14 Incredible Things To Do in Bali
What I love about Bali is that it can suit any type of traveler, especially those looking for a variety of things to do during their trip!
You can go the adventurous route, the spa/healthy living route, yoga and meditation, spiritual, join the party scene...you name it!
Here are some fun and incredible things to do in Bali:
1. Hike a volcano
Photo by Kat Gaskin
One of my favorite Bali activities was doing a sunrise trek up Mount Batur. I've never climbed a volcano and this was a cool and unique hike, complete with amazing views.
Read about the full experience + tips here: Hiking a Volcano in Bali: Mt. Batur
2. Beach hopping
Okay, this one is obvious, considering you're on a beautiful island. But you will find some of the most incredible coastal landscapes in Bali, and you owe it to yourself to visit more than one or two beaches while you're there!
Pictured above is Bingin Beach, one of my favorites in Bali. Photos don't do it justice...you have to go see the beaches in Bali for yourself!
3. Eat delicious Indonesian food
Photo by Kat Gaskin
You'll find many cafes serving western food in Bali, but don't forget to try Indonesian foods like Nasi Padang, Nasi Goreng (fried rice)...the list could go on and on...
I was in Bali for a retreat and we took a cooking class - a fun way to learn about Indonesian food!
4. Have Healthy (& Instagram-worthy) food
Photo by Kat Gaskin
On that note, the cafes I mentioned often include smoothie bowls, poke bowls, juices...and tend to be very Instagram-able, if that's your thing. :)
You'll find good-tasting and healthy food, and there are never-ending options!
The photo above with these out-of-this-world smoothie bowls was taken at Cafe Organic in Canggu.
5. Uluwatu Temple
This is something I believe you would need to see at least once in your life on a trip to Bali. You'll receive a sarong upon entering and enjoy the cliffside ocean views on your way down.
Watch out for the monkeys here: don't wear sunglasses, don't bring plastic bags or food, keep your belongings close to you and your phone tucked away in a zipped bag/backpack.
It's the monkeys' territory first; they are ruthless and will steal stuff from you if they have the opportunity. We saw a monkey steal a woman's phone that she had left sitting on the ground. You've been warned!
6. Tegalalang Rice Terrace in Ubud
Photo by Kat Gaskin
You've probably seen photos of this intricate, large rice field on social media and you'll find it in Ubud. You can walk around on the pathways, admire the crazy hard work that must have gone into creating it, and take photos.
It's a common destination for tourists, so keep in mind you'll want to bargain with the food and drink vendors nearby as they might try to overcharge you. (Well, keep this in mind for pretty much anywhere you go next to a popular tourist attraction...)
7. Monkey Forest
Near the rice terrace in Ubud, the Monkey Forest is another common destination for tourists. It costs 20,000 IDR (about $1.70 USD) to gain entry and you can walk through the temple and watch the monkeys.
Monkeys are everywhere, so be prepared! Mind your own business and they won't bother you.
However, if you would like a picture of a monkey on your shoulder, ask one of the staff to invite one over for a minute. I was too nervous to try that, but plenty of other people did!
8. Tirta Empul Holy Water Temple
This is a spiritual and emotional experience at a Hindu holy water temple in Ubud. Under each "shower," you submerge your head and rinse three times after mentally recognizing what you are grateful for. It is believed that the water purifies ourselves from bad influences.
Please make sure to follow the rules regarding behavior and dress code as it is a temple. Even though you'll see both locals and tourists here, this is very important.
Photo by Kat Gaskin
Bring a swimsuit to wear underneath the sarong and a dry towel and clothes to change back into! You'll be submerged from the waist down and the water rinsing will get your hair/head/torso wet.
Of course I accidentally brought only swim bottoms and not a swim top, so I had to wear a regular tank top underneath my sarong...
9. Catch the sunset
Sunsets in Bali are like no other.
Some of the most incredible sunsets I've seen have been in Bali! If you are a sucker for a pretty sunset, try to catch the sunset every day if you can!
10. Beach Clubs
Beach clubs are a fun way to socialize and party or chill. Since they're on the beach they'll be near the water, so of course, a beach club is a nice place to catch a sunset too!
11. Try yoga
There's something about Bali that makes yoga feel so refreshing.If you need to unwind after your flight, get in "vacation" mode, or work on being more mindful, there is no better place for yoga than in Bali.
12. Get a Balinese massage and flower bath
Balinese massages are AMAZING. Further relax after, say, a yoga session with an hour-long oil massage. Your cares will melt away...
Also, massages tend to be very affordable: think $7-15 USD per hour-long massage.
You can even take your spa day further by trying a flower milk bath (pictured above)!
13. Stay in a luxury villa
Read The Luxury Villa Experience in Bali and check out my vlog below:
14. Explore more!
This is on my personal to-do list next time I'm in Bali. There is so much to see - here are some additional favorites near Bali often recommended by other travelers:
Gili islands
Nusa Penida
Komodo island to see Komodo dragons (note this is not super close to Bali; you'd likely have to fly there!)
Want more Bali? I have tons of photos on my Instagram page (and will be posting more soon), so make sure to check it out!
Username: @allyarcher