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Indigo Bali Seminyak Beach, Bali

Things to do guide

The best things to do in Bali

Updated 1 October 2026 · 15 things to do

Pictured: Indigo Bali Seminyak Beach

Bali is a Hindu island in a mostly Muslim country, and that changes everything. Every doorway has a tiny offering of flowers and incense, every village has a temple, and festivals seem to happen every other week. Add rice terraces stepping down green valleys, volcanoes you can climb at dawn, surf breaks and beach clubs, and you can see why the island has been a traveller's favourite for decades.

It's compact but traffic is slow, so choose a base and take day trips: Ubud for culture and the highlands, Seminyak and Canggu for beaches and sunsets, the Bukit peninsula for clifftop temples and surf. Dress respectfully at temples, start early to beat the heat and the crowds, and leave room for a spa afternoon.

Don't miss

  1. 1Tanah Lot
  2. 2Uluwatu Temple
  3. 3Ubud
  4. 4Tegallalang rice terraces
  5. 5Mount Batur sunrise

Temples

Bali has thousands of temples. These are the ones worth the journey.

  1. Tanah Lot

    Landmark

    Tanah Lot temple at high tide
    Photo: Jakub Hałun, CC BY-SA 4.0

    A small sea temple perched on a rock just off the coast, cut off from the shore when the tide is high, with waves breaking around its base. It's one of Bali's best-known sights and a classic sunset spot. Arrive early to get a good view of the rock before the crowds gather.

    Tip: Visitors can usually walk out at low tide but cannot enter the inner temple, which is for worshippers.

  2. Uluwatu Temple

    Landmark

    Luhur Uluwatu Temple on its clifftop
    Photo: Jakub Hałun, CC BY-SA 4.0

    Pura Luhur Uluwatu sits on the edge of a limestone cliff on the Bukit peninsula, with the Indian Ocean far below. Walk the cliff path at sunset, and stay for the Kecak dance, a chorus of chanting men performed in an open-air amphitheatre as the sky changes colour.

    Tip: Macaques live around the temple and are quick to grab sunglasses, phones and bags, so keep your belongings secure.

  3. Tirta Empul

    Landmark

    The holy spring temple of Pura Tirta Empul
    Photo: Saranabhi, CC BY-SA 3.0

    A holy spring temple near Tampaksiring where Balinese Hindus come to purify themselves in pools fed by spouts. Visitors can join the ritual bathing, wearing a sarong, as long as they follow the etiquette and treat it as a sacred act rather than a photo stop.

  4. Besakih

    Landmark

    The Mother Temple of Besakih
    Photo: CEphoto, Uwe Aranas, CC BY-SA 3.0

    Known as the Mother Temple, Besakih is Bali's largest and holiest temple, a sprawling complex of shrines climbing the slopes of the volcano Mount Agung. On a clear morning the setting is magnificent. It's a long drive from the south, so combine it with the east of the island.

  5. Ulun Danu Beratan

    Landmark

    Pura Ulun Danu Bratan on its lake
    Photo: CEphoto, Uwe Aranas, CC BY-SA 3.0

    A graceful water temple on the edge of Lake Beratan in the cool highlands near Bedugul, its tiered shrines seeming to float on the water against a backdrop of misty hills. It's one of the most photographed temples on the island, and the climate here is a relief from the coast.

Ubud and the highlands

  1. Ubud

    Neighbourhood

    Ubud Palace in the centre of Ubud
    Photo: Jakub Hałun, CC BY-SA 4.0

    The island's cultural heart is a town of galleries, craft shops, yoga studios and cafés set among rice fields and ravines. See a dance performance at the Ubud Palace in the evening, browse the market, and walk the Campuhan Ridge for a view over the green valley at golden hour.

    Tip: Traffic in Ubud can be heavy. Explore the centre on foot and use a driver for farther trips.

  2. Tegallalang rice terraces

    Nature

    The Tegallalang rice terraces
    Photo: Philip Nalangan, CC BY 4.0

    North of Ubud, emerald paddies are carved into a steep valley in graceful curves, with palms standing along the edges. The famous viewpoint is crowded by mid-morning, so go early, and walk down the paths between the terraces to see how the water is shared out.

