Bali, an enchanting island located in Indonesia, is a tropical paradise renowned for its stunning landscapes, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality. Visit the rice terraces, relax on its pristine beaches, visit the ornate temples, and learn more about the Balinese cultureโฆthese all top the list of the best things to do in Bali.
With its blend of natural beauty, cultural wonders, and modern amenities, Bali is a joy to visit. Itโs a great spot to visit for budgets of all sizes and perfect for those in search of outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, and time on some of the most beautiful beaches in the world.
I spent 10 days in Bali while studying abroad in Sydney, Australia. During these busy days, my friend Cam and I traveled around the island. We surfed along the southern coast, visited the nearby Nusa Penida island, hiked to hidden waterfalls, celebrated Nyepi Day with locals, watched the sunrise from Mount Batur, and explored numerous temples.
We checked out many of Bali’s top attractions, but we also aimed to visit some of the less-touristy spots on the island. These often turned out to be the best experiences. Because of this, Iโve put together a comprehensive guide to the best things in Bali.
In this guide, we share with you the best things to do on Bali with tips to help you plan your experience.
October 2025 Update: Removed information about the Bali mountain ban, as that is no longer being enforced. Updated links and pricing.
Bali Essentials
๐ WHERE | Indonesia
๐ฅ DONโT MISS | Mount Batur Sunrise Hike, Tegallagang Rice Terraces, Ulun Danu Beratan Temple, Tanah Lot Temple, Kelingking Beach, Uluwatu Beach
๐ OUR FAVORITE HIDDEN GEMS | Aling-Aling Waterfall, Sekumpul Waterfall, Jatiluwih Rice Terraces, Balangan Beach
๐๏ธ HOW LONG | 7 to 10 days
โ๏ธ WHEN TO GO | April through October
A Quick Bali Geography Lesson
Bali is one of over 17,500 islands that make up the archipelago of Indonesia, and it may be the most famous. Itโs the only island in Indonesia that is primarily Hindu and it is an excellent hub of culture and adventure.
Up north in Bedugul, youโll travel off-the-beaten-path and hunt for the islandโs best waterfalls, such as Banyumala and Sekumpul. The town itself is situated between several lakes that rest under looming peaks. Travel up here for some spectacular views!
To the east, the peaks of Mount Batur and Mount Agung rise up from an ancient caldera. Swing by some of the most prominent Hindu temples such as Besakih Great Temple, Tirta Gangga, and Pura Lempuyang.
Central Bali is the perfect spot to unwind and take everything in. Here youโll explore vast rice fields such as Tegalalang and the Jatiluwih Rice Terraces, wander through the town of Ubud, and visit the Sacred Monkey Forest.
Southern Bali features the best beaches on the island, such as Balangan Beach, Uluwatu Beach, and Melasti Beach. Donโt forget to enjoy coastal views at Uluwatu Temple.
Nusa Penida is a smaller island accessible via a 45-minute-long ferry. Making the time to visit Kelingking Beach, Broken Beach, and Diamond Beach is well worth it.
While visiting Bali, be mindful that many of the tourist sites (temples, mountains, etc.) are considered sacred. People visiting these sites are expected to act and dress in a manner that is respectful to local culture and customs.
Pura Lempuyang with Mount Agung in the background
Best Things to Do in Bali
In no particular order, here are the best things to do in Bali. At the end of this list you can see all of them on a map.
1. Banyumala Twin Waterfall
Our Rating: โญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธ Beautiful waterfall with a swimming pool, easy to reach, and less traveled.
Visiting Banyumala was one of our favorite experiences on the island. Towering at a height of roughly 26 meters, this waterfall is both impressive and one of the best instagrammable spots in Bali.
Itโs not as popular as some of the other nearby falls, so you may have the entire place to yourself.
Banyumala is also two waterfalls that converge in the same pool. Talk about a great spot for a swim!
