Tour guides Indonesia > Bali

5 Ideas for Guided Tours in Bali

• Amed

  

  On the far northeast of the island, Amed stretches out, with no clear beginning or end, caught between calm seas and the steep slopes of the volcano. Life moves slowly here. At first light, fishing boats slide across the barely rippled water. On board, smiling fishermen, a few sleepy tourists, and that sky… so fragile.

  Later, a scooter, a narrow path, and the Adabi rice fields slowly unfolding, just before Taman Soekasada Ujung. There, an old palace. Further on, Tirta Gangga waits in silence. Statues frozen in time, ponds filled with children’s laughter, and sometimes a traveler, barefoot, soaked to the calves, eyes closed, perhaps lost in thought.

  A little higher up, about half an hour away, stands the Pura Lempuyang temple. The climb is long, breathless, with stairs that seem endless. Yet at the top, there’s wind, sky, and white stone. On the way back, the Jemeluk Bay. From the cliffs, a few guitars, low voices, and a quiet that settles as the sun slips behind Mount Agung.

• Ubud

  

  In the heart of the island, Ubud brings together everything that makes Bali so unique. A local guide can help you catch its subtleties. The main street, Jalan Raya, pulses with life: cafés rich with aromas, craft shops, temples tucked discreetly behind walls.

  Yet Ubud is more than its lively streets. It’s also a deeply rooted artistic hub, where traditional dance performances come alive and galleries brim with local creations. The Pura Taman Saraswati Temple, set among lotus ponds, is an essential stop.

  For a change of atmosphere, step into the Monkey Forest. This sanctuary shelters over 800 free-roaming monkeys, playful and unpredictable. Keep your sunglasses close! And don’t miss the walking trails. The Campuhan Ridge offers sweeping views, but the simplest paths, the ones a passerby might point out, often lead to the real hidden gems.

• Jatiluwih Rice Terraces

  

  In the shadow of Mount Batu Karu, Jatiluwih unfolds its rice terraces like a living canvas. Perfect curves, shades of green that shift with the seasons, and the sound of wind brushing through the leaves.

  Here, everything depends on the traditional irrigation system known as “subak,” designed to share water fairly among farmers. An ancient mechanism, still remarkably effective.

  The name Jatiluwih means “wonderful,” and it lives up to that promise. Listed as a UNESCO site, it offers walking trails that weave through the fields. Around every bend, a new viewpoint, a different light, another discovery.

• The Gili Islands

  

  Did you know that “Gili” simply means “island” in Sasak, the language of Lombok? These three gems—Trawangan, Meno, and Air—lie between Bali and Lombok, each with its own distinct vibe.

  Trawangan, the liveliest, thrives on bustling nights. Meno is quieter, almost untouched. And Air strikes a fine balance between the two. What they all share are crystal-clear waters, soft sandy beaches, and dazzling marine life.

  Fins, mask, snorkel… and suddenly you’re gliding among corals and turtles. Once you’ve had a taste of it, leaving becomes the hardest part. From Amed, fast ferries will take you there in about two and a half hours.

• Uluwatu Temple (Pura Luhur)

  

  At the far south of Bali, perched on the edge of a steep cliff, the Pura Luhur Uluwatu Temple keeps watch. Eighty meters above the ocean, it seems to hover, almost unreal. Founded by a Javanese priest in the 11th century, it is dedicated to the sea’s forces, imagined still stirring beneath the waves.

  Monkeys wander everywhere. Curious, mischievous. Always on the lookout. A forgotten bracelet, a pair of glasses… and it’s already gone. Yet the place soothes. A gentle breeze, slanting light, and a horizon slowly fading.

  As the sun brushes the sea, the Kecak ceremony begins. A circle of voices, arms raised, eyes fixed. Bodies move, chants surge, and around it all, night falls. Not far away, Blue Point Beach draws wave seekers. Some surf, others watch. Everyone lingers for a while.