bali-viewpoints
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20 BEST BALI VIEWPOINTS – Ultimate Bali viewpoints guide

Bali is not only about waterfallsrice fields, temples and beaches. The island offers many beautiful viewpoints which are, most of the time, easy to get to. Especially some of the Bali viewpoints are extra magical when you visit them with sunrise or sunset. That’s also the reason why I wrote separate blog posts about the best sunrise spots in Bali and the best sunset spots in Bali

In this blog post you will find all the best Bali viewpoints combined with practical information about how to get there, entrance fee costs and photography tips! From the best viewpoints to see the Mt Agung and Mt Batur volcano, a stunning 180 degree view on the Indian Ocean with sunset or incredible temple views in Bali. There are so many impressive Bali viewpoints you have to visit! So in this blog post I will share the 15 best Bali viewpoints with the most impressive view! 

1. Savana Tianyar Mount Agung view
2. Trunyan Hill
3. 
Jatiluwih rice terrace view
4. Bukit Cinta in Amed
5. Watching sunrise at the summit of Mount Batur
6. Tanah Lot temple near Canggu
7. Lahangan Sweet Mount Agung viewpoint
8. Karang Boma cliff Uluwatu
9. Bukit Dausa
10. Uluwatu temple
11. Mahagiri Resort Mount Agung viewpoint
12. Bukit Mende
13. Patal Kikian Mount Agung view
14. Jaran Hill Uluwatu
15. Jemeluk viewpoint in Amed
16. Kayupadi Mount Batur viewpoint
17. Balangan beach viewpoint
18. Pinggan sunrise viewpoint in Kintamani
19. Pura Lempuyang Luhur temple
20. Photoshoot Lakeview Mount Batur viewpoin

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Book your Bali tours

If you want to explore the best of Bali then it is highly recommended to book a tour. Below some of the tours I highly recommend which include some of the viewpoints mentioned in this post.

  • 3 day Bali island tour. Visit Tanah Lot temple, Jatiluwih rice terraces, Ulun Danu Beratan temple, the Munduk waterfalls, Besakih temple and some beautiful spots in Ubud during this 3 day tour including accommodation, transport, entrance fees and your private guide.
  • Customised Bali photoshoot tour with private photographer. During this custom photoshoot tour you can visit several locations in Bali based on your own unique requirements together with your private photographer. You can eventually use our blog post as inspiration. If you wish, you can also book us as your private Bali photographer to receive the quality of pictures you see in this blog post. We live in Bali and can legally work here thanks to our Bali registered company. But our price for a photoshoot is higher than you’ll pay during the tour you can book via the link. Send us an email if you are seriously interested for a photoshoot with us.
  • Full day Instagram highlights tour. Discover Bali on a customisable day trip to its most famous Instagram locations. From the Gate of Heaven to Tirta Gangga water palace and from the lightrays at Tukad Cepung waterfall to Ubud’s rice fields and the jungle swing.
  • Bali and Nusa Penida 2-day Flexi Combo Instagram Private Tour. This private flexi combo tour will take you to the most scenic and Instagram-worthy sights around Bali and Nusa Penida. On the first day your will explore the Instagram highlights of Bali such as the Gates of Heaven at Lempuyang Temple with views on Mount Agung. Then you will visit Tirta Gangga water palace and go from the lightrays at Tukad Cepung waterfall to Ubud’s rice fields and the jungle swing. On day two you are going to Nusa Penida with the fast boat to visit the famous Kelingking Beach, the Instagram worthy Nusa Penida tree house and go to Broken beach and Angels Billabong. Entrance fees, hotel transfers and a round trip ticket with the fast boat is included.
  • Full day private customized tour. Rent a driver and car for 10 to 11 hours and discover Bali’s beautiful sites in one day. You can pick the locations you wish to visit in Bali during this full day customisable tour.
  • Ubud private Instagram tour. Visit the most iconic and Instagram-worthy sights around Ubud. Experience the beauty of Ubud’s best kept secret landscapes and unique architecture with a private guide.

General travel must haves for Bali

Before we dive into the best viewpoints in Bali, let’s check a few things to make your travels in Bali easy and safe.

