One thing we can promise you is that you will never run out of things to do in Bali. Our list has over 100 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 101 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 Splash Water Park
What would a visit to Bali be without a visit to one of Bali’s finest waterparks?
Splash Water Park in Canggu is always ready to welcome visitors, and it’s a great place for a family to spend some quality time together.
There are no queues for the slides here, and adults can take time out with a delicious cocktail on a sunbed while their kids play safely to their heart’s content.
Splash is just amazing fun in the heart of Bali.
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.
As you follow the path up to the temple, you can spy on some monkeys (they’re much less aggressive than they are at some other places in Bali), too.
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 or from the folks at the Bali Res Center (see the FAQ below for their contact details).
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.
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 price 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 the Bali Res Centre (contact details in the FAQ) 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 stay, 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.
Eat In An Abandoned Airplane At Keramas Aero Park
Yes, there’s an abandoned passenger jet just lying around in the jungle, and instead of letting it go to waste, one enterprising local set up a restaurant inside it and restored much of the plane to make it welcoming.
It’s not the greatest meal you will ever have in your life. Bali’s fine dining scene offers way too much competition for that, but it’s one of the most unusual settings for a meal anywhere.
Find The Dinosaur At Kelingking Beach
Kelingking Beach on Nusa Penida is a lovely white sand beach that is perfect for a bit of sunbathing or snorkelling, but there’s another great reason to visit this beach, too.
Get up high above Kelingking Beach on the nearby cliffs, and you will find that the local rock formations and the beach merge to give the impression of a tyrannosaurus rex! It looks amazing in an Instagram feed!
Nusa Penida is a really cool destination with lots of hidden gems like this one.
Shop Love Anchor Canggu Fashion Marketplace
Sure, Seminyak’s the most famous spot on the island for fashion shopping, but we love the Love Anchor Canggu Fashion Marketplace.
It’s a place packed with local artisans offering their wares at reasonable prices, and you can easily build a stylish island wardrobe here without ever venturing further afield.
Snack With Orangutans In Kampung Sumatra
While it’s fair to say that Orangutans are not native to this part of Indonesia, you can meet the friendliest orangutans in the world in Bali.
Head to the Gayo Restaurant in Kampung Sumatra and enjoy breakfast while the adorable apes interact with you.
It’s not cheap, but we think that it’s an experience worth paying for.
Consume Culture At The Agung Rai Museum of Art (ARMA)
This is the museum which was founded by a local artist and entrepreneur, Anak Agung Gede Rai.
It covers over 5 hectares and has an amazing set of collections, temporary exhibits, and cultural highlights that are unmatched elsewhere in Bali.
Kids get in for free, and the very reasonably adult ticket price includes a free drink!
Watch The Dolphins At Lovina Beach
Lovina is a bit far off the beaten track, but Lovina Beach is becoming ever more popular thanks to the proximity to dolphins here.
You can get a boat tour out of the harbour here in the early morning and spend a couple of hours watching our closest relatives at sea just being dolphins.
Some people say that the tourists might be distressing for the creatures, but they don’t appear to be distressed in any way.
Spiritually Cleanse At Tirta Empul
This temple complex in the village of Manukaya was built back in 960 AD, and it’s all built around a natural spring.
The water feeds all the pools, fish ponds and baths here, and it’s absolutely beautiful to behold.
The bathing pools are said to cleanse the soul at Tirta Empul.
Souvenir Shop At Sukwati Art Market
This colourful market outside of Denpasar is one of the best places on the island to pick up some local arts and crafts.
Whether you want paintings, statues, candles, or just general souvenirs, you can always find them here and for fairly reasonable prices, too (as long as you haggle, and you really should haggle).
Discover A Filipino Touch At Blanco Renaissance Museum
This lovely museum in Ubud is dedicated to the art of the Filipino artist Don Antonio Blanco, who moved to Bali back in 1952.
It was his home and studio and has been converted to make it welcoming to visitors with an artistic bent.
The onsite cafe is quite lovely, and the lush green garden is a splendid place to chill out in.
Touch A Turtle At The Turtle Conservation And Education Centre
This lovely centre takes care of turtles that have been injured by the local fishing industry.
You can adopt a turtle and then release it back into the waters when it’s well or just come and make friends with the turtles.
Kids will absolutely adore a visit to this sanctuary.
Taste The Chocolate At Charly’s Chocolate Factory
This is a really fantastic place that is more than a chocolate factory and has some amazing “hobbit homes” for your Instagram.
The chocolate’s pretty good, mind you, and the last time we visited, we ended up spending a fortune in the factory shop. Yum.
Relax On Sanur Beach
They call Sanur “sleepy Sanur”, and it’s certainly one of the most relaxing destinations in Bali.
