Best Things To Do in Bali

A favourite with surfers and beach lovers alike, Bali is one of Indonesia's most traditional destinations, especially for the wide variety of attractions it has to offer. From discovering the coral reefs just a few kilometres off the coast to hiking the trails around its volcanic mountains, it's an island that won't leave visitors indifferent.

Some of the best things to do in Bali include discovering Tanah Lot Temple and the Sacred Monkey Forest, visiting Mount Batur at sunrise, seeing Besakih and Lempuyang temples on a guided tour, touring Ubud Palace, taking a traditional Balinese cooking class, exploring Nusa Penida island and its beaches and going on a private Eat, Pray, Love tour.

Bali is much more than a destination with paradisiacal landscapes, so exploring the island will allow you to discover a rich amalgam of nature and culture. Within the latter group, you can visit some of the island's best temples, including Tanah Lot.

TanahLot, known for being built on the coast, is a cultural and spiritual icon of the region. It is also one of Bali's main religious buildings and is very popular at sunrise, when the sun breaks over the horizon, creating a magical setting that you can enjoy especially if you plan to visit Bali in the summer.

You can visit Tanah Lot temple on your own or as part of a guided tour. If you opt for this alternative, you'll usually be able to visit two other sites that are usually visited together: the Kanto Lampo waterfall, which is one of the highest in the region, and the Sacred Monkey Forest, a sanctuary inhabited by macaque monkeys that has religious significance and works to conserve the local fauna.

At this sanctuary you can not only tour the site, but also interact with the animals and the forest environment that houses them. During these excursions, which are among the best tours in Bali, you will usually be transported in a private bus.

One of the best ways to discover Bali's natural beauty is to tour Mount Batur at sunrise. This active volcano, located in northeastern Bali, offers adventurers a unique opportunity to witness the unmissable spectacle of sunrise on the island. Reaching the summit before sunrise gives you a sweeping view that includes Lake Batur and the silhouettes of nearby mountain peaks.

The ascent of Mount Batur, which can be done on your own or on a guided tour, not only gives you a broad perspective of the island, but also offers a direct connection to the local geology. The lunar landscape at the summit creates an ideal backdrop for some of the best photographs of your trip.

If you choose to reach the summit of Mount Batur on an organised hike, you will be assisted by an expert local guide, which will maximise your experience and save you from any setbacks, especially if you plan to visit Bali in October or during the spring months when rainfall is very frequent and can complicate your trek along the mountain's trails.

Another alternative you can find on the island is to tour Mount Batur in an off-road vehicle, which will add an extra dose of adrenaline to the experience.

Gastronomy is one of Bali's highlights and one of the ways to discover this facet of Bali is to take a local food class. These experiences will delight your palate and allow you to discover the balance of intense and exotic flavours that characterise the local cuisine.

During the class, you will learn how to prepare signature dishes that reflect the diversity and complexity of Balinese cuisine. One such dish is babi guling, a roast pork with a blend of spices, a delicacy that is a highlight of celebrations and festivals, and which you will find in every corner of the island if you plan to visit Bali over Christmas.

Another highlight is bebek betutu, a slow-cooked roast duck wrapped in banana leaves and infused with intense flavours. In addition, the preparation of rendang, a meat simmered in a mixture of coconut milk and spices, is a masterclass in balancing flavours and textures.

Bali's interactive Bali Zoo, located in Gianyar, offers visitors a unique experience by allowing them to get up close and learn about a wide variety of animal species. Visiting these exhibits, which highlight Indonesia's biodiversity, from lush rainforest to marine ecosystems, will not only allow you to discover local species up close, but also, in some cases, interact with them.

At the zoo you'll come face to face with some of the region's most iconic animals, such as the Komodo dragon, which is Indonesia's largest mammal and an endangered species. You'll also encounter elephants, Sumatran tigers, orangutans and crocodiles, especially if you're planning to visit Bali in January or during the region's hottest season.

The experience, however, is not limited to observation. At this zoo you will be allowed to feed and get up close and personal with some of these animals. You can also cycle along the trails with the assistance of an expert local guide and experience nature in a protected environment, just like in Jatiluwih and Kintamani, two protected areas on the island that you can only discover by cycling.

If you want to partake in an indigenous activity, you can't miss a visit to Ubud Palace and complement the experience with a Legong dance performance. The palace, known locally as Puri Saren Agung, is an architectural gem that serves as the official residence of the Ubud royal family. Built in the 19th century, the building combines traditional Balinese architecture with unique artistic elements.

The palace gardens and gallery pavilions bear witness to the history of local royalty and offer visitors an authentic insight into the lives of the ruling families. Once inside the Ubud Palace, you can watch a Legong dance performance, which is a classical Balinese dance form characterised by the elegance of its movements and the elaborate costumes of the dancers.

This traditional art form tells mythological and folkloric stories through expressive gestures and colourful rhythms. Legong dance, with its precise movements, is an art form that has endured through the centuries, passing on Bali's cultural richness from generation to generation.

Bali is a place noted for its spiritual side and its promotion of Hinduism, and one of the ways to get to know this profile is to visit the island's best temples. Besakih and Lempuyang are two of the main religious buildings of this destination and taking a guided tour of them will allow you to dive into the history of what is nicknamed The Island of the Gods.

