Bali, an island known for its natural beauty, also holds a wealth of alluring historical places. From majestic temples that reflect a spiritual heritage, to palaces that hold stories of the past, Bali’s historical attractions offer a deep insight into the island’s culture and history.
Visitors can explore the stunning Uluwatu Temple, located on a high cliff overlooking the Indian Ocean, or the beautiful Taman Ayun, surrounded by gardens and traditional Balinese architecture. Each historical place in Bali presents not only beauty, but also stories that connect the past with the present.
Going to historical places in Bali can be an interesting choice when vacationing with family or relatives. Want to know the recommendations? Here are 12 historical places in Bali that you can visit!
1. Bajra Sandhi Monument
Bajra Sandhi Monument, a famous landmark in Bali, not only spoils the eyes with its magnificent architecture, but also takes you on a journey through the history and struggle of the Balinese people.
Standing tall with a grassy garden around it, the Bajra Sandhi Monument mesmerizes visitors with its Balinese architectural style. Chic details of traditional Balinese ornaments adorn the exterior of the building, making it an instagramable photo spot from various angles.
When you enter the monument, you will be presented with dioramas depicting the historical journey and struggle of the Balinese people. Balinese folklore is attractively packaged using miniature cartoons, making it easy for children to understand. Here, they can learn about the history and circumstances of the royal era, as well as how the fighters fought colonialism in various places in Bali.
2. Tampaksiring Presidential Palace Bali
Tampaksiring Presidential Palace, located in Gianyar, Bali, is one of the official palaces of the President of the Republic of Indonesia. This palace is not only the official residence of the President when visiting Bali, but also holds invaluable historical and cultural values.
Built during the reign of President Soekarno, Tampaksiring Palace reflects the beautiful and magnificent traditional Balinese architecture. The palace complex consists of several main buildings, such as Wisma Merdeka, Wisma Negara, and Wantilan Building.
A visit to Tampaksiring Palace will give you an unforgettable historical and cultural tourism experience. You will gain knowledge about the history of the palace, Balinese culture and also see firsthand how the President of Indonesia lives and works while in Bali.
3. Tirta Gangga
Tirta Gangga tourist area, this area is one of the tourist destinations in Karangasem which is quite famous. Basically, this tourist area was built in 1948, the construction of this area itself was initiated by the last King of Karangasem. The purpose of making this park is as a resting location for the royal family.
This park is not only beautiful in terms of architecture, but also beautiful in terms of its very attractive natural scenery. This one tourist area does feel cool and very calm. It is suitable if you are looking for a fairly calm atmosphere for a vacation.
Moreover, the beauty of this water park can also be seen in the area surrounding the water park itself. The beauty of the green rice fields with their terraced arrangement makes the Tirta Gangga water park area even more famous.
4. Besakih Temple
Pura Agung Besakih, known as the “Mother Temple” of Bali, is the largest and holiest Hindu temple on the island. Situated on the slopes of the majestic Mount Agung, the temple offers breathtakingly beautiful views. Besakih Temple has a long history stretching back to the 8th century, making it a very important historical and religious site for Balinese Hindus. Festivals and religious ceremonies are often held here, attracting thousands of devotees and tourists each year.
The Besakih Temple complex consists of 23 temples spread over a large area, with the Penataran Agung Temple as the centerpiece. Each temple has a different function and meaning, dedicated to various deities in Hinduism. Here, you will find large gates decorated with delicate carvings and Balinese ornaments, towering staircases and stunning traditional architecture.
5. Bali Museum
Talking about historical tourism, it must be related to museums. One of the museums that you can visit is Museum Bali. The building used as Museum Bali has been built since 1910 and is still well maintained until now. Some even say that Museum Bali is the oldest building in Bali.
Museum Bali is quite crowded with tourists, both local and foreign. It is one of the most unique museums in Indonesia with a variety of collections that number in the tens of thousands. Here there are many types and functions of historical relics.
6. Taman Ujung Water Palace
One of the parks that also witnesses the Karangasem Kingdom in Bali is the Ujung Park or also know as “Sukasada Park” or “Taman Ujung Water Palace” It was first built in 1909 as a resting place for the King of Karangasem. Ujung Park was destroyed in 1963 due to the eruption of Mount Agung. However, after a long period of neglect, it was finally renovated and in 2003, it was opened to tourists.
