GEOGRAPHY
Bali is the most popular island vacation destination in the Indonesian archipelago. It’s home to an ancient culture that's known for its warm hospitality as well as exotic temples and palaces set against stunning natural backdrops. Dining in Bali presents endless choices of exotic, local cuisine. After sunset, famous nightspots come to life offering exciting clubbing and packed dance floors.
Inland, towering volcanoes and pristine jungles offer plenty to see and do, but you won't want to stay away from the coastline for long. Popular beach resorts include Kuta, Seminyak and Jimbaran where many of the finest hotels and villas look over world-class surf spots. For tranquil seascapes and sunrises, Sanur, Nusa Dua and remote Candidasa are your best bets. Bali’s lesser traveled eastern and northern regions also offer wonderful diving spots in calm bays, with coral gardens teeming with colorful marine biodiversity.
INTERESTING THINGS TO DO IN BALI
The best things to do in Bali include not-to-be-missed cultural treasures and some of the most iconic landmarks and landscapes that you can find around this magical island. There are innumerable temples, historical sites, and spots of natural beauty spread across Bali’s 8 regencies, which were formerly kingdoms.
From Bali’s scenic vistas to exotic cultural performances, this compilation of great things to see and do in Bali will help you discover the best the island has to offer. Go east to see the majestic 'mother temple' and magnificent royal water palaces or travel to the island’s lush interior where rice paddies offer scenic photo opportunities.
What are the best things to do in Bali?
1.Visit Bali's beaches
-Find your own favorite coast
Beaches in Bali come in a rich assortment and each is a favorite destination on its own. Bali beaches range from palm-fringed white sand coasts on the island’s south such as Kuta, Nusa Dua and Sanur, to the cliff-guarded ‘hidden’ shores of Uluwatu, Padang Padang, Dreamland and Bingin. Bali beaches also comprise striking black sands on the north and western shorelines, with sleepy undisturbed coves in-between.Once the haunt of surfers, Bali's beaches now welcome visitors in search of paradise with superb hotels and excellent facilities. You might as well discover your own favorite coast in Bali – there are some ‘secret’ and ‘hidden’ beaches around the southern Bukit peninsula just waiting for you to explore.
2.Visit Tanah Lot Temple
-Bali's iconic sea temple
Tanah Lot is among the island's most iconic temples, positioned on top of a rock and surrounded by the waves of the open sea that constantly crash against its base. The temple is scenic by day against the blue ocean and sky, but the scene is most dramatic during sunsets with its silhouette creating one of Bali’s picture postcard images.
Tanah Lot pays homage to the guardian spirits of the sea, and it’s also among Bali's key sea temples. The onshore site is dotted with smaller shrines and visitors’ leisure facilities such as shops, a cultural park where regular dance performances are shown regularly, restaurants where you can enjoy a sunset dinner with the memorable view.
Location: Jalan Raya Tanah Lot, Beraban, Kediri, Tabanan, Bali 82121, Indonesia
3.Visit Uluwatu Temple
-A temple high on a cliff
Uluwatu is one of Bali's most important sea temples, positioned on a tall cliff edge on the island’s southwestern Bukit peninsula. By day, you can take in the picturesque seascape from over the temple’s walls and cliff borders and occasionally spot gray long-tailed macaques that inhabit the surrounding forests.
In the late afternoon, you can wait for the dramatic sunsets, or book early for a spot at the open-air amphitheater nearby, where Kecak fire dances are performed with the sunset and ocean as an exotic backdrop. The waves below the cliff and the temple are hailed as among Bali's best and internationally-known surf spots.
Location: Jalan Raya Uluwatu, Pecatu, Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia
4.Visit Besakih Temple
-The 'mother temple'
Besakih Temple, the 'mother temple' of Bali, sits on the south-western slope of Mount Agung – Bali’s tallest peak. Besakih is the largest of all temple complexes in Bali, comprising 18 separate sanctuaries that each belong to different caste groups. They surround a central complex with 3 main temples that are dedicated to the Hindu trinity, namely Shiva, Brahma and Vishnu.
Besakih was nominated as a World Heritage Site in 1995, but as yet remains unvested. There are at least 70 ceremonies or religious celebrations held each year here, as each shrine has its own anniversary. The best visiting times are in the early mornings and in the evenings when the temple complex is much quieter.
