Bali is a popular island in Indonesia renowned for its vibrant culture and beautiful landscapes. Thanks to its strategic location in Southeast Asia, Bali enjoys tropical climatic conditions, which attract millions of tourists annually. Whether you are travelling solo, with friends, or with family, we have rounded up some of the best places to visit and the experiences to expect. This guide explores the best things to do in Bali and highlights how to make your trip memorable and enjoyable.
1. Surf at Kuta Beach
Kuta Beach is situated on the southwestern coast of Bali. It features a long stretch of sand and offers some of the best surf conditions in the area. The beach’s consistent waves and the absence of a reef bottom make it an ideal spot for beginners or those looking to hone their surfing skills.
If you visit during the peak season (July to August), you want to arrive early, as the beach can get crowded in the afternoon. Besides surfing, other things to do in Kuta Beach, Bali, include interacting with locals and enjoying local foods and drinks in the various beach bars and vibrant nightlife joints.
2. Practice Yoga in Ubud
Ubud is a renowned yoga hub located in the heart of Bali. The town boasts a serene environment and is home to world-class yoga studios. Most yogis and health-conscious individuals visiting Bali will stop by Ubud, especially The Yoga Barn, to experience the studio’s indigenous theme and rustic feel. There are several other things to do in Ubud, Bali, but experiencing the Balinese Culture, customs, and traditions is perhaps the best way to spend time in this town.
3. Visit Ubud Monkey Forest
Located in Padangtegal in a nature reserve, the Ubud Monkey Forest is home to over 1200 long-tailed macaques. The area is known for its towering trees, sprawling grounds, and serene Temple. It is popular among tourists and locals who frequent the forest to unwind and interact with the primates. Entrance fees to the reserve are between IDR 80 and 100 for adults and IDR 60 and 80 for children.
4. Trek to Mount Batur for Sunrise
If you love hiking or exploring great heights, trekking to Mount Batur in the wee hours is the best way to start your day. This Mountain is located in Northeast Bali, along the Bali Volcanic Belt, approximately one and a half hours from Ubud. Hiking the summit of Mount Batur takes approximately three hours, but hikers are rewarded with great views of the surrounding mountains, hills, and the scenic Lake Batur.
5. Explore Tegallalang Rice Terraces
This popular tourist attraction features a series of paddies stretching the slopes in a beautiful display of descending layers. The paddies field uses the region’s ancient irrigation system called the “Subak.” While there is no formal entrance fee to the rice terraces, locals may ask for donations, so it’s best to carry some cash. The Tegallalang Rice trekking adventure has so much in common with the rice paddies of Angseri Village. The best time to visit Tegallalang Rice Terraces is from March through April or September and October.
6. Relax at Seminyak Beach Clubs
With a thriving beach club scene, Seminyak is a popular destination for the best Bali beach clubs, which are suitable for couples or solo travellers looking to immerse themselves in the vibrant beach life. Some popular beach clubs in Seminyak include the Mari Beach Club, Potato Head Beach Club and the SugarSand Beach Club. Besides spending quality time in these entertainment joints, there are several other things to do in Seminyak, Bali, if your schedule allows. These include shopping for antiques, trying out local foods and visiting nearby attractions.
7. Visit Tanah Lot Temple
The Tanah Lot temple is located approximately 30 kilometres away from Ngurah Rai Airport in Denpasar. This Balinese Temple sits on the open sea and is known for its beauty and rich history. It is also one of the most popular temples among Hindu pilgrims and tourists. The best time to visit Tanah Lot is in the afternoon, just before sunset. Tourists visit this temple to enjoy the views and interact with the locals who go about their religious practices.
Read more: Best things to do in Borneo.
8. Diving at Nusa Penida
This Island is located in the Klungkung Regency district, 45 minutes from mainland Bali. You can access this Island via a ferry from Sanur ferry port or by fast boat. The Island is mostly untouched, with fewer developments within the area. This makes it a perfect habitat for coral reefs and underwater life. Among the popular diving spots at Nusa Penida include Crystal Bay and Manta Point.
9. Enjoy Waterbom Bali Water Park
If you are travelling with kids, visiting the Waterbom Bali Water Park is the best way to spend a leisurely afternoon. The park features exciting water slides across the 3.8 hectares of landscaped tropical parks. Before visiting the park, purchase tickets online from the official Waterbom website to enjoy great deals.
