Bali’s Top 3 Destinations Are Unmissable For First Time Tourists In 2026

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Travel in Bali in 2026 is dramatically different from travel in Bali in the decades to come. The top destinations, however, have pretty much remained the same.

Offering tourists a warm welcome, memorable experiences, and a glimpse into the island’s incredible culture, these three top destinations are unmissable for first-time tourists.

Here at The Bali Sun, we know so many of our readers are tourists returning to Bali for the umpteenth time. But for those who are visiting for the first time, we love to take the time to highlight all those unmissable hotspots and impart the travel tips we wish we knew about the first time we touched down on the island. 

Bali has just been named TripAdvisor’s Best Destination in the World for 2026, and with more than 7 million international visitors set to touch down on the island this year, we know that that figure includes millions of Bali-newbies! Exciting times indeed!

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According to TripAdvisor, the top destinations in Bali are Ubud, Kuta, and Denpasar. By Denpasar, we take that to mean the coastal retreat of Sanur. Don’t get us wrong, we love Denpasar City, especially for good coffee and live music, but in reality, the city centre doesn’t often call out to tourists. Sanur, the city’s very own beach resort, certainly does. 

Did you know that the most popular attraction in Bali, according to TripAdvisor, is Waterbom Bali? It comes as no surprise to us at all. We love this spot!

This fantastic family-friendly water park is not only a wildly enjoyable day out for all the family but is also pioneering environmentally sustainable business and tourism practices.

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Waterbom Bali spans over 3.8 hectares of tropical gardens and is home to some of the most exhilarating rides, slides, and water-based adventures in the world.

Located in the heart of Kuta, Waterbom Bali is a highlight of a vacation in Bali for those who return year after year and make sure a day at the park features on the itinerary.

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The second most highly rated attraction in Bali is the Sacred Monkey Forest in Ubud. The forest is home to more than 1,200 long-tailed macaques who are all truly wild. The forest can be found right in the centre of bustling Ubud, famous as Bali’s arts and culture capital.

Monkey Forest Ubud is open seven days a week from 9 am to 5 pm, and while the monkeys are of course the top attraction, the forest complex offers tourists the chance to take a deep dive into Balinese culture too. The forest is home to Pura Dalem Agung Padangtegal, Pura Beji Padang Tegal, and Pura Prajapati Padangtegal, three stunning traditional Balinese temples that tourists can observe during their visit. 

Monkey Forest Ubud is a family-friendly attraction and has good accessibility for people with disabilities, too. All tourists are reminded to follow the safety guidelines issued upon arrival to help ensure the safety of guests, staff, and wildlife. 

Number three on the list of unmissable destinations is perhaps the most recognisable of the three. The Tegalalang Rice Terraces are the picture-postcard image of Bali’s rice paddies.

Located just outside of Ubud, the rice terraces are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and are a vital part of the Balinese agricultural landscape.

Tegalalang Rice Terraces are technically free to visit, though parking is charged, and there are plenty of ways to support local businesses that operate around the terraces.

From photo stations to coconut sellers to the famous Bali swings to the craft and souvenirs market, tourists are encouraged to support local community members who depend on tourism for their livelihoods, alongside the often less-than-profitable rice farming.