Location: Besakih, Rendang, Karangasem, Bali 80863, Indonesia
5.Visit Tegallalang Rice Terraces
The rice terraces of Tegallalang offer one of the best views that you can take in while up in Ubud. The village of Tegallalang is just up north from the main Ubud center. Along the main road of Jalan Raya Tegallalang, there are roadside stalls and art shops offering items and curios of all kinds, together with small restaurants offering lunch or dinner with the great view over the deep and lush valley.
The Tegallalang rice terraces spread down below and to the far opposite side of the valley. Besides enjoying the view from up high, you can also go down and follow the trail through the rice fields to greet farmers and enjoy the paddies from up close.
Location: Jalan Raya Tegallalang, Tegallalang, Gianyar, Bali 80561, Indonesia
6.Visit Ubud Monkey Forest
-Lush forest and animal sanctuary
Ubud Monkey Forest is a natural forest sanctuary that’s home to a horde of gray long-tailed macaques. Officially the Sacred Monkey Forest of Padangtegal, it is one of Ubud’s most popular attractions and the site is well-preserved thanks to a community-based management program. The forest is within easy walking distance from Ubud’s town center.
Besides watching playful monkeys in their natural habitat, swinging through canopies, lazing along pathways or feeding on bananas, you can take cool walks along paved pathways through the leafy nutmeg forest. Beautiful ancient temples with eerie guardian statues covered in moss also call the monkey forest their home.
Location: Jalan Monkey Forest, Ubud, Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia
7.Visit Ubud Art Market
-Your source for arts and crafts
Ubud Art Market is one of the landmarks in central Ubud, conveniently just across the road from the Ubud Royal Palace. The market has countless small shops that are run by local vendors who sell a wide range of items such as beautiful silk scarves, lightweight shirts, handmade woven bags, baskets and hats, statues, kites and many other locally sourced and handcrafted goods.
Most of the goods found at the Ubud Market are made in the neighboring villages of Pengosekan, Tegallalang, Payangan and Peliatan. Naturally, bargaining is essential. The Ubud market starred briefly in the Hollywood movie Eat Pray Love, which shows a scene with actress Julia Roberts strolling through the stalls which are bustling with activity in real life.
Location: Jalan Raya Ubud, Ubud, Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia
8.Visit Kintamani
-Scenic mountain outlook
Good for: Adventure
Kintamani is a mountain village in central Bali that’s home to Mount Batur, which is Bali’s second tallest peak, and the Batur caldera lake. The village is located in the Karangasem regency in east Bali and is a popular spot for sightseeing thanks to vantage points such as Penelokan, which aptly means 'scenic layover'. Penelokan is the best site for panoramic views, with Batur's rugged features of dark lava slopes and black molten rocks in view.
The still-active Mount Batur volcano erupted about 24 times since 1800, each time reshaping the surrounding landscape. It’s popular among mountain hikers, with the early sunrises from the ridges being its highlight.
Location: Songan, Kintamani, Bangli, Bali 80652, Indonesia
9.Go on Bali Safari and to the Marine Park
Bali Safari & Marine Park is Bali’s largest animal theme park, home to over 60 species roaming within enclosures that closely mimic their natural habitats. Bus safaris take visitors on tours 'around the world' with animals from different continents, and there are animal talent shows held regularly in an open stage. A different section is dedicated to aquatic animals, with aquariums holding exotic fish specimens such as piranhas.
After enjoying the safari bus rides, families traveling with children can have a blast together at an adjacent water park and a park filled with a variety of amusement park rides. The park is also home to Bali Theatre, which shows the modern Bali Agung shows at scheduled showtimes.
Location: Jalan Prof. Dr. Ida Bagus Mantra Km. 19.8, Serongga, Gianyar, Bali 80551, Indonesia
10.Visit Jatiluwih Rice Terraces
-A flowing sea of green
The Jatiluwih rice terraces offer one of the island’s most famous rice field landscapes. The vast fields make up a considerable area of the cool highland village of the same name in the Tabanan Regency and can be a soothing retreat away from the common crowds of the island’s southern beach resort areas.
Once a UNESCO Cultural Heritage Site candidate, the Jatiluwih rice terraces cover 600 hectares following the flowing topography of the Batukaru mountain range. They are maintained by a traditional water management cooperative known as subak, which dates back to the 9th century. The cooperative itself was a top reason for Bali’s ‘cultural landscape’ entry on the heritage list.
