10 Best Things to do in Bali, Indonesia

Planning a trip to Bali? You’re in for something special.

This dreamy Indonesian island has it all, from lush jungles and ancient temples to beach clubs and waterfalls. I’ve been coming to Bali for over 20 years, and in 2023, Bailey and I even called it our home for a while! We’ve explored a lot, and this list brings together our absolute favorite things to do.

We’ve chased waterfalls, learned to cook Balinese food, and explored the island’s top snorkel spots, and now we’ll share the need-to-know details about all of those experiences – and more! So if you’re wondering what to do in Bali, this guide has you covered. Let’s dive in!

Things to do in Bali 

1. Find Bali’s best waterfalls 

Chasing waterfalls in Bali might sound like a cliché, but this hidden waterfall tour completely surprised us. In fact, it’s now one of our favorite memories of the island! 

This is a private tour, which means no big groups or rushed stops. It was just us, our guide, and some of the most beautiful waterfalls in and around Ubud. We visited three in total: Tukad Cepung, Tibumana, and Tegenungan. Each one had its own appeal, and we got to spend about an hour at each spot. We even swam at two of them! We especially loved swimming at Tibumana as it’s a little quieter than Tegenungan, which tends to draw more visitors.

The trek to get to the first two waterfalls involved a decent amount of stairs, so wear comfy shoes. However, this does mean that they don’t get a ton of visitors, unlike the more accessible waterfalls, so the effort is definitely worth it. 

After all the exploring, we had lunch at a buffet restaurant with panoramic views of the rice terraces and a volcano in the distance. Oh, and there’s a huge swing right there, too. Well, when in Bali! 

This waterfall tour is a total win if you want to escape the usual tourist trail. And if you’re up for more, you can add on extras like snorkeling, Monkey Forest, or the iconic Heaven’s Gate. I promise you will not regret booking this experience! 

2. See Ubud’s best sights: Monkey Forest, Tegalalang Rice Terrace, temples, & more 

Trying to squeeze in all the must-see spots around Ubud can be overwhelming fast, but this private tour made it so easy and enjoyable from start to finish! It truly is the perfect intro to Bali if it’s your first time here, but even if you’ve visited before, this tour covers some truly iconic places you’ll definitely want to see again!

We started the day at the Ubud Monkey Forest, which was surprisingly peaceful in the early morning. This sacred jungle is home to ancient temples and loads of cheeky monkeys. Exploring is so much fun, but do make sure to keep a tight grip on your phone and sunglasses!

Next up was Tegalalang Rice Terrace, with its stunning fields and the classic Bali swing. Yes, it’s touristy, but soaring out over the jungle really is as fun (and photogenic) as it looks. From there, we made our way to the beautiful Tegenungan Waterfall, where we had time to relax and soak up the scenery.

Another great thing about this tour was the fact that our guide (shoutout to Gusti!) knew all the back roads, so we avoided the usual traffic and spent more time exploring and less time stuck in the car. Since this is a private tour, the pace was totally up to us, and we never felt rushed.

With over 14,500 five-star reviews, it’s safe to say this tour is a crowd favorite. And now we know why! But since it’s so popular, don’t wait too long to book! 

Related Read: If you’re staying in or near Ubud, have a look at the 10 best things to do in Ubud here!

3. Relax on a boat and snorkel on a Nusa Penida day trip 

Spending the day exploring Nusa Penida on this boat tour was hands down one of the best things I have ever done in Bali, and that’s saying something! 

We actually upgraded to the Premium option for this tour, and I’m so glad we did. We got to ride over to Nusa Penida on a speedboat. It definitely beats taking the crowded public ferry, and we were greeted with fresh fruit and cold Prosecco. 

Things only got better once we got to Nusa Penida. Our guides, Putu and Ringgo, were awesome, and they knew all of the best spots. We got to swim alongside sea turtles and giant manta rays, which was incredible!

Lunch was another highlight. Our guides took us to a beautiful restaurant with a gorgeous infinity pool that overlooks the ocean and Mount Agung. And as if that weren’t Insta-worthy enough, we then enjoyed a land tour of Nusa Penida and got to see the famous T-Rex cliffs at Kelingking Beach.

