Bali is one of those popular places that you’ve probably seen many times on your Instagram feed. Despite all that, I advise you not to have any specific expectations, because Bali has it all – tourist traps and authentic spots. The air is thick and warm, the smell of incense mixes with the ocean breeze, and scooters buzz around you.
And suddenly you should be able to understand why so many people fall in love with this island 🙂
If you’re planning your holiday, here’s a list of 30 top things to do in Bali, Indonesia that will help you experience the island fully.
Practical Guide For Your Holiday In Bali, Indonesia
How To Arrive In Bali
The main international gateway to the island is Ngurah Rai International Airport, also called Denpasar Airport (DPS). Almost all international flights land here.
You’ll usually fly with a stop — often in Doha, Dubai, Singapore, or Istanbul.
What to know:
- The airport is located in the south of Bali, near Kuta, Seminyak and Jimbaran.
- Visa on arrival is available for many nationalities (always check current regulations before traveling).
- After landing, expect humidity and warmth immediately — it hits you as soon as you step outside 🙂
Airport transfer tips:
- You can book a hotel transfer.
- Use official airport taxis.
- Or order a ride via Grab/Gojek (Indonesian ride apps)
How To Move Around Bali
Bali is not a small island, and traffic can be intense. Here are your main options to move around:
- Scooter – it’s the most flexible option and the most popular way to move around Bali. It’s cheap, easy to park and gives you lots of freedom. On the other hand, if you’re not an experienced scooter driver, the road chaos may surprise you! If you rent a scooter, always wear a helmet and make sure your travel insurance covers driving a motorbike.
- Private driver. It’s very common in Bali – you can hire a driver for half or a full day, it’s very affordable compared to Europe or the US. This is ideal for waterfall hopping, temple tours or day trips. It’s comfortable and stress-free.
- Ride apps (Grab & Gojek). Great for short distances in tourist areas like Canggu, Ubud, Seminyak. Cheap and convenient.
- Taxis. Blue Bird taxis are considered reliable.
- Organized tours. Comfortable but a bit more expensive.
Top Things To Do In Bali, Indonesia (For All)
1. Visit Uluwatu Temple at Sunset
Perched dramatically on a cliff above the Indian Ocean, Uluwatu Temple is one of Bali’s most iconic landmarks.
I recommend you to come in the late afternoon, walk along the cliff path and stay for sunset. When the sky turns orange and purple, the temple’s silhouette looks amazing! There’s also a traditional Kecak dance performance in the evening, which adds even more atmosphere.
2. Explore the Rice Terraces in Tegalalang
The green rice terraces near Ubud look even better than all the photos you’ve probably seen online 🙂 The unreal shade of green turns out to be real! Go early in the morning to avoid crowds and harsh sun.
It’s one of the most beautiful landscapes you’ll see during your holiday in Bali.
3. Climb Mount Batur at Sunrise
If you like a bit of adventure, hiking Mount Batur is a must. The trek usually starts around 2–3 am. You hike in the dark with headlamps, and after about 2 hours you reach the summit — just in time to see the sun rise over the island.
4. Spend a Day in Ubud
Ubud is the cultural heart of Bali. Wander through small streets full of art galleries, yoga studios, cafés, and craft shops. Visit the Ubud Palace, explore the Monkey Forest (just hold your belongings tight 😉).
5. Try Reiki Treatment
Bali attracts people interested in yoga, meditation, and energy healing. If you’re one of those, reiki in Bali is one of the experiences you should try.
Reiki is a form of energy healing that focuses on balancing the body’s energy through gentle touch (or even without physical contact).
Whether you fully believe in energy work or you’re simply curious, a Reiki session in a calm, tropical setting can be surprisingly grounding. Even if you approach it with skepticism, it can be a beautiful moment of pause during a busy holiday.
6. Relax on the Beaches of Uluwatu
If you love wild, dramatic beaches, head to the southern part of the island – Padang Padang, Bingin, Dreamland. You will need to walk down steep stairs, but you will be rewarded with high cliffs, turquoise water and surfers riding waves. It’s raw and beautiful.
