Bali is undoubtedly one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world and after reading this article it will be easy to understand why. Its pristine beaches, culture, local gastronomy, temples and attractions are every traveller’s dream.

Regardless of the type of vacation you have in mind, be sure to include these 17 things to do in Bali in your travel plan. However, I must tell you that discovering Indonesia’s most famous island in one trip is almost impossible, so planning a travel itinerary for Bali will help you see as many things as possible and optimize your time.

Let’s go together to discover things to do and see in Bali
What to do and what to see in Bali

We want your trip to the Island of the Gods to be unforgettable, so in addition to the main attractions of Bali, we wanted to include activities and excursions to do in Bali. This tropical refuge can satisfy everyone a little and we are sure that, once you get to the bottom of this article, you will be spoiled for choice.

If you don’t have time to read the whole article, here is our very personal TOP 5 of things to do in Bali:
Relax on the most beautiful beaches in Bali

It would be impossible to be able to discover all the beaches of Bali in one trip. One thing is certain: don’t forget to pack your suit, sunscreen, mask and snorkel. If you are travelling with children, the fun multiplies because Bali is full of water parks and a day at the Waterbom is a must.

Bali is known as the surfers’ Mecca. As a result, not all Bali beaches are suitable for relaxation and swimming. Since it may be difficult to choose the most suitable beach for you, we want to facilitate your choice by indicating the 5 most beautiful beaches in Bali:

    Instagram tour of the most beautiful places in Bali
    Trekking at dawn on Mount Batur
    Excursion to Nusa Penida
    Explore the rice terraces of Bali by bicycle
    Take a surf lesson in Bali

    Kuta Beach: if you are fond of diving and seascapes we recommend you to dive into this turquoise sea and discover the infinite varieties of fish that populate them. If you are lucky you will spot turtles and clownfish. If you are a beginner, in Kuta Beach, you will be able to take surf lessons. The most romantic can enjoy fabulous sunsets in the evening to be captured.

    Nusa Lembongan: to reach the small island of Nusa Lembongan you have to make a short boat crossing. Once there, many heads to Jungutbatu beach, but the island has other beautiful more secluded and far-away beaches like Dream Beach and Sandy Bay.

    Sanur Beach: with a more peaceful and relaxed atmosphere, Sanur is chosen especially by families looking for a more peaceful holiday. Its sometimes breezy beach has a beautiful promenade where you can take long walks.

    Suluban Beach: tucked away at the bottom of the Uluwatu cliffs, Suluban Beach is an idyllic spot. Chosen as a beach especially by surfers, the sunsets here seem magical and taking a photo becomes a fabulous experience.

    Canggu: originally a small fishing village, today it is the favourite place for tourists and its golden sandy beaches are literally taken by storm. If you are well predisposed to a chaotic atmosphere just to visit its beaches, then well, otherwise better look for something else.

Take surf lessons in Bali

Bali is synonymous with surfing. Even if you’ve never ridden a wave before, you’ll be attracted to surfers and their boards. As we pointed out above, you need to know how to choose the beach to surf based on your experience.

For beginners better Kuta Beach, where the waves are more manageable, while if you are an expert try your hand at the waves of Dreamland Beach or Balangan Beach. Taking part in a surf lesson in Bali is certainly one of the activities not to be missed and that will help you get into the mood of the island.

Rent a scooter and explore Bali

The best way to explore Bali is to rent a scooter. The two wheels will allow you to avoid traffic, save time and, above all, to be free to stop in one place for as long as you want. You will certainly have fun driving a scooter around the island, but be sure to observe all safety rules, wear a helmet and follow the rules of the road.

Remember that it is always a good idea to take out insurance for your trip, especially in Indonesia where health care is private and the smallest intervention could cost you a lot of money.
Stay on a tree in the Bali forest

If you’ve read our article on where to sleep in Bali, you will know that the island has a great variety of accommodation for all budgets. An increasingly fashionable alternative is to stay in a tree.

There are several structures that present this type of solution that will bring you in close contact with nature. It is one of those experiences that must be tried in Bali even for just one night.

Here are three recommended accommodations for sleeping in a tree in Bali:

    Kupu Kupu Barong Villas and Tree Spa
    Rumah Pohon Tree House
    Gili Treehouses
Visit the monkey forests of Ubud

Ubud’s Sacred Monkey Forest is home to around 200 monkeys. Considered by the locals as the guardians of the Dalem Agung temple, long-tailed macaques are the true masters of the forest, although it is possible to meet them all over Bali.

But beware, Ubud’s aren’t just any monkeys. They are known to be long-handed therefore pay attention to bags, cameras and personal items. Here are some tours that will allow you to get in touch with these intelligent and mischievous animals:

    Ubud: waterfalls, rice terraces and monkey forest
    Bali Zoo: breakfast with the orangutans
    Best of Bali: Customized 1-Day Private Tour

Visit a Balinese temple

Bali is known for the sea, the beaches, the sunsets and for its temples. Coming to Bali and not visiting one of its temples is a sacrilege! But which one to choose? We recommend the Ulun Danu Beratan temple, whose particularity is to float off the coast of Lake Bratan located in the centre of Bali at 3600 feet above sea level.

