The Island of the Gods is a tropical paradise making it a haven to find Instagram worthy places in Bali, from cool cafes serving colourful and delicious food, to gorgeous sunsets, stunning infinity pools and magical lakes – there is so much to snap away at. Whether you are selfie obsessed or not [no judgement, we’ve all done it!], most people these days count themselves a bit of a photographer, especially to boost their Instagram followers, so check out our our fave places on the island that are definitely worth an Insta-pic! Get ready, set, snap!
Sunsets in Bali
Bali sunsets are famous around the world, and it’s rare to not get a good one every day, from a fiery perfect red circle to the clouds giving the sky a multi-coloured pastel marble look. They are beautiful and most definitely Insta-worthy! There are so many great spots for the perfect picture of a sunset in Bali, whether its at Single Fin in Uluwatu where you will get people dancing in silhouettes, watching the Kecak and Fire Dance show at Uluwatu Temple as the sun goes down, or enjoying a cocktail poolside at Ku De Ta.
Infinity Pool Crush
Infinity pools are high up on Insta tags when people holiday in Bali, and it’s not hard to see why! With magnificent architecture giving the perception of water meeting ocean or perhaps tropical greenery, they are simply stunning. If you are in Ubud you have to visit the Hanging Gardens, for no reason other than to see its beautiful split-level pool! It has been crowned the ‘world’s best swimming pool’ by Condé Nast Traveller and number one on Trip Advisor’s list of ’10 jaw-dropping hotel pools’ – so if it’s good enough for them, it’s good enough for your Instagram. Metaphorically swim above the treetops [and don’t forget to get someone to take a picture]. Another gem is Potato Head, with its gorgeous infinity pool that looks like it merges into the sparkling Indian Ocean. No holiday to Bali would be complete without a snap of you drinking a cocktail in the pool as the sun sets behind you!
Sea of Yellow
Flowers galore! What could be more suited for a perfect photograph than a sea of yellow flowers? Along the roadside, between Bedugul and Kintamani, you will come across exactly that, where a field of marigolds lies. Marigolds are very important in Balinese culture, as its golden color is associated with Sang Hyang Widhi Wasa, the Supreme Balinese God. Take a photo of the flowers themselves, or get arty with your friends or lover and capture a moment you’ll not want to forget. This is definitely one for the photo album.
Magnificent Temples
A holiday in Bali is never complete without taking a few snaps of its most famous temples. There are so many snap worthy temples, including Tanah Lot’s Temple at sunset or Uluwatu’s Pura Luhur Uluwatu which sits above a cliff overlooking the Uluwatu surf break or Ulun Danu Beratan Temple, a temple dedicated to the goddess of the lake. However, the one that wins for us has to be Pura Luhur Lempuyang, the oldest Hindu temple in Bali. Perched on top of Mount Lempuyang at Karangasem, this Hindu temple is unmissable due to its succession of seven ascending temples along the mountain side. You will need to climb 1,700 steps to reach a good spot for shots of the breath-taking views of valleys, volcano and oceans, but it’ll be worth it [for those Insta likes!].
Pristine Beaches
There is no question that the island boasts some of the world’s most stunning beaches. Pristine white sand, clear sparkling water – we dare you not to get your phone out and post a snap to make all your friends back home jealous! Our fave though, apart from the islands close by to Bali, has to be Virgin Beach in East Bali and although it is off the beaten track, the views are picture perfect. Beautiful white sand, turquoise water, stunning cliffs surrounding the cliffs covered in lush greenery…. And the best bit? There is a little island that sits a little way out from the beach with one lone tree standing on it, this looks gorgeous when the sky turns a pinky blue as the sun goes out.
Virgin Beach, Sengkidu, Karangasem.
Mount Batur at Sunrise
Mount Batur is Bali’s largest [and not to mention active] volcano, and one of the most popular trips done by many is the sunrise hike. The trip will start with an early morning [2am kinda early] hike in the dark, so that you arrive at the highest peak and crater for a glorious sunrise and stunning morning views. On the way down you will explore the three younger craters and the most recent lava flows, all whilst admiring the breathtaking volcanic landscape! Just remember – don’t use up all your phone battery on the hike in the dark, save it for all the snaps!
Go Voyagin, Pick up from Kuta, Seminyak, Nusa Dua, Candidasa, Lovina, Sidemen [Pick up at 01.15 – 01.30am], Sanur [Pick up at 1.30-1.45am], Ubud [Pick up at 02.30am] and Amed [Pick up at 01.00am].
Mystical Reflection
The lakes in Bali can seem quite mystical – dead still and quiet, with breath-taking landscapes, and stunning reflections created by the water. Our fave lake in Bali has to be Lake Batur, in Kintamani [North Bali]. It is the widest lake on the island, and sits at the feet of Mount Batur and Mount Abang. This deep crater lake and hot springs are, to the local people who live in the small villages around lake Batur, sacred, which adds to this magical place. You’ll find it hard not to pick up a camera here.
Gili Getaways
Although not technically in Bali, the Gili’s provide some epic photo opportunities, with its white beaches and superb marine life [get your hands on a Go Pro and get a selfie with a turtle!], but perhaps one of the most snapped view has to be the swing and hammock in the water by Exile bar. Who doesn’t love a sea hammock?! Just be wary of the queue that forms during sunset, get there nice and early to get the perfect snap.
Exile Beach, Gili Terawangan, Tanjung, West Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia.
Cascading Waterfalls
There is nothing better than knowing you have a good picture to upload to Instagram, to watch the likes increase and to fee the envy of people wanting to be in your shoes… [oh the shame!]. And there is also nothing better than a pic of a waterfall! There are tonnes to choose from in Bali, but Banyumala Twin Waterfall in North Bali has to be one of the best. Why? There are actually two flows of water to be seen! Water cascades down steep rocks with gorgeous greenery surrounding them, twice!
Banyumala Twin Waterfall, Wanagiri Village, Singaraja.
Food Porn
There are tonnes of awesome little cafes and restaurants that are worth an Instagram picture – Bali is a foodie’s paradise after all. Not only do the cafes boast some funky decor [like the mural at Old Mans that everyone takes a selfie next to], or the actual food itself. Nalu Bowls for instance, now they must have get more insta tags than the Kardasians! Their little bowls of healthy goodness are the dream food to photograph, with their signature wooden bowls and colourful array of perfectly arranged fruit, especially against their signature white background. Other faves include the colourful smoothies at Betlenut in Canggu, the stunning backdrop at Single Fin in Uluwatu and up in Ubud the delicious healthy goodness of dishes you will find at Watercress. You’ll find it hard not to take a photo of each meal when you are eating out in Bali!
Top image: Lake Batur