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Bali in Indonesia is a tropical destination that everyone must visit at least once in their lifetime. From picturesque beaches, white sands, iconic limestone cliffs, and serene villages that take you back in time, it’s the ideal destination to break away from the stress of your daily life. Dine, party, swim and relax- this captivating island has outstanding attractions for all. Make the most of your time with these top things to do when you are on vacation in Bali.
Most Extraordinary Things to do in Bali
Chill out at Bali’s Pristine Beaches
Extraordinary Bali is a paradise island that offers surreal natural beauty and exceptional privacy away from hectic city life. Land at the Bali Indonesia Airport and start your holiday with a relaxing day on the unforgettable beaches. Grab a drink, and feel your worries drift away as you dip your toes in the white sand.
Recommended For: A laid-back day out
Location: All across Bali
Average Price: Mostly free
Pro tip: The highly recommended beaches such as Kuta Beach Bali and Nusa Dua Beach have free entry.
Get Friendly with the Beautiful Waves
Try something new in Bali- a destination for the best surfing, Bali tourism attracts surfing enthusiasts from all over the world. The perfect waves and barrels have something for everyone from beginner to expert-level surfers so that you too can feel comfortable in the Indian Ocean.
Recommended For: Fun water sports
Location: Beaches of Bali
Average Price: Equipment rental starts at $50 for 2-3 hours.
Pro tip: Bali prices are affordable; a lesson with an experienced surfing instructor will cost about $10.
Let Loose at a Local Beach Club
A visit to the beach club is a must-do in Bali to party like the locals do. Recommended as one of the best things to do in Bali, show off your dance moves, swim, drink and be merry surrounded with feel-good vibes. The swaying palm trees and catchy music tunes are what best Bali memories are made of!
Recommended For: Exploring modern clubs of Bali
Location: Beaches of Bali
Average Price: Starts at $55 including food and drink
Pro tip: For the absolute royal experience, book yourself a cabana.
Master Authentic Balinese Cooking
Bali is a place known for its dynamic attractions and culinary specialties are one of them. Don’t just eat out, but learn the tricks of the trade from the masters themselves! Book yourself an exciting cooking class with local chefs and learn how to recreate delicious local flavours.
Recommended For: A unique culinary adventure
Average Price: Starts at $35 depending on the vendor
Pro tip: Take a market tour and book an open-air class in Ubud Indonesia.
Spend Your Afternoon at the Bali Zoo
If you’re on a family vacation, head over for some fun at the first zoological park and one of the best places to visit in Bali. Feed the friendly free-roaming deer, witness the exciting bath time of the elephants, and discover more amazing species in the huge zoo with over 500 Indonesian endemic animals.
Recommended For: A kid-friendly day out
Location: Gianyar
Average Price: Starts at USD 10
Timings: 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. / 6 – 9 p.m Daily
Pro tip: Take your young ones to the petting zoo to capture their best smiles.
Have Breakfast with the Orangutans
Yes, you read it right! Partner up with the orangutans for a one-of-a-kind breakfast. The Bali Zoo has a special experience between 8 am and 10 am where you can sip your coffee and feast on pancakes with these majestic species frolicking in the background.
Recommended For: An exclusive Bali Breakfast experience
Location: Gianyar
Average Price: Approx $51
Timings: 8 am and 10 am (based on availability)
Pro tip: This experience lasts about 5 hours with other activities including an animal show and hotel transfers.
See More of Bali with an Island Hopping Tour
This island is a popular tourist spot for all the captivating sights and sounds it offers. See them all with an adrenaline-surging island hopping tour, from the Gili Islands of Bali to the beautiful volcanoes of Java. Get moving to explore new landscapes.
Recommended For: Seeing Bali’s spectacular views
Location: Across Bali
Average Price: Varies based on the tour operator
Pro tip: Lombok and Nusa Penida are amongst the must-see places in Bali when island hopping.
Stand at the ‘Gates of Heaven’
Chances are you’ve seen this highly Instagram-worthy destination already. The ‘Gates of Heaven’ is a picture-perfect spot to capture a blissful moment with calm water and open skies. Located in a temple counted amongst the six holiest places of worship in Bali, the views are worth the wait.
Recommended For: Famous sacred and religious landmarks
Location: Kabupaten Karangasem, Bali
Average Price: Approximately $3
Pro tip: The temple requires ladies to have their shoulders covered and a wrap to be worn around the waist.
