is an amazing destination for holiday makers looking for an unforgettable experience. From its stunning beaches and lush jungles to its vibrant culture, there are so many things to do in Bali that it can be hard to narrow them down. To make it easier, here are 10 of the best things to do in Bali that you won’t want to miss!
1) Visit Uluwatu Temple
If you’re looking for a must-see destination during your Bali travel, then Uluwatu Temple should be at the top of your list. Located at the edge of a cliff overlooking the Indian Ocean, Uluwatu Temple dates back to around the 10th century and is a popular tourist attraction. With two entrances to the temple, visitors will be welcomed by hundreds of monkeys roaming the grounds.
The pathway leading up to the temple is a serpentine path fortified by concrete walls, giving it an atmosphere of mystery and mysticism. The Balinese Hindus believe that the powers of the Hindu Trinity merge here, making it an incredibly special place to visit.
Uluwatu Temple was established by Mpu Kuturan and Dhang Hyang Dwijendra in the 11th century. In 1999, a massive lightning strike destroyed part of the temple and its surrounding buildings, but locals and Australian families who had visited the temple over the years raised funds to restore it to its former glory.
Inside the temple, visitors can find a Brahmin statue behind the main shrine, which is believed to be a representation of Dhang Hyang Dwijendra. Kids especially, are always fascinated by this incredible structure and have their own stories to tell about what they find within the walls of Uluwatu Temple.
2) Take a Cooking Class
What better way to explore Bali and its local culture than taking a cooking class? Start your culinary adventure by touring a traditional Balinese market looking for your ingredients and experiencing the sights, smells, and colours of the fresh ingredients for sale. Indonesian dishes are full of exotic fruits, aromatic herbs, and coconut oil, all of which you’ll find in abundance at the market.
Your cooking class will generally be tailored to you, whether you’re travelling solo, with family, or with a bunch of friends on holidays. In the home-based cooking classes, you’ll learn how to make authentic Balinese dishes such as spiced fish in banana leaves, chicken satay, and dadar gulung (coconut pancake). Kids will love getting their hands dirty as they help to make these delicious treats too.
Alternatively, cooking classes can take place in the kitchen of your hotel, a restaurant or even in purpose-built cooking schools. There you can learn how to make ayam sambal matah (chicken with a spicy shallot, lemongrass, and chili salsa), seafood curry with coconut milk, and pisang goreng (banana fritters). Who knows – maybe you can even bring some of these recipes back home and surprise your family!
3) Watch a Traditional Balinese Dance Performance
Balinese dance and traditional performances are a dynamic form of art with a strong connection to religion. Every performance begins with an offering and dancers pray to receive Taksu, a divine spiritual power. Balinese dances are traditionally performed on a weekly basis during temple festivals and important ceremonies. They are based on Hindu epics such as the Ramayana and the Mahabarata, which are used to tell tales via dance-drama. Australian visitors can take classes in traditional Balinese villages, while professional dancers perform at resorts and private events. One of Bali’s most famous performances is the Kecak dance. This is usually performed by a chorus of fifty or more men and boys. The Kecak dance reenacts the love narrative from the Hindu epic Ramayana and was initially a part of the Sang Hyang trance dance. In recent years female dancers in Ubud have started performing it too. It’s best experienced at night when a burning flame in the centre of the circle creates a dramatic effect. Kids in Bali often learn how to perform these dances and make offerings at temples during special ceremonies.
4) Explore Ubud
Ubud is a must-visit destination for tourists looking to experience the natural beauty and culture of Bali. Begin with a visit to the Sacred Monkey Forest of Padangtegal, a sanctuary for 700 Balinese long-tailed monkeys. Kids will love visiting this unique sanctuary, where they can watch the monkeys play and interact with the environment.
Head to the Ubud Art Market to find an unusual collection of over 1,300 masks and 5,700 puppets. You’ll find items here ranging from traditional Balinese clothing to souvenirs and unique artwork. The Agung Rai Museum of Art is also worth a visit, showcasing exquisite Balinese artworks from well-known local artists.
For a picturesque walk through the jungle forest, take a stroll along the Campuhan Ridge path. Here you can enjoy beautiful views of the surrounding valleys and rivers. Continue your journey to the Gunung Kawi Temple, which dates back to the 11th century and has two shrines carved into the rock cliffs overlooking the Pakerisan River.
No visit to Ubud would be complete without a stop at the Ubud Palace. The palace grounds feature Hindu-inspired Balinese dancers performing the Ramayana Ballet nightly at 7:30 p.m., offering a glimpse into traditional Balinese culture. Soak up this one-of-a-kind atmosphere and make sure to snap some photos of this incredible destination.
