Bali is one of the most popular travel destinations in the world, and with good reason, as this island which is known as the ‘Island of the Gods’ is one of the most beautiful places on earth. Surrounded by azure seas and edged with golden beaches, Bali is, of course, a surfer’s paradise, and if you are looking for a beach holiday then there is no better place to find it than this gorgeous island set in the middle of Indonesia.
As well as sea and sand, however, Bali has a huge number of other attractions to enjoy such as temples, caves, waterfalls, museums, and markets, and if you like history and culture then you can spend hours learning the local legends and Balinese traditions in places like Ubud.
If you like adventure activities, then you also won’t be disappointed on a trip here, and you can expect a fantastic array of water sports, muck and wreck diving, and the chance fly through the jungle canopy like Tarzan.
In short, whatever you want to do, you will probably find it in Bali and you can easily spend a month here and still only see a fraction of the sights on offer. The hardest part of a holiday here is choosing where to go first and what you want to see.
Here are the best things to do in Bali…
Have fun at Bali Treetop Adventure Park
If you want an adrenaline-packed afternoon then make your way to Bali Treetop Adventure Park where you will find a range of rides surrounded by lush forests.
The park is great for families as well as groups or couples and has rides for children as young as 4 years old.
There is a range of different circuits that are located high up in the trees and there are nets, swings, and flying foxes galore that let you fly through the air and take in the breathtaking views over the forest canopy.
Visit Ulun Danu Temple
Ulun Danu Temple lies at the edge of Baratan Lake in Bedugul in Bali.
This pretty building is dedicated to the goddess of the lake and is one of the quietest and most serene places on the island.
Make sure to check out all the different shrines, each one dedicated to a different god, and look out for the ornate architectural touches such as the intricately carved gates.
Go surfing in Kuta
If you haven’t surfed before or are just looking for some gentle waves then you have to come to the most famous beach in Bali which is Kuta Beach.
The beach sits across from a sand bar which means it has rolling surf that is free of any sharp reefs and you can rent a board here and sign up for a surf lesson, or rent a bodyboard if you want to try something a little less strenuous.
Locals and visitors alike come here to watch the sunset and you can relax on the sand with a cold beer and drink in the atmosphere.
Go muck diving in Padang Bai
Padang Bai is situated in the east of Bali and is most famous for its diving.
There are seven different dive sites that can easily be reached after a short boat trip from the shore and whatever your diving experience there is something for everyone here.
You can get PADI certified and if you like muck diving then this is one of the best places to do it in Bali and you will find a range of underwater critters like the blue-ringed octopus and pygmy seahorses.
There is also a good chance of seeing sharks, turtles, and waving fans and coral gardens.
Relax at the Yoga Barn
Bali is known as a place to relax and find enlightenment and with that in mind head for the Yoga Barn which is one of the most famous yoga retreats on the island.
Located in quiet and contemplative Ubud, the Yoga Barn has five different studios and a range of programs for all levels of ability.
You can even book to stay here for a retreat lasting several days and there are cleansing and detox programs that will help you to relax and adjust to a slower pace of life.
Strap on a jetpack in Tanjung Benoa
Tanjung Benoa is the place to come to Bali if you want to try water sports and you can find a range of different activities on offer.
One of the most exciting however is strapping on a water jetpack which will let you fly up into the sky to a height of 10 meters and sessions usually last around 20 minutes.
One of the big draws of going jetpacking is the chance to take in the beauty of Bali from the air and even if you have never done anything like this before the dedicated instructors will teach you how to fly in a safe and controlled environment.
Marvel at Tanah Lot Temple
Tanah Lot Temple is probably the most famous attraction in Bali and is a Hindu temple that sits atop a large and scenic rock formation.
Over the years the sea has separated the rock from the mainland, and at high tide the rock is completely surrounded making this one of the most amazing sights in Indonesia.
Many people flock here for the sunsets around the temple so make sure you go early to get the best spot to watch the spectacle.
When the tide is low it is possible to walk across the sand to the temple.
Experience the culture in Ubud
Ubud is widely known as the cultural heartland of Bali so if you like art then this is the place to come.
Ubud sits amongst gorgeous rolling rice paddies and if filled with art galleries like Neka Art Museum which gives you a glimpse of the evolution of art in Bali.
You can also find galleries dedicated to jewellery, ceramics, and sculpture and you can buy arts and crafts souvenirs all over Ubud.
Watch a Kecak dance
Bali is famous for its dances and one of these is the Kecak dance which was developed in the 1930s.
The dance takes its name from the ‘cak’ sound that is repeated throughout and is based on the story of the Hindu epic called the Ramayana.
You can watch performances of the dance all over the island and many shows take place outside under the stars.
Feast on seafood in Sanur
Sanur is a sleepy seaside town that can feel miles away from busier areas like Kuta.
The big draw here is the main strip of beach which is flanked by a long pavement so you can walk along the shoreline and check out the views as well as a stop for a bite to eat.
