18 Awesome things to do in Bali Top things to do in Bali Nusa Penida
22 awesome things to do in bali
Bali, a spiritual paradise and a traveler’s dream offers many unforgettable experiences for anyone who visits this gorgeous island of Gods. From beautiful beaches and epic surf breaks to colorful markets and lush green rice terraces, Bali has it all. You’ll find crystal-clear waters around nearby islands where turtles and manta rays swim, sacred temples, and magnificent volcanoes.
This travel guide includes 22 awesome things to do in Bali, helping you make the most of your trip by exploring cultural sites, breathtaking nature, and connecting with the warm, friendly Balinese people. Bali is also a foodie’s paradise, with loads of international restaurants, trendy cafes, cool beach bars, and local warungs to satisfy every craving.  
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things to do

1. Swim in Tegenungan Waterfall in Ubud

One of the awesome things to do in Bali is visiting Tegenungan Waterfall, just a quick 15-minute drive from Ubud. This stunning 15-meter waterfall cascades over a cliff into a wide pool below. To reach it, you’ll need to descend a steep set of stairs, but once there, you can enjoy the refreshing spray and the lush, green surroundings. There are a few viewpoints around the waterfall offering a different look at the scenic beauty. Entrance to the waterfall is just 15,000 IDR (around 1 EUR)

2. Have fun at one of the many Bali swings

Swinging above the breathtaking rice terraces is definitely one of the most awesome things to do in Bali. There are many swings to choose from and we picked the beautiful hillside paradise called Elas Harum, located right next to the Tegallalang Rice Fields, 20 minutes ride away from central Ubud.
This way we were able to stroll through the rice paddies but in beautiful flowing dresses that you can rent here and take pictures at many gorgeous Instagram-able photo spots: bridges, statues and caves built into the hills, bamboo woven birds nest of every size and shape. Apart from various types of swings, the club offers also other adventurous activities like sky bike and zip line. There are restaurants and cafeteria where you can enjoy Luwak coffee and terraced pools for you to spend an awesome fun-filled day.

3. Walk the Campuhan Ridge Walk

Around sunset, go on a beautiful hike along the Campuhan Ridge, a peaceful 2-kilometer trail near the heart of Ubud. It’s a great way to wrap up a day of exploring while enjoying panoramic views of the jungle-covered hills. The trail starts at Campuhan Bridge, next to the Pura Gunung Lebah temple where two rivers meet, and leads you through lush landscapes, rice paddies, and charming villages. It’s a favorite for both locals and visitors, with people walking their dogs, jogging  or taking lovely pictures. It is free to walk the Campuhan Ridge trail.

4. Meditate under Kanto Lampo Waterfall

Bali is known to have some of the most gorgeous waterfalls in Indonesia offering an experience of the island’s natural beauty. Many of these stunning falls are located in the center of the island.  
The Kanto Lampo waterfall, located about 40 minutes outside of Ubud, is a huge, beautiful wall of water and a popular waterfall to climb and take pictures meditating or showering under its stream. Take your time here, jump in the water for a swim or relax under the falls. Since it’s a popular spot, it’s best to visit on a weekday when it’s less crowded.
From the parking lot, it’s only a 3-minute walk down, but the path can be slippery in some parts, so make sure you wear comfortable shoes.

5. Purify your energy at Tirta Empul Temple 

Tirta Empul is a sacred Hindu temple complex most famous for its holy spring water pools and spiritual significance. Many visitors come here to immerse themselves in the waters as part of a cleansing ritual meant to purify the soul. The water here is believed to have healing powers. You don’t need to be a practicing Hindu to participate – anyone is welcome to experience the pools.
The temple itself is relatively small and can be explored in just a few minutes. However, how long you stay will depend on whether you decide to join in the purification ritual. If you do,  sarongs are available for rent right on-site. After you dressed in sarongs you join the line and dip your head under the 30 different stations, moving from left to right.
The temple is dedicated to Vishnu, the Hindu god of water, and lies about half an hour from Ubud, near Tegallalang. Entrance to the temple costs 50,000 IDR (3,30 EUR).
The temple also organizes several ceremonies and festivals throughout the year, offering a glimpse into Balinese culture. We visited during the New Moon, which made it busier, as the purification ritual is believed to be five times more powerful during this time. Purifying our energy, body and soul was definitely one of the most awesome things we did during our time in Bali.
Rather than visiting Tirta Empul Temple separately, we added it to our itinerary for a full day trip along with Coffee Plantation, Campuhan Ridge Walk and Kanto Lampo Waterfall. There are many options to combine multiple places of interest close to each other in half day or full day tour. Here are some of the popular combinations.

