11 Things To Do In Bali: A Refreshing Exploration

A scenic view of Mount Gunung Agung surrounded by clouds during a sunset, one of the things to do in Bali.

Bali, Indonesia, is one of the few places that offer an unbeatable mix of adventure, relaxation, and cultural induction. Ranging from lush rice terraces to famous temples and vivacious beaches to luxury resorts on the island, there’s something for every traveller. The best things to do in Bali offer the visitors to explore its heritage, landscapes, and welcoming atmosphere. Whether you are hiking up an active volcano at dawn, discovering waterfalls, or simply relaxing with a traditional Balinese massage, Bali feels like the best spot to spend quality time.

11 Things To Do In Bali

Make your visit to Bali special by following these carefully curated best things to do in Bali, offering you unique experiences:

1. Go For Trekking Mount Batur For Sunrise

 Scenic clouds hover over Mount Batur, and a lake on the right, one of the things to do in Bali.

Photo: TropicaLiving / Wikimedia Commons

Mount Batur, one of Bali’s active volcanoes, is one of the favourite places for trekkers to enjoy the beauty of sunrise scenery. The trek typically begins in the early hours, around 2-3 AM. The trek is moderate in difficulty, taking 2-3 hours. It is popularly known for being one of the best things to see in Bali. With great views of Lake Batur as well as the rest of the surrounding areas, the sun would rise above the lush landscapes and volcanic tops of Bali.

Location: Kintamani district, Central Bali
Best Time To Visit: Dry season (April to October)

2. Witness Tegallalang Rice Terraces

A view of water-filled rice terraces in Tegallalang District, one of the things to do in Bali.

Photo: William Cho / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Tegallalang Rice Terraces in Ubud is one of the iconic features of Balinese agriculture. The UNESCO-labelled rice fields come in a unique stepped pattern displaying contrastingly beautiful and vibrant green shades as far as the eye can see. This is among some of the best things in Bali. People walk around these terraces for photography, for nature. They even socialise with farmers who still harvest rice crops using age-old methods to experience rural Bali.

Location: Tegallalang village, north of Ubud, Bali
Best Time To Visit: Early morning during the dry season (April to October)

3. Visit Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary

A sign board welcoming visitors at Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, one of the things to do in Bali.

Photo: Jakub Hałun / Wikimedia Commons

Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary is located in Ubud. It is a natural reserve and Hindu temple complex that is home to over 700 long-tailed macaques. This is one of the best things to see in Bali not just to spot monkeys but also for a cultural and spiritual experience of the three ancient temples. Beautiful scenery, interesting stone carvings, and friendly playful monkeys will definitely impress visitors. It is not a good place to carry a lot of personal belongings as the smart monkeys might snatch your belongings.

Location: Padangtegal, Ubud, Bali
Best Time To Visit: Morning hours during the dry season (April to October)

4. Seek Blessings At Tirta Empul Temple

Devotees bathing in the Purification Pool at Tirta Empul Temple, , one of the things to do in Bali.

Photo: Yoshi Canopus / Wikimedia Commons

Tirta Empul is one of the main water temples in Bali, adjacent to Ubud. This temple is famous for sacred spring water. According to Balinese Hindu belief, the spring water has healing and cleansing powers. The temple complex dates back to 960 AD and features several shrines, courtyards, and large purification pools. You can take part in the ritual by submerging themselves under the holy water spouts. Even if you do not become an active participant in the ritual, the peaceful atmosphere and ancient edifices make Tirta Empul one of the prime things to see in Bali.

Location: Tampaksiring, near Ubud, Bali
Best Time To Visit: Early in the morning during the dry season (April to October)

5. Relax At Sekumpul Waterfall

A waterfall on a hillside is surrounded by rocks covered in green ferns and moss, one of the things to do in Bali.

Photo: Jonathan Meyer / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

The Sekumpul Waterfall is found in the northern part of Bali and is generally considered the most beautiful waterfall in Bali. It consists of seven cascades surrounded by lush jungle, thus forming an incredibly beautiful sight for nature enthusiasts. Reaching the waterfall requires a trek through local villages, rice terraces, and dense vegetation. Sekumpul is a less crowded, peaceful, and more intimate experience than other waterfalls and offers some of the best things to do in Bali.

Location: Sekumpul village, Singaraja, northern Bali
Best Time To Visit: Dry season (April to October)

6. Enjoy Hot Air Balloon Ride

: A hot air balloon filled with people is going up on the sky, leaving the land behind.

Photo: Meeta / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Taking a hot air balloon ride over Ubud would give you a bird’s eye view of the Balinese landscape. One could find flying above Bali’s rice paddies and rainforests with Mount Agung as a backdrop promising an aerial sighting that breathes life into anything that might be looked upon. The whole experience is one of the best things to do in Bali which takes close to an hour while some packages provide for having breakfast or dinner afterwards. Its exclusive activities offer a peaceful way to appreciate the island’s grandeur from an aerial view.

