Bali needs no introduction — but it does need a better list. Most travel blogs hand you the same recycled roundup of temples and beaches without telling you why each one actually deserves your time. This guide cuts through the noise and gives you the best things to do in Bali — temples with real stories behind them, hikes that pay off, beaches worth the detour, and a few experiences that most first-timers completely miss.
Whether you are chasing sunrises over a volcano, hunting for hidden waterfalls, or looking for the perfect things to do in Bali for couples, this guide has you covered. Welcome to the Island of the Gods.
Things to Do in Bali — Sacred Temples Worth Every Step
Bali has over 10,000 temples, but not all of them are created equal. These three are must-dos in Bali for any first-time or returning visitor.
1. Watch the sunset at Uluwatu Temple
Perched on a 70-meter limestone cliff above the Indian Ocean, Uluwatu Temple is one of the most dramatic things to do in Bali. The views alone are worth the trip — but stay for the Kecak fire dance performance at sunset, held daily on a cliffside stage with the ocean as the backdrop. It is one of the most atmospheric cultural experiences anywhere in Southeast Asia.
- Best for: Couples, culture lovers, photographers
- Tip: Arrive by 5:30 pm to secure a good seat for the Kecak dance. Sarongs are provided at the entrance.
- Watch out: Monkeys at the temple are known to snatch sunglasses and hats — keep them secured.
- Entry: Approximately IDR 50,000; Kecak dance tickets are separate
Also read: Bali vs Thailand: Which Is Better for Friend Groups & Adventure Travellers in 2026?
2. Take a Purification Dip at Tirta Empul
Tirta Empul translates to “holy water spring”—and that is exactly what draws both devout Balinese Hindus and curious travelers here. You can step into the sacred pools and participate in a traditional purification ritual, moving through a series of fountains that are believed to cleanse the body and spirit. It is one of the most unique and moving top things to do in Bali.
- Best for: Spiritual seekers, culture enthusiasts, solo travellers
- Location: Near Tampaksiring, about 15 km from Ubud
- Tip: Bring a change of clothes and visit early morning before the crowds arrive.
- Entry: Approximately IDR 50,000; sarong rental available on-site
Also Read: Religion In Bali: A Complete Culture & Travel Guide
3. Catch the Sunset at Tanah Lot Temple
Sitting on a rocky islet just off the coast of Tabanan, Tanah Lot is arguably the most photographed temple in Bali. At low tide you can walk across to it; at high tide it floats magnificently above the surf. The late afternoon light turns the whole scene golden—making this one of the best things to do in Bali for couples and photographers alike.
- Best for: Photography, couples, first-time visitors
- Tip: Arrive around 4:30 pm for the golden hour. The surrounding gardens also have great vantage points.
- Entry: Approximately IDR 60,000
Best Things to Do in Bali for Nature and Adventure Lovers
From active volcanoes to jungle waterfalls, Bali adventure activities are some of the most rewarding on the island.
4. Hike Mount Batur for Sunrise
This is the must-do in Bali for anyone with even a moderate level of fitness. Mount Batur is an active volcano standing at 1,717 meters in the Kintamani region. The hike takes around 2 hours, and tours typically depart at 2 to 3 am so you reach the summit just as the sun rises over Lake Batur and Mount Agung. The panorama is nothing short of extraordinary.
- Best for: Adventure seekers, hikers, early risers
- Duration: Approximately 2 hours up; 1.5 hours down
- Tip: Book a licensed guide in advance. The rocky terrain means self-guided hikes are inadvisable. Bring a light jacket — it gets cold at the summit.
- Bonus: Many tours include breakfast cooked using volcanic steam at the summit and a soak in the Batur hot springs on the way back.
5. Explore the Tegallalang Rice Terraces
The Tegallalang rice terraces near Ubud are among the most iconic images of Bali—and they are even more beautiful in person. The terraces follow the ancient Subak irrigation system, a UNESCO-recognized cultural landscape that has shaped Balinese farming since the 8th century. Walk the trails, stop at a clifftop cafe for Balinese coffee, and take in one of the most photogenic views on the island.
- Best for: Photographers, families, culture lovers
- Tip: Visit early morning (before 9 am) or late afternoon for the best light and fewer crowds.
- Nearby: Tirta Empul Temple is just a short drive away—combine both in one day.
- Entry: Small donation requested at the entrance; some viewpoints are free
6. Chase Waterfalls in the Jungle
Bali is home to some spectacular waterfalls, and visiting them is one of the most rewarding activities to do in Bali. Sekumpul Waterfall in North Bali is widely considered the most beautiful on the island — a series of cascades plunging through dense jungle. For something more accessible, Tegenungan Waterfall near Ubud is easy to reach and perfect for a swim.
- Best for: Nature lovers, adventure seekers, swimmers
- Top picks: Sekumpul (North Bali), Tegenungan (near Ubud), Aling-Aling (North Bali), Gitgit (Singaraja)
- Tip: Wear shoes with grip. The paths to most waterfalls involve steep or slippery descents.