Understand the Balinese Lifestyle at a Traditional Village
When looking for extraordinary things to do, Bali’s top attractions include a trip to a traditional village. From understanding the culture, local arts, and crafts, to seeing charming coffee plantations and rice fields- the local villages and temples are delightful and engaging.
Recommended For: Visiting artisan villages in Bali
Average Price: A full day tour costs approx $50
Pro tip: The Tenganan village is famous for its gringsing fabric known to last over a century.
Grab a Snack at a Cozy Roadside Warung
To capture a true taste of local flavors, you must visit a roadside stall. This is one of the specialties in Bali. As you get out of the Bali Indonesia airport, search for a streetside food vendor called “Warung”. These little shacks don’t look fancy but have amazing menus to offer.
Recommended For: Enjoying roadside snacks in Bali
Average Price: Under $3
Pro tip: Minced fish satays and spice fried rice are some of the top foods to look forward to.
Visit a Balinese Healer: “Balians”
When it comes to searching for things to do in Bali, visiting traditional healers is highly recommended. The traditional healing therapies are trusted especially in Ubud Indonesia. You may also try the natural herbal massages and energy work for a relaxing treat.
Recommended For: Health and Wellness Therapy
Average Price: Starts at approx $15
Pro tip: Try sound healing for a rare meditative release that’s known to release stress and fatigue.
Rent a Scooter for the Weekend
If you wish to see Bali’s top attractions like the Kuta beaches of Indonesia, rent a scooter to blend in with the locals seamlessly. This commonly preferred mode of transport is everywhere on the island, and quite affordable as well, so you can stretch your holiday budget further.
Recommended For: Free-spirited tourists and Off-Beat travelers
Average Price: Starts at approx $6/day
Location: Easily found in bigger towns of Kuta or Ubud Indonesia
Pro tip: You are legally required to have an international driver’s license in order to drive a scooter.
Get a Makeover at a Sassy Salon
Give yourself some tender loving care at a Bali salon. After all, the humidity can be stressful and cause hair worries. The amazing hair spas and salons have budget-friendly solutions for all your needs so you can always look and feel your best in all of Bali’s seasons.
Recommended For: Self-care and relaxation
Average Price: Start at approx $8 for gel polish
Timings: Varies per salon
Pro tip: Balinese salons are known for their heavenly head massages.
Enjoy an Afternoon at Jatiluwih Rice Terrace
Bali’s must-see tourist spots include Jatiluwih Rice Terrace. This place is a blissful experience filled with wonderful natural beauty, fresh air, and rich green rice fields. Selected by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage icon, you’ll enjoy the panoramic views stretching from the foot of Mount Batukaru to the edge of the ocean.
Recommended For: Seeing Bali’s rice fields and cultural heritage
Average Price: Depends on the tour operator
Location: 48 km from Denpasar Bali
Pro tip: Visit the local Patirtaan in Petali Temple; a ceremony used to pray for agricultural prosperity.
Visit Family-Friendly Waterbom Bali
A holiday is incomplete without a visit to the Waterbom in South Kuta, Indonesia. Another one of Bali’s best places to visit and things to do in Kuta, this park is great to enjoy waterslides in a tropical park-like setting. With so many rides to choose from, you can spend an entire day with fantastic fun for all.
Recommended For: Water and amusement park
Average Price: Starts at $24
Location: South Kuta
Timings: 9 am- 6 pm Daily
Pro tip: The park is accessible to accommodate wheelchairs and prams.
Swing Differently in the Sea
The swings in the sea in Bali are an experience unlike others you may have been accustomed to. Lose track of time watching mesmerizing sunsets and feeling at peace with the sounds of the waves crashing around you with this legendary Bali sightseeing activity.
Recommended For: Witnessing the best sunsets from the sea
Location: Pandawa Beach, Ombak Sunset, Mertasari Beach
Average Price: Varies based on resort/beach
Pro tip: The best season to visit Bali is between April and October for calmer waters.
Fuel Your Adrenaline at the Famous Bali Swing
If you’re serious about your vacation pictures being flawless, a trip to the Bali Swing is a must! You can even rent a local dress to make your day special, and the fantastic view is absolutely worth it with lovely forests, rice fields, and rivers.
Recommended For: A thrilling swinging experience over a cliff
Location: Kabupaten Badung, Bali
Average Price: $35
Timings: 8 am- 5 pm Daily
Pro tip: Come early to avoid long queues.
Tap Your Feet to the Beat of the Devdan Show
If music, dance, and entertainment are what you seek, there’s plenty in the Bali area. The Devdan show is Bali’s famous performance that shows the journey of the Treasure of the Archipelago’s cultural heritage using illusions, traditional/modern choreography, and exciting beats.
