20 Most Instagrammable Places in Bali (with Map)

Introduction

Bali is one of the most photogenic places on earth, a statement that anyone who has seen its terraced rice paddies catching morning mist, its ornate stone temples draped in moss and offerings, or its volcanic peaks piercing through clouds at sunrise will readily confirm. The island offers an extraordinary density of visually stunning locations, from ancient carved temples to modern infinity pools, from thundering waterfalls to pristine white-sand beaches.

This guide covers 20 of the most photo-worthy locations across Bali, organized geographically to help you plan efficient photography routes. For each spot, you will find the best time to visit for light and crowds, entry fees, and specific tips for getting the best shots. Whether you are shooting with a professional camera or your smartphone, these locations will fill your memory card with images that capture Bali's extraordinary beauty.

Central Bali (Ubud Area)

1. Tegallalang Rice Terraces

Best time: 7:00-8:00 AM (soft morning light, no crowds) Entry fee: IDR 25,000 ($1.60) GPS: -8.4312, 115.2791

The most photographed rice terraces in Bali for good reason: the steep, dramatic valley creates layers of green terraces that photograph beautifully, especially when flooded with water. The morning light filters into the valley from the east, creating depth and warm tones.

Photo tips: Walk past the main viewing platform and head north along the trail for 10 minutes to find uncrowded terraces with better depth and fewer power lines. If terraces are flooded, use the water reflections as foreground interest. A polarizing filter removes glare and saturates greens.

2. Tirta Empul Water Temple

Best time: 8:00-9:00 AM Entry fee: IDR 50,000 ($3.20) GPS: -8.3154, 115.3156

The sacred spring temple where Balinese Hindus perform purification rituals under a series of holy water spouts. The visual of devotees in white ceremonial clothing passing beneath carved stone spouts with incense smoke is one of Bali's most evocative.

Photo tips: Shoot from the elevated walkway along the pool's edge for an overhead perspective. The morning light enters the temple courtyard from the east, illuminating the water. Be respectful: do not block worshippers or use flash.

3. Campuhan Ridge Walk

Best time: 6:00-7:00 AM (sunrise) Entry fee: Free GPS: -8.5023, 115.2481

The sunrise light turns the tall grass along this ridge golden, creating a dreamy, backlit atmosphere. The paved path along the narrow ridge with valleys dropping away on both sides makes for a simple but effective composition.

Photo tips: Position yourself on the ridge with the sun behind the grass for golden backlighting. The first 500 meters from the Gunung Lebah Temple entrance are the most photogenic. Bring a zoom lens to isolate people walking the path as silhouettes.

4. Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary

Best time: 8:00-9:00 AM (morning light through the canopy) Entry fee: IDR 80,000 ($5.12) GPS: -8.5185, 115.2586

Ancient banyan trees, moss-covered stone temples, and hundreds of long-tailed macaques create a magical, jungle atmosphere. The dappled light through the forest canopy creates dramatic lighting conditions.

Photo tips: Use a fast shutter speed (1/500 or faster) for sharp monkey photos. The moss-covered dragon bridge and the ravine temple are the most photogenic structures. Be cautious with your phone or camera around the monkeys; they will grab loose items.

East Bali

5. Lempuyang Temple (Gates of Heaven)

Best time: 7:00-8:00 AM Entry fee: IDR 50,000 ($3.20) plus sarong rental if needed GPS: -8.3908, 115.6311

The iconic split gate (candi bentar) framing Mount Agung has become one of Bali's most viral photo spots. The temple is located on the slopes of Mount Lempuyang and involves a significant drive from south Bali (2-2.5 hours).

Photo tips: The famous "reflection" effect is achieved with a glass plate or phone screen held beneath the camera lens. Not all attendants still offer this. The best conditions are a clear morning when Mount Agung is visible (cloud cover often obscures it by 10 AM). Arrive before 8:00 AM to minimize queue time. The queue moves faster on weekdays.

6. Tirta Gangga Water Palace

Best time: 8:00-10:00 AM Entry fee: IDR 50,000 ($3.20) GPS: -8.4116, 115.5878

A former royal water palace featuring ornate fountains, tiered pools, stepping stones across fish-filled ponds, and lush gardens. The symmetrical pools and carved stone details are highly photogenic.

Photo tips: The stepping stone path across the main pool creates a leading line. Shoot from a low angle with the stepping stones leading to the ornate fountains behind. Visit on a clear day for reflections in the pools.

