Discover
the best things to do in Bali with our curated bucket list of
must-see sights and hidden gems. Explore temples, beaches, and
authentic local experiences that capture the island’s true spirit
and tropical allure.
Uluwatu Temple & Kecak Fire Dance
Perched dramatically on a cliff overlooking the Indian Ocean, Uluwatu Temple captures Bali’s spiritual essence. As the sun sinks into fiery hues, the rhythmic chants of the Kecak dancers echo through the air, creating one of the island’s most atmospheric experiences. The scent of incense and the sound of crashing waves make it unforgettable.
Tegallalang Rice Terraces, Ubud
Emerald-green rice paddies step gracefully down Ubud’s valleys, creating an awe-inspiring natural amphitheatre. The terraces shimmer with reflected sunlight and the scent of wet earth lingers in the breeze. Local farmers tend their fields by hand - a timeless rhythm that embodies Bali’s agrarian soul.
Mount Batur Sunrise Trek
Climbing Mount Batur before dawn rewards adventurers with a mesmerising sunrise over volcanic peaks and Lake Batur’s still waters. The changing light paints the horizon in pink and gold as steam rises from fissures underfoot. It’s a spiritual moment above the clouds, shared with locals brewing coffee on volcanic stones.
Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, Ubud
A lush jungle temple complex where ancient moss-covered statues blend with playful macaques swinging through banyan trees. Sunbeams filter through the canopy, creating an otherworldly glow. The forest symbolises harmony between humans and nature, a living embodiment of Balinese Hindu philosophy.
Tanah Lot Temple
Rising from a rocky outcrop in the sea, Tanah Lot is Bali’s iconic sunset temple. Waves crash dramatically against its base as the sun casts a golden halo over the shrine. Pilgrims gather to pray, while visitors capture silhouettes of this timeless symbol of Balinese spirituality.
Nusa Penida’s Kelingking Beach
The dinosaur-shaped cliffs of Kelingking plunge to a hidden turquoise cove below - one of Bali’s most photographed yet still awe-inspiring sights. The descent is steep and rugged, but the payoff is pure paradise: white sand, pounding surf, and sweeping ocean views.
Ubud Art Market & Royal Palace
Ubud’s artistic pulse beats strongest in its bustling market, filled with woven baskets, silver jewellery, and batik textiles. Across the road, the Royal Palace offers intricate carvings and nightly traditional dance. The blend of artistry, culture, and craftsmanship is quintessentially Balinese.
Balinese Cooking Class in a Local Compound
Join a Balinese family in their traditional home to prepare fragrant dishes like nasi campur and lawar. You’ll visit a morning market first, then grind fresh spices with stone mortars before cooking over open flames. The laughter, aromas, and shared meal make it an unforgettable connection to Balinese life.
Purification Ritual at Tirta Empul Temple
At the sacred waters of Tirta Empul, join locals in a cleansing ceremony believed to purify mind and spirit. Cool spring water flows through ancient fountains as incense and flower offerings drift past. The experience feels both humbling and profoundly rejuvenating.
Traditional Dance Workshop
Learn the graceful movements and expressive gestures of Balinese dance from local masters. Each hand flick and eye movement tells a story from Hindu epics, connecting participants to centuries of artistry and devotion. It’s an immersive way to understand Bali’s soul through rhythm and motion.
Balinese Craft & Woodcarving Village Tour
Travel through the artisan villages of Celuk, Mas, and Batuan to meet goldsmiths, painters, and woodcarvers who transform raw materials into intricate works. Watching their craft reveals a patience and spirituality woven into every piece.
Balinese New Year – Nyepi Day
Experience Bali’s “Day of Silence,” when the entire island pauses - no traffic, no lights, no sound. The night before erupts in colourful ogoh-ogoh parades of giant papier-mâché demons, followed by an entire day of stillness and reflection.
Sidemen Valley
A serene patchwork of rice fields framed by Mount Agung, Sidemen captures the Bali of decades past. Time slows amid quiet villages, palm-lined rivers, and terraced hillsides. It’s ideal for hikers, photographers, and anyone seeking rural authenticity far from resort crowds.