7. Watch the Sunset in Canggu
Canggu has a very chilled vibe — full of cafés and beach bars.
Come to Echo Beach or Batu Bolong in the late afternoon. Grab a coconut or sit in a beach bar, watch surfers and the sun slowly disappearing into the ocean. It’s the perfect end to a lazy Bali day.
8. Visit Tanah Lot Temple
Tanah Lot is one of the most photographed temples in Bali, sitting on a rock in the sea. It gets crowded, but there’s a very good reason for people to come. During high tide, the temple looks like it’s floating on water.
Try to arrive either early morning or just before sunset for the best light.
9. Experience a Traditional Balinese Spa
You can’t come to Bali and skip a massage. Balinese massage combines acupressure, stretching, and long strokes. It’s relaxing but also energizing.
And the best part? It’s affordable compared to Europe or the US. You can treat yourself without feeling guilty.
10. Visit a Waterfall (or Three)
Bali has countless waterfalls so don’t miss a few during your visit. For example: Tegenungan (easy access), Tibumana (less crowded), Sekumpul (more adventurous).
Many require a short hike, but it is totally worth it. Pack your swim suit – swimming under a waterfall in tropical heat feels like a proper Bali experience.
11. Take a Day Trip to Nusa Penida
If you have time, take a boat to Nusa Penida and see the spectacular cliffs at Kelingking Beach. Broken Beach and Angel’s Billabong look almost unreal.
It’s more rugged than Bali itself, and roads can be bumpy — but views are absolutely stunning.
12. Go Snorkeling or Diving
The waters around Bali offer beautiful underwater life. Amed and Tulamben are popular for diving, including the famous USAT Liberty shipwreck. Around Nusa Penida you may even see manta rays.
If you’re not into diving, snorkeling tours are widely available and easy to arrange.
13. Learn to Surf
Bali is a surfing paradise. Beginners often head to Kuta or Canggu for lessons. Instructors are experienced, and boards are easy to rent.
Even if you spend more time falling than standing, it’s fun 🙂
14. Visit Tirta Empul Water Temple
At Tirta Empul, locals and visitors participate in a water purification ritual. Dressed in a sarong, you move from fountain to fountain, placing your head under flowing water.
Whether you approach it spiritually or culturally, it’s an interesting insight into Balinese Hindu traditions.
15. Explore Sidemen Valley
If you want a quieter, more authentic Bali, go to Sidemen. It’s less developed than Ubud, surrounded by rice fields and views of Mount Agung.
It’s a peaceful place to slow down and morning walks through the valley are magical.
16. Take a Cooking Class
Balinese cuisine deserves attention, so join a cooking class and learn how to prepare dishes like nasi goreng, satay, or traditional spice pastes.
It’s one of the most practical souvenirs you can bring home – skills 🙂
17. Visit a Coffee Plantation
You’ll see signs for coffee plantations everywhere. Many offer tastings of local coffee and tea. Bali is famous for Kopi Luwak (though it’s worth researching ethical aspects before trying it).
Even without that, it’s interesting to see how coffee is processed.
18. Enjoy Yoga at Sunrise
Bali, especially Ubud, is one of the world’s yoga hubs. Joining a sunrise yoga session on the beach, overlooking rice fields, or the jungle can be a beautiful way to start your day.
You don’t need to be advanced, many classes are open to beginners.
19. Chase Hidden Beaches
Beyond the popular spots, Bali hides quieter beaches if you’re willing to explore. Green Bowl Beach or Nyang Nyang Beach require effort — you need to climb stairs and walk to get there, but they reqard you with fewer crowds.
20. Simply Do Nothing (On A Beach?)
One of the top things to do in Bali, Indonesia during your holiday… is to slow down.
Sit by the pool, listen to geckos at night, watch daily offerings being placed on the ground, drink fresh juice. Or explore beaches!
