Iโ€™ve visited Bali many times over the years, and today itโ€™s where I base myself. Even after so many visits, Iโ€™m always discovering new things to do here.

Bali is a place where, in the space of a week, you can climb a volcano, hike a waterfall, visit an old temple, relax on a beach, go dirt biking in the jungle, and so much more.

When I first visited the island, I wasnโ€™t sure what Iโ€™d think of it. Today, I absolutely love it.

This is not a complete list of every interesting thing to see in Bali (that would be impossible!), but just some top highlights. These are 50 of the very best things to do in Bali, Indonesia!

Where To Stay

 

Bali Private Driver & Motorbike Rental

If you want to explore Bali in the comfort and safety of a private car with an English speaking driver, my top recommendation would be GetYourGuide.

Their price is 650k Rupiah ($45 USD) for a full day of driving and sightseeing in Bali (up to 10 hours) for 1-5 passengers. That's the total price for the whole car + driver + petrol! It's a great deal. They also offer affordable hotel transfers from the airport.

If you'd rather travel by motorbike, they have that too. Their scooter rentals start at 140k Rupiah (~$9) and include a helmet, rain coat, and free delivery in the south Bali area.

We've used GetYourGuide for lots of tours and activities around the world, and they're great! Highly recommended.

Book Now: Bali Private Driver / Scooter Rental
 
 

Best Things To Do In Bali Indonesia

South Bali

1. Kuta Sea Turtle Release

Looking for an activity that lets you interact with animals, and benefits conservation? You can release turtles with the Bali Sea Turtle Society (BSTS) as a volunteer! Itโ€™s completely free, and you get to see hundreds of sea turtles on the beach running to freedom.

More info: Bali Sea Turtle Release

Baby sea turtle release in Kuta Beach, Bali
 
 

2. Bali Zoo

The Bali Zoo has a lot of great wildlife, including some species that are local to Indonesia. You can get your picture taken with tropical birds here, and the park facilities and animal care seem good too.

More info: Bali Zoo Review + Photos

Red parrot and green parrot at the Bali Zoo
 
 

3. Bali Bird Park

If youโ€™ve been to the Bali Zoo and youโ€™re wanting to see more tropical birds, thereโ€™s a Bird & Reptile Park just a short distance away that has over 1,000 exotic bird species. The reptile center has crocodiles and Komodo dragons too!

Blue and yellow parrot at the Bali Bird Park
 
 

4. Sanur Beach

Sanur beach is pretty average in most respects, but where it really shines (no pun intended) is at sunrise. This beach is one of the best sunrise viewing spots on the entire island.

More info: Best Things To Do In Sanur

Sanur Beach Sunrise in Baliย ย ย ย Sanur Beach gazebo sunrise in Bali
 
 

5. Sanur Rice Fields

Thereโ€™s a group of rice fields near Sanur that is virtually unknown to tourists, but theyโ€™re just as green as any of the others in Bali! A new jogging path through the fields was just added in 2018.

More info: Sanur Rice Fields

Drone view of Sanur rice fields in Bali
 
 

6. Tanah Lot Temple

This is a mysterious looking 16th century shrine built on a rock overlooking the Indian Ocean. Tanah Lot is one of Baliโ€™s most iconic temples, and itโ€™s located near Canggu and north Kuta.

At high tide, the temple almost looks like itโ€™s floating on the sea! Tanah Lot is a popular sunset spot, and when the tide is low you can even walk out to the rock for a closer look.

More info: Tanah Lot Temple


 

Uluwatu Bali

7. Padang Padang Beach

This is a neat little hidden beach tucked into the cliffs in south Bali. Itโ€™s a popular spot for surfing, or you can just sip a fresh coconut and hang out on the white sand with the monkeys.

More info: Padang Padang Beach

Boulders at Padang Padang Beach in Bali
 
 

8. Tegal Wangi Beach

My favorite part about this beach is the cool sea cave, but itโ€™s also known as a great place to catch the sunset.

More info: Tegal Wangi Beach

Tegal Wangi Beach cliffs in Bali       Tegal Wangi Beach Cave In Bali
 
 

9. Suluban Beach

Suluban is a secluded beach with lots of caves and huge rocks to explore, but my favorite thing is the restaurant view. Itโ€™s an epic place to grab breakfast while exploring south Bali.