Banyumala Twin Waterfalls | Best Things to Do in Bali
PLAN YOUR VISIT: The Banyumala Twin Waterfalls are located in northern Bali. There is a small parking lot thatโs a 10-minute walk to the actual falls. On the way youโll pass a small concession stand where you can pay the entry fee. Further on is a steep staircase down to the falls which can be slippery when wet.
We arrived at 9 am and had the entire place to ourselves. If youโre planning on having a photoshoot here, we recommend getting here early in the morning. Youโll have great lighting and minimal crowds.
2. Ulun Danu Beratan Temple
Our Rating: โญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธ Quick and easy to see, and one of the most iconic sights in Bali.
This picturesque temple sits right on Lake Beratan. Situated right off the main road, Ulun Danu Beratan Temple (also called Pura Ulun Danu Beratan) is very easy to reach and well worth your time. You get stunning views of the lake and surrounding mountainside. There is also a small park and other minor temples situated within the campus, allowing you to make the most of your money.
Ulun Danu Beratan Temple | Best Things to Do in Bali
3. Sekumpul Waterfall
Our Rating: โญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธยฝ Impressive waterfall in a lush, secluded canyon, but is more difficult to reach than other waterfalls.
Sekumpul Waterfall is the tallest waterfall in Bali and one of the most impressive. We never made it here due to closures from the national Nyepi Day holiday, but we wish we could have.
This hidden gem is nestled deep within the rainforest and is roughly 3 times the height of Banyumala. Visitors will have a brief walk from the carpark to reach the viewpoint of Sekumpul Waterfall. From here, you have the option to hike down to the base of Sekumpul and visit other, smaller โhiddenโ falls. You may be pressured to hire a guide upon purchasing tickets, but a guide is not necessary or worth the extra money.
Sekumpul Waterfall | Elizaveta Galitckaia/shutterstock.com
PLAN YOUR VISIT: Most visitors daytrip to Sekumpul from Ubud, where it is roughly a 2 hour drive one way. We instead recommend staying in Bedugul, a small mountain town that sits between several large lakes. Use Bedugul as a โhome-baseโ if youโre planning on visiting several waterfalls in the area. Sekumpul is located roughly an hour away from other waterfalls such as Banyumala and Aling-Aling. If youโre staying in Bedugul, you can drastically reduce travel times and allocate more time to seeing the waterfalls.
4. Aling-Aling & Nearby Waterfalls
Our Rating: โญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธ This was our favorite experience in Bali and a great choice for thrill seekers. Hike out to several waterfalls with the chance to cliff jump and go down a waterfall slide.
Growing up my parents always asked me โwould you jump off a cliff if all your friends did?โ While Iโd always say โnoโ to please them, today my answer has soundly changed.
On visiting Aling-Aling waterfall and the waterfalls that are located next to it, we were expecting some spectacular views and maybe a bit of a swim. However, we were met with something a whole lot more exciting: cliff jumps and a giant waterfall slide.
This was my favorite experience out of the 10 days I spent in Bali, due to the adrenaline rush that you canโt get anywhere else on the island.
There are 3 cliff jumps to attempt, all of varying heights, with the last one standing at a whopping 15 meters high. For all the jumps there is a tiny ledge for daring visitors to jump off from, and below lies a deep pool of water. There is also an 8-meter-tall waterfall slide.
Upon entry, youโll hire a guide that will show you around the area and assist you on the waterfall slide. Our guide was fantastic, and this wouldnโt have been my favorite experience if it werenโt for him. Life jackets are provided for the waterfall slide so you donโt damage your back.
PRO TRAVEL TIP: Although a guide is not necessary to view the waterfalls, you must have one if you intend to go cliff jumping or ride down the waterfall slide. Guides will meet you at the trailhead and lead you around the nearby falls.