Head down to Sanur Beach and just lie back on a sun lounger and let the world go by.
The boardwalk at this beach is great, and it’s perfect for a sunset or sunrise stroll.
Be Wowed By The Devdan Show At Bali Nusa Dua Theatre
This is probably the best-performing arts performance in Bali (even better than the Kecak Dance, and we love the Kecak Dance).
It has a 90-minute long show which incorporates aerial athleticism, lasers, light displays, acting, music and more.
Hang around after the show, and for a small fee, you can get pictures with the cast in their costumes.
Chow Down On The Finest Seafood At Jimbaran Bay
As an island, Bali is surrounded by the sea, but while seafood anywhere in Bali is good, the best is to be found at Jimbaran Bay.
A beachside BBQ after sunset is the perfect way to end the day, and the area has plenty of daytime water sports to keep you busy and help you work up an appetite.
Stroll Through Ubud Art Market
Ubud Art Market is probably the busiest and most popular market for tourists in Bali.
The pieces here are mostly made in the local villages, and you can get a real feel for the quality of local craftsmanship.
To get the best deal, haggle like your life depends on it. It’s expected and welcomed.
Walk The Warm, Soft Sands Of Diamond Beach
Diamond Beach is the crown jewel of Nusa Penida, and it offers white sands fringed by turquoise waters.
Your Instagram feed will love this place, and so will you. It’s just stunning. However, there’s a bit of a walk down a steep staircase to get to the sand, which won’t be easy for some people.
Uncover Authentic Balinese Life At Bugbug Village, Karangasem
Bugbug Village is one of the last remaining truly authentic villages in Bali, and it’s an amazing place to learn about the local culture.
Photographers will love how aesthetically pleasing it is and seek to immortalise Bugbug Village in film.
The Gumang Temple here is dedicated to placating Mount Agung, the largest volcano on the island.
Find Joy At The Jatiluwih Rice Terraces
The Jatiluwih Rice Terraces are a UNESCO World Heritage site and are among the most spectacular sights in all of Bali.
You will find that the Jatiluwih Rice Terraces cover over 600 hectares, and they are peaceful and quiet and just lovely.
Make sure to come after the rains, though, as that’s when they are greenest.
Slow Down In Sidemen
Sidemen is what Ubud was like before Ubud became an integral part of the Bali, Indonesia tourism trail.
If you don’t want to get a boat to the Gili islands to be truly off the beaten path in Bali, Sidemen is where to be.
The volcano views from here are incredible.
Take A Peek At Pemuteran
Pemuteran, in the northwest of Bali, has lovely calm bays and stunning mountaintop views and is also far from the usual tourist trails.
There are some lovely resorts out this way now, too, so you won’t need to abandon your creature comforts to explore this wonderful place.
Wine And Dine At A Warung
You simply haven’t experienced Bali at all until you have eaten at a proper local warung.
These are no-fuss restaurants specialising in tasty local food and are often the cheapest and most pleasant places to eat here.
You should be able to find a warung within walking distance almost anywhere in Bali.
Seek Healing From A Traditional Balinese Healer
Bali has a long history of spiritual healing, and if you’re feeling under the weather or want a little mood uplift, why not seek out the help of a local healer?
Please note: We’re not advising you to avoid your doctor here. You can use traditional and modern medicines at the same time to great effect.
Get Centered At The Mother Temple Of Bali – Besakih Temple
This is the most impressive temple complex in Bali, and it’s the spiritual home of every village temple on the island.
Head to Bedugul and be prepared to explore a bit. It’s not as big as Borobudur, but this is not a small temple to be ticked off in an hour, either.
Opt For Something Bespoke
One of the great joys of the Southeast Asian economy is that having things custom-made is way cheaper than it is at home.
You can buy a bespoke suit or some custom furniture or tailor-made shoes for a fraction of what you would pay elsewhere.
So, treat yourself because you’re worth it.
Head Off For A Cream Bath
A cream bath is a local hair treatment that keeps every Balinese lady’s hair looking long, lustrous and healthy.
You can try this yourself cheaply and easily in every hair salon on the island.
Rent A Yacht For The Day
Why not live like a rock star for a day and rent a yacht? This is the perfect way to see some of the coastline of Bali from a new perspective.
There’s nothing quite like sipping cocktails at sunset on the deck of your own yacht, either. It’s not as expensive as you might think to rent a yacht.
Witness The Rock Formation Of Broken Beach
The dramatic rock formations at Broken Beach are world-famous, and this is a great place on Nusa Penida to visit with your camera.
Go Out On The Water In A Local Fishing Boat
You don’t need a yacht to explore the local seas. Many of the local fishing boats are happy to take a tourist out on the waves for a small fee.
