finder.com

Finder is committed to editorial independence. While we receive compensation when you click links to partners, they do not influence our content.

Things to do in Bali

Experience the spiritual temples and underwater beauty from the relaxed atmosphere of Indonesia’s best island, Bali.

Avatar
Kyle Morgan
Updated
Fact checked

Indonesia’s most popular destination lives up to its name with a relaxed atmosphere and picture-perfect nature.

We created this list of things to do so you can spend more time unwinding in a spa with a traditional massage or visiting the local wildlife and less time organizing your itinerary.

Top things to do in Bali

Visit temples

Visit temples from Orbitz

Bali is not short on temples and many of them are its most famous attractions.

While you can explore them at your own whim and fancy, some of the most renowned worth visiting are Tanah Lot which is a pilgrimage temple on the coast, sea temple Uluwatu and the temple complex of Besakih. This is the largest and holiest Hindu temple in Bali.

View details
Rice terraces

Rice terraces from Orbitz

There are a number of rice terraces around Bali that make for a perfect afternoon of exploring.

After witnessing their breathtaking views, you can take a dip in the hot springs nearby or grab a bite to eat at one of the local restaurants. Book yourself a day tour to see the most of this mountainous region.

View details
Ubud Monkey Forest

Ubud Monkey Forest from Orbitz

Ubud Monkey Forest isn’t just home to the grey long-tailed macaques but also to a number of temples.

You can walk through the lush forest on paved trails watching the monkeys eat bananas and go about their day.

View details
Mount Batur

Mount Batur from Orbitz

Hike up this 1,700-metre volcano that is famous for its stunning sunrise.

It will only take a couple of hours and you can enjoy a private route to climb Mount Batur.

View details
Visit a spa

Visit a spa from Orbitz

Bali is the ultimate place to re-energise and relax. Visit one of the many spas to experience a traditional Balinese massage.

The spa treatments include herbs and spices to help release stress.

View details
Scuba diving and snorkeling

Scuba diving and snorkeling from Orbitz

Snorkeling is beautiful, but for the best sights you need to dive.

Bali has phenomenal dive spots with plenty of exotic fish and colorful reefs to see.

View details
Nusa Lembongan

Nusa Lembongan from Orbitz

Escape from Bali for the day by doing some island hopping to the neighboring island of Nusa Lembongan. It offers a chilled atmosphere and fresh fruit at your fingertips.

It’s also a hotspot for surfing and dive spots that are cheaper than Bali.

View details

Must-see spots in Bali

There are many awe-inspiring places in Bali that you’ll run into by chance. However, there are a few must-see spots that you’ll have to go out of your way to make sure you hit while on the island.

Besides checking out the Ubud Monkey Forest and Mount Batur, some other notable spots include:

  • Tanah Lot Temple. Located northwest of Kuta, you’ll find many visitors at this iconic temple that sits atop crashing waves on the beach. The picturesque combination of the sunset and temple will be a site that you won’t want to miss.
  • Uluwatu Temple. This temple rests cliffside — 230 feet high — overlooking the sea in the southwestern Bukit peninsula. It’s considered to be one of the six spiritual pillars in Bali and atop the cliff you’ll find a sunset that paints the sky with colors of vibrant melon and orange. The temple is also in close proximity to a small forest that is inhabited by hundreds of monkeys who are believed to be guardians of the temple.
  • Tegallalang rice terraces. These spectacular rice terraces etch into the countryside and are a tourist hotspot for panoramic landscape photos that are drenched in rich green color. When visiting, you’ll also find vendors on the outskirts where you can buy souvenirs or get a bite to eat.
  • Ubud art market. This will be one of the best spots to shop for authentic Balinese souvenirs. You’ll find unique handwoven clothing and accessories, as well as art and home decor — don’t be afraid to haggle.
  • Bali Safari and Marine Park. Here you’ll find 80 different species of animals from Indonesia, India and Africa that are displayed in large enclosures where they are free to roam — don’t miss the illustrious Indian white tigers. The Bali Safari and Marine Park is also neighbored by a waterpark and amusement park.
  • Goa Gajah. Aged all the way back to the 11th century — “also known as Elephant Cave” — you can gaze upon timeless carvings and roam the complex where you’ll find magnificent statues. The entrance to the cave is through the mouth of a large formidable face with it’s jaw dropped open as the door — perfect for a photo-op.

