The 12 best things to do in Bali

Bali lives large in travelers’ dreams for good reason. A unique Hindu culture makes the island distinct from the rest of Indonesia, a huge, majority-Muslim nation. Bali's dramatic tropical landscapes and pleasing shorelines cater to those who like to surf, practice yoga, hike, dive at pristine reefs or go white water rafting. And a long tradition of hospitality means that visitors are made to feel most welcome, whether in small villages or at luxurious hotels.

Where to even begin on this Island of the Gods? Short wellness-focused stays might be satisfied at the spas in Ubud, on the beaches in Sanur or Seminyak, or at the sea temple at Ulu Watu in South Bali; a longer trip could reach beyond the verdant rice terraces in the center of the island to West Bali or the offshore islands.

Consider this list of 11 of the best things to do in Bali when planning your itinerary.

1. Photograph the colorful fishing fleet at Perancak

The fleet of selerek (traditional Balinese fishing boats) at the Perancak inlet provides one of the most delightful – and least known – sights on the entire island. These vibrantly colorful longboats, with curiously decorated crow’s nests (many shaped like chariots) and long-tail engines spiking out from their hulls, will amaze any visitor who takes the trouble to reach this unspoiled corner of West Bali.

Detour: Circle around from Perancak to east of Pemuteran, where you can’t miss the fields of grapevines, a surprise for those expecting the rice fields that cover so much of Bali. The island has a burgeoning wine scene, and one of the pioneering vineyards is Hatten Wines, which creates 11 very drinkable wines that you can sample at its winery, sitting sedately amid 12 hectares of vines.

2. Explore underwater in the Coral Triangle

Lying at the center of the Coral Triangle, one of the richest marine habitats on the planet, Bali has its share of Indonesia's top diving and snorkeling spots. In fact, the entire north coast – which is spared the lashing waves of the south – is a watery wonderland for snorkelers and scuba divers. Nusa Lembongan is a good place to start; Bali Hai runs day trips to Manta Alley and other local dive sites, as well as full PADI-certification courses.

Planning tip: Off Bali’s northwest tip, Pulau Menjangan in West Bali National Park has world-class diving – without crowds. However, undertaking a trip independently can add up: there’s the boat ride itself (for up to 10 people), plus a mandatory guide, equipment rental and insurance. The Menjangan resort can arrange guided diving and snorkeling trips to Pulau Menjangan for you.

3. Grab a surfboard in South Bali

Bali is a world-class destination for surfers. While the island is legendary for the waves at Ulu Watu, Padang Padang (the Balinese Pipeline) and the aptly named Impossibles, countless other spots are perfect for intermediate or beginner surfers.

Canggu and Kuta Beach are the best hubs on the island for novice surfers; both have plenty of stands offering rentals and lessons. Check out Echo Beach for relatively mellow waves where you can find your feet. At Kuta Beach, the waves are even more suited for those getting the hang of things – most of the time, that is. Many beginners find out the hard way that high tide at Kuta brings steep, heavy shore breakers that often challenge even experienced surfers, so time your lessons around low tide, and save the tougher waves for later in your surfing career.

Planning tip: If you’d rather escape the crowds, Medewi in West Bali is one of Bali’s lesser-visited beaches for good waves. The point itself is covered in boulders, making it best for intermediate or experienced surfers, but the 10km of sandy-bottomed breaks on either side of Medewi are blissfully empty.

4. Stroll around emerald rice terraces in central Bali

Just 15km north of Ubud, the pretty rice terraces of Tegallalang are a prime tourist destination. Yet with each passing year, the area gets more and more developed, and it’s hard to soak up the beauty of the valley with all the noise from honking tour buses, especially at sunset.

For a better introduction to the great paddy landscapes that cover less-visited parts of Bali, head for the immense Jatiluwih terraces, around 40km northwest. This idyllic stretch of countryside is perfect for wandering alone, though you might consider hiring a local guide if you want to understand the intricacies of the 1000-year-old subak (irrigation) system, which is inscribed on UNESCO’s cultural heritage list.

Planning tip: To best enjoy any walk in Bali, bring water, sunscreen, a good hat, decent shoes and rain gear. Try to begin at daybreak, before it gets too hot. Should you tire, don’t worry; people on motorbikes will give you a ride, or you can summon one with the Gojek or Grab apps.

5. Climb the Batur volcano at sunrise

The 1717m summit of the Batur volcano is perhaps the best place to see the sunrise on an island that Indian statesman Jawaharlal Nehru called the “morning of the world.” From the crater rim, the view takes in Gunung Agung – the island’s highest peak and the spiritual abode of the gods in Balinese culture – and Gunung Rinjani on distant Lombok.

You’ll have to set your alarm incredibly early to witness the splendor. Most tours start with a hotel pickup between 1am and 2am so hikers can complete the 3.25km trek and arrive at the summit by sunrise.

Planning tip: To climb Batur, you must have a guide. Every hotel and homestay around Kintamani will be able to arrange one, as well as your return transport from the trek.

6. Pamper yourself at a holistic spa

Whether you choose to bliss out with an après-surf massage on the beach or have a marathon all-day pampering session in a five-star spa, Bali takes vacation relaxation to the next level.

Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan and Fivelements Retreat near Ubud are open to nonguests and rank among the best spa and wellness retreats I’ve been to. The Sacred River Spa at the Four Seasons has it all: spa treatments, traditional healers and chakra ceremonies in spellbinding surroundings overlooking the Ayung Valley. Fivelements specializes in holistic treatments inspired by Balinese traditions, with a focus on plant-based cuisine, sacred arts and romantic day experiences that are perfect for couples. Both spots offer yoga and other wellness packages.

