The Ultimate Guide: 25 Unforgettable Things to Do in Bali

Bali is more than just a destination; it’s a mood, an aspiration, and a tropical state of mind. Known as the "Island of the Gods," this Indonesian paradise has captivated travelers for decades with its potent mix of lush landscapes, deeply rooted spirituality, and vibrant modern culture. Whether you are a backpacker seeking budget-friendly adventures, a luxury traveler hunting for the perfect infinity pool, or a spiritual seeker looking to balance your chakras, Bali offers an experience tailored just for you.

However, with so much to do and see, planning a Bali itinerary can be overwhelming. The island is deceptive in size—traffic can turn a 10-kilometer distance into a one-hour journey—so knowing where to go and what to prioritize is essential.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ve curated the absolute best things to do in Bali, ranging from the iconic temples you’ve seen on Instagram to hidden waterfalls and cultural experiences that will leave a lasting mark on your soul. We’ve organized these activities by category to help you build the perfect trip.

Spiritual & Cultural Sites

Bali’s spirituality is the heartbeat of the island. You’ll smell incense wafting from canang sari (daily offerings) on every street corner. Visiting the island’s ancient temples (Pura) is a non-negotiable part of the Bali experience.

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Respectful Attire: When visiting any temple in Bali, you must cover your knees and shoulders. A sarong and sash are usually required. Most major temples rent them at the entrance, but buying a beautiful batik sarong as a souvenir is a great idea.

1. Watch the Kecak Fire Dance at Uluwatu Temple

Pura Luhur Uluwatu is one of Bali’s six key directional temples (Sad Kahyangan Jagat), meant to protect the island from evil spirits. But what makes it truly spectacular is its location—perched on the edge of a sheer limestone cliff, dropping 70 meters straight down into the crashing Indian Ocean.

The Experience: Arrive around 4:30 PM to explore the cliffside walkways (beware of the cheeky monkeys!) before heading to the amphitheater for the 6:00 PM Kecak Fire Dance. This trance dance tells the story of the Ramayana through a chorus of chanting men ("cak-cak-cak") rather than instruments. As the sun sets, setting the sky ablaze in orange and purple, the drama unfolds with fire, monkey warriors, and mythical giants. It is arguably the most atmospheric cultural performance on the island.

Best Time: 4:30 PM (Dance starts at 6 PM).
Cost: ~IDR 50,000 for temple, IDR 150,000 for the dance.

2. Purification Ritual at Tirta Empul

Located in Tampaksiring, near Ubud, Tirta Empul (Holy Water Temple) is built around a sacred natural spring. For over a thousand years, Balinese Hindus have come here to bathe in the holy waters for spiritual cleansing.

The Experience: Tourists are welcome to participate in the Melukat (purification ritual). You’ll don a special green sarong (red ones are not for the water) and enter the pool. The ritual involves dipping your head under a series of fountains, each representing different blessings—cleansing of evil, prosperity, health, etc. Even if you aren't religious, the cool water and the devoted atmosphere are incredibly grounding.

Tip: It can get very crowded. Arrive at 7:00 AM to beat the tour buses.

3. Sunset at Tanah Lot

Another of the sea temples, Tanah Lot is built on a rock formation that is completely surrounded by water at high tide. It is one of the most photographed icons of Bali.

The Experience: While you cannot enter the main temple grounds unless you are praying, you can walk to the base of the rock at low tide to receive a blessing from the holy snakes (guardian spirits) that live in the caves. The real draw, however, is the view from the mainland cliffs as the sun drops behind the temple silhouette.

4. The Gates of Heaven (Pura Lempuyang)

You’ve seen the photo: a figure standing between split gates, Mount Agung perfectly framed in the background, reflected on a glassy surface. This is Lempuyang Temple in East Bali.

The Reality Check: Note that the "water reflection" is often a camera trick using a mirror held under the lens by a local photographer. Additionally, queue times for the photo can run up to 3-4 hours. However, the temple complex itself is vast and involves a steep climb up stairs (or a motorbike ride), offering sweeping views of the volcano without the queue if you skip the specific gate photo.

Nature & Lush Landscapes

If the coast is the body of Bali, the jungle is its lungs. The varying terrain—from volcanic peaks to cascading rice terraces—offers endless adventure.

5. Get Lost in the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary

Located in the heart of Ubud, this nature reserve is not just a tourist trap; it’s an important spiritual and conservation center. It is home to over 1,000 long-tailed macaques and three ancient temples.

The Experience: Walking through the forest feels like exploring a scene from Indiana Jones or Lara Croft. Massive banyan trees with hanging roots create a canopy over moss-covered statues and dragon bridges. It’s cool, green, and mystical.

✅ Pros

•Incredible photo opportunities
•Beautifully maintained jungle paths
•Easy access from Ubud center

❌ Cons

•Monkeys can be aggressive if provoked
•Strict rules on food/items
•Very crowded mid-day

6. Sunrise Trek up Mount Batur

For the adventurous, hiking Mount Batur is a rite of passage. Batur is an active volcano rising 1,717 meters above sea level.

The Experience: The wake-up call is brutal—usually around 2:00 AM for pickup. You’ll start hiking in the dark around 4:00 AM. The trek takes about 2 hours and is moderately difficult but achievable for anyone with average fitness. Reaching the summit just as the sky begins to lighten is a euphoric moment. You’ll watch the sun rise over the clouds, illuminating Mount Abang and Mount Agung in the distance, while your guides cook simple breakfast eggs in the volcanic steam vents.