More info: Suluban Beach


 

10. Bingin Beach

This is a photogenic beach with exotic boulders and seaweed covered rocks. Great for scenic pics or surfing, and itโ€™s less crowded than some of the others.

Thereโ€™s a bit of trash and rubble lately from hotel construction, but some high quality accommodation and restaurants are starting to spring up here.

More info: Bingin Beach

Bingin Beach Things To Do In Uluwatu Bali

Bingin Beach Bali       Bingin Beach Things To Do In Uluwatu Bali
 
 

11. Uluwatu Temple

The Uluwatu temple sits on the edge of a huge cliff in south Bali. The pagoda itself may not be spectacular, but the setting is really scenic and gives you some epic views of the ocean cliffs. Watch out for the monkeys here, theyโ€™re notorious for trying to snatch your stuff!

More info: Uluwatu Temple

Uluwatu Temple cliffs and flowers in Bali       Uluwatu cliff monkey
 
 

12. Batu Jaran Hill

This is a huge cliff near Uluwatu Temple, but there are no crowds and no safety fences to block your view of the waves crashing on the rocks below.

You can see the Uluwatu pagoda in the distance, and we even spotted a few sea turtles in the waves. Itโ€™s an incredibly photogenic spot that most tourists donโ€™t seem to know about yet.

We just discovered this viewpoint recently, but itโ€™s one of my new favorite things to do in Uluwatu!

More info: Batu Jaran Hill

Batu Jaran Hill Things To Do In Uluwatu Bali

Batu Jaran Hill Things To Do In Uluwatu Bali       Batu Jaran Hill Things To Do In Uluwatu Bali
 
 

13. Karang Boma Cliff

This is another steep cliff near Uluwatu, but itโ€™s on the south side of the temple and requires a short walk from a separate parking area.

Itโ€™s a great spot for sunset, and you should have the place mostly to yourself.

Karang Boma Cliff       Karang Boma Cliff
 
 

14. Garuda Wisnu Kencana (GWK)

This is a cultural park in the center of the Bukit Peninsula, about 20 minutes from Uluwatu Temple.

Itโ€™s used for exhibitions and Balinese cultural events, but most people know it for the giant statues of Hindu figures.

The centerpiece of the park is a statue of the god Vishnu riding the mythical bird Garuda. At 120 meters tall (400 feet), itโ€™s one of the tallest statues in the world.

Garuda Wisnu Kencana GWK Statue

Garuda Wisnu Kencana GWK Statue       Garuda Wisnu Kencana GWK Statue
 
 

15. Nunggalan Beach

This is one of the bigger white sand beaches in south Bali. The walk down and back up is a killer, but youโ€™re rewarded with a huge private beach and a cool shipwreck for pictures!

More info: Nunggalan Beach

Nunggalan Beach Things To Do In Uluwatu Bali
 
 

16. Green Bowl Beach

Green Bowl is one of my favorite hidden beaches in south Bali. Itโ€™s a long walk down to the beach, but youโ€™re greeted by a perfect stretch of white sand and two big sea caves to explore.

More info: Green Bowl Beach

Green Bowl Beach waves and sand in Bali
 
 

Ubud Bali

17. Ubud Monkey Forest

Some love it, some hate it. The Ubud monkey forest is a big jungle area surrounding an old 14th century Hindu temple, and over 600 monkeys live here.

It may sound weird, but the Instagram famous monkey forest was one of THE biggest inspirations for my first trip to Bali. I saw all the pictures of people posing with monkeys, and it looked really fun.

More info: Ubud Monkey Forest

Uluwatu Monkey group in Bali
 
 

18. Ubud Market

Just up the street from the monkey forest, youโ€™ll find the Ubud art market.

Itโ€™s full of interesting handmade souvenirs like wood carvings, paintings, coconut bowls, rattan hats and bags, and everything else you can imagine.

Feel free to haggle for lower prices, because some of the sellers here start a bit on the high side.

