What to Do in Bali: Tropical Beauty, Culture, and Adventure Await
Bali, Indonesia’s beloved island paradise, is a destination that effortlessly combines natural beauty, spiritual depth, and unforgettable adventures. From terraced rice fields and sacred temples to beach clubs and wellness retreats, figuring out what to do in Bali is an experience as rich and diverse as the island itself.
Whether you’re chasing waves, exploring ancient temples, or simply watching the sunset with a coconut in hand, Bali offers something for every traveler — all wrapped in an atmosphere of laid-back charm and warm hospitality.
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Top Experiences in Bali
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Mount Batur sunrise hike and natural hot spring
Meet your own private tour guide, a trained 4WD specialist, and climb aboard a custom‐built, four‐wheel drive vehicle. Your guide is also a certified member of the Mount Batur Guide Association, so expect great stories about the history of the region and interesting information about the features of the landscape, all with a great sense of humor. You are in safe hands on this off‐road adventure. See the sunrise from the sunrise drop area at Mount Batur, with a lake view and sunrise point view for a memorable trip when exploring Mount Batur. The second stop is the volcanic lava flow of 1964. Your tour guide has the answer. As the guide navigates the four‐wheel drive vehicle through the lava fields to get there, you will witness the local farmers working in their small fields and vegetable gardens. Be surrounded by world‐famous black Lava formations and witness the extraordinary view of an active volcano in the distance. Incredible photo opportunities await.
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Ubud ATV Ride and Rafting with Lunch and Private Transfers
Spend the day in nature, first by river raft, then by all‐terrain vehicle (ATV or quad bike), on this classic Ubud adventure with private hotel transfers. Discover hidden waterfalls as you raft the Ayung River with a guide to help you handle the thrills and spills; enjoy a buffet lunch; then get up close to some of the island’s most authentic areas as you ride through villages and rice fields.
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Waterbom Bali Tickets with Private Hotel Transfers
Ensure your place at Waterbom Bali and beat south Bali’s gridlocked traffic with this convenient private package that includes hotel transfers and pre‐booked tickets. With almost 9 acres (4 hectares) of carefully landscaped grounds, Waterbom is TripAdvisor’s #1 water park in Asia. Find out why on thrilling rides like the super‐steep Climax or the gentler pleasures of the kids’ area.
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Purification Holy Bath at Beji Gria Waterfall
Once‐in‐a-lifetime experience of releasing stress and tension at one of the most beautiful hidden gems called Beji Gria Waterfall. Immerse yourself with local pilgrims and soak yourself in the natural spiritual atmosphere of Bali. The procession of purification holy bath you can expect from beginning until finish are 1. Meditate / pray led by temple priest before starting your holy bath 2. First step you will walk through narrow canyon and do your first holy bath in purpose to make a balance on your health 3. Second holy bath on a small well that have purpose to cleanse your aura so you can attract happiness and luck. 4. Release your anxiety , tension and sadness by scream/ crying at the first waterfall as loud as you can 5. Express your happiness by smile and laugh as loud as you can at second waterfall 6. Final step is receiving last blessing from the priest with pure holy water taken from green and yellow coconut water.
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Seminyak Beach eBike Private Tour
Explore the Balinese coast without breaking a sweat – or wearing out your shoes – on this half‐day E‐Bike tour along Seminyak Beach. Starting at Pantai Kuta Beach, ride along boardwalks and beaches, passing temples and beautiful ocean views along the way. Stop for an encounter with Balinese history at the Petitengent and Masceti Temples on Petitenget Beach, and dismount for a bit of shopping at the bustling Seminyak Flea Market. Cover this remarkable stretch of coast in an easy half‐day ride.
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Bali Private Driver: Full‐Day Door‐to‐Door Service
Even for experienced left‐side drivers, Balinese traffic can be stressful and dangerous. Skip the angst but enjoy the freedom of independent travel when you book this private driver service, with 2‐way transfers direct from the airport or most Ubud and south Bali hotels. Whether your interests run to temples, beaches, waterfalls, or shops, design your own itinerary or work with your driver to create the day of your dreams.
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All inclusive Bali Sekumpul Waterfalls Trekking Tour
Take a break from the beach on a private trekking tour of Sekumpul and Fiji waterfalls. Access the rural location with ease via motorbike, then be immersed in the region’s natural beauty as you explore Lemukih’s waterfalls on foot. Remember your swimwear, with plenty of opportunities to slide, swim, and dive beneath the cascades, and keep up your energy up with lunch included in the price.
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Bali Airport Private 1‐Way Transfer Service with Wi‐Fi
Taxi touts can make arriving at Bali airport stressful and expensive. Whether you’re landing in the Island of the Gods or saying goodbye to it, enjoy a seamless experience when you prebook this private 1‐way airport transfer—with onboard Wi‐Fi to save on roaming. There’s a wide choice of departure times to book online, exact to within an hour; the service covers Ubud, Canggu, Sanur, Kuta, Seminyak, Nusa Dua, and Jimbaran.
