tour instagram bali

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Day Tours / Bali - Full Day Instagram Exploration Tour

Bali Full Day Instagram Exploration Tours

Tour code: dpsba-dt01.

Discover and immerse Bali’s most Instagram spots with authentic nature and ancient heritage from mountains to waterfalls surrounded by tropical jungle

USD $  71 $  61

About this tour.

• Free cancellation Cancel up to 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund
• Private Tour Min 2 Person
• Accomodation Not Included
• Mobile ticketing Use your phone or print your voucher
• Duration: 10 hours Starting time 02.00 AM Starting time 04.00 AM Starting time 06.00 AM Starting time 08.00 AM
• I nstant confirmation
• Live tour guide English/Arabic
• Booklets English
• Pickup included Pickup area includes the following: Kuta, Legian, Jimbaran, Canggu, Nusa Dua, Seminyak, Sanur and Ubud Town. If there is no vehicle access in front of your accommodation, a nearby meeting point will be organized We can arrange transfer for other areas for an additional cost
• Discover the authentic Instagram hotspot in Bali on our Private full-day trip
• Explore Balinese culture and natural beauty at your privacy and freedom
• Walk into the ancient time at Pura Luhur Lempuyang and enjoy the photogenic of Gate of Heaven
• Enjoy the romantic atmosphere and Instagram spot at Tirta Gangga Water Palace, Magical Tukad Cepung waterfall, Jungle Swing over Tegalalang UNESCO World Heritage Padi Terraces
• Take your own Selfie and share on your social media of your memorable experience of Bali, The island of Gods

Full Description

Bali is home of Instagram hot spot range from the ancient temple and village to middle age and modern architecture immersed with its stunning natural beauty

We have carefully designed this Instagram tour on private basis to provide freedom and flexibility to Discover and Explore the Authentic Experience of Bali.

All entrance fees and donation are included to provide a hassle-free experience

Your instagram trip will start with first stop at Lempuyang ancient Hindu Temple build in 8th Century by Hindu Priest Rsi Markandeya to spread His teaching in Bali which lately titled as” Gate of Heaven” by Millennial Travellers due to its photogenic Instagram hot spot.

Your next destination is Tirta Gangga water palace, build by Karangasem King in 1948 who ruled East Bali and expanded His territory up to Lombok island. Famous for its inculturation architectural between Balinese and Dutch. Surrounded by pools and beautiful garden and colourful Golden Fish inside the ponds

After enjoying Tirta Gangga, you will be taken to Cepung Cave where you will mesmerize the beauty of its waterfalls as your Instagram photo backdrop while swimming or pose. 

The next stop is Ubud, the centre of Balinese art and home preserved beautiful lush green rice fields including UNESCO world heritage Padi Terraces, where you can walk and take photo inside.  A part from this experience you will enjoy one of Bali’s famous jungle swings and you may relax after a long trip and try Balinese Luwak Coffee

This personalize-customized full day best Instagram tour is curated based on private basis to provide safety, comfort and freedom.  Your safety and health is our paramount

• Private AC coach with English/Arabic speaking driver cum guide
• Visit Lempuyang Temple “Gate of Heaven”
• Visit Tirta Gangga Water Palace
• Visit Tukad Cepung “Cave Waterfall"
• Stop by at Tegalalang Rice Terrace and Luwak Coffee plantation
• All entrance fees and donation
• Mineral Water
• Personal expenses
• Tour Guide (additional charge)
• Lunch (additional charge)
• Jungle Swing (additional charge)
• Travel insurance to cover Covid-19 as stipulated by the Government
• Extra hours charges
• Tipping to driver and guide
• Terms & Conditions
• Advance purchase is highly recommended due to limited capacity vs high demand specially during high season in July-August and peak season from 20December-7January. However, we do accept last minute booking up to 24hours before tour start subject to availability
• Free cancellation if cancelled received minimum 24hours prior to tour Start
• Cancellation made less than 24hours prior to your tour start will incur 100% cancellation penalties
• No-Show will incur 100% cancellation penalties
• Admin fee is applicable to process the refund as imposed by our third-party partners. We will inform you fairly and transparently

Not suitable for

• Pregnant women
• People with mobility impairments
• People with heart problems

COVID-19 Special information

• We’re enforcing extra health and safety measures
• Social distancing is maintained in vehicles
• Masks are required, please bring your own

Prepare for the activity

Meeting point : Please stand by at your Hotel/Villa Lobby as per pick up time schedule

Pick Up Time

• Kuta, Legian, Seminyak, Jimbaran, Nusa Dua area  06.00am
• Pecatu, Canggu area 05.30am
• Sanur area 06.30am
• Ubud area 07.00am

For pickup options, the earlier you start the better in order to avoid road traffic and queues at the temple, especially in high season (Apr-Sept)

What to bring

• Comfortable shoes
• Rain Coat and Umbrella if you visit during rainy season typically from November to March

Know before you go

The best time to visit Bali is between  April  and  October , the island’s  dry season

Come prepared to take a dip in the water, climb stairs, hike, walk along rocky paths and walk through small streams

Please note that Lempuyang Temple may not allow photography at short notice due to ceremonial purposes. Photography will not be allowed at the Gates of Heaven at these times, but visitors are still welcome to visit the temple.

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Bali - mount batur sunrise hike with breakfast, tour code: dpsba-dt02, usd $  108 $  98, bali - mount batur sunrise hike & natural hot spring, tour code: dpsba-dt03, usd $  124 $  114, bali all inclusive : ubud rice terrace, temples & volcano, tour code: dpsba-dt04, usd $  85 $  75, ubud, tegenungan, tegalalang, monkey forest & royal palace, tour code: dpsba-dt05, usd $  69 $  59, local company.

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• Jalan Tukad Badung XXIX No.19, Renon Denpasar, Bali 80226. Indonesia

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Bali Instagram Tour: The Most Famous Spots

US$119 per adult

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All-Inclusive

Private Tour

US$129 US$119

Tour Details

All-inclusive

Come with us on our Bali Instagram Tour and experience the ‘Island of Gods’ for a truly unforgettable vacation! If magical waterfalls, stunning temples and tropical jungles sound like something you’d be into, Bali is definitely the place for you! Let us show you around our favorite island paradise and come along on our private Bali Instagram Tour.

Our all-inclusive Bali Instagram day tour will begin in the morning, when you’ll be picked up from your hotel by your own personal driver and tour guide for the day - a member of our lovely team who will make it their mission for you to have a great day. This is one of our most popular tours in Bali , so if you were looking around for the best Instagram tours in Bali, make sure you don’t miss out on this unforgettable experience!

We’ll take care of everything for you, so you can just relax and enjoy the amazing Bali Instagram spots in peace - no need to worry about tickets for the Bali swing or Lempuyang Temple, entrance fees or where to eat! We’ve got you covered.

Your fantastic english-speaking tour guide will take you to see all of the famous Bali Instagram spots on the island, including:

• Gates of Heaven at  Lempuyang Temple
• Beautiful views of  Mount Agung
• Tirta Gangga
• Tu kad Cepung Waterfall
• Tegalalang rice terraces
• Local Balinese coffee plantation with a coffee tasting
• Famous jungle swing

Voted as the top tour in Bali, 4 years in a row, our private Bali Instagram Tour will give you a full day of excitement and truly unforgettable memories. There’s a reason why Bali Instagram tours are so highly regarded; it’s a once in a lifetime opportunity to get some amazing pictures as well as incredible experiences.

Your guide will even act as your personal photographer for the day and help you to get some great insta-worthy shots in the most famous Bali Instagram spots!  

