The Best Things to Do in Bali Right Now

Bali is one of those places that refuses to fit into any single box.

People come for the beaches and stay for the culture. They show up for the nightlife and end up mesmerized by temples wrapped in mist. They plan a quick Bali trip and suddenly want to see the entire island from the black sand beaches in the north to the crystal clear waters around the Nusa Islands.

There’s a reason Bali, Indonesia, remains one of the top travel destinations in the world.

It offers so much fun for young adults, families, solo travelers... basically anyone who wants a mix of adventure and golden sunsets!

We asked our crew for their top picks for things to do in Bali. This guide covers their favorite things if you want the full experience. Culture, food, beaches, wildlife, day trips, hidden gems, sunrise treks and so much more.

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Explore the temples and Balinese culture

Bali is deeply shaped by Balinese Hindus and the island’s history. Temples are everywhere and each one feels different. They're a good alternative to Bali and Uluwatu's nightlife. What's wrong with a bit of culture to balance out those happy hour cocktails, right? If you want to understand the rich history of the island, start with a few of the big names.

Uluwatu temple

Uluwatu temple sits on a cliff high above the ocean and feels like a place built to impress the gods. The cliffside views are incredible. Sunsets here are famous for a reason. Stick around for a traditional Balinese dance performance in the amphitheater. The Kecak fire dance is loud, fiery and hypnotic.

Tanah Lot temple

Tanah Lot is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Bali. It’s a temple complex built on a rock that sits just offshore and becomes completely surrounded by water at high tide. It’s stunning. If you’re in southern Bali, it’s an easy visit and a great place to watch the sun drop into the ocean.

Tirta Empul

This temple is famous for its purification ritual. Locals and travelers line up to step under fountains fed by natural spring water. If you want to connect with traditional Balinese culture, this is the place. Try to go early in the morning to avoid the crowds.

Ulun Danu Beratan temple

Known as the floating temple, it sits on Lake Beratan in central Bali. Mist rolls in over the water and the temple seems to hover above the lake. It’s one of the most photographed places on the island and well worth the trip.

Ubud monkey forest and temple

The sacred monkey forest in Ubud is home to hundreds of long-tailed macaques. They wander freely around ancient temples and moss-covered statues. It’s fun and a little chaotic. The monkeys are cheeky too. Keep your sunglasses and snacks tucked away because the monkeys know what they’re doing. Even so, the forest is beautiful and worth visiting.

Visit Bali’s rice terraces

You can’t visit Bali without stepping into the world of rice terraces. They’re everywhere, but a few stand out as absolute must-sees.

Tegallalang rice terraces

Tegallalang sits just outside Ubud and is one of the most popular tourist attractions for a reason. The views are classic Bali. Lush rice terraces are layered down the hillside. Coconut trees swaying overhead. Cafes with swings that let you fly above the valley. It’s busy, but gorgeous all the same.

Jatiluwih rice terraces

If you want beautiful rice terraces with fewer people, head to Jatiluwih. This UNESCO World Heritage Site covers more than 600 hectares of stunning rice fields in central Bali. You can wander through the terraces for hours and barely see anyone. It’s peaceful and shows a side of the island many travelers miss.

Chase adventures around Mount Batur and Mount Agung

If you’re after a little adventure, Bali has two iconic volcanoes that offer massive views and serious bragging rights.

Mount Batur sunrise trek

This is one of the best things to do in Bali for young adults and anyone who loves the outdoors. You hike up in the dark, reach the summit before sunrise, and watch the sky turn gold above the lake. It’s not a hard trek, but it’s definitely memorable.

Mount Agung

Mount Agung is the tallest mountain on the island and sacred to Balinese Hindus. Treks here are far more challenging. If you’re fit (we assume you are after doing these surf exercises) and ready for a big day, the views won’t disappoint.

Enjoy Bali’s beaches

Bali has beaches for every kind of traveler. You’ll find beginner surf beaches with perfect waves, pristine beaches with calm water, tasty warungs, beach clubs with music and cocktails and hidden gems tucked between cliffs.

Balangan beach

A favorite of surfers. Clean lines, cliffs, long stretches of sand. Perfect for those wanting a taste of southern Bali. Add it to your beach-hopping list and get going!

Melasti beach

Clear water. Limestone cliffs. A stunning ribbon of white sand. One of the most stunning spots on the island. If you like dramatic scenery, this is your spot. One of our favorites.

Nusa Dua

Perfect for calm swimming. Pristine beaches. Clear water. Great for families or anyone wanting a quiet day. Some pretty epic snorkeling too.