What else should I do on my Bali trip?

Whether you’re by the beach or inland, there are a number of sites to see and and adventures to be had on your Bali trip. You could hike deep in the rainforest to find plummeting waterfalls and refreshing hot springs. Or, head out to the countryside where you can stroll through meticulously groomed gardens.

There are also many art galleries throughout the island where you can pop in to get a closer look at Balinese culture. Here are some other recommendations:

  • Beach day. Bali is home to some of the most breathtaking beaches in the world. It doesn’t matter if you’re traveling with your family or your significant other, a day on the beach in Bali will prove to be most relaxing — stick around for the sunset.
  • Private day trip. This could entail anything from a walking nature tour, a tour of staggering rice terraces, cycling through Bali with a guide or even checking out some of the must-see temples.
  • Cooking classes. If you love the cuisine while you’re out in Bali, why not bring some cooking skills home to show off to your friends and family. This is a great way to connect with the locals as well as learn a valuable lifelong skill.
  • Shopping. Shopping in Bali is epic. You could be browsing handmade items from a street vendor one minute, and be in the Gucci store the next. Other items you’ll find for sale are trinkets, surf wear, furniture and home decor — and if it’s made on the island, it is likely to be eco-friendly. A tip of advice when shopping with street vendors is that it’s alright to haggle if you do so with respect.
Traveling during COVID-19
The CDC continues to advise caution when traveling within or outside the US, though it no longer requires self-quarantine or a COVID-19 test for fully vaccinated travelers as of April 2021. It recommends that you delay travel if you are not fully vaccinated to protect yourself and your family from getting or spreading the virus.

When traveling, follow safety measures that include wearing a mask in public, social distancing and washing your hands. If you are diagnosed with, have symptoms of or are waiting for COVID-19 test results — or are otherwise at risk of illness — do not attend gatherings or travel for 14 days.

Bali deals

It looks like we don't have any coupons at the moment.

PricelinePriceline

Up to 50% off highest rated hotels on your next booking

Top rated hotels at great prices. Guaranteed one of 3 hotels shown. Plus, get VIP discounts on future bookings. T&Cs apply.

Last verified

Get deal
CheapOairCheapOair

Black Friday flight sales for 2021

Last verified

Get deal

Deal ends

DouchebagsDouchebags

Get 10% off by signing up

Shop the summer sale, ending soon!

Last verified

Get deal

Deal ends

Expedia.comExpedia.com

Disney cruises from $705 per person to the Caribbean

T&Cs apply.

Last verified

Get deal
PricelinePriceline

Disney Cruise Line deals starting from $213/night to Caribbean and other destinations

T&Cs apply.

Last verified

Get deal
Expedia.comExpedia.com

Save up to 25% on select Bahamian, Caribbean and Baja cruises with Disney

T&Cs apply.

Last verified

Get deal
Expedia.comExpedia.com

Up to 75% off travel deals

Huge savings on travel deals, including hotels, vacation rentals, vacation packages, flights, car rentals and sightseeing tickets.

Last verified

Get deal
AviancaAvianca

Save up to 50% on flights and related services

T&Cs apply

Last verified

Get deal
CruiseDirectCruiseDirect

Carnival cruises starting from just $55/night to the Bahamas and other destinations

T&Cs apply.

Last verified

Get deal
Expedia.comExpedia.com

Carnival cruises to the Caribbean starting from $179 per person

T&Cs apply.

Last verified

Get deal
Expedia.comExpedia.com

Save up to 83% off Carnival cruises to the Caribbean

Caribbean cruises from 4-7 nights from $179 per person. T&Cs apply.

