What to Do in Bali: 15+ Best Activities & Experiences

Thinking about what to do in Bali? Warning: Once you step foot on this island, you’ll want to do everything. I know, I’ve gone in “just-one-more-day” mode more times than my bank account wants to hear about. Whether you’re chasing epic volcano views before sunrise, floating lazily in infinity pools, or hunting the legit best Nasi Goreng, Bali just keeps leveling up. But with literally thousands of things to do, how do you avoid decision paralysis—and FOMO?

I put together this Guide of the top 15+ activities and authentic Bali experiences you legit can’t skip. From sacred temples and lush rice terraces to surfing, spa-hopping, and local art, this isn’t just another list—it’s your passport to the Bali you’ll actually brag about later. 😉

1. Sunrise at Mount Batur: Bali’s #1 Must

Ever tried hauling yourself out of bed at 3am… willingly? For Mount Batur, trust me, it’s so worth it. This active volcano hike gets you those epic clouds-parting, pastel sunrise shots all over Instagram.
Why go:

• Views: Unreal panoramas of Bali, Lake Batur, and Mount Agung
• Adventure: 2-3 hr moderate hike—don’t worry, there are guides!
• Reward: Hot springs nearby = perfect for your post-hike muscles

My tip: Pack a hoodie. It’s chilly AF before dawn.

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2. Temple Hopping: Uluwatu, Tanah Lot & Besakih

If you only remember one answer to “what to do in Bali,” say “temples!”
Here’s the short list I’d give my own BFF:

• Uluwatu Temple: Clifftop ocean views at sunset, plus wild monkeys who will steal your sunglasses.
• Tanah Lot: Insta-famous, especially at high tide. Just, you know, keep your sanity if there are “too many selfie sticks.”
• Besakih: The “Mother Temple.” Massive, ancient, and comes with a side of spiritual awe (and, sometimes, touts selling sarongs).

Pro move: Dress modestly, sarongs are a must (they’ll lend you one if needed).

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3. Get Lost in Tegallalang Rice Terraces

Vibe level: Peaceful AF. The green, carefully carved hills are the Bali postcard shot.
Why I love it:

• Nature fix: Early mornings = misty, magical, and crowd-free.
• Photos: It’s basically a ‘Gram backdrop factory.
• Swings: Yes, you can swing out over the terraces, and yes, it’s as extra as it sounds (get your camera ready).

Heads up: Some paths are steep. Wear shoes, not flip-flops. You’ll thank me later.

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4. Ubud’s Cultural Core: Dance, Art & Markets

Still wondering what to do in Bali’s cultural center? Ubud is where you go for those eat-pray-love-y moments.

• Balinese Dance Shows: Think fire, drama, and costumes—at Ubud Palace, or a random rotunda under fairy lights.
• Art Museums: ARMA or Neka = contemporary + classic Balinese art.
• Ubud Market: It’s chaotic, it’s colorful, it’s perfect if you love haggling for handwoven bags.

Real talk: Ubud is hotter and more crowded in the pm. Go early!

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5. Surf, Chill, or Party on Bali’s Legendary Beaches

You can’t google “what to do in Bali” and NOT get a million beach suggestions. Here’s the no-fomo shortlist:

• Canggu: Chill, surf, hipster smoothie bowls (with a side of Instagram celebs).
• Seminyak: Trendy clubs, sunset cocktails, bending over backward for that perfect Bean Bag Shot™.
• Uluwatu: Surfer heaven and clifftop bars. (Bring your inner surfer or just pretend.)

FYI: Bali’s beaches are awesome, but not all are swimmable (rip currents are real).

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6. Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary

A real-life jungle with ancient trees, temples, and mischievous macaques who will check your bags for snacks.

• Wildlife: The monkeys are adorable (and slightly scary).
• Setting: Mossy temples and stone bridges = jungle vibes.
• Experiences: Don’t look them in the eye for too long. Trust me.

Pro tip: Hide your sunglasses, water bottles, basically anything shiny. Or become an unwilling “monkey content creator.”

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7. Go All-In on Balinese Food (and Kopi!)

No offense to hotel buffets, but you’re here to eat like a local.
Top bites:

• Babi Guling: Local style roast pork—you basically can’t skip it.
• Nasi Campur: Mixed rice, a little bit of everything, cheap and cheerful.
• Balinese Coffee: Strong, earthy, and guaranteed to power you up after that volcano hike.

Best spots: Tiny warungs, not the tourist traps—ask for “where your grandma eats.”

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8. Chasing Waterfalls: Tegenungan & Sekumpul

Because sweating it out on a jungle trek for a waterfall shower IS the Bali dream.

• Tegenungan: Easy to reach, can get crowded, but perfect for those “look at me under a waterfall!” pics.
• Sekumpul: Bit more remote, genuinely breathtaking, worth the hike if your legs still work post-Batur.

Bonus: Wear a swimsuit, and don’t bring anything you want to keep dry. (Speaking from a soggy phone experience here.)

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9. Balinese Spa Day: Treat Yo’ Self

Yes, those $10 massages are actually as good as everyone says.
Why splurge?