6. Learn how to surf in Canggu Beach

Canggu is home to some of the best surf spots in Bali, with great weather and waves suitable for both beginner and advanced surfers. The black sand beaches are not the most beautiful on the island, but the surf makes up for it. If you head out early you can avoid the crowds and enjoy the sunrise on surf, but I recommend to time your surfing lesson for a time of the day when the tide is out, to prevent injury, as the shore can get quite rocky in places when the tide goes in. We spent a month in Canggu and the boys surfed almost every day.
The surf season is during the dry season from April to October. If you visit during the shoulder seasons of April/May and September/October, you can still enjoy excellent surf conditions with fewer crowds. 
Best Surf spots:
  • Echo Beach (intermediate)
  • Berawa Beach (slightly quieter)
  • Batu Balong Beach (best for beginners)
  • Pereranan Beach

7. Chill at La Brisa beach club in Canggu

Bali has many great beach clubs perfect for relaxing by the pool, sipping refreshing drinks, and soaking up the laid-back, beachside vibe.
One of the most stunning beach clubs in Bali is La Brisa, located at Echo Beach, in Canggu. It is built from bamboo and wood, surrounded by palm trees, which gives it a serene, natural atmosphere. With two pools, plenty of cozy chill out spots to relax, and breathtaking ocean views, it’s an ideal place to spend the day under the Balinese sun or to watch the sunset. 
You can enjoy a drink or a meal at the upstairs restaurant or by the poolside standing tables, with no minimum spend. For a more exclusive experience, you can book a bamboo chalet or sunset-view lounge area, where you can relax in style with friends or family, enjoying a VIP vibe. We spent many fun afternoons here after a morning surf during our month-long stay in Canggu. La Brisa is our favorite beach club in Canggu and chilling here is totally one of the most awesome things to do in Bali.

8. Release baby turtles into the sea

Another awesome thing to do in Bali is to participate in releasing baby turtles into the sea. Many turtles come to lay eggs on the coast of Bali. The hatching season last from April to October each year. We have seen local people releasing the newly hatched turtles at Canggu Beach, Seminyak Beach and Kuta Beach. To watch these little guys stumble clumsily through sand and take a ride from the wave is a very heart warming experience and became one of our most cherished memories from Bali.
I like really long beach walks and while we stayed in Seminyak, I walked from Seminyak Beach all the way to Echo Beach passing through Canggu Beach a few times. During these walks, I came across big mama turtles heading back into the sea after laying eggs. It’s an incredible sight.

The non-profit organization BSTS (Bali Sea Turtle Society) educates the public and releases the baby turtles in an organized way almost daily at Kuta Beach after 4pm. They save the vulnerable turtle eggs & protect them till they hatch. Afterwards they let the turtles get stronger for a few days and only then release them into the sea, which raises their chance of survival. The night before we participated in organized releasing, 11 mama turtles came to lay eggs on Kuta beach only, each of them laid more than a thousand eggs. BSTS releases more than 400 000 little turtles a year. It’s free to participate but donations are welcome. They announce the time of release on their FB page or you can check out their website for more info here.

9. Join a beach clean up

There are weekly beach clean ups at the Canggu, Seminyak and Kuta beach organized by TRASH HERO.
Trash Hero is a great organization doing weekly clean ups not just in Bali but all around South East Asia and Europe too. There is no cost and no need to sign up. All you have to do is show up.
Beach clean ups are awesome, fun & free way to do something for the environment. Joining an organized clean up group has many advantages: you get to meet like minded people who also care about the environment, it’s more fun, bags, gloves and tongues are provided and the organization has a recycling system in place, so you know that the trash you pick up won’t end up back in the nature.
You can check the Trash Hero Canggu Facebook Page for regular meet ups at Batu Bolong Beach or look up clean up schedules with TRASH HERO in your area in Bali on their website here.