Recommended For: A dazzling local concert and cultural show
Location: Nusa Dua, Bali
Average Price: Starts at $16
Timings: Monday/Wednesday/Friday/Saturday: 7.30 pm – 9 pm
Pro tip: Visiting in December and January is the best time to visit Bali for ticket discounts.
Witness the Sensational Aling Aling Waterfalls
See seven secret waterfalls come together to deliver a mammoth waterfall – an impressive enough reason on its own to visit one of the top places to see in Bali. The Aling Aling Waterfalls are located north of Bali, a convenient day trip to embark on either a scooter or vehicle.
Recommended For: Seeing a waterfall with a natural water slide
Location: Ubud
Price: Starts at $2
Pro tip: Stay at the Komaneka Ubud, a great hotel to stay for the night after the long day.
Indulge in a Rich Cream Bath
It sounds delicious, but this Balinese treatment is a savior for your hair. The secret behind the local ladies’ luscious locks, try this treatment. It is easily available across the Bali area to soften your tresses. The mask is ultra-moisturizing and affordable too.
Recommended For: A handmade hair mask used by locals
Location: Across Bali
Price: Starts at $15
Pro tip: Always ask for a soft or medium massage if your skin is sensitive.
Book Yourself a Balinese Massage
Visiting Bali for a rejuvenating holiday means booking yourself a luxurious Balinese massage from one of the local experts. Using a combination of different techniques and scented oils, feel the knots in your body disappear in the most relaxing ambiance.
Recommended For: A calming spa experience
Location: Across Bali
Price: Starts at $10 for 30 minutes
Pro tip: Avoid heavy meals when heading for this massage.
Tap into your Inner Yogi
Find your happy place with zen inducing yoga experience, one of the must-visit places and experiences in Bali. The spirit of mindfulness attracts visitors to Bali, Indonesia. You’ll find ample yoga studios, retreats, and classes to give your mind and soul the peace that you’ve been craving.
Recommended For: Practicing yoga based on Balinese teachings
Location: Across Bali
Price: Starts at $10 for 1 class
Pro tip: Ubud Indonesia is a great town for a yoga retreat with its calm vibes and rice fields views.
Explore the Hip Town of Seminyak
Take a break from nature and Bali’s spellbinding beauty and head over to Seminyak. Finding things to do in Seminyak will never be a problem. This buzzing town has some of the premium beach clubs, cafes, and bars for those serious about their delicious cocktails and fire shows.
Recommended For: Enjoying a happening nightlife
Location: Seminyak
Pro tip: Seminyak has plenty of outstanding dining places. Try something new like dinner at a living art gallery.
Splurge a Bit in Seminyak
While we’re exploring top things to do in Seminyak, the shopping here is simply divine. You’ll find everything from art, Balinese furniture, boutiques and brands that will win your heart in no time. The main street with shopping attractions here in Seminyak is Jl. Laksmana.
Recommended For: Shopping and Sightseeing
Location: Seminyak
Pro tip: Taxis are affordable. Don’t hesitate to hire one if walking gets too tiring.
Find the Best Bargains on Bali’s Streets
Shopping in Bali is a must whether you’re looking for souvenirs or thinking of jazzing up your wardrobe. A hub for luxury art, other exclusive items to look for are Balinese handicrafts such as wood/stone carvings, and Balinese jewellery in silver and gold.
Recommended For: Shopping and art lovers
Location: Across Bali
Pro tip: Visit Jalan Pantai Kuta in Kuta and Jalan Raya Ubud for a mix of great boutiques.
Find the Best Night Markets for Shopaholics
Don’t even think about missing a night market experience in Bali, Indonesia. Also known as ‘Pasar Malam’, get ready for excited crowds, the aroma of yummy street food, and a great insight into the local culture. Bring your best bargaining skills and walk away with great buys that you’ll love.
Recommended For: A local shopping experience
Location: Across Bali
Price: Starts at $1.5 for 10 satay sticks
Timings: Usually from 5 pm till midnight
Pro tip: Always compare prices to ensure you’re getting the best value.
Feast on a Sunday Brunch
Bali is the ideal place for a scrumptious Sunday brunch. Delight your inner foodie with a gourmet buffet. From beachfront eateries to bottomless drinks, there’s something for all budgets and taste buds, making it one of the best places to experience in Bali.
