Picking the best viewpoints in Bali was difficult as there are so many to choose from. Among the most famous are the high vantage points in the central upland region, where you can capture stunning panoramas featuring expanses of lush green rice paddies flowing down hillsides or magical mountain ranges with an ancient Balinese Hindu temple gate in the foreground.

You get almost as many options along the coastline, from towering limestone clifftops to low-lying outcrops, where you can take in beautiful bird’s-eye views of the Indian Ocean against memorable sunsets. Although some of these elevated vantage points require some travel to get to, the prize views at the end are totally worth the effort.

Tanah Lot Temple

As one of Bali’s most important temples, Tanah Lot is famous for its unique offshore setting. It's also one of the best places for enjoying a dramatic Bali sunset. Try to reach Tanah Lot in the early afternoon to explore the different courtyards around the onshore site. You can admire the beauty of the main sea temple right from the coast.

Pura Batu Bolong Temple is another temple at the end of a hollow rock causeway nearby. Wait around the area for the magical moment as the sun sets over the temple. A dedicated Sunset Terrace venue features a variety of small restaurants and bars, so you can enjoy the view over dinner.

Location: Jalan Raya Tanah Lot, Beraban, Kediri, Tabanan, Bali 82121, Indonesia

Open: Daily from 7am to 7pm

Jemeluk Viewpoint

The coastal area of Amed is also known as Jemeluk Bay and is famous for both its diving and its scenic viewpoint up in the hills, just above the bay. It provides one of the most beautiful panoramas in the lesser-travelled East Bali region.

From the top, you can take in the breathtaking seascape of the curving bay with fishing outriggers parked in neat rows along the coast. The verdant green cliff and the clear and calm blue waters off the shore are all framed together with the outlines of Bali’s highest peak, Mount Agung, looming majestically in the background.

Location: Bunutan, Abang, Karangasem, Bali 80852, Indonesia

Mount Batur in Kintamani

Mount Batur and its caldera lake are truly stunning, with the villages of Kintamani and Penelokan being among the favourite vantage points. Penelokan actually means ‘outlook’ in the local tongue. The restaurant and street stall-lined main road runs above the rim of the crater lake.

The actual area of Kintamani sits on the western side of the lake. Floating restaurants here let you get closer to the scenery. Even so, panoramic views are best from the ridges and Mount Batur’s peak itself. Mountain trails usually take at least 3 hours to hike. Mount Batur is also a popular haunt for local mountain-biking communities.

Location: Mount Batur, Kintamani, Bangli, Bali 80652, Indonesia

Lempuyang Temple

The Pura Lempuyang Luhur Temple ('Lempuyang Temple' for short) is one of Bali’s oldest and most remote temples. At 1,175 metres above sea level, the temple is at the peak of namesake Mount Lempuyang in East Bali. You can reach it via a steep staircase with over 1,700 steps. Along the way, you'll pass several other temples and forested pathways inhabited by grey long-tailed macaques.

An easier-to-reach viewpoint is the large Pura Penataran Agung temple at the foot of the mountain. From here, you can see the neighbouring peak of Mount Agung perfectly framed through ornate gates. The first sight in view on pilgrimages here is the temple's towering dragon staircases. These are a perfect backdrop for Instagrammers.

Location: Jalan Pura Telaga Mas Lempuyang, Tri Buana, Abang, Karangasem, Bali 80852, Indonesia

Balangan Beach

As one of Bali’s most scenic popular beaches, Balangan features a beautifully rugged seascape with a stretch of white sand bordered by seaweed-covered rock pools and blue waters. An outcrop known as Balangan Hill is just to the north of the strip.

From here, you can take in the great bird’s-eye view of the beach. You’ll see the golden stretch of sand meeting the vast blue ocean. You can also watch surfers having fun on the breaks and people enjoying the pools and the sand. Linger on late into the afternoon for dramatic sunsets.

Location: Jalan Pantai Balangan, Jimbaran, Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia

Uluwatu Temple

Uluwatu sits on top of a steep cliff, with the waves of the Indian Ocean crashing at its base 70 metres below. This temple features similar splendid sunset backdrops as Tanah Lot Temple. There’s also an adjacent open-air amphitheatre showing Kecak dance performances daily.

The views are great at any time of the day and from many different angles. You can enjoy great seascapes from within the temple courtyard or from the wall-bordered cliff edges. Grey long-tailed macaques inhabiting the surrounding forests can serve as free models to your backdrops.

Location: Jalan Raya Uluwatu, Pecatu, Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia

Open: Daily from 9am to 6pm

Suluban Beach

Suluban Beach has many unique natural features, making it a photographer’s paradise. The beach is behind natural limestone formations. Access is via steps and log ramps through narrow gaps in the rock. Canopied by a looming cliff face, this small beach may not be ideal for sunbathers but is popular with surfers.

Among the great vantage points are several cafés right above the surf spot. You can also get a great view over the rolling waves from the Balawista lifeguard tower.

Location: Jalan Mamo, Uluwatu, Pecatu, South Kuta, Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia

Jatiluwih Rice Terraces

The Jatiluwih rice terraces in central-west Bali is a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site. It's also one of the most popular viewpoints in Bali. They cover 600 hectares of fertile land that follows the flowing hillside topography of the Batukaru mountain range. The rice fields are well-maintained by a traditional water management cooperative that’s known as subak. The system itself dates back to the 9th century.

Entering the farming village, you'll instantly discover the lush and panoramic views. Restaurants serving international and local cuisine line the small road overlooking the rice terraces. From most, you can enjoy local selections and buffets, served together with the popular vistas.

Location: Jalan Jatiluwih, Penebel, Tabanan, Bali 82152, Indonesia

Open: Daily from 8.30am to 6pm

Tegallalang Rice Terraces

The Tegallalang Rice Terraces are just north of central Ubud. You can admire the famous view from various outlook points along the main village road that runs parallel to the valley. There are several restaurants, cafés and locally run art shops that dot the area, all providing great panoramic views.

The high roadside location is cool and breezy. It's a well-known spot for travellers to stop and take photos, especially on tours through central Bali. Painters and nature lovers enjoy visiting this spot and local artists offer their wares at numerous art kiosks along the ledge.

####Location: Jalan Raya Tegallalang, Tegallalang, Gianyar, Bali 80561, Indonesia

Tegalwangi Beach

Tegalwangi Beach is named after the temple perched on top of the limestone cliff that overlooks the coast. You can find this unique ‘hidden’ beach along the Bukit Peninsula’s western coast. It's just to the north of the glitzy Ayana Resort and Spa in Jimbaran. You can reach it along a paved road, then down a flight of rocky stairs south of the temple.

Be sure to take in the fantastic seascapes before you descend. Low tides and crimson sunsets reveal seaweed-covered stony barriers, which add an abstract border and foreground to the wider ocean views. The best time to head up here is just before the sunset ‘blue hour’ (between 6pm and 7pm).

Location: Jalan Tegal Wangi, Jimbaran, Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia