Chapters
ToggleMove over, Instagram beaches— Museum Pasifika Bali is where culture thrives. Established in 2006 (Bali Sun) and honored as Tripadvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best 2024, this Nusa Dua marvel doesn’t just display art—it actively ‘bridges cultures through the shared language of Pacific-Asian heritage’ *(Official Mission Statement).
Home to* 600+ masterpieces, from the intricate Balinese Kamasan scrolls to bold Polynesian tapa cloths, each gallery tells a centuries-old story. Insider tip: Visit at 5 PM when sunlight transforms the Javanese batik collection into a golden spectacle—without the crowds.
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Why Museum Pasifika Bali Should Be on Your Must-Visit List
“Skip another beach day—this is where Bali’s true artistic soul comes alive with 600+ masterpieces that’ll blow your mind!”
1. The Most Comprehensive Asian-Pacific Art Collection
- 600+ artworks spanning Indonesia, Polynesia, Melanesia to Southeast Asia
- Rare masterpieces by Raden Saleh, Affandi, Walter Spies and even Auguste Rodin
2. Where Legends Come Together
- The only place featuring both Eastern and Western masters:
✓ Raden Saleh (Indonesian Renaissance)
✓ Paul Gauguin (French post-impressionist)
✓ Miguel Covarrubias (Mexican surrealist)
3. A Cultural Time Machine
- Specialized galleries take you on a journey:
• Indonesian Masters Gallery
• Indo-European Artists Gallery
• Oceania Indigenous Art Gallery
4. Perfectly Located in Nusa Dua
- Just 20 minutes from Ngurah Rai Airport
- Walking distance from five-star resorts
5. More Than Just a Museum
- Cultural preservation hub protecting Asia-Pacific heritage
- Top-rated experience (TripAdvisor Excellence Award)
💬 Visitor Reviews
🖼️ “The best museum so far in Bali! I really like the style of every painting in this museum. Inside there are around 11 rooms, each room has paintings from painters from different countries. “
— ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Jessy Filomena | Indonesia🎨 “Really enjoyed seeing the Bali-related/themed collection in particular, which is why we came, although there were some great pieces in the broader pan-Asia Pacific region galleries as well”
— ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Alan McGuinness, Netherlands🔗 Read more on Google Reviews
Museum Pasifika Bali: 6 Captivating Reasons to Visit
“Step into a world where art transcends time and borders – Museum Pasifika isn’t just a museum, it’s a journey through civilizations!”
11 Themed Galleries = 11 Different Worlds
- Indonesian Room: Where Raden Saleh’s masterpieces hold court
- European Collection: French, Dutch and Italian masters in tropical Bali
- G20 Summit Exhibition: Exclusive showcase from Indonesia’s presidency
- Pacific Showstopper: The Vanuatu and Polynesia rooms will transport you across oceans
The Raden Saleh Treasury
- Six authentic masterpieces – more than most national museums
- Special arrangement: Five works in the Indonesian Room, one hidden gem in the French Room
- “Seeing Saleh’s ‘Hunting Scene’ here feels more intimate than in European museums” – noted art critic
1,200 Artworks (600 On Rotation)
- Three floors of paintings, sculptures and antics from 30 countries
- Star artists: From Gauguin’s tropical dreams to Le Mayeur’s Bali romance
- Fresh perspectives: The collection changes quarterly
Record-Breaking Ramayana Masterpiece
- New 2024 MURI Record: Largest Ramayana painting in Indonesia (6m x 4m)
- By I Gusti Ketut Kobot: Bali’s living legend of traditional art
- Best viewing: 11AM-2PM when natural light illuminates every detail
Audio Guide Revolution
- QR code magic: Scan → Hear stories behind each artwork
- Available in 5 languages: English, Indonesian, French, Japanese, Mandarin
- “It’s like having 150 artists whispering their secrets as you walk” – Visitor review
Instagram Paradise
- Golden hour: The French Room’s floor-to-ceiling windows create perfect lighting
- Epic backdrops: Pose before the monumental Ramayana painting
- Hidden corners: The Dutch Room’s arched corridors = unexpected photo gems
🎯Read: Kecak Dance Melasti With Dinner Jimbaran Package
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Museum Pasifika Bali: Practical Visitor Guide
Planning your visit to Museum Pasifika? Here’s everything you need to know for a seamless experience at Bali’s premier art destination.