  3. Mount Batur sunrise

    Activity

    Sunrise from Mount Batur above the lake
    Photo: Aaron Rentfrew, CC BY-SA 4.0

    Set off in the dark with a guide to climb the active volcano above Lake Batur. You reach the top in time to watch the sun rise over the crater and Mount Agung beyond, usually with a simple breakfast cooked in the volcanic steam. It's a tough but rewarding start to the day.

    Tip: Take a torch, sturdy shoes and a warm layer for the summit, which is much cooler than the coast.

  4. Tegenungan Waterfall

    Nature

    A broad waterfall at the end of a short staircase near Ubud, a quick and refreshing stop on the way to or from the highlands. The rocks can be slippery, so take care near the water.

Coast and islands

  1. Sanur

    Beach

    Sanur Beach
    Photo: Aspere, CC0

    A calm, reef-sheltered beach on the east coast, with a paved promenade that stretches for kilometres past cafés and little warungs. It's relaxed, family-friendly and good for sunrise, and fast boats to the Nusa islands leave from its shore.

  2. Seminyak and Canggu

    Neighbourhood

    The west coast is Bali's social scene: beach clubs, boutiques, smart restaurants and surf breaks, with black-sand beaches and sunsets that bring everyone out in the evening. Seminyak is the polished one, Canggu the shaggy, creative neighbour.

  3. Kelingking Beach

    Day trip

    Kelingking Beach on Nusa Penida
    Photo: Chainwit., CC BY 4.0

    On the island of Nusa Penida, a short fast-boat ride from Sanur, a rugged cliff shaped like a dinosaur drops to a hidden white beach. The viewpoint is famously photographed, and the roads on the island are rough and steep.

    Tip: Sea conditions affect the crossing, and the clifftop path down to the beach is steep, so go carefully.

Eat and drink

  1. Babi guling

    Food

    Babi guling, Balinese roast suckling pig
    Photo: Jeff McNeill from Chiang Mai, Thailand, CC BY 2.0

    Balinese spit-roast suckling pig, stuffed with spices and turmeric, roasted until the skin is crackling. It's served with rice, lawar and crisp skin. Ubud has the best-known stalls, and it's a cheap, filling lunch.

  2. Jimbaran seafood

    Food

    Seafood served on the beach at Jimbaran
    Photo: Mx. Granger, CC0

    At dusk, tables are set out on the sand at Jimbaran Bay and fresh fish, prawns and squid are grilled over coconut husks while the sun sets. It's touristy, and it's also a classic Bali evening.

  3. Nasi goreng

    Food

    Indonesia's national fried rice, topped with a fried egg and often served with satay and crackers. It's on every menu, from beach bar to market stall, and a good safe bet when you're hungry.

Where to stay in Bali

Not sure which area suits you? Read our guide: Where to stay in Bali →

Getting around

Traffic is heavy in the south, so allow longer than the map suggests. Most visitors use ride-hailing apps, taxis or a hired driver for day trips, which is often good value. There is no train, and scooters, while popular, carry a real risk for inexperienced riders.

When to go

The dry season runs roughly from April to October, with sunny days and the best conditions for trekking and the beaches. The wet season brings short heavy showers and humidity, though the landscapes are lush and the island is quieter.

Questions about visiting Bali

What is Bali best known for?
Its Hindu temples, rice terraces, beaches and surf, and the cultural town of Ubud, along with spas, yoga and food.
Is Bali worth visiting?
Yes. It offers beaches, culture, nature and wellness in a single island, and suits couples, families, solo travellers and surfers.
What is there to do in Bali with kids?
Calm beaches such as Sanur, rice-field walks, waterfalls and boat trips are good with children, and many resorts have kids’ pools and clubs.
How many days do you need in Bali?
A week lets you see Ubud and the coast, and ten days to two weeks allows for the Nusa islands, the east and a few slow beach days.
Do you need a car in Bali?
Most visitors do not drive. Ride-hailing apps and hired drivers are easy to arrange and make more sense than navigating the traffic yourself.

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