Bali has so much more to offer than just beaches. Most travel lists barely scratch the surface, but this one goes deeper.
I’ve spent time visiting this island firsthand, and I can tell you there is a lot worth knowing before you go.
This blog covers 35 things to do in Bali, from ancient temples and hidden waterfalls to jungle swings and local food. I’ll also share real travel tips to help you plan smarter.
With years of travel research behind this list, you can trust every word here. There is something for every type of traveler.
Let’s get started.
Why Bali is Perfect for These Experiences
Bali offers the perfect mix of culture, nature, thrill, and relaxation for all kinds of travelers.
Bali is one of those rare places that gives you everything in one spot. You don’t have to choose between a cultural trip and a beach holiday. You get both.
The people are warm, the food is great, and the sights stay with you long after you leave.
For repeat visitors, there is always something new waiting. A hidden waterfall, a local ceremony, or a quiet rice field path you missed last time.
Bali works for every pace, every budget, and every type of traveler.
35 Things to Do in Bali
From sacred temples to hidden waterfalls, here is everything worth adding to your Bali list.
1. Hike Mount Batur for Sunrise Views
Mount Batur is one of Bali’s most well-known active volcanoes. The hike starts before dawn. You walk up in the dark with a guide, and by the time you reach the top, the sky turns orange and pink.
The view from the summit is hard to put into words. You can see the lake below, nearby mountains, and the first light spreading across the island.
Best time to go: Start the hike around 2 AM to reach the top by sunrise.
Tip: Book a local guide. The trail can be steep and tricky without one.
2. Visit Sekumpul Waterfall
Sekumpul is often called the most impressive waterfall in Bali. It’s not a single waterfall but a group of them, all falling into a green valley.
Getting there takes a short hike through a local village and some stone steps. It’s a bit of effort, but completely worth it.
Tip: Go early in the morning to avoid crowds and get the best light for photos.
3. Walk the Campuhan Ridge at Sunrise
The Campuhan Ridge Walk is a peaceful trail in Ubud. It passes through open hills covered in green grass and low trees.
Early morning is the best time. The air is cool, the light is soft, and the trail is mostly quiet. By mid-morning, it fills up with visitors.
This is a free activity. No ticket needed. Just show up and walk.
4. Visit Jatiluwih Rice Terraces
Jatiluwih is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The rice terraces here spread across the hills in layered curves that look almost painted.
Unlike some tourist spots, Jatiluwih still feels calm and natural. Local farmers work the fields the same way their families have for generations.
Tip: Rent a bicycle or take a slow drive through the fields instead of just stopping at the viewpoints.
5. Visit Bali’s Black Sand Beaches
Most people think of white sand when they think of Bali. But the black sand beaches in the north and east are something else entirely.
Lovina and Amed are two of the most popular ones. The dark volcanic sand looks striking against the blue water. These beaches are also much less crowded than those in the south.
6. Visit Hidden Viewpoints of Mount Agung
Mount Agung is Bali’s highest volcano and a sacred site for the Balinese people. You don’t have to hike to the top to appreciate it.
There are several viewpoints around the mountain where you can see it rise above the clouds. Early morning is the best time, when the sky is clear.
Lempuyang Temple is one of the best spots to see Mount Agung in the background.
7. Wander Through Marigold Flower Fields
Bali has areas where marigold flowers are grown for temple offerings. During harvest season, the fields turn into a sea of bright yellow and orange.
These spots are often found near the villages of Petang and Pupuan. This is one of those places that doesn’t make it onto every tourist list. Go in the morning when the light hits the flowers best.
8. Watch Kecak Dance at Uluwatu Temple
The Kecak dance is a fire dance performed at sunset at Uluwatu Temple. The temple sits on the edge of a cliff overlooking the Indian Ocean.
Dozens of men sit in a circle, chanting in rhythm while dancers perform a story from the Hindu epic, the Ramayana. The setting sun behind them makes the whole scene feel like something from another world.
Book tickets in advance. Seats fill up quickly during peak season.
9. Do a Purification Ritual at Tirta Empul
Tirta Empul is a Hindu water temple near Ubud. Visitors can take part in a traditional purification ritual by moving through a series of holy water fountains.
You wear a sarong, step into the water, and follow a specific order. It’s a spiritual experience, and the locals take it seriously.
Dress respectfully. Sarongs are available to rent at the entrance if you don’t have one.
10. Visit Tirta Gangga Water Palace
Tirta Gangga is a royal water palace in East Bali. It has stepping stones over koi ponds, fountains, and well-kept gardens.
The place has a calm, cool feeling that’s perfect for a slow morning visit. It’s not as crowded as some spots in Ubud, which makes it even more enjoyable.
Entry fee is low. It’s very affordable and worth every cent.
11. Visit Ancient Gunung Kawi Temples
Gunung Kawi is a temple complex carved directly into a rocky cliff face. To reach it, you walk down many steps through a rice field and a small village.
The carvings are around 1,000 years old. Standing in front of them feels humbling. This is one of Bali’s most impressive historical sites.
