Best Things to Do in Bali: Complete Travel Guide

Bali has been a travel obsession for decades, and it keeps delivering. The island combines extraordinary Hindu temple culture, world-class surfing, terraced rice paddy landscapes, and a cafe and restaurant scene that would be impressive in any major city. Here is what makes the island worth every visit.

Uluwatu Temple and Kecak Dance

Perched on a 70-metre cliff above the Indian Ocean, Pura Uluwatu is one of Bali's directional temples and one of its most dramatic. The daily Kecak fire dance performance at sunset here is genuinely spectacular -- fire, silhouetted dancers, the ocean below, and the setting sun. Arrive an hour early for a good seat.

Tegallalang Rice Terraces

The UNESCO-protected rice terraces near Ubud are a defining Bali experience. Go at dawn before the tour groups arrive and the light on the terraces is extraordinary. The traditional Balinese subak irrigation system has maintained these terraces for centuries.

Seminyak and Canggu beaches

• Echo Beach: Good surf, great sunsets, lively cafe scene along the beachfront
• Batu Bolong Beach: A popular surf spot with the Pura Batu Bolong temple directly on the beach
• Petitenget Beach: More upscale, home to some of Bali's best beach clubs
• Seminyak Beach: Wide, flat beach backed by beach clubs, excellent for watching the sunset

Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, Ubud

The Sacred Monkey Forest is a nature reserve and temple complex at the southern edge of Ubud. Around 700 long-tailed macaques roam freely through the ancient forest and temple ruins. Keep all food, phones, and glasses close -- the monkeys are notorious thieves. A genuinely magical place despite the tourist numbers.

Mount Batur sunrise hike

Mount Batur is an active volcano and the most popular hiking destination in Bali. A 2am start gets you to the summit (1,717m) by sunrise, with views over the caldera lake and east Bali. The hike takes 2-3 hours and is manageable for most fitness levels. Guides are required and arranged through hotels or tour operators.

Frequently asked questions

Is Bali family-friendly? Yes. Bali is an excellent family destination with beaches, water parks, monkey forests, and cultural activities that children enjoy. The main tourist areas (Seminyak, Sanur, Ubud) have good facilities for families.