Bali is home to a UNESCO World Heritage property called Cultural Landscape of Bali Province: the Subak System as a Manifestation of the Tri Hita Karana Philosophy. It’s not a single monument — it’s a collection of culturally important places connected by Bali’s traditional water management system.
If you’re keen to add a little culture (and a lot of scenery) to your itinerary, these three UNESCO-listed highlights are easy wins — and they’re genuinely stunning in real life. Don’t forget to pay them a visit!
Last reviewed: February 2026
1. Pakerisan Valley 
Pakerisan Valley is a mystical river valley in Gianyar Regency which contains the remains of ancestors from ages ago. Within the cradle of this valley are prehistoric and pre-Majaphahit archaeological sites. It is indeed a spectacular sight. This ravine, located between rice fields, is the home of magnificent stone-carved shrines that honour 11th-century royalty.
Quick visit tips for Pakerisan Valley
This area is best enjoyed at a slower pace. Expect steps and uneven surfaces at certain spots, especially near heritage carvings and temple areas.
- Best time to go: morning, when it’s cooler and quieter
- What to wear: comfortable shoes + respectful temple clothing (a sarong is often required)
- Comfort tip: pair it with a relaxed lunch nearby, then keep the afternoon light
2. Jatiluwih Rice Terraces
Beautiful and pristine, the Jatiluwih Rice Terraces are left alone by the crowds that throng other parts of Bali. These gentle green terraces are not as accessible as other parts of Bali, but certainly well worth the effort for their beauty.
Behind this picture of perfect, unmatched beauty is also a great deal of ingenuity and advanced technology. Some of the rice terraces are thought to have been created as long as 500 years ago, and indeed showcase one of the oldest and most complex systems of agriculture. When you visit, take a romantic stroll, or hire a horse to explore. This is natural Bali at its best.
Quick visit tips for Jatiluwih Rice Terraces
Jatiluwih is all about the views and the walk. It’s a little farther out, which is exactly why it feels more peaceful.
- Best time to go: morning for cooler weather and clearer views
- What to pack: water, sun protection, and shoes you don’t mind getting a bit dusty
- Good to know: there is typically an entrance fee and it can change, so bring some cash just in case
- Easy activity idea: choose a short walking trail and end with a long lunch overlooking the fields
3. Taman Ayun Temple
This striking site brings to mind the refrain ‘just a drop of water in an endless sea’, as this historical relic is surrounded by pools all around. This temple goes all the way back to the 18th century Mengwi Kingdom, a historical royal dynasty in Bali. It is symbolic as a site of Bali’s aristocratic history, and even as a historical site now, it embodies an air of elegant demeanor.
Quick visit tips for Taman Ayun Temple
Taman Ayun is an easy cultural stop that doesn’t require a full-day commitment, making it perfect for a “temple + lunch” plan.
- Best time to go: earlier in the day to avoid heat and crowds
- Dress code: modest clothing is recommended; sarongs are often available at the entrance
- Photo tip: walk the outer pathways for the best angles of the multi-tiered meru shrines
How to get there
The easiest way is to book a car for a day. If you stay in a villa in Bali, simply ask your villa manager to help arrange the transportation for you. Other easy options in Bali’s main areas:
- Bluebird taxi (metered taxi option)
- Grab and Gojek (ride-hailing apps)
One practical note: getting a ride back can be more difficult in quieter areas, so it helps to organise return transport in advance. Check out our expert’s taxi guide to find out more about taxi in Bali.
Easy Itinerary Idea: See These UNESCO Highlights without Rushing
If the day plan stays realistic, these sites feel like a treat rather than a mission.
Option 1: One full day (most convenient)
- Morning: Pakerisan Valley
- Midday: lunch stop
- Afternoon: Taman Ayun Temple
- Late afternoon: return to your villa for a swim and a slow dinner
Option 2: Two half-days (most relaxed)
- Half-day 1: Pakerisan Valley + nearby cultural stops
- Half-day 2: Jatiluwih Rice Terraces + scenic lunch
FAQ: UNESCO World Heritage in Bali
Does Bali have multiple UNESCO World Heritage Sites?
Bali’s UNESCO recognition is a single World Heritage property made up of several connected locations, not separate standalone listings.
What is the Subak system?
Subak is Bali’s traditional cooperative water management system for rice terraces, closely linked to local temples and community practices.
Which UNESCO spot is easiest to visit?
Taman Ayun Temple is one of the easiest cultural stops because it’s accessible and doesn’t require a long hike.
Which UNESCO spot is best for scenery?
Jatiluwih is the classic pick for wide-open rice terrace views and relaxed walking trails.
How do you visit these places without stressing about transport?
A private driver is usually the simplest option, especially for Jatiluwih. In main tourist areas, Grab, Gojek, and Bluebird taxis also work well.
Visit These Bali’s UNESCO Destination
Bali’s UNESCO listing celebrates the Subak system — a centuries-old way of managing rice fields and water temples that’s deeply tied to Balinese life. Pakerisan Valley, Jatiluwih, and Taman Ayun are three visitor-friendly highlights that offer big scenery and authentic cultural context without a complicated itinerary.
Villa Finder Map: 3 UNESCO-listed highlights in Bali
Click a destination to drop a pin on the map (the map itself is zoomable and draggable).
If you’re looking for more things to do in Bali? Here are 10 that you definitely should not miss.
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