11 Best Things to Do in Bali Indonesia: Ultimate Activity Guide

Thinking about Bali? Smart move. But what should you actually do there? Spoiler: Bali isn’t just yoga, smoothie bowls, and Instagrammable swings—though, yes, you can totally “find yourself” if that’s your vibe. If you want the best things to do in Bali Indonesia (hint: not your average travel brochure list), this guide’s your new BFF.

After stuffing my backpack and sanity into a budget flight, I spent weeks hunting down the iconic, wild, and “whoa, is this real?” moments all over the Island of the Gods. Trust me: things to do in Bali Indonesia range from chill toes-in-sand days to volcano climbing at sunrise and weaving scooters through traffic that makes Mario Kart look basic.

Here’s what you’ll get:

• A no-BS activity list: what’s overhyped, what’s worth your rupiah, and hidden gems the guided tours skip
• Quick-hit tips for surfing, culture, adventure, and foodie quests
• My honest take—plus some hard-won lessons (involving questionable street food and epic temple naps).

Ready to make your Bali trip legendary? Scroll on.

1. Marvel at the Sacred Uluwatu Temple (Pura Luhur Uluwatu)

You want iconic? Start here. Perched on a cliff 70 meters above the Indian Ocean, Uluwatu Temple is Bali’s moodiest sunset spot. Watch cheeky monkeys try to steal tourists’ sunglasses while the Indian Ocean crashes in the background. Insta likes: guaranteed.

• Why go? Ancient vibes, epic ocean views, and the Kecak fire dance at sunset = chills (and not just from the sea breeze).
• Pro tip: Hang on to your stuff. The monkeys aren’t kidding.

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2. Catch Waves or Soak Up the Sun at Kuta & Seminyak Beaches

Is “things to do in Bali Indonesia” really complete without the beach? Nah.
Kuta is wild, crowded, and perfect for beginner surfers. Seminyak has bougie beach clubs, chic shops, and fewer “party backpacker” vibes.

• Kuta: Cheap rentals, excellent waves, constant action.
• Seminyak: Trendy, scenic, slightly pricier, but super chill.

Choose your fighter: Sunburned surf bum or avocado-toast connoisseur? Both report for duty here.

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3. Get Your Steps In at Tegallalang Rice Terraces

If you haven’t posted a photo in these neon-green curves, did you even Bali? I went for the pic, stayed for the sunrise views and surprisingly good coconut juice.

• What makes it awesome: Unreal landscapes, peaceful morning air, and the chance to chat with local farmers about life (yes, they’re actually crazy friendly).
• Hot tip: Get there before 9 a.m. to dodge tourist bus herds.

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4. Take the Plunge at Sekumpul Waterfall

Skip the crowded waterfall everyone tells you about. Sekumpul is lush, dramatic, and so worth the trek—like National Geographic in real life.

• Expect: A legit jungle hike, multiple cascading falls (some say Bali’s best), and icy swim spots.
• ** FYI:** There’s a small entrance fee, plus a steep hike. Bring water (duh).

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5. Get Spiritual in Ubud: Yoga, Temples, & Monkey Business

Ubud is Bali’s spiritual core—with a side of “that monkey stole my wallet.” Find your zen at a drop-in yoga class or hit up the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary for furry chaos among insanely old temples.

• Best for: Culture, meditation, shopping, and those epic rice paddy views.
• Watch out: The monkeys basically run the show. Guard your snacks.

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6. Hike Mount Batur at Sunrise (Yes, It’s Worth The 3 AM Alarm)

Want a brag-worthy Bali story? Drag yourself out of bed at 2:30 a.m., chug a strong Balinese coffee, and join a guided trek to Mount Batur’s peak.
Standing above those clouds as the world wakes up = pure “main character” energy.

• Stats: 2-hour hike, 1,717 meters tall, Insta stories for days.
• You’ll love: Post-hike breakfast cooked over volcanic steam (believe it).

