The Indonesian island of Bali has a magical quality to it that’s is perhaps best shown through photos. Travelers from near and far jet to this tropical escape for many purposes: to find stillness and solitude in its spiritual locations “Eat, Pray, Love” style, to explore its terraced rice fields and serene beaches, or to surf, zipline, and accumulate as many dopamine-filled adventures as possible. Bali really is an endless feast of wonder and beauty, perfect for any type of traveler.
Photographers, if you happen to have Bali on your 2020 travel bucket lists, I’ve collected quite a few idyllic and stunning locations scattered around the Indonesian paradise. Here are five photo spots to add to your itinerary while in Bali:
Tanah Lot
Nestled right on the edge of the land, Tanah Lot is one of the six sea temples of Bali… and a personal favorite. This scenic landscape is a photographer’s haven, so get your camera memory cards and batteries ready! The beautiful rock-island setting, mixed with the mythological lore surrounding it, will leave you absolutely overwhelmed. Tanah Lot has many interesting photo shoot locations but to avoid the tourists and crowds, be sure to explore the south-eastern end of the shoreline — the setting is rocky yet serene.
Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary
For a serious laugh, do not miss a photo shoot in the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary. This experience is an adventurous escape into the depths of Bali’s lush jungles and its playful inhabitants. The monkeys here are hilarious and full of personalities, from calm and collected, to humorous and overly friendly. Talk about having the perfect subject for your shots!
In between shooting these playful creatures, you’ll find a shockingly beautiful jungle, park grounds flushed with rivers, and ancient bridges and temples. The Sacred Monkey Forest is a photographer’s dream, but it also gives an educational look into the Hindu philosophical goal of creating peace and harmony between man and nature.
Tegenungan Waterfall
No trip to gorgeous Bali would be complete without a stop at a flowing waterfall. Bali’s dense jungles and rainforests are an outdoor photographer’s delight, especially Tegenungan Waterfall’s isolated and peaceful location. The foliage and wildlife that surrounds the waterfall is simply breathtaking, as are the clear waters beneath the fall (perfect for a portrait shoot if your subject is willing to take a swim). Be sure to get a perspective from afar, just so you can see its majesty in full form. And come early. Tegenungan Waterfall is beloved by travelers and is sure to fill up as the hours pass.
Tegallalang Rice Terrace
There’s no more quintessential Balinese image than an epic, expansive field of rice terraces. The Tegallalang Rice Terrace is the perfect hike for photographers to explore together in the early morning sunrise or during golden hour. You’ll find that the natural surroundings, dotted with local farmers is an otherworldly experience that’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience to photograph. The best time to shoot this area is early in the morning, where you won’t be bombarded by tourists and you can soak in the magical mists that rise in the morning light.
Peliatan Royal Palace
To get a real sense of Balienese architecture and a deeper sense of the culture and history, the Peliatan Royal Palace is the place to go. To get a full experience, watch a traditional dance, and explore and capture the palace’s stunning interiors. You’ll find friendly locals, welcoming guests, and those giving every visitor an immersive and educational experience as they tell their history. In between sipping tea and conversing with the locals, photographers will adore its endlessly inspiring architecture.