12. Experience a Local Balinese Ceremony
If you happen to be near a temple during a ceremony, stop and watch. Balinese ceremonies happen regularly throughout the year and are a core part of daily life on the island.
You might see locals dressed in traditional clothes, carrying offerings, and performing prayers. It’s a real look into the culture.
Always ask before taking photos. Respect goes a long way here.
13. Visit Ulun Danu Floating Temple
Ulun Danu Bratan sits on the edge of Lake Bratan in the Bedugul highlands. On misty mornings, the temple looks like it’s floating on the water.
The area is cooler than most of Bali because of the higher altitude. Bring a light layer if you plan to visit early in the morning.
14. Swim with Manta Rays in Nusa Penida
Nusa Penida is a small island off Bali’s southeast coast. One of the top things to do there is snorkeling or scuba diving with manta rays at Manta Point.
The rays are large, graceful, and completely safe to swim near. It’s a calm experience, not a scary one.
Book a day trip from Sanur. Boats leave early in the morning.
15. Visit the Tulamben Shipwreck
The USS Liberty shipwreck in Tulamben is one of the most accessible dive sites in the world. The ship sits just off the shore in shallow water.
Even beginner divers can see parts of it. The wreck is covered in coral and fish. It’s a surreal, quiet underwater world.
Tulamben is on Bali’s northeast coast. Most people take a day trip from Ubud or Amed.
16. Learn to Surf in Canggu
Canggu is one of the best places in Bali for beginner surfers. The waves at Echo Beach and Batu Bolong are manageable and fun.
Surf schools are everywhere. A two-hour lesson with a board and instructor costs very little. Even if you’ve never surfed before, you’ll likely stand up by the end of the session.
17. Try Paragliding Over Uluwatu Cliffs
Paragliding in Uluwatu gives you a bird’s-eye view of the cliffs, the ocean, and the surf breaks below. Tandem flights are available, so you don’t need any experience.
The feeling of gliding silently over the ocean is hard to match. It lasts about 15 to 20 minutes.
Go in the afternoon. Wind conditions are usually best around 2 to 4 PM.
18. Go Waterfall Cliff Jumping
Bali has several waterfalls where cliff jumping is possible. Tibumana and Tukad Cepung are popular spots for this.
You jump from rocky ledges into the pool below the waterfall. It’s exciting and refreshing on a hot day.
Always check the water depth first and only jump from heights that feel safe for your skill level.
19. Take a Cycling Tour Through Ubud
Cycling through the rice fields and small villages around Ubud is one of the most relaxing ways to see the area. Many tours start from higher ground and go mostly downhill.
You pass through local markets, temples, and farmland. It’s a slow, quiet way to see a side of Bali that most people miss from inside a car.
20. Visit Bali by Scooter
Renting a scooter is one of the most popular ways to get around Bali. It’s cheap, flexible, and lets you stop wherever you want.
Busy areas like Seminyak and Kuta can be chaotic on a scooter. But quieter roads in Ubud, Sidemen, and the north are perfect for riding at your own pace.
Always wear a helmet. It’s the law and it keeps you safe.
21. Have a Floating Breakfast
The floating breakfast trend started in Bali and became famous worldwide. You sit in a private pool while a tray of food and drinks floats next to you.
Many villas in Ubud offer this experience. It looks great in photos but it’s also just a very relaxing way to start a morning.
22. Take a Balinese Cooking Class
Balinese food uses a mix of spices, fresh herbs, and slow cooking methods. A cooking class lets you learn the basics hands-on.
Most classes start with a visit to a local market to buy ingredients. You then cook a full meal and eat it together.
It’s one of the most interactive ways to connect with local culture.
23. Dine on the Beach in Jimbaran
Jimbaran Bay is lined with seafood restaurants that set up tables right on the sand. You pick your seafood fresh, it gets grilled right there, and you eat with the ocean in front of you.
Sunset at Jimbaran is worth seeing. The food, the setting, and the people all come together for a great evening.
24. Visit Bali’s Instagrammable Cafes
Bali has some of the most creatively designed cafes in Southeast Asia. From jungle-themed spots in Ubud to ocean-view terraces in Uluwatu, the options are wide.
Some well-known ones include Kafe Jukung, Cretya Ubud, and Bali Beach Glamping. Many serve healthy food, smoothie bowls, and specialty coffee.
25. Visit Sanur Night Market
The Sanur Night Market, also called Sindhu Market, is a great place to try local street food at low prices. It comes alive after dark with food stalls, grilled meats, and fresh juices.
It’s popular with locals, not just tourists. That makes it feel more real and less polished.
Go hungry. There’s a lot to try.
26. Try Traditional Dishes Like Babi Guling
Babi Guling is a roasted suckling pig. It’s one of Bali’s most famous dishes and usually served during ceremonies, but now widely available in local warungs.
Other dishes to try include Bebek Betutu (slow-cooked duck), Nasi Campur (mixed rice plate), and Lawar (a traditional mixed dish). Eating local food is one of the best parts of any trip.
