Our Top 11 Things To See and Do in Bali, Indonesia
Bali … The Island of the Gods
A tropical Indonesian island located between Java and Lombok: this is a popular destination for tourists. The first time I visited Bali was almost 15 years ago and I made a return trip with Ian 8 years ago. Bali is the place where I could go back to again and again; the sunshine, picturesque rice terraces, temples, great beaches and the super friendly Balinese people. Oh, and how could I forget the food. There are plenty of things to see and do in Bali to keep you occupied for a two week holiday.
Holy Spring Water Temple
Pretty flowers in the market
Tahu tofu
Sunset near Tanah Lot
Let us highlight our top eleven things to see and do in Bali.
1. Wander Around the Temples
Temples, temples, temples. There are numerous Hindu temples (Pura in Balinese) dotted all over the island, probably more temples than homes! Apparently there’s over 20,000 temples on Bali! So take your time and plan which temples to explore, as each temple is unique. Although without a doubt, add Tanah Lot to the list which is perched on a large rock in the ocean – one not to be missed.
Ulun Danu Beratan Temple
Tanah Lot
2. Visit the Monkey Forest in Ubud
Have a play with the monkeys! The monkey forest is an important spiritual, conservation centre for the village and is also home to around 600 monkeys. There are three Hindu temples located in the monkey forest and these play a spiritual role for the village community. Don’t be afraid to walk through the monkey forest – here you’ll spot the mothers with their babies and the cheeky little monkeys playing around. The monkeys are given sweet potato three times a day along with some local fruit, but that doesn’t stop them chasing any food they see. I’ve even heard stories of tourists being robbed by the cheeky macaques, so beware and keep everything safe.
Mother and her baby
3. Enjoy a Bike Ride through picturesque Balinese Villages
This is a fun way to see Bali. Don’t worry if you’re not a great cyclist (nor was I!) as it’s downhill all the way. Woohoo! The only thing you need to worry about are the locals casually walking across the roads or flying chickens in my case. The bike tour will start at the top of Mount Batur volcano, then cycle your way through Balinese villages, temples and lush green rice paddy fields. An unforgettable experience!
4. Visit the Rice Terraces
Have a break from shopping and/or lazing on the beach to visit and enjoy the breathtaking views of the rice terraces. The rice terraces, or padi fields, are easily accessible if you’re staying in Ubud. The terraced rice irrigation system or ‘Subak’ was developed as the original method of wet rice farming was very difficult in Bali. A day trip to see the rice terraces is possible and the views are spectacular the higher up you are on the island. The Tegallalang rice field is very popular and is truly WOW; you can walk along the rice terrace and feel free to take as many photos as you wish.
Rice terrace fields
5. Sample some Balinese Food
Balinese dishes are packed with herbs and spices and intensely flavoured. Try the popular satay dish – chicken, fish, tofu, literally whatever you fancy served with a rich tasty peanut sauce. Or why not try Nasi Goreng, fried rice with meat and vegetables. For the meat lovers, sample the Babi Guling … a spit roast pig filled with vegetables and spices slowly roasted over a fire. Mmmmmm.
Nasi goreng
6. Find the Best Waterfalls in Bali
Aside from the beautiful rice terrace fields, did you know that Bali is home to many stunning waterfalls? Venture away from the tourist hot spots and seek out some of the hidden waterfalls. Tegenungan waterfall is not far from Ubud and is set in a lush green landscape with a 20m fall and a plunge pool perfect for swimming. Or venture to more remote but spectacular falls such as Sekumpul and Banyumala Twin Waterfall: it can be useful to arrange a local guide for both of these falls as they can be tricky to find. Note: Beware of anyone who says it is compulsory to pay for a tour to see the falls – it isn’t.
7. White Water Rafting
White water rafting is great for those who love adventure as you raft along the Ayung river which is some 75km long. You can also book white water rafting at Telaga Waja River if you prefer a more challenging experience but both are terrific. There are a few tour companies who can arrange this activity so check out the reviews before you book. We thoroughly enjoyed the rafting after having done the bike tour although the 400 or so steps down to the rafting area, they are slightly steep – so be careful. The rapids are set in the lush tropical rain forest where you make your way through rice paddies and gorges. Two hours of action packed fun! Note: Take some wet water shoes with good grip – your feet will thank you 😉
8. Relax on the Beach
Many people visit Bali for the endless stretches of beaches and of course for the weather. Choose from the many palm fringed beaches in Bali, sip on a cocktail and enjoy the tropical sunshine. Kuta, Sanur and Nusa Dua are the most popular beaches in southern Bali – why not head to the quieter beaches like Lovina, the black sand beach in the north or the small quiet Balangan beach. There’s so many secluded beaches, I’m sure you won’t be left disappointed.
