Bali’s Hidden Gems: Jatiluwih Rice Terraces & Tanah Lot Sunset – Private Tour

🌴 Taman Ayun Temple

Taman Ayun Temple (Pura Taman Ayun) is a majestic 17th-century Balinese Hindu temple located in Mengwi, Badung Regency, about 18 kilometers northwest of Denpasar. Built in 1634 by the King of Mengwi, I Gusti Agung Putu, it served as the royal state temple (pura paibon) of the Mengwi Kingdom.

The temple is renowned for its beautiful architecture and serene setting, surrounded by a wide moat filled with lotus flowers, giving it the appearance of a floating palace. Its name, Taman Ayun, means “beautiful garden” in Balinese, reflecting its lush, well-maintained grounds.

Key features include:

• Multi-tiered meru (pagoda-style shrines) dedicated to Hindu deities and royal ancestors

• Traditional Balinese courtyards (nista mandala, madya mandala, utama mandala)

• Peaceful gardens ideal for quiet reflection or photography

In 2012, Pura Taman Ayun was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the Subak Cultural Landscape of Bali, recognizing its role in Bali’s ancient irrigation and spiritual water management system.

It’s a popular stop on cultural and temple tours in South Bali, often combined with visits to Alas Kedaton Monkey Forest or Tanah Lot Temple. Modest clothing is required for entry.

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🌊 Leke Leke waterfall

Leke Leke Waterfall is a hidden and tranquil waterfall nestled in the lush jungles of Tabanan Regency, West Bali, near the more famous Banyumala Twin Waterfalls. Known for its serene and off-the-beaten-path atmosphere, Leke Leke offers a peaceful escape from Bali’s crowded tourist spots.

The waterfall features a single, graceful cascade dropping about 15–20 meters into a clear, natural pool surrounded by mossy rocks, tropical ferns, and towering trees. Its secluded location requires a short but scenic 10–15 minute hike through rice fields and jungle trails, often guided by friendly local villagers.

Visitors can swim in the cool pool, relax on smooth rocks, or simply enjoy the calming sounds of nature. Due to its limited facilities and quiet ambiance, Leke Leke is ideal for travelers seeking solitude, nature immersion, and authentic Balinese countryside charm.

🌾 Jatiluwih Rice Terrace

Jatiluwih Rice Terrace is a stunning UNESCO-listed cultural landscape located in the Tabanan Regency of central Bali, renowned for its breathtaking, expansive terraced rice fields that cascade down rolling hills in perfect harmony with nature.

Covering over 600 hectares, Jatiluwih is one of the finest examples of Bali’s traditional subak irrigation system—a centuries-old cooperative water management method rooted in Balinese Hindu philosophy (Tri Hita Karana), which emphasizes balance between humans, nature, and the divine. In 2012, it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the Cultural Landscape of Bali Province: the Subak System.

The name Jatiluwih means “really beautiful” in Balinese—and true to its name, the area offers panoramic views, fresh mountain air, and serene walking trails through emerald-green paddies. It’s a favorite spot for photography, light hiking, cycling, and cultural immersion, with local warungs (small eateries) serving authentic Balinese food.

🦋 Butterfly Park

Butterfly Park Bali (also known as Bali Butterfly Park or Taman Kupu-Kupu Bali) is a peaceful, educational attraction located in Tabanan, near the scenic Wanagiri and Batukaru Temple area in West Bali. It’s one of the largest butterfly parks in Southeast Asia and home to hundreds of native butterfly species, including the striking Ornithoptera (Birdwing butterflies), as well as insects, beetles, and moths.

Set within a lush tropical garden, the park features:

• A large walk-through butterfly aviary where colorful butterflies fly freely

• Educational displays about butterfly life cycles and conservation

• Exhibits of insect collections, spider habitats, and even a small frog & reptile section

• A serene lotus pond and shaded rest areas

The park supports local conservation efforts and sustainable tourism, offering visitors—especially families and nature lovers—an up-close look at Bali’s delicate ecosystem in a calm, off-the-beaten-path setting.

🛕 Tanah Lot Temple

Tanah Lot Temple (Pura Tanah Lot) is one of Bali’s most iconic and photographed sea temples, dramatically perched on a rocky outcrop just off the southwest coast of the island, near Beraban in Tabanan Regency.

Built in the 16th century, the temple is dedicated to Baruna, the Hindu sea god, and is an important part of Bali’s spiritual and cultural heritage. Its name—Tanah Lot—means “Land in the Sea” in Balinese, perfectly describing its striking location, which is surrounded by ocean waves and accessible only during low tide.

Tanah Lot is especially famous for its breathtaking sunset views, when the silhouette of the temple against the glowing sky creates a magical, postcard-perfect scene. The area around the temple features well-maintained gardens, souvenir shops, and seafood cafes.