- Best season: Wet season (November to March) when water flow is strongest
7. Snorkel or Dive at Nusa Penida
A 45-minute fast boat from Sanur Beach brings you to Nusa Penida, one of the top Bali adventure activity destinations in the region. The waters around the island are home to manta rays, reef sharks, sunfish (Mola Mola, seasonal), and some of the most colorful coral in Indonesia. Even non-divers can snorkel with mantas at Manta Bay. Above water, the clifftop views at Kelingking Beach are jaw-dropping.
- Best for: Divers, snorkelers, island day-trippers
- Getting there: Fast boats from Sanur, approximately 45 minutes; book in advance during peak season
- Best time: April to October for calm seas; Mola Mola season is August to October
- Tip: Book a guided snorkeling tour rather than going independently—the currents around Nusa Penida can be very strong
Also read: Bali Festivals: Top 10 Celebrations You Must Experience in 2026
Top Things to Do in Bali for Culture and Wellness
Bali’s cultural heartland is Ubud, and spending at least a day or two here should be on every itinerary.
8. Spend a Day Exploring Ubud
Ubud is the artistic and spiritual soul of Bali—and one of the most rewarding things to do in Bali is simply to wander it. The Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, home to over 1,200 long-tailed macaques and three ancient 14th-century temples, sits right in the town center. Nearby, the Ubud Palace hosts traditional Legong dance performances after dark. The Ubud Art Market is perfect for picking up handmade textiles, woodcarvings, and silver jewelry.
- Must-sees in Ubud: Monkey Forest, Ubud Palace, Campuhan Ridge Walk, Ubud Traditional Art Market
- Best for: Art lovers, couples, cultural explorers
- Tip: Join a local walking tour (like Ubud Story Walks) to discover hidden corners and hear real stories about the town’s history.
9. Take a Traditional Balinese Cooking Class
Learning to cook Balinese food is one of the most enjoyable must-do things in Bali—especially for couples. Most classes begin with a trip to a local morning market to pick fresh ingredients, followed by hands-on cooking guided by a local chef. You will make dishes like nasi goreng, satay lilit, and Balinese black rice pudding. Then you eat everything you have made.
- Best for: Couples, food lovers, families
- Location: Ubud has the highest concentration of cooking classes; they are also available in Seminyak and Canggu
- Duration: Typically 4 to 5 hours, including the market visit
- Tip: Book in advance during peak season. Classes fill up quickly, especially in Ubud.
10. Indulge in a Balinese spa and wellness retreat.
Bali is one of the world’s great wellness destinations, and a traditional Balinese massage is one of the most accessible activities to do in Bali at any budget. From affordable local spas in Seminyak and Ubud to luxury wellness retreats in Nusa Dua, the options are endless. For couples, floating breakfast experiences in a private villa pool have become one of the most popular things to do in Bali for couples in recent years.
- Best for: Couples, solo travellers, wellness seekers
- Top experiences: Traditional Balinese massage, flower bath ritual, sound healing, yoga retreats in Ubud
- Tip: For budget travelers, local spas in Seminyak and Kuta offer excellent massages from around IDR 100,000 (approximately USD 6).
Bali Adventure Activities and Beach Experiences
11. Surf Bali’s World-Class Waves
Surfing is one of the 10 best things to do in Bali for good reason — the island has breaks for every level, from gentle beginner waves at Kuta Beach to the legendary barrels of Uluwatu and Padang Padang. Canggu has become the go-to for intermediate surfers and digital nomads. Lessons are affordable and widely available, making this one of the best Bali adventure activities for first-timers.
- Best for: Beginners to advanced surfers, thrill seekers
- Top surf spots: Kuta (beginners), Canggu (intermediate), Uluwatu and Padang Padang (advanced)
- Best season: May to September for the south and west coast breaks
- Tip: Book a lesson through a certified school rather than freelance instructors on the beach.
12. Watch Dolphins at Lovina Beach and Explore North Bali
Most visitors spend all their time in southern Bali and never make it north, which is exactly why you should. Lovina Beach on the north coast is the best spot for dolphin watching in Bali. Hop on a traditional jukung fishing boat at sunrise to spot bottlenose dolphins in the calm waters of the Bali Sea. Pair it with a visit to the serene Ulun Danu Beratan Temple—the famous floating temple on Lake Beratan—for a full day of North Bali magic.
- Best for: Families, nature lovers, couples seeking something different
- Tip: Depart by 6 am for the best dolphin sightings. The calm morning sea makes for a smooth ride.
- Combine with: Ulun Danu Beratan Temple, Gitgit Waterfall, and the Handara Gate—all within easy reach of Lovina
Also read: The 10 Best Waterfalls in Bali for Nature Explorers (2026 Guide)
Best Time to Visit Bali?
The best time to visit Bali is during the dry season, from April to October. Expect warm, sunny days with temperatures between 24°C and 31°C, low humidity, and calm seas—ideal for all outdoor activities.
- April to October (Dry Season): Best overall weather. Perfect for beaches, temple visits, and Bali adventure activities like trekking and diving. July and August are peak season—expect crowds and higher prices.
