What should you do in Bali? The possibilities are endless. Swim with the turtles, visit stunning temples, or try surfing in a Bali beach town. Between volcanoes, mountains, and vibrant coral reefs, it’s impossible to do everything in one trip. Research what to do in Bali beforehand to enjoy your trip.
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My Top Bali Recommendations If you're short on time, here's a few must do activities in Bali. 🐒 Visit Bali waterfalls, rice terraces, and the Monkey Forest. Bring comfortable shoes and hide your snacks because the monkeys do have a stealing problem. 📸 Instagram Highlights Photo Tour Did you even go to Bali if you don't have photos at Tirta Gangga? Don't skip this tour if you want to see the highlights of Bali. 🤿 Scuba Diving at the USAT Liberty Wreck This dive was perfect. It wasn't too deep and visibility was spectacular. 🏨 Where to Stay in Bali: Stay only steps away from the Monket Forest at Anumana Ubud Hotel or enjoy a floating breakfast at enjoy a floating breakfast at Le Cielo Resort Umalas.
Fun Things to do in Ubud Bali
Ubud and Canggu are popular for tourists. Ubud is known as the spiritual hub. You’ll find many local healing ceremonies, yoga studios, and temples. There are lots of fun things to do in Ubud, especially if you’re not big on parties.
1. Go White Water Rafting on the Ayung River
One of the highlights of my trip was water rafting on the Ayung River. I did a tour with Get Your Guide and met up with five other people. Even though I was solo, I left with five new friends. Everyone was super cool, and my guide was awesome. After changing into our rafting gear we began the journey down a lot of stairs. There was beautiful artwork along the riverbank that illustrated a Hindu story. They sold overpriced coconut water, drinks, and snacks along the water bank. Afterwards they served a lunch buffet with local dishes. The food in included with your ticket and it was really good.
2. Drink the infamous Kopi Luwak (animal poop) coffee.
Kopi Luwak is a Balinese coffee made famous for its unique production style. On various coffee plantation farms in Bali, civets eat ripe coffee cherries. After the coffee beans in the cherries go through the digestion process, the civet poops the beans out. Farmers then collect the poop and clean, dry, and roast the beans to create Kopi Luwak. The coffee is said to be smoother than your average cup.
3. Visit the Ubud Art Market
The Ubud Art Market is located in the heart of Ubud and a great place to get Balinese artworks, bags, and souvenirs. You can also find unique goods made out of Balinese batik. There are thousands of sarongs, dresses, and skirts. Carry cash because most of the artisans do not accept credit cards.
4. Tirta Empul Temple
Tirta Empul Temple is Balinese Hindu water. Every day, pilgrims come from across the world seeking healing and blessings from its sacred spring water. Visitors must rent or wear a sarong to cover their legs. You must also pay an entrance fee of ~$3.50. Locker rooms are available and are mixed-gender. The bathroom was a bit rough so pack your own tissue or wipes.
5. Monkey Forest Bali
The Monkey Forest is a great place to see Balinese long-tailed macaques in person. There are lots of photo opportunities. It is one of the most Instagrammable places in Bali. Two hours is enough time to visit. The entrance fee for adults is $6 – $7.50.
6. Take Photos in the Bali Rice Paddies
Tegallalang Rice Terrace is the most well-known rice paddy in Bali, but there are others throughout the country. There are tours that combine Rice Field tours with the Bali dress photoshoot. Most Rice Field workers ask for a small donation if you’re visiting to take photos.
What to do in Canggu Bali
6. Enjoy the Sunset at Kuta Beach
Kuta Beach is not great for swimming but it is great for enjoying the sunset. There are lots of restaurants on the beach serving fish and snacks. You’ll also see lots of surfers. Walk further along the beach if you want less crowds.
7. Eat Excellent Vegan Food
My favorite restaurant in Bali was KYND Community Canggu. The decor was amazing, the food was delicious, and the staff were sweet. In addition, it’s a very Instagrammable place in Bali. I loved their vegan ramen and Dalgona coffee. Other vegan restaurants I loved were Burgreens Canggu, Kasto, and Berawa’s Kitchen. You can also find lots of vegan options at some warungs, or local Balinese eateries.
8. Visit Tanah Lot Temple
Tanah Lot is a Balinese Hindu temple built on a rock formation. It is dedicated to the Balinese Hindu sea god, Bhatara Segara, and is one of the seven sea temples along the Balinese coastline. It’s an important pilgrimage site for Balinese temples and is one of seven sea temples along the Balinese shoreline. It is believed that a sea snake keeps the area safe from evil.