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7. Dive or Snorkel at Amed and Tulamben

Don’t just sit on the sand. The underwater world here? Nuts.
Amed is all laid-back black sand beaches, epic coral reefs, and tiny fishing villages. Tulamben ups the ante with the legendary USAT Liberty shipwreck (yes, you can pretty much snorkel to it—no license required).

Best for:

• Beginner and advanced divers
• Chill snorkeling with plenty of fishy photo ops

Pro tip: Gear rental is super affordable. But yeah, bring your GoPro.

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8. Chow Down at a Warung (Local Food, No Fuss)

Skip the overpriced beach club “Nasi Goreng.” Head straight to a local warung—think grandma’s living room with plastic chairs and food that slaps.
Plate up some Babi Guling (suckling pig), satay, or a soulful bowl of spicy chicken soup (ayam betutu). Extra sambal? If you dare.

• My go-to: Warung Babi Guling Pak Malen in Seminyak—meaty goodness.
• Bonus: You’ll pay maybe $3 and leave stuffed.

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9. Find Zen (Or Get Lost) at Tirta Empul Water Temple

Swim in holy springs alongside hopeful locals. Balinese Hindus believe these waters purify your spirit—and hey, splashing around here feels pretty magical, even if you don’t believe in karma points.

• Dress code: Sarong required (rent one on-site for $1).
• Best moments: Early morning = fewer crowds and more peaceful vibes.

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10. Explore Sidemen: The Bali Without Crowds

Dreaming of Bali before it got Insta-famous? Hit up Sidemen: rice terraces, mountain backdrops, and barely a Wi-Fi bar in sight.
I biked through here at sunrise—just me, the sound of farmers hacking away at their fields, and no traffic jams. Bliss.

• Why sidemen?: Quiet, authentic, and dirt-cheap homestays.
• Activities: Hiking, river rafting, cycling, or doing nothing. (It’s a vibe.)

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11. Shop, Sip, and Chill at Canggu

Canggu = Bali’s hipster capital. Where startups and surf culture collide.
Grab cold brew at Crate Cafe, browse street art, or test your bartering skills at the local market. The beaches are cool, but the people-watching game? Elite.

• Why go?: Trendy cafes, surf schools, cool boutique shops.
• Good to know: Wi-Fi’s fast—digital nomads swarm here for a reason.

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Bali Travel Tips (for Not-Looking-Like-a-Total-Tourist)

• Dress respectfully at temples. Sarong + scarf is a must (unless you want the stink eye).
• ATM warning: Only use inside banks or mini-marts. ATM skimming is a thing :/
• Scooter renters: If you’ve never driven one, Bali’s traffic will humble you fast. Wear a helmet (and mental armor).
• Eco Hint: Bali has a plastic problem. Bring a reusable bottle & bag.

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Is Bali Overhyped? Real Talk

I won’t sugarcoat it. Yes, some corners are touristy. Some spots (looking at you, overcrowded Ubud swings) get Insta-mobbed at sunrise. But step off the main drag—even a little—and Bali feels mystical, warm, and totally unique.

Local markets > shopping malls.
Hidden rice fields > crowded beaches.
Random warungs > overpriced brunch plates.

Chase real experiences, chat up locals, and say “yes” to things you didn’t plan. That’s the real Bali.

Final Thoughts: Make Your Bali Trip Epic

Bali isn’t just a destination. It’s a choose-your-own-adventure. Whether you’re chasing sunsets, culture, dragons (okay, Komodo’s a flight away, but close), or the world’s best Nasi Campur, you’ll find your version of paradise on this island.

11 things to do in Bali Indonesia barely scratch the surface.
Go beyond the obvious. Try stuff you never thought you’d do (hello, sunrise volcano hikes and questionable street snacks).

So yeah, if you’ve been sleeping on this, now’s the time to wake up and give it a shot. Trust me—you’ll thank yourself later. 😉

What’s at the top of your Bali bucket list? Drop your favorites or wildest Bali stories in the comments!

Ready to pack your bags? The Island of the Gods is waiting.