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Best Things to Do in Bali: A Complete Guide

10 Best Things to Do in Bali

Looking for what to do in Bali? Indonesia’s most famous island is far more than just beach clubs and infinity pools. Volcanoes, rice terraces, temples, waterfalls, surf breaks and small villages are all packed into a relatively compact space, giving you a huge variety of experiences within a few hours’ drive.

From sunrise hikes and cliffside temples to laid-back seaside towns, jungle hideaways and neighboring islands, Bali can fill anything from a long weekend to a month. Here are the 10 best things to do in Bali to help you plan your trip around the island.

1. Explore the Rice Terraces Around Ubud

Ubud, set in Bali’s central highlands, is surrounded by lush rice fields and river valleys. Iconic terraces like Tegalalang and the greener, quieter landscapes around Tegallalang and Jatiluwih show how water, rice and village life are deeply intertwined on the island.

Walk along narrow paths between paddies, watch farmers tending their fields and stop at warungs and cafés perched on the edge of the terraces. Early morning or late afternoon brings softer light and cooler air, making it easier to appreciate the patterns of the landscape.

2. Visit Bali’s Temples: Uluwatu, Tanah Lot and Beyond

Bali’s Hindu temples range from tiny roadside shrines to dramatic sea temples perched on cliffs. Uluwatu Temple, on the Bukit Peninsula, sits high above crashing waves and offers wide views of the Indian Ocean, especially striking at sunset.

Tanah Lot, built on a rock outcrop just offshore, seems almost to float at high tide. Inland, temples like Tirta Empul (known for its holy springs) and Besakih (the “mother temple” on the slopes of Mount Agung) reveal different aspects of Balinese spirituality and architecture. Dress modestly and use provided sarongs where required.

3. Hike Mount Batur for Sunrise

Mount Batur, an active volcano in northeast Bali, is one of the island’s most popular hikes. Most tours start in the early hours, driving you to the trailhead so you can reach the crater rim around sunrise.

From the top, you’ll see the sky gradually brighten over Lake Batur and surrounding peaks, with clouds and steam drifting around the crater. The hike is steep in parts but manageable for many reasonably fit travelers with good shoes and a moderate pace. Afterward, many tours include a simple breakfast and optional stops at hot springs.

4. Chase Waterfalls in North and Central Bali

Beyond the beaches, Bali’s interior is threaded with rivers and waterfalls hidden in jungle valleys. Popular falls include Tegenungan near Ubud, and further north, Gitgit, Sekumpul and Banyumala Twin Waterfalls, each with its own setting of rock pools, ferns and forest.

Reaching some waterfalls requires short hikes down steep paths or staircases, so wear suitable footwear and be prepared for humidity. Swimming in the cool pools (where allowed) is one of the most refreshing ways to escape the afternoon heat.

5. Relax, Surf and Café-Hop in Canggu and Seminyak

On Bali’s southwest coast, areas like Canggu and Seminyak combine surf-friendly beaches with a dense network of cafés, restaurants, shops and beach clubs. Black and golden sand stretches are lined with warungs and bars, while back streets are filled with villas, yoga studios and coworking spaces.

Watch surfers catching waves at Echo Beach or Batu Bolong, explore small boutiques and grab brunch at one of the many stylish cafés. Sunsets here are a daily ritual, with people gathering on the sand or at rooftops to watch the sky change color over the sea.

6. Discover East Bali: Sidemen, Tirta Gangga and Beyond

East Bali feels quieter and more traditional than some coastal hotspots. The Sidemen Valley is known for its terraced fields, small villages and views of Mount Agung, making it a great base for walks, cycling and slow travel.

Nearby, water palaces like Tirta Gangga and Taman Ujung blend pools, fountains and pavilions with views of hills and rice fields. Exploring this region gives you a sense of Bali’s rural rhythms and long-standing royal heritage.

7. Visit Nusa Penida or Nusa Lembongan on a Day Trip

Just off Bali’s southeast coast, the Nusa Islands offer dramatic cliffs, quieter beaches and excellent snorkeling and diving. Nusa Penida is famous for viewpoints like Kelingking Beach, Broken Beach and Angel’s Billabong, where steep cliffs drop to turquoise coves.

Nusa Lembongan and neighboring Nusa Ceningan are smaller and more relaxed, with mangroves, surf breaks and suspension bridges linking the islands. Day trips and overnight stays are both possible, with boats running regularly from Sanur and other departure points.

8. Snorkel and Dive Bali’s Reefs and Wrecks

Bali’s underwater world is as varied as its landscapes. The northeast coast around Amed and Tulamben offers shore dives and snorkel sites including the famous USAT Liberty shipwreck, now covered in coral and home to schools of fish.

Other areas, such as Menjangan Island in the northwest and parts of the Nusa Islands, feature clear water, steep walls and chances to see turtles, reef sharks and colorful reef life. Dive shops and snorkel operators across the island can help match sites to your experience level.

9. Experience Balinese Culture, Dance and Ritual

Balinese culture is threaded through daily life in the form of offerings, ceremonies and performances. In Ubud and other cultural centers, you can attend evening dance shows featuring styles like Legong, Barong and Kecak, often staged in palace courtyards or temple complexes.

As you travel, you’ll see small woven offering trays (canang sari) placed in front of homes, shops and shrines, as well as processions, gamelan music and temple festivals. Joining a cooking class, craft workshop or village tour can deepen your understanding of how religion, art and community intersect on the island.

10. Eat, Drink and Unwind in Bali’s Cafés, Warungs and Spas

Bali’s food scene spans simple family-run warungs, beachside grills and polished international restaurants. Try local dishes like nasi campur, babi guling (where culturally appropriate), lawar and sate lilit, alongside fresh fruit juices, coffee from Indonesian beans and tropical desserts.

Spas and wellness centers are everywhere, from modest massage shops to luxury retreats with flower baths and multi-hour rituals. Combining a day of exploring with a late-afternoon massage or spa session is one of the easiest ways to embrace the island’s slower side.