9. Waterbom Bali: Bali’s Waterpark
Waterbom Bali is great for families or those young at heart. You can enjoy water slides, surf on the Flow Rider, or cruise the lazy river. Don’t forget to bring your go-pro and a waterproof case for your cell phone. My Go-Pro was not allowed on all slides.
Things to do in Bali – Nusa Penida
10. Tree House Nusa Penida
The best time to visit Tree House Nusa Penida is before dawn to beat the day trip crowd. The current cost is around 100,000 rupiah (USD 7) for the entrance & photo fee. Bring at least 500k if you are doing an East Nusa Penida Tour.
Don’t forget to wear comfortable shoes because there are a lot of stairs.
The easiest way to get to the Tree House is by motorcycle. If you rent one, make sure to use a helmet. The roads are super bumpy & narrow.
If you’re solo, you can pay a local photographer to take your photos .
11. Snorkel with the Mantas at Manta Bay
Manta Bay is famous for its majestic namesakes that reside there. The best time to visit is between May and October. I would bring my snorkeling gear as I found the snorkeling masks and fins to be in bad condition.
12. Visit the Underground House at Gala Gala
The Gala Gala Underground house was hand-dug by Made Byasa. It took him fifteen years to build. Tall people will have to duck as its exterior is not very tall.
13. Witness the sun rise over Mt. Ayung at Lempuyang Temple
As you can probably tell, I love watching beautiful sunrises. One of the best ways to catch the sunrise over Mt. Ayung is by heading to Lempuyang Temple. The line at Lempuyang Temple was one of the longest ones I’ve ever experienced. We were in line for about 3- 4 and arrived at 6 am. I suggest coming early and getting a line number.
14. Visit Diamond Beach
The best way to visit Nusa Penida is by breaking it up between North and South. I wouldn’t advise going to the bottom of Diamond Beach unless you have a lot of free time.
15. Peguyangan Waterfall
Peguyangan Waterfall also features a sea temple. The views from Peguyangan Waterfall are stunning. Make sure to bring a sarong for the temple. Like everywhere in Bali, beware of the stairs. There’s also a natural infinity pool, so bring your swimsuit and swim shoes.
Things to do in Bali- Uluwatu
16. Kecak Fire Dance
The Kecak Dance is a traditional Balinese dance depicting Balinese Hindu stories. Get there early for a good seat. The best time to visit is at sunset.
17. Learn how to Surf at Padang Beach
Padang Beach is great for newer surfers. There are quite a few surf schools to choose from. It does get a bit crowded. The rip currents can get rough so be careful. You may even get to see some monkeys.
Things to do in Amed
18. The Japanese Shipwreck
The Japanese Shipwreck is not too far from the shore and not very deep, making it the perfect location for freediving or mermaiding in Bali. I also saw scuba divers exploring the Japanese shipwreck. See a video of me mermaiding in Amed here.
19. Black Sand Beach
Enjoy a volcanic black sand beach at Jemeluk and Lipah.It’s a great spot for freediving and taking epic drone shots. Enjoy a local lunch while lounging on the beach.
Exciting Things to do in the Gili Islands (Gili Trawangan, Gili Air, Gili Meno)
People either love or hate Gili Trawangan and I’m among the latter. But I would return to free dive the underwater bike in Gili T or the underwater sculptures in Gili Meno.
20. Freediving the Underwater Bike on Gili Trawangan
You can free dive the underwater bike without a tour as it’s very close to the shore. You can find it by asking a local, but it’s next to a piece of concrete. In my opinion, it could be better identified. A weight belt isn’t necessary, but it is helpful.
21. Island Hopping the Gili Islands
You can easily take a quick ferry between the Gili Islands. Gili Trawangan is known for being the party island. Gili Air is known for being the most laid-back island, and Gili Meno is known for being a sea turtle sanctuary with a mix of nightlife and relaxation.
22. Bike Around Bali
The easiest way to get around the Island is by renting a bicycle. If your hotel is far from the port you’ll definitely need a bike.
23. The Best Pizza in Bali: Regina Pizzeria
Who would have known that the best pizza in Bali is located on an unassuming street in Gili Trawangan? It’s away from the major crowds, and a football game is always played on the television.
The Best Waterfalls to Visit in Bali
There are so many beautiful waterfalls in Bali. No matter what part of the island you’re on, there’s probably a waterfall nearby. Taman Sari is a good waterfall for those who don’t like crowds. Cell phone reception is not good there so make sure you have a ride back to
Here are a few other waterfalls that you can check out.
- Leke Leke Waterfalls
- Nungnung Waterfall
- Peguyangan Waterfall
- Sekumpul Waterfall
- Tibumana Waterfall
- Blemantung Waterfall
- Git Git Waterfall
- Melanting Waterfall
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