Three UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Bali

Updated on 13/06/2018

Back in my sunny Singapore, we are trying very hard to get our Botanic Gardens listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. But did you know that Bali has not one, not two, but three UNESCO World Heritage Sites? The next time you are there, don’t forget to pay them a visit!

1. Pakerisan Valley 

Unesco Bali Pakerisan Valley
Credit: Mark Doliner on Flickr

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 honor 11th century royalty.

See villas near the valley here.

2. Jatiluwih Rice Terraces

Unesco Bali Jatiluwih
Credit: Tracy Hunter on Flickr

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 its beauty. Behind this picture of perfect unmatched beauty, is also a great deal of ingenuity and high levels of technology. Some of the rice terraces are thought to be 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.

3. Taman Ayun Temple

Taman Ayun Temple - Unesco heritage in bali
Credit: Aleksandr Zykov on Flickr

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.

See villas near Taman Ayun Temple here.

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. You can also get a taxi or Uber there, though finding one back can be a bit trouble some. Check out our expert’s taxi guide to find out more about taxi in Bali.

Looking for more things to do in Bali? Here are 10 that you definitely should not miss.


See our villas in Bali. Inspected and selected by Villa-Finder.com.

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