• Balinese massage is life-changing (and often comes with flower baths and herbal scrubs).
• Local prices mean you can spa like royalty daily (…until your flight home).
• Go fancy (Fivelements, Karsa Spa) or choose a legit roadside spot for ultimate humblebrag value.

Pro tip: Always ask for “medium” pressure—unless you like feeling your soul leave your body, lol.

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10. Snorkeling & Diving: Nusa Penida, Menjangan, or Amed

Water babies, listen up. Bali isn’t just beaches—it’s a literal underwater playground.

• Nusa Penida: Manta rays! Insane cliffside views!
• Menjangan: Top coral garden in Indonesia, less crowded.
• Amed & Tulamben: Easy shore dives, shipwrecks, and rainbow fish for days.

Bring an underwater camera if you’re fancy, or beg the instructor for GoPro shots.

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11. The Ultimate Day Trip: Nusa Lembongan & Nusa Ceningan

Not far from Bali but way less hectic, both give dreamy cliff jumps, turquoise bays, and slow island vibes.

• Dream Beach: White sand, perfect for lazy lounging.
• Blue Lagoon: Makes you believe those IG filters aren’t needed.
• Devil’s Tear: Epic for dramatic wave pics and sunset chills.

Pro tip: Rent a scooter, but uh, maybe practice somewhere you won’t drive into the sea first. (You laugh, but…)

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12. Explore the Gates of Heaven at Lempuyang Temple

Yes, that famous “floating” shot is actually a photographic illusion (there’s a mirror, spoiler alert), but the hike and mountain backdrop are the real deal.
Why it’s worth it:

• Bucket-list sunrise shots with Mount Agung in the background
• Spiritual vibes (and lots of stairs for your step count)
• Nearby: Tirta Gangga’s water palace—jaw-dropping gardens and koi ponds

Note: Expect lines for photos. But hey, chat with fellow adventurers while you wait—instant friends!

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13. Hidden Gem: Sidemen Valley

For the “Okay, but I don’t want crowds” folks: Sidemen is a slice of Old Bali—think terraced rice fields, local weaving workshops, snoozy riverside cottages.

• Best for: Zen seekers, photographers, slow travelers
• Activities: Cycling, river tubing, coffee with volcano views
• Tip: Book a stay in a rice field villa. Wake up with sunrise (and zero honking scooters).

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14. Rafting Down Ayung River

Looking for a bit of “action hero” in your Bali trip? White water rafting through rainforest gorges, waterfalls, and ancient carvings stamped into mossy stone walls? Let’s go.

• Age range: Kids to “adults with questionable upper-body strength.”
• Vibes: High-five your boat crew as you sail past hidden temples.
• Reality: You will scream (in a good way). And you might get splashed by water—or an over-enthusiastic guide.

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15. Bali’s Night Markets & Food Stalls: Street Eats 101

You haven’t really tasted Bali until you’ve braved a sizzling, chaotic night market.

• Gianyar Night Market: Best satay around, actual lines (not just IG hype).
• Sanur’s Sindhu Night Market: Mie goreng, fresh juices, fried snacks for pocket change.
• Personal fave: The mysterious stall with the longest line. Always bet on hungry locals.

Pro tip: Go hungry. Leave happy (if mildly overstuffed).

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16. (Bonus!) Canggu’s Hipster Cafes & Coworking Spaces

Work-travel crew, I see you. Bali’s digital nomad scene is ridiculous—you’ll “accidentally” spend five hours working from a breezy vegan cafe with a coconut latte in hand.

• Cafe recommendations: Crate, Machinery, Motion Cafe (the smoothie bowls? Unreal.)
• Coworking spots: Dojo Bali = ultra-sociable; B Work if you want a poolside desk.
• Real talk: WIFI is pretty solid almost everywhere. (But, have a SIM card backup. Rainstorms can mess things up.)

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Quickfire Tips for the Best Bali Experience

• Scooter or Taxi?: Rent a scooter only if you’ve done it before. Otherwise, Bluebird taxis > random drivers, every time.
• Dress smart: Temples require sarongs. Beaches do not require your best swimwear, FYI.
• Money: Cash is king everywhere outside the most touristy places.
• Respect: Balinese culture is rich—read up, ask questions, enjoy the ceremonies (politely, not as a human selfie stick).
• Seasons: Dry season is May–September, but let’s be real, Bali is awesome year-round (just pack that poncho for rainy afternoons).

Final Thoughts: Bali Is Still Next-Level

So, yeah, if you’ve been stalling on your “what to do in Bali” lineup, wake up and sort that bucket list, because the island’s magic is only getting better. Epic views, epic eats, culture, adventure, spiritual chills—it’s all here.
Main takeaways:

• Explore more than beaches and bars
• Respect local culture (bonus: you’ll get better stories)
• Try something you’d never try at home (bat cave meditation, anyone?)

Don’t just dream about Bali—go book the flight! And when you’re sipping your coconut at sunset, thank your past self for not just sticking to the “same old Bali.” What do you actually want to try?

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. 😉