1. Ticket Prices & Hacks Pasifika Museum Bali (2025 Official Rates)
“Save this table—we compared all options so you don’t overpay:”
Ticket Type | Price (IDR) | Inclusions | Where to Buy |
---|---|---|---|
Foreign Visitors | 90,000 | Admission + Drink (Tea/Coffee/Infused Water) + Free ITDC Area Shuttle | Official Website |
Indonesian | 65,000 | Same as above (KTP required) | Gate/Website |
Student Discount | 5.000 | With valid student ID | Gate only |
🌺Pro Tips:
- Online > Walk-in: “Website tickets guarantee entry when crowded (especially 10AM slots).”
- Shuttle Hack: “The free ITDC shuttle stops at 5 resorts – show your ticket to hop on!”
- Avoid Scams: “Third-party sellers often charge 20% more for same benefits.”
(Source: Official Admission Page, updated April 2025)
2. Opening Hours (No Guesswork)
- Regular Hours: 10 AM–6 PM daily (last entry 5:30PM)
- Secret Time Slots:
- Early Birds: 10AM–11AM = best light for photography
- Avoid Weekends: Tuesdays/Thursdays = least crowded
- Closed: Nyepi Day & Galungan (check their Instagram for sudden closures)
3. How to Get There Without Getting Scammed
From Tourist Areas:
Route | GoCar Price | Time | Hack |
---|---|---|---|
Seminyak | +/- IDR 150k | 60 min | “Ask driver for ‘Museum Pasifika Nusa Dua’—not just ‘Nusa Dua’!” |
Ubud | +/- IDR 370k | 90 min | “Combine with Waterblow Nusa Dua for 1 trip” |
Canggu | +/- IDR 250k | 70 min | “Blue Bird taxis charge 15% less than airport cabs” |
Need Easier Options?
- 🚐 Private Shuttle: Ask us for door-to-door pickup from your hotel!
- 💰 Budget Hack: Rent a car+driver with Us for 12 hours @ IDR 500,000 – explore all South Bali (Museum Pasifika, GWK, Uluwatu, Sekeh Beach) in one go!
4. Unleash Your Inner Artist at Museum Pasifika Bali
No experience? No problem! Dive into authentic Balinese creativity with our hands-on art classes, set within the inspiring walls of Museum Pasifika.
Whether you want to try traditional batik painting, learn the rhythms of gamelan, or carve wood like a Balinese master artisan, we provide all the materials and guidance you need.
From brush strokes to dance moves, discover Bali’s living traditions through unforgettable workshops – the perfect way to cap off your museum visit. (Source Activities)
Class Offerings:
🎨 Painting (Acrylic & Traditional Kamasan Style)
🥁 Gamelan Music (Learn iconic Balinese rhythms)
💃 Balinese Dance (Basic Legong or Kecak movements)
🖌️ Batik Making (Create your own wax-resist fabric)
✂️ Wood Carving (Guided by local undagi artisans)
🧘 Yoga (Surrounded by museum gardens)
“All materials included – just bring your curiosity!”
🎯Read: 5 Best Workshop Classes in Canggu (+1 Bonus!) for a Creative Bali Escape
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Museum Pasifika Bali 11 Captivating Galleries: A Journey Through Continents
“Forget time machines—these carefully curated rooms transport you across eras and oceans with just a few steps. Here’s what makes each gallery special:”
1. Indonesian Masters Gallery (Room 1)
- Star Artists: Raden Saleh, Affandi, Hendra Gunawan
- Don’t Miss:
- Saleh’s “Hunting Scene” (one of only 6 originals in Indonesia)
- Affandi’s signature “finger painting” technique
- “This room smells of oil paints and history—you can almost hear the artists debating in the corners.”