For an exciting, authentic and personal experience of this beautiful place, book your Instagram tour in Bali with us today. We can’t wait to show you around!

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Additional Information

• Have your own private tour guide and driver for the day who will be keen to share their local knowledge with you.
• Visit all of the most famous Instagram spots in Bali and get amazing photos at each one! Don’t worry, our guides are great at getting those angles!
• This trip is all-inclusive so no need to worry about spending additional money on lunch, entrance fees etc. - we’ve got you covered on this once-in-a-lifetime trip to see Bali's best Instagram spots!
• Private round-trip transportation from your hotel
• English speaking driver and tour guide
• Private car with A/C on the island
• Lunch buffet
• All entrance fees
• Jungle swing ticket
• Coffee tasting
• Bottled water
• Wet napkins
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Bathing suit
• Water Shoes (optional)
• Change of clothes
• If you would like to avoid some of the traffic and long lines at Lempuyang Temple we suggest you start the tour at 4:00 AM
• Times and attractions usually can be customized to fit your request (just let us know)
• Times above are subject to change due to local conditions
• Hotel Pickup is included from the following areas: Seminyak, Kuta, Legian, Uluwatu, Jimbaran, Sanur, Nusa Dua, Denpasar, up to central Canggu & up to central Ubud. If outside of these areas, we still offer pick up for an additional charge.
• We can usually cater to vegan and vegetarian dietary preferences. Please let us know in advance so we can arrange suitable meal options for you.

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At ForeverVacation, we understand that choosing a tour operator for your vacation is an important decision and we aim to make it unforgettable. We prioritize quality and work tirelessly to ensure that every detail is covered. Our team is committed to delivering the best possible experience for our guests, and we go above and beyond to exceed your expectations. We can't speak for other companies, but we guarantee that we will do everything in our power to make your trip amazing and memorable. Let us take care of everything so you can sit back, relax, and enjoy your vacation. to help make the Here are just a few of the things we are currently doing to ensure you have an amazing experience as well as to help make the world a better place:

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The best bali instagram tour in 2024.

Bali, Indonesia is probably one of the most instagrammable places in the world. It’s bursting with beautiful waterfalls, scenic rice fields, gorgeous temples and many more amazing things to see . Due to its rise in popularity, more and more people are offering Instagram tours to take you to the hottest picture spots Bali has to offer. 

Now, when it comes to Instagram tours in Bali, it really is a case of price matches quality. Sure you can book a cheap tour that lumps you together with a bunch of other people, heads to the same spots at the same time as everyone else and offers nothing unique or special…

OR, you could take a private Instagram tour with ForeverVacation and see the best Instagram spots in Bali with less crowds, someone to help you take pics (and get the right angle) with an all-inclusive service and private driver.

My sister and I were lucky to take a Bali Instagram tour with ForeverVacation on my latest Indonesia travels and below I’m going to give you an awesome review of the tour including what was included, the itinerary and my overall review.

Travellerspoint

What’s included on a Bali Instagram Tour?

The great thing about a ForeverVacations Bali Instagram tour is the fact it’s an all-inclusive tour. This means the price you pay when you purchase your tour is the final price. No surprises when you actually go on your tour. 

So, what does it include? 

• Private round-trip transportation from your hotel
• An awesome English speaking driver and tour guide 
• Private car with A/C on the island
• An amazing lunch buffet with a fantastic view
• All entrance fees
• Jungle swing ticket
• Coffee tasting
• Mineral water

What I loved about my Bali Instagram Tour

Our guide, Peter was awesome. Super friendly, fun and he is a pro at taking pictures. It was like having an on-hand photographer. He knew all the best angles, all the best photo opportunities and my sister and I got some AMAZING photos that we will cherish forever. 

The comfortable car

Getting around the best Instagram spots in Bali requires a good bit of driving since a lot of the best spots are in the east of Bali! So, it’s really important that I’m comfortable for the inbetween bits. Well the car was spacious, clean, comfortable, great aircon and water was provided too which is a nice touch.

Not only was the buffet lunch delicious with lots of variety, it was the location of the lunch that was even better. I’ve been on tours in Bali where the lunch is so basic and boring and ruins the experience a little, not my ForeverVacation tour! The lunch is located high in the mountains with a beautiful view of stunning rice terraces. It’s such a nice location. 

The photo spots

What I really loved about this Bali Instagram tour was the locations we stopped at. We got to the famous “Gates of Heaven” early so we only had to queue for around 1-2 hours (yes, that’s a short time- trust me), then we got to the famous water palace, Tirta Gangga nice and early that we didn’t have to queue to get a picture of feeding the fish.

I’ve visited this place before and the crowds were so bad I left right away, so it was awesome to be one of the first ones there.

What I really loved was the fact that the rice paddies we visited had NO ONE there. It was so serene, beautiful and peaceful and gave us a chance to experience the real Bali. The Bali Swing and coffee plantation we visited was also empty which meant no queuing. The swing was so cool, it went super high! 

And the coffee tasting was just fantastic. I’m a coffee fanatic, so I love trying new coffees, and I even splurged a whole extra £2-3 to try the Luwak coffee which is the most expensive coffee in the world...you’ll see why when you learn about how it’s made! 

Read Also:   How To Plan A Dream Vacation

The Best Instagram Spots in Bali

So if you're wondering what places we stopped at on our Bali Instagram tour then keep reading. We started at 4.30am (earlier is better) and ended at around 3-4pm.

Stop 1: Pura Lempuyang Temple

When we visited, Mount Agung wasn’t in view, which is a pity, but ForeverVacation can’t control the weather. Hehe. Still makes for an awesome photo spot regardless.  Read my guide on visiting the Bali Gates Of Heaven.

Stop 2: Tirta Gangga

You’ll recognise this as the temple with people feeding the fish. The fish by the way look like they’re going to burst! But there's more to explore than just the fish...actually you can even swim here if you want!

Stop 3: Rice Terraces

Quick roadside spot for beautiful rice paddies. 

Stop 4: More Rice Terraces

No one around in these beautiful paddies and we could walk around them which was cool. We stopped at these just before lunch..

Stop 5: Buffet Lunch with views

Amazing views, amazing lunch, that’s what I’ve got to say about that! My sister is a vegetarian and she had plenty to eat too. 

Stop 6: Bali Swing with coffee tasting

Just me and Orlaigh, was an awesome experience. Even if you don't want to swing, it's worth it for the coffee and they are actually building another couples swing which will be awesome so you can swing with someone else.

Stop 7: Tukad Cepung waterfall

One of my favourite waterfalls in Bali with it’s beaming lights! It’s good that our driver left this spot to last, because you will get wet and it’s better to be wet on the last stop rather than one of the first!

How much does a Bali Instagram Tour cost? 

In general, Instagram tours in Bali can range from around $65 to over $100 and sometimes you'll still need to pay for lunch when it's generally a lower price and on some occasions, pay for the Bali swing.

This Bali Instagram Tour with ForeverVacation comes in at $89 per person and that’s an all-inclusive price, so you won’t need to spend a penny more (unless you want too!) For the quality of this tour I think it’s an excellent price.

There is a reason why ForeverVacation are a top rated tour company and that’s because they deliver on quality and experience.

So, if you’re looking for an awesome Instagram tour in Bali, then this is the one for you. You’ll have an awesome day and create fantastic memories and photos. 

I think this is a great tour for couples, friends and sisters (of course!). What's also great is that your guide will change your route and stops based on the weather and the day so you'll get the best experience and you can request certain spots, or skip spots you've been to before. That's the beauty of having a private and personalised Bali Instagram tour.

Book your amazing tour here NOW!