9. Watch a Traditional Balinese Dance Show
Don’t miss out seeing the traditional Balinese dance, Kecak, at the cliff top Uluwatu temple. The performers sit on the ground in a circle chanting “cak ke-cak” waving their hands in the air and moving their bodies side to side in rhythm, like a trance. The Kecak dance is based on a famous Hindu story of the Ramayana and can be seen daily from 6pm. Price: Around 100,000 Rupiah.
Traditional Balinese dance
10. Ease the muscles with a Balinese Massage
Why not pamper yourself and book in for a massage while you’re in Bali – the Balinese massages are amazing here! The massages are a mixture of traditional techniques with acupressure, reflexology and aromatherapy. No doubt you will nod off during the treatment.
Balinese Spa
11. Trek Mount Batur
Mount Batur is an active volcano and stands at 1717 metres above sea level. Hike Mount Batur in darkness and reach the top just in time for sunrise. Even though you have to get up really early don’t miss out on this opportunity to stand at the top of the mountain and watch the sun come up. You’ll get to explore the mountain up close and experience the breathtaking views.
Mount Batur
Have you visited Bali? What are your top things to do in Bali?
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Nele 04/06/2019 (12:21)
Always wanted to go to Bali, but these pictures make me wanna go even more – awesome post! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Lana 04/06/2019 (12:47)
Bali is so pretty! Hope you get the chance to visit Bali 🙂
jony jindal 12/12/2017 (07:26)
Bali is awesome. I want to be there once in my life. Awesome article you wrote..
Lana 12/12/2017 (11:09)
Thank you! Hope you get there one day. Bali is amazing! 🙂
jony jindal 15/12/2017 (11:00)
yeah! Thanks
Gabby 05/09/2017 (21:10)
Great tips for Bali! I never made it to the waterfalls or Mt Batur when I was there unfortunately but I would love to see them on my next visit. I think one of my favorite things to do in Bali is definitely wake up early and do yoga 🙂
Lana 06/09/2017 (10:50)
There’s quite a few yoga retreats in Bali. I’m not very good at waking up early haha! 😉
Sella | The mom's Life cycle 13/08/2017 (15:50)
Hi lana, you write about my country!! Yeayy!!😄😄, i like it, honestly you know what? Even i havent been there yet, how shame i am!!!😢😢 so i will put all those things on my holiday list if i visit there with my little family. 😀 btw, thanks to write about it
Lana 13/08/2017 (17:08)
Oh you must go there if you have the chance. Bali is so beautiful! I think I need to go back! 😉
EG III 27/07/2017 (01:22)
One of the main things I’d love to do there is explore all the lesser known areas and discover new magic that Bali has to offer…and then after all that exploration I’ll go for a Balinese massage!!
Lana 27/07/2017 (01:31)
Good idea! After all the exploring, a massage will be needed! 🙂
Ambuj Saxena 23/07/2017 (23:50)
Thank you for filling me up on what to do in Bali. I plan to visit the city soon and plan to do white water rafting and trek Mount Batur. These two activities would be a sure shot stress buster for me!
Lana 24/07/2017 (11:03)
The rafting and the climb to Mount Batur are definitely worth it! 🙂
Martin 23/07/2017 (11:47)
i’ll suggest this to my friend. she and her family are going to bali soon! this might help her a lot!
Lana 23/07/2017 (12:38)
Thanks Martin – thanks for sharing. Hope your friend finds the guide useful 🙂
Karyna McLaren 22/07/2017 (17:36)
I’ve never been to Bali but it looks so beautiful and so full of colour! I’ve also heard the food is amazing – what is your favourite dish?
Lana 23/07/2017 (10:38)
I love Nasi Goreng! If you go to Bali, try and tag on the Gili’s. I ate alot of Gado gado in the Gili’s! 🙂
EM 22/07/2017 (14:51)
Bali is beautiful !I hope to plan a trip there for next year
Lana 22/07/2017 (15:05)
Yes – try and book a trip next year! You’ll love Bali! 🙂
Samantha Sparrow 22/07/2017 (14:13)
Everyone I know is going to Bali and I’m so jealous. It looks like just the most beautiful, lush place to visit and relax and I’d love to see some of the temples!
