Best Things to Do in Bali

Bali also known as the Island of Gods has it all, from Beach, through the Jungle up to the top of a Volcano

If you’re looking for a place that’s brimming with culture, beauty, and adventure, Bali should be at the top of your list. Located in Indonesia, Bali is known for its stunning beaches, lush jungles, and rich spiritual heritage. Whether you’re an avid surfer, a culture enthusiast, or just looking for a relaxing getaway, Bali has something for you.

In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at some of the best things to do in Bali, from exploring the spiritual heart of Ubud to basking in the sun in Uluwatu. So pack your bags, grab your sunscreen, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure in Bali!

Best Places to Visit in Bali

If you are considering visiting Bali, these are our top Places to explore when visiting Bali!

1. Ubud

2. Gili Air

3. Nusa Lembongan

4. Uluwatu

5. Canggu

Ubud – The spiritual heart of Bali

Ubud, located in the central part of Bali, is a town that is rich in culture and tradition. It is famous for its picturesque rice paddies, ancient temples, and traditional art markets. Ubud is a great destination for you if you are looking for a peaceful and relaxing vacation away from the hustle and bustle of Bali’s more touristy areas like Kuta and Seminyak. Even though, it can get very busy in Ubud town, the surrounding areas are very inviting to calm down.

In Ubud, you can immerse yourself in the local culture by taking a traditional dance or cooking class, visiting one of the many art galleries, or exploring the local markets. If you are a nature lover you will also appreciate the lush tropical forests and serene rivers that surround Ubud, which offer great opportunities for hiking, cycling, and rafting.

Ubud is also a great base for exploring the rest of Bali, as it is located in the center of the island and is easily accessible by car or motorbike. Whether you’re seeking adventure, culture, or relaxation, Ubud has something for everyone and is a must-visit destination on any Bali itinerary.

What to see and do in Ubud

Tegalalang Rice Terraces

One of the most popular attractions in Ubud is the Tegalalang Rice Terraces. These stunning terraces offer a glimpse into Bali’s agricultural history and are a great place to take in the natural beauty of the island. You can take a walk through the terraces, enjoy the stunning views, and even stop at one of the many small cafes for a refreshing drink like a coconut or a bite to eat.

Bali Swing for Instagram

If you are looking for the perfect Instagram shot, the Bali Swing is a must-visit. This popular attraction allows visitors to swing over the stunning rice terraces while capturing breathtaking photos. With a variety of swings and photo opportunities available, the Bali Swing is a great way to capture memories that will last a lifetime.

Ubud Art Market

In case you are interested in Balinese art and culture, the Ubud Art Market is a must-visit destination. This bustling market offers a wide range of handicrafts, from traditional paintings and wood carvings to modern clothing and jewelry. You can spend hours exploring the market and discovering unique souvenirs to take home. Make sure to bring a hat and water with you, as it can get very hot.

Coffee Plantation

For coffee lovers, a visit to a Balinese coffee plantation is a must-do. Ubud is home to several coffee plantations where you can learn about the coffee-making process and sample some of the world’s best coffee. From traditional Balinese coffee to more modern blends, there’s something for every coffee lover in Ubud.

Monkey Forest

One of the most unique experiences in Ubud is a visit to the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary. This natural reserve is home to hundreds of Balinese long-tailed macaques, who roam freely throughout the forest. You can observe these playful creatures up close and even feed them if they choose. Watch out for your belongings as the monkeys might fall in love with your belongings and might not want to give them back to you.

In conclusion, Ubud offers a variety of experiences for visitors, from its stunning rice terraces to its vibrant art scene. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing vacation or an adventure-filled trip, Ubud has something for everyone.

Plan your Trip

Getting there

There are several possibilities to get to Ubud. If you are flying to Bali, you most likely will arrive in Denpasar.

From there you can either order a Grab, which could be annoying as you need to pass all the local taxi drivers and need to work a bit.

Or you can rent a scooter, but most likely that is very stressful, after a long flight and considering that you are not just flying with hand luggage.

We highly recommend ordering a driver beforehand, who will pick you up and drive you to the hotel. That is the smoothest and cheapest option available and also the option we always choose when arriving in Bali.

Getting around

As you might have heard already, the best way to get around is by scooter. Nevertheless, we only recommend driving a scooter just in case you are an advanced-skill driver as the traffic can get wild.

But no worries, if you don`t want to drive on your own, you can easily order a Gojek via the App (Scooter Taxi). This is by far the cheapest and best option if you don´t want to drive on your own.

Lastly, you can also order a Grab, a local Taxi driver, or a private driver. That is something we would recommend for longer trips, but not for daily usage as it will take very long during the rush hours compared to driving with a scooter.