Paintings for sale at the Ubud Market in Bali
 
 

19. Ubud Royal Palace

This palace was built in the 1800s and itโ€™s easily one of the most well known buildings in Ubud, partly because itโ€™s located right in the city center. Itโ€™s free to visit.

More info: Ubud Royal Palace

Ubud Royal Palace in Bali
 
 

20. Saraswati Temple

Saraswati is an old Hindu temple in Ubud, and it has some of my favorite Balinese style walls and sculptures in the whole island. This one is located in the Ubud town center, so itโ€™s easy to visit on any trip to Ubud.

More info: Saraswati Water Temple

My woman at Saraswati Temple in Ubud, Bali
 
 

21. Layana Waterfall

This is a nice 2 step waterfall in Ubud that you can see without any hiking or entrance fee. Itโ€™s actually sitting right next to a warung where you can buy food or drinks (optional) while hanging out by the falls.

More info: Layana Waterfall

Layana Waterfall in Ubud, Bali
 
 

22. Goa Gajah Cave Temple

This is one of the oldest temples I visited in Ubud, and also one of the weirdest. The doorway to the cave is really bizarre and unique, and it feels like youโ€™re walking into the belly of some underground rock monster.

More info: Goa Gajah Cave Temple

Goa Gajah cave temple in Ubud, Bali
 
 

23. Tibumana Waterfall

Tibumana is quickly becoming one of the most popular Instagram waterfall spots in Bali. The road to this one winds through some green rice fields and palm trees, so itโ€™s also a nice scenic drive.

More info: Tibumana Waterfall

Tibumana Waterfall near Ubud, Bali
 
 

24. Gunung Kawi Temple

This is a hidden temple and archaeological site more than 1,000 years old, where you can see ancient funeral shrines carved into the cliffs. Itโ€™s a fascinating piece of Baliโ€™s history.

More info: Gunung Kawi Temple

Tourists at the Gunung Kawi Temple ruins in Bali
 
 

25. Tegalalang Rice Terraces

These are the most famous rice terraces in Bali, and theyโ€™re also the easiest to reach. Sadly that also means the place has turned into a bit of a tourist trap, but itโ€™s still easy to see why it was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. If you come here in the right month, itโ€™s one of the brightest shades of green you will ever see!

More info: Tegalalang Rice Terraces

Drone view of the green Tegalalang Rice Terrace near Ubud, Bali
 
 

26. Kemenuh Butterfly Park

After youโ€™ve been to the Bali Zoo and the Bird Park, next up is the Butterfly Park in Kemenuh. This one claims to be the biggest insect conservation park in Asia, and it has some rare bugs native to Indonesia like the huge Atlas moths. Biggest moth in the world!

Giant atlas moth at the Bali Butterfly Park in Kemenuhย ย ย ย Giant goliath beetle at the Bali Butterfly Park in Kemenuh
 
 

27. Batuan Temple

This is an ancient 10th century temple located in Batuan village, halfway between Ubud and Sanur. The whole temple grounds are open to tourists, and a lot of the buildings and carvings are different from what you normally see at other Balinese temples.

Batuan Temple in Bali
 
 

28. Flying Fox & Monkey Sanctuary

Thereโ€™s a wildlife sanctuary in Tabanan thatโ€™s similar to the Ubud Monkey Forest, but instead itโ€™s home to huge flying foxes. These bats look scary, but theyโ€™re actually super friendly and love interacting and climbing on people!

More info: Alas Kedaton Flying Fox & Monkey Sanctuary

Flying fox bat at Alas Kedaton monkey forest in Bali
 
 

29. Nungnung Waterfall

Nungnung is one of the biggest and most powerful waterfalls in Bali. Itโ€™s not as well known as Sekumpul (the biggest), so itโ€™s usually a lot less crowded. The jungle surroundings are great too.

More info: Nungnung Waterfall

Nungnung Waterfall near Ubud, Bali
 
 

North Bali

30. Jatiluwih Rice Terraces

Some of my favorite rice terraces in Bali are the ones at Jatiluwih. These are far from town so they havenโ€™t been spoiled by tourism like the terraces at Tegalalang. Thereโ€™s a walking path at Jatiluwih and you can catch some great views of the Bali volcanoes in the distance.