7. Tukad Cepung Waterfall

Best time: 9:00-11:00 AM (when sunbeams enter the cave) Entry fee: IDR 20,000 ($1.28) GPS: -8.4778, 115.4536

A waterfall hidden inside a cave where, during morning hours, sunbeams stream through openings in the rock ceiling, creating cathedral-like light beams through the mist. It is one of Bali's most otherworldly natural sights.

Photo tips: The magic happens between 9:00-11:00 AM when the sun angle allows beams to penetrate the cave. You will get wet reaching the falls, so use a waterproof case or zip-lock bag for your phone. A slow shutter speed (1/2 to 2 seconds on a tripod) creates silky water while preserving the light beams.

South Bali

8. Uluwatu Temple at Sunset

Best time: 5:00-6:30 PM Entry fee: IDR 50,000 ($3.20) GPS: -8.8296, 115.0856

The ancient temple perched on 70-meter limestone cliffs with the Indian Ocean stretching to the horizon. During sunset, the sky explodes with color behind the temple silhouette.

Photo tips: Walk to the southern cliff edge (past the main temple) for the most dramatic cliff-with-temple-silhouette compositions. The Kecak dance performance (starts at 6:00 PM) provides great photo opportunities with the sunset backdrop. Watch your belongings; the temple monkeys are notorious thieves.

9. Tanah Lot Temple

Best time: 5:00-6:00 PM (sunset) Entry fee: IDR 60,000 ($3.85) GPS: -8.6212, 115.0867

The iconic sea temple sits on a rocky outcrop surrounded by crashing waves, arguably Bali's most photographed single structure. At sunset, the temple becomes a dramatic silhouette against a colorful sky.

Photo tips: The best vantage point is from the cliffs to the north (right side when facing the temple). At low tide, you can walk close to the temple base for a different perspective. The reflection pools on the rocks create mirror effects when the tide is receding. Arrive 60-90 minutes before sunset to find a good position.

10. Kelingking Beach (Nusa Penida)

Best time: 10:00 AM-2:00 PM (overhead sun illuminates the turquoise water) Entry fee: IDR 25,000 ($1.60) GPS: -8.7526, 115.4653

The famous T-Rex shaped cliff with turquoise water far below is one of Indonesia's most iconic viewpoints. The dramatic scale and vivid colors make this a guaranteed stunner.

Photo tips: The classic viewpoint is from the cliff edge (be careful, there are minimal railings). A wide-angle lens captures the full cliff shape. The water color is most vivid when the sun is high and the sky is clear. Include a person for scale to emphasize the cliff's enormous height.

11. Broken Beach and Angel's Billabong (Nusa Penida)

Best time: Morning for soft light Entry fee: IDR 5,000 ($0.32) GPS: -8.7352, 115.4468

A natural rock arch over turquoise ocean water (Broken Beach) and a tide pool with crystal-clear water resembling an infinity pool (Angel's Billabong). Both are within walking distance of each other.

Photo tips: A drone or elevated position shows the full circular formation of Broken Beach. For Angel's Billabong, shoot the pool from above to capture the crystal-clear water and natural rock formations. Be extremely careful near the edges, as rogue waves can sweep across the rocks.

North and West Bali

12. Handara Gate

Best time: 7:00-8:00 AM Entry fee: IDR 30,000 ($1.92) GPS: -8.2840, 115.1857

A traditional Balinese split gate (candi bentar) set against misty mountains on the grounds of a golf resort. The gate is flanked by manicured hedges and backed by mountains that often have morning mist.

Photo tips: Morning mist creates atmosphere. Stand centered in the gate opening for the classic symmetrical shot. Early arrival avoids queues. The light is best when the sun is still low and the mountains are partially wrapped in mist.

13. Sekumpul Waterfall

Best time: 9:00-11:00 AM Entry fee: IDR 20,000 ($1.28) plus guide fee IDR 100,000 ($6.40) GPS: -8.1780, 115.4200

Widely considered Bali's most beautiful waterfall. Twin cascades plunge 80 meters into a jungle gorge with a natural pool at the base. The scale and jungle setting are genuinely awe-inspiring.

Photo tips: The descent to the base takes 30-45 minutes on steep stairs. At the base, a slow shutter speed creates silky water. The spray creates a misty atmosphere that adds mood. A wide-angle lens from the pool's edge captures the full height of both falls.