27. Stay in a Jungle Treehouse Villa
Bali has jungle treehouses that you can actually stay in overnight. They sit high above the forest floor, often surrounded by the sounds of birds and rivers below.
Spots like Hideout Bali in Munduk offer this kind of stay. It’s very different from a regular hotel room. The stillness of the jungle at night is something you’ll carry with you long after you leave.
28. Book a Private Pool Villa
Private pool villas in Bali are surprisingly affordable compared to other destinations. You get your own pool, outdoor space, and a lot of privacy.
In Seminyak and Canggu, you can find stylish villas for reasonable prices. In Ubud, many villas have pool decks overlooking rice fields or the jungle.
29. Relax at a Balinese Spa
A traditional Balinese massage uses long strokes, pressure points, and aromatherapy oils. It’s designed to relax both the body and mind.
Spas are everywhere in Bali, from simple local ones to high-end resort treatments. Even a basic massage at a local spot costs very little compared to what you’d pay at home.
Try a flower bath at least once. It’s a classic Bali experience.
30. Join a Yoga or Wellness Retreat
Ubud is the wellness hub of Bali. You’ll find yoga studios, meditation centers, and multi-day retreats within a short distance of each other.
The Yoga Barn is one of the most well-known spots. Classes run throughout the day and cost much less than yoga classes back home.
Even if you’re not a regular yogi, a morning class in Ubud is worth trying.
31. Spend a Day at a Beach Club
Bali’s beach clubs are famous. They combine great music, swimming pools, food, and ocean views in one place.
Potato Head Beach Club in Seminyak and Finns Beach Club in Canggu are two of the most popular ones. You can spend a full day there without running out of things to do.
Book a daybed in advance during the busy season.
32. Visit Handara Gate
Handara Gate is a large split gate that sits at the entrance to a golf resort in the Bedugul highlands. It’s surrounded by misty mountains and tall trees.
The gate is one of the most photographed spots in Bali. Photography tickets are required, and there’s usually a line by mid-morning.
Go early. By 8 AM, the crowds are already building up.
33. Take Photos at Rumah Pohon Treehouse
Rumah Pohon Treehouse is located near Kelingking Beach on Nusa Penida. It’s a simple wooden structure built on a cliff edge with a view of the ocean below.
You can stay overnight or just visit for photos during the day. The setting is raw and dramatic. Very few spots in Bali look quite like it.
34. Swing Over the Jungle at Bali Swing
The Bali Swing in Ubud is exactly what it sounds like. A giant swing that sends you out over the jungle canopy.
There are several swing parks in the Ubud area. Some have multiple swings at different heights. It’s a fun, exciting activity that also produces great photos.
Arrive early for shorter wait times and better lighting for photos.
35. Visit an Abandoned Hotel
Bali has a few well-known abandoned buildings that have become popular spots for visitors and photographers. The most famous is the abandoned hotel in Bedugul, sometimes called “Hotel Bedugul.”
The structure is overgrown with vegetation. It has a haunting, atmospheric feel that’s very different from anything else on the island.
Go with a local guide. The roads and access points can be confusing.
Travel Tips for Visiting Bali
Smart planning makes your Bali trip smoother, safer, and more enjoyable for less money.
- Visit between April and October for the best weather, and avoid July, August, and the holiday season if you want fewer crowds and lower prices.
- Scooters are great for short trips, private drivers work better for longer distances, and Grab is the easiest option for quick city rides.
- Eat at local restaurants where meals cost $1 to $3, and negotiate prices at markets since sellers expect it.
- Book accommodation early, rent scooters from street shops instead of hotels, and use Grab over metered taxis to keep costs down.
- Wear a helmet on scooters, drink bottled water only, dress respectfully at temples, and keep your belongings close in busy areas.
Conclusion
Bali keeps surprising you, no matter how many times you’ve been.
I remember sitting in a rice field in Ubud thinking I’d already seen the best of it, and then a local farmer invited me to watch a small ceremony nearby. That moment stayed with me.
This list is just a starting point. There are so many places and experiences waiting for you on this island.
Have you been to Bali? Drop a comment and share your favorite spot.
Or pass this post along to someone who’s planning a trip soon. They’ll thank you for it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time to visit Bali?
The dry season from April to October is the most popular time to go. The weather is clear and most outdoor activities run smoothly during this period.
How many days do you need in Bali?
A minimum of 7 to 10 days gives you enough time to cover the main areas. If you want to visit Nusa Penida and the north of the island, two weeks is a better fit.
Is Bali safe for solo travelers?
Yes, Bali is generally safe for solo travelers, including women traveling alone. Use standard precautions like staying aware of your surroundings and keeping your valuables secure.
What currency is used in Bali?
The Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) is the local currency. ATMs are widely available across the island. Always carry some cash for smaller shops, warungs, and local markets.
Do I need a visa to visit Bali?
Many nationalities can enter Indonesia visa-free for up to 30 days. You can also apply for a Visa on Arrival at the airport for a longer stay. Always check the latest entry rules before you travel.