Recommended For: Leisurely Sunday enjoyment
Location: Across Bali
Price: Varies
Timings: Usually 11 am till 3 pm
Pro tip: Check for the option of a floating breakfast for a romantic meal with your loved one.
Check out the Unusual Car Temple
Also known as the Pura Paluang, this car temple is unlike any other. The Car Temple hosts many rituals and ceremonies and has two buildings shaped like cars that serve as the main shrines. Built out of white sandstone, locals have heard car-like sounds coming from here at night.
Recommended For: A mysterious temple experience
Location: Karang Dawa/ Western Nusa Penida
Price: $18
Pro tip: See the sunset from the Paluang Cliff for an incredible sight.
Step into the Wonderful Elephant Cave
One of the most notable Bali attractions is the Elephant Cave, also known as the Goa Gajah. Expect a mysterious cave with eerie relics and ancient bathing pools. The architecture of the entrance resembles a demonic mouth and the site dates back to the 11th century.
Recommended For: Famous cave and holy site
Location: Ubud
Price: $1.15
Timings: 8 am to 4:30 pm Daily
Pro tip: Goa Gajah is an active worship site. So please be respectful.
Try a Workout at the Treetop Adventure Park
An open-air park in Bali Botanical Garden, Bedugul is ideal for families to spend some happy and relaxed time together. Bring your spirit of adventure for a day out in nature filled with fun circuits designed for visitors of all ages. The treetop challenges are safe, and you can hang out from the trees literally for a rare Bali thrill.
Recommended For: A safe outdoor park
Location: Candikuning, Baturiti
Price: Starts $25
Timings: 9.30 am- 6 pm daily
Pro tip: This park is a great picnic ground once you’re done completing the challenges.
Get Soaked at the Kanto Lampo Waterfalls
This majestic waterfall is undoubtedly a gorgeous place. Enjoy swimming and admire the water cascading down from the mountains without having to hike or trek. This beautiful escape ranks amongst Bali’s best places to visit. But be careful because the rocks can be very slippery.
Recommended For: Witnessing a natural waterfall
Location: 30 minutes from Ubud
Price: $1.10
Timings: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm daily
Pro tip: Arrival early to avoid the usual crowd of tourists waiting to get their pictures taken on the rocks.
Become Friends with the Monkeys in Ubud
Ubud’s rice terraces aren’t the only brilliant site to see here. There is also the Sacred Monkey Forest. This forest is important for spiritual, economic and conservation reasons. Home to over 700 monkeys, you’ll love the cute monkeys and the walk in the greenery.
Recommended For: Discovering wildlife and parks
Location: Ubud
Price: Starts at $6
Timings: 8.30 am- 5 pm Daily
Pro tip: Do not carry any food items that may attract the monkeys.
Let Serenity Surround You at Penglipuran Village
There are plenty of green villages to see in Bali. But Penglipuran village stands out with its immaculate cleanliness and hospitality. The villagers even have units where you can stay the night so you can experience the feel of an authentic Balinese house and lifestyle. There are also bamboo forests to explore.
Recommended For: Exploring a traditional Balinese village
Location: Kabupaten Bangli
Price: $2.5
Timings: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm daily
Pro tip: Cars are not permitted inside the village to keep the village traditions alive.
Climb the Rice Terraces in Ubud
Ubud is the hub for a lot of tourism in Bali, and rightfully so! Things to do in Ubud always attract a mention of the Tegallalang Rice Terraces. Located 600 meters above sea levels on a cliff, the picturesque photo opportunities here are plentiful.
Recommended For: Exploring Ubud’s landscapes
Location: Ubud
Price: $1.5
Timings: 8:00 am – 6:00 pm daily
Pro tip: Carry cash with you to offer as a donation to locals in order to walk through the fields.
Go for a Swim with the Sea Turtles
Bali’s waters are abundant with marine life and marvelous creatures making it a great destination for snorkeling. When sightseeing in Bali, consider the possibilities underwater in Nusa Lembongan, Tulamben, Amed, and other prime spots to search for sea turtles.
Recommended For: Snorkeling
Location: Across Bali
Price: Varies
Pro tip: Clown Fish and Royal Blue Tangs (Hint: Nemo and Dory) are also commonly sighted in Bali’s waters.
Fuel Your Body with Caffeine
If you’re a fan of coffee then the island of Bali has great drinks to offer. Savor the taste of coffee beans fresh from the plantations in your lattes, espressos, and brews. The scent is unbelievable and the kick of caffeine is perfect to start your day.