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Best of Ubud with Jungle Swing Experience
Maximize your time in the cultural hub of Ubud on a private, full‐day sightseeing tour from your Ubud accommodation. As you listen to informative commentary from your guide, you’ll visit the villages of Tophati, Celuk and Batuan to gain insight into traditional crafts like wood carving, Batik painting and silver crafting. Visit Gunung Kami Sebatu, a holy Hindu water temple, and admire the architectural majesty of Ubud Palace before you watch playful macaques frolic in the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary. Receive undivided attention from your guide on this private tour.
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Bali Full‐Day Tour Ulun Danu Bratan Temple, Tanah Lot Sunset
After hotel pickup in the morning by your private guide, your day trip starts with the drive to your first temple, Taman Ayun. Translating to 'beautiful garden,' Taman Ayun Temple was the royal family temple of the Mengwi Kingdom, built in the 1600s and surrounded by a moat. Next, enjoy the scenery during the drive to Ulun Danu Pratan Temple, known for its setting on Lake Bratan in the mountains near Bedugul. A water temple, the complex plays a role in serving the surrounding outflow area; downstream, there are smaller water temples specific to each subak, Bali's UNESCO World Heritage‐listed system of irrigation. Your last stop is Tanah Lot Temple, popular for its perch on a rocky outcrop that provides photo ops and one of Bali's best sunset vantage points. As you watch the sun go down over the ocean, you can ponder the significance of the temple—one of the seven sea temples along Bali's coastline—which is part of the island's mythology. Afterward, your tour ends with drop‐off at your hotel.
Discover the Magic of Bali
If you're wondering what to do in Bali to begin your journey, start with its cultural heart: Ubud. Nestled among jungle and rice fields, Ubud is known for its art, yoga, and spirituality. Visit the Sacred Monkey Forest, explore the lush Tegallalang rice terraces, or enjoy a traditional Balinese dance performance in a centuries-old palace.
For beach lovers, head to Seminyak or Canggu, where surf culture meets trendy cafes and boutique shopping. In contrast, the southern cliffs of Uluwatu offer dramatic coastlines, world-class waves, and the must see in Bali: the cliffside Uluwatu Temple, especially during a sunset Kecak fire dance.
What to Do in Bali at Night
Wondering what to do in Bali at night? Whether you're after a relaxed evening or something livelier, the island delivers. Seminyak’s beach clubs like Potato Head and KU DE TA offer elegant cocktails with ocean views, while Canggu’s bars and live music venues keep the vibe casual and cool.
For something a little different, attend a traditional performance at Ubud Palace or experience a night walk through Bali’s quieter jungle paths. A seafood barbecue on Jimbaran Beach — toes in the sand, ocean breeze in the air — is one of the top things to do in Bali at night and a magical way to wind down.
Unique Things to Do in Bali
Bali is full of surprises. If you're looking for unique things to do in Bali, consider taking part in a purification ritual at Tirta Empul temple — a spiritual cleansing in holy spring waters. For adventure seekers, hike Mount Batur at dawn to catch the sunrise above the clouds, or dive the shipwreck at Tulamben.
Want to get creative? Join a silver jewelry-making class or learn how to craft traditional Balinese offerings from local artisans. These immersive experiences are not just memorable, they’re a must do in Bali if you want to connect with the island’s rich culture.
What to Do in Ubud Bali
If you're wondering what to do in Ubud Bali, start by simply exploring on foot. The Campuhan Ridge Walk offers peaceful jungle views just minutes from town, while the Ubud Art Market is great for handmade souvenirs. Don't miss the nearby Goa Gajah (Elephant Cave) and Gunung Kawi, two atmospheric temple complexes set among rivers and lush greenery.
Wellness is also a highlight — Ubud is home to many yoga studios, retreats, and spas. Whether it's a sound healing session or a herbal scrub, it’s one of the best things to do in Bali for inner peace and balance.
Explore Bali Without Spending Much
Looking for things to do for free in Bali? Nature is your best friend here. Beach days, scenic rice field walks, or visiting open temple courtyards won’t cost a thing. Many yoga studios also offer free community classes, and hiking trails are abundant and often unmarked — meaning you can just follow your feet.
Eating local is also a treat. Bali is known for dishes like babi guling (suckling pig), nasi goreng, and satay lilit. Check out family-run warungs — traditional eateries where you’ll find authentic flavors and generous portions.
Final Thoughts: Why Bali Stays With You
Bali is best known for its stunning beaches, spiritual energy, welcoming people, and captivating mix of ancient and modern life. It’s a place where sunrise treks, temple offerings, and beach sunsets blend into a rhythm all its own. When thinking about what to do in Bali, it’s easy to see why so many visitors return again and again.
And are three days enough for Bali? They’re a beautiful start — but don’t be surprised if you wish you’d stayed longer.