What to Do in Bali?

Known as the Pearl of Indonesia, Bali is a dream destination for travelers seeking adventure and a change of scenery. This Indonesian island, nestled between the turquoise waters of the Bali Sea and lush mountains, offers a variety of breathtaking activities and landscapes. Whether you are looking for pristine sandy beaches, majestic temples, refreshing waterfalls, or unique cultural experiences, you will always find something to do in Bali In the following lines, I'll share my top 15 best activities to do in Bali Let's get started!

The temples of Bali are iconic sites that you cannot miss during your trip to this paradise island. Indeed, Bali is called the Island of the Gods due to its thousands of temples scattered throughout the island. Among the most famous is Besakih Temple, also known as the Mother Temple, located on the slopes of Mount Agung. This temple is considered the largest and most important in Bali.

You can certainly join a guided tour of Besakih Temple, where your guide will share the history of the temple and take your photo in front of the famous Gate of Heaven with its stunning view of Mount Agung. During this day, you will also visit Lempuyang Temple and Tirta Gangga Palace. The price is approximately €76 per person.

There is also the Tanah Lot Temple, built on a rock in the middle of the ocean, which offers breathtaking views of the surroundings. This site is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and like all Hindu temples on the island, they are symbols of Balinese culture and religion. A guided tour at this sacred site is truly unforgettable, and the entrance fee is very affordable, costing only €17 per person.

The Ulun Danu Temple is also a jewel of Balinese architecture located on the shores of Lake Bratan in the Bedugul mountains. It is one of the most photographed temples in Bali due to its picturesque beauty and serene location on the lake. The temple is dedicated to the water goddess and is considered an important place of worship for the Balinese people.

Uluwatu Temple and Tirta Empul Temple are also worth discovering! Here's a small selection of the best tours and excursions to explore the temples of Bali:

Mount Batur is a must-visit destination for hiking enthusiasts during a trip to Bali. Standing at 5,633 feet (1,717 meters) above sea level, the volcano provides stunning panoramic views of the island and its surroundings. Many travelers choose to ascend Mount Batur to experience a unique moment: a sunrise from the summit of the volcano The hike to the top may seem challenging, but it is quite accessible for physically fit individuals.

If you wish, you can embark on a guided hike to discover Mount Batur. For about two hours, you will follow your local guide through steep trails and the beautiful landscapes of Bali. You will experience breathtaking views as you approach the summit. Once you reach the top of Mount Batur, you can rest and admire the landscape while enjoying a delicious breakfast prepared by local guides. This excursion costs approximately €24 per person.

Having had the opportunity to climb Mount Rinjani in Lombok, I can affirm that this ascent is one of the most incredible experiences of my travel life. The climb is difficult and requires good physical fitness, but it is well worth it. Throughout the ascent, you will be amazed by the breathtaking landscapes of Lombok, with stunning views of the volcano and surrounding lakes. At the summit, you can admire a magnificent sunrise and enjoy the friendly ambiance with other hikers

If you have the chance, I advise you to do a multi-day trek, as there are truly numerous places to discover on Mount Rinjani. I am particularly thinking about the impressive waterfalls like Sendang Gile and Tiu Kelep. You can easily reach these natural sites in the same day, as only a 45-minute hike separates them. You will have to climb stairs, cross a bridge, and venture along sometimes slippery dirt paths, but it is worth it. You can go there by yourself or consult a guide to ensure safety. Note that this trek to the waterfalls of Mount Rinjani costs about €93 per person.

Ubud is one of the most well-known towns in Bali. It is located inland, at a slightly higher elevation on the Bali plateaus. While many tourists head to Bali for the Instagrammable landscapes, Ubud is truly renowned for its artisan traditions and culture, especially dance. The whole area is surrounded by a wild forest, traditional rice fields that you have all heard about, and of course, Hindu temples. Among them, there is the Tirta Empul Temple, Goa Gajah known as the Elephant Cave, and Gunung Kawi.

There are many places you absolutely must not miss while you're there:

Are you looking for a quieter and more peaceful activity in Bali? Why not explore the famous rice terraces of the island? An iconic symbol of Bali, the rice terraces offer incredible panoramas of the Balinese countryside and its lush landscapes.

You can visit the Tegalalang rice terraces near Ubud or the Jatiluwih rice terraces. Both are must-visit locations to admire these natural wonders. Immerse yourself in the tranquil atmosphere of the rice fields, explore the picturesque Balinese paths, and enjoy a relaxing experience in nature.

Bali is famous for its dream beaches that attract thousands of visitors each year. With its turquoise waters and white sandy beaches, Bali is an ideal destination for sunbathers and swimmers. Among the most popular beaches on the island are Kuta Beach, located in southern Bali, known for its perfect surfing waves and lively atmosphere. There is also Sanur Beach, quieter and ideal for families, with its shallow waters and fine sand.

Nusa Dua Beach, located in the southeast of the island, is famous for its white sand and crystal-clear waters, as well as its upscale resorts and spas. Finally, Jimbaran Beach, situated on the west coast of the island, is known for its fresh seafood and stunning sunsets. Bali's beaches offer a multitude of options for every taste and budget.

On the black sand beach of Canggu, you have the opportunity to take beginner or intermediate surfing lessons. Indeed, Bali is a prime destination for surfers from around the world. The most renowned surfing spots are Uluwatu, Padang-Padang, and Bingin Beach.