14. Pura Ulun Danu Bratan

Best time: 7:00-8:30 AM (calm water for reflections) Entry fee: IDR 75,000 ($4.80) GPS: -8.2754, 115.1670

The iconic lakeside temple that appears on the IDR 50,000 banknote. On calm mornings, the temple's multi-tiered meru towers reflect perfectly in Lake Bratan, creating one of Bali's most recognizable images.

Photo tips: Morning visits guarantee calmer water for reflections. Walk to the left side of the temple for the classic composition with all towers visible. A polarizing filter enhances the sky and reduces water glare while maintaining reflections.

15. Banyumala Twin Waterfalls

Best time: Morning Entry fee: IDR 20,000 ($1.28) GPS: -8.2667, 115.2250

A wide, multi-tiered waterfall in a lush jungle setting near Munduk. Less crowded than most Bali waterfalls and genuinely beautiful with multiple cascades spread across a wide rock face.

16. Tibumana Waterfall

Best time: 9:00-11:00 AM Entry fee: IDR 15,000 ($0.96) GPS: -8.4760, 115.4139

A single-drop waterfall into a clear pool, framed by tropical vegetation and accessible via a short, easy walk. The pool is swimmable and the setting is compact and photogenic.

17. Tegenungan Waterfall

Best time: 8:00-9:00 AM Entry fee: IDR 20,000 ($1.28) GPS: -8.5732, 115.2890

One of the most accessible waterfalls near Ubud, with a wide cascade, a swimmable pool, and easy stair access. It can get crowded by mid-morning but is beautiful in early light.

18. Diamond Beach (Nusa Penida)

Best time: 10:00 AM-2:00 PM Entry fee: IDR 10,000 ($0.64) GPS: -8.7288, 115.6148

A stunning white-sand beach at the base of dramatic cliffs, accessible by a steep carved staircase. The turquoise water and dramatic cliff walls create a paradise-like scene.

19. Pura Besakih (Mother Temple)

Best time: 7:00-9:00 AM Entry fee: IDR 60,000 ($3.85) plus guide fee GPS: -8.3743, 115.4510

Bali's largest and holiest temple complex, built on the slopes of Mount Agung. The ascending series of temples and courtyards with the volcano behind creates a grand, spiritual atmosphere.

Photo tips: Clear mornings reveal Mount Agung behind the temple. The main staircase and the perspective looking up from the base are the classic compositions. Hire a local guide to access viewpoints within the complex.

20. Jatiluwih Rice Terraces

Best time: 7:30-9:30 AM Entry fee: IDR 40,000 ($2.56) GPS: -8.3697, 115.1319

UNESCO-listed rice terraces with Mount Batukaru as a backdrop. The scale of these terraces, spreading across 600 hectares, creates panoramic compositions impossible at smaller sites.

Photo tips: Walk the medium loop trail for elevated viewpoints over the broadest terrace sections. Morning light warms the green tones and creates long shadows between terrace levels. When terraces are flooded, the water mirrors create reflections of clouds and mountains.

Photography Route Suggestions

East Bali Day (Full Day)

Lempuyang Temple (7:00 AM) -> Tirta Gangga (9:30 AM) -> Tukad Cepung Waterfall (11:30 AM) -> Sidemen rice terraces (2:00 PM)

South Bali Sunset Route (Half Day)

Tegenungan Waterfall (2:00 PM) -> Uluwatu Temple sunset and Kecak dance (5:00 PM)

Nusa Penida Day Trip

Kelingking Beach (8:00 AM) -> Broken Beach and Angel's Billabong (10:00 AM) -> Diamond Beach (12:30 PM)

Northern Bali Waterfalls (Full Day)

Sekumpul Waterfall (8:00 AM) -> Banyumala Waterfall (11:00 AM) -> Handara Gate (1:00 PM) -> Pura Ulun Danu Bratan (2:30 PM)

Final Thoughts

Bali's photographic riches are genuine, not manufactured. These 20 spots represent a mix of the iconic and the underexplored, the cultural and the natural. The single best tip for photographing Bali is to arrive early. The combination of soft morning light, smaller crowds, and cooler temperatures makes the 6:00-9:00 AM window the most productive time for any photographer. And when you do get that perfect shot, take a moment to put the camera down and simply absorb the view. Some of Bali's most beautiful moments are the ones you remember, not the ones you photograph.