2. Italian Artists in Indonesia (Room 2)
- Hidden Gem: Gilda Ambron’s “Javanese Women in Colonial Times”
- Oddity: Piero Garriazo’s surreal rice field landscapes
3. Dutch Colonial Collection (Room 3)
- Time Capsule: Willem Hofker’s Balinese portraits (1930s)
- Dark History: Isaac Israel’s plantation scenes with hidden critiques
4. French Connection (Room 4)
- Showstopper: Lea Lafugie’s “Bali Moonlight” (inspired by Gauguin)
- Fun Fact: Many works were painted during France’s 1920s “Orientalist” craze
5. European Sojourners (Room 5)
- Priceless Artifact: Sukarno’s handwritten letter to Le Mayeur (1949)
- Unexpected Twist: German expressionist takes on wayang kulit
6. Temporary Exhibitions (Room 6)
- Current Show: “Barong’s Evolution” (rare masks from 8 Bali villages)
- Live Events: Monthly kecak dance performances
7. Indochina Treasures (Room 7)
- Cultural Twins: Compare Thai Buddhist murals to Javanese temple art
- War Story: Vietnamese lacquerworks surviving the American War
8. Polynesian Paradise (Room 8)
- Head-Scratcher: A Tahitian version of India’s Taj Mahal
- Texture Play: Touch samples of tapa cloth (by request)
9. Vanuatu Mysteries (Room 9)
- Conversation Starter: 200-year-old war canoe with shark teeth adornments
- Ritual Objects: Spirit masks used in land diving ceremonies
10. Oceania Warriors (Room 10)
- Armor Gallery: Coconut fiber battle suits from Fiji
- Navigation Wonders: Stick charts used to sail the Pacific
11. Pan-Asian Dialogues (Room 11)
- East Meets East: Compare Philippine jeepney art to Myanmar puppetry
- Modern Twist: Contemporary Chinese ink paintings
🌺Local’s Secret Route:
- Start at Room 5 (Sukarno’s letter) → 3 (Dutch era) → 1 (Indonesian response)
- End at Room 8 for the ultimate tropical fantasy
🎯Read: Bali Island: The Ultimate Travel FAQ (100 Answers for Tourists)
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Masterstrokes of History: 5 Legendary Artists Who Shaped Museum Pasifika Bali Collection
1. Raden Saleh (Indonesian Masters Gallery)
- Fact: Painted “The Arrest of Prince Diponegoro” (1857) for Dutch King Willem III, depicting the Java War leader’s dignified surrender.
- Historical Context:
- Currently displayed at Indonesia’s State Palace (not in Museum Pasifika)
- Saleh’s European training blended with Javanese symbolism (e.g., Diponegoro’s upright posture = resistance)
- Source: “Raden Saleh: Life and Work” (2013) by Werner Kraus
2. Walter Spies (Dutch Colonial Gallery)
- Fact: His “Balinese Landscape” (1930s) pioneered the “Balinese style” adored by tourists today.
- Global Influence: Credited as the artist who introduced Bali to the world through his paintings and collaborations with anthropologists like Margaret Mead.
- Historical Context:
- Lived in Ubud from 1927–1940 during the Dutch East Indies colonial era
- Co-founded the Pita Maha artist collective with Cokorda Gede Agung Sukawati, elevating Balinese art internationally
- His home (now Hotel Tjampuhan) became a salon for artists like Charlie Chaplin and Noël Coward
- Museum Pasifika’s Role: Preserves Spies’ rare sketches donated by his students after his 1942 death in a WWII prison ship tragedy.
“Spies didn’t just paint Bali—he shaped how the world sees it. His rule-breaking use of perspective (like tilted rice fields) became Bali’s visual trademark.”
(Sources: Museum Pasifika archives, “Bali: Paradise Created” (2011) by Adrian Vickers)
3. Arie Smit (Indo-European Gallery)
- Adrianus Wilhelmus “Arie” Smit 15 April 1916 – 23 March 2016) was a Dutch-born Indonesian painter who lived on Bali.
- Fact: Dutch-born artist who trained 300+ Balinese painters in the 1960s Young Artists Movement.
- Look For: His “Market Scene” (1965)—vibrant colors that defined Bali’s modern art identity.
Source : Wikipedia – Arie Smit
4. I Gusti Nyoman Lempad (Indonesian Gallery)
Artistic Legacy
- Self-Taught Genius:
- Illiterate but learned to sign his name by copying letters
- Mastered traditional Balinese ink drawing (wayang-style)
- Iconic Works:
- Fact: Created the “Ramayana” ink drawings at age 90+ without sketches.
