Bali packs temples, rice terraces, surf, waterfalls and island adventures into one small island, which is exactly why it overwhelms first timers. The trick is to mix the culture of the centre with the beaches of the south and one island day trip, rather than trying to see everything. This is a shortlist of the best things to do in Bali, grouped so you can build a trip around what you enjoy. For the full picture, start with our Bali travel guide.
Culture and the centre
- Walk the Tegallalang rice terraces. The emerald stepped valleys north of Ubud, best in the early morning before the crowds and the heat.
- See a clifftop temple. Uluwatu at sunset with the Kecak fire dance, or Tanah Lot on its rock offshore, are the two iconic ones. See our guide to where to stay by area.
- Slow down in Ubud. Yoga, the Monkey Forest, art villages, and a coffee plantation to understand luwak coffee and the civet debate.
Nature and adventure
- Chase waterfalls. Sekumpul and Tibumana in the north and centre are the most photogenic, and cooler than the coast.
- Hike Mount Batur at sunrise. A pre dawn volcano climb rewarded with the sun rising over the caldera and a warm breakfast.
- Day trip to Nusa Penida. The dramatic Kelingking cliff and turquoise coves are a fast boat ride from the mainland.
- Snorkel or dive. Manta rays off Nusa Penida and the wreck at Tulamben on the northeast coast.
Beaches and the south
- Learn to surf. The beginner beach breaks at Kuta and Canggu, and the reef breaks of the Bukit for the experienced.
- Beach club day. Seminyak and Canggu for sunset drinks, pools and the famous Bali sunset over the Indian Ocean.
- Relax on quieter sand. The white beaches of the Bukit peninsula, Bingin, Padang Padang and Nusa Dua.
Food, wellness and evenings
- Eat a proper Balinese meal. Babi guling and nasi campur at a local warung.
- Book a spa or wellness day. Bali is one of the cheapest places in the world for massages and treatments.
- Cooking class. Learn to make base gede spice paste and take the recipes home.
- Swing and photo spots. The jungle swings and Bali swings above the valleys, touristy but fun.
- Sunset at Tanah Lot or a rooftop. The end of every good Bali day.
How to fit it in
You cannot do all fifteen in a short trip, and you should not try. Pick a base or two, one in the culture rich centre around Ubud and one on the beaches of the south, and add a single island day trip. Our best time to visit Bali guide helps you pick the season for the outdoor ones.
If planning all this yourself feels like a lot, a packaged Bali tour package bundles hotels, transfers and day tours into one booking.
Frequently asked questions
What is the one thing you must do in Bali?
See a clifftop temple at sunset, ideally Uluwatu with the Kecak fire dance. It combines Bali's spiritual culture, the ocean and the island's famous sunset in one evening.
What is there to do in Bali besides the beach?
Plenty. The Tegallalang rice terraces, Ubud's temples and yoga, waterfalls, a Mount Batur sunrise hike, and a Nusa Penida day trip are all highlights that have nothing to do with the sand.
How many days do you need in Bali?
Seven to ten days covers a strong first trip: a few days in the cultural centre around Ubud, a few on the southern beaches, and one island day trip. Two weeks lets you slow down and add the north or the Nusa islands.
Is Bali good for adventure?
Yes. You can surf, dive with manta rays, hike a volcano at sunrise, canyon, raft and chase waterfalls, all on one small island and at low cost compared with most destinations.
More Bali travel guides
- Bali Travel Guide: Visas, Money, Getting Around and When to Go
- Best Places to Visit in Bali: Where to Stay by Area
- Best Time to Visit Bali: A Month by Month Guide
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