14 Things to do in Bali

It is no wonder that Bali is one of the most visited places in Indonesia. With its thousands of temples, beautiful rice fields, wild nature in the form of lakes, waterfalls and volcanoes as well as endless beaches, the island stands out for the incredible friendliness of the people and its healthy and rich cuisine. The list of activities is also endless: surfing, water sports, hiking, temple tours and much more.

It is normal to be confused about what to do in Bali when putting together your travel itinerary since there are so many options! If you are thinking of coming to Bali, this blog will help you choose the best things to do on the island. Let’s start!

  1. Watch Kecak Dance
  2. Try Surfing and Other Watersports
  3. Enjoy Beach Clubs and Nightlife
  4. Try Balinese Food and Cooking Class
  5. Have a Massage
  6. Explore Waterfalls
  7. Take Amazing Pictures at Rice Terraces and Swings
  8. Dolphin Watching 
  9. Discover Balinese Art
  10. Explore Temples
  11. Try Yoga
  12. Hike Volcanoes
  13. Visit Other Islands
  14. Shop Till You Drop
  1. Watch Kecak Dance

The Uluwatu Temple in south Bali has a great attraction called Kecak Dance, which is a Balinese drama that mixes dance and music. The music captivates and the hand and arm movements the dancers use to tell the story and are incredibly expressive. Their spectacular and colorful costumes are also a highlight of the show. It’s a great experience to watch the show as the sun sets in the background with the amazing panoramic views from the top of the cliff overlooking the vast ocean. 

  1. Try Surfing and Other Watersports

Bali is a huge surfing mecca. Many professionals come to Bali just to catch some of the best waves in the world. However, it is also a good place for the ones who want to learn because it’s a place of strong surfing culture. The areas close to the waves breath surf all day with plenty of surfing schools to choose from. 

There are many different waves on the island, from the gentle ones in Kuta, perfect for beginners, to the big ones in Uluwatu, for the experts. Make your choice!

There are many other water sport options in Bali such as kitesurfing, fly board, banana boat, stand up paddle, diving, snorkeling, rafting and many more. 

Fly Board

For diving, Tulamben and its shipwreck diving and Amed are among the best options. 

  1. Enjoy Beach Clubs and Nightlife

If you’re a nature lover but also can’t miss a good drink and a night out, don’t worry: Bali has it all. Seminyak, Kuta and Canggu are the places to go for beach clubs and nightlife. You will be able to enjoy the fancy side of Bali in those places. 

These areas are filled with vibrant bars, restaurants and beach clubs that stay open late. Every day hundreds of people gather at the beach clubs in the late afternoon to drink to the sound of DJ’s and enjoy unforgettable sunsets. Later, people flock to the best nightclubs in Bali to dance the night away. There you will find the perfect places for those looking to enjoy a wild night out or just for families looking for good restaurants with a more modern and western style dinner. 

Beach club in Canggu

  1. Try Balinese Food and Cooking Class

Almost all Southeast Asian countries have their own version of fried rice. In this regard, Indonesia is no different: one of the most famous national dishes and loved by Westerners who visit Bali is Nasi Goreng (or Mie Goreng, which is a noodles version of Mie Goreng). Made in the wok with vegetables, eggs and the protein of your choice, it is always served with the traditional krupuk, a shrimp biscuit characteristic of Bali. Another option is to try the traditional Nasi Campur. Amazing! 

Mie Goreng

If you want to go further, you can take a cooking class in Bali. This is a practical way to get to know a little more about the tasty Balinese cuisine, participate in the preparation of the food and finally taste it. The class starts with a visit to a local market, through a rice paddy, until finally you prepare a local dish. 

  1. Have a Massage

No trip to Bali is complete without a Balinese massage. Why? First, because of the inexpensive prices compared to massage places in Europe and the US. Second, because the traditional techniques used by Balinese therapists are the most profound and relaxing in the world! 

After a day of walking and touring the island, there’s nothing better than stretching your legs and relaxing while you get a quick massage or a lengthy spa treatment overlooking the rice terraces.

  1. Explore Waterfalls

There are many amazing waterfalls in Bali but the most beautiful ones are in the Ubud area.

