One thing we can promise you is that you will never run out of things to do in Bali. Our list has 50 amazing ideas for your time on the island.
We think that’s enough to get you started and out exploring this amazing paradise on Earth, but we’re sure you will find many more things to do in Bali on your adventure here.
Whether you’re looking for amazing rice terraces, to find the sacred monkey forest sanctuary, go island hopping, climb Mount Batur, swim in Crystal Bay, etc., we’ve got you covered here.
So, without further ado, let’s find the best things to do in Bali so that you can enjoy this tropical paradise to its fullest.
Our 50 Top Things To Do In Bali (Your Ultimate Bali Bucket List)
Visit The Best Of The World’s Beach Clubs – FINNS Beach Club
No list of things to do in Bali is complete without a mention of FINNS.
FINNS is the best beach club in the world by popular acclaim, and it’s become one of the must-see tourist attractions of Bali.
In fact, nearly 12.5% (that’s one in eight) of people who visit Bali will also visit FINNS during their time here, and that’s why it tops our list of things to do in Bali.
With three infinity pool options, nine bars, three restaurants, seven kitchens, and an amazing VIP option, you can’t go wrong at FINNS.
Unlike most other clubs of this nature, there’s no minimum spend at FINNS, and entry is entirely free.
You can come and see one of Bali’s most amazing attractions for yourself and only spend what you feel comfortable with.
We can’t wait to greet you at FINNS and welcome you to the island in style.
Take A Ride On A Bali Swing
A Bali swing is a thrill-seeker’s dream. There are many of them scattered across the island, but they all work on the same principle.
You’ll find that a Bali swing is a special swing that is set up in a very high place that, when launched, offers dramatic views over the local area as well as affording some amazing opportunities for a great Instagram photo.
We don’t have any particular Bali Swing in mind, so we recommend you find one near the other things to do in Bali on your bucket list.
This is one of Bali’s most unique experiences, and while we cannot vouch for the safety of any given operator’s work, there have been no accidents on the Bali swings so far.
Climb Mount Batur In Central Bali
Mount Batur is an active volcano and the second-largest active volcano in Bali after Mount Agung.
Mount Agung, however, is a very hard climb and unless you’re very fit and ideally an experienced climber too, it’s better to hike Mount Batur than to hike Mount Agung.
As long as you have a basic level of fitness, you should find it relatively easy to hike Mount Batur, and you can enjoy some time at Lake Batur afterwards.
The view from Mount Batur is amazing, and you can look down over the rice terraces and rice paddies of the local area all the way out to sea!
You will have to get up early to scale Mount Batur, but it’s 100% worth it. Mount Batur is a sacred mountain to the Balinese, and once you’ve been up Mount Batur, you will find it very easy to see why.
The sunrise hike at Mount Batur is one of the most memorable experiences you can have in Bali. (We’ve got a great list of the most memorable hikes in Bali for further trekking fun).
Feast Your Eyes On Tegenungan Waterfalls
Without a doubt, one of the best things to do in Bali is spend some time at the dramatic waterfalls dotted around the island.
This waterfall is just a half-hour drive from Ubud in Central Bali, and it’s one of the most powerful and exciting falls here (particularly in the wet season when the rain tops up the local rivers).
You can swim in the crystal clear waters of the pool at the base of this waterfall, too, which is lovely.
It’s very easy to visit this place in combination with a trip to the Tegallalang Rice Terraces, which are among the most beautiful rice terraces in Bali and are also best visited in the rainy season.
Hear The Waves Crash Against Tanah Lot Temple
Tanah Lot Temple sits just offshore on a small island of its own.
While you cannot enter the temple at Tanah Lot, you can certainly take plenty of pictures from a distance, and at low tide, you can walk right up to the perimeter of Tanah Lot.
We recommend going to Tanah Lot at sunset, where you will find a position on the coast that offers spectacular lighting for your trip to this most sacred sea temple in Bali.
