There's a reason Bali keeps pulling people back. It's one of those rare places that somehow manages to be everything at once, spiritual, wildly beautiful and deeply affordable, culturally rich and effortlessly relaxing. Whether you're after sunrise volcano hikes, sacred temple ceremonies, world-class surf or simply a cocktail on a clifftop at sunset, the Island of the Gods delivers. Here are ten things to do in Bali.
Best things to do in Bali
1. Watch the sunrise from Mount Batur
Kintamani, Bangli Regency
Waking up at 2am feels a lot more reasonable when the reward is watching the sun rise above the clouds from an active volcano. The trek up Mount Batur takes around two hours and is manageable for most fitness levels with a local guide. At the summit, you get sweeping views over Lake Batur and on a clear day, all the way to Mount Agung and the coast. It's one of the most memorable mornings you'll ever have. Bring layers though, as it's colder than you'd expect.
2. Explore the Tegallalang rice terraces
Jalan Raya Tegallalang, Ubud
Bali's rice terraces are genuinely one of the most beautiful sights in Southeast Asia and Tegallalang is the most iconic of them all. The stepped green paddies cascade down a valley just north of Ubud and they're best visited early morning before the tour groups arrive. Walk the narrow paths between the fields, chat to the farmers and stop for a coffee at one of the warung cafés perched on the ridge overlooking it all.
3. Visit Tanah Lot Temple at sunset
Beraban, Tabanan Regency
Tanah Lot is one of Bali's most photographed landmarks and it absolutely earns its reputation. The sea temple dates back to the 16th century and is dedicated to the spirits of the sea. Arrive an hour before sunset, explore the surrounding clifftop temples and market stalls, then watch the sky turn orange and purple behind the silhouette of the temple. Even if you've seen a hundred photos of it, the real thing still gets you.
4. Take a cooking class in Ubud
Various locations, Ubud
One of the best ways to understand Bali is through its food and taking a cooking class is far more fun than it sounds. Most classes start with an early morning visit to a local market to pick up ingredients, followed by a hands-on session making dishes like nasi goreng, satay and black rice pudding. Schools like Paon Bali and Casa Luna are well-regarded and cater to all levels. You'll eat everything you make, obviously.
5. Spend a day on the Nusa Islands
Accessible by fast boat from Sanur Beach
The three Nusa Islands, Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan sit just off Bali's southeast coast. Nusa Penida is the wildest with jaw-dropping cliff formations like Kelingking Beach and Crystal Bay's world-class snorkelling. Nusa Lembongan is more relaxed with mangroves, surf breaks and excellent dive sites. Fast boats run regularly from Sanur and the crossing takes 30–45 minutes. A full day here is one of the best side trips when visiting Indonesia.
6. Catch a Kecak fire dance at Uluwatu
Pura Luhur Uluwatu, Pecatu, Badung Regency
Uluwatu Temple sits 70 metres above the Indian Ocean on a sheer clifftop in the south of the island and at sunset every evening it hosts one of the most mesmerising performances you'll ever witness. The Kecak dance, performed by dozens of men chanting in unison around a fire, retells scenes from the Hindu epic Ramayana against a backdrop of the setting sun. Tickets are cheap, the performance lasts around an hour and it's something that will stick with you long after you leave.
7. Surf in Canggu or Seminyak
Echo Beach, Canggu / Kuta Beach, Seminyak
Bali's surf scene is legendary and you don't need to be experienced to get involved. There are schools on almost every beach that will have beginners standing up within a lesson or two. Canggu is the cooler, more laid-back option with a strong café culture off the beach, while Seminyak offers a more polished scene with beach clubs and sunset bars nearby. For the full rundown on where to catch the best waves, take a look at our guide on the best beaches in Bali.
8. Wander around Ubud's Monkey Forest
Jalan Monkey Forest, Ubud
The Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary is home to over 700 long-tailed macaques roaming freely through ancient temple grounds. It's chaotic, funny, occasionally alarming and completely brilliant. The forest itself is beautiful, dense and green with moss-covered stone statues and three Hindu temples woven through it. Keep your belongings secure (the monkeys are not shy), don't show food and just enjoy being somewhere that feels genuinely unlike anywhere else.
9. Indulge in a traditional Balinese massage
Available across the island
If there's a more relaxing way to spend two hours, we haven't found it. Traditional Balinese massage combines acupressure, skin rolling and gentle stretching to leave you properly loose-limbed and glassy-eyed. You'll find everything from beachside massage huts charging a few pounds to high-end spa experiences at the island's best resorts. If you're looking to splash out, check out our all-inclusive Bali packages, many include spa credits as standard.
10. Explore the art markets of Ubud
Ubud Art Market, Jalan Raya Ubud
Ubud has been Bali's artistic heartbeat for centuries and its central market is the best place to see that creativity up close. Batik clothing, hand-carved wooden figures, silver jewellery, paintings and woven baskets fill stall after stall, and the bargaining is half the fun. Go in the morning for the freshest produce and least crowded lanes, and don't miss the galleries and artisan studios that line the streets heading north out of town.
Book your Bali trip today with Away Holidays
Bali really does have something for everyone and the best way to make sure you don't miss any of it is to plan ahead. Whether you're after a culture-packed itinerary, a surf and wellness escape or something in between, check out our latest Bali deals and let the Away Holidays team take care of the details of things to do in Bali, Indonesia.
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