Jatiluwih Rice Terraces (UNESCO Site)
These sweeping terraces represent Bali’s ancient subak irrigation system, a living cultural landscape that stretches to the horizon. Far less crowded than Tegallalang, it offers peaceful walks through emerald valleys under Mount Batukaru.
Amed Fishing Village
A relaxed coastal escape on Bali’s northeast shore, Amed is famed for volcanic black-sand beaches and world-class snorkelling. Fishermen’s jukung boats line the shore, and coral reefs lie just metres from the beach. It’s the perfect place to slow down.
Munduk Waterfalls
High in Bali’s north, Munduk’s cool mountain air shelters hidden cascades tumbling through dense jungle. The scent of cloves and coffee drifts from surrounding plantations, and scenic hiking trails connect several stunning falls.
Tukad Cepung Waterfall
Sunlight streams through a cave opening to illuminate this secret waterfall near Bangli. The golden rays and mist create a cathedral-like glow that feels magical and surreal.
Menjangan Island (West Bali National Park)
Crystal-clear waters and vibrant coral gardens make Menjangan one of Bali’s best-kept snorkelling secrets. Deer roam freely across the island, adding to its wild allure.
Floating Breakfasts in Infinity Pools
An indulgent Bali trend - enjoy a gourmet breakfast served on a floating tray surrounded by infinity-pool views of rice terraces or jungle canopies. It’s luxury with a playful twist, merging comfort with tropical fantasy.
Bali Swing Adventures
Soar over jungle ravines and rice paddies strapped to giant swings for a dose of adrenaline and unbeatable photos. The rush of wind and dramatic panoramas make it a thrill-seekers’ dream.
Visit to a Healer in Ubud
Inspired by Bali’s deep spiritual traditions, travellers can consult a traditional balian healer for blessings, energy readings, or herbal remedies. It’s both mysterious and culturally fascinating.
The Abandoned Plane of South Kuta
A Boeing 737 inexplicably stranded in a limestone pit near Pandawa Beach - locals speculate on its origins. Graffiti artists and photographers love the surreal setting.
Ubud
• Yoga retreat amid rice terraces and jungle temples.
Insider Tip: Book multi-day passes for quieter sessions.
• Visit Goa Gajah (Elephant Cave) for sacred carvings.
Best Way: Arrive early morning before tour buses.
• Explore Campuhan Ridge Walk.
Good to Know: Go at sunrise or sunset for cooler temperatures.
Canggu
• Surf Echo Beach’s consistent breaks.
Insider Tip: Intermediate surfers will love mid-tide conditions.
• Café-hop through organic brunch spots.
Best Way: Rent a scooter to explore at your own pace.
• Shop local boutiques and markets.
Good to Know: Prices are best in early morning before crowds.
Uluwatu
• Cliff-top sunset dining at Single Fin.
Insider Tip: Reserve ahead for weekend sunset sessions.
• Explore hidden beaches like Padang Padang.
Best Way: Descend the cliff steps during low tide.
• Visit Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park.
Good to Know: Best viewed in the golden light of late afternoon.
Do’s / Recommended Activities:
• Hike Mount Agung for a challenging sunrise climb.
Tip: Only attempt with a local guide; check volcanic activity updates.
• Scuba-dive the USAT Liberty wreck in Tulamben.
Good to Know: Visibility peaks May–October.
• White-water raft the Ayung River.
Tip: Choose morning slots for smoother currents.
• Cycle through Jatiluwih’s rice terraces.
Good to Know: Guided e-bike tours offer eco-friendly exploration.
Do’s / Recommended Experiences:
• Take a Balinese cooking workshop in Ubud.
Tip: Morning market tours enhance authenticity.
• Attend a temple festival with gamelan music.
Good to Know: Dress modestly and carry offerings respectfully.
• Join a batik or silver-making class.
Tip: Buy directly from artists to support local craftspeople.
• Feast at a warung on babi guling or nasi campur.
Good to Know: Smaller roadside warungs often serve the best flavours.