Have you thought about how to get around in Bali? A scooter is the easiest way if you’re comfortable driving one yourself.

  • Book your scooter or motorbike here to get around in Bali. This is the most convenient way to arrange your rental motorbike, especially because it gets delivered and picked up for free to your accommodation within Ubud, Canggu, Kuta, Nusa Dua, Denpasar, Seminyak, Uluwatu, Kerobokan, Jimbaran, Sanur. Requirements: 20 years old; international car (B) drivers license for scooters (or moto (A) license for motorcycles); copies of passport and drivers license.

Do you prefer a private driver for the day and the freedom to create your own itinerary?

Did you already book your accommodation? 

Are you insured during your travels?

  • Buy your travel insurance here. Safetywing not only includes coverage for travel delay, lost checked luggage, emergency response, natural disasters and personal liability. But also covers all your medical expenses for hospitalisation.

Savana Tianyar Mount Agung viewpoint

The Savana Tianyar is still a bit of a hidden gem in Bali as it is far away from the popular tourist destinations. However, it is the closest you can get to the foot of Mount Agung with an impressive view. The viewpoint is called Savana Tianyar or Savana Nusa because in the dry season the grass turns brown and looks like a Savana as in Africa. With the backdrop of Mount Agung you can capture some stunning photos here from different angles. During and after rainy season the grass is vibrant green and gives a completely different experience than during dry season. 

savana-tianyar-bali-mount-agung

Practical information Savana Tianyar

The Savana is located in far North Bali between Amed and Tejakula. The best time to go is in the early morning with sunrise because the volcano can get covered in clouds during the day. Therefore it is best to visit this spot when you’re staying in north, north east Bali. Otherwise it’s gonna be a long drive up north! There are two places on Google Maps which are named as Savana. Savana Tianyar and Savana Kubu. The difference is that at Savana Tianyar you will get to a big field of grass with trees while at Savana Kubu an asphalt road goes through the field.

savana-tianyar-bali-mount-agung-yoga

Trunyan Hill

Hiking Trunyan hill is another off the beaten path activity in Bali. Trunyan hill is located in Kintamani above Trunyan village and you can hike to the top via two different ways, further explained in the paragraph below. The views during the hike and at the summit of Trunyan Hill are something special and pretty unusual for Bali. You are walking on the crater ridge and have views on Trunyan village below, Mount Abang, Mount Batur, Lake Batur and on a clear day you can even see Mount Rinjani in Lombok and Mount Agung in Bali. You will need proper hiking shoes and a jacket because it can get colder up in the mountains. Not really a viewpoint you can visit quickly, but if you want to visit some hidden gems in Bali, then Trunyan Hill it is! 

trunyan-hill-viewpoint-path
trunyan-hill-viewpoint-path-closeup

Practical information hiking Trunyan Hill

So as said there are two different ways to hike Trunyan Hill. From Trunyan village the hike takes about 3 – 4 hours and starts at Pancering Jagat Temple next to Batur Lake. However the easier and shorter trek which only takes about 1,5 hours of hiking starts at the location ‘Trunyan via Kubu’ on Google Maps. You are then already higher up in the mountains, but this trailhead is best reached from the north coast of Bali. When you get to the trailhead you will see the sign and stairs, you have to pay a donation and then you can start the trek up.  

trunyan-hill-view
trunyan-hill-lake-view

Jatiluwih rice terraces viewpoint 

The Jatiluwih rice terraces are one of the best rice terraces to visit in Bali with an incredible history. Located in the Tabanan regency near Gunung Batukaru, the Jatiluwih green land offers amazing views. With over 600 hectares of rice paddies following the flowing lush hillside of the Batukaru mountain range, the Jatiluwih rice terraces give a new meaning to the word green. Watching the sunrise at the Jatiluwih rice terraces is something magical as you can even see Mount Agung and Mount Abang on a clear day. Besides that, there are also many treks possible through the rice fields. 