Just ask around wherever you’re staying, and you won’t need long to find a volunteer for the trip.
Discover Will Deer At Menjangan Island
This island is often called “deer island”, as there are quite a lot of deer living out here. It’s worth nothing that doesn’t guarantee you will see deer here, but it’s very likely that you will.
It’s also one of the best dive spots on the island, and the local waters are home to some of the most diverse marine creatures in Bali.
Snorkelling here is excellent, too, and we can thoroughly recommend spending a day on Menjangan Island.
Bathe In Blissful Hot Springs
Volcanoes lead to hot springs, and the best hot springs in Bali are in the area around Mount Batur.
Hot springs are said to have healing properties, and their mineral-heavy waters are certainly lovely to soak in.
Show Off In Seminyak
Seminyak is one of the hippest parts of Bali, and it attracts a young crowd to classy resorts, fine dining and great clubbing.
Why not get your glad rags on and head out to join them for a day?
Become A Perfume Maker
The L’Atelier Parfums et Creations in the TS Suites in Seminyak offers a 90-minute workshop where you can make your own perfume!
Have A Royal Time At Ubud Palace
Ubud Palace is home to the Ubud Royal family, and the grounds are very pleasant and open to the public.
They also have regular traditional dance performances on the grounds.
Join The Silversmiths Of Bali
Bali’s traditional crafts include silversmithing, and you can find classes on how to work silver and become a silversmith yourself.
Make something beautiful to take home with you, and it’s great fun!
Uncover All Of Bali’s Abandoned Planes
There are eight, yes, eight abandoned planes on this island (including the restaurant we mentioned above). Why not see if you can track them all down? They make for great Instagram moments.
Sip Sundowners At Rock Bar
The Rock Bar is an amazing place for a sunset drink with amazing views of the local rock formations (which the bar is named after; it’s not a Hard Rock Cafe).
Free Yourself For Fitness
FINNS Recreation Club offers some amazing fitness packages if you’re going to be in Canggu.
There is so much to do at FINNS. Try Bounce , our trampoline centre (the only one in Bali). Strike our ten-pin bowling arm is legendary, the JSA (Junior Sports Association) is perfect for kids, and we have basketball, tennis, swimming, boxing, and so much more, too!
The whole island offers excellent opportunities to engage in sports and other fitness activities to help you stay healthy and happy, too.
Unearth The Native Flora At Bali Botanic Gardens
Bali has beautiful native plant life, and you can see the best of this in the gardens at Bali Botanic Gardens.
Search Out Sekumpul Waterfall
They say that Sekumpul Waterfall is the most beautiful waterfall in Bali, and the only way to find out if that’s true is to visit it yourself.
Sekumpul Waterfall is absolutely lovely, though, we promise.
Take The Yellow Bridge To Nusa Lembongan Island
You can get an amazing Instagram shot on the bridge between Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan.
Drink Coffee On A Coffee Plantation
Why not visit a coffee plantation and sample some authentic Balinese coffee? The coffee culture here is excellent and rivals anything you will find elsewhere in Southeast Asia.
Meet Manta Rays At Crystal Bay
Enjoying the beach vibe of Bali, Indonesia, is always fun, but when you want a little more? Why not head to Nusa Penida and swim with manta rays at Crystal Bay? It’s a mind-blowing experience.
Lose Yourself In The Labyrinth Of Goa Gala Gala
This underground cave network and house, which took over 15 years to build after being hand-carved from the rock, is absolutely incredible!
Evade The Crowds In Candidasa
This lovely part of East Bali has almost no crowds and far less traffic than the other beach towns. It’s worth checking out.
Marvel In The Bali Provincial State Museum
This is the best museum in Bali and has the largest collection of cultural artifacts on the island. If you’re in Denpasar, it’s a must-see.
Wander The Marigold Fields Of Desa Temukus
Stay In A Swanky Villa
There is no more authentic Balinese experience than staying in a large private villa with a private pool and other mod cons.
While this isn’t as cheap as it once was, if you look outside of the main tourist resorts, you can still rent a great villa for a sensible price, particularly if you’re sharing with friends.
And if you’re loaded, you can rent somewhere that Mick Jagger or Kim Kardashian would stay at.
Join The Crowds On Kuta Beach
Kuta Beach is the most popular beach in Bali, and the area is visited by thousands of people every day.
While we think it might be too busy to spend your whole vacation in Kuta, it’s definitely worth experiencing at least once.
Indulge In A Lavish Sunday Brunch
We think the best brunch in Bali is at St. Tropez in FINNS, and if you’re in Canggu, don’t miss out on it.
However, most of the big resort hotels in the rest of the island offer a great Sunday brunch, too.
