Top 10 Places to Visit in Bali This Summer Season

Bali never gets old but knowing where to go makes all the difference.

No matter whether this is your first or fifth trip, Bali during the summer months from June through September will be different. You will experience warm and dry weather, clear skies, and a thriving island. However, Bali is not only bigger than many tourists think but also deeper. Go there unprepared and you will waste half of your vacation getting stuck in Kuta traffic and wondering why everyone raves about it.

This travel guide is about the best places in Bali that are worth spending your precious time on.

Why Summer Is the Best Time to Visit Bali

The summer season in Bali takes place from June until September. In this period, there will be a small amount of rain, low humidity, and warm weather ranging from 26° C to 32°C.

The summer season in Bali is called the peak season since there will be lots of tourists at the beach and the villa will cost relatively high. Nevertheless, all the efforts are worth it, as you can fully embrace nature through the clear ocean waters while diving at Nusa Penida Island and stunning sunset views at Tegalalang Village.

Top 10 Places to Visit in Bali in Summer Season

1. Ubud The Cultural Heart of Bali

Ubud should definitely be visited if you have enough time to see only one place in Bali.  

Here is where the spirit of Bali manifests itself in its rituals, architecture, art galleries, and even in its jungle walks which do not appear as something organized for tourists. Home of famous Bali Monkey Forest and best dining places on the island.  

In summer mornings, the magic atmosphere of Ubud begins to feel when the mist is seen coming out from rice paddies around 7 a.m. At about 10 a.m., Ubud turns hot and vivid.  

Must see: Campuhan Ridge Walk (sunset viewing advised), Goa Gajah elephant temple, performances in Ubud Palace and Ubud Market.  

Advised to travelers looking for more profound experience than for holidays.

2. Seminyak Bali's Most Stylish Beach Town

Bali’s upscale tourist destination lies in the Seminyak area, which features luxury boutique hotels, hip rooftop bars, and beaches as depicted in photos.

The place is more sophisticated compared to Kuta and less crowded than Canggu. The sunset strip located along the Jl. Petitenget road is definitely one of the best places in the island to be during the evening time.

Places to visit: Potato Head Beach Club, sunset viewing from Double-Six Beach, and the villa zones located beyond the main thoroughfare.

Best for: Couples and honeymooners alike and individuals interested in design and fine cuisine.

For property-seekers wanting to explore top villa homes in Seminyak and Canggu, PropertyCentral provides information on luxury homes in Bali. Browse Bali properties now 

3. Nusa Penida Bali's Most Dramatic Landscape

Nusa Penida is an independent island that takes a 45 minute fast boat ride from Sanur. Most tourists come for a day visit. However, those who come to stay a night know why they should come back again.

Kelingking Beach with the T-Rex cliff is the most photographed place in all of Southeast Asia. It involves a steep walk down but every bit is worthwhile. Ten minutes from there is Broken Beach and Angel’s Billabong.

The waters surrounding Nusa Penida are also known as a spot where you can swim with Manta Rays from July to October.

Prepare yourself in advance. Fast boat tickets will not be available at weekends.

4. Tegalalang Rice Terraces Bali's Iconic Green Steps

This you have read about it in each travel magazine. In reality, it exceeds expectations.

The rice terraces at Tegalalang north of Ubud represent one of those subaks which UNESCO acknowledges as an irrigation technique practiced here for over 1,000 years. During summer time the paddies appear green in color creating excellent photo opportunities on your travel itinerary.

Be there by around 8 am, not later than 10 am due to crowd rush and bad lighting conditions thereafter.

Practical Tip: Small cafés are available in the vicinity which offers terrace view where you can enjoy a cup of coffee while relaxing.

5. Uluwatu Cliffside Temples and World-Class Surf

Uluwatu is located in the Bukit Peninsula of Bali at 70 meters above sea level on the Indian Ocean.

The Uluwatu Temple is one of the important temples in Bali, the most amazing among all of Indonesia. The Kecak Fire Dance conducted in the temple during sunset hours is not just a show; rather, it’s real theater.

Some of the surf spots available near the cliffs are Padang Padang Beach, Bingin, and Impossibles.

Perfect for culture and surfing lovers, as well as couples who seek to have a beautiful sunset experience.

6. Canggu Bali for the Modern Traveler

Canggu is the place where digital nomads gather in Bali, and there's more than one reason for that. This area boasts just the right combination of beach, café lifestyle, and community feel, minus the madness of Kuta.

The waves at Echo Beach and Batu Bolong are reliable. The cuisine is some of the best on the whole island. And, most importantly, the nightlife is nonstop but relaxed and doesn't involve rowdiness at places like La Brisa or Finns Beach Club.

Warning: Canggu has developed quickly and traffic is not as great as before. Don't go far from the beach and be prepared to drive more than necessary.