Read more about Jatiluwih rice terraces in our complete guide

jatiluwih-rice-terraces-mtagung

Practical information Jatiluwih rice terraces viewpoint 

You can drive all the up until the parking where you have to pay the entrance fee for Jatiluwih rice terrace which is 40,000 IDR per person. Besides that you pay an extra 5,000 IDR for the car park. From the car park it is a 5 minute walk to the actual viewpoint where you have the impressive vast views over the green rice fields and mountains. 

jatiluwih-rice-terrace-sunrise-ilse

Bukit Cinta

Bukit Cinta “the hill of love” is one of our favorite Bali viewpoints. You will have one of the best views on Mount Agung, especially with sunrise. If you stay in Amed the drive to Bukit Cinta is pretty short, just around 30 minutes. On a clear morning, you will have the best view on Mount Agung. And if you’re lucky there will be some fog, in combination with smoke. Those are the best conditions to take your shot! In our complete guide about Bukit Cinta you will find all the important information before you go!

bukit-cinta-bali-viewpoint

Practical information Bukit Cinta viewpoint

Getting there: Type in Bukit Cinta on your Google Maps. It is an easy drive, especially when you’re located in Amed. The roads are good and can be a bit steep because you have to go up in the mountains. Once you arrive at Bukit Cinta you can park your scooter easily at the side of the road and enter the field where you can take your pictures.

Entrance fee: Free.

Best time to go: You will have the best chance of seeing Mount Agung in the early morning as the volcano will be covered in clouds mostly during the day.

Photo tip: If the grass is high enough you can use it as framing in your shot to create depth, see the picture below. Use your model in this shot to show the perspective of the immense Mount Agung. If you have a drone you can make your shot from the volcano higher, but take into account that the volcano will look a bit smaller because the drone has a wider lens. Although you can adjust this a little bit in Lightroom with distortion.

Bali-bukit-cinta-viewpoint
Bukit-cinta-Bali

Watch sunrise at Mount Batur summit

One of the best things to do in Bali, and especially one of the best Bali sunrise viewpoints is from the summit of Mount Batur. After a 2 hour hike in the dark under a sky full of stars, you will arrive at the top of Mount Batur which is 1717 meters. The best way to do this hike is with a guided tour. You will get picked up from your hotel, drive to trailhead of Mt Batur and hike to the top with a guide who knows which paths to take on this mostly off-road trails and rocky terrain.

Book your Mount Batur hike here

mount-batur-sunrise-trekking-drone

Once you reach the top, the view is absolutely incredible! Slowly you will see the sky changing colors, low hanging clouds passing by, as finally the sun shows up and lights up the earth. It almost feels as if you’re on top of the world!

Read everything about the Mount Batur sunrise trekking in our complete guide.

sunrise-bali-viewpoints

Practical information Mount Batur trekking

Getting there: If you’ve booked a tour to climb the Mount Batur you will be picked up from your hotel by the tour company.

Entrance fee: Most tours are around 350.000 IDR. Check what is included or not.

Best time to go: Of course sunrise for the most magical view.

Photo tip: If you have a drone you will love to fly it here! There are so many amazing angles to capture and the texture of mother earth is insane from a bird’s eye view. With your hand camera you will need a wide angles lens to capture the view. But we experienced that a tele lens is also an amazing addition to take with you. You’ll be able to catch a lot of details. See the pictures we made below as example.

mount-batur-clouds
Mount-Batur-sunrise-forest-lightrays

Tanah Lot temple 

The Tanah Lot temple is a very popular tourist attraction only 10 km west from Canggu. During the day this site can get very busy, so we would recommend to go here with sunset. The view with sunset is breathtaking as the site is facing west where the sun goes down. And when the sun is set, there will start another show. Thousands of bats will fly out of their caves and put on a show you might have never seen before! Such a spectacular natural phenomenon.

As the site is pretty big, you might not know where to go the first time (as we had.. we walked to the wrong side…) When you’ve parked your bike at the car park, you have to go to the right side. There you will see the ‘main’ temple where you will have the best view on the ocean, temple and sunset.

Practical information Tanah Lot temple

Getting there: Easily to get there with Google Maps, this famous tourist attraction won’t be hard to reach.