FAQs
What To Do In Bali For The First Time?
There’s only one thing of the things to do in Bali that we recommend to every first-time visitor to Bali: you should visit the best of the world’s best beach clubs, and that’s FINNS Beach Club in Canggu.
FINNS is so popular now that 1 in 8 people who are visiting Bali will visit FINNS, and that’s because it’s got bars, restaurants, and infinity pools galore!
Most of all, there’s no entrance fee and no minimum spend required (unlike at most other beach clubs), so you can come and find out what all the fuss is about without breaking the bank.
We’d say that you’ve not experienced Bali unless you’ve experienced FINNS, and the thousands of amazing people who pass through our doors each day would agree.
How Many Days In Bali Is Enough?
A lifetime wouldn’t be enough for us. Bali is a large island with an incredible amount of history, culture and attractions to explore.
However, we understand that most people don’t have a lifetime available to try all the things to do in Bali. Given that, as many days as you can afford to enjoy in Bali are going to have to be enough.
The good news is that if you don’t fit in all the things to do in Bali on your first visit, you have a good reason to come back, and we think that once you’ve visited this paradise island, you’ll definitely want to come back.
There are plenty of other things to do in Indonesia that are close by, too, such as the Gili Islands, Nusa Penida, etc. This part of the Indian Ocean has a wealth of things to do, see and do.
Can I Do Bali In 5 Days?
If you only have five days, then you can certainly see many of the popular tourist attractions in Bali, and while you certainly can’t do all the things to do in Bali in just five days, you can certainly have a great time here on the island.
We recommend checking out our suggested Bali itinerary for this length of stay if you want to get the most out of your time here.
Are 7 Days Enough For Bali?
There are plenty of things to do in Bali in the course of a week, but we doubt that you could work through our entire Bali bucket list in a week, either.
Of course, it’s worth coming to Bali for seven days, and with some judicious planning, you can see a lot of the island and certainly see Central Bali, South Bali, East Bali, North Bali, etc.
Your Bali adventures will be exciting and interesting, and they will almost certainly give you a taste for more.
A recent study shows that many people come back to Bali over and over again because there are so many things to do in Bali and never enough time to fit them all in.
It’s also worth remembering that Bali is evolving right now, too. There are always new things to experience here, and that makes coming back even more fun!
What’s Bali Famous For?
Bali is famous as a paradise island in the middle of the ocean.
While all of Indonesia is an archipelago, and there are, quite literally, thousands of islands to explore (island hopping here could be the whole of somebody’s life if they wanted it to be), Bali is the jewel among them.
This is almost certainly because Bali has a somewhat different culture from the rest of Indonesia, thanks to being a Hindu majority rather than an Islamic one.
This means there’s a more relaxed approach to life in Bali, and the alcohol laws in Bali tend to be a little less strictly enforced, too.
Over the years, however, people have come to realise that there are just so many things to do in Bali that visiting Bali has become an essential travel experience.
What Is The Best Month To Go To Bali?
Most of the things to do in Bali are not dependent on the time of year. You can have a great time at something like Bali Zoo or Uluwatu Temple all year round.
However, if you want to see rice terraces and rice paddies, for example, they are best viewed in the wet season when they are green and lush and full of life.
If you want to dive with the Mahi Mahi fish, on the other hand, the month of April might be the best time to tackle your Bali bucket list.
And there’s no doubt that it can be a little easier to get through the things to do in Bali during the dry season when it’s a little less humid, and there tends to be a cool onshore breeze.
We’d suggest that you make a list of all the things to do in Bali that you’re interested in and then do a little research on your Bali bucket list to ensure that you come at the right time to enjoy those things.
How To Book A Bali Holiday
So, if you’re excited by all the things to do in Bali and are ready to tick off all the items on your Bali Bucket List, what’s next?
Well, we recommend that you call our friends at the Bali Res Centre . This is a locally owned and operated travel service that specialises in all things Bali-related.
They can ensure you stay near the things to do in Bali that you want to do and that you get the right grade of accommodation at the right price.
Their local knowledge can be invaluable when it comes to putting your Bali bucket list into practice, and they can certainly ensure that you have an amazing experience here on the island.
Most of all, by supporting the Bali Res Centre, you’re keeping your tourist dollars in the local economy and not sending your money to a multi-national company that has no investment in the future of Bali.
Final Thoughts On Things To Do In Bali
As you can see, there are a lot of things to do in Bali, and while you may not want to do them all, we bet that your Bali Bucket List has grown substantially in the course of this article.
There is no bad time to visit Bali, and there is certainly no “right length of time” to be here. We hope to see you at FINNS when you visit, and we hope that you have a great time here in Bali.
