15 Things To Do In Bali That You Should Not Miss!

Without a doubt, there is an endless list of things to do in Bali. Bali is one of the most popular tourist destinations among the Indonesian islands.  It is an incredibly beautiful, scenic, and spectacular place to visit.  The tropical feel of its lush greenery, bustling streets, and lovely people you meet there would certainly make for a memorable experience.  

Bali quickly becomes one of the most economical places to visit for Western tourists. Bali has a lot to offer, with numerous activities to enjoy. From surfing to hiking, Bali attracts all kinds of tourists and enthusiasts. Thrill-seekers and adventurers should be excited to visit Bali.

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It is a vibrant and incredibly artsy place to visit. If your purpose is to relax and spend your time drinking coconut water at a beach resort, you can do that. Bali offers a whole new spiritual dimension for those seeking peace and calm.

Over the years, Bali has transformed into a major tourist destination. This has obviously prompted significant development over the years. Bali caters to its tourists quite nicely. If you plan to visit Bali, it is strongly recommended that you prepare well in advance. 

With so much to see, you could do a lot and yet miss some of the most amazing things Bali has to offer. Keep reading to know the top 15 places you definitely must visit and things you must see when you go to Bali.

The Top 15 Things To Do In Bali That You Should Not Miss!

Mount Batur

You must’ve visited and trekked a lot of hills and mountains, but Mount Batur is certainly different. This beautiful place is an active volcano that is a popular trekking destination for many in Bali. 

The summit lies at 1,700 meters above sea level and offers an unparalleled view of the surrounding area. The hike is relatively easy and should not be a big task for amateurs. One of the best times to undertake this trek is, of course, before sunrise. It can get pretty humid and hot for those not ready. 

You can either be part of an official trekking group, which will last up to 4 hours, depending on conditions. This will allow you to have snacks and other refreshments while trekking. 

Out of all the trekking experiences available, this one is probably one of the most unique in Bali and one worth exploring if you are an adrenaline junkie. Of course, there are many other places as well if you are not satisfied with this. 

Pura Ulun Danu Bratan

Are you looking to relax? This incredibly beautiful Buddhist Temple should be on your list.  It is located along the western shore of Lake Bratan.  This is obviously one of the many temples that we are going to talk about. 

The Temple’s location makes it a great place to take some amazing pictures. Lake Bratan is one of the most important water bodies in Bali. The Temple has been dedicated to Dewi Danu, the Goddess of the Sea and Lakes. 

Due to its location, you can often get paddle boats to indulge yourself in some lake exploration. It is definitely worth a visit if you want a calm and serene experience.  One of the best times to visit the Temple is just before sunrise. The surrounding lake can make it appear quite photogenic, thanks to the dreamy mist that envelops the Lake and Temple.

Nusa Dua Beach

Nusa Dua is a popular beach. There are many private resorts with their own areas on this beach. Get your surfboards ready, and this is a great place to surf and engage in other water-based activities. 

If you have not spared any expense, you would be smart to avoid any hassle by booking a room in one of the many private resorts on the private beach. It is a great place for kids as well, since the beaches are clean and safe, and the silky white sand is a lot of fun to play in. 

After you have had your fair share of sunbathing, you can enjoy a stroll along the beach or book a spa appointment. Whatever you choose to do, it will definitely be a great experience. 

Sideman Valley

Sidemen Valley is home to many terrace farmers and their exquisite rice terraces. This valley is close to Mt. Agung and is lush and green, with a clean, cloudy atmosphere to enjoy.

There are plenty of villages in the Sideman Valley. While the number of activities here is limited, Sideman Valley is a great escape from concrete jungles and bustling cities. There are numerous places to eat, have a drink, or buy traditional hand-crafted items. 

For adventure sports, Mt. Agung is a great place for trekking, while the nearby river is popular for rafting.  Many people stay in nearby homestays. So, if you like being close to nature, you can definitely look into bed-and-breakfast places here.

Tirta Empul Temple

Bali is a tropical island with extensive forest areas. One perk is that many places are located in lush green forests. Tirta Empul Temple is one such amazing place that is located in central Bali. 

This holy place is sacred and considered one of the most naturally revered places in Bali. Naturally, the Tirta Empul Temple is a place of heritage and pride.  The beautiful temple complex is quite large, with a spring-fed pool.

There is a lot to explore, and spiritually minded people can also seek permission to participate in various sacred ceremonies. Keeping in mind the locals’ traditions and customs, you will be expected to be respectful of their culture. 

Sekumpul Waterfall

These beautiful Sekumpul falls are considered among the best waterfalls in Bali and among the most popular tourist spots. Located in the Singaraja Region, the Sekumpul Waterfall is located north of Ubud. 

These cascading falls are perfect for cooling off on a hot day. The ideal way to reach them is to trek for almost 4 hours and reach this place in the middle of a lush tropical forest. The trek is not difficult; however, some sections are slippery, so caution is needed.

It is definitely a great place to visit if you are feeling particularly energetic or have a thirst for the wild. Although you should always try to learn the route from locals, or even better, hire a guide. 

Nusa Islands

As one of the most popular archipelagos, Bali has several smaller islands worth visiting nearby. The Nusa Islands comprise three islands accessible through a range of water transport options. 

Exploring the islands and their lagoons is a great experience for everyone who visits Bali at least once. Nusa Penida is the largest Island, while Nusa Ceningan and Nusa Lembongan are the smaller ones. 

Each Island has something to offer. From exploring marine life to sandy beaches, there is a lot for everyone to do. Just like many other beaches, these islands offer both luxury and budget resorts for travelers to stay. 