10. Explore Ulun Danu Beratan Temple

Explore Ulun Danu Beratan Temple, a floating temple on the Lake Beratan. The temple provides stunning views of the lake and surrounding mountains, creating a serene atmosphere. It is one of Bali’s most beautiful and iconic temples and definitely worth a visit.
Ulun Danu is incredibly easy to reach, as it’s located just off the main road, in Munduk, a breathtaking mountain area in northern Bali known for its tall waterfalls, stunning lakes, and cooler climate – a refreshing break from the coastal heat! 
In addition to the main temple, there’s a small park and a few other minor temples within the complex, giving you plenty to explore and making your visit well worth the cost. Arriving early is key to avoiding the crowds, as it’s a popular destination.

11. Walk through the Handara Gate

On your way to Ulun Danu Beratan Temple, make a stop at Handara Gate, an iconic and impressive spot for photos with a stunning mountain backdrop and lush greenery. The gate is easy to access and definitely worth a visit. It is becoming increasingly popular so expect some crowds especially around sunset.

12. Watch sunset at Tanah Lot Temple

Tanah Lot, perched on a rocky outcrop along the shore, is famous for its romantic atmosphere and stunning sunsets. During low tide, you can walk up to the base of the temple, although entry is not permitted for tourists. Despite this, it remains one of Bali’s top attractions, and I’d say it’s definitely worth a visit. Local people still come here to worship the Bali Sea gods.
The iconic and atmospheric sea temple is surrounded by crashing waves. Come here at sunset when the sea turns to gold, and the light falls perfectly onto the rocks. Above the temple, there’s a park on the cliff where you can wander along the edge, taking in the breathtaking views of the waves of the Indian Ocean crushing at the temple’s base and capture some stunning pictures. The entrance fee is 60,000 IDR (4 EUR).
Tanah Lot is only a short drive from Canggu, and you can drive there within 35 minutes. If you don’t drive, grab taxi/bike can take you there, however Grab taxi drivers are not allowed to pick you up from the Tanah Lot Temple parking area, and you will have to take one of the local taxis back that are quite overpriced. It’s better to have a private driver, who will wait for you till you are done exploring. Even better yet, add Tanah Lot Temple to your itinerary together with Ulun Danu Beratan Temple and Handara Gate as they are quite close to each other and make a great trio to be explored in 1 day.

13. Taste 13 different types of coffee at Coffee plantation

Visiting a coffee plantation and tasting different types of coffee including the famous Luwak coffee is definitely one of the most awesome things we did in Bali. Each and every one of the flavors was delicious. Sitting outside in the countryside and sipping on tasters was one of the highlights of our trip. 
There are many coffee plantations to choose from and during your visit you will learn the rich history of Bali’s coffee culture, discover the process of how they pick, sort, process, dry, strip, and package each coffee bean that comes their way and find out the secrets of the world’s most famous type of coffee – the Luwak coffee. 
It is popular to add a coffee tasting tour to a day tour itinerary around Ubud or as a stop on the way back from Mt. Batur volcano. 

