Things To Do In Bali 2023

Gaia Bali
Mar 23, 2023
9 min read

With these fantastic activities in Bali, from waterfall leaping and beach club hopping to seeing temples and shopping, make the most of your island vacation!

Unquestionably among the top tourism locations in the world, Bali is simple to understand. Bali is a traveler's paradise with its pristine beaches, rich culture, top-notch food options, and excellent family attractions in every neighborhood. Everyone may find what they're looking for on the island, whether they desire a soothing spa stay, an off-the-beaten-path adventure, or just to drink, dine, and shop their way across the island.

To bring you the finest of the best, we've tried and tested all. Here we go!

1. Visit a traditional temple

Get in on the cultural trend and see a handful of Bali's gorgeous temples, which are located on an island that is primarily Hindu. A sea temple perched on cliffs overlooking the ocean, Pura Tanah Lot is one not to be missed. It is beautiful at both sunrise and dusk. Our other favorites are the sky-high Besakih Temple and the floating Ulun Danu Beratan temple in the center of a lake.

2. Climb Ubud's rice terraces.

There are other active rice fields on Bali, but the Tegallalang Rice Terraces in Ubud are the most well-known due to their stunning valleys of rice paddies that extend for miles. It is a sea of stair-like rice fields in all directions, with a few dedicated farmers tending to their prized crops here and there. It can get crowded here, so if you'd rather stay away from the tourists, go to Jatiluwih in the Tabanan Regency.

3. Swim with sea turtles & friendly dugongs

We highly recommend renting a snorkel and mask and looking for sea turtles in Bali because the island is home to some of Indonesia's most beautiful underwater scenery and marine life. The greatest places to look for Nemo are on Nusa Penida, or up in Tulamben and Amed. Visit Padang Padang and Nusa Dua's surf breaks if you want to see a friendly dugong.

4. Go on a family day out

Bali is a tropical playground full with wonderful things to do, amazing things to see, and amazing activities to keep youngsters occupied when traveling there with their parents. There are wild animal experiences (including night safaris and butterfly domes!) for people of all ages and interests, creative adventures for little Mozarts, and lots of outdoor activities to bring people outside in Bali. Check out this extensive list of fantastic things to do with kids in Bali for all the family inspiration you could possibly need (you're welcome!).

5. Pura Lempuyang will make you on top of the world.

In addition to offering a breathtaking view from the top of a thousand stairs, Pura Lempuyang is regarded as one of Bali's holiest sites. If you go to the so-called "Bridge to Heaven" on a clear day, you may view Mount Agung's spectacular summit completely framed by the temple gates. Spend a day of going up here because there are six further temples to visit, as well as beautiful rice terraces and adjacent waterfalls.

6. Watch a Balinese dance

This age-old custom is still a significant component of Balinese culture and is unquestionably worthwhile to experience while visiting Bali. Visit the Pura Luhur Uluwatu Temple to see the well-known Kecak Dancing, which is performed in an amphitheater by more than a hundred men circling a fire. Instead, go to Ubud for the traditional dance performances at the Ubud Palace, where stunning Balinese women dressed in ceremonial garb hypnotically twist their fingers and eyes to narrate centuries-old tales.

7. Go glamping and wake up to the sounds of nature

Glamping should be included in your island itinerary if spending time in nature appeals to you as your ideal Bali vacation. There are several "campsites" in Bali where you can wake up to the sound of tropical birds in the early morning hours and fresh air. There are designated campgrounds beside Bali's lakes where you can pitch your own tent and get to know other content campers for a more traditional camping experience. Check out Bali's top glamping locations if you enjoy the camping experience but don't want to spend the night in a tent. There are always places to camp with a glamorous touch, from the Kintamani woods with views of the volcanoes to the Canggu coastline.

8. Have a bonfire on the beach

Make your way to Sundays Beach Club, located at the base of Uluwatu's cliff face, where a nightly bonfire crackles as the sun sets for a wonderful experience beneath the stars. While enjoying the comfortable beanbags and toasting marshmallows on the sand, nibble on the delicious dishes created by renowned Australian chefs.