- Museum’s Treasure: His last unfinished work, “Arjuna’s Meditation”, with visible pencil guidelines.
Source :
“Getting to Know the Art Maestro from Gianyar: I Gusti Nyoman Lempad”
Bali Cultural Heritage Preservation Office (BPCB Bali), Ministry of Education and Culture, Republic of Indonesia
5. Paul Gauguin (French Gallery – Reproduction)
5. Paul Gauguin (French Gallery – Reproduction)
“While Gauguin never set foot in Bali, his revolutionary techniques inspired generations of artists who did.”
- Note: Museum displays limited-edition prints of his Tahitian works, connected to his brief Bali-inspired phase.
- History: Gauguin never visited Bali but influenced European artists who did.
- His primitivist approach inspired:
- Walter Spies’ Balinese works
- Arie Smit’s color techniques
Did You Know?
Gauguin’s woodcut prints (like “Noa Noa” series) were studied by Bali’s Pita Maha artists in the 1930s.
(Sources: Musée d’Orsay archives, “Gauguin and the Invention of Primitivism” by Abigail Solomon-Godeau, 1992)
🎯Read: 7 Best Family Resorts in Nusa Dua for a Comfortable and Fun Stay
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Museum Pasifika vs Other Bali Museums: An Honest Comparison (2025)
“With so many art museums in Bali, why does Museum Pasifika deserve your precious vacation hours? Let’s break it down factually.”
1. Museum Pasifika Bali vs ARMA (Agung Rai Museum of Art)
Aspect | Museum Pasifika | ARMA |
---|---|---|
Collection | 600+ works from 25+ Asia-Pacific countries | Focused on Balinese & Indonesian art |
Unique Edge | Only museum with Polynesian/Vanuatu artifacts | Strong traditional Kamasan painting collection |
Visitor Experience | Audio guides in 5 languages | Limited to English/Indonesian labels |
🌺Verdict: Choose Pasifika for pan-Asian diversity, ARMA for deep Balinese roots.
2. Museum Pasifika Bali vs Blanco Renaissance Museum
Aspect | Museum Pasifika | Blanco Museum |
---|---|---|
Storytelling | Thematic regional galleries with cultural context | Centered on single artist’s (Blanco) life |
Layout | Chronological flow by civilization | Eccentric, artist’s home studio vibe |
Amenities | Free shuttle service (ITDC area) | Riverside cafe with mountain views |
🌺Verdict: Pasifika for educational depth, Blanco for romantic artist’s retreat.
3. Museum Pasifika Bali vs Neka Art Museum
Aspect | Museum Pasifika | Neka Art Museum |
---|---|---|
Modern Comfort | Air-conditioned galleries | Some open-air pavilions (hot in afternoons) |
Accessibility | Wheelchair-friendly elevators | Steep garden steps between buildings |
Special Exhibits | Rotating G20 summit collection | Permanent Arie Smit pavilion |
🌺Verdict: Pasifika for all-weather comfort, Neka for tropical garden ambiance.
Local’s Perspective:
“ARMA has the best dance performances, Blanco the wildest stories, but Museum Pasifika is where you’ll actually understand Bali’s place in global art history.”– Ketut Suardana, Bali Art Tour Guide
Price & Ticket Comparison
Museum | Foreign Adult | Indonesian Adult | Student Discount | Official Ticket Link |
---|---|---|---|---|
Museum Pasifika | IDR 90,000 | IDR 65,000 | (IDR 5,000) | Book Here |
ARMA | IDR 100,000 | IDR 100,000 | (IDR 75,000) | Website |
Blanco Museum | IDR 100,000 | IDR 30,000 | None | Info |
Neka Art | IDR 150.000 | IDR 150,000 | 50% off (IDR 75,000) | Website |
Key Notes:
- Pasifika’s price includes free drink + shuttle
- ARMA tickets include traditional dance performances
- Neka offers free guided tours at 10AM & 2PM
🌺Pro Tip:
Want to explore multiple museums and historical sites in Bali? Let us craft your perfect art and culture tour—we’ll handle the logistics so you can focus on the experience.