14. climb the Mt. Batur volcano and chill in the hot springs

One of the most awesome things we did in Bali was hiking to the top of the active volcano Mount Batur (1717 m) from where we were rewarded with breathtaking sunrise views of another two volcanoes, Mt. Rinjani in Lombok and Mt. Agung in Bali towering over beautiful pink and orange clouds that floated above Bali’s green valleys and jungles. It was unforgettable!
The Mt. Batur hike is relatively easy but since you want to reach the top of the mountain before sunrise, you’ve got to wake up early and hike in the dark. Most tour companies will pick you up around 2 AM if you are based in Ubud, or even earlier if departing from Canggu, Seminyak and other locations. This leaves plenty of time to drive to the trail’s starting point and trek up the mountain for sunrise. Depending on your fitness level, reaching the summit takes about 2 – 3 hours.
It’s required to hire a local guide or to book a tour to trek up the mountain. Although it’s generally very safe (the last eruption was over 23 years ago) and easy hike, a tour guide takes all the hassle out of the experience. Your guide will pick you up from your accommodation, provide torches and headlights, guide you throught the 2 – 3 hour long hike in the dark and share their local knowledge.
Our guide was like a mountain goat and we arrived to the top well before sunrise. He cooked us eggs for breakfast in the volcanic steam and we sipped hot chocolate, wrapped in a blanket, while taking in the nature’s magnificent misty morning scene.
Bring extra T-shirts to change your sweaty ones into dry ones after the hike, and some warm layers, as it gets windy and chilly at the top, and the blankets are only available for hire. Make sure you also bring good hiking shoes, plenty of water and some snacks. 
After the hike you can chill and relax your muscles in one of the hot springs in the Kintamani area. If you are planning to visit for a few days, many of the guesthouses here have their own hot spring pools for you to enjoy after a day of hiking or you can visit one of the hot spring waterparks. Our favorite one was Toya Devasya, where we could unwind in the hot springs pools every evening, after 6 pm the entrance was free. If you booked a day tour, the hot spring visit is usually included in the tour package price.
Although Mt. Batur is absolutely amazing and the surrounding nature is stunning, I don’t recommend staying in the area for 3 days like we did, there is quite a lot of flies, it is much poorer, less developed, so the vibe here is very different from the coast or Ubud and taxis from Kintamani are overpriced, we ended up calling our driver to come pick us up.
It is much better idea to book a tour with transport that will bring you back to Ubud, Canggu, Seminyak or wherever you are based in Bali after you trekked up the volcano and chilled in the hot springs. Bonus is that most of the organized tours stop at one of the coffee plantations on the way back from the mountain, and a really good coffee is exactly what you need after such an early morning start. You can check out some of the Mt. Batur sunrise hike tour options available here.

15. Snorkel with Manta Rays in Nusa Penida Island

During a Nusa Penida day tour, you can explore the west or the east coast of the Penida Island. West Coast is more popular since it is closer to the harbor and has beautiful sights like Angel’s Billabong and Kelingking Beach (the one with the T-Rex head), Crystal Bay, Peguyangan Waterfall and Broken Beach, that offer incredible viewpoints and breathtaking nature.
East is just as beautiful and has fewer tourists. If you prefer to see both sides and have enough time, you can spend 3 days in Nusa Penida and take your time exploring both coasts at your own pace.
The only way to get to Nusa Penida from Bali is by boat. By ferry, it takes 45 minutes to travel to the Penida Island. The ferry departs from Sanur Beach, located 45 minutes from Ubud. 
You can visit Nusa Penida on your own, but I recommend booking a day tour and see east and west coast in 1 day or choose the option to visit the West Coast with the thrilling experience of snorkeling with Manta Rays. It’s a bit more expensive but it eliminates a ton of unwanted hassle. Plus lunch, coffee, snorkel gear, boat transfer, entrance fees and minivan transfer to and from your accommodation in Bali are all included. Visiting Nusa Penida is one of the top things we did from our 18 awesome things to do in Bali list.

16. Visit sacred monkey forest sanctuary in ubud

Another awesome thing to do in Bali is to experience the tranquility of the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary. Located in the center of Ubud, this beautiful rainforest park is home to many monkeys roaming free around here.
The Sanctuary offers a lovely escape from the buzz of the Ubud town. You can spend a couple of hours walking in the shade of the forest’s ancient trees, and enjoy the serenity of this natural oasis full of beautiful temples, peaceful rivers, and hundreds of cheeky monkeys. It’s a wonderful opportunity to observe how the monkeys interact with one another in their natural surroundings. The entrance fee is 80,000 IDR (6 euro) on weekdays and 100,000 IDR on weekends (7.50 euro). 
There are no fences in the Monkey Forest, so the monkeys happily live here by choice. We got to watch them sleeping, climbing, eating, jumping playfully on each other’s back, mothers feeding their monkey babies… They were not interested in people. However, we saw monkeys in Thailand and Malaysia climbing on people to snatch their food and heard stories of monkey bites or stealing flashy objects, so just remember that they’re wild animals, and make sure you don’t carry food or drinks, don’t feed them, keep your belongings safely out of sight and follow the park’s rules. 

