What to Do in Bali

Bali offers an amazing mix of activities for every type of traveler. From thrilling water sports and volcanic hikes to peaceful yoga retreats and cultural experiences, this tropical paradise has something for everyone. This guide will help you find the best activities to make your Bali trip unforgettable.

Water Adventures

Bali is surrounded by beautiful ocean waters that offer plenty of exciting activities.

Surfing

Bali is a world-famous surfing destination with waves for every skill level. Beginners should head to Kuta Beach or Legian Beach where gentle waves and many surf schools make learning easy. More experienced surfers can enjoy the challenging breaks at Uluwatu, Padang Padang, or Bingin Beach. Most surf schools offer lessons from 1-2 hours with board rental included.

Snorkeling and Diving

The waters around Bali are home to colorful coral reefs and diverse marine life. The best snorkeling spots include Amed, Blue Lagoon in Padangbai, and Menjangan Island in the northwest. For diving, Tulamben is famous for the USAT Liberty shipwreck, while Nusa Penida offers the chance to swim with majestic manta rays and sometimes even the rare ocean sunfish (mola-mola).

White Water Rafting

Experience the thrill of white water rafting on Bali’s rushing rivers. The most popular rafting spots are the Ayung River near Ubud and the more challenging Telaga Waja River in East Bali. Most rafting trips last 2-3 hours and include safety equipment, guides, and often a buffet meal after your adventure.

Beach Clubs and Water Parks

For a more relaxed water experience, visit one of Bali’s famous beach clubs like Potato Head, Finn’s Beach Club, or Sundays Beach Club. These clubs offer swimming pools, beach access, food, and drinks in a stylish setting. Families with children will enjoy Waterbom Bali in Kuta, consistently rated as one of Asia’s best water parks.

Nature & Adventure Activities

Bali’s diverse landscape provides the perfect setting for outdoor adventures.

Mount Batur Sunrise Trekking

One of Bali’s most popular activities is the sunrise trek up Mount Batur, an active volcano. The hike starts very early (around 2-3 AM) to reach the summit by sunrise. Though challenging, the breathtaking views of the sunrise over Lake Batur and Mount Agung make it worth the effort. Guides are required for this trek, and they usually include hotel pickup and a simple breakfast at the top.

Rice Field Trekking

Explore Bali’s famous emerald rice terraces on foot. The most popular rice field walks are in Tegalalang near Ubud and Jatiluwih in central Bali. Many guided tours combine rice field treks with village visits to see traditional Balinese life. These walks are generally easy and suitable for most fitness levels.

ATV and Off-Road Tours

Get your adrenaline pumping with an ATV (quad bike) adventure through Bali’s countryside, jungles, and villages. Most tours run between 1-2 hours and take you through rice fields, jungle paths, and sometimes black sand beaches. Popular areas for ATV tours include Ubud, Tabanan, and Payangan.

Jungle Swings and Nests

Bali’s famous giant swings offer both thrills and amazing photo opportunities. Swinging high above rice terraces or jungle valleys, these Instagram-favorite spots can be found throughout Bali, with the most popular being in the Tegalalang area and Bali Swing in Ubud. Many places also offer bird’s nest-like structures and other creative photo platforms.

Cultural Experiences

Immerse yourself in Bali’s rich culture through various interactive experiences.

Traditional Dance Performances

Watch mesmerizing traditional Balinese dances that tell ancient stories through graceful movements and elaborate costumes. The most famous performances include the Kecak Fire Dance at Uluwatu Temple, the Legong Dance in Ubud, and the Barong Dance showing the eternal battle between good and evil. Most performances last about an hour.

Balinese Cooking Classes

Learn to make delicious Balinese dishes in a hands-on cooking class. Most classes start with a visit to a local market to select fresh ingredients, followed by preparation of traditional dishes like mie goreng (fried noodles), satay (grilled meat skewers), and various curries. Popular cooking schools can be found in Ubud, Seminyak, and Sanur.

