Welcome to Bali, the Island of the Gods! With its beautiful beaches, rich culture, and lively nightlife, the Indonesian island is a top tourist destination in Southeast Asia. You’re planning to visit Bali during your next trip and you want to know what to do in this beautiful island? So let’s dive into the 13 best things to do in Bali:
Best Things To Do In Bali
- Wander in Tegalalang Rice Terraces
- Visit Tirta Empul Temple
- Try Surfing in Bali
- Visit the Ubud Monkey Forest
- Climb Mount Batur
- Marvel at Tanah Lot Temple
- Experience the Kecak Fire Dance
- Visit Ulun Danu Temple
- Discover the hidden Sekumpul Waterfall
- Visit Uluwatu Temple
- Explore the Gili Islands
- Waterslide at Waterbom
- Swing through the trees
Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or cultural immersion, Bali has something for everyone. From exploring iconic temples to indulging in traditional Balinese spa treatments, this guide will help you make the most of your Bali experience.
Wander in Tegalalang Rice Terraces
Bali is home to many working rice fields. Tegalalang Rice Terraces are the most famous ones in the island and one of the top things to do in Bali.
This valley of rice paddies is located north of Ubud and stretches for miles. No matter which direction you look, you will see a sea of stair-like rice fields.
It’s an incredibly popular attraction in Bali. The best time to enjoy Tegalalang is, for me, in the early morning when you can take some epic photos with the sun rising.
Make sure to schedule a full day in Ubud in your itinerary to enjoy all the things to do in the area.
Visit Tirta Empul Temple
Located just outside of Ubud, Tirta Empul temple is a Hindu Balinese water temple, made up of pools that are filled by fountains.
The waters here are considered to be sacred. Hindus from all over Bali come here to bathe and take part in ancient cleansing rituals.
You can swim in the waters or simply take a walk around the temple to admire the beautiful architecture and the ornate statues.
For fewer crowds, I recommend visit early in the morning.
Try Surfing in Bali
You can’t visit Bali without try some surfing. No matter if it’s your first time or if you already tried it before, consider taking surfing class in Bali.
Bali is really a surf paradise. Everywhere you go, you will find people going to the water and riding some waves.
If you’re a total beginner, I recommend to go to Kuta beach that is free of any sharp reefs.
More experienced surfer should head to Dreamland Beach or Balangan Beach as it may offer up a bit more of a challenge.
Now, if you’re an advanced surfer, Bali is certainly going to be the best place for you! There are lots of world-class surf spots for you to head to but the two you can’t miss out on are Padang Padang and Uluwatu.
For many people, going surfing is one of the best things to do in Bali. It certainly is lots of fun and satisfying when you finally catch your first wave!
The best time to surf in Bali is during the dry seasons of May and September.
Visit the Ubud Monkey Forest
Monkey Forest is a forest located in the heart of Ubud and also one of the main attractions of the area.
This old rainforest is home to over 500 monkeys and some Hindu temples.
The entire area is a nature reserve and you can enjoy some beautiful walks and at some places admire some monkeys relaxing or getting fed to keep them calm.
You can buy bananas to feed them yourself from the main entrance.
But make sure to keep your bags closed and hide your hats, sunglasses and water bottles. The monkeys are little thieves and grab whatever they can from visitors.
Learn how to visit the Ubud Monkey Forest.
Climb Mount Batur
If you look for some adventure in Bali, you like to hike or just want to watch a spectacular sunrise then you need to head to Mount Batur.
It is one of the most famous volcanoes in Bali which stands at 1,700m above sea level.
The hike in itself isn’t that much of a challenge meaning almost anyone can do it. But be prepared, the tour to the top usually starts around 3 or 4am to be sure to catch the sunrise.
Marvel at Tanah Lot Temple
Bali has a strongly Hindu culture. The island is dotted with some absolutely stunning temples.
Tanah Lot Temple is probably the most famous attraction and one of the most unique temples in Bali.
This sea temple is located right on the coast, set on a rock formation that has been shaped over the years by the tide.
Water surround completely the rock at high tide making this one of the most amazing sights in Indonesia.
When the tide is low it is possible to walk across the sand to the temple.
Experience the Kecak Fire Dance
Bali is famous for its dances. The Kecak Fire Dance is simply a must-see when traveling to the island.
Based on the Ramayana, a famous Sanskrit epic, the performance involves a group of 65+ people who chant and tell the story through dance.
You can experience dance shows at sunset on a cliff-top amphitheater at Uluwatu Temple or in the center of Ubud town.
Visit Ulun Danu Temple
One of the most beautiful temples in Bali is definitely the Ulun Danu Temple. This floating temple lies at the edge of Baratan Lake located in the center of Bali in Bedugul.
It is dedicated to the goddess of the lake and is one of the quietest places on the island.
With many different shrines, all dedicated to a different god, there are many things to see in the temple.
Discover the hidden Sekumpul Waterfall
Bali is reputed to have beautiful natural landscapes and stunning waterfalls.
The Sekumpul Waterfall is one of the most magnificent waterfall in Bali.
Take the 40min hike into the lush forest down the foot of the waterfall. You’ll definitely hear the thundering roar of the water before you see it.
To cool off after the long hike, you can swim in the pools beneath it.
Visit Uluwatu Temple
Located right on the shore and standing 70m above the sea, Uluwatu Temple is one of the most famous sights in Bali.
The temple is home for monkeys and you can expect to see some traditional Balinese dances shows performed in the premises.
Make sure to come right before sunset to be able to get some good photos.
Explore the Gili Islands
Take a trip to the Gili Islands. There are three small island: Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno, and Gili Air.
My favorite is Gili Air. White sand, turquoise water, and bikes as transportation. Because, yes, Gili Air is car-less.
Grab a snorkel, dive in and explore the paradise. Admire the underwater statues and swim with wild turtles.
Waterslide at Waterbom
If you want to take a break from the jungle and the beach, head to Waterbom water park. The park has been voted Asia’s best waterpark over and over.
It offers a wide range of slides. From kid-friendly amusement pools to sensation slide like the Climax that drops you down through a vertical trap door, there is something to do for the young and the young at heart.
If you visit Bali with kids, it’s definitely a place you need to head to!
Swing through the trees
You can find many swings located all around Bali. The original, however, is still the most popular; you’ll find the famous Bali swing located just outside of Ubud.
You’ve probably seen those photos of the sky-high Bali swings with just the jungle and rice fields below you.
It’s an incredible experience and the views you can admire are really breathtaking.
FAQ
Most people traveling to Bali agree that 10 days is the perfect amount of time to spend in Bali. If you want to explore more than one part of the island, 5 days in Bali are the minimum.
Bali, Island of the Gods is best known for it’s nature beauty. From rice paddies, old jungles, stunning temples and beautiful beaches. Bali is also famous to be a surfer’s paradise.
Bali got is nickname Island of the Gods because it is home to many temples. Each temple is believed to be the residence of the gods and is a manifestation of Ida Sang Hyang Widi Wasa (God Almighty) in Hinduism.
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