North Bali beaches

Northern Bali has black sand beaches and quiet fishing villages. If you want a slower pace, head north. There aren't as many people and it's harder to get to, but you'll for sure enjoy the change of scenery.

Visit the Nusa Islands and beyond

If you’ve already visited Bali or want to explore beyond the mainland, the Nusa Islands and the Gili Islands offer crystal clear waters and vibrant marine life.

Nusa Penida

Nusa Penida is home to Diamond Beach, Broken Beach and the famous cliffs around Kelingking. If you like dramatic views, this island delivers. Snorkeling and diving here is incredible with the chance to see manta rays at Manta Point.

Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan

Small, quiet and full of laidback beach bars and dive sites. Crystal Bay is a great spot for swimming and snorkeling.

Gili Islands

Close enough for a day trip or a short stay. No cars. Clear water. Chill atmosphere. Great diving. Take a fast boat and you'll get there from Bali in less than 2 hours.

Go diving or snorkeling

Bali offers dive sites suitable for beginners and experts. Whether you want coral gardens, shipwrecks, or manta rays, you’ll find it here.

Manta Point and Crystal Bay

Both are around Nusa Penida. If you want to swim with manta rays, this is the place to go. They're big and majestic and it's fun to switch up surfing for an underwater activity.

Blue Lagoon

Near Padangbai on the east coast. Great for snorkeling with colorful coral and vibrant marine life.

Amed and Tulamben

These relaxed coastal towns in east Bali are known for the USAT Liberty wreck. Easy dives. Good visibility. Great for learning or exploring at your own pace. Book a scuba diving session and see one of the top dive sites on the island.

Other Bali adventures and activities to enjoy

Relax in hot springs

Northern Bali has natural hot springs tucked into the many hillside villages. The water is warm and soothing. Ideal after a long day of exploring waterfalls or rice fields. Or just for when you want to escape the hustle of southern Bali.

Take a Bali cooking class

Balinese food is full of fresh herbs, spices and local flavors. Cooking classes teach you how to make dishes like satay, sambal and traditional curries. It’s hands-on and a great way to connect with local food. The best part is that you get to taste and try everything as you go!

Have fun at Waterbom Bali

If you want something that’s pure fun, head to Waterbom Bali. It’s one of the top water parks in Asia with big slides and lazy rivers. It’s a great break from temple hopping or a traditional dance performance. Here you can unleash your inner child and have fun with mates.

Visit Bali Bird Park and Bali Safari

Both parks offer wildlife-focused experiences. Bali Safari blends cultural shows with animal encounters. Bali Bird Park has hundreds of species from across Indonesia and beyond.

Look for hidden gems in North Bali

North Bali has waterfalls, rice fields, quiet temples and local villages that feel untouched. If you want to explore Bali away from the crowds, this region is full of underrated places. Hit up our guides for more tips on where to go in North Bali.

FAQ: Best things to do in Bali

Q. What’s the best region to stay in for first timers?

Most travelers stay in southern Bali or the Bukit Peninsula (Uluwatu) because it’s close to beach clubs, nightlife and popular tourist attractions. And us too of course! Seminyak and Canggu are great choices. If you want culture, stay in or around Ubud.

Q. What’s the best thing to do in Bali for young adults?

Beach clubs, surf lessons, Waterbom Bali and the Mount Batur sunrise trek are top picks. The Nusa Islands also make great day trips.

Q. Where can I see beautiful rice terraces?

Tegallalang is the classic one. Jatiluwih is the quieter UNESCO World Heritage Site with huge landscapes and fewer people.

Q. Is Bali good for snorkeling and scuba diving?

Yes. Bali has vibrant marine life around Blue Lagoon, Amed and Tulamben. Nusa Penida is famous for manta rays at Manta Point.

Q. What’s the best hidden gem in Bali?

Jatiluwih rice terraces, the hot springs in northern Bali, quiet temples in central Bali and the villages around Mount Batukaru are some of the most underrated spots. There's also West Bali National Park for forests, mangroves and even savanna.

Q. Can I visit Nusa Penida in one day?

You can. Many travelers do a day trip from Sanur or Nusa Lembongan. If you want to see Diamond Beach, Broken Beach and Kelingking in all their glory, start early.

Q. Is Ubud Monkey Forest worth visiting?

It is. It’s wild, fun, and full of Balinese culture. Just keep your belongings secure.

Bali's beaches, temples and national parks await!

Bali is a beautiful island with a stunning culture and more things to see than you can fit into one trip.

Whether you want hidden hotspots, temples, pristine beaches or the biggest attractions in Bali, this island has a way of turning every day into an adventure. Book a stay with us and explore Uluwatu. Then, when you're ready for a change of scenery, check out the rest of this magic island!

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