Gunung Kawi Temple

This 11^th-century temple complex is a must-visit heritage site. There is some impressive architecture to see and great carvings to observe. The temple complex is located along the river Pakerisan, near Ubud. 

The location itself is pretty scenic. There are beautiful, lush green hills, nearby rice terraces, and a serene environment. The entire visit to the Temple won’t take more than 2 hours.

Visit this play early in the morning to avoid crowds and soak in the Temple’s glory and history. The way to this temple complex is neither easy nor hard. There are some odd 300 steps to reach the Temple. If you don’t mind early-morning workouts, this is an amazing place to visit.

Pura Tanah Lot

This place is one of the most famous temple locations in Bali. This small yet exquisite Temple is built on a rocky shore with waves crashing all around it.  It is a 16th-century temple considered one of the most sacred places in Bali.

In fact, outsiders/foreigners are not allowed inside the Temple. But the location and picturesque setting make it a place worth visiting. Of course, early morning is preferred due to the heavy tourist rush during the day. However, keep the Tides in mind as well.

For foreigners, a good piece of advice would be to learn how to wear a sarong and a sash. It would also help you a lot if you got a good local guide to help you explore more.  

Ubud Monkey Forest 

One of the most interesting places to visit in Bali, if you like Monkeys or wildlife, in general, is the Ubud Monkey Forest.  It is located near Ubud’s town center. The Ubud Monkey Forest is a unique and interesting place. 

It is a place where co-existence is ensured between the Macaques and humans. There is quite a lot of free-roaming to do here. Many people, especially scientists, have come to this place to study the unique and rare plants in the forest.

Do not carry any food items, and make sure all your belongings are attached to you. Monkeys can be quite naughty and will not hesitate to grab hold of your expensive phones and other devices if you are not careful around them.

Ubud Market

Ubud is one of Bali’s largest tourist centers. This has led to a lot of local culture being showcased in various markets of Ubud. It is a beautiful and vibrant place filled with Balinese traditions and culture. The incredible Balinese Art displayed is one of the most coveted souvenirs for tourists. 

There are many galleries, shops, and museums where you can learn more about Balinese culture and art. You can definitely go ahead and buy some cool clothing or Wayang if you are interested.

Neka Art Museum is a good place to start learning about the culture and artistic work of the Balinese community over the years. You can, of course, buy a lot of Souvenirs from the place except clothing. There are masks, jewelry, sculptures, paintings, and much more for you to fork out on.

Menjangan Island

Menjangan Island is part of the West Bali National Park.  It is also known as ‘Deer Island’ by locals, as the Javan Rusa Deer call it home. And if you are looking for a quiet and peaceful place, you should definitely visit this place.

The Island boasts clear waters and a coral reef for you to explore. There is a good amount of exploring to be done, whether it is above on the land or below the clear waters of the Island.  

Accessing the beach is not difficult. You will, of course, require a parking permit and a local guide to help you complete all the formalities and make your trip as smooth as possible. A beach picnic here isn’t so bad, considering it is a pretty isolated island. 

Tirta Gangga

Tirta Gangga is a royal palace compound that is not used as a Beautiful water garden.  It is a pretty old property and one that has been part of the royal family. It is located east of Bali. 

Tirta Gangga features many fountains, statues and sculptures, greenery, and a serene environment for people to enjoy. It is relatively far from Ubud, almost 2 hours away. This makes it an ideal place to visit if you plan on exploring eastern Bali. 

Reaching this place is relatively simple as well. You won’t need a guide to reach here; you can drive or hire a cab to get here. If you want to enjoy some calm and peaceful surroundings, this is definitely a place to visit in Bali.

Kuta, Legian, and Seminyak 

Kuta, Legian, and Seminyak are three amazing places to party in Bali.  The three places mentioned form a sort of strip where you can explore many places to your liking. 

This famous strip features nightclubs, bars, live-DJ venues, and much more. If you want a nice and calm dinner on the beach, you can get that in many places as well. This strip, overall, has a lot to offer tourists. 

Sunset is one of the busiest times of the day for most of these places. If you like to enjoy the nightlife or a calm dinner, make sure you make a reservation or arrive well in advance to avoid any last-minute problems.

Ubud Royal Palace

This royal complex is a must-visit for every tourist. From its beautiful architecture to various events held throughout the year, the royal palace is a lively place to be in Bali.

One of the main reasons to suggest this place is the ‘legong.’ It is one of the most visually pleasing and amazing dances you will ever see. It is a culturally important art that requires years of training.

It is definitely worth seeing for its choreography and the elegance with which it is performed. There is obviously another place you can witness this art as well. Make sure you check about these events before you visit these places.

Closing Thoughts

Bali is a truly breathtaking place. One day, you feel as if you have reached the heavenly abode, while the very next day, you could be finding your way out of a bustling city. There are obviously many places to see in Bali. 

This list of 15 amazing things to see in Bali is not ranked or based on any particular criteria except experience. There are other places in Bali, such as water parks, escape rooms, and mystery rooms. It truly will offer you everything you want.

Note: Bali is a very traditional place. Locals here hold their customs and traditions close to their hearts. Respect the opposite culture, and you will be treated nicely. It is thus in your best interests to hire a decent local guide or have a friend who speaks the local language to avoid any inconvenience. 

Another important thing is that, due to the rise in popularity of Western tourists, many local scams occur in Bali; stay informed and report any to local authorities. 

Lastly, Bali is a place where everyone is welcome. If you are wondering how much you might spend on your trip, do not worry: many places in Bali are relatively cheap except for your accommodation.

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