Bali is far more than a beach holiday. The Indonesian island combines Hindu temples, emerald rice terraces, volcanic landscapes, surfing beaches, waterfalls, traditional arts, wellness retreats and vibrant food culture. For first-time visitors, the biggest challenge is deciding what deserves a place on the itinerary. This guide brings together the best things to do in Bali, including famous landmarks and experiences that allow you to understand the island beyond its postcard scenery.
1. Explore Ubud and Its Rice Terraces
One of the best things to do in Bali is to spend time in Ubud, the island's cultural and artistic centre. The area is surrounded by rice fields, small villages, temples, galleries and wellness retreats.
Start with the Tegallalang Rice Terraces, where layered green fields create one of Bali's most recognisable landscapes. Arrive early for cooler temperatures and softer light. Instead of rushing through for photographs, walk along the surrounding paths and observe the traditional agricultural landscape.
Ubud itself is excellent for cafés, Balinese crafts, galleries, yoga and traditional performances. The official Indonesian tourism guide also highlights cycling, walking, spas, museums and local food as major Ubud experiences.
2. Visit the Sacred Tirta Empul Temple
If you are wondering what to do in Bali beyond beaches, visit Tirta Empul, a sacred Hindu water temple near Tampaksiring.
The complex is famous for its natural spring and the melukat purification ritual. Visitors can observe the ceremony or participate respectfully according to local customs. This is an experience where appropriate dress and behaviour matter more than photography.
The temple can be combined with Tegallalang and Gunung Kawi because these attractions are located in the same general area.
3. Watch the Sunset at Tanah Lot
Tanah Lot is one of the most photographed temples in Bali. Built on a rocky offshore formation, the temple becomes particularly atmospheric around sunset.
Arrive before the sun begins to fall so you have time to explore the surrounding coastal area rather than arriving only for the final few minutes. The temple is around 30 kilometres from Denpasar, and its offshore setting is one reason it has become an iconic Bali landmark.
For photographers, sunset is the obvious choice. For travellers wanting a quieter experience, arriving earlier can provide more time to appreciate the temple complex.
4. Experience Uluwatu Temple and the Kecak Dance
A trip to southern Bali should include Uluwatu Temple, dramatically positioned on a cliff above the Indian Ocean.
The location combines religious significance with spectacular coastal scenery. The area is also associated with the famous Kecak dance, making an evening visit particularly memorable.
Keep your belongings secure around temple areas and follow local instructions. Temple visits are cultural experiences, not simply sightseeing stops.
5. Relax on Bali's Beaches
Beach time remains among the classic things to do in Bali, but different beaches suit completely different travellers.
Kuta is energetic and popular with surfers and first-time visitors. Sanur is calmer and is particularly appealing for sunrise. Nusa Dua is known for resort-style accommodation, while Jimbaran combines beach scenery with seafood dining. Seminyak is better suited to travellers looking for restaurants, cafés, shopping and a lively evening atmosphere.
For a less conventional beach experience, consider Pandawa, Suluban, Dreamland or the beaches around Amed.
Also Read - 16 Stunning Beaches In Indonesia Bali
6. Discover Nusa Penida
Nusa Penida is one of the most popular additions to a Bali holiday. Famous locations include Kelingking Beach, Broken Beach and Atuh Beach.
The island is particularly attractive for dramatic cliffs and coastal scenery rather than simply relaxing beside the sea. Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Penida can also be reached by boat from the Sanur/Nusa Dua area, making island excursions possible for travellers staying on mainland Bali.
A useful insight is to avoid treating Nusa Penida as a quick checklist. Road conditions and travel times can make a packed day tiring. Staying overnight can provide a more relaxed experience.
7. Visit the Ubud Monkey Forest
The Ubud Monkey Forest combines dense greenery, temple architecture and a population of long-tailed macaques.
It is one of the most accessible things to do in Bali for travellers staying in Ubud because it can easily be combined with the town centre, cafés and nearby attractions.
Keep bags, food and loose belongings securely stored. Monkeys are wild animals and can be unpredictable. The official tourism guide also recommends taking care with personal belongings while visiting the forest.
8. See the Sunrise from Mount Batur
For adventurous travellers, hiking Mount Batur before sunrise is one of the most rewarding things to do in Bali.
The volcano overlooks Lake Batur and offers expansive views from the summit. The climb requires an early start and reasonable physical fitness, so it is worth considering your fitness level and weather conditions before booking.
The experience is particularly memorable because the landscape changes dramatically as daylight spreads across the volcanic terrain.
9. Chase Bali's Waterfalls
Bali's interior is filled with waterfalls, particularly around the Ubud and northern regions. Waterfalls such as Tegenungan, Kanto Lampo and Manuaba provide a refreshing alternative to the coastline.
Kanto Lampo is particularly convenient from Ubud, while Manuaba is a quieter option highlighted by Indonesia's tourism authority.
Wear footwear suitable for wet and uneven surfaces, and check local conditions before swimming.
10. Visit Ulun Danu Beratan
Another answer to what to do in Bali is to travel into the cooler highlands around Lake Beratan.
Ulun Danu Beratan Temple appears to float beside the lake and is surrounded by mountain scenery. The cooler climate makes the area noticeably different from southern Bali.
Combine the temple with other Bedugul attractions if you have a full day available rather than travelling there solely for one photograph.
