Best Things to Do in Bali: Ultimate Activity Guide

Bali is home to over 20,000 Hindu temples, and visiting a few of the most iconic ones should sit at the top of any itinerary. Tanah Lot, perched on a rocky outcrop surrounded by crashing waves, is arguably the island's most photographed temple and is especially stunning at sunset. Entrance costs around IDR 60,000 (roughly $4 USD) for international visitors. Uluwatu Temple, balanced on sheer limestone cliffs 70 meters above the Indian Ocean, stages a mesmerizing Kecak fire dance every evening at 6 PM. For a more spiritual immersion, head inland to Tirta Empul near Tampaksiring, where Balinese Hindus perform ritual purification under sacred spring water spouts. Visitors are welcome to participate, provided they wear a sarong and sash (available for rent at the entrance for IDR 15,000). Besakih Temple, known as the Mother Temple, sits on the slopes of Mount Agung and is the island's largest and holiest complex. Less-visited gems include Gunung Kawi, a collection of 11th-century rock-cut shrines reached by descending 300 steps through a lush river valley, and Lempuyang Temple, famous for its Gateway to Heaven photo opportunity framing Mount Agung in the distance. Arrive before 8 AM at Lempuyang to avoid long queues.

The UNESCO-listed Jatiluwih Rice Terraces in Tabanan regency offer the most expansive and unspoiled views of Bali's iconic subak irrigation landscapes. A well-marked 3-kilometer loop trail winds through working paddies where farmers still plant and harvest by hand. Entrance is IDR 40,000 ($2.50 USD), and the altitude keeps temperatures pleasantly cool. Closer to Ubud, the Tegallalang Rice Terraces are more accessible and deliver those classic Instagram-worthy tiers carved into a steep river valley. They do attract large crowds, so aim to arrive at sunrise. A suggested donation or entrance fee of IDR 15,000 to IDR 25,000 applies depending on which viewpoint you use. Small cafes along the ridgeline serve coffee with unbeatable panoramic views. For a more adventurous nature walk, try the Campuhan Ridge Walk in Ubud, a gentle 2-kilometer path along a narrow grassy ridge between two river valleys. It is free, opens at dawn, and is one of the most peaceful morning activities on the island. Serious hikers should consider a sunrise trek up Mount Batur, an active volcano that rewards climbers with breathtaking caldera views. Guided treks depart around 3:30 AM from Kintamani and cost IDR 450,000 to IDR 600,000 ($28-$38 USD) per person including breakfast cooked on volcanic steam vents.

Bali's coastline is remarkably varied. The south coast features powdery white sand beaches like Nusa Dua and the hidden coves of the Bukit Peninsula, while the north and east coasts offer black volcanic sand shores with exceptional snorkeling. The west coast around Canggu and Seminyak combines great surf with a lively beach bar scene. Start at Kelingking Beach on Nusa Penida, often called the T-Rex cliff for its dramatic headland shape. The viewpoint is free, though the steep descent to the beach below is only for fit and confident hikers. Back on the mainland, Padang Padang Beach near Uluwatu is tucked behind a narrow cave entrance and feels like a private cove -- entrance is just IDR 15,000. Dreamland Beach nearby offers wider sands and decent bodyboarding waves. For a more relaxed day, head to Sanur on the east side where calm, shallow waters are perfect for families and stand-up paddleboarding. The beachside promenade stretches 5 kilometers and is lined with warungs serving fresh grilled seafood from IDR 50,000. On the north coast, Lovina's quiet black sand beaches are the launching point for early-morning dolphin watching boat trips (around IDR 150,000 per person). If you want the ultimate beach day, book a fast boat to the Gili Islands or Nusa Lembongan where crystal-clear turquoise water and vibrant coral reefs await.

Bali is a world-class destination for water sports, with activities available for every skill level. Surfing headlines the lineup -- beginners flock to Kuta Beach where gentle whitewash rollers break over forgiving sandy bottoms, while experienced riders chase the hollow barrels of Uluwatu and Padang Padang. Board rental starts from IDR 50,000 per hour, and a two-hour group surf lesson costs around IDR 350,000 ($22 USD). Scuba diving is equally impressive. The USAT Liberty shipwreck in Tulamben sits just 30 meters from shore and is accessible to open-water certified divers, with two-dive packages running $70-$90 USD including equipment. Nusa Penida's Manta Point delivers encounters with giant oceanic manta rays from July through November, and the crystal-clear waters around Amed offer vibrant coral walls teeming with macro life. White water rafting on the Ayung River near Ubud is a family-friendly thrill ride through a jungle gorge lined with stone carvings and waterfalls. Expect to pay $30-$50 USD per person for a two-hour session including hotel transfers. For adrenaline seekers, Tanjung Benoa in the south offers parasailing ($25 USD), jet skiing ($35 USD for 15 minutes), banana boat rides, and flyboarding. Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) at sunrise in Sanur is a calmer but equally memorable option.

