Last updated on July 13th, 2025
Looking for the best things to do in Bali? From the sacred temples of Ubud to the turquoise waters of Nusa Penida, Bali offers endless adventures for every traveler. Whether you seek sunrise hikes up volcanic peaks, traditional Balinese cooking classes, or Instagram-famous jungle swings, these 15 unforgettable experiences showcase why Bali remains Indonesia’s most beloved island. Here are the best things to do in Bali for an unforgettable Island of the Gods vacation.
Pro Tip: Book activities early during peak season (June-August & December) for the best availability.
Why Bali Should Be Your Next Vacation?
Bali’s top experiences offer:
🏖 UNESCO-listed temples and rice terraces
🏜 World-class surfing and snorkeling spots
🏞 Authentic Balinese cultural immersion
🍳 Award-winning cooking classes with market tours
🌅 Breathtaking sunsets at clifftop venues
Best Things to Do in Bali
1. Nusa Penida by Private Boat – Snorkeling 4 spots, Swim with Mantas & Land Tour
The Nusa Penida day trip combines Bali’s best marine life with iconic landscapes. Swimming with manta rays at Manta Point was the highlight of my Bali trip, followed by exploring Kelingking Beach’s dinosaur-shaped cliff.
- Duration: 10-12 hours
- Highlights: Manta ray snorkeling, Kelingking Beach, Crystal Bay
- Perfect for: Adventure seekers and photographers
2. ATV Quad Bike Bali with Waterfall, Gorilla Cave and Lunch
The ATV Quad Bike adventure takes you through Bali’s jungle, rice fields, and hidden waterfalls. The 2-hour ride culminating at Tibumana Waterfall was exhilarating – don’t forget your swimsuit!
- Duration: 4-5 hours
- Highlights: Jungle trails, waterfall swim, Balinese lunch
- Perfect for: Thrill-seekers and active travelers
3. Best of Ubud – 1 Day Private Tour
The Best of Ubud tour covers Bali’s cultural heartland. Watching sunrise over Tegalalang Rice Terrace before the crowds arrive was magical, followed by exploring the ancient Goa Gajah (Elephant Cave).
- Duration: 8-10 hours
- Highlights: Tegalalang Rice Terrace, Sacred Monkey Forest, Tirta Empul Temple
- Perfect for: First-time visitors and culture lovers
4. Uluwatu Sunset Kecak Dance and Dinner at Jimbaran Beach
The Uluwatu Sunset experience combines Bali’s most dramatic cliffside temple with traditional performance art. The kecak fire dance at golden hour, with crashing waves below, created my favorite Bali memory.
- Duration: 5-6 hours
- Highlights: Uluwatu Temple, Kecak dance, fresh seafood dinner
- Perfect for: Romantic evenings and culture enthusiasts
5. Bali Snorkeling Tour at Blue Lagoon Beach All Inclusive
The Blue Lagoon snorkeling tour reveals Bali’s vibrant underwater world. The calm, crystal-clear waters here make it ideal for beginners – I spotted angelfish, parrotfish, and even a turtle!
- Duration: 6-7 hours
- Highlights: Three snorkeling spots, lunch included, hotel transfers
- Perfect for: Families and marine life enthusiasts
6. Mount Batur Sunrise Hike and Natural Hot Spring Option
The Mount Batur sunrise hike rewards early risers with breathtaking views. Though the 2AM start was challenging, watching dawn break over three neighboring volcanoes from 1,717m was worth every step.
- Duration: 8-10 hours
- Highlights: Sunrise summit, volcanic craters, optional hot springs
- Perfect for: Active travelers and photography enthusiasts
7. Bali Full Day Traditional Village Sightseeing Trip All Inclusive
The Traditional Village tour offers authentic cultural immersion beyond tourist hotspots. Participating in a coffee ceremony at a family compound and learning about subak (water temple) irrigation systems gave me profound appreciation for Balinese traditions.
