Bali is an incredibly culturally, spiritually and naturally beautiful island, so you will never be short of things to do in Bali.
It is also the only region in Indonesia where the majority of the population is Hindu rather than Muslim. It’s therefore no surprise that one of the island’s main attractions is its Hindu temples, which are built in extraordinary locations that you won’t find anywhere else in the world.
As always, I recommend taking tours with local guides. Throughout this post, I’ll include links to the tours we personally took.
Before you continue, make sure you also read the post Where to Stay in Bali, so you can organise your activities according to your accommodation. Traffic is a serious issue in Bali, and travelling across the island is not as simple as it may seem.
Visit the Hindu Temples
One of the things I most wanted to do in Bali was visit the Hindu temples.
The first time we visited, we ended up seeing more than it was ideal for the limited time we had. For that reason, I created a separate post featuring the temples that are truly unmissable, and others that you can visit if you have extra time.
Visit Ubud
The last time we were in Bali we did this full-day tour Discover Ubud’s beauty in a day and absolutely loved it. The itinerary was flexible and our guide was excellent. Born and raised in Ubud, he taught us so much about Balinese culture and life in Ubud. Visiting Ubud is definitely one of the essential things to do in Bali.
Recommended stops in Ubud:
🐒 Monkey Forest
We skipped it because we already deal with plenty of monkeys in Singapore (even at home!), and Bali’s monkeys are far more aggressive.
If you do visit the Monkey Forest, keep a close eye on your personal belongings, including glasses, phones and bags.
⛲Tegenungan Waterfall
The waterfall offers lovely views and you can even go for a swim. I didn’t feel like swimming directly under the main waterfall, but after walking down the steps, there is a small pool fed by a natural spring, that is considered sacred and looked very inviting. So, if you visit Tegenungan Waterfall, make sure you take your swimsuit.
The climb back up is tough, but worth it!
☕️Visit a Coffee Plantation (Including a Luwak Coffee Tasting)
This stop is usually part of day tours around Ubud, and I think it’s worth it to do in Bali, not least as it’s a great way to support local businesses.
Tasting Luwak coffee can be a little controversial. The luwak is a small Asian mammal (quite cute, actually!) that loves eating coffee beans. The beans are later collected from the luwak’s droppings, washed, roasted and ground. Apparently, because the beans ferment naturally during digestion, the coffee becomes smoother and less bitter. To me, it’s still strong, but it certainly tastes different.Unfortunately, the controversy lies in the fact that some places mistreat the luwaks by keeping them in very small cages, making this an unethical activity.
At the last place we visited, however, we were told that the luwaks roam freely and, in fact there was one sleeping outside. They are nocturnal animals and therefore sleep during the day.
During these visits, you can also taste several local teas and regular coffee, Luwak coffee is optional.
🌿Tirta Empul Temple
This is one of Bali’s most famous temples, because many water purification ceremonies take place here. The water, which comes from natural springs, is considered to be among the most sacred in Bali. Many Balinese people come here to perform the purification ritual at least once a month.
The temple’s stunning Hindu architecture makes it a must-see attraction and one of the most meaningful things to do in Bali.
🌾Tegallalang Rice Fields (or Jatiluwih)
On this tour, we stopped for lunch with a view of the Tegallalang rice terraces. On a previous trip, however, we walked through the Jatiluwih rice fields, which felt more authentic. In Jatiluwih you can either take a short walk or spend hours wandering through the fields and enjoying nature.
This time, we didn’t actually walk through the Tegallalang terraces this time, but if you wish to do so, you’ll need to pay an entrance fee.
Yoga classes and retreats
Bali is a yoga paradise. Many hotels offer yoga classes for guests, and even if yours doesn’t, there will certainly be a yoga centre near your accommodation. Alchemy, for example, has locations in Ubud and Uluwatu, and also offers yoga teacher training.
Another very popular option is to attend a yoga retreat. Here are a few examples:
Spiritual guides and healing sessions
Many of the yoga retreats listed above offer spiritual sessions that you can add to your stay.
On my last trip to Bali, I decided to try a session with a spiritual guide, and it was a very powerful and revealing experience. It wasn’t cheap, but it’s something I would definitely do again.
I booked my session through Seek Sophie, a company founded by two Singaporeans dedicated to creating more authentic travel experiences. You can find more details here about what to expect from a session with the guide Jero Mangku, as well as the option to add a water purification ritual.
Other options include:
Surf
Bali is an unmissable destination for surfers, with beaches to suit all abilities. Kuta and Legian are usually recommended for beginners.
Below is a list of surf schools where you can book lessons:
Surfing is, for many travellers, one of the main things to do in Bali.
Beach
For suggestions of beaches and beach clubs with crystal-clear water, see the Uluwatu section in the post:
Snorkelling
For snorkelling, I much prefer the Gili Islands, either the three in the north or the five in southern Lombok. If you can’t make it to a neighbouring island, however, here are a few options:
Boat trip to Blue Lagoon from Padang Bai
This is what we did when Maria Rita was young. It’s not exceptional, but it’s pleasant.
Example tour on Get Your Guide:
Lembongan + Nusa Penida
These tours include three snorkelling spots and, if sea conditions allow, the chance to see manta rays at Manta Bay.
Be aware that the sea can be rough here. As with trips to Gili or Lombok, you should always check the conditions and choose operators with excellent reviews who prioritise safety.
Example tour on Get Your Guide:
This list provides plenty of ideas for things to do in Bali, and I hope it helps you plan an unforgettable trip!
Make sure you don’t miss the other posts about Bali, or other destinations you can visit on your trip.
*This post contains affiliated links, and if you make a reservation/purchase through them I may earn a small commission at no extra cost you.