*Full Disclosure: ForeverVacation invited me on this tour, but all the views and opinions expressed are my own*

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5 million people can't be wrong

33 Best Bali Instagram Spots – The Most Photogenic Places In Bali

Posted on Last updated: March 3, 2021

There is no doubt that Bali is one of the most Instagrammable destinations in the world. It’s the home of many digital nomads and travel bloggers, who without fail, are always out on the hunt for the best Instagram spots in Bali.

In this guide I’ve put together a compilation of the best Bali Instagram spots. I’ve included everything from stunning natural landscapes to beautiful temples, from epic beaches to cute cafes.

After all, with other 60 million results when you search for #BALI on Instagram, how do you decide where to start?!

By following this guide you can easily find and visit these spots alone, however if you prefer to have a guide and photographer you can also go on a Bali full-day Instagram highlights tour !

In Bali there are also loads of very Instagrammable hotels, villas and properties . There’s so many of them and they’re all so pretty, I decided they deserved a separate guide. You can check it out here !

So without further ado, let’s jump straight in!

• 1.1 Tegalalang Rice Terrace
• 1.2 Love Bali sign
• 1.3 Mount Batur
• 1.4 Bali swings
• 1.5 Wanagiri Hidden Hills
• 1.6 Twin Lakes viewpoint
• 1.7 Campuhan Ridge Walk
• 1.8 Mount Agung Viewpoint
• 2.1 Pura Lempuyang Temple
• 2.2 Handara Golf & Resort Bali gates
• 2.3 Tanah Lot
• 2.4 Pura Ulun Danu Beratan Temple
• 2.5 Tirta Gangga Water Palace
• 2.6 Ubud Monkey Forest
• 2.7 Uluwatu Temple
• 3.1 Sekumpul waterfall
• 3.2 Tibumana waterfall
• 3.3 Munduk waterfall
• 3.4 Kroya waterfall
• 4.1 Balangan beach viewpoint
• 4.2 Karang Boma Cliff
• 4.3 Melasti Beach
• 4.4 Kelingking Beach
• 4.5 Broken Beach
• 4.6 Gili sunset swings
• 5.1 Sea Circus
• 5.2 Kynd Community
• 5.3 The Loft
• 5.4 Nalu Bowls
• 5.5 The Lawn
• 5.6 La Plancha Beach Bar & Restaurant
• 5.7 CRATE Café
• 5.8 Kayon Jungle Pool & Bar

Drone shot of the main pool at Desa Visesa Ubud

Instagrammable natural wonders in Bali

Tegalalang rice terrace.

Tegalalang rice terrace is not only one of the most Instagrammed spots in Bali, but also one of the most recognisable and iconic.

Any Bali travel brochure or advertisement will usually have a photo of these rice fields, usually with some golden light filtering in through the palm trees and a girl in a red dress twirling between the fields.

Tegalalang is located close to Ubud in the centre of Bali.

There is no official entry fee to pay however there are a series of “checkpoints” throughout the fields, where local farmers will ask for a “donation” that you have to pay if you want to proceed.

The fields are beautiful but can get quite busy. Make sure to go there early in the morning for that golden light and perfect Instagram shots without the crowds!

Walking around the rice fields of Tegalalang in Ubud, Bali

Love Bali sign

Located just at the entrance of Tegalalang rice terrace you will find the famous Love Bali sign. It’s one of the most photographed spots, and it’s easy to see why.

There’s a swing where you can sit with big and colourful “Love Bali” letters around it, and the terraced fields of Tegalalang in the background.

Similarly to the rice fields there is no strict fee, but when I visited there was a group of children who asked for a “donation” or they wouldn’t let you sit on the swing.

A popular tourist spot in Bali; the “Love Bali” sign at Tegalalang rice terraces

Mount Batur

Mount Batur is an active volcano in Bali. From the peak of Mount Batur there are incredible views over the nearby volcanoes Mount Agung and Mount Agang, as well as the surrounding countryside.

Most people hike Mount Batur at sunrise.

It involves hiking up in the dark (like we did when we hiked Kawah Ijen ), but being at the top as the day breaks, watching the sky light up with different shades of range and red, is a magical experience.

Plus sunrise light is the best light for photos!

Mount Batur in Bali – Photo by Joaquin Prats on Scopio

Bali swings

If you don’t take a photo swinging over the rice fields and forests of Bali, have you even been to Bali? This is probably one of the most Instagrammable and must-dos on everyone’s Bali bucket list .

Given their popularity, a lot of swings have now appeared all over Bali, mostly concentrated around Ubud. You usually have to pay an entrance fee for the swings, which varies depending on the swing you choose.

There’s also the option of a guided swings and waterfall tour. Whatever swing you choose, you’re guaranteed some incredible photos as you soar over the Balinese rice fields and lush jungle.

Let’s be real, besides being a cool Instagram shot it’s also very fun!

One of the famous Bali swings – photo by Where Life Is Great

Wanagiri Hidden Hills

If the swing over the rice fields wasn’t enough for you, you will want to pay a visit to the famous swing at Hidden Hill Wanagiri. This is a spot designed pretty much with Instagram in mind.

Besides the swing there are other very Instagrammable decorations set up, like nests and lookouts. It’s the perfect place to visit if you want to build a bit of a content library in one go.

One of the viewpoints at Wanagiri Hidden Hills in Bali – Photo by Liezl Dalinas on Scopio

Twin Lakes viewpoint

As far as views go, the Twin Lakes Viewpoint is sure to leave you amazed. If you don’t want to pay for the swing or lookouts at Wanagiri Hidden Hills, Twin Lakes is the one for you.

Located very close to Wanagiri Hidden Hills, this is a simple stone structure from which you get the incredible view over the lakes. Access is free and you can just snap away as many photos as you want.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BxdSWnelFFa/

Campuhan Ridge Walk

Located in Ubud, Campuhan Ridge Walk is a fairly easy walking trail surrounded by lush greenery and sweeping hill views.

Here you can go for a casual walk appreciating the surrounding Balinese nature, while snapping gorgeous Instagram shots along the way.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BcOHQHNhKml/

Mount Agung Viewpoint

This spot captures in one go all the elements I picture in my head when I think of Bali.

The volcano in the distance, the field patchwork leading up to it, the palm trees and rice fields all around and the overall green vibe, it’s one of the most iconic Bali spots.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BwzCbLkhe8g/

The most Instagram-worthy temples in Bali

There are over 20,000 temples spread all over Bali, each one more beautiful than the other.

For this guide I picked the most Instagram-worthy ones, which are guaranteed to do well on your Instagram ( Yogyakarta in Java also has epic temples if you feel like travelling beyond Bali).

Pura Lempuyang Temple

Pura Lempuyang Temple is for some the essence of everything that is wrong with Instagram in Bali.

I’m sure you’ve all seen this photo; with the beautiful gates of the temple framing Mount Agung in the distance, the person standing between the gates and everything perfectly reflected below.

It’s a very Instagrammable shot, there’s no denying that. What you don’t see is the queue of people waiting to take that shot, and the guy holding a mirror under the camera to get the reflection.

Like a lot of things on Instagram, it’s completely staged. Bearing that in mind it’s up to you whether you want to go take this shot, or if you’d rather explore more of Bali and find off the beaten track spots.

The gates of Pura Lempuyang Temple in Bali – Photo by Michael Vincent Macalos on Scopio

Handara Golf & Resort Bali gates

I put this under the temple category as that is what it resembles the most, however this spot isn’t actually a temple. The Handara Golf & Resort has become famous for its gates, which resemble the Pura Lempuyang ones.

There might be no reflection and Mount Agung in the background but there will also be considerably less people here, for a fairly similar Instagram shot.