Kroya Waterfall Slide | Best Things to Do in Bali
Cliff jump in front of Kroya Waterfall
10 meter jump at Kembar Waterfall
We also did the 15 meter jump from Pucuk Waterfall, but we don’t have photos to share, unfortunately (but you can see a video of it on our Guide to the Aling-Aling Waterfalls). It was exhilarating!
Visit this group of waterfalls was such an epic experience that we recommend anyone to make the time to visit. Even if you donโt consider yourself an adrenaline junky, there is still plenty of fun to be had.
Aling-Aling Waterfall Guide: Cliff Jumps & Waterfall Slides
Detailed guide to the Aling-Aling waterfalls, with a video and more photos.5. Handara Gate
Our Rating: โญ๏ธโญ๏ธ A popular Instagram spot, but very crowded with tourists.
Flocked by thousands of tourists every year, Handara Gate has become a bit of a tourist trap. The gate is iconic, yes, but we found that the whole experience is not worth it.
When we visited in late March, we found a very slow-moving line of people waiting to get their photo taken. After waiting in line for over 30 minutes, we quickly snapped our photos before moving on.
We found that the gate was a lot more underwhelming than it appeared in the photos. This fact, along with the crowds of people, made it a poor experience. However, the gate is very easy to get to if youโre visiting other sites around Bedugul, and the design of the gate is impressive. There is also an employee that can snap your photo if you do not have your own camera. We still recommend checking it out but beware of the crowds. We arrived around sunset, which is when the gate may be most crowded.
Handara Gate
BEST TIME FOR PHOTOGRAPHY: Pictures are best at sunrise/sunset, but do expect larger wait times.
6. Mount Batur Sunrise Hike
Our Rating: โญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธ Sunrise views from the summit of a volcano, how amazing is that?
The Mount Batur sunrise hike is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Bali, as well as one of the most scenic sunrise hikes in the world.
You can only experience this excursion with a tour guide; self guided hikes are not allowed. The hike is 6.4 km (4 miles) round trip, moderately difficult, and takes 3 to 4 hours, which includes time on Mount Batur to watch the sunrise. Our day started at 2:30 am (that is not a typo), and rolling out of bed that early in the day is the hardest part of the hike, but this hike is one of the most unique things to do in Bali.
Learn more about this hike in our guide to the Mount Batur Sunrise Hike โ
Mount Batur Sunrise Hike
7. Jatiluwih Rice Terraces
Our Rating: โญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธ Beautiful view of expansive rice terraces with mountains in the background.
Located in central Bali, the Jatiluwih Rice Terraces may be one of the most scenic locations on the entire island. Massive rice fields stretch out for as far as the eye can see, framed by several of Baliโs largest volcanoes in the background.
Jatiluwih is an underrated site that doesnโt get a lot of attention from tourists, which I found shocking due to its stunning beauty.
Jatiluwih Rice Terraces | Edmund Lowe Photography/shutterstock.com
PLAN YOUR VISIT: The best time to visit is from February to April as the rice stalks will be in full bloom. We recommend visiting either at sunrise or sunset for the best views and minimal tourists. While here, soak in the views and wander the fields. The area is so expansive that you could spend hours hiking. If interested in learning more about hiking, check out this article.
8. Enjoy One of Many Bali Swings
Our Rating: โญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธ A good bit of fun and it makes for a great picture for social media.
There is a right way and a wrong way to do this. Photos of people swinging out over the countryside have become popular on social media in recent years. There are several large-scale locations that offer all kinds of different swings, but I found these to be a giant tourist traps and a waste of both time and money.
You can find better, more secluded swings all throughout the island, such as at Tegalalang or the northern waterfalls.
Check to make sure there is somebody nearby before swinging at a private location. As this can be private property, itโs most important to respect the localsโ space. It is likely that, at these smaller sites, you will need to pay a tiny fee to go for a swing (~15K IDR). For the photos, this is definitely worth it.
PRO TRAVEL TIP: Avoid the swings at the large-scale theme parks such as Real Bali Swing outside Ubud. These are typically tourist traps.