Location: Ubud, Bali
Best Time To Visit: Early morning during the dry season (April to October)

7. Stay In Nusa Dua’s Luxury Resorts

Fishermen gather at the Nusa Dua Beach in Bali, a scenic sunrise in the background.

Photo: GdML / Wikimedia Commons

Nusa Dua can boast of having Bali as the best luxury destination for relaxation purposes. The upscale resorts and pristine private beaches are the reasons that attract guests ideal for honeymooners or families that feel a need to pamper themselves. Nusa Dua, includes high-class spas, classy restaurants, and golf courses. In addition to relaxing on the beach, visitors can enjoy water sports like jet-skiing, snorkelling, and paddleboarding. Nusa Dua’s serene environment is a go-to spot for tourists wondering what to do in Bali for luxury travel.

Location: Nusa Dua, southern Bali
Best Time To Visit: Dry season (April to October)

8. Pray In Ulun Danu Beratan Temple

The Ulun Danu Beratan Temple near Lake Beratan is a Balinese Hindu temple.

Photo: CEphoto, Uwe Aranas / Wikimedia Commons

One of the highly iconic temples in Bali is Ulun Danu Beratan Temple. This temple is dedicated to the goddess of the lake. The serenity of its water body gives it an impression of floating making it a breathtaking thing to see in Bali. The temple is set against the backdrop of mist-covered mountains and cool, refreshing air. The visitors can take a ride in a boat around the lake. With its cool climate and peaceful atmosphere, it is a retreat from the hot coastal activities in Bali, and a good place for photography too.

Location: Lake Beratan, Bedugul, central Bali
Best Time To Visit: Early morning during the dry season (April to October)

9. Indulge In Surfing In Kuta And Seminyak

An aerial view of waves crashing at the shores of Kuta Beach.

Photo: Simon_sees / Wikimedia Commons

Bali is known to be a surfer’s paradise, and visiting Kuta Beach is one of the best things to do in Bali for catching waves. Whether you are a pro or just looking for your first lesson, Kuta is one of those spots where you can rely on consistent waves at all levels of surfing. It also provides excellent sunbathing opportunities. The beach is lined with surf schools and rental shops, making it easy to gear up and hit the waves.

Location: Kuta and Seminyak beaches, southern Bali
Best Time To Visit: Dry season (April to October) for consistent waves and sunny beach days

10. Do ATV Adventures

A couple is posing on a fancy motorbike on a beachside, with the lady standing on the bike.

Photo: Spora Weddings / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

The experience of ATV Adventures offers an exciting way to explore the lush countryside. The off-road tours traverse scenic rice terraces, dense jungles, and rural villages while offering another view of the natural beauty of Bali. These usually ensure safety while allowing a high-adrenaline experience. It’s a fun and adventurous side of Bali that most tourists miss. It is one of the best things to do in Bali for thrill-seekers or groups looking to add a bit of adventure to their Bali itinerary.

Location: Ubud, central Bali
Best Time To Visit: Dry season (April to October)

11. Relax With Balinese Massages

A woman giving a Balinese Massage to a tourist near a beach.

Photo: Peter van der Sluijs / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Perhaps a complete visit to the island could not end without indulging in a traditional Balinese massage. Popularly known for its holistic system of practice, Balinese Massage is one of the best things to do in Bali. It combines deep tissue techniques with infused aromatherapy and reflexology activation to ward off tension and introduce one’s self into a relaxed state. In Bali, massages are very affordable, often priced at around $5 / ₹400 an hour. Many spas across the island offer a variety of treatments, from traditional massages to more modern therapies like hot stone massages and facials.

Location: Available across Bali, especially in Ubud, Seminyak, and Nusa Dua
Best Time To Visit: Anytime throughout the year, but the dry season (April to October) is ideal

If you wonder what to do in Bali, adventure or retreat, Bali has it all. Whether you want to explore old rice terraces or surf on pristine beaches, everybody can get something unforgettable in Bali. It is one of the best travel destinations in the world where its unique natural beauty, cultural depth, and adventurous spirit blend. Plan your Bali trip with a package from TripXL today for a perfect getaway, ensuring that your vacation is seamless and unforgettable!

Cover Photo: Rosino / Wikimedia Commons

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, scooters and cars can be rented easily in Bali. An international driving permit is required especially for tourists who wish to avoid fines for driving without a proper licence.
Respecting local customs is important in Bali. Always dress modestly when visiting temples. Remove your shoes before entering someone’s home or sacred places. Be mindful of using your right hand for giving and receiving items.
Most nationalities can get a visa on arrival for a stay of up to 30 days. However, it’s essential to check the specific requirements of your country before travelling.
The local currency is the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR). While credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and large stores, it's advisable to carry cash for smaller vendors, local markets, and rural areas.
You can easily purchase a local SIM card with data at the airport or local convenience stores. Bali has good internet coverage in most tourist areas.

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