The Handara Golf & Resort Gates in Bali – Photo by Ian Chen on Scopio

I have to admit that when I visited Tanah Lot I was a bit underwhelmed by the experience. It was incredibly busy and ridiculously hot, which contributed to making it one of my least favourite spots in Bali .

However there is no denying that Tanah Lot is an extremely photogenic temple. Seeing the temple perched on a rock in the middle of the sea is quite something.

The beach leading up to it is rocky so don’t expect to be sunbathing there. It’s more of a place you visit at sunset for great pictures, maybe have food and drinks at the bars that overlook and then go.

Golden hour at Tanah Lot, Bali

Pura Ulun Danu Beratan Temple

Also known as the floating temple, Pura Ulun Danu Beratan is a beautiful Hindu Shaivite Shiva temple on the shores of Lake Bratan.

It’s called the “floating temple” because in the rainy season there will be water all around it, making it seem as if it’s detached from the mainland.

It’s very popular at sunrise and sunset because of the beautiful reflection you get of the temple in the lake. One thing to note is that during the dry season the water level is much lower and you won’t get the floating and reflection effects.

Pura Ulun Danu Beratan Temple in Bali – photo by Sophie of We Dream Of Travel

Tirta Gangga Water Palace

Taman Tirtagangga is actually a former royal palace in eastern Bali, not a temple. It has recently seen a rise in popularity on Instagram and it’s easy to see why.

For the prime Insta-shot you’ll want to be on the steps out in the water, possibly with a few of those bright orange fish for some colour contrasts!

Tirta Gangga Water Palace – Photo by Irish Grace Jimenez on Scopio

Ubud Monkey Forest

The Monkey Forest in Ubud is one of the most visited attractions in Ubud . It’s a sanctuary and natural habitat for monkeys, which tourists can visit for around 5 USD.

Here you can wander around as the monkeys roam free. It’s a beautiful spot both from a natural viewpoint and the temples dotted here and there.

If you want a photo with a monkey you can buy food inside the temple, but be careful; they will come straight for you once they can smell food!

One of the cheeky monkeys in the Monkey Forest of Ubud

Uluwatu Temple

Uluwatu is one of the most famous and visited temples in Bali. Located on the cliffs of southern Bali, it’s a Hindu sea temple spread along the 70m high cliffs.

There are pretty spots all along the cliffs where you can take gorgeous Instagram shots. Any angle that captures the dramatic cliffs and beautiful details of the temple is guaranteed to amaze your Instagram followers!

Exploring Uluwatu Temple in Bali – Photo by Ruthba Nitia on Scopio

The most Instagrammable waterfalls in Bali

Starting with the premise that are absolutely incredible waterfalls all over Bali, here are the most popular on Instagram.

Sekumpul waterfall

Sekumpul waterfall is probably the one everybody pictures in their mind when they think of waterfalls in Bali. Located in the northern area of Bali, it’s particularly popular as there is more than one photogenic angle to it.

The most common shots you will see on social media are either from the viewpoint above it, looking down into the waterfalls, or from the base looking up to the impressive huge waterfalls.

From whatever spot you capture it, it’s without a doubt a stunning natural beauty.

Sekumpul Waterfall in Bali – Photo by Eron Edward on Scopio

Tibumana waterfall

Combine a huge waterfall with turquoise water and lush greenery surrounding it and you have a winner!

Tibumana waterfall is located in central Bali, not far from Ubud, and is a waterfall that you can even swim in! It’s the perfect spot where you can snap some beautiful Insta-shots, and then refresh yourself in the cool waterfall.

It’s considered one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Ubud , and it’s easy to see why!

https://www.instagram.com/p/BXNhRBAgE6X/

Munduk waterfall

Munduk waterfall is a beautiful gem just waiting to be discovered. Located deep in the jungles and mountains of north Bali, it doesn’t receive as many visitors as other waterfalls around Bali.

The huge waterfall tucked away into the greenery makes for some very impressive Instagram photos.

Munduk Waterfall in Bali – photo by Sophie of We Dream Of Travel

Kroya waterfall

Kroya Waterfall is an often overlooked, but actually beautiful spot. It’s close to the bigger and more famous Aling Aling waterfall, however if you’re looking for a fun Instagram spot, Kroya is the waterfall for you.

Not only is the water here a brilliant turquoise colour (perfect for any Instagram shot!) but the waterfall is actually a 12m natural water slide! Sounds terrifying, but they say it’s safe and lots of people do it every day.

After snapping some beautiful pictures, you can try a little thrilling adventure!

https://www.instagram.com/p/BcI97UPBTlE/

The most photogenic beaches in Bali

Being an island, there are lots of incredible beaches everywhere in Bali. However if you’re searching for the most Instagrammable ones, here they are!

Balangan beach viewpoint

A long white sand beach, with a bright turquoise sea and lined with lush green palm trees, what could be more Instagrammable than that?

Balangan Beach in the south of Bali is considered especially photogenic because of the cliff and viewpoint that overlooks it.

From there you can photos of the beach from above, getting in all the colours and bigger picture that you might miss when you’re on the beach itself.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BR-7XVRAzDu/

Karang Boma Cliff

If you’re looking for a dramatic sunset spot, Karang Boma Cliff is the one for you.

Located in Uluwatu it has beautiful views over the ocean and with the cliff contrast it creates a pretty cool photo spot. Just be careful not to get too close to the cliff edge!

https://www.instagram.com/p/B6S448FBa8o/

Melasti Beach

Located on the south coast of Bali, close to Uluwatu, Melasti Beach is a paradise spot for anyone looking for a beautiful beach. The beach is surrounded by cliffs, has fine white sand and clear turquoise water.

It’s the perfect spot to shoot some beautiful Instagram content, and then enjoy some well deserved rest and sunshine!

https://www.instagram.com/p/B0BQ-4HBoo1/

Kelingking Beach

Ok admittedly Kelingking Beach isn’t in Bali, it’s on the nearby island of Nusa Penida, but it’s so beautiful and Instagrammable that I just had to include it.

The “T-Rex” of Nusa Penida has recently become one of the most photographed spots in Indonesia. The iconic shot is from above, looking down on the unique cliff formations and bright turquoise sea.

If you’re feeling up to the physical challenge you can also hike all the way to the beach. With the steep cliffs surrounding you, it’s without a doubt a stunning beach!

The famous t-rex of Nusa Penida – photo by Where Life Is Great

Broken Beach

If you haven’t had enough of bright turquoise water and cool rock formations you need to pay Broken Beach a visit. Also on Nusa Penida Island, this spot is characterised by a rock arch in the middle of the sea.

Here you can enjoy the view over this unique rock formation and the coastline of Nusa Penida behind it. It’s a very photogenic spot, perfect for Instagram!

Broken Beach in Nusa Penida – photo by Sophie of We Dream Of Travel

Gili sunset swings

The Gili islands are also not in Bali; they are technically part of Lombok, the neighbouring island. However most travellers visit them while on a trip to Bali, so it made sense to add them to this list!

Every Gili island is different, with Gili Trawangan tailoring more to party backpackers and Gili Air to romantic couples. Whichever island you pick, make sure to be on the western coast at sunset time.

Here you will find numerous swings and hammocks hanging over the sea, where you can snap that ultimate island vibe Insta-shot.

Enjoying the sunset from one of the swings in Gili Air – photo by Where Life Is Great

Instagram-worthy Bars, Restaurants & Cafes in Bali

Bali is famous for its big café culture, with many of them being very Instagrammable. Discover all the most photogenic cafes, bars and restaurants in Bali!

With such a colourful wall, Sea Circus just had to feature on this list. Located in Seminyak, Sea Circus offers breakfast, lunch and dinner.