More tips for your trip

Here is our complete Ubud Travel Guide. If you are planning to visit Ubud and the surrounding areas.

Where to stay

Once-a-lifetime experience: Buahan, A Banyan Tree Escape

High Range: Amora Ubud

Medium range: ARTOTEL Haniman Ubud

Budget-Friendly: Kandarpa Ubud

Gili Islands – When you dream about Paradise you dream about these Islands

If you’re looking for a paradise escape from Bali’s busy atmosphere, the Gili Islands are a must-visit destination. The islands, located off the northwest coast of Lombok Island, are known for their stunning beaches, clear turquoise waters, and laid-back atmosphere.

Whether you’re looking for a vibrant nightlife scene on Gili Trawagan, a romantic honeymoon spot on Gili Meno, or a relaxed atmosphere with great snorkeling and diving opportunities on Gili Air, the Gili Islands have it all.

You can swim with turtles, see colorful fish and corals, take a glass-bottom boat tour, or simply bask in the sun.

What to see and do on the Gili Islands

Snorkeling and swimming with turtles: The Gili Islands are known for their crystal-clear waters and abundant sea life. Don’t miss the chance to snorkel and swim with the friendly sea turtles.

Enjoy the sunset at the beach: The sunsets on the Gili Islands are breathtaking. Find a spot on the beach, grab a drink, and watch the sun dip below the horizon.

Walk around the Island: The Gili Islands are small enough to walk around in a few hours. Take a leisurely stroll, explore the beaches and local shops, and soak up the island vibes. You could also rent a bike, but we can tell from experience, that it`s not as much fun as it seems due to the sand (at least on Gili Air).

Calm down and relax: The Gili Islands are a great place to relax and unwind. Grab a book, lounge on the beach, and let your worries melt away.

Plan your Trip

Getting there

From Bali:

When you are traveling from Bali, you have 2 major possibilities. First, you can take a fast boat from Sanur Harbour which takes you to the islands within 4-6 hours. Make sure to have pills against sea sickness with you, as it can get really really bumpy.

Secondly, and that is always our way of traveling to the Gili`s. Take a short flight to Lombok which is quite cheap and only takes around 30 minutes. And then book an all-in transfer to the Gilis. This includes the transfer from the airport to the harbor and the transfer with a small speedboat (15 Minutes).

From Lombok:

If you are already in Lombok, you can easily drive up to the harbor, depending on where you are located, and get a speedboat to one of the Gili Islands.

Getting around

Very easy! Just walk. You could get a bicycle, which might work on Gili Trawagan, but for the other 2 islands, we recommend just walking.

Where to stay

Once-a-lifetime experience: Kuno Villas

High Range: Kardia Resort

Medium range: PinkCoco Gili Air

Budget-Friendly: Gili Air Bungalows

More tips for your trip

Here is our complete Gili Island Travel Guide. If you are planning to visit the Gili Islands and want to explore as much as possible.

Nusa Lembongan – The real Islands Vibe next to Bali

If you’re looking for a quieter, more laid-back Bali experience, look no further than Nusa Lembongan. This small island is just a short boat ride away from the mainland, but it feels like a world away from the hustle and bustle of Bali’s more popular tourist destinations.

With crystal clear waters, stunning beaches, and a relaxed atmosphere, Nusa Lembongan is the perfect place to unwind and soak up some sun. Whether you’re looking to surf, snorkel, or simply lounge on the sand, there’s something here for everyone.

What to see and do on Nusa Lembongan

If you’re planning to visit Nusa Lembongan, don’t miss the chance to explore both islands of Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan by driving around. You’ll discover hidden beaches and breathtaking views along the way.

For surfers, Nusa Lembongan is a paradise. The island is known for its surf breaks, which cater to all levels of surfers. If you’re not into surfing, just relax on the beach and enjoy the beautiful scenery.

Snorkeling is another popular activity in Nusa Lembongan. You can book a snorkeling trip and explore the colorful coral reefs and marine life around the island.

If you have more time, take a day trip to Nusa Penida, one of the most beautiful islands in Indonesia. You can explore the island’s stunning beaches and natural wonders, such as the famous Kelingking Beach.

Don’t miss the chance to visit Nusa Lembongan and experience its natural beauty and adventure activities!

Plan your Trip

Getting there

You can take a speedboat from Sanur Beach in Bali to Nusa Lembongan. The trip takes around 30 minutes.

Getting around

You can rent a scooter or a bicycle to explore the island. Depending on the area you can also just walk.

Where to stay

Once-a-lifetime experience: Aqua Nusa – Boutique Lembongan Villas

High Range: Batu Karang Lembongan Resort & Spa

Medium range: Villa Pasir

Budget-Friendly: D’Puncak Villas Lembongan

More tips for your trip

If you are planning to stay longer in Nusa Lembongan and would like to explore the pure beauty, make sure to check out our Nusa Lembongan Travel Guide.