Art and Craft Workshops

Try your hand at traditional Balinese arts and crafts by taking a workshop in batik painting, silver jewelry making, wood carving, or basket weaving. These classes usually last 2-3 hours and allow you to take home your creations. The best areas for art workshops are Ubud and the craft villages around it, each specializing in different traditional arts.

Village Tours and Temple Ceremonies

Experience authentic Balinese culture by visiting traditional villages and witnessing temple ceremonies. Many tours take you to villages like Penglipuran or Tenganan where you can see traditional housing and daily life. If you’re lucky, you might witness a colorful temple ceremony with offerings, prayers, and traditional music.

Wellness & Relaxation

Bali is famous worldwide as a wellness destination, offering many ways to rejuvenate body and mind.

Yoga and Meditation

Bali is a world-renowned yoga destination, especially in Ubud and Canggu. You can join daily drop-in classes or multi-day retreats at studios like Yoga Barn, Radiantly Alive, or Serenity Eco Guesthouse. Classes range from gentle restorative yoga to more challenging vinyasa and acroyoga, suitable for all levels from beginners to advanced practitioners.

Balinese Spa Treatments

Treat yourself to Bali’s famous spa experiences at a fraction of Western prices. Traditional Balinese massage uses long strokes and gentle pressure to relax muscles. Other popular treatments include flower baths, body scrubs with local ingredients, and relaxing facials. You’ll find spas everywhere from simple local places to luxury resort spas with breathtaking views.

Traditional Healing

Experience ancient Balinese healing practices by visiting a traditional healer (balian). These sessions may include energy work, massage, and herbal remedies. Some hotels and wellness centers also offer water healing therapies and sound healing ceremonies using gongs and singing bowls for deep relaxation.

Hot Springs

Soak in natural hot springs believed to have healing properties for the skin and body. The most popular hot springs are in the Kintamani area near Mount Batur at Toya Devasya and Toya Bungkah. The springs offer different temperature pools with stunning views of Lake Batur and the surrounding mountains.

Food & Drink Experiences

Balinese cuisine offers unique flavors that shouldn’t be missed during your visit.

Food Tours

Join a guided food tour to discover local delicacies you might not find on your own. These tours typically take you to warungs (local eateries), markets, and street food stalls to sample dishes like babi guling (suckling pig), lawar (spiced meat and vegetable mixture), and betutu (slow-cooked spiced chicken or duck). Popular food tour areas include Seminyak, Ubud, and Denpasar.

Jimbaran Seafood Dinner

Enjoy a memorable seafood dinner on the beach at Jimbaran Bay. Dozens of restaurants set up tables directly on the sand where you can select your fresh seafood (fish, prawns, clams, lobster) and have it grilled to perfection. The sunset view and gentle waves create a magical dining atmosphere.

Coffee Plantations

Visit a coffee plantation to see how the famous Luwak coffee (one of the world’s most expensive coffees) is produced. Most plantations offer tours explaining the coffee-making process and tastings of various coffee and tea varieties. Popular coffee plantations are located in the Kintamani and Munduk regions.

Sunset Cocktails

Bali offers spectacular sunset views that pair perfectly with cocktails. The best sunset drinks can be found at Rock Bar in Jimbaran, La Plancha on Seminyak Beach, or Single Fin overlooking Uluwatu surf break. Many places offer special happy hour deals around sunset time.

Nightlife & Entertainment

When the sun goes down, Bali’s entertainment scene comes alive with options for every taste.

Beach Clubs

Bali’s beach clubs are perfect for transitioning from daytime sun to evening fun. Popular spots include Potato Head and Ku De Ta in Seminyak, Finn’s Beach Club in Canggu, and Omnia in Uluwatu. These venues often feature swimming pools, international DJs, and creative cocktails with spectacular ocean views.