Entrance fee: 60.000 IDR per person and 2.000 IDR per motorbike.

Best time to go: An hour before sunset to have enough time to walk to the spot, explore the site a bit more and get ready to shoot and enjoy the sunset!

Photo tip: When it’s low tide you can see the temple from the beach and get a completely different perspective!

sunset-tanah-lot-bali

Lahangan Sweet Mt Agung viewpoint

Some of the best viewpoints on Mount Agung is Lahangan Sweet in Amed. There are plenty more viewpoints facing Mount Agung, but we think that Lahangan Sweet offers the best, most varied and impressive views on the highest volcano of Bali. The great thing about Lahangan Sweet viewpoint is that you can watch as well sunrise and sunset here. With sunrise the sun lights up the volcano and with sunset the sun will disappear behind the volcano. The photography spots at Lahangan Sweet are also very varied with different vantage points. There are quite some bamboo and wooden platforms made from where you’ll have an outstanding view on Mount Agung, but also towards the other side facing the ocean. 

Read in our complete guide everything about Lahangan Sweet Mount Agung viewpoint

lahangan-sweet-viewpoint-drone

Practical information Lahangan Sweet viewpoint

Lahangan Sweet viewpoint is also a camp spot so it’s open 24 hours. The entrance fee is 20.000 Rupiah per person which is about €1,20. Located nearby Amed, Lahangan Sweet viewpoint is easily found on Google Maps. Just follow the navigation and when you’re close to the actual viewpoint you will see a wooden sign pointing you towards a dirt road. This road is pretty steep and can be challenging with a motorbike if you’re not very experienced. Keep right on the dirt road where it’s mostly flat and hold your throttle. If you’re not feeling confident driving up this road, you can park the scooter and walk for about 10 – 20 minutes to the viewpoint.  

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lahangan-sweet-viewpoint-road2
lahangan-sweet-viewpoint-road

Karang Boma cliff

With an incredible 180 degrees view on the Indian ocean, this cliff is one of the most impressive Bali viewpoints and THE best spot to watch the sunset. We had an unforgettable afternoon with friends watching and shooting the sunset from this viewpoint. The Karang Boma cliff has become a famous Instagram spot and it’s easy to understand why. There is enough space to just sit down and enjoy this wonderful view. Take a towel with you to sit on, eventually some snacks and drinks, and you will have one of the most memorable afternoons in Bali!

Practical information Karang Boma cliff

Getting there: Located in Nusa Dua, the southern tip of Bali, Karang Boma cliff is easy to reach. Type in Karang Boma Google Maps and you will get there easily!

Entrance fee: No entrance fee.

Best time to go: You will have the stunning 180 degrees view always. But the most magical time to get to this spot is of course for the sunset views. As it is located on the South-West of Bali, you will have the best view on the sunset.

Photo tip: If you want to make a picture standing on the cliff you will need a tripod to mount your camera on and a remote control to make your pictures at distance. The best framing is from the opposite of the cliff you’re standing on. You will need a wide angle lens for this.

karang-boma-cliff-uluwatu-sunset

Bukit Dausa

Another one on the list for the most amazing Bali viewpoints. With views on Mt Agung and lesser known than Bukit Cinta viewpoint, Bukit Dausa is more of a hidden gem and a viewpoint for people who literally like to go off the beaten path. Located in east Bali, nearby Amed, this viewpoint has straight views on Mt Agung with an amazing foreground of green lush rice fields. You have to walk for 10 minutes through the rice fields until you reach the viewpoint Bukit Dausa from where you’ll have the amazing view as can be seen below on our picture. 

Practical information Bukit Dausa

Getting there: Type in Bukit Dausa on Google Maps. It is an easy drive, especially when you’re located in Amed. Once you arrive at Bukit Dausa you can park your scooter at the side of the road and enter the rice field where you have to walk through to get to the viewpoint. You have to climb the mountain Bukit Dausa when you want to stand in the grass as framing, so you’ll be happy when you’re wearing sneakers. 

Entrance fee: Free.

