Best things to do in Bali

Swim, splash, and slide at Waterbom Bali, an entertainment complex catering to visitors of all ages. Situated just minutes from the area's international airport, this water park features slides, splash pools, circular tubes, half pipes, and lazy rivers. Nearly 4 hectares (9 acres) of landscaped gardens surround the complex, providing a tropical backdrop for family-friendly fun. Check the website for discounts on all-day passes, which allow unlimited reentry throughout the day. Once you get your fill of fun and excitement, explore the park's many eating options, serving traditional Balinese foods as well as Italian, French, and Indonesian favorites.

Built onto a giant offshore rock, Tanah Lot Temple remains one of the more venerated Hindu structures with strong ties to Balinese mythology. One of seven significant sea temples spread across Bali's coastline, this shrine is allegedly the work of Dan Hyang Nirartha, a 16th-century religious figure and traveler who founded the island's Shaivite priesthood. Though you can walk to the rock during low tide, keep in mind that non-Balinese visitors cannot enter the temple itself. The site--one of the most photographed in Bali--draws huge crowds at sunset, when soft light bathes the area and creates a nearly magical atmosphere.

Discover Bali's spiritual side by visiting Uluwatu Temple, offering some of the finest ocean views on the island. One of six holiest shrines in Bali, this structure sits on the edge of rocky cliffs rising dramatically over the sea's foaming waves. Much of the current shrine probably dates back to the 11th century, when a Javanese sage expanded and improved a preexisting but much smaller structure. A band of monkeys inhabits the temple--watch out they don't snatch your purse or other belongings. Though non-Hindu visitors cannot enter the inner temple, they're free to hike around the area.

Surf your heart out at Kuta Beach - Bali, one of Bali's biggest tourist destinations. Equally appealing to foreign surfing enthusiasts and local families teaching their kids to swim, the beach offers easy access to a number of popular restaurants and clubs. A sandstone wall constructed in the style of traditional Balinese architecture protects the waterfront establishments from blowing sand. You can rent surfing gear, umbrellas, and lounge chairs right on the beach. If you visit during low tide, you'll be treated to a seemingly endless stretch of soft sand. Be aware that vendors walk the beach selling various things, and the bustling atmosphere does not exactly lend itself to a quiet stroll.

Both a protected reserve and a temple complex, Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary shelters several hundred long-tailed Balinese macaques. The monkeys get their nourishment from the forest staff, which feeds them sweet potatoes several times a day. Though you can't give the monkeys peanuts, cookies, or other snacks, you can purchase bananas if you want to feed the little ones yourself--just be prepared for a lot of attention from these cheeky creatures, and stow away valuables and shiny objects. This jungle sanctuary contains three temples, allegedly constructed in the 14th century. Keep in mind you can enter sacred sections of the temples only if you wear traditional praying clothes. Stop by the forest office near the main entrance, which accepts donations and provides detailed information about the sanctuary's history and significance.

Swim, sail, or simply bask on the warm sand at Pantai Sanur, located just a half hour's drive from the area's international airport. The beach curves for nearly 5 km (3.1 mi) along the southeastern section of the island and remains one of its more serene holiday destinations. During World War II, this part of the coastline provided the entry point for invading Japanese troops. Today, the beach and its surroundings contain several resort hotels and villas, drawing pleasure seekers from distant corners of the world. If you get antsy, take a walk to the nearby Hindu temple, one of Bali's oldest man-made structures.

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