Want to make your time in Bali worthwhile? Want an unforgettable experience in Bali that you remember for a lifetime? We have compiled the best things to do in Bali for you.
Bali is a destination that should be on every traveller’s bucket list. With the multitude of immersive activities and historical places to visit, Bali has so much to offer to fellow wanderlusts that we couldn’t possibly fit everything into one post.
But we will try our best.
From exploring the Ubud village to enjoying scrumptious street-side food. From majestic Git Git waterfalls to amazing Benoa beach. There are so many amazing things to do in Bali.
Bali is a wanderlust’s dream come true with pristine beaches, rich culture, and world-class dining destinations.
Whether you want a sun-soaked beach getaway, an endless shopping spree, an off-beat adventure, or you just want to wine and dine your way across the island.
Here are our top 10 must-experience activities in Bali.
Explore Ubud Village & Kintamani Volcano.
Ubud village is the centre of Bali in every sense. It is the culmination of the culture and history of the Balinese people.
Ubud is where life happens and is a paradise for every traveller. Famous for its art, great food & culture, there is so much to explore in Ubud.
Shopaholics will love exploring the Ubud market. From great local art, handcrafted goods, jewellery, bags, and more. Shopping in Ubud is one of the top things to do in Bali.
You are bound to love the aura of Tagalalang rice terrace, one of the most visited places in Bali. Walk around the swaying rice paddies surrounded by the gaze-worthy landscapes. If you love nature, be ready to feel calm in the serene surroundings.
Imagine nature painted the most beautiful tapestry for your eyes. That’s how mesmerising the sunrise trek to the summit of mount Batur is.
One hour’s drive from Ubud will take you to the majestic Mount Batur, an active volcano.
The sunrise trek to the summit of Mount Batur is a lifetime experience and is bound to stay with you forever.
Watch the sunrise over the island of Bali and experience a visual treat. Have a quick breakfast atop Mount Batur, cooked by your mountain guide using the active volcano’s steam, before you head back.
Here is a detailed guide to Mount Batur by We Are Travel Girls.
Enjoy Water Sports at Tanjung Benoa Beach.
One of many famous white sand beaches in Bali, Tanjung Benoa Beach is a perfect getaway for any adventurer seeker and offers many exciting activities.
Thrill seekers & adrenaline-rush chasers will feel right at home. Enjoy water sports like banana boating, flying fish and jet skiing at Tanjung Benoa Beach.
Behold the beauty of the ocean and go snorkelling. Scuba dive and explore the underwater world. And if you feel a little more adventurous, try parasailing and espy the beauty of the landscape around Benoa Beach.
See the Tanah Lot Temple.
Tanah Lot is one of the seven ocean temples on the coast of Bali. Tanah (i.e. Land) & Lot (i.e. Sea) is a name that fits perfectly, looking at the geographic location of the temple.
The endless ocean and crashing waves on the rock on which the temple is & the sheer beauty of it is just out of the world.
Deep in the history & mythology of Bali, Tanah Lot temple is considered one of the most sacred temples in Bali. It’s believed that the seven temples located on the coast form a protective wall around the island of Bali.
Witness Git Git Waterfalls.
Git Git waterfalls are one of the must-visit places in Bali. Lush green nature and a cool breeze in the air will welcome you here.
The gushing water from the top and the crashing sound of the water hitting the rocks & surrounding tropical setting is the best attraction for anyone.
Git Git village is known for its five waterfalls on the island of Bali- Git Git, Colek Pamor, Mekalangan, Campuhan Twin and Multi-Tier.
All these waterfalls offer beautiful views of lush green landscapes in the rainforest.
Retreat to Nusa Penida.
A thirty-minute boat ride from Bali will get you to the beautiful Islands of Nusa Penida. The lush green tropical landscapes, rocky mountains in the oceans, and crashing waves will leave you in awe.