Location: Jalan Jatiluwih, Penebel, Tabanan, Bali 82152, Indonesia
11.Visit Goa Gajah
Discover the 'elephant cave'
Good for:History
Goa Gajah is one of Bali’s most significant archeological sites. Believed to be a former hermitage, the complex features a stone relic-filled courtyard before a temple and the focal attraction of a central meditational cave. The courtyard also has exotic bathing pools and sculpted fountains. To the unknowing, Goa Gajah’s name which translates to ‘Elephant Cave’ can be slightly misleading – there are no pachyderms here.
At the complex’s southern end are beautiful rice fields and small streams that lead to the Petanu River – another site entwined in local legends and where you can find more interesting stone relics submerged in the water. You can reach Goa Gajah west of Bedulu village and about 6 km east from central Ubud.
Location: Jalan Raya Goa Gajah, Pejeng Kawan, Tampaksiring, Gianyar, Bali 80582, Indonesia
12.Surfing in Bali
-Ride world-class waves
Good for: Adventure
Surfing in Bali is one of the scenes that helped develop tourism on the island. It started along the island's southern shores, where rolling waves and quiet, beautiful beaches evolved into the popular wave riders' playgrounds we know today. The island’s first wave-riders discovered the incredible surf back in the 1930s, and more have flown in ever since.
Bali's surfer crowd comprises experienced riders and beginners who want a piece of the action. Pros can head to the outer reef breaks of the southern Bukit Peninsula, while newbies can try smaller waves in the lagoons. Bali is a great place to pick up the sport, with board rentals and surf schools widely available.
13.Barong and Kris dance
-Admire cultural spectacles
The Barong and Kris dance is one of the island’s most iconic dance-dramas which depicts the 12th-century classic tale of good versus evil. The Barong is a benevolent spirit in beast form who sets out to protect a kingdom against the vengeful wrath of the widow and witch queen, Rangda.
Two male performers work out the movements of the heavily ornate Barong costume while supporting dancers portray monkeys, priests and village men. Daily shows are offered at various village theatres throughout the island – the most popular being Batubulan in Gianyar and the Denpasar suburbs. Shows are locally managed locally, and dances are performed by villagers themselves with live gamelan orchestra accompanying the full length of the show.
14.Bunut Bolong
A peculiar natural landmark
Bunut Bolong is a unique natural landmark in the form of a giant hollow banyan tree in Jembrana, West Bali. This old, giant banyan tree is considered sacred by the Manggisari villagers who say that the tree is centuries old – tales are told of people who met their demise trying to chop it down to remove it.
The giant tree has a large hollow at its base, which formed naturally, and is as wide as the main road that runs through it. There are temple shrines adorned in yellow and white at both ends of the banyan tree’s straddling trunks.
Location: Manggissari, Pekutatan, Jembrana, Bali 82262, Indonesia
15.Legong Dance
-Watch the eloquent moves
Good for: Nightlife
The legong is one of Bali’s most visually alluring royal court performances. The dance is considered one of the island’s most revered classical pieces, known for its physically demanding postures and fast-paced movements which require a significant level of flexibility among its generally young female performers.
Choreographed to a set pattern with the finest detail, the dance has been well-preserved through generations. There are several places where you can watch a legong dance performance in Bali. Among the most popular venues are the Puri Saren Royal Palace, otherwise known as the Ubud Royal Palace, the Agung Rai Museum of Art (ARMA), and the Pura Saraswati Temple in Ubud.
10 BEST BEACHES IN BALI
1.Kuta Beach
Good for: Adventure, Photo, Families, Couples, Budget
Kuta spans around 2.5 km of white and gray sand on Bali’s western coast. Despite its rapid growth and frenzied traffic scene, its unique charm continues to attract both international and domestic visitors.
Location: Pantai Kuta, Kuta, Badung, Bali, Indonesia
2.Legian Beach
Good for: Adventure, Photo, Families, Couples, Budget
Legian Beach is right next to Kuta, and while it’s rather challenging to define the borders of these beaches, they offer similar activities like surfing, partying, and shopping. Thanks to its sandy beach breaks, conditions are great for first-time wave riders. There are several popular surf schools here, too.
Location: Pantai Legian, Bali, Indonesia
3.Seminyak Beach
Good for: Photo, Families, Couples, Group, Budget, Single
Seminyak’s beach scene is broken up into subsections, the best of which are Petitenget Beach and Double Six Beach. Some of Bali's best dining venues and world-renowned nightlife spots can be found in Seminyak.
