A photography guide to Bali – the Top 9 best photo spots you cannot miss
Bali is probably one of the most photographed places in South East Asia. On one hand you will find the typical Instagram spots where the tourists wait in a line to get their own shot and on the other hand you will find unique spots for landscape photographers. The incredible nature, the bright colors and the diversity are one of the many reasons why you should never leave your hotel in Bali without a camera. But what are the best photo spots in Bali?
The spots vary from beautiful temples, lonely roads, endless rice fields and beautiful beaches – in Bali you will really find any motive for your lens. What are the most popular and as well unique photo spots in Bali? Which are the places you should definitely visit with your camera?
This guide contains well-known spots as well as secret places for unique shots. Make sure to add them to your list before travelling to Bali.
Spot 1: The beautiful rice fields in the nature of Ubud
An absolute must-do for photographers in Bali are the rice fields around the area of Ubud. The most popular rice field is the Tegalalang Rice Terrace. But you can also find smaller fields to avoid the tourist crowds.
The rice fields around Ubud are known for their bright green color and the incredible scenery. Especially in the morning, as the first sun rays make their way through the palm trees, you can catch some of the best lights.
The unique formation of the rice fields and the traditional atmosphere create some beautiful locations for both portrait shoots or landscape photography. If you dream about capturing the rice fields yourself, Ubud is the best place to go.
You want to experience this unique photo spot in Bali? If you want to check out the Tegalalang Rice Terrace, make sure to arrive early in the morning before the tours arrive.
How to reach the rice fields: most of the rice fields around Ubud are in close distance to the center. Rent yourself a scooter and get ready for an approximately 10-20 minute drive (depending on where you go)
Spot 2: The impressive Karang Boma Cliff in Uluwatu
Let´s continue with a more remote spot in the list. The Karang Boma Cliff in Uluwatu is a great spot during the sunset. The spectacular rock formation is one of many proofs, why the Bukit is the place to be for photographers.
A great idea is to capture a person standing on the cliff. This will not only create an impressive feeling, but you can as well play with the angle a little. Make sure to not only get the ledge on the photo, but as well the waves of the wild ocean underneath – a totally different side of Bali´s photo spots you should not miss!
How to reach the cliff: You can reach the Karang Boma Cliff from the main road in Uluwatu (Jalan Raya Uluwatu). There will be a tiny road sign pointing into a local gravel road. Make sure to have some cash with you as you are entering a private property and need to pay a little fee to pass the road.
Spot 3: The peaceful Leke Leke Waterfall close to Ubud
The waterfalls are one of the most popular photo spots in Bali. The motives are unique for photographers. Most of them are located in the middle of beautiful green landscapes and look like a paradise of nature.
Sadly, most of the photogenic waterfalls are well-known to tourists and part of the typical day tours around Ubud. Capturing them without any people and in their natural beauty is nearly impossible. Except for one: the Leke Leke Waterfall.
The Leke Leke Waterfall is not (yet) as popular as some of his colleagues and you have good chances to get some unique photography. The tiny but very impressive waterfall is located in a small jungle down in a valley and can be reached after a short hike.
The waterfall is a great place to play with different angles and use multiple foregrounds (such as the jungle leaves or a person).
How to reach the waterfall: the Leke Leke Waterfall is about 20 minutes outside of Ubud and can be reached by motorbike or car. You need to pay an entry fee to be able to enter the area and park your vehicle. On the way to the waterfall, you will drive through beautiful local villages which are also worth to stop in.
Spot 4: swinging in the middle of the rice fields
The Bali Swings are famous on Social Media. Long dresses over the jungle of palm trees and rice fields – you have surely these photos. And yes, this is a tourist highlight in Bali but still a beautiful places to shoot in the area of Ubud. Of course, this cannot be missing on the list of the best photo spots in Bali.
The most popular swings are in the Tegalalang Rice Terrace. There are different swings for different prices. Some are smaller and in between the rice fields. And others, where you need to pay more money, will get you the view over the whole jungle.
While this may not be a “unique” shot from Bali, it is still worth to check out.
How to reach the swing: head for the Tegalalang Rice Terrace and wander through the terrace until you come across the swings. Make sure to bargain for the price, as they are usually trying to sell a 5-minute ride for a lot more money than it´s actually worth.
Spot 5: The sunrise at Mount Batur
Sunrises in Bali simply hit different. And how does the sunrise from the top of a volcano sound like? The Mount Batur is one of two main mountains on the island and is ideal for a sunrise hike. The view from the top is not only a bucketlist moment during your travels, but as well the one of the best photospots in Bali.
The view over the area and the other mountains on the horizon combined with the bright colors of the sky are great to capture. This does not only give you a new perspective on Bali but is as well a great alternative to the common beach photos.