Since we opted for the Premium tour, we also got an extra hour of fun! We ended our day with a secret sunset snorkel where we got to see even more tropical fish and manta rays.

The itinerary was full but never rushed, and with only a small group on board, it felt really personal. Whether you’re a couple or a group of friends, this tour is a total standout—no wonder it has over SIX THOUSAND 5-star reviews!

4. Experience a traditional Kecak Dance 

If there’s one cultural experience you shouldn’t miss in Bali, it’s the Kecak dance at Uluwatu Temple. We really enjoyed this impressive fire dance as part of this sunset tour, and we’re confident that you’ll love it just as much as we did! 

The Kecak dance is a traditional Balinese ritual performed at sunset on a cliff overlooking the Indian Ocean. The setting already has the wow factor, but when you throw in the fact that the Kecak dance features around 75 performers chanting rhythmically as they reenact scenes from the epic Ramayana tale, you’ve really got something unforgettable.

Uluwatu is located on the southern tip of Bali, and depending on where you’re staying, it can be a bit of a trek to get to! Thankfully, this tour makes it easy because you’ll be picked up in an air-conditioned car and taken directly to the temple. Our guide even took us on a tour and walked us through the temple’s history before the show began.

If you’re going to do this tour, go for the all-inclusive option. After the performance, you’ll head to Jimbaran Beach for a freshly grilled dinner right on the sand, and under the stars. It’s the perfect way to end the evening! 

5. Explore the Gate of Heaven and Water Palace in East Bali

Visiting Pura Lempuyang temple, also known as the “Gateway to Heaven”, was high on our Bali bucket list. So, of course, we just had to book this tour to make sure that we got those famous photos for ourselves, and it did not disappoint! 

The Gate of Heaven is a 2-3 hour drive from popular areas like Ubud, Seminyak, or Canggu. I don’t know if you’ve ever sat on a scooter for that long in the Balinese heat, but I can tell you that it’s not fun! So a tour with a driver and a comfy, air-conditioned car will make the experience a lot smoother and more enjoyable.

And Pura Lempuyang itself is seriously impressive. It’s about 1,700 steps to the top, but it’s worth it to snap those epic photos. I do have to tell you that the famous reflection is a clever mirror trick used by the photographer, but the images still look incredible!

The tour also included stops at Tirta Gangga, a beautiful water palace filled with koi ponds and stone fountains. We even got to feed the fish ourselves here! We also got to visit Sidemen, a lush, jungle-covered part of Bali that very few tourists tend to visit. Here we enjoyed lunch, got a glimpse of traditional village life, and took in lovely views of Mount Agung.

If you want to experience Bali beyond the beaches and bars, this day trip is a must. We’d do it again in a heartbeat!

Related Read: Still need a hotel? Our Bali where to stay guide breaks down our favorite areas and hotels on the island!

6. Learn how to cook traditional Balinese Food 

If you’re looking to dive into Balinese culture in a delicious and hands-on way, this private cooking class in Ubud is an experience you won’t want to miss! We loved learning to cook the local cuisine in a private home in a traditional village. In fact, it’s one of our favorite memories in Bali! 

What made this class truly special was how personal it felt. Our host, Putu, welcomed us into her family’s compound and introduced us to her husband, grandparents, and children. As she taught us to cook, she told us stories that had been passed down through generations, and we got a real glimpse into daily life in Bali.

During the class, we got hands-on and prepared a full five-course meal using fresh fruits and vegetables from the family’s orchard. We also tried homemade jamu, a traditional Balinese health tonic, and ended the meal with some local brews to wash everything down. The whole experience was relaxed, fun, and super wholesome.

The class is a great way to connect with local traditions beyond the usual tourist activities. It’s no surprise this cooking experience has hundreds of glowing reviews! Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or with friends, it’s an authentic and rewarding way to spend a few hours in Ubud. You’ll walk away with a full belly and a new appreciation for Balinese cuisine!