Location: Pantai Seminyak, Bali, Indonesia
4.Jimbaran Beach
Good for: Adventure, Photo, Families, Couples, Budget
Jimbaran’s main coastal stretch is the famous Jimbaran Bay, which serves as the beachfront of many luxurious 5-star resorts in Bali. There’s a small beach within it called Muaya Beach, where you can enjoy memorable sunset dinners at Jimbaran’s popular seafood restaurants. The entire length of Jimbaran Beach is quite tranquil, and the soft sand along the curving bay offers pleasant beach walks and photo opportunities.
Location: Pantai Jimbaran, Jimbaran, South Kuta, Badung, Bali, Indonesia
5.Sanur Beach
Sanur Beach has a quiet and rustic fishing village charm quite unlike most beaches in Bali. It's often recognized as the total opposite of Kuta, which is located on the opposite side of the island. The coastline has a mix of grainy and coarse coral sand. Much of it is protected by the Sanur Reef, and the resulting calm waves allow you to swim and enjoy snorkeling right off the beach. It’s excellent for witnessing impressive sunrises, with outlines of Mount Agung and Nusa Penida Island on the far horizon.
Location: Sanur Beach, Sanur Kaja, Denpasar City, Bali, Indonesia
6.Canggu Beach
Good for: Adventure, Photo, Families, Couples, Budget
Canggu Beach is roughly between Seminyak and Tanah Lot. The beach offers a rugged coastal scene and challenging surfing. Most of Canggu’s coastline has volcanic black sand, while its surf breaks have become popular with international surfers. Canggu’s countryside of verdant rice fields adds to its appeal, with plenty of villas and hotels making good use of the view, as well as its close proximity to the beach.
Location: Pantai Canggu, Canggu, North Kuta, Badung, Bali, Indonesia
7.Nusa Dua Beach
Good for: Adventure, Photo, Families, Couples, Budget
Nusa Dua is one of Bali’s all-inclusive tourism complexes, where you can find luxury resorts and international chain hotels, upmarket shopping complex, superb facilities and manicured gardens that seamlessly blend in with a luxurious 18-hole golf course.Such exclusivity means its beaches are secluded, clean and often uncrowded. One of Nusa Dua’s most popular beaches is Geger Beach, located on the southern shores of Sawangan. It offers the unique backdrop of Geger Temple perched on a grassy limestone clifftop.
Location: Pantai Nusa Dua, Bali, Indonesia
8.Candidasa Beach
Good for: Adventure, Photo, Families, Couples, Budget
Candidasa serves as the main base for divers to explore underwater life in the surrounding waters. Its many beaches come in short stretches, some of which are secluded white sand bays bordered by hilltops.
Location: Pantai Candidasa, Bali, Indonesia
9.Uluwatu
Good for:Adventure, Photo, Budget
Uluwatu is home to some of Bali's most beautiful cliff-fringed coasts, many of which are known as the island's hidden beaches. World-class surf breaks are only a short paddle out from the sand. Most of the surf here is on reef breaks, reserved only for advanced wave riders. The sands here are mostly fine and soft, and most of its coastline reflects the region’s rugged limestone topography. Beautiful rock pools emerge at low tide.
Location: Pecatu, South Kuta, Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia
10.Tanjung Benoa Beach
Good for: Adventure, Photo, Families, Couples,Budget
Tanjung Benoa is one of the best places in Bali for water sports. Parasailing, jet skiing and banana boat riding are provided by various operators along the coast. The beach is similar to the neighboring Nusa Dua’s coastline, with a mix of fine and coarse sand. Most are well-maintained beachfronts of resorts and hotels in Tanjung Benoa. For safety, swimming is limited to areas bordered by marker buoys.
Location: Benoa, South Kuta, Badung, Bali, Indonesia
BEST TIME TO VISIT BALI
The best time to visit Bali is between April and October, the island's dry season. Bali experiences only two seasons: the rainy season and the dry season. Throughout the year, the daytime temps hover between the mid-80s F and low 90s F , with only the humidity and precipitation patterns changing.
WHAT IS THE MAIN RELIGION IN BALI?
The main religion in Balinese culture is Hinduism, but it is quite different from the Indian Hindu religion. In Bali, the religion is closer to what we can call “animism”: the belief in the souls of all things in nature.
LANGUAGE SPOKEN IN BALI
There are three main languages spoken in Bali: Indonesian, Balinese, and English. This is the official language of Indonesia which unites the vast archipelago. Used across the country, Indonesian is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world.
Sites that were used: https://www.hotels.com/go/indonesia/best-bali-things-to-do