When you come to Taman Ujung, you will be presented with a view of nature from the highest area adorned by roofless pillars. From the southeast, you can see the blue ocean of Ujung Beach. Here, you can also see the green hills. Moreover, the remnants of the royal heritage buildings also give it an elegant classic feel.
7. Pura Saren Agung
In the Ubud area of Bali, there is a temple that used to be the official residence of the Ubud Royal family and the center of government. This is Pura Saren Agung which has been established since the late 19th century. Pura Saren Agung is a silent witness to the establishment of the Ubud Kingdom.
Now, this historic building is in the heart of Ubud and has been converted into a museum and center for traditional Balinese art. For tourists, you can enjoy the Saren Agung Temple area by walking or taking pictures, seeing traditional Balinese dance performances, or enjoying the natural beauty of Ubud’s terraces. Access to Pura Saren Agung is easy, due to its strategic location.
8. Luhur Uluwatu Temple
One more temple that has been very popular is the Pura Luhur Uluwatu. This temple has a high historical value. It is estimated that Pura Luhur Uluwatu was built since the 8th century. Pura Luhur Uluwatu is one of the temples in Bali that has an important role in Hindu worship.
The Luhur Uluwatu Temple complex often holds Balinese kecak dance performances. You can enjoy the performance against the backdrop of dusk and the beautiful Indian ocean. When entering the temple complex, you must wear a shawl or cloth to maintain modesty. The temple area is also still overgrown with lush trees that are inhabited by herds of white monkeys.
9. Kerta Gosa
Kerta Gosa is a building complex inherited from the Klungkung Kingdom that dates back to 1700 AD. Kerta Gosa comes from the Sanskrit word “kertha” which means good, and “gosa” which means announced or broadcast. So, Kerta Gosa is a place to announce good things.
Located in the heart of Semarapura, Kerta Gosa is directly opposite the Klungkung Art Market. The uniqueness of Kerta Gosa is that the building is filled with traditional Kamasan wayang style paintings. The stories depicted on the paintings include Sutasoma, Pan Brayut, Palelintangan, Ni Dyah Tantri, Pelelindon and Bima Swarga.
10. Tenganan Village
Want to know about Balinese culture in the pre-majapahit period? You can come to Tenganan Village in Pegringsingan. Tenganan Village is also known as Bali Aga Village or old village. The beauty of the hills with well-preserved customary forests will welcome you to this village.
Tenganan Village has quite interesting cultural attractions, ranging from its unique traditional ceremonies, to the pandan war tradition. You can also find the Gringsing weaving craft which is already rare and only exists in three places.
No need to worry if you come to Tenganan Village, because although it is still known as an old village, the facilities here are complete. There is already a parking area, meeting hall, public bathroom, souvenir shop, culinary place, wifi area to forest tracking.
11. Museum Blanco Renaissance
Another historical places in Bali to visit is the Antonio Blanco Museum, there is a museum that exhibits paintings from Spanish American painter Mario Antonio Blanco. That’s why this museum is called the Blanco Renaissance Museum. Antonio Blanco is indeed famous for his work that focuses on Balinese women. He himself married a Balinese woman. Due to his wishes, the museum was built and inaugurated in 2001.
The Blanco Renaissance Museum consists of a complex with various facilities typical of art. Here, visitors can enter the studio, gallery, souvenir shop, library, amphitheater and temple of the Blanco family. Art lovers will definitely enjoy this historical tour of the Blanco Renaissance Museum.
12. Penglipuran Village
Penglipuran Village is very famous in Bali, even worldwide. The village is nicknamed the cleanest village in Indonesia, attracting tourists to come. As in other parts of Bali, Penglipuran Village is also synonymous with traditional Balinese architecture.
When entering Penglipuran Village, you will find rows of ancient buildings which the roofs are made of naturally arranged bamboo. These well-preserved old buildings add to the historical value of Penglipuran Village. There is also a large temple that is often used for religious purposes.