As you will quickly notice, the nature of Bali is full of photo spots. Make sure to keep your eyes open for nice views and unique spots on your way back from the volcano through some remote and local areas.
How to reach the Mount Batur: the most common way to get to the Mount Batur is by booking yourself a tour. They will pick you up at around 2 am in the morning and drive to the bottom of the mountain. If you are not up for a guided tour, you can simply book yourself a driver to get to the starting point. Driving by yourself in the middle of the night is not recommended!
Spot 6: Capture the beautiful art of the locals
This might be a more unique photo spot. If you plan on travelling to Bali, you might have heard about places such as the Ubud Traditional Art Market. Local markets in Bali are not rare and you will come across a few of them in the main areas. Uluwatu and Canggu have some beautiful markets as well where you can buy jewelry, clothing and art.
But still, the Ubud Market is special and a great photo spot in Bali. But did you ever even think about turning it into a location for a photo shoot? The different stands can be a beautiful capture of the local art and creativity of Bali. For sure, you need to keep your eyes open to find a unique spot but once you did, this can be really fun. Plus, it is the ideal hack to turn a boring stroll over the market into a fun time for anyone (even male photographers can have a blast, promise!)
How to reach the market: the Ubud Market is located directly in the center of Ubud. It can therefore easily be reached by foot from your accommodation.
Spot 7: The beach in Canggu just in time for sunset
Welcome to Canggu – another great place for photographers. Canggu is the place to be for Yogis, Food lovers and surfers. If you love fancy restaurants and cafés and some nice boutiques and markets to shop, Canggu is probably your best choice.
But not only the city of Canggu is great to spend some time in. The beach is the real highlight, especially as soon as the sun sets. As already said, sunrises in Bali hit different. But sunsets are another whole level. The beach of Canggu is the best place to watch them and to enjoy a drink while the sky is doing his daily show.
And of course, you should not miss your camera. You can capture the surfers hitting the waves in front of the burning sky. You can simply capture the beauty of nature or turning the beach into the ultimate photoshoot location for Bali photography. Be creative, have fun and do not forget to drink a Bintang Beer afterwards.
How to reach the beach: it is never hard to find the access to the beach. Simply follow the main road in Canggu south until you hear the waves. You can park your scooter in one of the parking lots.
Spot 8: Shooting the impressive temples in Bali
A unique and spectacular location for any kind of photography in Bali are the different temples. The Balinese are Hindu and the colorful temples are an absolute must-do for every traveller. The structure, the building and the colors are the reason why you should never forget your camera.
Some of the best spots and temples for photographers are the Tirta Empul (also known as the Holy Water Temple) and the Uluwatu Temple. Both are, regardless if you are a photograph lover or not, worth the visit. They can easily be reached and offer different perspectives on the temple world in Bali.
But see for yourself.
Spot 9: The beaches of Uluwatu
As a photographer, you absolutely need to check out every corner of Uluwatu. The Bukit in the southeast of Bali is known among the surfers. The beautiful beaches are different to the main tourist beach in Seminyak or Canggu. The steep cliffs, the powerful waves and the incredible views make ideal locations forone of the best photo spots in Bali.
A must-visit for you and your camera are the Bingin Beach, the Uluwatu Beach and the Balangan Beach.
To get to know the beaches of Uluwatu better, check out The Top 6 outstanding beaches in Uluwatu, Bali.
How to reach the beaches in Uluwatu: most of the beaches in Uluwatu can easily be accessed. You need to pay a little fee for the parking of your motorbike. THe Uluwatu Beach is located at the very end of the main road in the Bukit. The Balagan Beach and the Bingin Beach are located on the Western Coast of Uluwatu and you need to take some smaller roads. All of them are safe though and you cannot get lost!
Spot 10: The game of lights at the Tukad Cepung Waterfall
Welcome to a unique place in Bali. A place many do not know exists but is actually too good to be true. The Tukas Cepung Waterfall is known for its amazing lightening. The waterfall itself is located in a large cave and the only day light can enter from a small hole above the water. Especially in the early morning, this creates a mystic and unique atmosphere.
The Tukad Cepung Waterfall is the place to be for nature photographers. Let the light be dominating in the picture and find your own perfect angle! Make this place your own best photo spot in Bali.
Shortly before you reach the waterfall, you will come across a giant rock in the cave. This is a popular photo spot to stand on and catch the sunrays over the cave! Make sure to check it out.
How to reach the beautiful waterfall: The Tukad Cepung Waterfall can easily be reached from Ubud.
Bali photography – one best spot beats the other
To sum it up, Bali has multiple photo spots you need to check out for some unique shots. Some of them are more remote while on others, you need to be aware of the crowds. But you truly cannot plan all the opportunities to get your camera out as Bali has some unexpected surprises. Be ready to capture some spontaneous moments and get your own collection of the best shots in Bali!