Nusa Penida has some incredible viewpoints. Hop on a boat and cruise around the islands, ride on clear turquoise water, sail under huge ocean rock crevices, and watch the beautiful reefs in shallow waters.
It is also a great place to just lay back and relax, take in the grandiosity of nature and retreat from the noisy life while you slowly sip on many tropical drinks.
You can also go scuba diving while you are here. Dawn the scuba suit and dive deep into the ocean. Take in the underwater world, glide alongside the great Manta Ray at Manta Point, see the stunning coral reefs and capture the life of the ocean world. This soul-searching experience is bound to make you tranquil and put you in a trance.
Sunset at the Uluwatu Temple.
At the time of sunset when the tides are high and the waves are crashing against the cliffs, the sun slowly goes down the horizon and you feel calm and at peace.
Uluwatu temple is one of the six spiritual pillars of Bali. Apart from this, it is known for its spectacular cliffside sunset.
Uluwatu temple is at least 1000 years old and should be on your not-to-be-missed-in-any-case list. The temple sits on a cliff overlooking the endless ocean.
Uluwatu was thought to be a portal to heaven. The Balinese Hindus today still consider it one of the most important temples in Bali.
White Water Rafting at Ayung River.
One of the most challenging white water rafting sites in Bali. If you are an adventurer and a thrill seeker, this should fall right into your bucket list. It is one of the top things to do in Bali.
The adrenaline rush you get on this 2-hour-long rafting challenge is an unmatchable experience. Ayung river rafting offers you 12 kilometres of rafting.
During the rafting activity, you see spectacular views of the lush green rainforest, rice fields, and stone carvings on some areas of the river walls.
Watch Kecak and Fire Dance.
You can watch Kecak and Fire dances in many places in Bali, one of them being near the Uluwatu Temple. The Ramayana inspired the Kecak dance and developed in the 1930s.
The story in this dance begins with the exile of Sita and Rama to the Forest of Dandaka. Then the abduction of Sita by The Ravana followed by the battle between Ravana and Jatayu. Then Hanuman’s search for Sita is shown, and the dance ends with the final battle between Rama and Ravana.
Kecak is performed in a circular form with a total of 50 – 100 people wearing the black and white colour of Sarong around their waist. In the centre of the circle is a traditional Balinese coconut oil lamp.
Watch Dolphins at Lovina Beach
One of the top reasons to visit Lovina Beach is to watch lovely dolphins break through the ocean surface and dive back into the waves. Rise early before the sun wakes up and get ready for the sunrise-dolphin tour.
Capture the striking moment of dolphins jumping and splashing in the ocean waves as the sun slowly cracks through the horizon in the background. Capture stunning silhouettes of the most fun and friendly ocean creature.
Also known for its coral reefs, black sand beaches, and happening nightlife, Lovina Beach is quite popular among travellers. Apart from its luxury resorts, Lovina Beach is excellent for water sports and surfing activities like jet skiing, parasailing, banana boating, and surfing.
If you love cooking food as much as eating it, you can go ahead and take a three-hour long cooking class at Adjani Bali Cooking School and learn to cook a full five-course lip-smacking Balinese meal.
Taste Great Coffee.
If you are a coffee lover, you are in for a delightful experience that you will remember forever. There are many coffee plantations in Bali that grows different types of coffee that are famous worldwide.
Bali Pulina Agro, Lumbung Sari House of Luwak Coffee & Belantih Coffee Farm are some of the most visited coffee plantation farms.
Roam around the coffee plantation, pick berries and watch the unique process of converting coffee plants into coffee products, along with the famous Luwak coffee. Apart from this, you get free tasting of many different types of coffee. It indeed is one of the top things to do in Bali.
You can get your hands on some of the famous coffees like Kintamani Coffee, Lanang Coffee, Javanese Coffee, Toraja Coffee & Luwak Coffee.
You can also read our Bali travel guide right here & a detailed guide to the best restaurants in Bali by We Are Travel Girls.