennium.

Kanto Lampo Waterfall is a striking example of how nature and human intervention can merge to create something unexpectedly beautiful. Unlike the ancient waterfalls that have thundered down cliffs for millennia, Kanto Lampo is a relatively recent formation. In the early 2010's, changes to the local irrigation system inadvertently redirected water flow, which began to spill over the terraced cliffside near the village of Beng.

Founded in 962AD during the Warmadewa dynasty, Tirta Empul is one of Bali’s most sacred temples, located in the cool highlands of Tampaksiring near Manukaya village. Its name, which means "holy water spring," is derived from a natural spring that bubbles up into the temple’s central pool and continues to feed the nearby Pakerisan River. This revered site is dedicated to Vishnu, the Hindu God of Water and Preservation

Gunung Kawi Sebatu is one of Bali’s lesser visited yet most serene temple complexes, nestled in the forested highlands of Sebatu village. Established during the 11th century, its origin is tied to the ruthless reign of King Mayadenawa, a figure known in Balinese lore for defying the gods. The temple is dedicated to Vishnu, the Hindu preserver deity and features crystal-clear spring pools, manicured gardens and a peaceful atmosphere that belies the legend tied to its sacred wa

Barong is one of the most iconic and revered figures in Balinese mythology, embodying health, good fortune and divine protection. More than just a mythical creature, Barong is believed to act as a guardian angel, accompanying each person through life and shielding them from harm. He is the leader of the hosts of good and the eternal nemesis of Rangda, the dreaded Widow Queen.

Also known by locals as Mandala Suci Wenara Wana, the Sacred Monkey Forest is more than just a tourist attraction, it is a living, breathing expression of Balinese Hindu cosmology. Located in the village of Padangtegal in Ubud, this lush 12.5-hectare reserve is home to over 1260 grey-haired long-tailed macaques. But beyond the mischievous antics of its primate residents, the forest houses three ancient temples, centuries-old banyan trees and stone paths shrouded in moss and m

Carved into the rugged rock face of a ravine above the banks of the sacred Pakerisan River, this ancient hermitage niche is a remarkable archaeological site that offers a glimpse into Bali’s pre-Hindu past. Hidden discreetly in the quiet hamlet of Sawan Gunung, the site shelters a collection of pre-Hindu megaliths, silent remnants of an era long before the arrival of Hindu-Buddhist influence on the island.

Established in the 8th century by the Indian priest Rsi Markandeya, Gunung Lebah Temple was built as a place of meditation and spiritual retreat. Its location at the confluence of the Wos and Pormin rivers, where they merge to form the sacred Campuhan, was chosen for both its tranquil setting and the potent healing properties of the surrounding flora.

First mentioned in ancient copper inscriptions from the 9th century, Kehen Temple was originally known as Pura Hyang Api, a sacred site dedicated to Agni, the Hindu God of fire. This powerful deity symbolises not just destruction but also renewal and purification, embodying the transformative force of flame. Over the centuries, the temple underwent several name changes as it evolved with the shifting tides of Balinese history and spirituality.

Carved like emerald steps into Ubud’s natural amphitheatres, locals say the spirit of the rice goddess still watches over the iconic Tegallalang Rice Terrace, blessing the fields with life and balance. Also known as Ceking, the terraces are a large collection of beautiful verdant rice paddies, carved into the hillside by generations of farmers and shaped by centuries of Balinese ingenuity.

Hidden in a lonely ravine between the Petanu and Pakrisan Rivers, the ruins of this unique 14th-century rock relief lay buried for centuries under volcanic eruptions and vegetation. The site was excavated by Dutch authorities in 1925 and in 1949, a stone gutter was cemented on top in order to drain off water, to prevent erosion and vegetation from taking hold, revealing even more of the stone mural.

Carved into the rock cliffs on both sides of the Pakrisan River, this 11th century temple site and funerary complex is of profound historical and spiritual significance to the Balinese people. The name Gunung Kawi translates to the "Mountain of Poetry" but it is also affectionately referred to as the Valley of the Kings.

Spanning approximately nine kilometres, the famous Campuhan Ridge walk is a narrow spine between the eastern and western branches of Ubud’s Wos Rivers. Literally meaning the ‘joining of the waters’, the Campuhan hamlet meanders through a lush valley hinterland. Dense river ravines quickly give way to an undulating sea of electric green rice fields and a mosaic of cascading terraces around the village of Bangkiang Sidem.