9. Tegallalang Rice Terraces
Our Rating: โญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธ A very scenic rice field thatโs easy to reach.
The rice terraces at Tegallalang may be one of the most picturesque spots on the island. When planning a trip to Bali, a trip is incomplete without a view of this terraced valley. We visited at the late end of the rainy season in March, so everything had a lush green color, and the rice plants were in full bloom.
There are plenty of different areas of Tegallalang that are worth your visit. Some spots offer extraordinary views and others may feature a signature swing. Visitors are welcome to wander this UNESCO site at their own leisure and may have to pay tiny entrance fees that go towards supporting the local infrastructure.
PHOTOGRAPHY TIP: The best time for photos is sunrise. The soft morning glow adds to the area’s enchantment.
Tegallalang Rice Terraces
10. Tirta Empul Temple
Our Rating: โญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธยฝ A great choice for those who want to take part in a self-purification ritual within a templeโs waters.
Tirta Empul is a sacred Hindu Balinese water temple located only a few miles from Tegallalang. The main draw of this temple is its pools of holy water and spiritual influence. Visitors will travel to bathe in the water, taking part in a cleansing ritual for self-purification. Whether youโre an active practitioner or not, anyone is welcome within these pools.
Tirta Empul Temple | Best Things to Do in Bali
The temple itself isnโt very large and may only take you five minutes to wander the full thing. Your length of stay will be determined by your choice to take part in the purification ritual. If interested in entering the pools (which is something we strongly recommend), there are sarongs to rent at the temple.
11. Besakih Great Temple
Our Rating: โญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธยฝ A giant Balinese Hindu temple that attracts thousands of tourists.
The largest Balinese Hindu temple, the Besakih Great Temple, must be on any travelerโs to-see list. Itโs a giant complex of smaller shrines and temples that can only be described as impressive. Besakih is also the oldest and holiest temple on the island, rightfully being nicknamed โThe Mother Templeโ.
Located near Mount Agung, the highest peak in Bali, you are treated to spectacular views of the volcano and surrounding countryside.
Besakih Temple
PRO TRAVEL TIP: Since Besakih is such a massive site and draws thousands of tourists, there are also plenty of scammers. An entry ticket will cover the cost of a provided sarong and guide. However, there will be locals trying to rent you sarongs or guides may demand outrageous tips. As pushy as they may seem, respectfully ignore the scammers and stick with the provided services on your ticket.
Tips are not mandatory for guides, but for the officials who lead you through the temple, a tip here would be generous.
12. Tirta Gangga
Our Rating: โญ๏ธโญ๏ธ It’s a beautiful spot to visit but it gets extremely crowded, which takes away from the overall experience.
The water gardens at Tirta Gangga are a unique spectacle that is almost always flocked by tourists. The former palace-turned-sanctuary is famous for its array of fountains and stepping stones which have caught the eye of photographers over the past couple years.
When I visited, I found it packed with hundreds of visitors all trying to get their perfect photo. The only problem was that practically every stepping stone was occupied by someone, making it impossible to grab a half-decent shot.
Although it can be considered a tourist trap, a visit to Tirta Gangga may still be worth it for you. Itโs a beautiful sanctuary that is also conveniently located near other great locations to visit. The site is located near the eastern shores of Bali and a short drive from the base of Mount Agung. If youโre patient, arrive at a less popular time of day (near opening and closing), or if youโre just very lucky, you may get the perfect photo youโre looking for.
PRO TRAVEL TIP: Visit at opening time to avoid the crowds.
Tirta Gangga
13. Pura Lempuyang
Our Rating: โญ๏ธโญ๏ธ An impressive, picturesque temple that overlooks Baliโs tallest mountain, but like Tirta Gangga, the huge numbers of visitors took away from the overall experience.
When planning your trip to Bali, chances are youโve seen a photo at this iconic Balinese gate. The Gate of Heaven frames Mount Agung, and in some pictures you can see a perfectly reflective pool of water.
