If you’re dreaming of white sandy beaches lined with palm trees, Bali might not meet your expectations. For that quintessential tropical beach experience, consider heading to the neighbouring island of Lombok instead.
Bali’s true allure lies in its unique blend of spirituality and natural beauty. With over 10,000 temples scattered across the island, it’s a haven for those seeking cultural and serene experiences. Iconic landmarks such as Tanah Lot, perched on a rocky sea outcrop, and Uluwatu Temple, dramatically set on towering cliffs, are especially famous for their stunning sunsets. Meanwhile, Besakih, known as the “Mother Temple”, and Ulun Danu Beratan, seemingly floating on Lake Beratan, provide tranquil settings that capture Bali’s spiritual essence.
Nature lovers will also find plenty to admire. Bali boasts breathtaking landscapes, including spectacular waterfalls, volcanic treks (the Gunung Batur trek being the most popular), and iconic rice terraces. Among our favourites are Tegallalang, Sesandan, Jatiluwih, Munduk, and Sidemen, each offering a unique perspective on Bali’s agricultural beauty.
While Bali’s beaches are often lively and bustling, much of the coastline is better suited for surfers than for divers or snorkelers. If you’re a seafood enthusiast, don’t miss an evening in Jimbaran, where freshly grilled fish is served straight from the sea to your table – an unforgettable feast for the senses.
For purification rituals, visit Tirta Empul’s holy springs. Goa Gajah near Ubud captivates with ancient carvings, while Lempuyang Temple’s “Gates of Heaven” provide stunning views of Mount Agung. Taman Ayun, surrounded by a peaceful moat, highlights royal Balinese architecture.
In Bali, you will never run out of activities to do. Whatever it is that you’re looking for, whether it’s an adrenaline-pumping adventure or simply unwinding, Bali has a lot in store for you to discover.
Compared to other islands in Indonesia, Bali may be small, and if you’re wondering what some of the best things to do before visiting, we’ve got you covered! Whether you’re into an adrenaline-seeking adventure or simply want to loosen up by the beach, Bali will exceed your expectations.
In this article, we’re going to give you a guide to what to do in Bali so you can have the ultimate tropical getaway. Just kick your shoes off, keep reading, and don’t forget to bookmark this page.
ATV Tour and Rafting in Ubud
Take advantage of Ubud’s rugged nature by exploring it with the ATV tour and white-water rafting. Perfect if you’re an adrenaline-seeking junkie, these two activities will get you a chance to explore Ubud through a day full of adventure.
The ATV tour will take you through the rice fields, muddy surfaces, local villages, canyons, and waterfalls. The white-water rafting will give you an opportunity to get wet by travelling down the Ayung River and seeing Ubud’s nature from a different side.
Water Sport in Tanjung Benoa
Feel the sensation of cruising through the water of Nusa Dua, with various water sports to unleash your adventurous side. If Nusa Dua offers everything luxurious, Tanjung Benoa offers all the adventure and fun in the water.
The water sports in Tanjung Benoa are varied. You can ride the banana boats as a fun family day out or drive the jetski and cruise through the ocean. If you want to rise above the water, parasailing and flyboarding will surely be enough to pump your adrenaline!
Sunrise Hike at Mount Batur
What are some of the best things to do in Bali? Doing a sunrise hike at Mount Batur certainly belongs to the category. Imagine yourself standing on the summit of a volcano and watching the sun slowly rising. As a bonus, you will also be able to see Lake Batur and Mount Agung from the top.
The terrain of Mount Batur is mostly flat, so even without any experience, you will still be able to reach the summit. Standing 1,717 meters above sea level, reaching the top will take roughly two hours.
Spa in Uluwatu
Getting dirty from the mud or wet from the water sport is surely fun, but when you need to relax, nothing beats a spa day. And having all your tense muscles relaxed by the highly skilled therapists while your eyes are pampered with the view of the Indian Ocean, trust us, you’re going to feel very content.
The spas in Bali have a reputation for using natural products and combining traditional techniques with modern equipment. Whether you opt for a Balinese massage, a simple foot reflexology, or a facial, you know you will leave the spa feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.
Yoga in Ubud
Ubud has constantly been dubbed one of the best places to visit in Bali, and we can see why! Beyond the lush jungles (do not miss a visit to the Monkey Forest), and the swirling river, Ubud is also the centre of wellness in Bali. Here, you can find many yoga studios where you can join the class or even sign up for a yoga retreat.
No matter your level, whether you’re just starting or have been practising yoga all your life, taking a yoga class in Ubud is a soul-nourishing experience. The studios in Ubud also often offer other wellness programs, such as meditations and sound healing, to help you complete your spiritual journey in Bali.
The Beach Clubs in Canggu
Going to a beach club in Canggu is a safe option if you don’t know where to go in Bali. In Canggu, there are different types of beach clubs that you can go to. Whether you want to party all night long or just sit back and wait for the sunset, beach clubs in Canggu give you all the options.
If you want to feel the party vibe, Atlas Super Club or Finns Beach will give you all the right groove with the daily DJ performances. But if you seek a laid-back and just want to lounge by the pool with a margarita, head to La Brisa or The Lawn for some unwinding afternoon.
Trekking the Campuhan Ridge Ubud
If you’re in Ubud, don’t miss the chance to trek on this scenic trail. It’s both an adventure and a relaxation because, along the 2 kilometres trek, you will be surrounded by lush jungles, rivers, and hills. You kill two birds with one stone by getting the exercise and getting the spectacular views.
Trekking at Campuhan Ridge is also the perfect way to escape the hustle and bustle of the city centre. The best time to trek is during the early morning when you often can see the mist hanging over the vegetation or in the late afternoon. Avoid going during the day because the sun can be too hot, and you’ll be soaking wet from the heat!
Snorkelling in Amed
If you want to explore Bali’s beauty more, then you cannot miss snorkelling. Though snorkelling is not unique, doing it in Bali will show you how stunning the underwater world on the island is. Head to Amed in the eastern part of the island, and you’ll know why not many people list this as an activity to do in Bali.
Your adventure begins once you put your goggles and fins on. With the towering Mount Agung in the background, see the colourful fish, coral reefs, and marine biotas in Amed. Since Amed is also one of the best beaches for swimming, you can opt for this instead of snorkelling.
It’s not an easy task to cover all the things to do in Bali because the list will be extremely long! But all the activities above give you a glimpse of the variety of adventures and attractions you can enjoy while having a tropical holiday.
Whether you’re seeking a thrilling experience in the rugged nature or prefer the relaxed vibe of the beach, there is nothing you cannot do in Bali. Book that flight tickets, pack your suitcase, and give yourself a chance to explore all the best things to do in Bali.
** A word of caution: during our visit in 2023, the stray dog situation remained concerning. Although mass vaccination campaigns were initiated following the 2008 rabies outbreak, the disease persists, and stray dogs are still prevalent across the island. To ensure your safety, consider getting a rabies vaccine before travelling and keep updated on the latest health advisories from reliable sources.