11. Explore Bali's Traditional Villages
For a deeper cultural experience, visit places such as Penglipuran, a traditional Balinese village known for its preserved layout and cultural character.
This type of visit reveals another side of Bali: traditional homes, community structures, temples and everyday customs rather than resort development. Indonesia's tourism authority lists Penglipuran among Bali's notable cultural and natural attractions.
12. Visit Besakih Temple
Known as the Mother Temple of Bali, Besakih is located on the slopes of Mount Agung and is considered the island's largest temple complex.
It is one of the most significant things to do in Bali for visitors interested in religion and architecture. Unlike a short photo stop, Besakih rewards travellers who take time to understand its spiritual importance and multiple temple structures.
Dress respectfully and follow temple requirements.
13. See the Gates of Lempuyang
Lempuyang Temple is famous for its dramatic "Gates of Heaven" setting, often photographed with Mount Agung in the background.
The wider complex is much more than the famous gate. Indonesia's official tourism information describes Lempuyang as a complex of seven temples extending up the mountain, with the full journey potentially taking several hours.
Plan carefully if you want to explore beyond the main viewpoint.
14. Go Surfing
Surfing is another major answer to what to do in Bali. Beginners can find lessons in more accessible areas, while experienced surfers often seek stronger breaks around southern Bali.
Kuta has long been associated with surfing, while Suluban near Uluwatu is known for powerful waves and a dramatic coastal setting.
If you are inexperienced, take a lesson rather than entering unfamiliar surf conditions alone.
15. Go Diving or Snorkelling
Bali's underwater attractions make it particularly appealing to marine-life enthusiasts. Menjangan Island in West Bali is known for coral reefs and diving, while Nusa Penida is associated with marine experiences including manta encounters.
For beginners, choose an operator that prioritises safety, equipment quality and responsible marine practices.
16. Try Balinese Food
Food should be an important part of your list of things to do in Bali.
Try nasi campur, ayam betutu, lawar, babi guling where appropriate to your dietary preferences, and locally prepared satay. Ubud is particularly strong for combining traditional Balinese flavours with modern cafés and restaurants.
Food markets and small local restaurants can also offer a more authentic experience than eating every meal inside an international resort.
17. Experience a Balinese Spa
Bali's wellness culture is another major attraction. A traditional massage, flower bath, spa treatment or yoga session can provide a slower counterbalance to packed sightseeing days.
Ubud is particularly well suited to wellness-focused travellers, with yoga studios, spas and retreats surrounded by greenery.
18. Explore Bali's Markets and Handicrafts
Shopping is one of the more relaxed things to do in Bali. Ubud Market and Sukawati Art Market are useful places to look for handicrafts, textiles, artwork and souvenirs.
Indonesia's tourism authority highlights wood carvings, paintings, batik and other locally produced crafts among Bali's shopping options.
Bargaining can be part of the market experience, but it should remain polite and reasonable.
19. Visit Garuda Wisnu Kencana
In southern Bali, Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park, commonly called GWK, combines a huge Vishnu-and-Garuda monument with gardens, cultural performances, exhibitions, restaurants and viewpoints.
The park covers around 60 hectares and provides an alternative to Bali's temples and beaches, particularly for travellers staying around Uluwatu, Jimbaran or Nusa Dua.
20. Take a White-Water Rafting Adventure
If you want more active things to do in Bali, consider white-water rafting on the Ayung River around Ubud.
The experience combines adventure with views of Bali's forested interior. It works particularly well as a half-day activity, leaving enough time for an afternoon spa or cultural visit. Indonesia Travel specifically highlights Ayung River rafting among Ubud's adventure activities.
21. Build Your Bali Itinerary Around Regions
The smartest way to experience Bali is not to choose attractions randomly. Group them geographically.
For a 4–5 day trip, consider:
- Days 1–2: Ubud, Tegallalang, Tirta Empul and waterfalls.
- Day 3: Tanah Lot and Seminyak or nearby beaches.
- Day 4: Uluwatu, southern beaches and Kecak performance.
- Day 5: Nusa Penida or a slower wellness/beach day.
For a longer holiday, add Mount Batur, East Bali, Besakih, Lempuyang, Amed or West Bali.
Best Time to Visit Bali
Bali can be visited throughout the year, but weather affects outdoor activities. The dry season is generally preferred for hiking, sightseeing and beach activities, while the wetter months can bring heavier rainfall.
Regardless of season, allow flexibility in your itinerary. Tropical weather can change quickly, and attractions involving boats, mountains or outdoor activities may be affected by conditions.
Final Thoughts
The best things to do in Bali combine the island's different personalities: Ubud for culture and rice terraces, southern Bali for beaches and nightlife, East Bali for temples and mountain scenery, and Nusa Penida for dramatic coastal landscapes. The most memorable trips avoid trying to see everything in one rushed itinerary.
If you are deciding what to do in Bali, prioritise experiences rather than simply collecting attractions. Spend time at a temple, eat local food, walk through rice fields, watch a sunset, meet local communities and leave enough space in your schedule to enjoy the island at a slower pace.
For travellers researching things to do in Bali Indonesia, that balance is ultimately what makes the destination so compelling: Bali offers adventure, spirituality, nature, food, culture and relaxation within a relatively small island.
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