Crazy Things to Do in Bali, Indonesia

Pura Uluwatu temple sits at the edge of Bali, an island of adventure | © R.M. Nunes / Alamy Stock Photo

Edira Putri

25 October 2021

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Being a mainstream tropical destination with millions of yearly visitors doesn’t make Bali dull and predictable. If anything, the ever-growing tourism landscape keeps sparking new ideas for fresh, fun things to do. From swimming with sharks to dining in a horror-themed bar, discover the craziest things to do in Bali.

Looking to experience the best of Bali? Book yourself onto Culture Trip’s 12-day adventure to Bali and the Gili Islands, encompassing surf lessons, speedboats and the summit of active volcano Mount Batur.

Walk on the seabed

Sports Center

A fire coral colony surrounded by small fish, off Menjangan Island, Bali

Having fun diving and snorkelling in Bali’s best sites? What about taking your marine adventure to another level by sea-walking? That’s right, tourists can casually stroll along the bottom of the ocean and feast their eyes on what’s down there – which could be tropical fish, colourful coral and other biodiverse marine life. Breathe in and out seamlessly with a sea-walker helmet; without the hassle of carrying an oxygen tank, you can focus on enjoying the underwater experience.

Party with Frankenstein

Bar, Restaurant, Indonesian

Who’d have thought that Frankenstein would make a fun party companion? Visitors can enjoy a horror-themed dining experience in Frankenstein’s Laboratory, topped off with cabaret, live music and dancing with the dead (zombies, vampires and all kinds of monsters make an appearance). The evening adult session is a highlight, with fun games and endless dancing.

Swim with sharks

Aquarium

A young whale shark at the Eel Garden dive site, Menjangan Island, Bali

You’ve seen them before: swimming inside a big aquarium or roaming freely in the ocean. You’ve kept a distance; you adore them from afar. But while in Bali, you can get up close and personal with sharks, as part of Bali Sharks‘ elaborate conservation programme. Tourists can learn about sharks, feed them and swim with their young.

Play mud games

School, Sports Center

Some Balinese embrace agricultural life in the most amusing way. After toiling in the paddy fields, local people enjoy mud wrestling in vacant grounds. Now, travellers can experience the same spirit through fun games including tug-of-war and frog-catching. The more daring can always opt for the original Mepantigan, the art of traditional mud wrestling.

Visit the dead

Architectural Landmark

Adventurous tourists can shift their sights from idyllic beaches to a native burial ground in the highlands of Bali. The people of Terunyan prefer to keep their deceased close, above ground and relatively intact. Bodies are laid around an ancient tree and left to decompose, presenting an eerie but fascinating sight for those who dare to visit. Interestingly, the burial ground doesn’t have the odour you would expect from a place with decomposing bodies.

Visit abandoned places

Amusement Park, Ruins

While there are many luxurious, well-maintained spots throughout the island, Bali’s abandoned places guarantee an intriguing experience. It has two mysteriously abandoned airplanes. The sites, one in South Kuta and one in Kuta village, have drawn curiosity and become visitor attractions. Another popular abandoned place is the deserted Taman Festival amusement park in Sanur.

Try extreme watersports

Sports Center

A paraglider floats over Dreamland Beach, Bali

There’s no wilder way to enjoy Bali’s wonderful sea than indulging in an extreme watersport, such as paragliding or flyboarding. Paragliding is where you fly above the water with a parachute, while the flyboard will shoot you up to the sky with a hose. Dare to try the best of Bali’s watersports and come home feeling like you’re on top of the island.

Get a tattoo or piercing

Art Gallery, Shop

If you need something more than a tan to remember your trip by, getting inked is one option to consider. You’ll find tattoo parlours virtually everywhere in Bali, most of which are totally affordable, and often offer piercings. This is a land of creative people, so you’ll be in good hands. Even if you’re not up for that level of commitment, you can always opt for an equally fun temporary tattoo that will wash out in a week or two.

Ride a submarine