It can get a bit busy at Tanah Lot at times, but it’s a location worth putting up with some crowds for. It’s spectacular, and as you listen to the waves crash against the cliffs here, you’ll be glad you came.
Meet The Animals At Bali Safari & Marine Park
If you love to commune with nature and want to appreciate some exciting animals without travelling the entire world to see them, then Bali Safari & Marine Park is great.
You can enjoy over 60 species of animal and marine life here, and it’s a great way to spend a day out with your family.
It’s one of Bali’s best places to meet elephants or orangutans, and unlike safaris in some parts of Southeast Asia, it has very high standards of animal care.
Catch The World’s Best Surf Breaks At Uluwatu Beach
Bali is full of amazing places to surf, and we can happily recommend anyone from a beginner surfer to a world-class, experienced surfer to spend some time on Bali’s beaches.
However, there’s no doubt that one of the world’s best surf breaks is on Uluwatu Beach, which also attracts regular competitive surfing events.
You don’t want to tackle this break at Uluwatu Beach if you’ve never been on a board before, but if you want to push your surfing to the next level, a trip to Uluwatu is essential.
Absolve Your Sins At Goa Gajah Temple
This lovely temple, which borders the Petanu River, is home to some of the most striking carvings in Bali.
It’s a part-Buddhist, part-Hindu temple, and all are welcome to enjoy the premises here and to use the sacred bathing pool.
They say that immersing yourself in the holy waters here will absolve you of all your sins, and it’s a very popular place for Buddhist and Hindu pilgrims as well as tourists.
Delight In The Tegalalang Rice Terraces
The Tegalalang rice terraces may not be a UNESCO World Heritage site, but they are among the most beautiful rice terraces on the island.
If you’re passing through Ubud, then you will definitely want to make a stop at the Tegalalang rice terraces.
Photographers and Instagrammers absolutely love the Tegalalang rice terraces, and the best time to visit to get the best shots of the Tegalalang rice terraces is in the wet season.
The rice terraces are a drone photographer’s dream, in fact, but make sure you adhere to the rules regarding drone use in Bali if you want to fly.
Don’t come after the rice harvests, mind you, as the area is nothing but a dull brown until the next rice crop begins to grow.
Join The Monkeys At Uluwatu Temple
This clifftop temple is one of the most spectacular settings in Bali.
Uluwatu temple is one of Bali’s main spiritual defences against the ocean, and it’s home to some amazing architecture.
You will find that the sunset view out over the ocean from this temple will take your breath away; it is impossible not to be moved by this display of natural beauty.
Ancient temples are always amazing, but this one is really on the next level.
There are also monkeys living at the temple, and as with the sacred monkey forest sanctuary, the monkeys aren’t always on the best of terms with the people, so tread lightly around them.
Join The Elephants At Bali Zoo
This is a very pleasant zoo with a great assortment of both Indonesian and more exotic animals.
It’s very close to the main tourist attractions in Bali and the Ngurah Rai International Airport.
We loved meeting the Javanese Elephants here, and there are also some of the rarer local bird species present.
The entry tickets are very reasonably priced, too.
Enjoy The Floating Ulun Danu Beratan Temple
If you intend to visit North Bali, then you shouldn’t miss out on the Ulun Danu Beratan temple, it’s simply stunning to look at.
If you visit Ulun Danu Beratan Temple during the rainy season when the waters of Lake Beratan are high, you will find that this temple appears to literally float on the water.
Ulun Danu Beratan Temple is an amazing spot for Instagram shots, but it’s also one of the most spiritual places here and the Balinese associate this temple with a successful harvest.
Get Wet At Waterbom Water Park
What would a visit to Bali be without a visit to one of Bali’s finest waterparks?
Waterbom Water Park in Kuta is always ready to welcome visitors, and it’s a great place for a family to spend some quality time together.
It’s full of rides and slides and you can easily while away a hot Bali afternoon here.
We’d also note that it’s right next to one of Bali’s most popular shopping malls too. So, you can get your holiday spending done while you’re here.
