From Beaches to Bars, You’ll Never Run Out of Things to Do in Bali

Finding yourself in Bali means discovering that adventure lies around every corner. Whether it’s a short visit or a long stay, there is always something to do on the island. The best part is, there’s something for everybody. Bali’s natural beauty and extensive range of entertainment spots cater to everyone from nature lovers, thrill seekers, gym junkies, foodies, and those seeking to just sit back and relax. 

Still looking for things to do in Bali? Here are just some activities around the island that are sure to excite you, no matter what kind of traveler you are. 

Explore secluded beaches

Plenty of accessible beaches line the coasts of Bali, but where’s the fun in that? If you’re looking for a patch of sand that’s off the beaten track, visiting a hidden beach is one of the best things to do in Bali. 

Green Bowl Beach

Tucked away in Ungasan, Green Bowl is only a 15-minute drive from Denpasar. You’ll have to climb down hundreds of steps to get to the beach, but the quiet seclusion and large shoreside cave that greet you at the bottom will be worth all the effort. 

Suluban Beach

Suluban is heaven for surfers, but the access to the beach is also great for those who are just looking to explore. Take the steps down from the infamous Single Fin beach bar until you see rock formations start to tower above you. Travel by log ramps and narrow gaps in the rocks until you see the rocks give way to the beach. 

Virgin Beach

Aptly named because it remained untouched for a long period of time, Virgin Beach is located in Karangasem, East Bali. Make the 2 to 3-hour drive up and find this short stretch of sand overlooking an expanse of clear ocean, surrounded by lush trees. 

Visit temples

Balinese Hinduism is practiced all across the island, with public temples serving as places of worship and major ceremonies. Visiting some of these major temples should be on your list of things to do in Bali. 

Pura Besakih

The largest temple in Bali, Pura Besakih sits on the base of Mount Agung in the Karangasem regency.

Pura Uluwatu

This temple is one of the most popular tourist spots, sitting on the edge of a cliff overlooking the ocean. Pura Uluwatu is known for its nightly kecak dance performances, a cultural experience you shouldn’t miss when in Bali.

Pura Tirta Empul

In the heart of Gianyar lies Pura Tirta Empul, a water temple centred around a holy spring arising from the ground. This spring is believed to spout holy water which has the power to cleanse a person from impurities. 

Take part in a Melukat ritual

Melukat is a cleansing ritual in Balinese Hinduism, typically carried out at water temples such as Pura Tirta Empul. This practice is open for everyone and is believed to rid a person of negative spiritual energies. 

Trek the rice terraces

Bali’s rice fields are a source of life for locals and a large contribution to the island’s economy. Walk along the rice terraces in Tegalalang in Ubud, or in Jatiluwih in Tabanan for front row seats to the traditional subak irrigation system. 

Go white water rafting

Adrenaline junkies will have plenty of things to do in Bali, including making use of the island’s natural rapids. Many rivers in the Ubud area are great for white water rafting, in particular Sungai Ayung and Sungai Telaga Waja. 

Catch the sunrise at Mount Batur

Even if you’re not an experienced climber, a Mount Batur sunrise should still be on the list of things to do in Bali. The terrain is friendly enough that anyone can reach the summit easily, and it only takes two hours of hiking in the dark to reach the top.

Explore local culinary delights

Your trip to Bali is not complete before you’ve tried the local food. You can find Balinese and Indonesian food in various establishments, from streetside vendors to affordable warungs, chain restaurants to fine dining venues.

For a high-end taste of traditional Indonesian food with a modern flare, visit Merah Putih Restaurant in the Petitenget area. Indulge in the explosion of flavours found in the local cuisine, from Bali’s iconic ayam betutu to the staple Indonesian nasi campur. Book a table today and don’t forget to claim these special gift vouchers. 

Visit museums and art galleries

For the history and art buffs out there, there are also plenty of things to do in Bali. Museums and art galleries can be on your list of indoor activities to do when it’s raining out. Here are just some locations to check out.

Bali Museum

This state-run national museum in Denpasar will take you through Bali’s rich history and culture.

Museum Pasifika

Located in Nusa Dua, this modern gallery hosts a large collection of artwork from the Asia Pacific region. 

Jenggala

For a chance to create your own ceramics, this gallery and art store in Uluwatu should be on your list. 

Take a day trip to the surrounding islands

Bali is a part of the greater Bali Dwipa area, which encompasses the islands Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan, Nusa Ceningan, Serangan, and Menjangan. These locations are just a speedboat away from the Sanur harbour and make for the perfect day trip. 

Discover Bali’s waterfalls

Bali is also home to many hidden waterfalls just waiting to be explored. Usually found towards the east, waterfalls like Kanto Lampo and Tegenungan in the Gianyar regency offer not only an adventure but a feast for the eyes with their unique rock formations. 

Indulge in night life

These days, Bali isn’t just a a beach destination. It’s also renowned for its night life, whether you’re looking for dive bars, pubs, nightclubs, beer gardens, or beach clubs. The Seminyak and Canggu areas are well known for their stretches of clubs and bars, but you will also find plenty of entertainment in Ubud and Uluwatu. 

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