Indonesia is home to more than 17,000 islands and Bali is one of the most popular attracting millions of tourists from around the world every year.
Bali is known as the Island of the Gods and there are so many amazing tourist attractions and things to do here. Bali is a tropical paradise with beaches, temples, wildlife, volcanoes, cities and incredible places to stay.
Bali offers something for everyone, whether you are keen to go backpacking on a budget, a couple seeking romance, or a family looking for a cultural and luxury break of a lifetime.
Even though Bali has become more touristy over the past decade you can still get a really authentic local experience away from the crowds.
View our guide to the best things to do in Bali for the first time and start planning the trip of a lifetime.
Top Reasons to Visit Bali
Need some convincing Bali should be your next destination? Here are some reasons why you will fall in love with this magical island:
• Ancient temples, culture and history
• Beautiful beaches, nature and wildlife
• Friendly people and tasty local cuisine
• Accommodation for all budgets and types of travellers
• So many adventure activities treks, surfing and scuba diving
• One of the top rated yoga and relaxation destinations in the world
• Despite being very touristy, still easy to have a local authentic experience
Best Time to Go to Bali
Bali is a popular island to visit all year round and the island only has two seasons: rainy season and dry season. Generally the best time to visit Bali is between April and October, this is the island’s dry season and when temperates are warmest.
May is usually the warmest month of the year with temperates around 25°C – 30°C. November to February are a good time to avoid Bali for the weather, this is peak rainy period with January seeing the most rainfall. If the weather isn’t a factor, then even this period is perfect to visit as there are fewer tourists.
Bali Travel Essentials
If you are looking to plan a trip to Bali check out these websites:
• Search cheap flights to Bali on Skyscanner
• Find the hotels in Bali with Booking.com
• Browse small group adventure tours of Bali with G Adventures or TruTravels
• Take a TEFL course with ITTT and get qualified to teach English in Bali
Top 18 Things to Do in Bali
Get inspiration for where to go in Bali and start planning an epic itinerary today!
1. Ubud
Ubud is one of the most popular places to visit and stay in Bali and is known as the cultural centre of the island. Located in the foothills of Bali’s central mountains with beautiful rolling green rice paddies. Here you can visit museums, art galleries, craft and souvenir shops and enjoy the local entertainment.
Ubud is a great destination to learn more about Bali, the history, culture of the island and see traditional music and dance performances from local artists.
Ubud was featured in the movie “Eat, Pray, Love” which boosted tourism and brought in the crowds but it is very easy to travel a short distance to put yourself in a local setting away from tourists.
2. Pura Ulun Danu Bratan
Pura Ulun Danu Bratan is one of the most famous temples in Bali and an essential place to add to your itinerary. Located on Lake Bratan, this temple is known locally as the Floating Temple, was constructed to honor the goddess of the lake, Dewi Danu, which was formed by a volcanic eruption more than 30,000 years ago.
3. Bali Swing
The Bali Swing is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Bali, and somewhere you have probably seen in a million Instagram photos from travel bloggers. This swing is located in Kapubaten Bandung around 20 minutes drive from Ubud center, and 1,5 hours from Kuta.
This attraction is open every day from 8am to 5pm and is one of the best adventure activities on the island. There are lots of jungle swings to choose between ranging from 10m, 15m, 20m and 78m above ground. The views and scenery are spectacular and you really will be able to capture amazing photos here. There are also slightly bizarre but cool man made birds nests and also a butterfly garden for photo opportunities.
Please note to ride the swings it isn’t free, even just to go and take pictures you need to pay a fee. It costs $35 USD to ride the swings but this does include lunch, and pickup from Ubud. Just to visit and not ride the swings costs $10 USD.
Due to the popularity of the Bali swing there are also now lots of other swings you might want to check out including:
• Alas Harum Swing
• Aloha Ubud Swing
• Tegalalang Rice Terrace Swing
• Blangsinga Waterfall Swing
• Sidemen Bali Swing
• Swing in Love
• Terrace River Pool Swing
• LeKaja Bali Swing
• Ubud Swing at Zen Hideaway
• Uma Pakel Swing
• Wanagiri Hidden Hills Swing
4. Ubud Monkey Forest
If you have a passion for wildlife then a trip to The Ubud Monkey Forest is highly recommended. This nature reserve and temple complex is located in Ubud and there are over 300 monkeys here mainly the long-tailed Macaques (Macaca fascicularis).
You will get to wander around nature, see ancient temples Dalem Agung Padangtegal Temple, Holy Spring Temple, and Prajapati Temple) and learn more about the monkey and conservation efforts being made to protect them.
You can easily spend a couple of hours here and it really is a top rated day trip out. The entrance ticket fee: adults (40,000 Indonesian Rupiahs – $3) and children (30,000 rupiahs – $2.25). There is also the option to buy bananas to feed to the monkeys while you walk around.