Frolic In The Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary
The Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary in Ubud is not the only place where you can enjoy the company of monkeys in Bali, but the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary is definitely the most famous place to do so.
If you want a superb selfie with a monkey, you are guaranteed to get it in the Sacred Monkey Forest.
It’s also home to some lovely temples, and it’s one of Bali’s most popular tourist attractions among the rice fields of Ubud.
The Monkey Forest Road is also lined with excellent bars, restaurants and cafes for you to relax after your visit.
Be Avian Some Fun At The Bali Bird Park
Bali is home to some amazing bird life, and the Bali Bird Park makes it easy to meet the local birds without having to hide out in the jungle with a pair of binoculars.
Mind you, if you love bird watching, hiding out in the jungle with binoculars can be very rewarding, too.
This park, which is not far from Sanur, has over 250 native and exotic species to appreciate.
We would also note that they play a huge role in preserving endangered bird species here in Indonesia.
Find The Hidden Gem Of Tukad Cepung Waterfall
There’s no such thing as a bad waterfall experience, but some are more magical than others, and this waterfall is really amazing.
The fall comes down into an area surrounded by rocks, and the sunlight breaks up as it passes down into this area.
Thus, it creates one of the most Instagraammable views of any place on Earth and certainly in Bali.
It can be popular later in the day, but if you get there early enough, it’s far enough off the beaten path to have relatively to yourself.
Enter The Gates Of Heaven At Lempuyang Temple
No pain, no gain, right? Well, to pass through the Gates of Heaven, you will have to climb up 1,700 steps to reach the Lempuyang Temple.
It is absolutely worth it. The sight of the sun rising over the temple environment is amazing.
The best thing about this climb, however, is that it gets cooler the further up the mountain that you go!
Bring The Fire At A Kecak Dance
There is a traditional Balinese art form known as the “Kecak Dance“, but it has become known as the “fire dance” by visitors.
It’s an amazing showcase of the local musical instruments (gamelan orchestra) and human vocal talent set to a backdrop of exciting and innovative dance.
The best place to watch this dance is at the Uluwatu Temple complex, where the dance begins just before sunset, and the fire comes out just after.
There may be no more dramatic dance performance anywhere on the planet than this one.
Dine Onboard A Sunset Cruise
Bali is an island destination, and what better way to get those authentic island vibes than getting on a boat and enjoying a small boat tour of the waters and some tasty dinner?
You can easily book a sunset cruise from any hotel on the island.
The experience lasts about 3 hours, and you will get to appreciate the gorgeous Balinese sunset from a unique perspective.
Explore Nusa Penida Island
Nusa Penida is the largest of the three Nusa Islands and the one that gets the most visitors due to the ease of getting here from Bali.
If you want an unspoiled location to explore or have designs on swimming with the Mola-Mola fish, then Nusa Penida is where you come.
Most people just take a day trip to Nusa Penida, so if you’re one of the lucky people to stay in Nusa Penida, you will find that you get the place almost to yourself as the sun goes down.
See Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park (GWK)
GWK Cultural Park is home to the largest statue anywhere in Indonesia, a giant 122-meter-tall statue of a Garuda.
This legendary bird plays a huge part in Hindu mythology, and this park is an amazing place to explore Balinese culture.
The statue took over 27 years to build and contains more than 21,000 bars of steel plus an incredible 170,000 bolts.
We like the street food stands and local dance performances that they have at GWK, too.
If you want to learn more about Bali, this is an essential place to visit.
Catch Some Culture At Celuk & Mas Villages
These two traditional villages are just outside of Ubud and are worth a visit if you love to see traditional crafts practised by master artisans.
You can watch the locals work expertly with wood, stone, silver and even canvas in these villages.
You’ll find that a lot of the local artwork here has been inspired by the epic Hindu tale of the Ramayana and also from Buddhist lore.