You can rest assured their dishes, whether it’s smoothie bowls, waffles or burgers, are as Instagrammable as their colourful wall!

https://www.instagram.com/p/B8XnlVuhbK0/

Kynd Community

If you want more colourful walls, make sure to pay Kynd Community a visit! Besides their recognisable pink wall they also go the extra mile to make their food aesthetically pleasing.

For that perfect Instagram shot make sure to get a seat under the “another day in paradise” sign, maybe with a “Bali baby” smoothie bowl in front of you, and you’ve got a winner!

https://www.instagram.com/p/B2xrQ76D3cY/

The Loft has two venues, one in Canggu and one in Uluwatu, and they’re both equally Instagrammable. Whether it’s a smoothie bowl, poke bowl or ricotta hotcakes, every item on the menu is delicious, colourful, and looks great in photos!

https://www.instagram.com/p/B9k4p_ShTTu/

You’ve guessed it right, Nalu Bowl was Bali’s first smoothie bowl shack and is specialised in smoothie bowls. Their menu is made up of only vegetarian and vegan smoothie bowls.

When there’s one thing on the menu, you’re guaranteed that it will be good! Their bowls are all very colourful and Instagrammable, so make sure to snap some photos before you devour them!

https://www.instagram.com/p/B3cG0MbpwV3/

Located on the beach in Canggu, the Lawn is one of those bars that everybody has to go at least once during a trip to Bali. The Lawn has a beachfront infinity pool and lots of comfy bean bags, sheltered under pretty parasols.

They have an all day menu that serves beach lounge classics with an Indonesia twist. They’re all delicious and, as you may guess, very Instagrammable! They also serve delicious cocktails and throw some awesome beach parties!

Cocktails at The Lawn Canggu

La Plancha Beach Bar & Restaurant

Located on the beach in Seminyak La Plancha is one of those iconic Bali spots. Before travelling to Bali for the first time, if you asked me what I expected from my evenings there, I would say something that looked a lot like La Plancha.

They have rows and rows of colourful beach beanbags and umbrellas. The perfect spot to enjoy a drink at sunset, and to capture some colourful shots that will brighten up your Instagram feed.

I spent my first day in Bali surfing in Seminyak and then enjoying drinks at La Plancha and it was the perfect start to any Bali itinerary .

https://www.instagram.com/p/B7sk04Ep48j/

CRATE Café

CRATE Café is the sort of friendly and a bit hipster place that is very popular in Canggu, and which can serve as a great backdrop for Instagram photos.

They serve breakfast all day and you can be sure that whether it’s a smoothie bowl or pancakes, that it’s going to be abundant, colourful, and look great in pictures!

I also love the feel of the café. With Their wide open space and big dining tables you will find yourself sitting next to strangers, that might soon become new friends!

Classic avocado toast with smoked salmon at CRATE Cafe

Kayon Jungle Pool & Bar

This bar is part of a resort, however the pool and bar is open also to non-guests. Entrance is free but you have to spend a minimum in food and drinks there, but trust me when I say it’s worth it!

Kayon Jungle Pool & Bar has three tiers of infinity swimming pools that overlook the Balinese rice fields and jungle.

You can snap some beautiful photos as you float in the pool on a colourful floatie, drink in hand and the beautiful Bali nature behind you.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B8ajfEKF-7s/

Looking for more Instagram inspiration? Check out these guides!

• 30+ Instagrammable places in London
• The 18 most Instagrammable places in Sydney
• The 15 most photogenic places in Barcelona
• 20 Instagram worthy places in Bangkok
• 15 epic photo spots in Rome
• 15 beautiful photo spots in Singapore
• The 15 best Instagram spots in Tokyo
• 15 amazing Instagram photo opportunities in Marrakech

This turned out to be a pretty huge roundup, sorry about that! I hope you will find it useful in planning your Instagram shoots in Bali.

I haven’t been able to make it to all of these spots, but I’m hoping to go back to Bali soon and will definitely be hitting some of these up myself!

If you have suggestions for other beautiful Bali Instagram spots let me know in the comments below! Bali also has a lot of very pretty villas with private pools , for every budget!

Enjoyed reading about the best Bali Instagram spots? Pin it!

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Bali Instagram Tour: The Most Famous Spots

Tour Details

• All-inclusive
• Private Tour
• Daily Departure

Our all-inclusive Bali Instagram day tour will begin in the morning, when you’ll be picked up from your hotel by your own personal driver and tour guide for the day – a member of our lovely team who will make it their mission for you to have a great day. This is one of our most popular  tours in Bali , so make sure you don’t miss out when you visit!

We’ll take care of everything for you, so you can just relax and enjoy the ride – no need to worry about tickets, entrance fees, where to go or where to eat! We’ve got you covered.

Your fantastic english-speaking tour guide will take you to see all of the famous Bali Instagram spots on the island, including:

• Gates of Heaven at Lempuyang Temple
• Beautiful views of Mount Agung

Tirta Gangga

Tukad cepung waterfall, tegalalang rice terrace.

• Local Balinese coffee plantation with a coffee tasting

Famous Jungle Swing

Tour schedule.

Pick up at your hotel (exact time may vary depending on your location)

Arrive at  Pura Lempuyang Temple (views of Mount Agung)

Arrive at  Tirta Gangga

Lunch Time!

Arrive at  Tukad Cepung Waterfall

Arrive at  Tegalalang Rice Terrace

Swing on the  famous jungle swing  and visit the  coffee plantation

Depart and return back to your hotel

Arrive back at your hotel

Our tour ends here.

* Exact timings and sequence are subject to change depending on the conditions of the day. Our guide will discuss with you to decide.  However, we do intend to keep as much as possible to the itinerary stated above.

• Private round-trip transportation from your hotel
• English/Chinese speaking driver and tour guide
• Private car with A/C on the island
• All entrance fees to the attractions mentioned in the itinerary
• Jungle swing ticket
• Coffee tasting
• Bottled water
• Other entrance fees and activity fees
• Meals (every customer has different requirements about food, our guide will recommend and bring you to the local restaurant, then you can order the dishes you like)
• Tips (recommend)
• Travel insurance (recommend)
• All other fees not mentioned in the "inclusions"

What to Bring

• Comfortable walking shoes
• Bathing suit
• Water Shoes (optional)
• Change of clothes

Things to Note

• Hotel Pickup is included from the following areas: Seminyak, Kuta, Legian, Uluwatu, Jimbaran, Sanur, Nusa Dua, Denpasar, up to central Canggu & up to central Ubud. If outside of these areas, we still offer pick up for an additional charge.
• If you would like to avoid some of the traffic and long lines at Lempuyang Temple we suggest you start the tour at 4:30 AM
• Times and attractions usually can be customized to fit your request (just let us know)
• Times above are subject to change due to local conditions

The prices are indicated above depending on the number of people. 

You can book directly online and pay using Credit Card or Bank Transfer (including PayNow, PayLah etc.

• Visit all of the most famous Instagram spots in Bali
• Have your own private tour guide and driver for the day
• This trip is all-inclusive - we’ve got you covered!

A trusted travel agency with over 10 years of experience, Tour In Indonesia seeks to create an extraordinary experience for our guests, with each journey unique on its own.

Got a Question?

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• Email: [email protected]

Why Book with Us?

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• Travel with Safety & Hassle Free

Customise Your Tour

Share with friends, attractions to visit:.