Sanur is famous for its seafood restaurants and one of the best things to do in the evenings is to go for a wander and stop when you see something that looks good.
The food here is simply grilled over coconut husks for a wonderful smoky flavour and served with rice and chilli sauce.
Marvel at Uluwatu Temple
Uluwatu Temple is arguably one of the most famous sights in Bali and stands 70 meters above the sea.
The temple was constructed on the side of a cliff overlooking the raging waters below and if you want truly spectacular views and ornate architecture then make sure not to miss this off the itinerary.
The temple is known for its monkey population and you can also catch a range of shows here such as famous Balinese dances.
If possible try to go in the evening so that you can catch the sunset here.
Go white water rafting on Ayung River
Bali has a huge range of water sports and one of the most exciting is a trip down the Ayung River on a raft.
The river is covered with white water rapids that make for a wild ride and as you float down the Ayung you will pass little local villages and lush forests that let you take in the beautiful vistas here from a completely different vantage point.
Enjoy the nightlife in Kuta
Anyone looking for a party needs to head to Jalan Legian in Kuta.
This area is known as the main nightlife hub of Bali and you will find a huge range of different night clubs, live music events, and relaxed cafes.
The party scene keeps going into the early morning and you will also find a vast number of eateries here if you get hungry.
Enjoy some water sports in Sanur
Sanur is famous for not having any waves, so surfing is not possible here.
For this reason, many visitors think that you can’t get out on the water although this is completely wrong.
On the contrary, Sanur has a huge variety of water sports on offer and you can try kiting surfing, paragliding, and even standing up paddleboarding.
Enjoy some luxury in Nusa Dua
Nusa Dua is known for being one of the most expensive parts of the island but if your budget allows for a little luxury then make your way to this upscale enclave.
Here you will find a dedicated tourist area with manicured lawns and private beaches and all of the big-name resorts like the Marriott are located here.
It’s a great place to relax for a few days away from the crowds and you can spend time sunbathing or enjoying a spa treatment.
Go for a swim at Waterbom
Waterbom is a well-loved institution in Kuta and a great place for families or those who want to make a splash.
This water park has a range of pools and slides as well as some hair raising rides like the Climax which is a sheer drop down a long water slide for those seeking an adrenaline-pumping afternoon.
You will also find a range of cafes here if you want to get a bite to eat.
Go wreck diving at Tulamben
You can dive all around the island of Bali but if you want to try wreck diving then you will need to come to Tulamben.
Here you will find the wreck of the USAT Liberty which was sunk here in the Second World War and this is one of the most famous wrecks in the world.
You can expect to find a huge number of underwater creatures here as well as colourful fans and there is also a larger coral garden that lies close to the USAT Liberty so that you can check out both spots at the same time.
Spend the day on Menjangan Island
You will find Menjangan Island in the north west of Bali and although it can take some time to get here, it is more than worth it is you want to visit the Menjangan National Marine Park.
As well as trekking on the island the main reason to come here is for the diving and you will find a plethora of underwater delights such as coral reefs and colorful fish.
There is also a good chance of seeing other sea creatures such as turtles, octopus, crabs, and rays.
Explore Candidasa
Candidasa is often not visited by travellers and is made up of a string of villages along the coast that offer a nice change of pace to areas like Kuta.
You will find a large swathe of beach here that stretches for miles and if you want a more secluded and less crowded beach experience then this is a good choice.
Discover a hidden waterfall in Sukawati
Bali is known for its natural beauty and no more so than its stunning waterfalls.
One of the best examples of these is the spectacular Sekumpul Waterfall which lies in a lush valley and is meant to be a sacred spot in Bali.
To get to the waterfall you will need to trek along a secluded path and you won’t realize that you have arrived at the waterfall until you suddenly see it peeking out of the undergrowth.
You can swim in the pools beneath the cataract and cool off after the long hike.
Visit a spa
Bali is known for its spa experiences which blend traditional local ingredients and centuries-old techniques that will leave you relaxed and rejuvenated.
One of the most amazing of all Bali’s spas is The Spa and The Edge Hotel which is located in Pectau and sits on the side of a cliff.
This means that you get views over the water and can look over a sheer drop down the cliffside and the packages here mix flowers, rice, and holy water for one of the best spa experiences on the island.
Get off the grid at Munduk
Munduk is the home of some of the prettiest waterfalls in Bali and also lies next to the spectacular Tamblingan Lake.
If you like trekking then this makes a great choice and you will find stretches of farmland, orchid fields, and local markets all over Munduk.
There are only a few guesthouses dotted around here but if you want to check out a less-visited side of Bali then Munduk offers you a great slice of local life away from the more touristy areas.
Have a drink in Seminyak
Seminyak is known for being one of the best party destinations on the island and you will find a long strip of sandy beach here that has a huge number of nightlife options.
These include cafes and restaurants and in the evening many eateries set up bean bags and cushions on the beach so that you can sip a cocktail and watch the sun go down.
There is a range of famous venues here such as Ku De Ta although the best thing to do is go for a walk and see which area takes your fancy.
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