It’s worth noting that while you can visit these places for free, if you want to take part in a workshop or join a guided tour, there will be a charge for these activities.
Read more about Celik Village here, and Mas Village here.
Swim In An Infinity Pool
We have, of course, got three amazing infinity pools for you to try at FINNS, but Bali has some of the best infinity pool options in the world to try!
Perhaps the most famous infinity pool in the world can be found at the Hanging Gardens here, which regularly ranks at the top of bucket lists for global travellers.
There is also a charming poll to be enjoyed at the Munduk Moding Plantation, which offers an almost infinite horizon view.
You should also look out for The Oasis, which is surrounded by some amazing local carvings. They are all done in the traditional Balinese style.
Appreciate The Architecture At Tirta Gangga Palace
This water palace was only built in 1948, but it looks like it’s been here for much longer than that, as it perfectly complements its environment.
The name “Tirta Gangga” means “water from the Ganges”, and the design is meant to evoke a spiritual place where water is the most influential factor.
The complex had to be rebuilt in 1963 when Mount Agung erupted and nearly destroyed everything on the site.
Take your camera, and we guarantee that you’ll be glad you visited Tirta Gangga, and it’s rarely busy.
Try Muck Diving At Padang Bai
Muck Diving is a unique form of diving that tends to appeal to lovers of marine animals and macro photography.
The concept is basically that you root about in the muck on the sea floor and uncover creatures hiding there.
Local guides can make this into a wonderful experience, and there are plenty of places to try this form of diving in Bali.
We can recommend Padang Bai as your first dive spot because it has a lot of interesting life in the water there.
Snorkel At Amed In East Bali
You can snorkel anywhere that you can swim in Bali, and it’s fair to say that most people will do a snorkel at some point in their time here.
However, if you want an amazing place to snorkel without dealing with the crowds in the beach towns – Amed is a great place to go.
You can see amazing wildlife, such as the Emperor Angelfish or the Lined Surgeonfish, all against a backdrop of bright coral formations.
We always head to Amed when we want a truly relaxing snorkelling experience, it’s great.
Fly Like A Fish
If you want to try one of Bali’s unique water sports, then you might want to visit Tanjung Beach and talk to the folks at Bali Adventures.
They offer the Flying Fish Boat Rides here, and it’s basically a boat that allows three people to ride at any one time that flies like a flying fish!
The ride lasts only 15 minutes, but the memories that it creates will last a lifetime.
It’s super safe and one of the most interesting ways to spend some time in the water here in Bali.
Walk On The Sea Bed At Tanjung Benoa
If you’re in Kuta in South West Bali, then you might want to head to Tanjung Benua Beach for a truly amazing experience.
They can fit you with a helmet (a bit like an astronaut’s helmet) that enables you to walk along the sea bed!
This is really good news for non-swimmers who would love to snorkel but can’t because they can’t swim.
You will get to see and enjoy all the usual marine highlights in this part of Bali on foot! You can’t beat that for something different.
Admire Bali From A Hot Air Ballon At Chedi Club
Chedi Club is at the Tanah Gajah 5-star luxury resort in Ubud, and it’s possibly the best place to join a hot air balloon ride in Bali.
As you head up into the sky, you can gaze upon the lush rice fields below, and then, as the resort fades away below you, you can turn to the rainforests on the slopes of Mount Agung.
Whether you go at sunrise, sunset or for a nighttime star spotting trip, you’re sure to remember a balloon tour of Ubud forever.
The only thing we should warn you of is that this is quite a pricey adventure, but it does include a pleasant meal at the resort.
Go Off Road On An ATV Adventure
If you want to do something more exciting than just a coach tour of North West Bali on your holiday, why not try an ATV tour?
This can get you out into the rice fields of Bali, Indonesia and then explore the rainforest and lush jungle, too.
It’s definitely a thrilling way to explore the island and create some amazing memories!
Jet Around On A Jet Ski
A jet ski is more of a miniature boat than it is a ski, but who cares when you’re having as much fun as one of these toys will provide?
