13 Best Things to Do in Bali

Bali is a Hindu-majority province in Indonesia. 82% of the population practices Hinduism. Bali is just one island among 13,677 islands, also known as the Indonesian Archipelago. We list the 13 best things to do in Bali.

My Experience:

I went to Bali with my best friend, Ariana. We went in April 2019 and had an incredible experience because we learned about the culture, met the locals, and tried the traditional, spicy food. We even took a cooking class and made some of their iconic meals. Below are the best things to do in Bali. We booked private tours to see multiple places each day.

1. Hike Mount Batur for the Sunrise-

Watching the stunning sunrise at the top of Mount Batur, an active volcano, is one of the best experiences in Bali and should be at the TOP of your Bali bucket list. The first documented eruption was in 1804. The most recent one was in 2000. You will wake up at the crack of dawn to go hiking and it will be 1000% worth it.

2. Swim at the Beautiful Beaches in Uluwatu, including Padang Padang Beach–

The beaches are breathtaking in Bali. The ocean is turquoise blue and the sand is soft. Padang Padang Beach has rock formations and large waves. This spectacular beach is next to Uluwatu. I highly recommend trying the tasty coconut water on the beaches in Bali.

3. Try the Local Street Food!

Durian tasted different. The unusual taste consisted of a combination between savory, sweet, and creamy all at once. Would I try it again? Probably not. Do I recommend trying it for yourself? Yes, 100%.

4. Visit the Beautiful Tegallalang Rice Terrace-

The Tegallalong Rice Terrace in Bali was slightly touristy and overcrowded, but gorgeous and a must-see if you are ever in Ubud. The rice terraces carved into the mountain are used for crop cultivation.

5. Visit the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary-

This place is also known as Monkey Forest Temple. It’s a fun day trip and only costs $3 per person. The place feels as if you are in a small rainforest among large groups of monkeys. The monkeys might seem all nice and cute, but don’t be fooled because they are not. They will scratch you or steal your water bottle. Don’t forget to hold on tight to your things!

6. Try the Infamous Balinese Coffee

Balinese coffee is known as Kopi Luwak, made from cat poop. Okay, I agree! This coffee sounds disgusting, but I recommend it because it is infamous. To be honest, it tastes pretty good. I also recommend trying their local beer, also known as Bintang beer. In my opinion, it tastes similar to Heineken. Also, taste dragon fruit and durian while you are in Bali.

7. Temple Tour in Bali-

There are so many temples to cover, as every home in Bali has a temple. Buildings and Temples in Bali are made out of volcanic rock. Legend has it that entering all temples in Bali from the south through the split gate or ‘Candi Bentar’ means that I have allowed my physical body to enter the spiritual world.

A. Uluwatu Temple- This Balanise Hindu Sea Temple is dedicated to Hyang Widhi Wasa. The image above is from the show called the Kecak Fire Dance. This performance runs every single evening after sunset at the Uluwatu Temple. I recommend booking a tour to see the performance. This Balinese Hindu dance and music developed in 1930 and is based on the story of Ramayana.

B. The Elephant Cave Temple, also known as Goa Gajah Temple, is in central Ubud. This temple is known for its rock wall carvings, elephant-carved cave, bathing pools, and fountains.

-BOOK A TOUR TO THE ELEPHANT CAVE TEMPLE

C. Besakih Temples– We were grateful we saw the 80 temples of Besakih on a Sunday because there were ceremonies everywhere. We got to witness their traditional outfits and balanced offerings to their god. This place is on the inclines of Bali’s largest volcano, Mount Agung.

D. Other famous temples to see include Tirta Empul and Luhur Lemuyang.

8. Swim at Pantai Pandawa Beach

Pantai Pandawa Beach took my breath away, and I can’t imagine my trip without seeing this stunning place. Enjoy your time in the water by kayaking, swimming, or even snorkeling.

9. Enjoy Coconut Water at Seminak Beach–

Seminyak Beach is a touristy spot in Bali. There are hotels and restaurants located right on the beach and surrounding the area. We got a motorcycle ride from our hotel to the beach and enjoyed coconut water at a restaurant on the sand!

–BOOK A HOTEL AT SEMINAK BEACH

10. Take a Traditional Balinese Cooking Class

Take a cooking class and try some local food from Bali. The ingredients we used are not available back at home. A cooking class is for you if you love spicy food. It is cool to say that I have cooked a traditional Balinese dish!

11. Yoga Class at the Yoga Barn

We were able to take a yoga class at the Yoga Barn, and it was nothing but both peaceful and relaxing. The yoga barn has seven studios and offers 100 classes weekly. It is a well-rounded experience of healing, wellness, and community. They also offer meditation classes and Ayurvedic treatments.

12. Waterfalls in Bali

I recommend visiting the Tegenungan Waterfall in Ubud; however, there are a variety of waterfalls to swim at in Bali. This one had clear water and gorgeous views.

13. Bali Swing

We enjoyed a ride on the infamous Bali Swings in multiple places. One of the main places you can hop on a swing is the Tegallalang Rice Terrace. I recommend this activity because it is exhilarating!

We listed the 13 best things to do in Bali. Have you been to Bali? If so, please comment below about your experience. I would love to hear about your adventures in Bali. Below are additional images that I have taken on my incredible trip! I hope that you have a wonderful day and have safe future travels!

13 Best Things to Do in Bali!