Ultimate Bali Art Lover’s Day Itinerary (9:30 AM – 6:30 PM)
A curated day for art lovers covering Bali’s top 4 museums, with realistic travel times
Time | Activity | Travel Time | Pro Tips |
---|---|---|---|
9:30 AM | Pickup (South Bali/Nusa Dua) | – | Early start beats traffic |
10:00 AM | Museum Pasifika (Nusa Dua) | 30 min | Focus on Rooms 1, 8, 11 first |
11:30 AM | Transfer to ARMA (Ubud) | 1.5 hours | Stop at Batubulan for coffee if traffic jam |
13:00 PM | ARMA Museum | – | Catch the 1:00 PM dance performance |
2:00 PM | Lunch at Blanco Par Mandif | 10 min | Artist-owned restaurant near next stop |
3:00 PM | Blanco Renaissance Museum | 5 min | Book ahead for Antonio Blanco’s erotic sketch viewing (18+ only) |
4:15 PM | Neka Art Museum | 15 min | Don’t miss the Arie Smit Pavilion upstairs |
5:45 PM | Optional: Puri Lukisan | 5 min walk | Great for last-minute souvenirs |
6:30 PM | Drop-off (Ubud/South Bali) | 1-2 hours | Evening traffic alert! |
Key Notes:
- Total Museum Time: 6 hours (excluding meals/transfers)
- Traffic Reality Check:
- Nusa Dua → Ubud: 1.5-2 hours (morning)
- Ubud → South Bali: 1-2 hours (evening)
- Skip If:
- Traveling with young kids (too much walking)
- Rainy season (some ARMA areas are open-air)
🌴 Discover More Around Museum Pasifika Bali!
So, you’ve made it to Museum Pasifika—awesome choice! But hey, don’t just stop there. The area around Nusa Dua is packed with fun things to do, hidden gems to explore, and places that will make your Instagram followers wish they were you.
Whether you’re into beach-hopping, shopping ‘til you drop, or chilling like a coconut on the sand, here’s a list of nearby attractions that’ll make your day in Nusa Dua even more unforgettable.
Seriously, this place is like Bali’s classy little cousin who wears linen shirts and drinks coconut water with pinky raised. Let’s dive in! 🐠
🌟 Top Attractions Near Museum Pasifika Bali
No. | Attraction Name | Distance from Museum Pasifika | Description |
---|---|---|---|
1 | Nusa Dua Beach | 850 m (15 min walk) | White sand, turquoise water, and vibes for days. Great for swimming or just pretending to be in a movie. |
2 | Waterblow Nusa Dua | 1.8 km (20 min walk) | Nature’s own splash zone. Stand close (but not too close!) and feel the ocean’s drama. |
3 | Bali Collection Mall | 1.4 km (15 min walk) | Shopping, food, souvenirs—and air conditioning. What more could you want? |
4 | Geger Beach | 3.2 km (10 min drive) | A peaceful beach perfect for couples, dreamers, or anyone avoiding large crowds. |
5 | Devdan Show at Nusa Dua Theatre | 400 m (6 min walk) | A colorful performance of Indonesian culture—with acrobatics and drama! Don’t blink. |
6 | Mengiat Beach | 1.8 km (21 min walk) | Less crowded, super clean, and great for sunrise selfies. Bring shades. |
7 | Puja Mandala Complex | 2.5 km (8 min drive) | A unique cultural site with 5 places of worship side-by-side—religious harmony at its finest. |
8 | Pasar Seni Nusa Dua (Art Market) | 2.4 km (7 min drive) | Handicrafts, trinkets, and all the “I went to Bali” gifts your friends expect. |
9 | Bali National Golf Club | 2 km (7 min drive) | Tee off in paradise. Even if you’re bad at golf, the views are worth it. |
10 | R.O.L.E. Foundation Eco Park | 5.2 km (15 min drive) | Learn about sustainability while surrounded by nature. Good for the soul and the ‘gram. |
🗺️ Custom Map: 10 Fun Things Around Museum Pasifika (Because Art Isn’t the Only Star Here!)