17. Get a palm reading from Ketut's son from 'Eat Pray Love'

If you enjoyed the movie or book “EAT, PRAY, LOVE” – you will be thrilled to know that you can get a palm reading at the same place where Ketut Liyer – Balinese medicine man read Elizabet’s Gilbert’s palm, at his family home in Ubud. Parts of the movie where shot here and with the payout from the movie, Ketut was able to expand his property into a hotel. Today you can stay at their bed & breakfast, that is listed on booking.com under the name Liyer Spirit House. However it is not necessary to stay at the guesthouse to enjoy the palm reading session.
Sadly Ketut passed away in 2016 but his son (who was trained by his father) continues the family tradition. For 20 euro you get a 15 minute palm reading and for 40 euro it includes a healing too. A Balinese healing is a blessing ceremony for good luck and prosperity. During the ritual, you watch the medicine man chanting and praying. He sprinkles holy water on your head (three times) and gently places wet grains of rice on your forehead and throat because rice represents life in the Hindu culture. Before your turn to meet the healer, the assistant will wrap you in traditional long sarong and lead you to a porch to sit on a straw mat across from Ketut’s son Nyoman, a smiling sweet man who talks just the way Ketut did. 

18. Learn to Cook Balinese Food

Indonesians have an incredibly delicious and unique cuisine, making it a must-try when visiting the country. Learn more about the Balinese culture and the island’s traditional cooking methods by joining a cooking class. Most of the cooking classes start with a visit to the local market, where you’ll pick up all the ingredients needed for the dishes you’ll be making later. An experienced chef will share the secrets of great Balinese food and guide you in making delicious, authentic meals. This is a fantastic opportunity to taste new dishes and learn how to prepare them. Many cooking classes offer a cook book of the dishes you prepared so you recreate them and impress your family and friends with your new cooking skills.
You can book one of the many available cooking classes here.

19. Explore the Uluwatu beaches

Uluwatu, the laid-back and trendy peninsula on Bali’s southern tip, is a surfer’s paradise thanks to its world-class surf breaks. With its crystal-clear blue waters, white sandy beaches, and dramatic limestone cliffs, Uluwatu owns some of the most stunning beaches in all of Bali. It is a must-visit for beach lovers and surfers alike.
Our favorite beach was Uluwatu Beach (also known as Blue Point Beach), it offers a perfect mix of great restaurants, amazing views, and the best surf waves in Bali. The cliffside is terraced with restaurants and shops that overlook the azure-blue water below. You can stroll along the paths, shop at the vendor stalls, relax on the secluded beach tucked away at the bottom, and enjoy a lunch at Single Fin, a popular restaurant located at the top of the cliff offering some stunning views.

20. Watch Kecak Fire Dance ceremony at Uluwatu Temple 

The Kecak Fire Dance is an iconic dance performance in Bali. Over 65 human vocalists create sounds that complement the story told in the form of dance. All of this happens during sunset time on a cliff-top amphitheater within the Uluwatu Temple complex, one of Bali’s most scenic temples, build on top of a 70-meter high cliff. The entrance fee to Uluwatu Temple is 50.000 IDR and no drones are allowed here.
The Kecak Fire Dance show was an impressive experience. It runs from 6 – 7 PM and costs 150.000 IDR (10 EUR) per person.

Tickets sell out pretty quickly and I recommend getting there at least 1.5 hours before the show as there is a kilometer long cue and places for the show are limited. Alternatively, if you don’t want to risk driving all the way to Uluwatu, stand in the cue for an hour and be told there is no more tickets, you can book them online ahead.

21. Discover the Gate of Heaven at Lempuyang Temple

One of the most iconic places and awesome things to do in Bali is to visit the stunning Gate of Heaven, that has captivated tourists worldwide with its breathtaking views and serene atmosphere. The impressive gate, perfectly aligned with the majestic Mount Agung in the distance is located in eastern Bali, within the sacred Hindu Temple Lempuyang, one of the highest temples in Bali.
Don’t expect any water at the Gate of Heaven though, as the famous water reflection that gives it an impression of infinity is an optical illusion created by a skilled photographer on site, available for additional fee. With its peaceful surroundings and the refreshing mountain air, the picturesque Gate of Heaven is a must-visit destination. However, due to its popularity, it can get quite crowded, so expect to spend a few hours here.