Best time to go: Arrive 30 minutes before sunrise because you have to walk for 15 minutes to the place where you have the best view. Also you want to give yourself the time to do your research at the location and set up your gear.

Photo tip: You can use the drone here, but the result is better with a hand camera in our opinion. You can create more depth from the ground and frame your camera behind some grass for example. 

bukit-dausa-sunrise-couple
bukit-dausa-sunrise

Uluwatu temple

The Uluwatu temple is one of Bali’s nine key directional temples and one of the most spectacular ones in the entire island. For sure one of the most spectacular Bali viewpoints. Perched on top of a steep cliff approximately 70 meters above sea level this is one of the best sunset locations in Bali because of its 180 degrees view. One attraction not to miss when visiting the Uluwatu Temple is the traditional Balinese Kecak dance which is scheduled after the sunset. These performances are obviously for tourist benefit only and are not spiritually significant to the temple. Because of these events the Uluwatu temple is one of the most visited Bali viewpoints and can be very busy around sunset.

kecak-dance-uluwatu-temple

Practical information Uluwatu temple

Getting there: From Canggu it is an hour drive, from somewhere in Uluwatu around 30 minutes.

Entrance fee: 30.000 IDR per person.

Best time to go: Because the temple is facing west you’ll have an amazing sunset view. But make sure to arrive in Uluwatu before 4 PM when you’re coming from Canggu or Kuta. The traffic around Kuta is a disaster in the afternoon!

Photo tip: When it’s getting darker, make sure to put your ISO up. Use different angles and lower the camera for example to get a creative shot.

uluwatu-coast-sunset

Mahagiri Panoramic Resort and Restaurant

Another hidden gem with incredible unobstructed views on Mount Agung is Mahagiri Resort in Rendang, Karangasem. From the terrace of their restaurant you will have an amazing view on Mount Agung with the rice fields as foreground. However, you have to be early to have the highest chance of clear views. Therefore we advice to come with sunrise to not only have the best light for photography, but also the best chance of clear volcano views. 

mahagiri-viewpoint-mount-agung

Because it is a hotel and restaurant, you will have to order something at the restaurant to make use of their facility. If you come with sunrise you can ask the security guy to open the gate because you want to take a picture at the terrace and will order some drinks or food. Make sure to order something out of respect for the hotel and to keep this opportunity to enjoy the view for future outside visitors of the hotel. 

mahagiri-viewpoint-bali-mount-agung-sunrise
mahagiri-viewpoint-mount-agung-closeup

Bukit Mende

Bukit Mende is an incredible viewpoint in the Kintamani area but an off the beaten path location. It is difficult to get to Bukit Mende, but so worth it if you like to explore locations which aren’t hyped (yet). The weather changes very quickly in this area of Bali because you are high up in the mountains. So you can have mist, fog, clear views and golden light all in one visit. Which is actually what we had during a sunset shoot at Bukit Mende. When it was clear it felt as if we were in Hawaii with the impressive green mountains and views towards the ocean. But then the clouds came in and it became a totally different, mystical vibe. Bukit Mende is absolutely worth a visit when you are in North Bali and looking for a hidden spot to watch and shoot sunset. However you can also go with sunrise! 

bukit-mende-kintamani-bali-sunset

Practical information Bukit Mende

Getting to Bukit Mende is easiest from Kintamani or Tejakula area as there are not really tourist accommodations near Bukit Mende. You will only pass local mountain villages, so make sure to have enough gas, water and snacks. The last part towards Bukit Mende is on a broken road which is not easy to pass with a car with low suspension. So it’s easier to get there by motorbike, but be careful on the broken road. 