9. Walk amongst a sea of Marigolds

Among the marigold fields of Desa Temukus, a secluded town in East Bali, is one of Bali's most vibrant horizons. Marigolds are produced in large quantities in the fields before being utilized as Hindu god gifts. the ideal time to go? Before a harvest, often known as a few weeks before a significant Balinese event. The dates vary each year, so if you're unsure, ask the locals.

10. Cooking class

Attending one of Bali's top cooking classes should be a top priority because Indonesia's culinary landscapes are filled with so many herbs, spices, farm-fresh ingredients, and distinctive flavors. To really nail your next Nasi Goreng, increase your sambal skills, discover the secrets of traditional cooking methods, and procure the best ingredients from the neighborhood markets.

11. Stay fit

Bali is a fitness haven, and there are several fantastic ways to remain in shape while still having a good time. It's all about surfing, CrossFit, yoga, intense Muay Thai lessons, pole dancing, seaside bootcamps, or just a jog through the rice fields here in Bali; forget about boring treadmills. And in Ubud, are you? Try dancing ecstatically; it has no rules at all, so you can let go of everything and let your body move however it pleases.

12. Cycle around Lake Batur

Ride a bicycle and take in the breathtaking scenery of Kintamani Bali, such as Mount Batur, Lake Batur, the black lava fields, and numerous exquisite temples. Make the entire trip back to Ubud a downhill ride if you're feeling particularly daring. Enjoy the way Lake Batur looks? While you're there, visit three additional sacred lakes in Bali.

13. Take a dip in an infinity pool

If anything, taking a dip in a Bali infinity pool will look fantastic on your Instagram account! Yet there's so much more to this must-try item. It just comes down to deciding whether you want the pool to meet the sky, the ocean, or the jungle in Bali, where infinity pools are quite common. The Hanging Gardens in Ubud Bali have to be our absolute favorite, followed closely by The Edge's sky-high, glass-bottom pool in Uluwatu.

14. Learn to surf

Bali has world-class surfing, and many pros visit the island solely to catch some unbeatable waves. Throughout the island, there are several distinct breakers, from soft white-wash in Kuta that is ideal for novices to blasting barrels at Uluwatu bali for the more experienced surfers.

15. Dip into Bali’s hot springs

Although Bali has several hot springs, our favorites are towards the north and north-east. The "Toya Bungkah Batur" and "Toya Devasya" Hot Springs are two in the northeast that are close to Mount Batur. But Bali's most well-known feature may be its northern hot springs. The revered "Air Panas Banjar" Hot Springs are located close to Lovina Beach and are surrounded by a dense jungle and exquisitely designed tropical gardens. There are eight stone-carved dragon heads that are the mouths of three public pools and one private one, both of which have gushing hot water with volcanic origins. It's picturesque and therapeutic, so bring your swimwear and get ready to jump in.

16. Experience some extreme water sports.

Bali is a haven for all kinds of water sports, with aquatic playgrounds in every neighborhood (and sea). Have a desire for speed? Experience wakeboarding, jetpacking, jet skiing, and banana boats. Alternatively, you may use a stand-up paddle board to go slowly or a snorkel to look for Nemo. Whatever aquatic activity you choose, water sports are a must-do in Bali.

17. Dine like a native at a warung along the road

Small, independently operated restaurants known as "warungs" often serve traditional Indonesian and Balinese cuisine. A mountain of wonderful, real food, such as nasi goreng, babi guling, beef rendang, tempe manis, and so. much. more, is available for just $2.

18. Go on board a yacht and sail in luxury!

Imagine having your own own luxury yacht to explore the surrounding islands, emerald lakes, and blue skies. That's bliss, for sure! When you rent a yacht or go on a boat excursion to explore Bali's coastlines, you may experience all of this and more. Sailing, snorkeling, swimming with Manta Rays, and spending a memorable day on the deck of a gleaming yacht are the ideal combination.