Gates of Heaven with Mt Agung View

Mount Agung

Local Balinese Coffee Plantation

Coffee Tasting

• WhatsApp: +65 8035 3309
• Call: +65 8035 3309
• Email: [email protected]

Office Address

• Singapore Address: 21 Collyer Quay, Singapore 049320
• Head Indonesia Office: Jl. Raya Tenggilis Blok I No.17, Kendangsari, Kec. Tenggilis Mejoyo, Kota SBY, Jawa Timur 60292, Indonesia

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• Travel Updates

Australian tourists lose everything after Bali fire engulfs villas

Australian tourists have been “left with nothing” after the Bali villa they were staying in was engulfed in flames.

Tragedy behind helicopter crash victims pics

Family speaks after Aussie killed overseas

Man ‘got naked, assaulted plane crew’: cops

A major fire has destroyed villas in the popular Bali hotspot of Seminyak.

Up to 16 villas and houses have been destroyed after the blaze erupted about 10.30pm local time on Thursday.

The accommodation, understood to be Amaysa Villas, have been completely gutted, with Australian tourists reportedly losing all their belongings.

West Australian man Bailey told 6PR he and his friends lost everything in the inferno.

The group had been out to dinner when they saw flames in the distance.

“As we were getting close we realised our villa was on fire,” he said.

Bailey had luckily kept his passport and cash on him, but otherwise all his belongings had been destroyed.

Some of his friends hadn’t been so lucky.

“A couple of them (friends) lost passports and a couple have lost everything,” Bailey said.

“We are going to head to the embassy and get passports for the others and find some new accommodation.”

Another WA man took to social media where he said he woke up to lound sounds on the door to his accommodation.

“Looked out the window to see an eerie orange glow. Only time to grab handbags, passports, phones and wallets,” Rod Blitvich, wrote.

He was staying nearby to the fire, which Mr Blitvich said quickly spread to other buildings.

“Unfortunately the wind was carrying embers which ignited other buildings. At one stage I counted nine fire engines,” he said.

Mr Blitvich managed to return to his accommodation at 1am where he packed up half of his belongings, but by then it was “covered in black soot and ash”.

The villa he was staying in remained mostly unscathed except for the pool umbrella.

“Several buildings behind us were destroyed along with 2 alongside us. All these were just metres from ours,” he wrote.

Footage posted to social media shows the busy hub as the fire engulfs the homes just metres away.

Fire trucks can be seen speeding through the streets, which are busy with tourists.

The fire can be seen from hundreds of meters away, with the smoke billowing into the sky.

Tourists and locals ran through the streets as emergency services rushed to the scene.

Two young pilots who were killed in a helicopter crash on a Kimberley cattle station have been identified.

The family of an Australian man who was stabbed to death in Thailand are ‘heartbroken’.

A man has been charged after allegedly taking off his clothes and assaulting the plane crew on a flight from WA to Melbourne.

• Life & Culture
• Music Reviews

Missy Elliott works it in Tampa on first headliner tour

• Gabrielle Lazor Times staff

Thank goodness Missy “Misdemeanor” Elliott took the stage on Wednesday at Amalie Arena — dripping in Swarovski crystals, looking supa dupa fly — because any local will tell you Tampa Bay isn’t built for someone who can’t stand the rain ‘gainst her window.

The rap icon’s Out of This World tour finally landed at Amalie Arena after she postponed the tour to care for her elderly dog. Elliott assembled a stellar opening lineup of collaborators, including Timbaland, Ciara and Busta Rhymes. After nearly 30 years in the industry and six albums, the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame inductee had a lot of ground to cover on her first-ever tour as a headliner.

Sometimes a singer, other times a rapper, Elliott has a catalog that shows off her legendary fusion of hip-hop and pop music that pioneered the genres as we know them today. The audience spanned generations, with mother-daughter duos clad in leopard print and metallic latex.

The otherworldly performance transcended time and space, feeling far from nostalgic. Elliott, 53, put her thang down, flipped and reversed it.

Timbaland, a high school friend of Elliott’s, kicked things off. He delivered today’s club classics from “Promiscuous” to “Drunk in Love,” before being joined by his son and tour DJ, Demetrius.

Ciara and her unbelievable backup dancers kept things automatic, supersonic, hypnotic, funky-fresh. CiCi was right there with them. She split, straddled and strutted with astonishing flexibility for someone who had her fourth baby in December.

“Going every night back to back is never the easiest sometimes ... and plus I got my precious babies rolling in the back,” said Ciara. “But I say this to say, you guys, I’m so grateful for this love, I would never take it for granted.”

The concert transformed for what Busta Rhymes, joined by hip-hop hype-man Spliff Star, declared “a party.” There was Champagne. Not a soul dared disobey. When he said “hands up,” everybody’s hands went up. (Up, down! Up, down! Up, down!) When he said “clap,” the jam-packed arena erupted in thunder.

Busta’s act bordered on stand-up with a side of lyrical assault. It was just him and Spliff on stage with a palpable chemistry with the audience. “We don’t need special effects ... because we are the special effects,” boomed Busta Rhymes.

Just before 10 p.m., the arena braced itself to blast off with Misdemeanor. Dazzling screens featured 3D effects of different cartoonish Elliott bobbleheads. Spaceship 757 promised to serve “creativity, talent and, for dessert, originality,” narrated an alien voice.

Then, all 5 feet, 2 inches of Elliott emerged from a futuristic spaceship, glittering in an orange and white spacesuit.

Her performance revolved around four acts — each with a different costume, all equally extravagant. During “She’s a Bitch,” a billowy black cape briefly swallowed Elliott. She recovered before boarding a platform that floated over the venue.

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Tap dancers, break dancers and ballerinas smoothly transitioned between numbers with Elliott, from “Throw It Back” to “Cool Off” to “We Run This.”

The 26-song set list crescendoed to “Work It,” where Elliott descended from the stage in a neon graffitied costume, crowned with a furry lime green bucket hat, and paraded around the arena’s floor. Wisps of green fuzz could barely be seen above the concertgoers as she carved her way back to stage, hugging fans and rapping into outstretched phones.

Decades of camaraderie crystallized before the audience as Elliott invited each opener back on stage to perform with her: “Up Jumps Da Boogie” with Timbaland, “Touch It” with Busta Rhymes and “Lose Control” with Ciara. They all hugged before it was time for Elliott to board her spaceship.

Thousands of fans waved goodbye as the hip-hop icon ascended into the air before disappearing into an illusion of smoke. The earthlings were reunited with reality.

Gabrielle Lazor is a life and culture reporter. She can be reached at [email protected].

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Karol G’s ‘Mañana Sera Bonito’ Tour Comes To An End in Madrid

Karol G comes to the end of the 'Mañana Sera Bonito' era.

Colombians are making a significant impact on the Latin music industry, particularly ‘La Bichota’ Karol G, who has set the bar high with her Mañana Será Bonito tour.

The 33-year-old singer, born in Medellín, Colombia, released her fourth studio album in February 2023, earning her a Grammy and a Rolling Stone En Español award for ‘Album Of The Year.’ The record consists of 17 songs featuring artists like Romeo Santos , Quevedo , Justin Quiles , Sean Paul , Bad Gyal , and more.

Additionally, she released an extended edition of her album titled Mañana Será Bonito (BICHOTA SEASON) , which included 10 extra songs featuring artists like Kali Uchis , Ryan Castro , Young Miko , Peso Pluma , and others.

Shortly after the release, she embarked on her summer tour, which took her across North America, South America, and Europe since she hit the road in August 2023. After months of performing, the Mañana Será Bonito era will come to an end in Madrid, Spain, at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium. She made history by becoming the first artist to sell out four shows at this venue.

Madrid has shown Karol G immense love, especially with the viral dance they have been sharing to her recent single “ Que Hubiera Sido .” To honor her MSB era and all the fans who have helped her become a top Latin female artist, she revealed in Spanish on an Instagram story, “I can’t describe what these days have been like… I don’t know if I’m happy, I don’t know if I’m sad… nervous, very anxious… very, very grateful.”