7. Tegalalang Rice Terraces

These famous stepped rice paddies are a testament to the Subak irrigation system, a UNESCO World Heritage cultural landscape.

The Experience: Visit at sunrise (6:30 AM) to see the "God’s Rays" beaming through the palm trees and to have the place to yourself. You can hike down into the valley and up the other side. Recently, it has become a hub for "Bali swings"—giant swings that launch you over the valley for a thrill and a photo.

8. Chase Waterfalls: Sekumpul & Nungnung

Bali has dozens of waterfalls, but Sekumpul generally takes the crown as the most beautiful. It’s technically a collection of seven waterfalls tumbling 80 meters into a lush jungle ravine in Northern Bali. It requires a bit of effort to get to (hundreds of stairs), but the power of the water and the pristine surroundings are unmatched.

Alternative: If Sekumpul is too far north, try Nungnung Waterfall or Tegenungan (though Tegenungan is very crowded).

Beach, Surf & Ocean

Bali’s coastline differs dramatically from south to north.

9. Surfing in Canggu or Uluwatu

Bali is a global surfing mecca.

For Beginners: Stick to the beach breaks. Kuta, Legian, and Batu Bolong (Canggu) offer soft sand bottoms and manageable white wash. There are hundreds of surf schools ready to get you standing on a board for $20-30.
For Pros: The Bukit Peninsula (Uluwatu, Padang Padang, Bingin, Impossibles) offers fast, hollow, shallow reef breaks that are world-class attractions.

10. Beach Clubbing

No one does beach clubs quite like Bali. They are architectural marvels.

Potato Head (Seminyak): The OG, famous for its window-shutter colosseum design.
Finns Beach Club (Canggu): Massive party vibe, night surfing floodlights, multiple pools.
The Lawn (Canggu): Chic, laid-back, grass lounging, great cocktails.
Savaya (Uluwatu): Luxury cliffside club towering over the ocean. Go here for big name DJs.

11. Day Trip to Nusa Penida

Just a 45-minute fast boat ride from Sanur, Nusa Penida is the wild, rugged cousin of Bali.

Must-See:

Kelingking Beach: The famous T-Rex shaped cliff. The view from the top is jaw-dropping. The hike down is perilous and steep—attempt only if fit and unafraid of heights.
Diamond Beach: Stunning white sands flanked by sheer cliffs.
Snorkeling with Manta Rays: Take a boat tour to Manta Point. Seeing these 3-4 meter gentle giants gliding beneath you is a life-changing experience.

Wellness, Food & Shopping

You cannot come to Bali and not indugle in self-care. It acts as a global capital for yoga and holistic wellness.

12. Take a Yoga Class in Ubud

Ubud is the spiritual heart of the island.

The Yoga Barn: An institution. It’s like a yoga village with multiple studios, a cafe, and healers. Classes range from Vinyasa to Tibetan Bowl Meditation.
Radiantly Alive: Another top-tier studio with a more intimate vibe.

13. High-End Dining

The food scene in Bali has exploded.

Locavore (Ubud): The only Indonesian restaurant often on the Asia’s 50 Best list (now transitioning to 'Locavore NXT').
La Lucciola (Seminyak): Iconic open-air Italian dining right on the beach.
Cuca (Jimbaran): Incredible tapas-style tasting menus.

14. Balinese Massage

You will see signs for massages everywhere, ranging from $6 to $600. A traditional Balinese massage involves long sweeping strokes, skin rolling, and aromatherapy oils (often Frangipani or Jasmine). It is designed to loosen deep tissue and improve blood flow. Do not leave without having at least one.

Practical Tips for Your Bali Adventure

Best Time to Visit

April to October (Dry Season)

Currency

Indonesian Rupiah (IDR)

Transport App

Grab or GoJek (like Uber)

Voltage

230V (Type C/F plugs)

Getting Around

Transport is the biggest logistical challenge in Bali. There is no public train system.

Scooter Rental: The most popular choice (~$5-10/day). Warning: Only drive if you are experienced and have an International Driver's License. Accidents are very common.
Private Driver: A luxury that is affordable here. You can hire a driver for 8-10 hours for about $40-60 USD. It’s the safest and most comfortable way to see the island.
Ride-Sharing: Download Grab and Gojek. They are cheap and efficient for short trips (motorbike taxis verify faster through traffic).

The "Bali Belly"

Stomach upsets are common.

Never drink tap water. Use bottled or filtered water even for brushing teeth if you have a sensitive stomach.
Bringing charcoal tablets or probiotics is a smart move.
Ice in restaurants is generally safe (government regulated hygiene).

Managing Budget

Bali can be done on $20 a day or $2,000 a day.

Budget: Stay in hostels ($10/night), eat at Warungs ($2 meals), rent a scooter.
Mid-Range: Private villa with pool ($80-150/night), mix of cafes and local food.
Luxury: Top-tier resorts like the Four Seasons Sayan or Mandapa offer unparalleled experiences ($800+/night).

Final Thoughts

Bali is a place that rewards curiosity. While the traffic in Canggu might test your patience and the heat can be intense, a sunrise over a volcano or a quiet moment in a water temple makes it all worth it. The true magic of Bali lies in the blend of the ancient and the new—where you can start your day with a centuries-old prayer ritual and end it with a world-class molecular gastronomy meal.

Pack your reverence, your surfboard, and an empty stomach. The Island of the Gods awaits.

The Ultimate Guide: 25 Unforgettable Things to Do in Bali (2025 Edition)