One of the most famous is the Tegenungan Waterfall. It’s a very strong waterfall surrounded by tropical forest, perfect for a refreshment on a hot day. Although it usually gets quite crowded with tourists, there are smaller and more secluded smaller waterfalls along its river.

Other options are the Git Git, Kanto Lampo and Align-Align Waterfall, which has a fun natural slide you can slide down into a natural pool.

Tibumana Waterfall

  1. Take Amazing Pictures at Rice Terraces and Swings

Bali wouldn’t be Bali without its magnificent rice fields. Just imagine the sight of green plantations between the hills forming a step-like view. Not a bad Instagrammable view, right?

You can find rice paddies with breathtaking panoramic views across Bali, but most are in rural areas around Ubud, in the central part of the island. The most famous rice terraces are the Tegallalang and the UNESCO World Heritage Site Jatiluwih Rice Fields. Don’t forget to take pictures on the swing. 

Swing over rice terraces in Ubud 

  1. Dolphin Watch 

Lovina, located in the north of Bali, is famous for dolphin watching excursions that have become one of the main attractions in the region. For many visitors, seeing these beautiful creatures swimming peacefully in their natural environment is one of the highlights of a trip to Bali. 

Tourists are taken in motorized boats, but at sea, they turn off the engine and wait for different species of dolphins to come close. A dolphin watching tour usually lasts 30 minutes.

  1. Discover Balinese Art

Bali is world famous for its handicrafts. Ubud, in particular, is widely known as the cultural heart of the island of Bali, so if you like art, this is the place to go.

The island is a traditional school in wood carving, painting and metalworking. It’s no wonder that many people earn their living by reselling Balinese arts around the world at exorbitant prices.

Coming to Bali is a great opportunity to learn more about their artwork, enjoy and buy these beauties for a great price. Just be sure to respect and appreciate their work while bargaining.

  1. Explore Temples

Believe it or not, there are thousands of temples in Bali. The religious temples are the highlight of the trip for many people and are often located in unexpected places, which makes the experience even more unique. 

The best temples to visit are the Uluwatu Temple, Tanah Lot, Tirta Empul, Goa Ganja, Besakih, Lempuyang, among others. As it is a religious space, be aware of the dress code of Balinese temples, which usually require the use of the sarong (you can borrow free of charge at the entrance), which is a kind of skirt that is part of the local culture. Watch out for the monkeys!

Besakih Temple

  1. Try Yoga

Many tourists visit Bali looking for a more introspective experience that goes beyond seeing the island’s sights. Ubud, which is the island’s cultural hub, has also become one of the world capitals of yoga and spiritual vibes. It’s definitely a place to relax and reconnect. 

Many places also offer cleansing and detox programs that will help you relax and slow down. There are schools specialized in these activities, with different types of practices, in which you can take individual classes or for beginners.

  1. Hike Volcanoes

Mount Batur

Indonesia is situated in the so-called Ring of Fire of the Pacific and for this reason it’s full of volcanoes. One of the best things to do in Bali is to hike one of the island’s volcanoes and admire the sunrise or sunset from the top. Mount Batur and Mount Agung offer good hiking and views. This is a great option for the ones who like extreme outdoor activities and amazing views!

  1. Visit Other Islands

If you want to take a break from the crowds in Bali, a good option is to head to one of the Nusa Islands (Penida, Ceningan and Lembongan) or one of the Gili Islands (Trawangan, Meno and Air).

Broken Beach in Nusa Penida

These islands are just a short boat ride away from Bali and amaze visitors with their secluded beaches with crystal clear turquoise waters, waterfalls, lush vegetation, jungle roads and breathtaking views from its viewpoints. They are also essential destinations for diving enthusiasts, since their waters have very rich marine life. 

  1. Shop Till You Drop

In the busy streets of Seminyak you will find the best place in Bali for shopping: cutting-edge designer fashion, swimwear and surfing suits, jewelry, furniture and home goods are just a few of the items in Seminyak’s boutiques and stalls. The two main shopping centers are Seminyak Square and Seminyak Village, although you’ll probably find cheaper prices in the smaller shops on the main streets.