5) Visit Nusa Lembongan
Nusa Lembongan is a stunning island off the coast of Bali that makes for the perfect daytrip for tourists. With its white sand beaches, crystal clear waters, and an incredible array of wildlife, this is an ideal destination for those looking for an adventure. Adults and children alike can snorkel or dive with dolphins, manta rays, and sea turtles, as well as explore the stunning mangroves that surround the island.
For those looking to experience Nusa Lembongan to the fullest, there are a variety of activities available. Snorkelling and diving are incredibly popular, as the waters offer up some truly unique marine life. Visitors can also take a day cruise around the island to really get a feel for its beauty. Those who prefer to stay on land can enjoy a leisurely stroll along the white sandy beaches or simply relax in the sun and take in the stunning views.
No matter how you choose to spend your time, a visit to Nusa Lembongan is sure to be a memorable experience.
6) Experience White Water Rafting
White water rafting in Bali is one of the most thrilling activities that tourists can enjoy. It’s an exciting and safe adventure for any level of experience.
There are three options for white water rafting in Bali, each offering a unique experience with the favourite spot being Ayung River Rafting in Ubud. It’s the most challenging river to go rafting on, but it also offers stunning views of the surrounding natural environment. Plus, it’s the easiest location to get to from Ubud.
Telaga Waja Rafting Bali is another great option for those looking for a white-water rafting adventure. It’s the longest Bali rafting track and is filled with crystal clear water. It also has easy access points at both the start and finish line, making it great for kids as well.
7) Get Wet Snorkelling or Diving
Bali offers some of the best snorkelling and diving in the world. From crystal clear waters and vibrant coral reefs to fascinating sea creatures, Bali has it all. Popular spots for snorkelling and diving include the Blue Lagoon, Amed, Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongang and many more you can visit on a day tour.
These spots offer a wide variety of marine life, from harmless clownfish and parrotfish to more daring creatures such as reef sharks and barracuda. Everyone will love to explore the depths of the ocean while they admire the beauty of coral gardens, sponges, and colourful fish. On a snorkelling or diving tour, you can even spot turtles, manta rays, and dolphins! Snorkelling and diving are an experience of a lifetime and a must-do activity for any visitor to Bali.
8) See the Kintamani Volcano
Kintamani is located in the sub-district of Kintamani, Bangli Regency and about 50 km from the city of Denpasar or about 2 hours by car. The greatest panorama at Kintamani can be seen in the morning, when the sunrise is exactly on Mount Batur on the surface of the earth.
Kintamani is Bali’s most popular tourist destination with Mount Batur’s active volcano and beautiful Batur Lake. Kintamani is surrounded by the fascinating nature and around the cauldron of Batur Lake there are six ancient villages that are often conceived by Bali Age Village.
Located at Kintamani, Mount Batur has erupted about twenty-four times since 1800 and is still active to this day. The last major eruption occurred in 1634.
Kintamani is beautifully seen around 10:00 am to 3:00 pm during the day, especially when the weather is clear where the whole Kintamani area can be clearly seen.
For those who enjoy trekking, you can go early in the morning, start climbing downhill from the village at 4 am, to the summit at 6 am, for a beautiful sunrise and, back on the way, you can also swim in the hot spring that is right next to the Batur Lake.
9) Indulge in a Balinese Massage
From its thriving yoga scene to its serene spa retreats, Bali is synonymous with wellness. The island’s postcard-perfect scenery of lush green mountainsides and spectacular beaches make it the perfect setting to zone out while enjoying its blissful traditions of holistic healing.
To come to Bali and not have a massage would border on an insult to the island’s age-old therapies. There’s a reason why Balinese massage has made its way into top spas all over the world: it fuses together deep-tissue massage with aromatherapy, gentle stretching and light acupressure for a beautifully relaxing, holistic healing treatment.
10) Shop at a Local Market
Bali has an abundance of magnificent markets that you’ll find scattered effervescently throughout the island. They’re not only places where you can haggle for a fantastic bargain, buy traditional souvenirs, or fresh produce — they also provide a chance to experience the friendly and eclectic local culture.
Markets in Bali are some of the best places to experience local Balinese and away from the typical ideas of rip off Nikes and Gucci handbags, you can also discover wonderfully crafted homewares, leather accessories, traditional handcrafts and jewellery underneath patterned canopies.
Markets are a daily event here in Bali and run all day long, just waiting for their next customer…You!