Uluwatu – the upcoming south of Bali

Are you planning your trip to Bali and wondering what to do in Uluwatu? Look no further! Uluwatu is a must-visit destination for any Bali itinerary. Located in the southern part of Bali, it offers stunning views of the Indian Ocean, beautiful beaches, and a laid-back atmosphere.

Whether you’re looking to hit the surf, explore the local temples, or simply soak up the sun, Uluwatu has something for everyone. In this guide, we’ll take you through the best things to see and do in Uluwatu, as well as provide practical tips for planning your trip.

So grab your sunscreen and get ready to experience the magic of Uluwatu!

What to see and do in Uluwatu

Enjoy breathtaking cliff views

Uluwatu is famous for its incredible cliff views, and there are plenty of places to take in the scenery. One of the best spots is Karang Boma Cliff, which is perched on a cliff overlooking the ocean. From here, you’ll have panoramic views of the coastline and the sunset.

Go Surfing or enjoy one of the famous beach clubs

Uluwatu is also a surfer’s paradise, with some of the best waves in Bali. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced surfer, there are plenty of surf spots to choose from. For non-surfers, Uluwatu is also home to some of the most famous beach clubs in Bali, where you can relax in style while taking in stunning views.

Check out the fire show at the temple

Every evening, the Uluwatu Temple hosts a traditional Kecak fire dance. This spectacular performance features a group of dancers and singers who tell the story of the Ramayana through dance and song. The performance takes place against the backdrop of the temple and the sunset, making for an unforgettable experience.

Plan your Trip

Getting there

There are several possibilities to get to Uluwatu. If you are flying to Bali, you most likely will arrive in Denpasar.

We highly recommend ordering a driver beforehand, who will pick you up and drive you to the hotel. That is the smoothest and cheapest option available and also the option we always choose when arriving in Bali.

Getting around

Uluwatu has a very laid-back atmosphere therefore getting around with a scooter is definitely the first choice. Either you drive on your own or you order a Gojek.

Where to stay

Once-a-lifetime experience: The Edge Bali

High Range: The St. Regis Bali Resort

Medium range: Grün Resort Uluwatu

Budget-Friendly: Sal Secret Spot

More tips for your trip

Do you want more information about all the beautiful places in Uluwatu? Check out our Uluwatu Travel Guide!

Canggu – Digital Nomad and Foddie Hotspot

Are you a digital nomad looking for the perfect place to work and play? Look no further than Canggu, Bali. This vibrant beach town is the ultimate hotspot for digital nomads and foodies alike.

With its digital nomad vibe and lots of restaurants, Canggu is the perfect place to find inspiration and get work done. Spend your mornings working from one of the town’s many trendy cafes, and your afternoons exploring the beautiful boutiques and shopping possibilities and enjoying the sunset at the beach.

But Canggu isn’t just for work – it’s also a food lover’s paradise. From traditional Indonesian cuisine to international fusion dishes, Canggu has it all. Be sure to check out some of the town’s top-rated restaurants, like Crate Cafe and I am Vegan Babe.

What to see and do in Canggu

If you’re a digital nomad in Bali, you’ll find plenty of ways to balance work and play. One excellent option is to head to a trendy cafe to get some work done. Bali has plenty of cafes with fast Wi-Fi and a great atmosphere for work.

When the workday is over, be sure to catch a sunset at La Brisa. This beach club is a popular spot for both tourists and expats looking to relax and enjoy the beautiful Bali sunsets.

For a unique shopping experience, check out small boutiques like Haze and Glory. You’ll find all sorts of handmade items and unique souvenirs to take home with you.

Finally, be sure to connect with other digital nomads while you’re in Bali. There are plenty of co-working spaces and meetups where you can find like-minded individuals to network and socialize with. Bali is a great place to work remotely, and with so many opportunities to explore, you’re sure to have a productive and enjoyable stay.

Plan your Trip

Getting there

If you are flying to Bali you will most probably arrive at the airport in Denpasar. The traffic can be very intense in the beginning. Therefore, we highly recommend booking a driver before to enjoy the arrival. It will be also much cheaper compared to getting a Taxi at the airport.

Getting around

Canggu is one of the busiest areas in Bali and it’s best to get around with a scooter. Either you are a well-experienced Scooter Driver or you just order a Gojek.

Where to stay

Once-a-lifetime experience: Ulaman Eco-Luxury Resort

High Range: COMO Uma Canggu

Medium range: Shore Amora Canggu

Budget-Friendly: Sedasa Lodge

More tips for your trip

If you want to get more information from us living more than 6 months in Canggu, check out our Canggu Travel and Food Guide.