Things to Do in Bali: Top Activities, Attractions & Experiences
The best things to do in Bali are watching the sunset at Uluwatu Temple, walking the Tegalalang and Jatiluwih rice terraces, hiking Mount Batur at sunrise, rafting the Ayung River, and taking a boat to Nusa Penida. Most visitors need 7 to 10 days to fit in the highlights without rushing.
Bali packs a lot into a small island. You can surf in the morning, walk through rice paddies at lunch, and watch a Kecak dance on a clifftop at sunset. The hard part isn’t finding things to do. It’s choosing.
We’ve run activities here for more than 20 years, and this guide is how we’d plan your trip if you were a friend visiting. It covers the best things to do in Bali by type, the top attractions, sample plans for 3 to 10 days, and the questions we hear most. Active Bali’s team is based in Tuban, in south Bali.
Want it organised for you? Look at our Bali holiday packages, or browse every Bali activity.
Beaches, Surf & Beach Clubs
Bali's coast runs from serious surf breaks to flat-water swimming spots and beach clubs with sunbeds and DJs. Surfers head to Canggu and Uluwatu. If you'd rather swim and sit with a drink, Seminyak and Nusa Dua are easier. Popular beach clubs include Finns and La Brisa in Canggu and Single Fin in Uluwatu. Learn more in our Bali surf lessons guide.
Culture & Temples
Bali is famous for its temples. Tanah Lot sits on a sea cliff and gets busy at sunset. The Kecak dance at Uluwatu Temple starts around sunset too. Tirta Empul, near Ubud, is known for its holy spring water. Ubud is still the island's cultural capital, and our Ubud guide covers it in more detail.
Nature & Rice Terraces
The rice terraces at Tegalalang and Jatiluwih and the sunrise from Mount Batur are some of the best photo spots in Bali. The waterfalls at Tegenungan and Gitgit make easy day trips, especially if you're staying near Ubud.
Adventure Activities
If sitting still isn't your thing, Bali has plenty of other options. You'll find canyoning, white-water rafting, ATV tours and diving all over the island. See the full list of Bali activities by category.
Food & Coffee, Restaurants & Bars
Canggu and Seminyak are Bali's coffee and brunch hotspots. In the evening, beach clubs and rooftop bars in both areas keep going late into the night. Ubud is quieter after dark. Our guide to cafes in Canggu and Seminyak lists our favourites.
Best Places to Visit
If you are thinking about where to settle, Canggu is the right place for surfers and digital nomads; Ubud is the place to be for cultural and wellness tourists; Uluwatu is the destination for cliff views; and Nusa Penida can be visited for half or a whole day at Kelingking Beach and Crystal Bay.
Top Bali attractions you shouldn’t miss
- Tanah Lot Temple: A sea temple on a rocky outcrop just off the coast. Sunset is the busiest and best time to go.
- Uluwatu Temple and the Kecak dance: A clifftop temple with ocean views, plus an evening Kecak performance.
- Tirta Empul Temple: A holy spring temple near Ubud. Visitors can watch the purification ritual, or join in respectfully.
- Tegalalang Rice Terrace: Ubud’s most photographed terraces. Go early for softer light and fewer people.
- Jatiluwih Rice Terraces: Terraces on UNESCO’s World Heritage list, still watered by the traditional subak system. They’re quieter than Tegalalang.
- Mount Batur sunrise trek: A pre-dawn hike up an active volcano in Kintamani, finishing with sunrise views.
- Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, Ubud: A jungle sanctuary with temples and macaques. Keep food and loose items out of sight.
- Tegenungan Waterfall: An easy stop close to Ubud.
- Gitgit Waterfall: A classic stop on a North Bali day trip.
- Nusa Penida: Kelingking Beach and Crystal Bay have dramatic cliffs and clear water. Don’t squeeze it into a morning. Give it a full day, boat transfer included.
- Ayung River rafting: White-water through jungle gorges near Ubud. See Bali rafting.
- Snorkelling and scuba diving: Coral reefs and marine life around the island. See Bali snorkelling and Bali scuba diving.
Bali: What to do in 3, 5 and 7 to 10 days
- 3 days: Spend day one in Ubud: rice terraces, Monkey Forest and Tirta Empul. Do Mount Batur at sunrise or go rafting on day two. Finish at Uluwatu Temple for sunset and the Kecak dance.
- 5 days: Keep the three days above, then add a Nusa Penida day trip and one surf or beach day in Canggu.
- 7 to 10 days: Add the North Bali waterfalls such as Gitgit, plus Jatiluwih, a dive or snorkel day, and a spa day. This is the pace most visitors need to enjoy Bali comfortably.
Want it planned for you? See our Bali itineraries or ask for a custom Bali holiday package.
Fun things to do in Bali for couples, families and groups
- Couples: A sunset dinner in Uluwatu, a boat ride to Nusa Penida, canyoning together and a spa day in Ubud.
- Families: River rafting and tubing, snorkelling, rice terrace walks and easy waterfall visits. Some activities have age and height limits, so check before you book. See our Bali family holiday packages.
- Friends and groups: Surf lessons, jet skis and beach clubs, plus group tours for bigger parties.
The best things to do in Bali, in short
There’s something here for every kind of traveller. Adventure fans should start with our Bali activities. If you’re staying longer, our Bali travel blog and holiday packages will help you plan. And if you’d rather go at your own pace, a self-drive tour gives you the road and the schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most fun things to do in Bali as a couple?
What are the most fun things to do in Bali as a couple?
Dinner at sunset in Uluwatu, a boat ride to Nusa Penida, canyoning together, and a spa day in Ubud are the most popular. Pick one active day and one slow day, and you’ve got a good balance.
What are the top attractions in Bali?
What are the top attractions in Bali?
The most visited are Tanah Lot, Uluwatu Temple, Tegalalang Rice Terrace, Mount Batur, and the Sacred Monkey Forest in Ubud. Add Nusa Penida if you have five days or more.
How many days do you need to see the best things to do in Bali?
How many days do you need to see the best things to do in Bali?
Most people spend 7 to 10 days. That’s enough to cover Ubud, the south coast, one island or volcano day, and a couple of slower days, without rushing between them.
What should I do in Bali for the first time?
What should I do in Bali for the first time?
Start in Ubud for temples, rice terraces and waterfalls. Add a sunset at Uluwatu, then a beach or surf day in Canggu. If you have five days or more, add a Nusa Penida day trip.
What are the best things to do in Bali with kids?
What are the best things to do in Bali with kids?
Rafting and tubing, snorkelling, rice terrace walks and easy waterfalls suit most families. Age limits vary by activity, so we match each one to your children’s ages when we plan the trip.
Where's the best place to stay for things to do in Bali?
Where's the best place to stay for things to do in Bali?
Stay in Ubud for culture and nature, Canggu for surf and cafes, Seminyak for beach clubs and dining, and Uluwatu for cliff views. Most visitors split their stay between two areas.