25 Best Things to Do and See in Bali
Impetuous waves, enchanting rainforests, sacred volcanoes, sprawling rice terraces and timeless tradition. Sound like your kind of thing? These can all be experienced on the magical island of Bali, along with much more. Check out our guide to the top things to do here and get ready to be spoiled for choice on this dreamy Indonesian island.
Feeling inspired? Consider joining Culture Trip’s exclusive 12-day Bali tour, which includes visits to Ubud, Mount Batur and Canggu among many other fantastic destinations.
Nusa Penida by Private Boat
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Upgrade to a Premium Shared Boat option for a luxurious adventure to Nusa Penida. Enjoy a premium boat, professional photographer, welcome drinks, and two bottles of prosecco. Swim with Manta Rays, snorkel in coral havens, have a scenic lunch, and tour Kelingking Cliff. The package includes lagoon cruising, underwater photos, and videos. Extras like Jet Ski, drone, and fishing rods are available for private tours. Join us for an unforgettable day!
Adrenaline junkies will love this adventure combo: white-water rafting the Ayung River and ATV riding through Bali’s lush countryside. Discover hidden waterfalls and cool off with your rafting guide. After a buffet lunch, ride around rice paddies with a guide. Choose solo or tandem rides and upgrade to include hotel transfers for a seamless experience.
ATV Quad Bike Bali with Waterfall Gorilla Cave
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Explore Ubud’s countryside on a private ATV tour. After a safety briefing, follow your guide through rice paddies, plantations, jungles, and villages. This tour includes lunch and offers pickup and drop-off from many areas in Bali for a seamless adventure.
Adrenaline junkies will love this adventure combo: white-water rafting the Ayung River and ATV riding through Bali’s lush countryside. Discover hidden waterfalls and cool off with your rafting guide. After a buffet lunch, ride around rice paddies with a guide. Choose solo or tandem rides and upgrade to include hotel transfers for a seamless experience.
Ubud Private Tour
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Explore Ubud’s top attractions on this day tour. Visit Tegalalang Rice Terrace, Tegenungan Waterfall, Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, an art market for souvenirs, Puri Saren Palace, and Tirta Empul Temple with its natural springs. Experience Bali’s rich culture and scenic beauty in one comprehensive trip.Adrenaline junkies will love this adventure combo: white-water rafting the Ayung River and ATV riding through Bali’s lush countryside. Discover hidden waterfalls and cool off with your rafting guide. After a buffet lunch, ride around rice paddies with a guide. Choose solo or tandem rides and upgrade to include hotel transfers for a seamless experience.
Bali ATV Ride and White Water Rafting
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Adrenaline junkies will love this adventure combo: white-water rafting the Ayung River and ATV riding through Bali’s lush countryside. Discover hidden waterfalls and cool off with your rafting guide. After a buffet lunch, ride around rice paddies with a guide. Choose solo or tandem rides and upgrade to include hotel transfers for a seamless experience.
Uluwatu Sunset, Kecak Dance
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Experience Bali’s best Kecak dance performance on the Uluwatu cliffs, featuring a lively male choir, a demon king, and a flirtatious deer. This private tour includes a temple visit and a candlelight seafood feast. Your chauffeur will handle hotel pick-up and drop-off, ensuring a seamless, enchanting evening.
Blue Lagoon Snorkeling
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Northern Bali Tour is a full-day excursion that highlights the natural and cultural beauty of northern Bali. The tour includes visits to key sites such as Ulun Danu Beratan Temple, Gitgit Waterfall, and the scenic Jatiluwih Rice Terraces. It offers private transportation, a knowledgeable guide, and the flexibility to explore these landmarks at your own pace. The tour is designed to provide an immersive experience of Bali’s northern region.
Private Full-day Tour from Your Hotel
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The Bali Best Sights tour includes visits to the iconic Ubud, the breathtaking Gate of Heaven at Lempuyang Temple, and several other attractions. The all-inclusive tour covers entrance tickets and offers a comprehensive experience of Bali’s cultural and natural highlights. Enjoy stunning views, explore sacred temples, and immerse yourself in the beauty of Bali with the convenience of a private guide and transportation.
Hike a volcano at sunrise
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Chill out at the Potato Head Beach Club
Bar, Indonesian, Tapas
Chase waterfalls
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Who doesn’t like to chase waterfalls and jump into jungle pools? The tropical forests of Bali hold many magical spots waiting to be discovered. Head to Gitgit, Sekumpul and Tukad Cepung waterfalls for a taste of what Balinese nature can offer.
Bathe in holy water at Tirta Empul Temple
Hindu Temple
Get lost in the jungle – metaphorically
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The plateau and highlands around the town of Ubud offer plenty of jungle treks and adventure. Head north and explore the area of Munduk. Here the twin lakes of Tamblingan and Buyan will mesmerise you, with paths cutting through ancient rainforest, home to exotic birds and giant trees. And don’t worry, you won’t actually get lost – a local guide will show you around.
Spend Sunday at Single Fin
Bar, Australian, Tapas
Explore the Tegalalang Rice Terrace
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The best surf lessons in Kuta
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The best surf lessons in Kuta offer a private, two-hour experience designed for beginners. The lesson includes an introduction to surfing theory and safety tips, followed by practice on the beach. Participants then spend around 45 minutes in the ocean, learning to paddle, catch waves, and stand up on the board. By the end, you’ll have the skills to continue practicing on your own.
Watch a traditional Balinese dance in Ubud
Music Venue
Balinese dance is a centuries-old tradition and core element of culture, religious belief and day-to-day life on the island. According to the traditions, there are several types of dance, with some including aspects of trance and possession. If you want to see one of the most well-known, head to the town of Ubud and go to the Ubud palace to watch the Ramayana ballet.
Stretch and breathe at the Yoga Barn
Yoga Studio
Go surfing on one of Bali's beautiful beaches
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Explore Seminyak
Shop
This integral neighbourhood is where you can find virtually anything – from humble traditional shops to high-end designer boutiques. This neighbourhood also has its share of idyllic beaches, lined with vibrant bars and restaurants that stay open until late. It’s easy to stay at the beach, but be sure to visit the rest of the lively neighbourhood.
Get Cultural at Garuda Wisnu Kencana
Park, Theater
Climb up to Munduk Village
Hiking Trail
This mountain village has a clean, green environment, fresh, cool air and charming natural attractions. The waterfalls and hills make Munduk a popular trekking destination, and during the colonial era, it was the favourite mountain retreat of the Dutch, hence the European architecture, historic buildings and flourishing commodities.
Padang Padang Beach
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Hike Mount Batur
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Ubud Royal Palace
Buddhist Temple
Elephant Cave Bali, Indonesia
Buddhist Temple
Additional reporting by Edira Putri