Things to Do · Bali
Updated June 2026The Best Things to Do in Bali
Rice terraces and clifftop temples, a sunrise volcano trek, hidden waterfalls and the surf at Uluwatu — here are the 12 things to do in Bali worth your time, and how to book them.
The short answer
The best things to do in Bali are exploring Ubud and the rice terraces, the clifftop temples at Uluwatu and Tanah Lot, a Mount Batur sunrise trek, the island’s waterfalls, and a Nusa Penida day trip to Kelingking Beach. Tours, transport and good guides book up, so reserve ahead through GetYourGuide or Klook. For where to stay and a full itinerary, see our Bali travel guide.
Key takeaways
- 7–10 days lets you mix Ubud’s culture with the southern beaches and an island trip.
- The Mount Batur sunrise trek and a Nusa Penida day trip are the two standout experiences.
- Hire a private driver for temple and waterfall days — far easier than scooters for big distances.
- Visit in the dry season (April–October) for the best weather and sea conditions.
- Activities are excellent value — tours, classes and entry fees cost far less than in Europe.
The highlights
12 best things to do in Bali
Temples, nature and adventure — with a note on what’s worth booking a guide or driver for.
Ubud & the rice terraces
Bali’s cultural heart — the Tegallalang rice terraces, the Sacred Monkey Forest, art markets and the royal palace. The perfect base for your first few days.
Book an Ubud tour on GetYourGuideThe clifftop temples
Uluwatu perched above the surf (catch the sunset Kecak fire dance), sea-girt Tanah Lot, and the “Gates of Heaven” at Lempuyang. Bali’s most photogenic sights.
Book a temple tour on GetYourGuideMount Batur sunrise trek
Hike an active volcano in the dark to watch dawn break over the caldera and Lake Batur — Bali’s classic adventure. Go with a licensed guide and book ahead.
Book the trek on KlookThe waterfalls
Chase the cascades — easy Tegenungan near Ubud, the jungle plunge of Tibumana, and the spectacular tiered Sekumpul in the north. Great on a private-driver day.
Book a waterfall tour on GetYourGuideNusa Penida day trip
The island off Bali’s coast with the famous T-Rex-shaped Kelingking Beach, Angel’s Billabong and Broken Beach. Rough roads, so a guided tour is the easy way.
Book on KlookSurf & the southern beaches
Learn to surf at Kuta or Canggu, watch the pros at Uluwatu, and beach-hop the Bukit Peninsula. Seminyak and Canggu are the spots for beach clubs and sunsets.
Book a surf lesson on GetYourGuideSnorkelling & diving
Clear water and turtles at Nusa Lembongan, the famous USAT Liberty wreck at Amed, and manta rays around Nusa Penida — some of Asia’s best, and beginner-friendly.
Book on KlookJungle swings & the Bali swing
Soar out over the rice fields and river valleys on the giant swings around Ubud — kitschy, yes, but the photos and the views are genuinely spectacular.
Book on KlookWhite-water rafting
Paddle the Ayung River through jungle gorges and past waterfalls near Ubud — a fun, accessible adventure that suits families and first-timers.
Book on GetYourGuideA Balinese cooking class
Visit a market, then cook classics like satay and nasi goreng with a local family — one of the most rewarding and affordable experiences on the island.
Book on ViatorSpa & yoga in Ubud
Bali is the home of the wellness escape — a flower-bath spa day or a sunrise yoga class in the rice fields is the perfect slow morning.
Find spa & yoga on GetYourGuideSunset at a beach club
Round off a day in Canggu, Seminyak or Uluwatu at a clifftop or beachfront club — sundowners, music and the Indian Ocean glowing gold.
Find beach clubs on GetYourGuideBeyond the south
Best trips from Bali
Nusa Lembongan & Ceningan
Calmer, smaller islands a short boat ride away — snorkelling, the blue lagoon and the yellow bridge. A great overnight or day trip.
Book on KlookThe Gili Islands
Three tiny car-free islands off Lombok — turquoise water, turtles and a laid-back vibe. A fast boat gets you there in a couple of hours.
Book on GetYourGuideEast Bali & Sidemen
Lush, untouristed rice valleys, the water temple at Tirta Gangga and the Lempuyang gates — Bali as it used to be, on a quieter day out.
Book on ViatorPlan it
Know before you go
Planning the whole trip? Our Bali travel guide covers where to stay, a 7-day itinerary, budgets, getting around and safety.
FAQ
Things to do in Bali: FAQs
What are the top things to do in Bali?
The must-dos are exploring Ubud and the Tegallalang rice terraces, visiting the clifftop temples at Uluwatu and Tanah Lot, trekking Mount Batur for sunrise, chasing waterfalls, and a Nusa Penida day trip to Kelingking Beach. Add a surf lesson, a cooking class and a beach-club sunset for the full Bali mix.
How many days do you need in Bali?
Seven to ten days is ideal — enough to combine a few days of culture and nature around Ubud with the southern beaches and an island day trip. Five days is the minimum to see the highlights without rushing. See our Bali travel guide for a day-by-day itinerary.
Is a Nusa Penida day trip worth it?
Yes — Kelingking Beach is one of the most spectacular viewpoints in Indonesia, and Angel’s Billabong and Broken Beach are nearby. The island’s roads are rough and the day is long, so a guided tour with transport and a fast boat is by far the easiest way to do it.
What is the best time to visit Bali?
The dry season from April to October offers the best weather, clearest seas for diving and easiest trekking. The wet season (November to March) is hotter and humid with afternoon downpours, but it’s quieter and cheaper. July and August are the busiest months.
Do you need to book Bali tours in advance?
For the popular ones, yes. The Mount Batur sunrise trek, Nusa Penida day trips and diving fill up, and booking ahead secures a licensed guide and your transport. Booking online is usually cheaper than arranging on the spot, with free cancellation if plans change.
Are activities in Bali expensive?
No — Bali is excellent value. Tours, cooking classes, spa days and temple entry cost a fraction of what you’d pay in Europe or Australia. It’s still worth comparing platforms like Klook and GetYourGuide for the same experience, as prices can differ.
Keep planning
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