Last verified

Get deal
PricelinePriceline

Up to $1,000 to spend on board with Norwegian Cruise Line

Just book your next cruise vacation with Priceline Cruises and get up to $1,000 to use as a liquor, dining, and spa credit, along with other purchases made on the ship! T&Cs apply.

Last verified

Get deal
CruiseDirectCruiseDirect

Last minute cruise deals from $33/night

Cruises from 3 to 15+ nights available from multiple lines. Get great deals on prime ships, routes, and rooms for bookings from a week or more out.

Last verified

Get deal
TravelocityTravelocity

Vacation packages now under $400

Flight and hotel included for getaways to: Miami, Orlando, Las Vegas, NYC, Honolulu, Los Cabos, and more. T&Cs apply

Last verified

Get deal

Deal ends

Hotels.comHotels.com

Stay 10 nights, get 1 reward night

T&Cs apply

Last verified

Get deal

Deal ends

IsangoIsango

Up to 50% off tours

T&Cs apply

Last verified

Show code

Coupon code ends

TurnKeyTurnKey

Luxe All-Suite Retreat with Sauna & Lake Views: Starts from $495/night

T&Cs apply

Last verified

Get deal

Deal ends

Restaurant.comRestaurant.com

Get Nationwide Annual Golf Membership + $50 Restaurant.com eGift card for $49

T&Cs apply

Last verified

Get deal

Deal ends

Avoya TravelAvoya Travel

Exclusive vacation deals - reduced rates and $200 gift card on select itineraries

T&Cs apply

Last verified

Get deal

Deal ends

Avoya TravelAvoya Travel

Grand Wailea: 7-Night Maui Stay from $2,203 pp including airfare and $200 gift card

T&Cs apply

Last verified

Get deal

Deal ends

Avoya TravelAvoya Travel

Stay at Secrets Playa Mujeres Golf and Spa Resort from $1,909 per person including airfare

T&Cs apply

Last verified

Get deal

Deal ends

CheapAirCheapAir

$10 off flight to Las Vegas

Limited Time Offer

Last verified

Show code

Coupon code ends

Hotels.comHotels.com

Extra 8% off hotels with free cancellation on most hotels when you book and stay later

T&Cs apply

Last verified

Show code

Coupon code ends

Sandals ResortsSandals Resorts

Insurance is on us + cancel for any reason

T&Cs apply

Last verified

Get deal

Deal ends

Avoya TravelAvoya Travel

Royal Caribbean sale: Buy 1 get 1 60% off cruise fares, up to $150 free onboard credit and kids sail free

T&Cs apply

Last verified

Get deal

Deal ends

Hotels.comHotels.com

Up to 15% off select hotels

T&Cs apply

Last verified

Get deal

Deal ends

Booking.comBooking.com

Booking.com

Big savings on hotels in 96000 destinations worldwide. Browse hotel reviews and find the guaranteed best price on hotels for all budgets.

Last verified

Get deal
OneTravelOneTravel

Summer travel deals

T&Cs apply

Last verified

Show code

Coupon code ends

OneTravelOneTravel

Fathers day travel deals!

T&Cs apply

Last verified

Show code

Coupon code ends

Expedia.comExpedia.com

15% off select hotels

Terms and Exclusions Apply, See Site for Details, Travel through May 31, 2021

Last verified

Show code

Coupon code ends

More guides on Finder

Ask an Expert

You are about to post a question on finder.com:

  • Do not enter personal information (eg. surname, phone number, bank details) as your question will be made public
  • finder.com is a financial comparison and information service, not a bank or product provider
  • We cannot provide you with personal advice or recommendations
  • Your answer might already be waiting – check previous questions below to see if yours has already been asked

Finder.com provides guides and information on a range of products and services. Because our content is not financial advice, we suggest talking with a professional before you make any decision.

By submitting your comment or question, you agree to our Privacy and Cookies Policy and finder.com Terms of Use.

Questions and responses on finder.com are not provided, paid for or otherwise endorsed by any bank or brand. These banks and brands are not responsible for ensuring that comments are answered or accurate.
Go to site