View this post on Instagram A post shared by KAROL G (@karolg)

The Colombian singer will stream the final show of her global tour on YouTube. The stream will go live at 6 PM Eastern Time, 5 PM Colombia Time, and 12 AM Madrid Time.

As this phase comes to an end, Feid’s girlfriend reminisces about the memories this album has given her. In an Instagram post, she wrote in her native language, “Every stadium we stepped on vibrated along with those beautiful emotions that each of you brought, and we had the opportunity to fill thousands of little hearts around the world.”

To revisit this article, visit My Profile, then View saved stories .

• What Is Cinema?

The Dark Questions Netflix’s Lou Pearlman Doc Dirty Pop Doesn’t Answer

According to Netflix’s new docuseries Dirty Pop: The Boy Band Scam, Lou Pearlman was a congenial conman. Yes, the jovial former blimp entrepreneur went to prison for running a Ponzi scheme that stole hundreds of millions of dollars from investors. Yes, he used the boy bands he developed—including both the Backstreet Boys and ’NSync—as elaborate distractions from his swindling, getting them to perform on command for investors while stealing from their members too.

But according to many of Dirty Pop ’s participants, there was something about Pearlman that makes them want to defend him just a little bit, even eight years after he died in federal prison—and after a 2007 Vanity Fair story published accusations that he sexually abused members of his boy bands, allegations that are largely glossed-over in the docuseries.

“I will never say anything bad about Lou. I don’t care what anybody says,” says Pearlman’s longtime personal assistant Mandy Newland, who fielded calls from furious investors when her boss’s house of cards began to fall in the aughts, in the docuseries. “He was good to me in the sense of being kind, and, like, looking out for me,” adds Lou’s artist rep Melissa Moylan, who met Pearlman when she worked at one of his TCBY franchise locations. (The stores fell underneath the umbrella of Pearlman’s Trans Continental business, which was centered on an airline that only existed on paper .)

“You couldn’t have a better friend,” says Jerry Rosen, a ferret-owning longtime friend of Pearlman. Optimistically, he adds in the series, “I believe that everybody would have been made whole. He needed more time.”

Members of Pearlman’s ultrasuccessful boy bands, who were also victims of Pearlman’s greed, admit onscreen that they also got something immaterial and life-changing from Pearlman: fame. Chris Kirkpatrick, the lone ’NSync member to participate, recalls first signing with the man people referred to as “Big Poppa”: “It doesn’t matter if the contract’s written in raccoon blood. You’re signing it because it’s your deal. It’s your shot.”

Even after the Backstreet Boys and ’NSync caught onto Pearlman’s mismanagement and legally extracted themselves from his grip, Pearlman was able to lure more starry-eyed musicians into his clutches with promises of gold records and world tours. We were benefitting from Pearlman too—if you view boy bands as a force of good—as his groups defined ’90s pop culture and fed airwaves. In the series, Erik-Michael Estrada of O-Town says Pearlman “took a lot from a lot of people, but also gave so much to millions all over the world still to this day.”

Dirty Pop arrives five years after another Pearlman documentary, The Boy Band Con: The Lou Pearlman Story, which ’NSync’s Lance Bass produced, and which features interviews with Bass and fellow band members J.C. Chasez and Chris Kirkpatrick. ( Justin Timberlake ’s mother, Lynn Harless, also participates.) Without anything new to add to the dialogue, Dirty Pop is a tepid rehash of Pearlman’s climb to power, fall from grace, and the impact he had on pop culture. It feels deflated even though Pearlman is a fascinating figure—at least on paper.

The Queens native got his start in the blimp business, moved to airplanes, and rebranded himself as a boy band impresario after hearing about the money New Kids on the Block was making on tour. (He was also a skilled forgery artist and—no lie—cousin of Art Garfunkel. ) While other Ponzi scheme masterminds stuck to boring front businesses—Bernie Madoff did asset management; Scott Rothstein had a law firm—Pearlman created a literal song and dance that dazzled money out of people who thought they were investing in Trans Con, a company Pearlman falsely claimed was bringing in $80 million a year . When the FBI finally arrested him in Bali in 2007, Pearlman was staying under the name “Incognito Johnson.”

But there were darker claims about Pearlman that seem curiously minimized in Dirty Pop —allegations that were first published in Vanity Fair ’s 2007 feature “ Mad About the Boys ,” written by Bryan Burrough. In that feature, Phoenix Stone, a member of a Pearlman-formed group, speculated that the bands were “an excuse for Lou to hang around with five good-looking boys.” As Burrough writes:

It was…in 1997 and 1998, that the first allegations of inappropriate behavior involving Pearlman appear to have surfaced. One incident centered on the youngest of the Backstreet Boys, Nick Carter, who in 1997 turned 17. Even for many of those closest to the group, what happened remains unclear. “My son did say something about the fact that Nick had been uncomfortable staying [at Pearlman’s house],” Denise McLean says. “For a while Nick loved going over to Lou’s house. All of a sudden it appeared there was a flip at some point. Then we heard from the Carter camp that there was some kind of inappropriate behavior. It was just odd.” …In a telephone interview, Jane Carter stops just short of acknowledging Pearlman made improper overtures to her son. “Certain things happened,” she tells me, “and it almost destroyed our family. I tried to warn everyone. I tried to warn all the mothers.” Told that this article would detail allegations that Pearlman made overtures to other young men, she replies, “If you’re doing that, and exposing that, I give you a big flag. I tried to expose him for what he was years ago.… I hope you expose him, because the financial [scandal] is the least of his injustices.” When I ask why she won’t discuss it further, Carter says she doesn’t want to jeopardize her relationship with Nick. “I can’t say anything more,” she says. “These children are fearful, and they want to go on with their careers.”

Pearlman was never prosecuted for any sex crimes, and in a 2014  jailhouse interview  with Billboard magazine, he denied that he had committed any. “The accusations that came out in that article, none of it was substantiated,” he said.

In 2015, the Backstreet Boys—including Carter—shared their conflicted feelings about the man who minted their band, but stole from it too. “We’re appreciative [for] what he had done for us, and thankful, to a certain degree, and to a large degree, because he gave us our shot,” Carter said in a group interview with The Seven Sees . “These are hard things to experience, when someone that you look up to, sort of as a family figure or a mentor, does something that’s just so astronomically crazy, just something that you would never think that they would do. Then you hear these stories. It’s just a sad story in the end, not just for us or him, but for the people that he hurt. So there’s a lot of conflict internally about how we feel.”

In 2020, Nick Carter’s younger brother Aaron, who also signed with Pearlman as a child, was asked directly whether Pearlman ever behaved inappropriately around him. “Lou never did anything weird,” Carter told a YouTube interviewer, before revealing he was a survivor of sexual assault—just not by the manager. “I’ve known Lou since I was a little child, man. Nothing. He was a big poppa bear, he’s like a a Santa Claus.” As for the financial crimes, Carter said matter-of-factly, “I don’t blame him. Why not? He put all his money and time, invested everything into that group, and gave them their careers that they still have today. I’m not going to be the one that’s gonna be like, [ in whiny, complaint voice ] ‘Oh yeah, Lou Pearlman’s…’ No.”