You arrive at the trailhead of Bukit Mende when you see a concrete building with dirt carpark opposite a local temple. Although it looks like nothing and the trail head of Bukit Mende is unmarked, you have to walk to the left side towards the mountain where a path then leads down onto the ridge. If clouds passing by, it might not be clear how the ridge goes. But as soon as it clears up you will be blown away by the views. You can walk all the way to the summit or just simply enjoy the view from halfway the ridge.

bukit-mende-horizontal

Patal Kikian Sidemen Mount Agung viewpoint

In Sidemen you can have amazing views on Mount Agung. But there is one spot at a hotel which has an infinity pool facing Mount Agung which gives an unbelievable view and photo opportunities! If you book a room at Patal Kikian you can enjoy the pool views all day long. But if you only want to take a picture you can contact them on Instagram to ask for the possibilities. If you order a drink or some food at their restaurant for example, which also has an amazing view on Mount Agung, you can take some pictures at the pool too. However keep in mind that the volcano is mostly best visible in the early morning and sometimes around sunset again. 

patal-kikian-mount-agung-view-pool
patal-kikian-mount-agung-view-meditation
patal-kikian-mount-agung-view-birds

Jaran Hill sunset viewpoint

Jaran Hill in Uluwatu is a lesser known sunset spot then Karang Boma cliff but also looks out on rugged cliffs and of course the Indian Ocean with sunset epic view. It is without a doubt some of the best viewpoints in Uluwatu with the curved limestone cliffs with vibrant turquoise water below. It is is popular place for locals to hang out, but expats seem to have find this alternative to Karang Boma Cliff as well. 

Practical information Jaran Hill sunset viewpoint

Jaran Hill is easily found on Google Maps and will lead you almost until the viewpoint. The last part you will leave the paved road and you’ll have to walk down the cliff to get to the viewpoint. There is no entrance fee and when we were there also no shack to buy drinks. So be prepared and bring your own drinks for a nice sundowner. 

jaran-hill-sunset

Jemeluk viewpoint Amed

When you visit Amed there is one view you will almost see from any corner, the mighty Mount Agung volcano. But especially when the sun goes down, there is one spot you have to go to. It is Jemeluk viewpoint where you will see the sun going down behind the Agung volcano. As there is also a warung at this viewpoint, you can get a chair and table, order a Bintang or cocktail and just enjoy the view. Definitely one of the Bali viewpoints you have to visit! And because of the easy access one of the most easy Bali viewpoints to get to.

Practical information Jemeluk viewpoint

Getting there: If you type in ‘Jemeluk viewpoint’ on Google Maps, you will get there easily. There is a car park and restroom at the warung.

Entrance fee: No entrance but you have to buy a drink at the Warung.

Best time to go: Of course with sunset. But sunrise is also possible as you will see the golden morning light shimmer on the sea and top of the volcano.

Photo tip: You can use a person to stand in your frame to scale the landscape and size of the volcano. But a birds eye with a drone, if you have one, also gives amazing results! 

Jemeluk-bay-sunset-bali-amed

Kayupadi viewpoint Mount Batur

Kayupadi is another great Mount Batur viewpoint in Kintamani. Pinggan viewpoint and Mount Batur Photoshoot viewpoint are two other great vantage points along the same road on the crater rim, but Kayupadi is a bit more hidden. There is also another a camp spot along Jalan Kayupadi with the name ‘Kayupadi Sunrise Camping’, but that is not the exact spot of this photo below. However, it’s another great Mount Batur sunrise viewpoint. From Kayupadi you will have a straight view on Mount Batur as it is more towards the north east located. From Pinggan you have a slightly side view on Batur and the other 2 volcanos as it is more north west located along the road. Kayupadi has a great leading line of the path facing Batur volcano making it one of the best natural Mount Batur viewpoints (so without bamboo platforms or elevations). 

kayupadi-viewpoint-kintamani-bali-mount-batur-sunrise

Practical information Kayupadi viewpoint

The exact spot you need to type in for this viewpoint is ‘Kayupadi Camping’ or ‘Hidden Batur Mountain view’. You will then see a dirt park with a sign Kayupadi. Park your vehicle here and start to walk where the sign is pointing towards. This is a 5 minute walk to the viewpoint of Kayupadi. 

