Top 20 Things to Do in Bali: Complete 2026 Guide

Ever dreamt of a place where lush rice terraces blend with crystal-clear beaches and ancient temples whisper stories from the past? Yup, that’s Bali, and trust me, it’s way more than just a pretty Instagram filter. If you’re wondering about the best things to do in Bali, you’re in the right place. Whether you’re craving adventure, culture, or just some much-needed chill time, this guide has your back.

In this post, I’ll walk you through the top 20 things to do in Bali for 2026 – from secret waterfalls to buzzing vegan cafés, and yeah, all that sacred temple magic. By the end, you’ll feel like a pro ready to conquer the Island of the Gods without breaking a sweat (or your budget).

Here Are Best 20 Things to Do in Bali

1. Wander Through Ubud’s Stunning Rice Terraces

If you want the quintessential Bali experience, start here. The emerald green rice paddies in Ubud aren’t just pretty—they’re the backbone of Bali’s agrarian culture and a photographer’s dream come true. Take a slow stroll through Tegalalang Rice Terrace, watch the farmers do their thing, and maybe even try your hand at traditional rice planting (spoiler: it’s harder than it looks).

Pro tip: Visit early in the morning to avoid the crowds and catch that golden sunlight draping over the paddies.

2. Explore the Sacred Temples – Don’t Miss Tanah Lot & Uluwatu

Bali is famous for its temples, and for good reason. Standing on cliffs overlooking the ocean, Tanah Lot offers jaw-dropping sunset views paired with a sprinkle of spiritual vibes. Uluwatu Temple? It’s not just a temple, it’s a theater for an authentic Kecak dance performance right on the cliff’s edge. Trust me, it’s like watching magic unfold.

Heads up: Dress modestly and bring a sarong (often available to rent onsite). Your temples, your rules.

3. Chill Out on Bali’s Beaches: Kuta, Seminyak & Nusa Dua

Looking for classic beach vibes, spicy cocktails, and epic sunsets? Kuta’s your wild child—busy, buzzing, and full of energy. Seminyak is a tad more upscale and artsy, great for boutique shopping and beachfront bars. If you’re after calm waters and luxury resorts, Nusa Dua serves it up with a side of tranquility.

Fun fact: Paddleboarding in Nusa Dua early morning is like meditation with a view.

4. Get Your Heart Racing at Mount Batur Sunrise Trek

For the adventurous souls, hiking Mount Batur and catching the sunrise above the clouds is a bucket-list moment. You’ll start in the dark, trek an active volcano, and be rewarded with a sunrise that makes every sweat drop worth it. Plus, you get to soak in natural hot springs right after—talk about a double win!

Word of advice: Book a guide unless you want to play hide-and-seek with the trail markers.

5. Discover Waterfalls You Never Knew Existed

Look, Bali isn’t just about beaches. The island is sprinkled with stunning waterfalls hidden in lush jungles. Sekumpul Waterfall is often crowned the most beautiful, but don’t sleep on Tukad Cepung where the sunlight beams through the cave—Instagram gold right here.

Wear water shoes, pack a snack, and prepare to get a little wet and wild.

6. Dive Into Bali’s Underwater Wonderland

If snorkeling or diving tickle your fancy, Bali’s reef-rich waters are hard to beat. Head to Amed or Menjangan Island to spot vibrant coral gardens and amazing marine life. Nusa Penida is also a hotspot if you want to swim alongside manta rays (yes, those graceful giants).

Side note: Coral reefs are fragile, so respect the ecosystem—no touching or kicking, okay?

7. Experience Balinese Cuisine Like a Local

You can’t call it a trip to Bali without devouring some local eats. Warungs (local eateries) serve dishes that are flavor explosions—think nasi campur, babi guling (suckling pig, if you’re feeling daring), and of course, fresh satay skewers. Don’t miss out on lawar and bebek betutu for a deeper dive.

Vegetarians? Bali’s got your back with tons of plant-based options popping up everywhere.