Spoiler Alert! The reflective pool of water you may have seen in photos is actually an optical illusion created through clever photography.
Pura Lempuyang is another beautiful temple that has fallen victim to large crowds in recent years. I found that the gate itself was stunning, but not nearly as impressive as in the photos. Similar to Handara, there is a massive queue of people waiting to have their photo taken, creating queue times upwards of 3 hours long! When I visited in the early-evening, I had over 100 people ahead of me in line.
Pura Lempuyang is worth it IF youโre willing to simply admire the Gate of Heaven and smaller temples in the complex (which are still cool to see), or if you consider yourself extremely patient. Photos are best at sunset but expect massive crowds. If you want to beat the crowds youโll need to arrive before opening, which could be a pretty early wakeup given where you are staying.
Pura Lempuyang
Gate of Heaven
PLAN YOUR VISIT: There is a large carpark at the base of the temple. From here, youโll ride a shuttle up to Pura Lempuyang and purchase your entry tickets. You cannot drive your own vehicle up to the temple, you must take the shuttle or walk (itโs a steep 40-minute uphill walk). Your entry ticket will include a sarong that you must wear on temple grounds.
Get more information on the official website.
14. Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary
Our Rating: โญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธ Roam this giant forested temple complex full of monkeys. Itโs easy to reach and definitely worth a visit.
The Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary in Ubud is one of the most popular attractions in Bali. This nature reserve houses hundreds of monkeys that freely roam the collection of forested temples. A major highlight for us was getting up close with a few of the monkeys under the guidance of a park guide.
The monkeys will not harm you unless they are given reason. Donโt feed them and be careful about what you bring into the park. They will mistake paper/plastic bags to be holding food and will try to steal whatever is inside. We even learned not to open our own backpacks as that could draw similarly unwanted attention.
There are more than monkeys to see at the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary. Much to our delight, there are several temples to visit. The highlight of the temples are the carvings of monkeys, frogs, and other strange looking animals, all looking somewhat ferocious and menacing. Their moss-covered bodies made the temples seem mystical and otherworldly, like we were out in the middle of the jungle even though we were in downtown Ubud.
Get more information on the official website.
Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary
15. Tanah Lot Temple
Our Rating: โญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธ This is one of the most iconic sights in Bali and not to be missed.
Tanah Lot rests on a small outcropping by the shore and is famous for itโs romantic setting and sunsets. At low tide, you can walk out to the base of the temple, but tourists are not allowed to enter. Despite this fact, it has remained one of the most popular attractions in Bali, and Iโd consider it to be 100% worth it.
There is a park that rests up on the cliff above that viewers can enter. Wander the cliff edge and admire the waves crashing against the templeโs base. Come here at sunset for some absolutely stunning pictures but be wary of crowds.
Tanah Lot | Sergii Figurnyi/shutterstock.com
BEST TIME TO GO: The best time for photos is at sunset, but expect larger crowds. Visit early in the morning for the fewest crowds.
16. Uluwatu Temple
Our Rating: โญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธ Scenic temple that sits high on Baliโs southern cliffs. Many online photos of the temple are via a drone (which are banned), so don’t expect to see the iconic view from the trail.
This Balinese Hindu temple provides scenic views of the surrounding cliffs and is also an excellent hub of unexpected entertainment. The temple is perched atop a cliff that overlooks the southwestern shores, making for some incredible views.
Uluwatu Temple
The main attraction for us, however, were the monkeys that roamed the temple. These guys were surprisingly bold, stealing hats and sunglasses right off visitorsโ heads! Luckily, the monkeys are more curious than aggressive, so keep a tight grip on your belongings here.
You cannot enter the very top of the temple unless for prayer.
I learned that the shots I saw online of the temple were all via drone, which is now banned. Instead of grabbing the perfect shot of the temple, I instead admired the coastline and watched the monkeys wreak havoc on unsuspecting tourists.