Lana 22/07/2017 (14:35)
Seems like quite a few people are off to Bali soon! Really is beautiful and relaxing 🙂
Saumyata 22/07/2017 (11:23)
Love Bali. It’s stunningly beautiful. Your itinerary is a good guide😎
Lana 22/07/2017 (12:04)
Thanks for your comment! We love Bali too! 🙂
Kerry Maskell 21/07/2017 (22:56)
I adore Bali! And climbing mount Batur was certainly one of my highlights, even if it made me realise how unfit I was at the time lol. A well written article x
Lana 22/07/2017 (10:33)
Thank you for your lovely comment! Bali is incredible. Climbing Mount Batur was worth it right!? 😉
Travelling Dany 21/07/2017 (16:25)
Colors, flowers, delicious food, it seems Bali has it all! I loved your suggested itinerary and I’m saving it for later use!
Lana 21/07/2017 (17:25)
Thanks for your comment! Definitely agree..Bali has it all! 😉
Lyf&Spice 21/07/2017 (05:53)
Wow.We are slated to visit Indonesia the coming week. Glad I came across your post.Should help us as a travel guide. Cheers!!
Lana 21/07/2017 (12:25)
Thanks! Hope you find the guide useful! 🙂
lloyd 20/07/2017 (20:47)
Fantastic. we loved bali and the food is just insanely good! the white water rafting looks like great fun 🙂
Lana 20/07/2017 (21:24)
Thanks Lloyd! The rafting was so much fun, something different! 🙂
Jen 20/07/2017 (18:04)
Just got back from bali! And it was amazing! Gained 2 kilos from eating all their nasi adn mie goreng haha. Loved the scenery and the culture as well as shown in their architecture and dances.
Lana 20/07/2017 (19:23)
Thanks Jen! It’s so easily done – the food is very good out there! 😉
Jimmy and Steph 20/07/2017 (12:26)
This post got us excited for our upcoming trip this winter to Bali! Can’t wait to take in the sites, food, massages, and culture in general.
Lana 20/07/2017 (13:32)
Exciting – bet you guys can’t wait! The Balinese massages are so relaxing!
Vanessa Ball 19/07/2017 (22:38)
Bali is on my list to go this year and now I have so many ideas of things to do thank you to your article. Great pics too 🙂
Lana 20/07/2017 (09:48)
Thank you for your kind comment! I’m glad you found the post useful 🙂
Anushka Aggarwal 19/07/2017 (21:12)
I am planning to visit Bali during Oct, and your post will surely be helpful in planning my trip.
Lana 19/07/2017 (21:39)
Great timing! Take loads of pics and have an amazing time there! 🙂
Rosalie 19/07/2017 (19:06)
Bali looks like so much fun! I’ve been wanting to go for ages 🙂
Lana 19/07/2017 (19:18)
Thanks! I might have to make a return trip! 🙂
Ilene 19/07/2017 (18:45)
Super great photos. I never thought of visiting…but we just might have to do it!! Thanks for the info!!
Lana 19/07/2017 (18:56)
Thanks for your comment. There’s so much to see, do and eat in Bali! 😉
Impulse Odyssey 18/07/2017 (21:28)
This is perfect. I am planning to go to Bali soon and will use this info to help mold my trip. I can’t wait it looks like so much fun, and the culture reminds me of Thailand!
Lana 18/07/2017 (22:05)
Fantastic! When are you off to Bali? Have an amazing time in Bali! 🙂
Madhurima Dutta 18/07/2017 (20:14)
This brought back so many memories! Did all of them except the Mt. Batur trekking and then headed to Lombok and Gili. Great list btw!
Lana 18/07/2017 (20:53)
Thank you! We would love to go to Lombok. Love the Gili islands, especially Gili Air and Gili Nanggu 🙂
Ajay 18/07/2017 (19:33)
Ah – the elusive Bali..I’ve been thinking of visiting for a long time with no luck. This post has got me planning again, great article and pics !
Lana 18/07/2017 (19:40)
Thanks Ajay! We’ve been thinking of going back too – it’s been too long!