How to Capture the Best Photos in Bali – A Photographer’s Travel Guide

Bali Gate Tours

17 March 2025

Blog & Article

Bali is a paradise for photographers, offering a mix of stunning landscapes, vibrant culture, and breathtaking sunsets. Whether you’re a professional photographer or just love capturing beautiful moments, Bali’s diverse scenery will give you endless opportunities to take extraordinary shots.

This guide will help you find the best photography locations in Bali, along with golden hour timing, camera settings, and creative composition tips to make your photos truly stand out.

1. Best Photography Locations in Bali

Bali offers a variety of landscapes, from dramatic cliffs and hidden waterfalls to ancient temples and lush rice fields. Below are some of the best places to capture stunning photos.

Sunrise & Sunset Photography

Bali’s sunrises and sunsets are legendary. Capturing them at the right location and time will give your photos an ethereal glow.

Best Sunrise Spots in Bali

Lempuyang Temple (Gates of Heaven) – A mystical temple with Mount Agung in the background, best shot at sunrise for soft golden light and fewer crowds.
Sanur Beach – One of the best sunrise beaches in Bali, perfect for calm ocean reflections and traditional fishing boats.
Pinggan Village, Kintamani – A surreal misty valley with volcanic views, ideal for early morning drone photography.

Best Sunset Spots in Bali

Uluwatu Cliff – Capture the sun setting over the ocean with dramatic cliffs and the famous Uluwatu Temple in the background.
Tanah Lot Temple – One of Bali’s most iconic temples, floating on a rock formation with stunning sunset silhouettes.
Canggu Beach – A relaxed sunset spot with surfers catching the last waves of the day.

Photography Tip: Use a tripod and long exposure settings for smooth water reflections in sunrise and sunset shots.

Temples & Cultural Photography

Bali’s temples and cultural landmarks provide a glimpse into the island’s rich spiritual heritage, making them perfect photography subjects.

Best Temples for Photography

Ulun Danu Beratan Temple – A floating temple on a serene lake, best photographed in the early morning when the water is calm.
Tirta Empul Temple – Capture locals performing sacred water purification rituals, a great spot for storytelling photography.
Goa Gajah (Elephant Cave Temple) – Ancient rock carvings and mystical jungle surroundings make this temple a unique photography location.

Photography Tip: Use a polarizing filter to reduce reflections when shooting temples near water.

Waterfalls & Jungle Photography

Bali’s waterfalls offer some of the most dramatic nature shots, with lush green backdrops and crystal-clear water.

Best Waterfalls to Capture in Bali

Sekumpul Waterfall – A twin-tiered cascade in North Bali, best shot with a wide-angle lens to capture its grandeur.
Tegenungan Waterfall – One of Bali’s easiest waterfalls to reach, great for capturing powerful water flow and jungle surroundings.
Tibumana Waterfall – A secluded, curtain-like waterfall, perfect for moody, misty shots.

Photography Tip: Use a slow shutter speed (1/10 - 1/2 sec) with a tripod to capture a silky smooth water effect.

Rice Terraces & Rural Landscapes

The iconic rice terraces of Bali create breathtaking landscapes that are perfect for aerial and landscape photography.

Best Rice Field Photography Spots

Tegalalang Rice Terraces – One of the most famous terraces, best shot early in the morning to avoid crowds.
Jatiluwih Rice Terraces – A UNESCO-listed landscape, offering wider views and fewer tourists.
Sidemen Valley – A less touristy alternative, perfect for capturing traditional Balinese farming life.

Photography Tip: Use a drone for aerial perspectives that showcase the intricate patterns of the terraces.

Hidden Beaches & Coastal Views

Bali’s coastline is full of secluded beaches and dramatic cliffs, making them perfect for coastal landscape photography.

Best Beaches for Photography

Nyang Nyang Beach – A remote, white-sand beach with turquoise waters, ideal for drone shots.
Broken Beach, Nusa Penida – A natural rock formation with a circular cove, creating an incredible aerial view.
Melasti Beach – A pristine white-sand beach framed by limestone cliffs, best captured during low tide.

Photography Tip: Shoot in manual mode to balance exposure between bright skies and darker cliffs.

2. Best Camera Settings for Bali Photography

Capturing the best lighting and composition requires using the right camera settings.

For Sunrises & Sunsets:

Aperture: f/8 - f/16 for a wide depth of field.
ISO: Keep it low (100-200) to avoid noise.
Shutter Speed: Use longer exposures (1/4 sec to 1 sec) with a tripod for smooth sky and water effects.

For Waterfalls & Moving Water:

Shutter Speed: 1/10 sec or slower to create a silky water effect.
Use an ND Filter: To reduce light and allow longer exposures.

For Portrait & Street Photography:

Aperture: f/2.8 - f/5.6 for subject separation.
ISO: Adjust based on lighting conditions.

3. Essential Photography Gear for Bali

To maximize your Bali photography experience, here are some essential camera gear recommendations:

DSLR or Mirrorless Camera – For high-quality images.
Drone (DJI Mini 3 or Mavic 3 Pro) – Ideal for rice terraces, beaches, and cliffs.
Wide-Angle Lens (16-35mm) – Best for landscapes and waterfalls.
Tripod – A must for sunset, sunrise, and long exposure photography.
ND Filter – Helps to control brightness for waterfalls and beach shots.

4. Travel Tips for Photographers in Bali

Start Early – The best light is during golden hour (sunrise and sunset), and there are fewer tourists.
Respect Local Culture – Ask for permission before photographing locals or religious ceremonies.
Watch the Weather – Rainy season (November - March) can bring unpredictable conditions but also dramatic skies.

Capturing the Best of Bali

Bali is a dream for photographers, offering stunning landscapes, vibrant culture, and breathtaking natural beauty. Whether you’re shooting temples at sunrise, waterfalls in the jungle, or surfers at golden hour, there is always a perfect shot waiting to be captured.