You will receive a sarong with your entry ticket, which is required at the temple. The temple also hosts a Kecak dance performance daily at 6 pm (roughly 150K IDR per adult). If you have the time, check it out!
17. Uluwatu Beach
Our Rating: โญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธ A popular beach with solid restaurants, beautiful coastal views, and good surfing. This is a great place to spend the afternoon.
From great restaurants, stunning views, and fantastic surf, Uluwatu Beach (also called Blue Point Beach) has it all. The cliffside is terraced with restaurants and shops that overlook the water below. Wander the paths, shop at a few vendor stalls, and enjoy the secluded beach that rests below. If youโre into surfing, Uluwatu Beach has some of the best surf in all of Bali.
We spent our time here soaking up the views at Single Fin, a restaurant located at the top of the cliffside.
Uluwatu Beach | Best Things to Do in Bali
Lunch at Single Fin
18. Kelingking Beach on Nusa Penida Island
Our Rating: โญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธ One of my favorite beaches, and favorite views, in Bali.
Many of those who plan a trip to Bali fail to consider day tripping out to the nearby island of Nusa Penida. In my opinion, Kelingking Beach is the most scenic beach in the region, more so than any of the beaches in Bali. When visiting it felt as if Iโd been transported back to Krabi, Thailand. If thatโs not reason enough to make the trip, I donโt know what is.
At Kelingking Beach, visitors can walk down the picturesque steps to the beach below. It is a long walk, so make sure you bring some water on a hot day.
PHOTOGRAPHY TIP: You can snap an iconic picture of the beach from the stairway down. This photo spot is less than a 5-minute walk from the top.
Kelingking Beach
How to Get to Nusa Penida:
The only way to get to Nusa Penida from Bali is by boat. By ferry, it takes 45 minutes to travel to Nusa Penida. The ferry departs from Sanur Beach, located 45 minutes from Ubud. You can visit Nusa Penida on your own, but weโd recommend booking a tour if youโre planning on day tripping. Itโs a bit more expensive but eliminates a ton of unwanted hassle.
We booked with Four Elements and had a wonderful experience. They provided transportation from our resort to & from the Sanur harbor, as well as a guide that drove us around the western side of Nusa Penida.
Another option is to travel by ferry to Nusa Penida and hire a private driver for the day. This allows you to travel on your own schedule and visit only the sights you want to see.
This full day tour of Nusa Penida includes your transportation to Nusa Penida in a fast boat, your entry tickets, and visits to some of the most scenic spots on the island.
If you have the time, we recommend spending a night on Nusa Penida as there is so much to see. We only had time for the day tour that covered the western end, but people also rave about the eastern end of the island. Spend 2 days here, see both ends and decide which region you prefer most!
Tours of Nusa Penida
19. Visit a Coffee Plantation
Our Rating: โญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธยฝ I liked this much more than I expected to.
Bali singlehandedly turned me into a coffee drinker. Before traveling here, visiting a coffee plantation would never have made my itinerary. One day our driver spontaneously asked us if weโd like to visit a plantation to taste some local coffee & tea. Although hesitant, I kept an open-mind and went along with the experience.
We arrived for the tasting session at this quaint house out in the countryside. The woman working there came out with a tray of 16 tiny cups, each with a different flavor. Each and every one of them was delicious. So much so that I immediately purchased several bags of coffee grounds to take home. Sitting out in the countryside and sipping on tasters was one of the highlights of my trip.
When in Bali, you must make time to visit a nearby plantation. Itโs a phenomenal experience for visitors who could use a nice burst of energy during their day. Youโll find various plantations across the island, but we recommend the Abian Kusuma Sari Coffee Plantation).
Bali Coffee Plantation
Coffee and tea tasting
20. Surf at Balangan Beach
Our Rating: โญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธยฝ A great beach for surfing, sipping on cocktails, and getting away from the crowds.