5. Tanah Lot Temple
Tanah Lot is located on the south-western coast of Bali and one of 7 temples in the area all within close distance of each other. Tanah Lot is one of the most iconic Hindu temples on the island and it is a popular destination for tourists during sunset due to the photo opportunities.
6. Tegallalang Rice Terraces, Ubud
Bali has beautiful scenery and the Tegallalang Rice Terraces are one of the most photogenic spots on the island. You can’t come to Bali and not see the rice terraces and at Tegallalang you can expect really beautiful terraced hills with rice paddies amid lush greenery. For anyone looking for something a bit more thrilling there are zip lines and jungle swings.
7. Pura Luhur Uluwatu
If you make a trip to the southern tip of Bali is home to the Pura Luhur Uluwatu, an 11th century temple which was built at the top of a cliff top.
Tourist are free to walk around the ground and take photos of the temple but entry to the temple is only for Hindu priests.
Surrounding the Pura Luhur Uluwatu temple you can see Statues of Ganesha, stunning ocean views, and enjoy traditional dances from local people usually during sunset.
Be careful with your belongings here, wild monkeys are quite forceful for trying to get food and treats from tourists.
8. Nusa Penida
In Balinese, Nusa literally translates as “island” and Penida means “priests”.
Nusa Penida used to be one of the best kept secrets in Bali but due to Instagram and endless travel blogger videos this island is now one of the most desirable places to visit in Indonesia.
Nusa is a small island off the coast of Bali and it is one of the most spectacular places in the region. This island is still very underdeveloped so you won’t find huge beach bars, clubs or swanky backpacker restaurants and hangouts.
Kelingking Beach, Angel’s Billabong, Broken Beach, Atuh Beach, Diamond Beach, Crystal Bay, Gamat Bay, Tembeling Beach & Forest and the Thousand Islands viewpoint are all places you need to go. The Thousand Islands viewpoint has possibly the best view in Bali, perfect for sunrise or sunset photos whilst if you stay more than a day you might want to do trips to the Seganing Waterfall and Peguyangan Waterfalls, both are amazing.
If you are lucky you might get whole beaches to yourself! There is excellent swimming and snorkelling available, or you can also book dive trips from Bali. Indonesia is one of the top rated dive destinations in the world and off the coast of Nusa you can visit Manta Point and Crystal Bay – both amazing underwater locations to see marine life.
Be sure to take a pair of trainers with you, some of the cliff top walks and routes can be quite dangerous especially if you visit during a busy period packed with tourists.
The Rumah Pohon Tree House is one of the most popular places to stay on the island, if you view the main photo of this article this is where this was taken. The accommodation is quite basic and expensive but the views are unreal.
Nusa Penida is a really easy day trip to do independently and there are also organsied tours available to book locally.
There are three ways you can go there on your own, including:
- Speedboat from Sanur Beach
- Speedboat from Tanjong Benoa
- Public Ferry from Padang Bai
You can visit Nusa Penida via a speedboat in the morning and come back in the afternoon or stay longer if you really want to take everything in at your own pace.
Top rated places to stay in Nusa include:
• Rumah Pohon Tree House
• Asoka Bungalows
• Kompyang Cottage
• Pandawa Beach Resort
• Penida Bay Village
9. Mount Batur
If you love the outdoors and are open to a challenge then trekking to the top of the active Mount Batur volcano is highly recommended.
You don’t need to be an experienced climber of Everest standard, there are lots of trips and routes for complete beginners where you can climb to one of the 1,717-meter (5,633-foot) peak.
On the journey to the top you will get to see the Hindu temple of Pura Ulun Danu Batur, four craters, a stunning lake, villages and Bali’s spectacular landscape for miles around.
Seeing sunrise from the top of Mount Batur is very popular, it really is stunning. The whole experience can last around two hours or longer and trips can be booked with local and international travel operators.
10. Sekumpul Waterfall
There are lots of waterfalls in Bali and Sekumpul Waterfall is one of the most spectacular. This is one of the biggest and best waterfalls in Bali, and consists of three falls! In person it really is more impressive than you might think and be sure to pack swimwear, you can go swimming or even if you don’t you will get wet from the spray.
Sekumpul Waterfall is a day trip out as due to its isolated location getting here from most places takes at least a few hours drive. The best way to get here is by car, scooter or tour.
There are three entry fee options including:
• View Only – 20,000 IDR
• Medium Trekking – 125,000 IDR or Long Trekking – 200,000 IDR
View only is perfect for tourists looking for a quick trip and photo opportunity whilst both trekking fees include local guides and a really amazing tour taking in the rice fields and multiple waterfalls on route.
11. Tirta Empul Temple
There are nine major Hindu temples in Bali, and Tirta Empul Temple is one of the most visited and important locally. Tirta Empul temple was founded in 926 A.D. and is a Hindu Balinese water temple located near the town of Tampaksiring.
