If you’ve seen a picture that has a lovely backdrop and a quote that reads “Physically I’m here, mentally I’m in a pool in Bali, ordering my next mojito”, here are all the reasons why you must visit this place. From swinging amidst the beautiful Tegallalang Rice Terraces to snorkeling in Gili, there are endless things to do in Bali. Apart from being one of the most beautiful places in the world, this is also where you get all the cheap thrills.
Things to do in Bali
Although there are plenty of places to go and things to do in Bali, we have handpicked the best of the lot. Check them out below and plan your itinerary right away:
1. Visit Ubud
You need to first decide where to go once you reach Denpasar airport and we would definitely recommend Ubud. Since there is a lot to see in Ubud, book your hotel for the next three to four days here.
Book a villa that has a private pool with either a forest view or have rice fields in front. It is definitely going to be the most Instagram-worthy place to click the best pictures.
2. Swing at Tegallalang Rice Terraces
Bali is famous for the abundance of rice fields and you must visit the Tegallalang Rice Terraces for the view. There is a swing that takes you high up in the air to make the visit worthwhile. Along with the best views, it gives you an instant adrenaline rush.
3. Visit Pura Tirta Empul
Pura Tirta Empul is one of the famous temples in Bali and the site has a legendary setting that tells tales about good against evil. The complex was built in 960 AD and is a spectator of the old Balinese kingdoms. The national cultural heritage is frequented by locals and visitors alike especially during holy festivals.
The hot springs here are famous as they have ta constant water flow from the underground. Moreover, each hot spring has a significance that people pray for individually. You can feed the fishes present in one of the pools and spot the yellow fishes that bring good luck.
4. Kintamani viewpoint
If you sign up for Mount Batur trekking tour to grab the best sunrise view in Bali, you are in for a mesmerizing treat. If not, don’t miss out on the Kintamani viewpoint for the best panoramic views of the mountain. Come over for lunch at the Grand Puncak Sari Restaurant for an authentic Balinese buffet while you grab the best pictures of the Mt. Batur.
3. Taste Kopi Luwak
Having a cup of coffee might not be as daunting as this one! Why? Kopi luwak or civet coffee is processed from the fermented faeces of Luwak. Come over to Ubud Me Sari Luwak Coffee Agrotourism to know how they grow different types of tea and coffee. Taste the beverages for free and buy yourself a cup of Luwak coffee to taste one of the world’s finest.
6. Let the monkeys click the selfies
The sacred monkey forest in Bali is famous with viral photos of monkeys clicking selfies. Although that’s a quick trick done by the photographers, you will have a fun time being around this forested area. Make sure you pack all your belongings inside your bag as the monkeys are tiny thieves that prey on your sunglasses and cellphones!
7. Go for river rafting
River rafting in Bali can be tiring as you need to walk through around 300 to 400 stairs down a mountain to start the activity. However, it is totally worth it. It is pretty safe to raft in Ubud as the water is not deep so it’s perfect for non-swimmers in case the boat tumbles over. This is also where glimpses of the movie Eat Pray Love was shot and has lovely waterfalls and engraved mountains.
8. Shop in the Ubud Market
The flea market in Ubud is where you get the fanciest stuff to buy as souvenirs. It is colorful and tempting for every shopaholic. From wooden carvings to fancy bags, from scented soaps to dream catchers, you have some of the best things to take back from here. Make sure you bargain and get the best price after looking through a few shops that have almost the same things you want.
9. Go for a massage
One of the best things to do in Bali is getting a Balinese massage you can’t simply miss out on. There are plenty of massage parlors around the Ubud market for the ultimate relaxing experience after a tiring shopping-spree.
10. Visit the Gili islands
The Gili islands are a ferry away from Padang Bai in Bali and gives you three islands to choose from – Gili Air, Gili Meno, and Gili Trawangan. If you’re more of a party animal we suggest you stay in Gili Trawangan over the isolated islands of Gili Air and Meno.
All of them have white sandy beaches fringed with palm trees and are famous for the coral reef found offshore. The only means of transport in these islands are horse ride and bicycle. Your hotel will provide you with cycles and let you explore the beach at its best.
11. Go snorkeling
Snorkeling lets you pass by all the Gili islands and Lombok and lets you have an iconic experience. If you’re in Gili T, you will sail towards Gili Meno to first dive into the famous love statues. The next place to snorkel would be to spot the sea turtles and then finally to watch the tiny fishes near Gili Air. You will stop for lunch in Gili Air before heading back to Gili Trawangan.
12. Try tasty seafood
Select one of the many beachside restaurants to taste some of the best of seafood. From clam to prawns, from crabs to cake fishes, there are plenty of things to try.
13. Visit Seminyak
Head back to Bali after spending a couple of days in Gili to have the ultimate party experience. From places like Potato Head to beachside treats at La Plancha, there is much to do here. You can also finish off the pending shopping that you couldn’t finish in Ubud. Also, walk to the Kuta beach to go surfing or simply experience the yellow sands by the sea-green waters.
14. Day trip to Nusa Penida
Take a day out for another ferry ride that takes you to the lovely Diamond Beach of Nusa Penida. This is yet another place to create the best Instagram stories as you hike down the steep mountain.
15. Watch Kecak Dance at Uluwatu Temple
You’ve seen the white sandy beaches and the yellow sandy beaches, and now it is time for the black sands. Uluwatu Temple gives you breathtaking sunset views while you’re accompanied by some more monkeys here.
After the sunset, head to an amphitheater setting to watch the Indonesian Kecak and fire dance. Here, people sing, dance, and do movements to illustrate the story of Ramayana.
Final thoughts
If you plan a longer vacay, you can head to places like Nusa Dua, Jimbaran, or Sanur. We assure you that you can’t have enough of this place in one trip and would want to return any time soon!