The first time I visited Bali back in 2015, I spent a week in Seminyak. Expecting a beautiful white sand beach, I was disappointed to see it run down and covered in trash.
8 years later, I finally found what I was looking for. Balangan beach is stunning. Itโs much more secluded and lesser known, giving it some charm. This golden sand beach is nestled at the bottom of a short cliff, with parking lots located close above.
Go for a swim in the pristine water, then unwind under an umbrella and sip a cocktail. We spent hours here surfing the waves and had a perfect day for it. A few hours at Balangan beach may end up being the highlight of your trip.
Balangan Beach | Best Things to Do in Bali
With More Time: More Things to Do in Bali
Melasti Beach. Looking for a beautiful, lesser-known beach with golden sands and turquoise waters? Look no further than Melasti Beach, located on Baliโs southern shores. This beach is perfect for a swim, where youโre treated to beautiful views of the surrounding limestone cliffs.
Melasti Beach | Iriskarightnow/shutterstock.com
Mount Batur Hot Springs. Just a 15-minute drive from Mount Batur, these hot springs are the perfect place to relax after a busy morning. Here youโll find a collection of heated infinity pools that are essentially giant hot tubs.
Mount Batur Hot Springs | Best Things to Do in Bali
Jimbaran Beach for sunset dinner. Check out the nearby fish market, where locals will prepare you a fresh selection of the dayโs catch.
Jimbaran Beach
Gitgit Waterfall. One of the most impressive waterfalls in Bali. There are 2 sites that showcase different segments of the waterfall. One hosts a small pool to swim in, and the other reveals Gitgitโs full power.
Gitgit Waterfall
Wanagiri Hidden Hill Lookout. This viewpoint offers a stunning view out at Bedugul and the surrounding lakes and mountains.
Wanagiri Hidden Hill Lookout
GWK Festival Park. Visit this giant sculpture park to learn more about Balinese culture. One of the main attractions is the immense Garuda Wisnu Kencana statue, which stands at 121 meters tall. Itโs so large you can see it from Jimbaran Beach! Find out more here.
Places to Skip in Bali
When traveling through Bali, do not waste your time visiting the beaches around the airport, primarily Kuta Beach. A lot of tourists, myself included, make the mistake of staying there since itโs a convenient location and the photos online depict it differently than it really is. The resorts there are all really nice, but the area is trashy and way too touristy. The beaches are rundown and are littered with trash.
If you want better beaches, visit the area around Uluwatu or Nusa Penida. If you want a great resort that offers a more personal experience in the heart of Bali, stay directly outside Ubud.
Our Top 10 Favorite Things to Do in Bali
- Aling-Aling & the nearby waterfalls (waterfall slides and cliff jumps)
- Banyumala Waterfall
- Mount Batur sunrise hike
- Surfing at Balangan Beach
- Purification Ritual at Tirta Empul
- Visiting a coffee plantation
- Wandering Tegalalang Rice Terraces
- Day tripping to Nusa Penida Island
- Eating and watching the surfers at Uluwatu Beach
- Unwinding in the Mount Batur hot springs
Best Things to Do in Bali: On a Map
How to Use This Map: Click the icons on the map to get more information about each point of interest. To take this map with you, click the star next to the title of the map which adds it to your Google account. Next, within your Google Maps app, select ‘Saved’ and then select ‘Maps’. This map title will now appear in your list.
How to Get Around Bali
The roads of Bali are a nightmare to traverse. Local drivers take a more relaxed style to traffic laws and lanes are non-existent. There almost always will be traffic (donโt expect to crack 20miles/32km per hour in urban areas), and the roads can be described as โorganized chaos.โ
Knowing this, always allocate more time to traverse the island as you will most likely get caught in a slowdown. The time estimates on Google Maps are pretty accurate (but add 15-30 minutes just in case).