It’s very easy to learn to jet ski, and as long as you can swim (at least a little), it’s a safe sport to practice.
We recommend heading to Nusa Dua and Tanjung Benoa Beach for your first jet ski experience, as the instructors there are very good.
Feel The Power Of The Ocean In A Banana Boat
The banana boat is an iconic Balinese boating experience, and it also takes place at Tanjung Benoa Beach.
The boat is simply a rubber inflatable that can carry up to 5 people, and it’s attached to a motorised boat, which pulls it in its wake.
You can then sit on it, bob along, enjoy a view of the local coastline, and enjoy the sensation of the wind blowing through your hair.
Roll In A Donut
A donut is a small round inflatable raft that is then attached to a speedboat and pulled through the water with you on it.
It’s a lot of fun, and depending on the boat driver, it can be a bit of an adrenaline hit, too.
Rides last for about 15 minutes, and the team will be happy to ensure you have all the training you need to have an amazing time on the ocean in a donut.
Make Friends With Sharks
If there’s a creature on this planet more badly misunderstood than the shark, we don’t know what it is.
The good news is that you can spend some time swimming with sharks in Bali and learn a lot more about these amazing animals.
You can feed them, touch them, and just experience them swimming by, and your guide will help you better understand the creatures, too.
If you want to try this, you will want to come between April and June, as it’s when the sharks are easiest to find and see.
Surf At Echo Beach
Echo Beach is a charming surf spot just outside of Canggu, and while it’s not the place that they wrote the song about (in fact, the songwriter had no particular beach in mind at all), it is pretty awesome.
It’s an amazing place for experienced and intermediate surfers to hone their skills, and you can often run into visiting surf pros on this beach.
The beach vibe is very casual and laidback, and the sunsets are very nice here, too.
Start Your Adrenaline Flowing On A Dirt Bike Ride
What better way to explore Bali, Indonesia, than a dirt bike through the lush jungle, rice fields, coffee plantation, etc.?
We would note that you ought to have some practice with dirt bikes (and be fully legal to use them) to try one of these rides, as they can be dangerous to inexperienced riders.
But if you want to see Bali with a bit of a thrill involved, a dirt bike can really make it happen.
Cycle Kintamani
Kintamani makes for a great cycling spot, and one of our favourite routes is around Lake Batur in front of Mount Batur.
You leave from the village, which is one of the most established villages in this part of Bali, and then head out through the fields to the crystal clear waters of the lake.
On your return, you will enjoy spending some time with the local craftsmen before a big Balinese meal.
Talk to a local travel agent about this awesome trip.
Learn To Scuba Dive
Scuba diving is a wonderful experience anywhere in the world, though we would note that you must be able to swim quite well before you can learn to scuba dive.
Assuming you have the right level of competence, then lessons are easy to find in Bali and from fully qualified PADI instructors.
There are so many awesome dive sites to try here, from manmade marine playgrounds to coral reefs to sunken temples to legit shipwrecks!
White Water Thrills On The Ayung River
We love white water rafting, and there are a few places to enjoy this sport in Bali, but the best of them is probably the Ayung River.
It’s a 10-kilometre route suitable for most people with a basic level of fitness and some swimming ability.
The journey is guaranteed to take your breath away and is one of the most enjoyable things to do in Bali.
Parasail At Tanjung Benoa Beach
Parasailing isn’t the cheapest water sport, but it’s not as expensive as you might think, either.
It has the real advantage of being accessible to everyone, even non-swimmers, and if you want a view of the beach from the sky, it’s unbeatable entertainment.
You don’t need any prior experience, either, so just turn up and have fun. They have some awesome parasailing at Tanjung Benoa Beach.
Kitesurf In Canggu
Kite surfing is a sort of combination of windsurfing and kite flying (Kites in Bali are a serious hobby, mind you). It’s very much an exciting sport, and there are loads of places to learn in Canggu.