kayupadi-viewpoint-kintamani-landscape-batur-volcano

Balangan beach viewpoint Uluwatu

Balangan beach viewpoint is located in the south of Bali in the Uluwatu area. Because the viewpoint and beach is facing West, you will have a beautiful sunset view from Balangan viewpoint. The cliffs are a popular place for (Chinese) wedding photographers, so don’t be surprised to see couples walking around in suits and wedding dresses and lots of photoshoots going on. This makes the Balangan viewpoint a little less serene, but still there is plenty of space on the cliffs to sit down and enjoy the view. There are actually two main viewpoints on the cliffs. The first and most popular is a small rocky edge that overlooks the beach and turquoise water. The second lookout point is a little further and is a large circular platform covered in lush vines. 

balangan-beach-view

Practical information Balangan beach viewpoint

Getting there: Balangan Beach is located in the southern point of Bali and is about an hour drive from Canggu. If you stay in the Uluwatu area, Balangan beach is much closer and about a 15 minutes drive. The best way to reach the beach is to hire a scooter and drive yourself. You can rent a scooter for around 50,000-100,000 IDR per day, depending on the model and CC of the scooter. The drive down south can be quite busy and chaotic, so if you’re not a confident driver, the best option is to get a GoJek or to hire a driver.

Entrance fee: 5000 IDR parking fee

Best time to go: Because the viewpoint and beach is facing West, you will have a beautiful sunset view. So, if you want to watch the sunset, getting at Balangan beach, or the viewpoint around 5.30PM is the best timing. For a beach day at Balangan you better want to arrive at the beach around 12PM.

Photo tip: Walk towards the right of the cliff to get to the popular viewpoint and frame your photo in different ways. Especially when the sun is setting the colours will only get nicer and nicer!

balangan-beach-viewpoint-sunset

Pinggan sunrise viewpoint

Pinggan sunrise viewpoint is an impressive spot with amazing views of Mount Batur and Mount Agung. Located in Kintamani, the region of Bali’s volcanos, this spot is often overlooked, but absolutely worth a visit! Especially for photographers. Or if you don’t have the time (or condition) to hike up the Mount Batur with sunrise, then this viewpoint is a great alternative to still have an amazing view on the impressive mountains of Bali! As the sun rises the sky turns purple, orange and pink as the thick blanket of mist slowly dissolves revealing a little village ready to start the day. This viewpoint is so stunning and impressive, you almost won’t believe your own eyes! Pinggan viewpoint is without a doubt one of our most favorite Bali viewpoints!

Be aware that it is much colder in North Bali, so if you are planning to go here by scooter, put on a jacket and long pants. Seriously, otherwise you will freeze your butt off driving in the mountains. I was freezing in my white dress when we were shooting. As soon as we got the shots, I put on my jacket again. Everything for the shot 😉

pinggan-bali-viewpoints

Practical information Pinggan viewpoint

Getting there: The Pinggan viewpoint is located in Kintamani high up in the mountains. So if you are planning to drive here yourself, make sure to have a powerful scooter with enough CC to get you up the steep roads of the mountain. As you reach the Kintamani area, there are very few street lights and parts of the road are quite bad. That’s actually the reason why we stayed for 1 night in Pinggan village so we only had to drive for 10 minutes to get to this viewpoint. From Canggu, Seminyak, Kuta area it is a 2 hour drive one way. This means you have to leave around 3.30AM. Also be aware that it is much, much colder in north Bali. Especially in the mountains!! You really need a jacket and long pants on the way there.

Entrance fee: Free

Best time to go: Because the viewpoint is facing East, you will have a beautiful sunrise view. Sunrises in Bali are mostly clear, but make sure to check the weather forecast because when it is a rainy night, there is a chance that clouds will ruin the sunrise view. Because clouds will roll in during the day, I won’t advice to go here during the midday. Especially if you want to make some epic photos with great light. 

Photo tip: There are many angles to shoot here. If you have a drone you will love to fly it here. The aerial view is so impressive with the two big Bali volcanos lined up! But also with your camera you will spot many angles. Depending on the focal length you use, the volcano will appear closer or further away in your shot. So try out different focal lengths if you have different lenses, and shoot as much as possible!