Bali's living Hindu culture permeates daily life, making cultural immersion easy and authentic. In Ubud, the cultural heartland, you can watch traditional Legong and Barong dance performances nearly every evening at the Royal Palace or Pura Dalem Taman Kaja. Tickets typically cost IDR 80,000 to IDR 100,000 ($5-$6 USD) and shows run approximately one hour. For hands-on experiences, take a Balinese cooking class where you visit a morning market, learn to prepare bumbu spice paste, and cook dishes like sate lilit, lawar, and nasi goreng. Classes in Ubud run $25-$45 USD and typically last four to five hours. Silver jewelry workshops in Celuk village let you craft your own ring or pendant under the guidance of master artisans, with sessions starting at IDR 250,000. Batik and ikat weaving demonstrations are available in Tenganan, one of Bali's oldest villages, where the rare double-ikat geringsing cloth is still woven by hand. Visiting a traditional healer (balian) for a spiritual consultation has become popular since Elizabeth Gilbert's Eat, Pray, Love, though this requires respect and an open mind. Finally, attending a temple ceremony as a respectful observer -- especially during Galungan or Kuningan festival periods -- offers an unfiltered window into Balinese spiritual life that no tour package can replicate.

Bali's nightlife scene ranges from sophisticated sunset cocktail bars to full-throttle dance clubs that keep going until dawn. Seminyak is the upscale nightlife hub, with venues like Potato Head Beach Club offering infinity pools, international DJs, and curated cocktails from IDR 150,000 ($9.50 USD). KU DE TA remains a Seminyak institution, especially for sunset sessions with views over the Indian Ocean. Canggu has emerged as the trendier alternative, attracting a younger digital-nomad crowd. Old Man's is the legendary backpacker bar with live music, cheap Bintang beer (IDR 35,000 for a large bottle), and a raucous Wednesday Reggae Night. The Lawn and Finn's Beach Club provide more polished poolside atmospheres with day beds starting around IDR 200,000 minimum spend. For late-night clubbing, Kuta remains the party center, though it skews younger and rowdier. Sky Garden offers six floors of music across different genres, with free entry before midnight on most nights. In Ubud, nightlife is far mellower -- expect jazz lounges, acoustic sets in open-air bars, and the occasional fire dance show. Jimbaran Bay's beachfront seafood restaurants offer a different kind of evening entertainment: grilled-to-order lobster and fish at candlelit tables on the sand, with prices starting around IDR 200,000 per person for a generous spread.

Bali has earned its reputation as a global wellness destination, offering everything from $10 street-side massages to multi-thousand-dollar holistic retreat programs. A traditional Balinese massage at a local spa in Ubud or Seminyak costs IDR 100,000 to IDR 200,000 ($6-$13 USD) for a full hour and typically includes aromatherapy oils, pressure-point work, and long flowing strokes. For a luxury experience, COMO Shambhala Estate near Ubud is one of Asia's premier destination spas, set in the jungle above the Ayung River gorge. Multi-day residential programs focus on cleansing, Ayurvedic treatments, and yoga. Day visitors can book individual treatments starting around $120 USD. Fivelements in Mambal is another world-class option, specializing in Balinese healing rituals, raw food, and sacred arts. Yoga is woven into Bali's wellness fabric, with Ubud at the center. The Yoga Barn offers over 15 daily classes across multiple studios, with drop-in sessions at IDR 130,000 ($8 USD). Canggu's Desa Seni and The Practice host popular flow and yin classes in gorgeous open-air shalas. For a deeper commitment, multi-week yoga teacher training programs (200-hour YTT) run $1,500-$3,500 USD and are available year-round in Ubud, Canggu, and Amed. Combining yoga with daily surfing is a popular Canggu itinerary that balances physical challenge with mindful recovery.