You can often kite surf when regular surfing isn’t possible, which makes it a great backup hobby for surfers, too.
It’s not very expensive to learn, and lessons usually include the costs of equipment hire.
Trek Through Ubud
Whether you opt for a sunrise hike or sunset hike, Ubud is a great area for walking around and enjoying the beauty of the Balinese countryside.
You can join an organised trekking tour, or you can use an app to create your own trekking route and go solo (or with friends).
Where you go is entirely up to you, but we’re positive that you will have an amazing adventure wherever you choose to venture.
Take Your Life In Your Hands And Go Canyon Tubing
If white water rafting isn’t exciting enough for you, you can always opt for some canyon tubing instead.
This is where you sit on an inflatable rubber ring and hang on for dear life as you head downstream through rapids.
You can do this in Payangan, and the course runs for an incredible 40 kilometres! So, hold on tight!
Throw Yourself Off A Cliff (For Fun)
Cliff jumping is the art of throwing yourself off a cliff into the water below, and it’s a very popular sport in Bali. (You can find all the best cliff jumping spots in Bali here).
It is classified by insurers as an extreme sport, so please make certain that your travel insurance will cover any accidents before you jump.
One of the best places to learn to cliff dive is at Jimbaran Bay, where there’s a fairly gentle 5-meter jump to get you started.
Hit The Trails On A Mountain Bike
Bali has a ton of awesome mountain biking trails, and you can enjoy cycling through attractive villages, lush countryside, and much more.
Mountain biking opens up a whole new side of Bali that most tourists simply will never be able to reach.
You can rent a bike near most of the major bike trails, and if you’re really keen, you can always bring your own bike from home.
Be Thoroughly Pampered At A Spa
Not everything in Bali involves the release of adrenaline, and you will find some of the world’s best spas and massage parlours in Bali, too.
We can thoroughly recommend visiting a local spa to enjoy a Balinese massage, and we’d note that while prices can vary dramatically, most of the additional money goes to being massaged in prettier rooms.
A cheap massage is just as relaxing as an expensive one.
Catch Some Rays At Balangan Beach
Balangan Beach is often considered to be among the most beautiful places in Bali.
It’s the perfect place to lie down and catch some sun, and then, when you’re done, you can climb the cliffs nearby and enjoy some spectacular views.
Cook Your Own Balinese Food (Join A Cooking Class)
Balinese cooking is amazing, and every tourist enjoys a great chicken satay, nasi goreng, etc., but many leave without the skills to recreate these classic dishes at home.
We can thoroughly recommend trying a cooking class here in Bali, which will allow you to experience the sights and sounds of the local markets and to sample your own delectable dishes!
Work On Your Flexibility With Some Yoga Sessions
We have a great Yoga studio at FINNS Rec Club, but there are many amazing places to learn yoga in Bali.
It’s fair to say that many spiritual seekers head to Ubud, and there are more yoga instructors there than you can shake a stick at.
Tour The Gitgit Waterfall Area
Gitgit waterfall sees water fall over 300 meters over a set of three tiers to a pool at the bottom.
It’s a very nice place to get some interesting waterfall snaps, and it’s lovely to swim in the cool waters when you finish up your visit.
Seek The Bali Myna At West Bali National Park
The Bali Myna has only recently been reintroduced at this park, and it’s part of a wider group of conservation efforts in Bali.
The area is one of outstanding natural beauty, and there’s no doubt in our minds that you will be very glad that you visited this National Park.
Experience Sunset On The Campuhan Ridge Walk
If you want a great sunset hike in Bali, Indonesia, then you ought to consider heading out to Ubud and taking part in the Campuhan Ridge Walk.
It’s not a very challenging hike, and as long as you’re not in a wheelchair or on crutches, you can easily manage this walk.
It offers some amazing views of the local countryside, and photographers will absolutely love this place for the golden hour lighting.
And that’s not all… check out our list of 51 more things to do in Bali for even more ideas to have fun on the island!
