Bali is one of those places where you can never run out of things to do. The challenge is knowing what’s genuinely worth your time versus the tourist traps you can skip. We’ve curated 25 experiences worth prioritising — organised by category so you can plan a trip that actually suits you.
Culture and temples
1. Tanah Lot at sunset — Bali’s most iconic sea temple looks spectacular as the sun drops behind it. Go 90 minutes before sunset to secure a good spot and walk the coastal path.
2. Uluwatu Temple — Perched on a 70m cliff with sweeping Indian Ocean views. Stay for the Kecak fire dance at sunset — one of the most memorable performances in Bali.
3. Tirta Empul — A sacred spring temple where Balinese Hindus come to purify themselves in holy water. Respectful visitors can participate. Arrive early (8am) to beat the crowds.
4. Besakih Temple — The “Mother Temple” of Bali, built on the slopes of Mount Agung. Impressive scale and deeply significant — hire a local guide to understand what you’re seeing.
5. Tirta Gangga — A royal water palace with stepping-stone pools and ornate fountains. One of Bali’s most photogenic spots, and genuinely peaceful in the early morning.
Nature and adventure
6. Sunrise hike, Mount Batur — A 2–3 hour hike to the rim of an active volcano, rewarded with a sunrise above the clouds and views across Lake Batur. One of Bali’s great physical experiences.
7. Tegallalang rice terraces — The classic Bali rice terrace landscape. Go before 9am to beat the selfie crowds and walk the full terrace trail rather than just the roadside viewpoint.
8. Sekumpul Waterfall — North Bali’s most spectacular waterfall — actually a cluster of seven falls in a jungle canyon. The hike is challenging but completely worth it.
9. Snorkelling at Menjangan Island — Part of Bali Barat National Park, Menjangan has some of the best snorkelling in Bali with excellent coral and visibility. Usually done as a day trip from the north or west coast.
10. Surfing lessons — Kuta and Seminyak beaches are perfect for beginners. Intermediate and advanced surfers should head to Uluwatu, Padang Padang, or Keramas.
Wellness and creativity
11. Traditional Balinese massage — A genuine Balinese massage (not the tourist spa version) is one of the island’s great gifts. Look for local therapists in Ubud rather than hotel spas for the best experience.
12. Silver jewellery making class — Celuk village near Ubud is Bali’s silversmithing centre. Classes run for 2–4 hours and you leave with a piece you made yourself. An excellent experience for couples. See our Experiences guide for recommended workshops.
13. Balinese cooking class — Learn to cook 5–6 traditional dishes, usually starting with a market visit. Casa Luna and Paon Bali in Ubud are consistently excellent.
14. Yoga in Ubud — Ubud is one of the world’s great yoga destinations. The Yoga Barn has classes from dawn to dusk; Radiantly Alive is excellent for more dynamic practice.
15. Sound healing ceremony — Deeply restorative Tibetan bowl or gamelan-based sound healing sessions are widely available in Ubud. Worth doing even if you’re sceptical.
Food and drink
16. Eat at a warung — A proper, local warung (family restaurant) is the best way to eat in Bali. Nasi campur (rice with various sides) and babi guling (suckling pig) are the dishes to seek out.
17. Sunset drinks at a cliff bar — Single Fin in Uluwatu or Rock Bar at Ayana — Bali’s cliff-top sunset bars are genuinely unmissable. Book ahead for the best spots.
18. Jimbaran seafood BBQ — Fresh seafood grilled on the beach at sunset, with torches and ocean views. It’s touristy but genuinely wonderful and worth doing once.
19. Coffee plantation tour — Visit a working coffee plantation in the highlands and taste Kopi Luwak (civet coffee) if you’re curious. The best plantations are around Kintamani.
Unique Bali experiences
20. Attend a traditional ceremony — If you encounter a temple ceremony, you are almost always welcome to watch respectfully (appropriate dress required). These are Bali’s living culture — far more authentic than any performance.
21. Cycle the rice terraces — Downhill cycling tours from the central highlands through rice fields and traditional villages are a beautiful way to see a quieter side of Bali.
22. Take a day trip to Nusa Penida — The island off Bali’s southeast coast has Kelingking Beach (the T-Rex cliff), Angel’s Billabong, and crystal water. A full day trip from Sanur.
23. White-water rafting on the Ayung River — A 2-hour jungle rafting experience through the Ubud valley. Great for groups and families. Safe enough for first-timers.
24. Watch the Kecak fire dance — Best at Uluwatu, performed at sunset. 100+ men chanting and moving in unison while telling the Ramayana. Free parking and a small admission fee — do not miss this.
25. Book a villa with a private pool — Bali has some of the world’s best villa accommodation at prices that make a private pool accessible to most budgets. Waking up to your own pool surrounded by tropical gardens is quintessentially Bali.
Planning your activities
Most activities can be arranged on arrival, but popular experiences (silver classes, volcano hikes, temple ceremonies, and special dinner venues) book up fast in peak season (July–September). For the full range of experiences available — including booking links and honest reviews — visit our Experiences guide and Attractions & Activities page.