7. See North Bali’s sights on a day trip

If you’re looking to explore Bali’s spiritual and natural side, this full-day tour of North Bali is the perfect way to do it. And the best thing is that you can be picked up from any of Bali’s main tourist hubs, whether you’re staying in Canggu, Ubud, Kuta, or swanky Seminyak! 

Our guide, Ari, picked us up early in the morning so we could beat the crowds and make the most of the day. As we drove through the lush countryside, he shared stories about the local culture and explained what we were seeing along the way, which really added to the experience.

Our first main stop was Ulun Danu Beratan Temple, a gorgeous water temple that looks like it’s floating on the lake. The misty backdrop made it feel like something out of a fairytale! From there, we headed to Banyumala Twin Waterfalls. After a short scenic hike down, we reached the falls and jumped in for a refreshing swim, so don’t forget your swimsuit!

Later in the day, we visited Tanah Lot, one of Bali’s most iconic sea temples. The setting was absolutely surreal, especially with the waves crashing around the giant rock it sits on.

We also made a stop at Jatiluwih Green Land, a stunning UNESCO-listed rice terrace that stretches as far as the eye can see. It was the perfect way to round out a day full of beauty, culture, and nature. If you want to see a bit of everything Bali has to offer in one day, this tour is a must!

8. Relax on a sunset dinner cruise

This sunset dinner cruise is easily one of the best ways to spend an evening on the Island of the Gods. Bali is famous for its beautiful red sunsets, and we think that the best way to enjoy them is out on the water.

We were welcomed on board by the friendly crew who gave us a welcome drink and some canapés to enjoy. We set sail and were shown up to the top deck, where we snapped some “golden hour” photos and enjoyed the views. 

After that, the buffet was served, so we grabbed our plates and piled them high! There were a ton of local and international options on offer, from barbecued meats and noodles to fresh salads and desserts. I’m not always the biggest fan of boat buffets, but I must admit that this one way surpassed my expectations.

Things only got more magical once the sun began to dip towards the horizon. We enjoyed a truly epic sunset as the live cabaret show began. The performers even got all the passengers up and dancing by the end! The energy on board was so much fun, and the staff made everyone feel included.

This cruise is such a fun and easy way to spend an evening in Bali, especially if you’re looking for something a bit different than the usual beach bars or restaurants. Whether you’re here as a couple, with family, or in a group of friends, I’d 100% recommend booking it!

9. See Bali through a new lens on an Instagram tour 

Bali is a paradise of epic photo opportunities, and this private Instagram tour will ensure that you get all of your showstopping travel photos in one go! After seeing all of the buzz online, we decided to give it a go, and it totally lived up to the hype! 

With our personal photographer and guide, Turah, we visited some of the island’s most iconic photo spots. We started the day chasing light at Tukad Cepung Waterfall, where the sunbeams filtered through the cave as we posed under the cascading water. Then we took flight on the famous jungle swing above the Tegallalang rice terraces. This is definitely a bucket list moment! 

Next up were the Gates of Heaven at Pura Lempuyang. Even though it can get busy here, our guide ensured we arrived before the crowds really started to roll in, and he knew all the tricks for getting that classic shot with Mount Agung in the background. We ended the day exploring the Tirta Gangga water palace, hopping between stepping stones surrounded by koi fish and fountains.

One of the best parts of the tour was how seamless everything felt. With hotel pickup, all entrance fees covered, and someone else handling the logistics (and the photography!), all we had to do was enjoy ourselves! 

If you want to explore Bali’s highlights and come home with scroll-stopping shots, this tour is a no-brainer. You’ll end the day with amazing memories and an even better camera roll!

Related Read: Interested in this tour? Read our full detailed review here before you book!

10. Taste your way through Denpasar with a local

I really think that Bali is home to some of the best food in Southeast Asia! And while hotspots like Canggu and Ubud have some great local options, we highly recommend getting off the beaten track with this private food tour of Denpasar.

Denpasar is the capital of Bali, but it’s not a very touristy area. And while it may not boast beaches or waterfalls, it’s the best place to find authentic Balinese food. But of course, you’ll need a local guide to show you where to go! 