Another very unique temple is that of Tanah Lot located on a cliff shaped by time, wind and tides. This temple is easily accessible from Kuta, Sanur and Seminyak.
Take an excursion to the Batur volcano

One of the activities that we would like to recommend, albeit tiring, is the excursion on the Batur volcano. If you are determined to admire breathtaking views, you will have to wake up very early, several hours before sunrise and reach the top

If you are looking for a more difficult challenge you can decide to reach the summit of Mount Agung, which with its 3031 meters is the highest peak in Bali. Be careful though, this path is not always accessible due to the intense volcanic activity of the Agung.
Book a hot air balloon ride

Have you ever thought of exploring a place from above and enjoying breathtaking views? In Bali, you can! Many local agencies organize hot air balloon rides flying over the island of the Gods.

Floating in the sky over expanses of rice fields, forests and mountains, you will enjoy the beauty of Bali from an alternative and spectacular (as well as romantic) point of view.
Visit the rice terraces of Tegallalang

Another image that accompanies Bali are its infinite rice terraces and those of Tegallalang, in the Ubud area, are the most famous on the island.

During the visit, you will happen to admire the farmers who meticulously take care of their crops. Walking in these valleys will make you discover one of the most beautiful local traditions.

Since the Tegallang rice fields are generally very crowded, an excellent alternative is the Jatiluwih rice fields in the Tabanan area.
See the Bali waterfalls

In Bali, there are about 14 waterfalls, which differ in water flow and height. In some, it is possible to swim, while others it is only possible to admire them from afar.

Sekumpul waterfall, located just outside the village of the same name, is called by many the most beautiful waterfall in Bali. Most hikers hire a local guide to make the trekking path that leads to the waterfall through the forest and small local villages.
Go to the discovery of the islands

There are over 17,000 islands in Indonesia. I am not telling you to visit them all, it would be unthinkable. However, from Bali, you can easily reach the Gili Islands or the Nusa Islands.

The former are about 90 ‘away by ferry, while the latter only 30 minutes. You can organize a day trip to both archipelagos, but my advice is to spend 1 or more nights in these small paradises.

The island of Nusa Penida is a candidate to be one of me to be discovered during your trip, with Kelingking beach which is certainly its most iconic place.

Take Balinese cooking lessons

In Bali, everything that is art is handed down in respect of traditions. For Balinese, cooking is an art and many tourists try their hand and try to understand its secrets.

Among herbs, spices and unique flavours, taking cooking lessons will be an experience that will enrich the mind and body. If it is true that the best way to get to know a place is to try its food, in addition to taking cooking lessons, you can also participate in real gastronomic tours. Balinese culture is rich in traditional dances. The most famous is the Kecak dance which originates from a pre-Hindu ritual used against the plague and which today sees dozens of shirtless men dancing around the fire.

The sacred dance Barong contrasts Barong – the animal God symbol of good and fertility – and Rangda, the witch symbol of evil. Attending one of these dances is definitely a thing to do on a trip to Bali! Take care of your body and soul After a busy day treats yourself to a pampering! In Bali, you will be spoiled for choice. You can participate in a yoga class, or treat yourself to a Balinese massage.

Also, try a traditional cream-based hair treatment that detangles the strands and softens them giving them light and vitality.
A real ritual that begins with a head, neck and shoulder massage followed by the application of the cream and left on.
Visit the thermal springs north of Bali

The sacred Air Panas Banjar thermal springs are located near Lovina beach in northern Bali. Located in the middle of the jungle, here you will find hot water of volcanic origin that flows from the mouths of eight dragon heads carved in stone.

In addition to being very nice to photograph these sources, you will also enjoy the therapeutic benefits.

Stay in an elegant villa with infinity pool

As you will have read in the guide on where to sleep in Bali, the Indonesian island offers various types of accommodation for all budgets. The most popular ones lately are the luxury villas with their inevitable infinity pools.

Imagine being able to have breakfast in a villa with a view of Ubud’s hanging gardens, suggestive right? Furthermore, the prices are not even prohibitive; for me of 50 € per night, you can secure a dream accommodation.
Have fun shopping

In every place, you visit you cannot miss the shopping moment. The best boutiques are located in the elegant Seminyak if you are looking for traditional objects and creations we recommend the shops of Ubud.

If you are a jewellery enthusiast, go to the Jhon Hardy luxury shop in Ubud where you will not only find strictly handmade jewellery, but you can also take a tour of the boutique and learn how to create the jewellery.

Another very nice activity is to create a perfume. At the Ayana Resort and Spa of Jimbaran or the Ritz-Carlton of Nusa Dua, you will have the opportunity to participate in a seminar that will lead you to the discovery of new fragrances.
Watch a healer

When travelling in these lands, one of the images that accompany our imagination is that of the shaman, the healer.

These are people who practice traditional healing rituals for any type of physical or spiritual disorder, using medicinal herbs, massages and ancient techniques.

Believe it or not, seeing them practice these rites is a unique experience and a must.