- May to June and September to October (Shoulder Season): The sweet spot. Good weather, fewer tourists, and cheaper flights and accommodation. Highly recommended.
- November to March (Wet Season): Short, sharp rain showers — usually in the afternoon. Lush green landscapes, emptier temples, and the lowest prices. Still very enjoyable if you plan around the rain.
How to Reach Bali?
By Air: Bali is served by I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport (IATA: DPS), also known as Denpasar Airport, located in southern Bali about 3 km from Kuta and approximately 40 km from Ubud. It receives direct international flights from Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Sydney, Melbourne, Tokyo, Dubai, and many other cities. Domestic flights connect Bali to Jakarta, Surabaya, and Yogyakarta frequently.
From the Airport: Taxis (Blue Bird), ride-hailing apps (Grab or Gojek), and pre-booked private transfers are all available. Kuta and Seminyak are about 10 to 20 minutes by car; Ubud is approximately 1.5 hours.
By Sea: Travelers from Java can take a ferry from Ketapang Port in Banyuwangi to Gilimanuk Port in West Bali. Fast boats from the Gili Islands and Lombok take around 1.5 to 2.5 hours to reach Padangbai Harbour in East Bali.
Tourist Tax: Since February 2024, all international visitors must pay a tourist levy of IDR 150,000 (approximately USD 9) on arrival or online via the Love Bali website.
Conclusion About Things to do in Bali
Bali is one of those rare destinations that delivers on every level — whether you’re a first-timer ticking off bucket-list temples or a repeat visitor chasing hidden waterfalls and quiet beaches. The things to do in Bali range from life-changing (a Mount Batur sunrise) to delightfully simple (a Balinese massage followed by a bowl of nasi goreng at a roadside warung), and everything in between.
Here’s your quick recap of the 12 best things to do in Bali:
- Temples: Uluwatu (sunset and Kecak dance), Tirta Empul (purification ritual), Tanah Lot (iconic sunset)
- Nature and Adventure: Mount Batur sunrise hike, Tegallalang Rice Terraces, waterfall chasing, Nusa Penida diving and snorkelling
- Culture and Wellness: Ubud day trip, Balinese cooking class, spa and massage experiences
- Beach and Activities: Surfing at Kuta or Canggu, dolphin watching at Lovina Beach
Make every Bali adventure count—download the Explurger Travel App and start planning your Island of the Gods itinerary today.
Bali rewards those who take it slow, follow their curiosity, and wander a little off the well-worn path. Go find your version of it.
FAQs About Things to do in Bali
2. What are the best things to do in Bali for couples?
Bali is one of the world's most romantic destinations. The best things to do in Bali for couples include watching the sunset at Tanah Lot or Uluwatu Temple, experiencing a floating breakfast in a private villa pool, taking a Balinese cooking class together, indulging in a couples spa ritual, and taking a sunset cruise from Seminyak or Sanur. For a more adventurous angle, a Mount Batur sunrise hike or a snorkeling trip to Nusa Penida makes for an unforgettable shared experience.
3. What are the top 10 things to do in Bali?
The top 10 things to do in Bali are: 1. Sunset and Kecak dance at Uluwatu Temple. 2. Sunrise hike on Mount Batur. 3. Walking the Tegallalang Rice Terraces. 4. Exploring Ubud and the Monkey Forest. 5. Purification ritual at Tirta Empul Temple. 6. Snorkelling or diving at Nusa Penida. 7. Surfing at Kuta, Canggu, or Uluwatu. 8. Dolphin watching at Lovina Beach. 9. Taking a traditional Balinese cooking class. 10. Visiting Tanah Lot at sunset. Together, these cover Bali's adventure, culture, nature, and spiritual highlights.
4. When is the best time to visit Bali?
The best time to visit Bali is during the dry season from April to October, when the weather is warm, sunny, and ideal for all outdoor activities. The shoulder months of May to June and September to October are the sweet spot—good weather, smaller crowds, and lower prices than peak season (July to August). If you're on a budget, the wet season from November to March still offers enjoyable travel, with short afternoon showers, lush green landscapes, and the cheapest flights and hotels.
5. What are the best bali adventure activities?
Bali offers a wide range of adventure activities for all ability levels. The most popular include the Mount Batur sunrise hike (active volcano trekking); white-water rafting on the Ayung River near Ubud; surfing at Kuta, Canggu, and Uluwatu; scuba diving and snorkeling at Nusa Penida and Amed; ATV rides through the rice terraces; and canyoning and waterfall abseiling in North Bali. For something unique, a sunrise jeep tour around the Mount Batur crater is an excellent alternative to the hiking route.
6. How many days do you need in Bali?
Most travellers spend between 7 and 10 days in Bali to cover the main highlights comfortably. A 5 to 7 day trip is enough to see southern Bali (Seminyak, Uluwatu, Kuta) and Ubud, with a day trip to Nusa Penida or Mount Batur. Budget 10 days or more if you want to include North Bali, Amed, or the Nusa Islands at a relaxed pace. Rushing Bali in less than 5 days means missing the slower, more rewarding experiences that make the island special.