Enjoy your time and relax 🙂
Best Beaches In Bali
Bali has many different types of beaches — from wild cliff-hidden spots to lively surfing hubs. Here’s a quick list depending on what you’re looking for:
Best for surfing:
- Batu Bolong (Canggu)
- Padang Padang (Uluwatu)
- Bingin Beach
Best for dramatic views:
- Nyang Nyang Beach
- Kelingking Beach (Nusa Penida)
- Green Bowl Beach
Best for swimming & relaxing:
- Jimbaran Beach (calmer water)
- Sanur Beach (more family-friendly)
- Nusa Dua Beach (resort area, cleaner sand)
Best for sunsets:
- Echo Beach (Canggu)
- Uluwatu cliffs
- Seminyak Beach
Each area of Bali has a slightly different character — south for surfing and cliffs, east for diving, north for quiet nature.
5 Things To Do In Bali For Couples
1. Stay in a Private Villa With a Pool
It’s a dream of many couples, and in Bali, is actually affordable. You can rent a villa with your own pool – it gives you privacy and space to just enjoy each other’s company.
Morning coffee by the pool. Late-night swims. No schedule… sometimes doing less is the most romantic plan. 🙂
2. Visit a Hidden Canyon
Head to Beji Guwang Hidden Canyon near Sukawati. You walk between dramatic rock formations carved by water over centuries. In some parts, you wade through shallow streams.
It’s adventurous but not extreme — and exploring narrow stone corridors together feels like discovering a secret place.
3. Take a Traditional Silver-Making Workshop
Instead of buying souvenirs, create something together. In villages like Celuk (known for silver craftsmanship), you can join a short workshop and design your own ring or pendant.
You leave Bali not just with memories — but with something meaningful you made together.
4. Sunset at Karang Boma Cliff
If you want a quieter alternative to the busy temple sunsets, go to Karang Boma Cliff in Uluwatu. No big crowds, just cliffs, ocean, wind, and the two of you. Bring water, sit down, and watch the sun disappear without distractions 🙂
5. Private Boat Around Nusa Lembongan
Instead of the more crowded Nusa Penida trip, consider a boat around Nusa Lembongan.
You can snorkel, explore small coves and enjoy quiet beaches. It’s calmer and more intimate than bigger island tours.
5 Things To Do In Bali With Kids
1. Bali Bird Park
Bali Bird Park is colorful, interactive and easy to explore with kids. Children can see exotic birds up close — parrots, hornbills, peacocks — and sometimes even hold smaller species.
It’s educational and fun.
2. Visit a Sea Salt Farmer
In eastern Bali, you can still find traditional sea salt farmers working the way their ancestors did. This is not a big tourist attraction but it’s very authentic and interesting.
Children can see:
- How seawater is collected
- How it evaporates under the sun
- How salt crystals are formed and harvested
It’s fascinating for kids to see salt is actually made. And because it happens right on the beach, you can combine it with sand play and swimming.
3. Visit Lake Beratan and Ulun Danu Temple
Head north to Ulun Danu Beratan Temple.
The temple seems to float on the lake, and the cooler mountain air is refreshing compared to the humid south. There’s space to walk around, gardens to explore, and it feels calmer than the coastal areas.
4. Glass-Bottom Boat Ride in Tanjung Benoa
In Tanjung Benoa, you can take short glass-bottom boat rides where kids can see fish without needing to snorkel.
It’s simple, safe and exciting for younger children. You can combine it with beach time in the area.
5. Visit Bali Reptile Park
Next to Bali Bird Park, there is Bali Reptile Park. Snakes, lizards, turtles — it’s fascinating for many kids (and slightly scary for some parents 😉).
It’s not huge, so you won’t spend the whole day there, but as part of a half-day plan, it works well.
Final Thoughts On Your Holiday And Things To Do In Bali, Indonesia
I think Bali has it all. Temples and ceremonies, chaotic traffic and peaceful rice fields, volcano hikes and spa afternoons, surfing lessons and Reiki sessions, deep green jungle and a bright blue ocean.
You can make your Bali holiday as adventurous, as spiritual, or as relaxed as you want.
Just remember: give yourself time to relax and chill. And who knows — just like many before you, you might leave already planning your return 🙂
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