Planning tip: If you’re traveling on a budget, head to one of the Yes Spa Bali establishments in Kuta or Legian for excellent traditional Balinese massages for under 140,000 Indonesian rupiah.

7. Raft through the Ayung Valley

Jungle rivers cascade down from the volcanic highlands in the center of Bali, carving great ravines that are some of the most dramatic features of the island’s geography. The southern hills teem with these rivers, and rafting is often the best way to experience these unspoiled canyons.

Bali’s rivers may not offer pulse-raising rapids, but what you lose in adrenaline, you gain in the sheer pleasure of seeing the Ubud area from a totally unexpected angle. It’s hard to believe that such pristine forest valleys can exist just a stone’s throw from bustling Ubud town.

Mason Adventures is one of the most reputable rafting companies and runs the longest rafting trips along the Ayung Valley, crossing over 30 rapids. You can combine an Ayung Valley rafting trip with a 20km mountain-bike tour that runs almost entirely downhill.

Planning tip: Having your own two wheels is the way to go north of Ubud. The relentless climbs make it a challenge for all but the most dedicated cyclists, but conversely, returning to Ubud is all downhill, so if you can get a ride one way, you can cycle or walk downhill the other way. 

8. Feel the wild spirit of West Bali 

It’s different in West Bali. Away from the crowds of the south, you can turn your attention to nature, watching critically endangered Bali starlings flit overhead while wild ebony leaf monkeys loop through the canopy and giant monitor lizards flick their tongues to taste the air. Herds of menjangan (deer) will even come right up to the beach bungalows – they’re famous for their tendency to cool their hooves in the shallows.

While you can only visit West Bali National Park with a guide, you’ll feel the wildness of region even if you’re traveling independently outside the reserve. Try trekking in the surprisingly arid hills of the cactus country, or watch macaques run free at the many temples in the area.

Planning tip: Just east of the national park, The Menjangan rents cycles and books guided walks, plus horse-riding and bird-watching tours, even if you aren't staying there.

9. Chill out at a private beach club

Bali is perhaps best known for its beaches – which means places like Kuta, Seminyak and Canggu can get packed indeed. If you tire of the crowded sand at public town beaches, a day at a private club can be an unforgettable experience.

Potato Head in Seminyak is much more than a beach club; this lively spot has two infinity pools, a music venue and several landmark restaurants, including Ijen, Bali’s first zero-waste restaurant. Down the beach, Mrs Sippy has Bali’s biggest saltwater pool and positions itself as a Mediterranean-inspired oasis.

Over in Canggu, Finns Beach Club caters to clients with five bars (including two sunken pool bars), three restaurants and live music, all spread across a beautifully designed property between two pools and the ocean.

If you’re in Sanur, check out Byrd House, a vibrant extension of the lovely Segara Village Hotel, which has been run by the same local family since the 1950s. Byrd House features a 25m-long infinity pool, spacious beachfront lawns, quality dining spaces and what is probably the best hot-tub cocktail bar you’ll ever find.

Planning tip: Drownings are common on some Bali beaches. Pay attention to red and yellow flags, and beware of riptides and strong currents. 

10. Align your chakras and live the yogi dream in Ubud

Yoga has been practiced on the Hindu island of Bali for over 1000 years, with the boom years for commercial yoga beginning in the early years of the 21st century. Ubud in particular has made a name for itself as Southeast Asia’s yoga capital.

The Yoga Barn began with one humble yoga shala (practice space) in 2007 and has since grown into a fixture on the Ubud scene, with seven studios running a whopping 130 classes a week. The complex is home to a restaurant, cafe, store and even accommodations for students of its teacher training and specialist courses.

Offering around 60 classes a week, low-key Radiantly Alive has become a firm favorite with local yogis. It’s located on a quiet alleyway in the old town and is popular with students who prefer an intimate, communal atmosphere. Radiantly Alive has another yoga studio in Canggu.

Planning tip: Ubud is also a perfect place to uncover your previously hidden inner artist or plunge into Balinese culture. Arma is a veritable college of Balinese culture and creativity; workshops include painting, woodcarving, gamelan, batik and Balinese dance and offering making.

11. Watch the sunset at the sea temple at Ulu Watu

Long before the epic wave at Ulu Watu was first surfed, Pura Luhur Ulu Watu was believed to be a magical portal with the potential to transport those who set eyes on it directly to heaven. It’s still absolutely spectacular, and even a casual observer can feel its significance, particularly at sunset (though the crowds of selfie hunters can make it difficult to remember that this is first and foremost a place of worship). As the sun begins to slip below the Indian Ocean, the air reverberates with a hypnotizing chant as kecak dancers mesmerize audiences.

Planning tip: Be prepared to sit in a traffic jam (or sidestep one by going by motorbike with Grab or Gojek), and aim to arrive an hour before the show starts

12. Walk with pink buffaloes in Pekutatan

While water buffalo have become rare in Bali since mechanized farm tools took the place of plows, you can still spot a few rare pink buffalo in the fields, particularly in West Bali. Join a half-day guided paddy walk with pink buffaloes near Pekutatan for fascinating insights into the role that these creatures play in the rice-growing cycle and the complex rituals behind rice farming on the island.

Detour: Balian Beach, west of Pekutatan, is a rolling area of dunes and knolls overlooking pounding surf, attracting both surfers and those looking to escape the bustle in other parts of the island. The sand is right at the mouth of the wide Sungai Balian (Balian River). Wander between cafes and join other travelers for a drink over sunset and surf talk.