The Besakih, known as the Mother Temple, is the centrepiece of Balinese Hinduism and the largest on the island. Situated on the slopes of Mount Agung, this sacred complex has witnessed centuries of rituals and celebrations, and its architecture offers a unique insight into religious devotion in Bali. Even if you are planning a 5-day stay in Bali or even less, this site is a must-see.

On the other hand, Lempuyang Temple, also known as the Gateway to Heaven, is famous for its iconic gateway with Mount Agung in the background. This temple is the first of a series of six shrines along the pilgrimage route to the top of Agung and is a testament to local spirituality.

If you are planning to visit Bali with children or want to experience something different on the island, you can't miss the Waterbom Bali water park, which is one of the largest in Asia and will allow you to participate in an adventure full of fun and excitement for the whole family.

Located in Kuta, this park offers a wide range of water attractions to suit all tastes. From adrenaline-pumping slides to relaxation zones, Waterbom Bali is a water paradise that combines adrenaline with serenity in a tropical setting.

One of the park's main attractions is the FlowRider, a surfing simulation that allows visitors to test their skills on the waves. For those seeking extreme thrills, the Twin Racers and the Pipeline offer dizzying drops and spectacular turns.

Aside from the water attractions, Waterbom Bali features tropical gardens and lounge areas, creating an ideal environment for relaxing in the Balinese sun. Also, if you plan to visit Bali for 7 days or even longer, you can buy weekly passes, which are much cheaper than daily tickets.

Touring the waterfalls and rice paddies of Ubud in Bali will allow you to immerse yourself in an experience that combines the bounties of local nature with the traditional richness of the region. Ubud, identified as the cultural heart of Bali, is home to a series of waterfalls and extensive rice fields that tell the story of the traditional Balinese way of life.

Exploring waterfalls such as Tegenungan, with its crystal clear waters cascading amidst tropical rainforests, is an opportunity to enjoy the natural beauty that characterises this region. It is also one of the best activities to do at night in Bali, when the lights go out and the path is only marked by the murmur of the waters, in a very relaxing experience.

On the other hand, the Ubud rice paddy tour is an activity that will allow you to discover the very essence of rural Balinese life. The terraced rice fields, with their vibrant green hues, offer a landscape that has been traditionally cultivated for generations.

Touring these waterfalls and rice paddies is not only a scenic activity, but also an experience that reflects the deep connection between the Balinese people and their environment. The rice paddies, in particular, are the lifeblood of the island and are revered as a symbol of fertility and prosperity.

One of the best things to do from Bali is to discover the idyllic island of Nusa Penida, a natural paradise that offers a palette of unforgettable experiences. Nusa Penida, known for its scenery and crystal clear waters, is home to cliffs, white sandy beaches and vibrant coral reefs. A visit to iconic sites such as Kelingking Beach, with its dinosaur-shaped rock formation, or Crystal Bay, will reveal the visual diversity that defines the island.

Activities on Nusa Penida are varied. From snorkelling and scuba diving at sites such as Manta Point, where you can spot manta rays, to bird watching in the local forest reserve, there is something for everyone. You'll also be able to sleep on the island and catch the sunrise, an experience you won't want to miss if you're planning on visiting Bali for 10 days or even longer.

In addition, exploring the cliffs and trails of Nusa Penida is essential for discovering hidden treasures such as Angel 's Billabong and Broken Beach. These natural wonders offer panoramic perspectives and the opportunity to connect with the serenity of the surroundings. The island will also offer opportunities to enjoy some of Bali's best cruises.

A rafting experience on the Ayung River is a thrilling adventure that combines natural beauty with the adrenaline rush of white water rafting. Meandering through tropical landscapes and rugged valleys, the Ayung River provides the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable experience.

These experiences involve white-water rafting in fast-moving inflatable rafts. Guided by expert local instructors, you'll traverse stretches of white water and calmer stretches, allowing you to appreciate the diversity of the environment. Please note that these activities are suitable for beginners and more experienced rafters alike, as it is suitable for different skill levels.

The more serene sections of the tour will also allow you to appreciate the surrounding flora and fauna, as well as enjoy the serenity of the jungle environment, especially if you are planning to visit Bali in December, which marks the beginning of summer and with it the proliferation of indigenous species in the local waters.

If you want to see the locations that inspired the famous novel and film Come, Reza, Ama, you can't miss out on a private tour of these sites. Following in the footsteps of Elizabeth Gilbert, the author of this story, you can experience a transformative journey through the iconic sites that marked her quest for spiritual and self-discovery on the island.

These private tours usually begin in Ubud, where you can explore the local markets and soak up the artistic and spiritual richness of the region. The tour will also take you to visit the Ashram of Ketut Liyer, the medium and spiritual healer who played a significant role in Gilbert's history.

The tour also includes exploration of Bali's tranquil beaches, replicating some of the stages of history. Locations such as Padang Padang beach, where Elizabeth finds love, and the island of Gili Meno, known for its crystal clear waters and relaxed environment, will provide an ideal setting for reflection. Finally, this tour will end with dinner at Bambu Indah restaurant, a place chosen by Gilbert in his gastronomic and spiritual quest.