More info: Jatiluwih Rice Terraces

Jatiluwih rice terraces and mountain in Bali
 
 

31. Danau Bratan Temple

This is a 17th century temple on a lake, and itโ€™s arguably one of the most famous and iconic places in Bali. The 12-story pagoda just screams โ€˜Asiaโ€™, and the mountains in the background arenโ€™t too shabby either.

More info: Danau Bratan Temple

Ulun Danu Beratan Lake Temple in Bedugul, Bali
 
 

32. Bali Botanic Garden

You might not see this place on many Bali itineraries, but we loved it and itโ€™s very close to the lake temple. Some of the trees and plants here look like theyโ€™re straight out of Jurassic Park. The highlight is a huge Banyan tree that may be hundreds of years old.

More info: Bedugul Botanic Garden

Giant banyan tree at the Bali Botanical Garden in Bedugul
 
 

33. Sekumpul Waterfall

Sekumpul is the biggest (and in my opinion the best) waterfall in Bali. Itโ€™s two huge 80 meter (260 foot) tall spouts of water pouring out of the jungle treetops. This one is a must see.

More info: Sekumpul Waterfall

Sekumpul Waterfall in Bali
 
 

34. Banyumala Waterfall

Banyumala is not as big as the Sekumpul waterfall, but itโ€™s more hidden and much less crowded. This one is not far from Sekumpul, so you could easily visit both in the same trip.

More info: Banyumala Waterfall

Banyumala Waterfall and red flower in Bali
 
 

35. Munduk Waterfall Hike

This is a nice hike in the Munduk area that takes you to 4 different waterfalls. Thereโ€™s even a little food shack where you can sit and eat with a view of the first waterfall.

More info: Munduk Waterfall Hike

My woman at Golden Valley Waterfall in Munduk, Bali
 
 

East Bali

36. Sidemen Village

Sidemen (sih-duh-men) is a rural village 1 hour from Ubud or Sanur.

The whole valley is a panorama of rice terraces, farm lands, and spectacular viewpoints of the Agung volcano.

Drone view of yellow rice terraces in Sidemen, Bali
 
 

37. Besakih Temple

This is one of the biggest and most significant temples in Bali.

Besakih sits on the slopes of the Mount Agung volcano, and some parts of the temple may be thousands of years old.

Pagodas at Besakih Temple in Bali
 
 

38. Marigold Fields

Temukus village near the Besakih temple has lots of marigold fields where they grow flowers for the Hindu ceremonies.

You wonโ€™t see any of the usual palm trees and green rice paddies here, but instead youโ€™re surrounded by foggy mountains and bright orange marigold flowers.

More info: Bali Marigold Fields

My woman in the Bali marigold fields
 
 

39. Amed Beach

The main beach at Amed, on the far northeastern tip of Bali, has a mix of fine black sand (from the volcano) and smooth rocks.

Itโ€™s a quiet beach lined with fishing boats and small hotels, and the sunsets over the volcano every night are awe inspiring.

More info: Amed Coast

Father and son at the Amed Beach sunset in Bali
 
 

40. Jemeluk Bay

This scenic bay is the main snorkeling site in Amed, with good corals on both sides of the bay.

Thereโ€™s also a popular viewpoint near the road where you can watch the sunset over the bay.

Jemeluk has lots of good restaurant and hotel options, and you can walk here from Amed Beach in about 10 minutes.

More info: Amed Coast

Boats at Jemeluk Beach in Amed, Bali
 
 

41. Mount Batur Sunrise Trek

The Mount Batur hike in east Bali is one of the islandโ€™s most popular day trips, especially for sunrise, where you can catch epic morning views from the top of an active volcano!

More info: Mount Batur Sunrise Trek

My woman at the Mount Batur sunrise in Bali
 
 

Nusa Penida

42. Kelingking Cliff Point

Kelingking Cliff in Nusa Penida is one of the most famous Instagram spots in Bali. You can admire this epic view from the top of the cliffs, or climb a stairway down to the white sand beach to get an even closer look.

More info: Kelingking Cliff Point In Nusa Penida

Kelingking Beach Cliff Point & T-Rex Rock in Nusa Penida, Bali
 
 

43. Crystal Bay

This beach on Nusa Penida is a great place to relax and watch the sunset with your toes in the sand. It has a bunch of little food and drink shacks, or you can rent a sun chair or bean bag to sit on.