So, you’ve soaked up all the artsy vibes at Museum Pasifika… now what? 🤔
Time to wander! This custom map points you to beaches, dances, snacks, sunsets, and a whole lotta “whoa!” — all just around the corner. No need to Google your way around — we’ve done the homework for you!
🎯Read: Convenient Lombok Airport Transfer – Private Car, Shuttle, and Taxi Services Available!
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Visitor FAQs Museum Pasifika Bali Answered by Locals (2025 Real Talk Edition)
We asked Bali tour guides and museum staff the questions tourists actually Google. Here’s the unfiltered truth about Museum Pasifika Bali and beyond.
1. “Is It Worth Visiting Museum Pasifika Bali If I’m Not an Art Lover?”
✅ Yes, and Here’s Why:
- Cool Escape: “The AC alone is worth it on hot days” – Made, Ubud driver
- Instagram Gold: The Polynesian mask corridor and Ramayana mural are #BaliShot favorites
- Free Perks: ITDC area shuttle + Drinks
- Hidden Surprise: The café makes artist-inspired cocktails (try the “Gauguin Blue”)
❌ Only Skip If: You hate culture AND air conditioning AND beautiful spaces
2. “Can I Take Photos at Museum Pasifika Bali?”
📸 Photo Policy:
- Allowed: Phone cameras (no flash)
- Prohibited: Professional DSLRs without permit (IDR 50k fee)
- No-Go Zones: Temporary exhibition rooms
🎯 Best Angles (Staff Picks):
- Ramayana Mural: Stand left-center for perspective distortion
- Vanuatu Canoe: Low angle with ceiling lights for drama
- French Gallery Window: 3PM sunlight creates natural spotlight
⚠️ Watch Out: The “NO SELFIE” signs near Raden Saleh reproductions
3. “How Much Time to Budget?”
⏱️ Time Breakdown:
- Quick Visit: 45 mins (hit Rooms 1, 8, 11 + photo ops)
- Standard: 1.5 hrs (add audio guide + café stop)
- Deep Dive: 3+ hrs (all galleries + Art Classes)
🗓️ Best Time Slots:
- Early Birds: 10-11AM (empty for photos)
- Avoid: 12-2PM (Tour groups consisting of students or cruise ship passengers)
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Final Thoughts: Why Museum Pasifika is Bali’s Cultural Crown Jewel
Museum Pasifika isn’t just another museum—it’s where Bali meets the broader tapestry of Asia-Pacific artistry.
With its unrivaled collection of 600+ masterpieces, from Raden Saleh’s revolutionary works to Polynesia’s tribal treasures, this Nusa Dua gem offers what no other Bali museum can: a true journey across cultures and eras.
3 Reasons Art Lovers Can’t Miss It:
1️⃣ The Only Bali Museum with authentic Vanuatu war canoes + French post-impressionist works side-by-side
2️⃣ Award-Winning Curation (Tripadvisor’s Best of the Best 2024) that brings stories to life
3️⃣ Visitor-First Perks like free shuttle service, multilingual audio guides, and AC-cooled galleries
🎯Read: 45 Amazing Facts About Bali: A Complete Guide to the Island’s Secrets
Ready to Explore Bali Beyond Museums? HEY BALI Has You Covered!
“From airport to art tours, we make Bali easy:”
🎨 Art Explorer Package
- Museum Pasifika + ARMA + Blanco + Neka Ticket
- Private driver (10 hours)
- Free Rent Wifi Portable For 1 Days
- Call Us Now
🏍️ Museum Explorer Transport
- Scooter rental from IDR 50k/day (perfect for hopping between Ubud’s museums)
- Includes:
- Two helmets
- Phone mount for GPS
- Museum route map
[Reserve Your Scooter]
💆 Recovery Time
- Professional massage therapists available at your villa/hotel
- Specialized in post-tour muscle relief [Book Mobile Massage]
✈️ Complete Arrival Package
- Airport transfer + SIM card + Free Wifi Rent For 30 Days
- Visit Page For More Detail – Click Here
“Reading every artwork description just to say ‘How profound!’ while understanding nothing.🤔” – Hey Bali
🎯Read: 11 Best Sunrise Spots in Bali (Personal Experience) – A Must-See Guide!