It is famous for its holy spring water, where Balinese Hindus go to for ritual purification. Tourists are allowed to enter the temple and the water, just be aware of the culture and history surrounding it.
If you would like to visit the Tirta Empul Temple there is an entrance fee of 50,000 IDR for adults, and 25,000 IDR for children. Tickets can be bought at the ticket counter which located just before the entrance gate.
12. Besakih Temple
You’ve probably seen photos of Besakih Temple on Instagram feeds before, this is one of the most recognisable, important, and holiest temple of Balinese Hinduism.
Besakih Temple is a pura complex in the village of Besakih on the slopes of Mount Agung in eastern Bali and it is a very accessible destination. You can explore the temple grounds, get photos and just take in the history and culture of the location.
There is an entrance fee of IDR 60,000 IDR per person for adult, and IDR 30,000 IDR per child. Tickets can be bought at the ticket counter in the parking which located just the entrance gate of Pura Besakih.
13. Kuta
Kuta a few decades ago was a little off the beaten track local fishing village, but due to the amazing surfing here, it quickly became a tourist hotspot.
Located in the south of Bali, Kuta is one of the best places to visit in Bali for young adults, there is a vibrant atmosphere, bars, nightlife, accommodation, restaurants and also one of the most well-kept beaches on the island.
If you are looking for a more laid back holiday away from young party animals, then Kuta is probably somewhere you might like to avoid in Bali. There are lots of alternative beaches and places to stay which are a lot less rowdy.
14. Sanur Beach
Sanur Beach is a relaxing and quiet alternative to Kuta Beach, and a poplar place to visit for families and older travellers.
This isn’t a party beach, far from it, Sanur has a nickname locally as “Snore Beach.” But the beach is relaxed and the water is calm and the sunsets are beautiful.
When visiting you can get incredible views of nearby Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Penida. There are also lots of great value places to stay and eat.
15. Tegenungan Waterfall
Tegenungan Waterfall is one of the most popular waterfalls to see in Bali, and an easy to get to location from Ubud.
The waterfall is quite isolated but it is very easy to get to either independently via scooter, hiring a driver or via an organised tour. The pathway around the waterfall are regularly maintained and it is very safe to get to. You can swim here and there is also a iconic Bali swing for tourist photos.
Tegenungen Waterfall is around a 30 minute drive from Ubud and around an hour drive from Seminyak or Canggu. It is open everyday from 6:30am – 6:30pm and the entrance fee is – 15,000 IDR – we think this is one of the best bargains in the whole of Bali!
16. Seminyak
Located in the stunning south of Bali, Seminyak is now one of the most popular luxury destinations with high-end accommodation, shops, restaurants, boutiques and a beautiful beach.
Seminyak is still a relatively small town that and despite its proximity to Kuta and Canggu, Seminyak is very different and you will find a much different type of tourist here.
If money isn’t an issue we highly recommend staying in Seminyak, there are lots of luxury hotels, resorts and spas. Don’t worry if you are travelling on a budget, there are also lots of affordable places to stay.
Be sure to check out Potato Head Club Beach Club for drinks, atmosphere and sunset from their amazing beachside pool.
Also be cautious when swimming in the ocean here, the tides are quite dangerous for swimmers, sometimes its best just to kick back on the beach and watch the professional surfers ride the huge waves.
17. Nusa Lembongan
If you are looking to do a day trip then Nusa Lembongan is highly rated. This tiny island is located off the southeastern coast of Bali and you can walk around the island is a few hours taking in the scenery, views and highlights.
The beaches are pristine with soft white sand and clear turquoise waters whilst there are lots of adventure sports available including surfing, snorkelling and scuba diving due to the spectacular corals and marine life found in abundance here.
18. Canggu
Canggu is a small village on the southern coast of Bali and is famous for being a laid back surfing destination. Canggu is really scenic, surrounded by terraced rice paddies and with amazing views over the ocean.
Canggu is most famous for surfing and there really is a youthful and relaxed vibe around. This beach is a great place to surf if you are keen to learn, whilst just sitting on the beach and watching the pros is an amazing experience too.
Canggu has some really popular beachside bars, watching sunset in a pool overlooking the ocean is a really magical experience. There are lots of places you can visit nearby too like Seminyak, Kuta and the Tanah Lot Hindu temple.
Hopefully our guide to the top locations in Bali has given you some ideas for where to go.
We really could have added a list of 100 places to visit in Bali, but these locations really are the main highlights you have to see before leaving the island. If you are lucky enough to have a more flexible schedule you will get the chance to discover more locations on Bali and surrounding islands.
If you are planning a backpacking adventure and don’t want to travel alone, view our guide to the best tour operators for 18 – 30 year olds, most of which offer amazing small group trips to Bali where you can see the highlights and travel with like-minded people.
You might also like to view our guide to the best places to go in south east Asia to see more of this incredible region of the world.