- Duration: 8-9 hours
- Highlights: Authentic village visits, traditional crafts, local lunch
- Perfect for: Cultural explorers and responsible travelers
8. Tanah Lot and North Bali Tour Scenic Journey
The Tanah Lot and North Bali tour showcases Bali’s diverse landscapes. Seeing the sunset behind Tanah Lot’s sea temple was spectacular, but the UNESCO-listed Jatiluwih rice terraces stole the show with their emerald-green beauty.
- Duration: 10-12 hours
- Highlights: Tanah Lot, Ulun Danu Temple, Handara Gate
- Perfect for: Landscape photographers and temple enthusiasts
9. Bali Rafting Ayung River Ubud White Water Rafting
The Ayung River rafting adventure combines adrenaline with stunning jungle scenery. The Class II-III rapids were exciting but manageable, and our guide pointed out hidden waterfalls and carvings along the canyon walls.
- Duration: 4-5 hours
- Highlights: 10km rafting route, jungle scenery, buffet lunch
- Perfect for: Families and adventure lovers
10. Ubud Monkey Forest Silver Class – Craft Your Own Silver Jewelry
The Silver Class workshop lets you create wearable Balinese art. Under master artisans’ guidance, I crafted a silver ring featuring traditional motifs – a perfect souvenir with personal meaning.
- Duration: 3-4 hours
- Highlights: Hands-on crafting, traditional techniques, take-home jewelry
- Perfect for: Creative travelers and souvenir seekers
11. Balinese cooking school 9 Dish Cooking and Market Tour
The 9-dish cooking class begins with a vibrant market tour where I learned about exotic ingredients like galangal and kencur root. Cooking satay lilit (Balinese spiced skewers) over coconut husk fire was a highlight I’ve recreated at home.
- Duration: 5-6 hours
- Highlights: Local market visit, hands-on cooking, recipe booklet
- Perfect for: Foodies and cultural travelers
12. Half Day Electric Cycling Tour of Ubud
The electric bike tour lets you explore Ubud’s countryside effortlessly. The pedal-assist bikes made climbing hills a breeze as we discovered hidden waterfalls and local coffee plantations most tourists miss.
- Duration: 4 hours
- Highlights: Secret waterfalls, rice field paths, local snacks
- Perfect for: Active travelers who want to cover more ground
13. From Ubud Authentic Bali Farm Cooking School Organic Farm
The farm-to-table cooking class begins with harvesting ingredients from the organic garden. Learning to make base gede (Balinese spice paste) from scratch while overlooking rice fields was an authentic culinary immersion.
- Duration: 6 hours
- Highlights: Organic farm tour, traditional kitchen tools, vegetarian options
- Perfect for: Sustainable travel enthusiasts
14. Private Bali Horse Riding In Seminyak Beach
The beach horseback ride offers a unique way to experience Bali’s famous sunsets. My gentle horse, Luna, splashed through the shallows as the sky turned fiery orange – pure magic.
- Duration: 1-2 hours
- Highlights: Sunset rides, photo opportunities, gentle horses
- Perfect for: Couples and animal lovers
15. Bali Instagram Tour: The Most Famous Spots (Private & All-Inclusive)
The Instagram Tour efficiently covers Bali’s most photogenic locations. Our guide knew all the best angles at Handara Gate and the jungle swings, helping me capture professional-looking shots without the crowds.
- Duration: 8-10 hours
- Highlights: Professional photos, skip-the-line access, curated locations
- Perfect for: Content creators and solo travelers
FAQs About Things to Do in Bali
Final Tips for Your Bali Adventure
– Book popular tours early (especially Nusa Penida and Mt. Batur)
– Respect temple dress codes – bring a sarong or rent one onsite
– Learn basic Balinese phrases – locals appreciate “suksma” (thank you)
– Carry small bills for tips and rural areas where cards aren’t accepted
Whether you’re chasing waterfalls, perfecting your downward dog in a jungle yoga shala, or feasting on nasi goreng at a beachfront warung, these unforgettable things to do in Bali will create memories to last a lifetime. The Island of the Gods awaits!