Nightlife Areas

Each area in Bali has its own nightlife vibe:

• Kuta – Lively and budget-friendly with many bars and clubs

• Seminyak – Sophisticated cocktail bars and upscale clubs

• Canggu – Relaxed beach bars and hipster hangouts

• Ubud – Laid-back lounges with live music and art

Cultural Performances

Evening cultural shows combine dinner with traditional performances. The most elaborate is the Devdan Show at Nusa Dua, which showcases dances from across Indonesia with modern theatrical elements. In Ubud, many restaurants offer dinner shows featuring traditional dance performances.

Live Music

Enjoy live music at venues across the island. Old Man’s in Canggu hosts popular band nights, Casablanca in Legian features live rock music, and many restaurants in Ubud offer acoustic sets during dinner. Various beach bars also have regular live music nights, especially on weekends.

Day Trips & Island Excursions

Enhance your Bali stay with these popular day trips and nearby island explorations.

Nusa Islands

The nearby Nusa Islands make perfect day trips from Bali:

• Nusa Penida – Famous for Kelingking Beach (T-Rex cliff), Angel’s Billabong, and Broken Beach

• Nusa Lembongan – Known for clear waters, Devil’s Tear, and Dream Beach

• Nusa Ceningan – Home to the Blue Lagoon and connected to Lembongan by a yellow bridge

Most day trips include boat transfers, transportation on the islands, and visits to the main attractions. More adventurous travelers can stay overnight to explore at a slower pace.

Gili Islands

Further away but worth the trip, the Gili Islands off neighboring Lombok offer white sand beaches and a laid-back atmosphere:

• Gili Trawangan – The largest and most lively with bars and restaurants

• Gili Meno – Quiet and romantic with beautiful beaches

• Gili Air – A nice balance between social scene and relaxation

Fast boats make day trips possible, but an overnight stay is recommended to fully enjoy these car-free, bicycle-friendly islands.

Mountain Lakes and Waterfalls

The central highlands of Bali offer scenic day trips to twin lakes (Buyan and Tamblingan), the crater and lake of Mount Batur, and multiple waterfalls. Most tour companies offer full-day excursions that combine several mountain attractions with lunch at a local restaurant overlooking the scenery.

Bali Safari Park and Zoo

Families with children will enjoy the Bali Safari and Marine Park or Bali Zoo, both offering close encounters with animals, shows, and interactive experiences. These parks can easily fill a full day and provide shuttle services from major tourist areas.

Best Activities by Region

South Bali Activities

The south offers excellent beach and water activities:

• Surfing lessons in Kuta and Seminyak

• Beach club hopping in Seminyak and Canggu

• Water sports in Nusa Dua (jet skiing, parasailing, banana boats)

• Shopping at Beachwalk Mall or traditional Kuta Art Market

• Nightlife in Kuta, Legian, and Seminyak

• Seafood dinners on Jimbaran Beach

Central Bali/Ubud Activities

The cultural heart offers more traditional experiences:

• Yoga classes and wellness retreats

• White water rafting on the Ayung River

• Rice field cycling tours

• Craft village visits (silver in Celuk, woodcarving in Mas)

• Art galleries and museums

• Monkey Forest and wildlife encounters

• Traditional dance performances

• Cooking classes and food tours

North and West Bali Activities

The less-visited regions offer unique adventures:

• Dolphin watching at Lovina Beach

• Snorkeling at Menjangan Island

• Hot springs in Banjar

• Hiking to waterfalls in Munduk

• Bird watching in West Bali National Park

• Coffee plantation tours

• Buddhist monastery visits

East Bali Activities

The eastern region combines cultural and natural attractions:

• Diving and snorkeling in Amed and Tulamben

• Traditional salt making in Kusamba

• Village visits in Tenganan

• Trekking to Mount Agung (with a guide)

• Water palaces and royal heritage sites

Bali’s activities offer something for everyone, whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, cultural immersion, or culinary delights. Mix and match these experiences to create your perfect Bali itinerary.

Don’t forget to check our guides on What to See in Bali for sightseeing recommendations and What to Prepare for Bali to ensure you’re ready for all these amazing activities!