Dirty Pop gauzily addresses some sexual impropriety claims. Kirkpatrick recalls Pearlman urging him and his fellow ’NSync band members to stay in shape, grabbing their arms, and asking to peek at their abs. Tammie Hilton, a nurse that Pearlman befriended, recalls how she was surprised when Pearlman introduced her as his girlfriend at a social gathering. “I think he was trying to force himself to be in some kind of boyfriend-girlfriend-type relationship,” she says, thinking back to the one time they kissed and “there was no spark at all.” Asked why she thinks Pearlman introduced her as his girlfriend, Hilton answers, “He knew that everybody already thought that he was either some kind of child molester or pedophile or something. I never saw that.” After a few minutes of discussion in Dirty Pop ’s second episode, the conversation moves on. There is little talk of the emotional wreckage Pearlman may have left behind.

Perhaps that is because the late manager’s most outspoken accuser, Rich Cronin, lead singer and songwriter of LFO, died in 2010 from a stroke while battling leukemia. The year before his death, Cronin relayed his claims to Howard Stern. Asked whether the manager touched him inappropriately, Cronin said, “Eventually he did.… There were a lot of guys that did go for it. And if they went for it, he took care of ’em. He’d buy ’em cars.” He added, “I had to go through lots of therapy. I went crazy.… I mean, the guy was awful. Besides all this money stuff, he was really a creepy guy.”

Since Cronin’s death, two out of the three remaining members of LFO have also died: Devin Lima in 2018 after a battle with adrenal cancer, and Brian “Brizz” Gillis in 2023 from undisclosed causes. They were not the only Pearlman graduates to die early. In 2022, Aaron Carter was found dead at the age of 34, with an autopsy later revealing he had drowned due to the effects of sedatives he had taken and gas he had inhaled.

Viewers familiar with Pearlman’s story don’t gain new insight into the man from Dirty Pop —and the allegations of him being a potential sexual predator are either forgotten or as fraught as they were 17 years ago, when VF first published “ Mad About the Boys .”

To this day, the question of Pearlman’s behavior remains a sensitive topic among former members of his boy bands. For every young man or parent who says he experienced or saw something inappropriate, there are two who won’t discuss it and three more who deny hearing anything but rumors. More than a dozen insiders told me they heard stories of Pearlman’s behavior while insisting they experienced nothing untoward themselves. Asked who might have been targets of Pearlman’s overtures, the names of seven or eight performers are repeatedly mentioned. Only two of these men would talk to me, and while one acknowledges hearing stories from other boys of inappropriate behavior, both strenuously deny experiencing it themselves. “None of these kids will ever admit anything happened,” one attorney who has sued Pearlman told me. “They’re all too ashamed, and if the truth came out it would ruin their careers.”

Many of Pearlman’s boy band creations have proven themselves able to see beyond his flaws and frauds, at least publicly. After the boy band Svengali died in 2016, Lance Bass tweeted , “He might not have been a stand up businessman, but I wouldn’t be doing what I love today without his influence. RIP Lou.”

Justin Timberlake added , “I hope he found some peace.” From what, exactly, we will never know.

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I spent 3 nights in Asia's least visited country. It also turned out to be the most expensive.

• Marielle Descalsota has spent more than $30,000 on travel in the past two years.
• Timor-Leste is one of the most expensive countries she's traveled to.
• She breaks down how much she spent in Timor-Leste, including flights, hotels, dining, and more.

I graduated from college two years ago and set a goal for myself to visit at least 50 countries before I turn 30.

Even while maintaining a full-time job throughout most of my travels, I've already managed to tick 20 off the list. I've traveled to six countries in Europe and 14 across Asia .

I've spent about a quarter of my salary over the past two years on travel expenses, which have added up to more than $30,000. I've managed to stay on a tight budget even in upscale destinations such as the Maldives — where I spent less than $1,000 on a five-day trip — and have backpacked on a few dollars a day in cities such as Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur .

But on a recent trip to Timor-Leste in May — a country in the South Pacific only slightly larger in size than the state of Connecticut — I found budgeting more difficult than ever. The country comprises half of Timor Island — which it shares with Indonesia — and is known for its unspoiled waters and vibrant coral reefs.

It's one of the world's least-visited countries , making airfare and hotel rates more expensive than many countries in Asia.

Timor-Leste is on the United Nations' list of the world's least-developed countries . It's also one of the more expensive countries in the region because of high trade costs, according to Development Asia . In addition to the centavo, which is only minted in coins, the country uses the US dollar , too — a stronger currency than what's used in nearby countries, including Indonesia and Australia.

Here's a breakdown of what I spent in Timor-Leste.

Cost of return plane tickets from Bali to Dili: $500

Getting to Timor-Leste isn't easy. When I was traveling, Bali, Indonesia, and Darwin, Australia, were the only cities with flights to Dili, the capital, where the country's only international airport. Only two airlines — the Indonesian low-cost carrier Citilink and the local airline Aero Dili — fly between Bali and Dili. The flight from Bali is less than two hours long, and while there are no direct flights from the US to Bali, stopovers through bigger airports such as Singapore and Tokyo are often used.

I booked a return ticket with Citilink about three weeks before departure for $500 — which was about $100 cheaper than Aero Dili. This included a front-row seat reservation and a 44-pound checked-bag allowance.

Cost of hotel stay for three nights: $500

Timor-Leste has only a handful of three-star hotels and no luxury accommodations. While Hilton plans to open a hotel in Dili's business district later this year, there were no international hotel chains when I visited.

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Many travelers stay in guesthouses by the beach, which have only basic amenities such as fans and mosquito nets. I booked an entry-level room for three nights at Timor Plaza Hotel & Apartments for about $500, including tax.

While the room itself was basic — and had its fair share of critters — the hotel had a stunning view of Atauro, one of Timor Leste's two offshore islands. It was also above a small mall, which made eating out easy.

Cost of transportation: $90

Ride-hailing services weren't available in Timor-Leste, and taxi services were limited to the city center. I was quoted $20 an hour to rent a car, and I wasn't willing to pay $200 for a day.

Fortunately, I met a local guide who charged $30 a day to tour me around Dili on a scooter. I found it an inexpensive and efficient way to travel from the gorgeous white-sand beaches to the beautiful tropical mountains.

Cost of food: $180

Food in Dili is surprisingly international. Despite Timor Leste having only a handful of international food chains — including Burger King and Gloria Jean's Coffees — Western food such as burgers is ubiquitous. I ate mostly local Timorese food and Indonesian fare.

I'd set a daily budget of about $60 for meals, drinks, and snacks for my guide and me. While a plate of nasi goreng — Indonesian fried rice — costs about $3 to $4 in Bali, I paid about $15 for the dish in Dili. At a local café, I paid $8 for a small plate of jackfruit, carrots, lettuce, and tortillas.

Miscellaneous costs: $415

Before my trip, I spent $15 on an eSIM and $20 on travel insurance . When I arrived in Timor-Leste, I had to pay $30 for the visa-on-arrival, which allowed me to stay in the country for 30 days.

Souvenirs in Timor-Leste are expensive. I purchased a small handmade bag and sarong from the local Tais market — a type of weave indigenous to the country — for about $70. I snagged a handmade belt at another shop for $30. I bought several bags of Timorese coffee — the country's second-biggest export — for $50.

I didn't expect to find Western makeup products in Timor-Leste, so I bought a few items when I did find them at a local grocery for $70, a substantial markup compared with what they cost on retailers such as Amazon .

I didn't spend much on sightseeing as most of my time was spent swimming at the beach and exploring the tropical mountains. For activities, I spent $30 on a massage at a traditional Chinese spa and $50 on a half-day scuba diving trip at the coast. I budgeted about $50 for tips.

While traveling to Timor-Leste was expensive, the stunning views were worth it. I'd do it again in a heartbeat.

Correction: July 25, 2024 — An earlier version of this story misstated the size of Timor-Leste. It's slightly larger than the state of Connecticut, not smaller.

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