Things to Do in Bali

Bali sits in an unusual position for a tourist destination — it genuinely has something for every kind of traveller, and most of it is accessible without a large budget. The same island offers world-class surf breaks, ancient Hindu temples, active volcanoes you can hike before sunrise, rice terrace walks, and a wellness industry built around yoga and spa culture. The challenge is not finding things to do; it is choosing what to prioritise in the time you have.

Most activities in Bali can be arranged on arrival, but the best experiences — sunrise volcano treks, cooking classes with small groups, Nusa Penida day trips with snorkelling — book out days or weeks in advance during peak season. Booking ahead locks in the time slot and is usually the same price as booking direct.

Temples and Cultural Sites

Bali has thousands of temples, but a handful stand apart as genuine experiences rather than just photo stops.

• Uluwatu Temple — clifftop sea temple on the Bukit Peninsula, 70 metres above the Indian Ocean. The nightly Kecak fire dance performed in the temple amphitheatre at sunset is one of Bali’s most memorable experiences. Entry to the temple grounds costs IDR 50,000; the Kecak dance adds IDR 100,000. Arrive 30 minutes before the performance starts; arrive earlier if you want a front-row seat. Monkeys are present throughout the temple complex and will take phones, sunglasses, and food — secure these before entering.
• Tanah Lot — sea temple set on a rock formation offshore, best visited at sunset when the silhouette against the sky is at its most dramatic. Entry costs IDR 60,000 per person. Busy in the late afternoon — arrive early to explore before the crowds peak.
• Tirta Empul — holy spring temple near Ubud where Balinese Hindus perform ritual purification bathing in sacred pools. Respectful visitors are welcome to participate. One of the more authentic religious experiences accessible to tourists on the island. Bring a change of clothes if you plan to enter the purification pools — you will be fully submerged. A sarong is required and can be borrowed at the entrance.
• Pura Besakih — the largest and most sacred temple complex in Bali, set on the slopes of Mount Agung. A full visit takes 2–3 hours. Hire a local guide through the official guide association at the entrance rather than accepting offers from touts.
• Ubud Monkey Forest — a nature reserve and Hindu temple complex in the heart of Ubud, home to over 700 long-tailed macaques. Worth an hour to explore; the monkeys are bold and will grab loose food, sunglasses, or bags if given the opportunity. Entry IDR 80,000 adults · IDR 60,000 children. Open 9am–6pm daily.

Nature and Outdoor Activities

Bali’s landscape — volcanoes, rice terraces, jungle, and waterfalls — is as much a draw as its culture.

• Mount Batur sunrise trek — a 2-hour hike to the crater rim of an active volcano, departing at 2am to reach the summit before dawn. The view at sunrise over the caldera lake with Mount Agung in the background is worth the early start. A guide is mandatory — arrange through a registered trekking agency in Kintamani or book in advance through Klook or GetYourGuide. Tours typically cost IDR 350,000–550,000 per person including guide and basic breakfast at the summit. Book at least a week ahead; 2–3 weeks in July–August as small-group slots fill early. Bring a warm layer — the summit is 10–15°C cooler than sea level and the pre-dawn wind is cold. Closed shoes are required; the rocky trail is not suitable for flip-flops.
• Tegallalang Rice Terraces — the most photographed landscape in Bali. The terraced paddies north of Ubud are best visited before 9am before tour groups arrive. A small entry fee applies at most viewing platforms; the walk between platforms takes about an hour at a relaxed pace.
• Sekumpul Waterfall — widely considered Bali’s most impressive waterfall, in the north of the island near Singaraja. The hike down involves steep steps and a river crossing — allow 3–4 hours for the full excursion. Best combined with a north Bali day trip. Wear closed shoes with grip — the descent involves steep stone steps and river crossings that are slippery when wet; flip-flops are not suitable.
• Campuhan Ridge Walk — a gentle 9km ridge walk through jungle and rice paddies starting from central Ubud. No guide needed, no entrance fee, and almost no other tourists before 8am. One of the best free activities on the island.

Beaches and Water Activities

Bali’s surf and water scene is spread across the island, with different breaks and conditions suiting different ability levels.

• Surf lessons — Kuta and Seminyak have the gentlest beach breaks and are the best learning spots. Canggu (Batu Bolong and Echo Beach) suits intermediate surfers. Uluwatu and Padang Padang are for experienced surfers only — powerful reef breaks with shallow take-offs. Lessons with board and instructor are widely available in Kuta and Canggu from around IDR 200,000–300,000 for two hours.
• Snorkelling — the best snorkelling near Bali is around Nusa Penida and Manta Point, where manta rays are a reliable sighting. Amed on the northeast coast has excellent shore snorkelling over coral and the USS Liberty wreck at Tulamben is one of the most accessible dive/snorkel sites in Southeast Asia.
• White water rafting — the Ayung River near Ubud is the most popular rafting route: Grade 2–3 rapids through jungle gorges, suitable for most fitness levels. Full-day tours with transport, equipment, and lunch are widely available from Ubud; expect IDR 350,000–500,000 per person.

Cooking Classes and Wellness

Ubud is the centre of Bali’s wellness and culinary scene, though good options exist across the island.

• Balinese cooking classes — the best classes start with a morning market visit to buy ingredients before cooking 5–6 dishes in a family compound. Half-day format is standard. Ubud has the highest concentration of quality classes. Half-day sessions cost IDR 350,000–500,000 per person and include the market visit and a recipe card. Book 3–5 days ahead; a week or more in July–August as groups are intentionally small.
• Traditional Balinese massage — widely available at every price point across the island. Warung-style massage shops in Ubud and Seminyak offer one-hour sessions from IDR 80,000–150,000. Resort spas charge significantly more but offer a more curated experience.
• Yoga retreats and drop-in classes — Ubud has the deepest yoga scene on the island, from serious multi-day retreats to casual drop-in morning classes. The Yoga Barn is the most established studio; walk-in is usually fine outside of high season.

Day Trips from Bali

Several nearby islands and inland areas make for excellent day trips from a Bali base.

• Nusa Penida — the most dramatic scenery in the region: cliff formations, turquoise water, manta ray snorkelling, and Kelingking Beach. A 45-minute fast boat from Sanur. Full-day tours including fast boat, guide, and transport cost IDR 450,000–650,000 per person. Book 1–2 weeks ahead in July–August — boats and tours sell out. A scooter is technically possible but the roads are rough and distances longer than they look on a map.
• Nusa Lembongan — smaller and more relaxed than Penida, better for a slow beach day with decent snorkelling. 30 minutes from Sanur by fast boat. Manageable independently for a day trip.
• Ubud day trip from south Bali — if you are based in Seminyak or Canggu, a private driver for the day covering Tegallalang, Tirta Empul, Ubud market, and a cooking class is the most efficient way to see the cultural highlights. IDR 400,000–600,000 for a full-day driver.