Recommended For: Coffee lovers
Location: Across Bali
Price: Starts at $0.50
Pro tip: Buy some “Bali coffee” to take back home as a gift for friends and family.
Unite with Nature at the Green Village Bali
Bali’s sightseeing has a lot in store regardless of the season you choose to visit. A visit to the Green Village is an amazing opportunity to experience a one of its kind community of homes built from natural materials. The creative use of bamboos as an eco-friendly initiative is a wonderful eye-opener for tourists.
Recommended For: Architecture enthusiasts
Location: Near sacred Ayung River
Price: Varies
Timings: 10 am- 3 am daily
Pro tip: Book your accommodation ahead of time due to the busy demand to stay in the Green Village.
Buy Food at the Badung Market
Bali’s largest food market leaves a grand impression on visitors. Offering food and drinks at incredibly low prices, you can shop till you drop at the Badung Market. The large variety of fruits, vegetables, meats, sweets, etc., is a delightful adventure to observe and purchase.
Recommended For: Local shopping
Location: Denpasar
Timings: Starts at 7 am
Pro tip: Find the most affordable traditional souvenirs here to buy in bulk.
Invest in Some Silver in Celuk
The village of Celuk is Sukawati is known for its craftsmanship and silversmiths. Whether you’d like to buy some rare jewelry or invest in flawlessly designed silverware, this is the place where you’ll find great pieces of silver to take back home.
Recommended For: Visiting traditional Balinese village
Location: 30 minutes away from Ubud
Pro tip: The prices vary so be sure to explore all backstreets before finalizing your purchase.
Witness a Hypnotic Kecak Dance
Listen to the mesmerizing chant as a group of thirty or so Indonesian men sway to the rhythm of traditional music. The Kecak dance narrates the story of the epic poem Ramayana. These performances are common across Bali and a powerful cultural symbol to discover.
Recommended For: Witnessing traditional Indonesian performance
Location: Across Bali
Price: Varies based on temple/location
Pro tip: Pura Uluwatu is known to have the best Kecak dance on the island of Bali.
Learn about the Sacred Tirta Empul
Bali has close ties with spiritualism and the temples here are proof of the strong belief systems. Tirta Empul is a Hindu Balinese temple with a distinct bathing structure famous for its holy water that is used as a pool for purification. It was also featured in the movie Eat, Pray, Love!
Recommended For: Observing religious site
Location: Tampaksiring
Price: Varies based on temple/location
Timings: 8 am- 6 pm daily
Pro tip: The temple is located below the Presidential Palace of Tampaksiring- another important local landmark.
Take a Tour of a Chocolate Factory
Every chocolate lover’s dream come true here. Indonesia is one of the top cocoa producers globally making Bali a true tourism gem. This means you can stroll into one of the local chocolate factories for a tour, and enjoy access to a great selection of chocolates prepared fresh.
Recommended For: Learning about chocolate making
Location: There are 6 main chocolatiers in Bali
Pro tip: Try your hand at making a batch of personalized chocolates for a wonderful souvenir.
Discover the Village of Sideman
Sideman Bali is a tranquil village with rice fields and gorgeous craftsmanship. The villagers here are known for producing the specialty palm drink called “‘Tuak’. The traditional village and its locals are strongly religious, educated, and experts in textile making.
Recommended For: An incredibly green village
Location: Sideman
Price: Varies based on tour operator
Pro tip: Songket and Endek are famous cotton fabrics made here using silver and golden threads. Do buy a piece of this sublime craftsmanship.
Get Adventurous at the Blue Lagoon Beach
Whether you’re a beginner or an expert level snorkeler, Blue Lagoon Bali has some of the calmest waters to see marine life. Also called the submerged paradise, this earns its rank as one of the best places in Bali to visit with splendid views of palm trees and rocky hills.
Recommended For: Hiking and snorkeling
Location: 1.5 hours from Denpasar, Bali, or 1-hour drive from Ubud
Price: Varies based on the tour operator
Pro tip: The Blue Lagoon Beach is quite shallow so you can see tropical fish easily.
See the Ravishing Diamond Beach on Nusa Penida
You may be familiar with the name, but it’s time to see Diamond Beach in Bali for yourself. A magical beach with white sands and blue waters- it’s like a fairytale has come to life. Be in paradise with palm trees, limestones, and the turquoise waves- the name does justice to the sight.
Recommended For: Best beach with spectacular viewpoint
Location: Nusa Penida
Pro tip: Be cautious when swimming because the beach is very rocky.