If you are looking to escape the crowds and discover a wilder island, Nusa Penida is the ideal place if you're uncertain about what to do in Bali. Located about 45 minutes by speedboat from Sanur, the island offers breathtaking landscapes with its steep cliffs, white sandy beaches, and crystal-clear waters.

You can spend a day or more exploring the many coves and beaches of the island, such as Atuh Beach, Kelingking Beach, also known as T-Rex Beach, and Crystal Bay. Nusa Penida is also popular for its diving spots, where you can spot manta rays and other colorful marine species

I particularly recommend visiting Angel Billabong, a truly incredible natural pool due to its azure waters. Be sure to bring your masks and snorkels, as you will likely want to do some snorkeling.

To reach the island, you will have no choice but to take the boat, so you might as well participate in a small group tour to Nusa Penida where you will discover all the places I mentioned. This tour costs about €55 per person.

Not far from Ubud, you can also get close to the island's longest river, the Ayung River, nearly 43 miles (70 km) long. The current flows through the regions of Bangli, Badung, and Gianyar before emptying into the Badung Strait at Sanur.

If you want to see a magnificent natural spectacle, I recommend heading to the Ubud area or Sanur, as this is where you can make the most of the river by doing activities like rafting.

If you choose to experience an exhilarating rafting session on the Ayung River, you will enjoy breathtaking landscapes: crystal waters, spectacular waterfalls, and lush forests surrounding you all along the way. It's advisable to be comfortable with swimming before embarking on a rafting session, regardless of the difficulty level of the course, as the current can be very dangerous, but you should be fine as you will always be accompanied by a professional guide The cost for this activity is approx. €24.

For those who wish to experience authentic cultural immersion during their trip to Bali, it is recommended to attend a Balinese dance performance. Among the most famous performances is Kecak, which is a captivating choir that mimics the sounds of percussion using their voices, originally created to accompany Hindu rituals.

Today, you can perfectly attend a Balinese fire dance show accompanied by Kecak chants at Uluwatu Temple. You will discover rhythms you have never encountered before and be dazzled by colorful costumes and the performers' talents, allowing you to dive deeper into Balinese culture. An unforgettable evening awaits you for just €10 per person!

The Bali Arts Festival, also known as the Ubud Village Jazz Festival, is an annual must-attend event for music and culture lovers. This event is held every year in Ubud and features performances by local and international musicians, as well as art and dance exhibitions. Visitors can discover the richness of Balinese culture through traditional performances such as Legong dance and gamelan. Food and craft stalls add to the festive ambiance of this event.

For an ultimate relaxation experience, the spas of Bali are a must-visit. Balinese spas are famous for their treatments made from plants and essential oils, using natural ingredients to help you relax and rejuvenate ‍♀️

Balinese massages are particularly popular, but you can also enjoy a flower bath or other soothing treatments. Whether you're seeking relaxation or just a well-deserved break, a spa in Bali is the ideal place to recharge.

The Bali Botanical Garden, or Kebun Raya Bali, is located in Bedugul, a mountainous region in central Bali, about an hour and a half drive from Denpasar. Perched at 4,265 feet (1,300 meters) above sea level, it offers stunning views of Lake Bratan and the Ulun Danu Temple, overlooking Mount Tapak. This garden is one of the largest spaces dedicated to tropical flora in Indonesia, housing 21,000 specimens of 2,300 different species, including orchids, begonias, cacti, bamboos, carnivorous plants, rhododendrons, and many others, some of which are rare species.

The garden is divided into two sections: one dedicated to leisure and the other to the cultivation of various plant species. It also has facilities for botanical research, conservation, and plant cultivation.

The Bali Botanical Garden is open daily from 8 AM to 4 PM on weekdays, and until 5 PM on weekends. Admission costs 20,000 IDR on weekdays and 30,000 IDR on weekends.

If you want to see dolphins in Bali, head to the north of the island, to Lovina, famous for its black sand beaches and waters home to many dolphins Boat trips are offered from Lovina Beach to meet these cetaceans. It is best to depart early in the morning, around 6 AM, when the waters are calm and the dolphins come close to the coast. It's also the perfect opportunity to admire a breathtaking sunrise over the ocean

Some trips offer the chance to jump in the water with the dolphins and snorkel in the beautiful coral reefs, adding an adventurous touch to the experience. This includes this dolphin watching cruise with snorkeling, offered at a very affordable price of €19 per person, ideal for those looking to combine dolphin watching with underwater exploration

Balinese cuisine is characterized by rich and varied flavors where rice, spices, condiments, and seafood play an essential role. Here are some must-try specialties during your stay in Bali:

If you came to Bali to relax and rejuvenate, don't miss the opportunity to do yoga in Bali The island is renowned for wellness and meditation, with many centers offering classes suitable for all levels. Ubud, often called Bali's yoga capital, is the perfect place for this. You can try different forms of yoga, such as vinyasa, hatha, or yin yoga.

And that's it for this practical guide to activities to do in Bali! If it helped you, feel free to let us know in the comments, and don't hesitate to ask any questions you may have. If you're still looking for a place to stay, I also have a whole guide dedicated to where to stay in Bali, to ensure you enjoy a good value for money