7. Sanur The Quiet Alternative

While Seminyak may be the place to visit to experience Bali, Sanur is another beach area that offers peace and tranquility, which appeals to tourists seeking a quiet holiday on the island.

Sanur beach is located within the protection of the reef, making the water calm and smooth. Taking a stroll down Jl. Danau Tamblingan is a great way to spend the night out. It is also where the ferries leave from to head for Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan.

Hidden gem: Sanur tends to cost 20-30% less than Seminyak for similar accommodation services.

8. Mount Batur Bali's Active Volcano Sunrise Trek

Batur Mount is an active volcano that stands at a height of 1,717 meters on the island of Bali, situated in the central part of its highlands. The trip to the top starts at 2 am and lasts for about 2 hours. When you reach the top, you will be rewarded with breathtaking views of all directions in Bali, Lombok, and Nusa Penida.

Trekking difficulty level is moderate. People without any previous hiking experience will easily complete the hike with a guide.

Note: Hiring a local certified guide is a must. It is necessary because the route splits up several times in the darkness.

9. Tirta Gangga The Royal Water Palace

Away from the crowds at Bali’s eastern beaches, Tirta Gangga is a traditional water palace that features the surroundings of lotuses, stepping stones, and terraced fountains.

This area, in the province of Karangasem, is among the few undeveloped areas of Bali that allow tourists to experience Bali as it was before the advent of mass tourism. The scenic view of Mount Agung as seen from the terrace of the paddy fields at Tirta Gangga is breathtaking.

Combine with: Lempuyang Temple ("Gates of Heaven"), within a 30-minute drive.

10. Kuta Still Worth a Visit (If You Know Why You're Going) 

The opinions expressed by people already familiar with Bali towards Kuta are wholly negative, with Kuta being overcrowded, hectic, and noisy.

This is because Kuta is where tourism in Bali originated and still carries the excitement found no more elsewhere. The town abounds with surfing lessons, unlike any other place in Bali. The sunset at Kuta beach must be experienced.

The bottom line is clear: don’t stay here unless you are on a tight budget or need proximity to the airport. But spending a couple of hours here for a surf lesson and budget eats around Gang Betutu is worthwhile.

Practical Tips for Visiting Bali in Summer

• Book villas and hotels at least 6-8 weeks ahead summer is peak season and good properties fill fast

• Rent a scooter only if you're experienced Bali traffic is not beginner-friendly, especially in Canggu and Seminyak

• Carry cash many warungs and small attractions are cash-only

• Respect temple dress codes a sarong is required at all Balinese temples; most rent them at the entrance

• Avoid plastic Bali has a serious plastic waste issue; bring a reusable bottle

FAQ: Top Places to Visit in Bali

Q: What are the top places to visit in Bali for first-time visitors? 

Firstly, you should go to Ubud for culture, Seminyak for the beach and food, and visit Nusa Penida for scenic beauty. This will provide you all the aspects of Bali without making things too complicated for you.

Q: Which is the best area to stay in Bali in summer? 

Seminyak or Canggu for beach activities and nightlife. Ubud if you are planning to have a cultural base. Sanur if you are with your family or traveling alone.

Q: Is Bali crowded in summer? 

Yes. The months between June and August are considered peak time. This would mean higher rates and crowded activities. Visiting places such as Tegalalang and Kelingking Beach in the mornings before 9am could help avoid the rush.

Q: What is the most beautiful place in Bali? 

This is subjective, but the beaches of Kelingking and Tegalalang Rice Terraces have regularly been considered some of the most stunning sights in Indonesia.

Q: How many days do you need to see the top 10 places in Bali?  
At least 7 days allow you to see everything while having enough time for it. From 10 to 14 days allows you to see everything and even take a day trip to Nusa Penida and eastern Bali.

Q: Is Bali good for property investment near tourist areas? 
Certainly. The tourism industry in Bali has made a steady market for properties such as those found in Seminyak, Canggu, and Ubud. For individuals looking to invest in villas in Bali, PropertyCentral is the place to go for Indonesian real estate.

Q: What is the weather like in Bali in summer (June–September)? 

Dry season. The temperature varies between 26° Celsius and 32° Celsius. The humidity level is lower compared to the wet season. It rains occasionally in the afternoon. It is considered the best weather period for any outdoor activity.

Conclusion

Summer in Bali makes for a great vacation experience in Indonesia, with perfect weather conditions, nice water temperature, dry roads, and the farther you go from the primary tourist trail, the better.

These top ten spots in our list will show you why, from experiencing local culture at Ubud to watching cliff divers at Nusa Penida, surfing the best waves in Uluwatu and finding peace in Tirta Gangga.

But if you've started feeling like Bali is starting to become home to you then it means you are in good company and can start thinking about purchasing real estate in Indonesia through PropertyCentral.