More info: Crystal Bay In Nusa Penida

Sunset at Crystal Bay in Nusa Penida, Bali
 
 

44. Suwehan Beach

Looking for a hidden beach with perfect white sand and turquoise waves? Suwehan is one of the best hidden beaches in Penida.

Thereโ€™s even a cool pointy rock that looks like a Christmas tree (or maybe an elf hat), and the locals recently built some tree houses where you can stay a night near the cliffs.

More info: Suwehan Beach In Nusa Penida

Suwehan Beach Nusa Penida Island Bali

Suwehan Beach Nusa Penida       Suwehan Beach Nusa Penida
 
 

45. Atuh Beach

Atuh is not as hidden as Suwehan, but it has a unique stiletto shaped rock that makes it just as memorable. There are also some unique food and accommodation options to check out here.

More info: Atuh Beach In Nusa Penida

Tourist family on the sand at Atuh Beach in Nusa Penida, Bali
 
 

46. Rumah Pohon Treehouse

This is an epic treehouse you can stay the night in at Nusa Penida. Youโ€™ll fall asleep to the sound of geckos chirping in the trees, and wake up to an incredible sunrise over the Raja Lima islands, with dolphins and manta rays swimming and jumping in the distance.

More info: Rumah Pohon Treehouse In Nusa Penida

Travel guy at the Rumah Pohon Molenteng Nusa Penida treehouse in Bali
 
 

47. Diamond Beach

This is a newly accessible โ€˜cliff beachโ€™ in Nusa Penida. Diamond Beach is named after the pointy gem shaped rock on the beach, and it has the same white sand and amazing views as Suwehan Beach, but even better in my opinion.

More info: Diamond Beach In Nusa Penida

Pointy rock and palm trees at Diamond Beach in Nusa Penida, Bali
 
 

Other Top Things To Do In Bali

48. Souvenir Shopping

Most of the souvenirs in Bali are quality handmade things, and the wood carvings and paintings are especially nice. You can find the usual items like fridge magnets and keychains too, if thatโ€™s your thing. Thereโ€™s something for everyone.

Paintings, guitars, and handmade souvenirs at the Ubud Market in Bali
 
 

49. Indonesian Food

One of my favorite things about Bali is the food. The nasi goreng (fried rice) and sate ayam (chicken kabobs) are both really good. In some places you can get a full meal for $3. Fresh fruit juice is served as a drink in every restaurant, and you can try some exotic ones like the purple dragonfruit.

Dragonfruit bowl in Baliย ย Dragonfruit juice in Baliย ย Fruit juice at a seaside cafe in Nusa Penida, Bali
 
 

50. Bali Dirt Biking

There are a bunch of companies offering dirt bike tours in Bali, and they go to places like the Tabanan black sand beach and the Kintamani volcano crater. Itโ€™s a cool experience if youโ€™re looking to get an adrenaline rush while touring some scenic Bali vistas.

Dirt biking in Kintamani, Baliย ย Travel guy with a dirt biking helmet in Bali
 

More Bali Travel Tips

Thanks for looking! I hope you enjoyed this list of the best things to do in Bali, Indonesia.

Donโ€™t forget to check out my complete Bali Travel Guide with free tips, info, photos, and more!
 

Ubud Hotels

 

Bali Private Driver & Motorbike Rental

If you want to explore Bali in the comfort and safety of a private car with an English speaking driver, my top recommendation would be GetYourGuide.

Their price is 650k Rupiah ($45 USD) for a full day of driving and sightseeing in Bali (up to 10 hours) for 1-5 passengers. That's the total price for the whole car + driver + petrol! It's a great deal. They also offer affordable hotel transfers from the airport.

If you'd rather travel by motorbike, they have that too. Their scooter rentals start at 140k Rupiah (~$9) and include a helmet, rain coat, and free delivery in the south Bali area.

We've used GetYourGuide for lots of tours and activities around the world, and they're great! Highly recommended.

Book Now: Bali Private Driver / Scooter Rental
 

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