19. Splash around at Asia's best waterpark.

Go to Waterbom for a day of heart-pounding splashing and splashing if you want a change of scenery from the beach or the jungle! Many times named Asia's best waterpark, a day spent here is fantastic for families, kids, and adults alike. It offers a variety of rides, including tandem speed slides and kid-friendly splash pools, as well as the terrifyingly high Climax that plunges you to the ground through a vertical trap door. Spend the day plunging headfirst down the Twin Racers, blasting down the Boomerang, spinning through the Pipeline, and then slowing down to meander along the Lazy River through the park's tropical gardens.

20. Climb Mount Batur to catch the sunrise

How does climbing to the top of an active volcano sound as something to do in Bali that will really get your heart pumping? In any case, we heartily recommend the sunrise trek up Mount Batur (and not just for the delectable meal you enjoy there!). As the hike just lasts a few hours and isn't very difficult, practically anyone can do it. Though it does need a 3am start to catch the sunrise, isn't it all part of the adventure?

21. Go chasing waterfalls

An excursion to one of Bali's top waterfalls, any of which you may either jump down, swim underneath, or simply watch from a distance, is unquestionably a must for your island bucket list. Aling-Aling waterfall, with its naturally formed slide that has developed through time, has to be our favorite. Put on a life jacket or grab a floatie, then descend the easy rocky slope.

22. Get some sun at Bali's top beaches.

Nothing beats a day at the beach with cool ocean air, salty hair, sun-kissed skin, and that book you've been longing to start for months, right? The top beaches in Bali also offer opulent sunset drinks, world-class surfing, exhilarating water sports, and world-class beach clubs. You'll want to cross Bali's greatest beaches off your bucket list, so grab your sunscreen, a sarong, and a summer music.

23. Explore Bali’s jewellery-making heritage

You can browse this legendary brand's handmade, sustainable, and artisanal items here, including archival heritage collections that highlight Bali's jewelry-making traditions, which are housed in a magnificent edifice made completely of bamboo and sustainable materials.

24. See a picture-perfect sunset in Bali.

Get comfortable at one of Bali's top sunset locations to watch the sky transform into candy for a golden hour that truly sparkles. Whether the view is of a beach or a jungle, we advise taking it.

25. Exercise in a yoga studio

There are a lot of yoga studios in Bali, but those with a great view are usually among our favorites there. After all, nothing helps you unwind like a view of a rice field or a verdant jungle. You should stretch in either Canggu or Ubud for these kinds of sights. Our favorite places include The Practice and Desa Seni in Canggu Bali, as well as the Yoga Barn in Ubud.

26. Go island hopping

There are over 17,000 islands in Indonesia, many of which include lush jungles, volcanic peaks, unusual animals, and some of the most biodiverse diving locations on the planet. Island hopping is a must when in Bali, so it makes sense that some of our favorites are only a hop, skip, and a short boat trip away. The islands of Nusa Lembongan, Nusa Ceningan, and our favorite, Nusa Penida, are all only 40 minutes away from Bali's mainland. It's one of Bali's most beautiful islands, with pristine scenery that seems to have come from a Jurassic Park movie.

The best part is that you can attempt a Nusa Penida Day Tour from Bali if you don't have time on your schedule to tour the entire island. On this one-day excursion, you can visit all the must-see hotspots, such as the Instagram-famous Kelingking Beach, the Angel's Billabong, a natural infinity pool, and even go snorkeling at Crystal Bay, Manta Bay, or Gamat Bay. Even a personal photographer will be assigned to you to take the crucial pictures along the road!

There are plenty fantastic online solutions accessible if you want to see Bali that include scenic beaches, sunset, waterfall, clubs and iconic locations. For a full day of driving and touring in Bali (up to 10 hours), the cost is start from $60 USD for 1 to 5 guests. That is the total cost of the car, the driver, and the gas! It's a great deal. Also, we provide reasonable hotel transfers from the airport. Please Check Our Service