Private Driver
This is the easiest and safest way to traverse the island, but also the most expensive. This was how we traveled between sites every day of our trip.
You can hire a driver with GetYourGuide and prices average out to roughly $50 to $65 USD to have a driver for 10 hours for a group of five people.
With a private driver, you have the freedom to select when and where you want to travel. They are there to make the most of your trip, and from my experience they were some of the kindest people Iโve ever met. We booked with Bali Hire Driver and had no issues. Ask for Suwardana, he was our driver for the last 3 days of our trip and is an absolute legend!
A good rule of thumb is to tip an extra 100K IDR ($6) for their service. We recommend hiring a driver a few days in advance.
Rental Car
Friends of mine rented a car to travel around Bali. Although it is much cheaper than hiring a driver, I donโt believe the hassle of driving your own car is worth it. Having to worry about parking and driving Balinese roads, which can be pure chaos, is only recommended if youโre absolutely confident in your ability behind the wheel. Ensure you have a viable international driverโs license before renting.
Scooter Rental
Using a scooter to navigate Bali can be more relaxed than driving a car, and gives you a higher sense of freedom. This is our recommendation for those who want to save money and arenโt afraid of the roads (scooters are best used up north where there is less traffic).
Make sure you have a viable international driverโs license as this is required. You should also have experience driving a scooter. The crazy roads of Bali are not a good place for newbie scooter drivers.
For more information, check out this article as they explain the process very well.
Public Transport
Taxis are easy to find in Bali. When walking down the street you may have dozens of Balinese people ask if youโd like a ride. As tiresome as it can be, it is pretty convenient. This is only recommended for traveling short distances, as taxi drivers can scam you by taking the longer route. If youโre travelling across the island, youโre better off hiring a private driver.
There is a bus system, although it can be hot, dusty, and crowded. We found that they were almost always packed to the brim with people. Traveling by bus may be the cheapest option, but it doesnโt always give you the flexibility to view sites along the way to your final destination.
Note: There is NO UBER in Bali! Use โGrabโ instead, an app that functions in a similar way to Uber.
Ulun Danu Beratan Temple | Best Things to Do in Bali
How Much Time Should You Spend in Bali?
The minimum amount of time we recommend is five days, since that is just enough time to visit the highlights in Bali. More time is ideal, with 7 to 10 days being the sweet spot for getting to explore a lot of Bali and have some downtime for relaxing on the beach or surfing.
For a short visit to Bali, take a look at our 5 Day Bali Itinerary and our 7 Day Bali Itinerary. With 10 days in Bali, you can visit the highlights, a few hidden gems, and have plenty of downtime in Ubud and at the beaches. These itineraries also have suggestions for where to stay in Bali.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bali expensive?
Bali is an affordable country to visit, which is one of the main reasons why the island attracts so many tourists each year. 5-star resorts can cost as little as $50 USD per night. Restaurants and bars are also quite inexpensive, with entrees ranging from $5 to $20 USD depending on the location. As college students on a budget, we still felt like we could travel like royalty.
When is the best time to visit Bali?
The best time to visit Bali is during the dry season, from April through October. This time offers clear skies and sunshine ideal for relaxing on beaches, hiking, and exploring the island. Bali stays warm all year, with temperatures typically in the high 80s and low 90s.
Do you need to rent a car in Bali?
Renting a car allows you to travel freely around Bali; however, we donโt recommend it. Driving in Bali is very different from most other places in the world. Traffic laws are more like guidelines, and roads can be described as โorganized chaos.” Only rent a car if you are completely comfortable behind the wheel. We suggest hiring a private driver to shuttle you around. Although itโs slightly more expensive, it will save you a lot of stress on your daily travels.
Tours of Bali
Joining a tour takes the hassle out of arranging transportation and allows you to do something unique, such as taking a mud bath with elephants or swimming with manta rays.
Bali Tours
If you have any questions about the best things to do in Bali, or if you want to share your experience, let us know in the comment section below.
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