Read the complete guide to Pinggan viewpoint here

bali-viewpoints

Pura Lempuyang Luhur 

Pura Lempuyang Luhur temple is one of the oldest and most sacred temples on the island. Also known as “Bali’s gateway to heaven” because of its amazing view on the Mount Agung volcano through the perfectly framed temple gates. This temple with its view is for sure one of the most special Bali viewpoints. The Balinese Hindu temple is located in the slope of Mount Lempuyang, 600 meters above sea level. In the past years, this temple has become extremely popular on Instagram and is visited by many tourists nowadays. Pura Lempuyang Luhur temple is quite far from a lot of other typical holiday destinations in Bali. Although that doesn’t stop people from visiting this place. But you have to be early there, otherwise you have the chance there is a queue to take a photo between the gates.

Read in our complete guide everything about Pura Lempuyang Luhur, the famous gates of heaven in Bali.

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Practical information Pura Lempuyang temple

Getting there: Located on the most eastern tip of the island, Pura Lempuyang Luhur Temple is around 2 hours from Ubud and 2 and a half hours from Canggu. Therefore we would recommend staying in Amed, as it’s only half an hour drive and you can also explore the other amazing spots on the East part of Bali.

Entrance fee: 100 000 IDR per person in 2022. 

Best time to go: If you want to beat the crowds nowadays you have to go as early as possible. Preferably before sunrise. Otherwise you have a big chance there is queue, some people said they even had to wait for hours until they could make their photo! At busy days you will receive a number so you know when it’s your turn to take a picture at the gate. Crazy to see how hyped this place is since we went to this temple in 2016 and were the only ones for 2 hours…

Photo tip: If you have a tele lens you’ll be able to make the volcano look bigger. But most important is that you frame the gates with the volcano right in the middle. Nowadays there is also a local at the temple who makes photos with his iPhone and a mirror under the lens. This creates a reflection of the temple gate and volcano.

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Photoshoot Lakeview Mount Batur viewpoint

Just a little further down the road of Pinggan sunrise viewpoint in the Kintamani region is the so called “Photoshoot Lakeview” viewpoint. This man made viewpoint of bamboo bridges and plateaus is the ideal place for a photoshoot with an amazing view on Mount Batur.
Komang is the owner and will greet you friendly when you arrive at the parking lot. You have to pay him the entrance fee and then you can go towards the bamboo plateau. The view is just incredible here, right in front of Mount Batur with the villages in the crater beneath you. The view during sunrise is mostly clear, and because it’s much colder in this region you will see a beautiful thin layer of fog. The perfect circumstances for a fantastic photoshoot!

In total there are two bamboo bridges with a plateau where you can take photos and there is also a swing. You can see the two bamboo plateaus on the picture below. There are enough options to have a great photoshoot on a beautiful viewpoint of Mount Batur! That’s why this location is also one of the great Instagram spots in Bali

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Practical information Mount Batur viewpoint

Getting there: The viewpoint is located along the road and easy to find on Google Maps, so if you put in the right location, you can’t get lost! Be aware that the roads in Kintamani region can be very steep, so make sure that you have a powerful scooter like an NMax! Otherwise it could result in dangerous situations when your scooter doesn’t have enough power to take these steep roads. Also make sure your breaks work very well! Another option is to take a private driver, because taxi’s and GoJeks are not available in this part of Bali.

Entrance fee: 20,000 IDR per person to enter the ‘photoshoot’ location.

Best time to go: Sunrise, absolutely sunrise for the best circumstances to shoot. The light will be magical and with the fog hanging above the village it is just a magical view. The more sunlight, the harsher shadows will be.

Photo tip: Make sure to have a wide lens with you to capture the whole view in your photo. You can’t go wrong with a view like this! Again the best tip I can give you is to get here with sunrise because the light and colors are way nicer than when you get here during midday. 

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More Bali travel inspiration

We hope you will visit one of these amazing Bali viewpoints with sunrise or sunset! If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask them in the comments.

Read more in-depth information about Bali in these blog posts:

Best things to do in Bali

Most beautiful waterfalls of Bali

Mount Batur sunrise trekking

Best sunrise spots in Bali

Surfing in Canggu

Best sunset spots in Bali

Things to do in Canggu

Best Instagram spots Bali

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