10. Take a Cooking Class
The Balinese culture takes pride in its traditional recipes and cuisines that prioritise fresh and locally sourced produce. If you are interested in joining a cooking class, there are several Balinese cooking schools you can sign up with. All you need to do is ask for recommendations from locals or travellers with similar interests. Some of these classes offer free market tours, plus the lessons have been compressed to fit 3 to 6-hour sessions. This is one of the best things to do in Bali, especially for couples who love the art of cooking and trying out new recipes.
11. Experience Uluwatu Temple and Kecak Dance
A visit to this Temple is one of the best things to do in Uluwatu, Bali. The Uluwatu temple is known for hosting the celebrated Kecak Fire Dance show, which is held in two cohorts. The first one is from 6 pm, and the second one is from 7 pm. Both shows feature the same performances, and you can choose to book either of the two. The entry fee for adults is 150,000 IDR and 70,000 IDR for children between the ages of 2 and 9.
12. Snorkeling at Amed
If you want to go on a snorkelling tour, there are several snorkelling spots in Amed that offer the best snorkelling and scuba diving conditions. The two most popular snorkelling spots are Jemeluk and the Japanese shipwreck. For visitors who don’t have their gear, you will find several gear rentals in the area.
13. White Water Rafting in Ayung River
The Ayung River in Bali offers a 10-kilometer route with Grade II to Grade III rapids ideal for white-water rafting. Going on this rafting trip is undoubtedly one of the great things to do in Bali. It will take you close to two hours to complete the trail, but you will enjoy the serene views of nature, from exotic scenery to forest canopies and spectacular waterfalls.
Read more: 18 Best Waterfalls in Bali – Comprehensive Guide [With Map]
14. Visit Bali Safari and Marine Park
Located in Gianyar, the Bali Safari and Marine Park combines the African Savannah and Balinese cultural ambience. This 40-hectare park is characterised by pristine forest and is home to more than 120 animal species. The gates open at 12:30, and reservations can be made on the park’s official website.
15. Shop at Ubud Art Market
The Ubud Art Market is one of the best places to visit in Bali if you want hand-crafted goods and clothes. It is opposite the Puri Royal Ubud Palace and is open daily from 8 am to 6 pm.
16. Explore the Villages on a Scooter
Renting a scooter is one of the best ways to explore Bali. You can visit most places highlighted in this guide using a scooter. The obvious benefit of using a scooter is convenience, especially on the congested roads of Denpasar, Kuta, and Ubud. You can also navigate the more remote sites with ease.
17. Take a Sunset Cruise
If you love the sunset view from the waters, a sunset cruise with friends or family is one of the best things to do in Bali, Indonesia. There are a couple of reputable sunset dinner cruises, especially around the Benoa Harbor. After the cruise, you can retire to your accommodation home around Nusa Dua or join the locals and other tourists in the vibrant night scenes.
Read more: Best things to do in Komodo Island.
18. Visit Besakih Temple
Commonly referred to as the Mother Temple of Bali, the Besakih Temple is the biggest and is over a thousand years old. It is located on the slopes of Mount Agung, one of the Island’s active volcanoes. The best time to visit this Temple is in the morning.
19. Visit Tirta Empul Temple
Located in Ubud, the Trita Empul Temple is a must-see for tourists visiting the town. This Temple holds spiritual and historical significance and is open daily from 7 am to 5 pm. It is a large temple complex that will take you around 30 minutes to explore.
20. Explore the Bali Botanic Garden
The Bali Botanic Garden is one of the must–visit places in Bali. It is located in Bedugul, six kilometres south of Denpasar and features open spaces, tropical forest, landscaped gardens and unique plant collections. This beautiful garden spans over 160 hectares of forest and jungle and is the most extensive garden in Indonesia.
Make Your Visit to Bali Memorable
A visit to Bali involves many sightseeing, cultural experiences, and relaxation. After a long day of exploring and entertaining, it’s also easy for any guest to find great places to stay in Bali. However, before visiting this Island, you want to create a travel itinerary that covers all the key attractions and fun activities. The things to do in Bali highlighted above are not exhaustive, so feel free to add or subtract from the list as you see fit. That said, you want to plan for flexibility and book your accommodation in advance to avoid inconveniences.