We had such a fun afternoon wandering through the city with our local guide, Reza. He not only knew his way around the maze of street food stalls, but he also had endless stories to share about Balinese culture and everyday life! 

We started at the sprawling Badung Market, where Reza took us to his favorite stalls to sample our first foods, including a crispy fried banana and a spicy tempeh skewer. From there, we wound our way through the streets of Denpasar, stopping at hidden food stalls and small family-run eateries. Among other things, we got to try Bali’s famous babi guling (roast pork), and it was absolutely unreal! 

This tour is an amazing way to sample authentic Balinese food, aside from the typical nasi goreng and smoothie bowls! It’s also way more fun than trying to figure out Denpasar’s food scene by yourself. Come hungry, wear comfy shoes, and get ready to eat like a local.

Where to Stay in Bali

Bali is full of stunning hotels—so many, in fact, that it can be hard to choose. The first step is deciding on which area suits you best, and then selecting a hotel afterward.

There are three areas of Bali that we personally love and recommend to all of our friends. You can read about them below, as well as our top hotel choice in each area!

Canggu

This is Bali’s trendiest area! This is where we stay whenever we are in Bali for an extended amount of time because of the lifestyle here. There are beautiful cafes on every corner, amazing restaurants and bars, and boutique shopping. It’s also close to the beach and has a great nightlife. This is the area where most expats base themselves in Bali, which creates the buzzing atmosphere that Canggu is known for.

Chesa Canggu is a boutique hotel within walking distance of Canggu’s best restaurants, bars, and beaches. Each room faces the outdoor pool and has a private bathroom, free WiFi, a TV, and a safety deposit box. Chesa has an onsite bar and restaurant and offers free parking for guests. The beds are super comfortable, and the staff always go out of their way to help you. Trust us, you won’t regret staying here!

Prices start as low as $124 USD per night, and you can book online here.

Uluwatu

This is the perfect place to stay if you want a relaxing beach holiday! Uluwatu is a lot quieter than Canggu, with a lot less traffic. The beaches here are amazing and some of the most beautiful on the island. There are also plenty of cafes, restaurants, and beach clubs here. We also love the closer proximity to the airport, making for a convenient stay if you’re only in Bali for a short time.

Anantara Uluwatu is a fantastic option for those looking to treat themselves during their stay in Uluwatu. It’s located right on the beach, so you’re guaranteed some amazing views. There are multiple restaurants and bars, an outdoor infinity pool, a spa, and a fitness center. Plus, each room comes with its own hot tub! The employees are super helpful, and the hotel has onsite activities like dance classes, ceramic-making, and yoga.

Prices range from $320 to $1,500 USD, and you can check rates and availability online here.

Ubud

Not a beach person? Then Ubud is for you! It is located inland, surrounded by lush jungle. The area is still quite trendy with plenty of cafes and restaurants, although the nightlife is a lot more limited. Ubud is where you can easily find nearby waterfalls, go whitewater rafting, ATVing, and all the other fun adventurous activities.

We stayed at Abipraya, which was super quiet and nestled into a tropical garden, about a 10-minute walk from the main town. The location was ideal for us, and we loved the big swimming pool overlooking the rice fields, as well as the open and airy feel that the rooms had.

Prices start at around $50 USD per night, which includes breakfast, so it was a really good budget option. Book Abipraya here!

Thanks for reading!

Bali is one of those magical places we just keep coming back to—and for good reason! With its lush landscapes, rich traditions, and endless adventures, it’s the kind of destination that feels brand new every time you visit. Whether you’re swinging over rice fields, swimming with manta rays, or learning to cook Balinese food from a local, there’s always something incredible waiting around the corner.

Before you go, check out our other Bali blogs here! After spending years exploring this beautiful island (and even living here for a while), we’ve gathered up our favorite experiences to help you plan an unforgettable trip. Or here are some of our favorites for more inspiration!

Whitewater Rafting in Bali: Is It Safe, Is It Fun – Our Honest Review!

ATVing in Bali – What to Expect, Is it Safe, and My Review!

How to Spend THREE Days in Bangkok, Thailand – The Best 3-Day Itinerary