8. Surf or People Watch at Canggu

Canggu feels like Bali’s cool kid. It’s a surf haven with a laid-back vibe, chic cafés, and an artsy crowd. Whether you’re a surf pro or just love to watch the waves and the people who ride them, Canggu delivers that perfect combo of chill and thrill.

Personal fave: Grab a smoothie bowl, sit in the sand, and soak in those surfer sunsets.

9. Dive Into the Night Markets for Authentic Finds

For a taste of real Bali (and some bargain shopping), night markets are gold. Try the Gianyar Night Market to sample street food, local fruits, and handmade crafts. It’s chaotic, colorful, and entirely charming. You’ll feel like you just time-traveled into a vibrant local scene.

10. Recharge with a Yoga Retreat in Ubud

For those craving zen and mindfulness, Bali is a global yoga hotspot. Ubud hosts hundreds of retreats and studios offering everything from beginner classes to intensive workshops. Trust me, a morning yoga session overlooking rice paddies is basically a soul detox.

FYI: Even if you’re not a yoga nerd, a meditation class here has serious vibe.

11. Taste the Coffee—Bali’s Kopi Luwak Tells a Story

Ever tried Kopi Luwak? It’s that famously (and famously pricey) unique coffee made from beans eaten and excreted by civet cats. You can sip on ethical versions right in Bali’s plantations—watch the process unfold and try for yourself. Coffee lovers, this is a must-do.

12. Visit the Bali Swing for Epic Photos (and Spikes of Adrenaline)

Instagrammers, rejoice! Bali Swing is a series of gigantic swings over the jungle canopy, offering a bird’s-eye view of the tropical landscape. It’s silly fun, thrilling, and yes, those photos will rack up likes.

13. Get Artsy in Ubud’s Craft Villages

Want to bring home more than just souvenirs? Visit villages like Celuk (silver jewelry), Mas (woodcarving), and Batubulan (stone carving). It’s fascinating to see artisans at work, and a great way to support local creatives.

14. Explore the Lesser-Known Nusa Islands

Nusa Lembongan, Nusa Ceningan, and Nusa Penida are Bali’s quieter neighbors offering turquoise waters, dramatic cliffs, and laid-back vibes. Crystal Bay beach is a stunning spot for snorkeling, and Kelingking Beach on Penida? Straight out of a postcard.

15. Party (or People Watch) on the Beachfront Bars

Bali isn’t all about serenity—sometimes it party hard. Areas like Seminyak and Legian offer beach clubs with banging tunes, fire dancers, and cocktails you may (or may not) remember. Even if you’re not down to dance till dawn, people-watching here is seriously entertaining.

16. Learn Balinese Cooking – Impress Your Friends Back Home

If you can’t get enough of Bali’s flavors, why not learn to cook them? Several cooking classes in Ubud and Seminyak teach you how to make favorites like sambal and mie goreng. Plus, you get to eat your masterpiece.

17. Take a Day Trip to Jatiluwih Rice Terraces (UNESCO Site)

If Tegalalang gets busy and you want something more off-the-beaten path, Jatiluwih’s expansive terraces will blow your mind. It’s far less crowded and screams “Bali in its purest form.”

18. Snorkel Near Secret Gili Islands (Not The Ones in Lombok!)

No, not the famous Gili Trawangan—these are hidden gems just off Bali’s coast near Amed. Quiet and crystal-clear, they offer fish-filled snorkeling spots away from tourist madness.

19. Visit the Bali Bird Park – A Colorful Day Out

For a fun and family-friendly activity, Bali Bird Park displays hundreds of exotic bird species. It’s educational, photogenic, and a nice break from the outdoor chaos.

20. Treat Yourself to a Traditional Balinese Spa Day

After all the exploring, you deserve some pampering. Balinese massages blend expert technique and healing scents, leaving you basically a new human. Trust me, you’ll want to book this before you say goodbye to Bali.

Wrapping It Up

So, there you have it—20 epic things to do in Bali in 2026 that balance adventure, culture, and serious chill vibes. Whether you climb vulcanos, chase waterfalls, or just sip coffee watching temple sunsets, Bali has this magical way of sneaking into your soul.

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 your must-do Bali activity? Drop a comment and let’s chat!