22. Explore Tirta Gangga Temple

The water gardens at Tirta Gangga are a one-of-a-kind sight, often filled with tourists. This former palace-turned-sanctuary is known for its stunning fountains and iconic stepping stones across the pool full of koi fish with picturesque statues standing gracefully above it. While it can get quite crowded, Tirta Gangga is still worth visiting. It’s a beautiful and serene spot, conveniently close to other great places to visit. Located near Bali’s eastern shores and just a short drive from Mount Agung, it’s easy to add to your itinerary. To avoid the crowds, try arriving early or near closing time.
Since the Gate of Heaven and Tirta Gangga Temple are quite close to each other, it is a popular choice to add them both to East Bali tour itinerary, and visit both places in one day.
where to stay
There are some fantastic accommodation options in Bali, from bamboo villas, lively hostels to five-star resorts all over the island whatever your budget is.
how to get there
By plane – when visiting Bali, you will fly to Denpasar-Ngurah Rai International Airport. It is located on the southern tip of the island, close to Canggu, Seminyak, and Uluwatu.
By ferry – If you are already traveling around Indonesia, you also have the option to take the ferry from Jakarta, Lombok, or the Gili Islands, among other places.

getting around Bali

Even though Bali is relatively small, and driving distances can look very short on the map, be aware that heavy traffic can increase traveling times significantly, especially during the high season in July and August.
Scooter/Motorbike – One of the easiest and most flexible ways to get around Bali is by motorbike. This is the best way to explore the island at your own pace, and you can make stops whenever you feel like it. You can rent a scooter for as little as 4 euro per day and the fuel in Bali is very cheap. The downside is that some roads aren’t in that good condition (although this is improving) and the streets can get very busy, especially during the high season. If you are not that confident on a scooter, you might prefer a different transport alternative to travel around Bali.
Hire a private driver – Hiring a private driver is very cost-effective, especially for a small group or a family with luggage. During your day trips or multi-day itineraries, the driver will wait for you at each place, and the price is set for the day, so there are no surprising hidden costs. We hired a driver for a day trip to explore Ubud, Kanto Lampo Waterfall, Tirta Empul Temple and Coffee Plantation and then again the same driver for the rest of our trips around Bali, to Mt. Batur, Canggu and Uluwatu. It is not rare that your driver will become your friend and you will end up having a contact person for your next trip in Bali. 
Grab – Grab is the best app ever for taxi and food delivery, we use it a lot, not just in Bali but around the whole South East Asia. It works like an Uber and you can book a taxi for much cheaper than you would pay for local taxi. You have the option to book a grab driver for 4 hours, 6 hours, or 10 hours at a really good price and send him the itinerary of places you want to visit. 
By bus – Public buses are popular among the locals and an extremely cheap way to get from A to B, with an hour’s journey costing around 2 EUR. However, if you are short on time, this isn’t the best option, as the schedules are a little unreliable. It will also take much longer than a scooter or taxi, and you may have to change several times to get to where you want to go.

 

best time to visit
The best time to visit Bali is during the dry season between May and October, when the weather is best for sightseeing, surfing, chilling at the beach, snorkeling, and diving. April, May, September, and October are the best months, the weather is great, it is not the peak season yet and the rice fields are at their greenest and most vibrant. During the peak season of July and August it can get quite crowded and overpriced.
The wet season is much quieter, accommodation is cheaper, and the countryside is lush and beautiful. But be prepared for at least a few hours of rain a day.
travel Safety
Bali is generally a very safe place to visit and one of the safest destinations in Indonesia. However small petty crime, such as phone theft or pickpocketing can happen in the more touristy areas, so make sure you always watch your belongings.
Although a volcanic eruption in Bali is unlikely, check the local news or government website for warnings before planning to hike up Mount Batur. Always have a good travel insurance, it gives you a peace of mind and may also save you money in the long run if anything unexpected happens. 

 

bali visa
Most people will need a visa for Bali unless their country has a Visa Exemption Agreement. You can get a Visa on Arrival (VOA) when you land at the airport, which is valid for 30 days and costs 500,000 IDR (~ 30 EUR). To avoid long queues at the airport, apply electronically at least 48 hours before you arrive.
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