Bali-eve in love: 16 best things to do in Bali

There’s a reason Bali draws in honeymooners from all over the world – it’s a place to escape and luxuriate. Whether you’re into beaches, watersports, nature walks, wellness retreats, or cheap nights out, Bali caters to all types of travellers. You can cross the island in three hours, from magical Mount Batur in the north to the serene sands of the south, so it's easy to explore Bali in depth and perhaps discover your new favourite sundowner spot. Here are the best things to do in Bali.

See the sunrise from Mount Batur

This experience is worth the 1am wake-up call. Described as the "morning of the world," a sunrise from the 1.7km-high (1 mi) summit of the Batur volcano illuminates all of Bali and beyond. The trek to the peak is suitable for most walkers — it’s short and not too steep, although you must walk in the dark. The best bit is the smug walk back down in the morning glow, knowing how much you’ve achieved while most people are still in bed.

Experience it for yourself on: Classic Bali & Lombok

Bend it like Meghan at the Yoga Barn

Meghan is one of the founders of Yoga Barn in Ubud, a sanctuary for those seeking peace, bendiness, and vegan health kicks. With more than 25 classes a day, yogis of all levels can find something to their liking. The space also hosts healing workshops, music events, and detox programs and is widely considered to be one of the world's leaders in wellness. The garden is home to a Watsu pool (a huge therapeutic salted swimming pool), riverside retreats, and a café selling vegan boosts. If you need to reset your chakras after indulging in the more hedonistic side of Bali, then Yoga Barn is your safe place.

Experience it for yourself on: Wellness Bali

Hike the Campuhan Ridge Walk

If you’re in Ubud and have a few spare hours, then a walk along the ridge above Campuhan River is a no-brainer. The trail is a rural masterpiece, snaking through dense jungle, terraced rice fields, and local villages. Go early for ultimate tranquillity and enjoy Bali's unique morning birdsong.

Mingle with monkeys at Uluwatu Temple

Perched precariously on a cliff edge overlooking the Indian Ocean, Uluwatu Temple is one of the most enchanting sites on the island. It has spent thousands of years protecting Hindu islanders from evil spirits, but it's now best known for its otherworldly sunsets. Come early for a good seat and watch out for the primate pickpockets; while you're taking panoramas, they’re taking Panasonics. Not far from the temple, you’ll also find one of Bali’s best beaches, Nyang Nyang. To get to this crowd-free sun trap, you need to clamber down through steep jungle, but the extra sweat makes the reveal at the end all the sweeter.

Get splashed at Tegenungan Waterfall

Bali is no stranger to a waterfall, and Tegenungan ticks all the boxes. It’s big, accessible, and usually swimmable. If you can get close to the drop zone, expect the power shower of your life. For more of a secluded bathing spot, try Nungnung Waterfall, which is gorge-ous, or the seven waterfalls of Sekumpul in the north of the island.

Admire the Tegalalang Rice Terrace

North of Ubud is one of Bali’s most photographed spots, the UNESCO-listed Tegalalang Rice Terrace. You’re free to explore the paddies, but be conscious of working farmers who have kept these terraces going for generations. You can set off on a long or short walk, and plenty of open-air cafés are available for cooling off afterward. Follow the sound of the camera shutters and grab a seat on the Love Swing for a cheesy (but essential) photo memory.

Raft through river ravines in Ubud

For a gentle rafting experience with a sprinkling of whitewater, Bali’s spiritual capital of Ubud has just the river. Ayung Valley is a jungle massif, with streams cutting through the leafy canyons. It might sound bonkers, but surrendering yourself to a giant inflatable is the perfect way to explore Bali’s volcanic highlands.

Experience it for yourself on: Bali and Komodo: Dragons, Rice Terraces & Cultural Ceremonies

Enter multicoloured worlds with Bali diving

Bali is slap-bang in the middle of the Coral Triangle, also known as the "Amazon of the Seas," because it's one of the most biodiverse marine habitats on the planet. Within the wild waters lie more than 2,000 species of fish, six of the seven species of marine turtles, and several species of whales, including humpbacks and blue whales.

The north coast of Bali is calmer than the south, perfect for snorkelling and diving. Menjangan Island is a beautiful option just 10km (6.2 mi) from the mainland. It’s less crowded than other islands and home to the psychedelic mandarin fish, manta and eagle rays, and two species of reef sharks. If you don’t want to wear a wetsuit and oxygen tank, you can still see the reefs if you go snorkelling or kayaking.

Experience it for yourself on: Indonesia: Bali Adventure

Safari in the wild west of Bali

Menjangan is home to the Javan rusa deer, which you might see wading in the island’s shallows. You’ll also see deer in the grasslands of nearby West Bali National Park and its surroundings, one of the best places to get close to Bali’s exotic wildlife. The temples dotted around the region are playgrounds for macaques, the skies are blessed with sightings of endangered Bali starlings, and rare pink buffalo tend the rice paddies of Pekutatan.

Experience it for yourself on: Indonesia: Java & Bali

Surf Bali's legendary waves

The Island of the Gods is one of the best spots for surfing in the world. Whether you’re a seasoned surfer or new to waves and wipeouts, Bali has a stretch of coast for all board-riding abilities. With great surfing comes a great selection of surf schools. Canggu and Kuta are best for beginners — go at low tide for the gentlest waves. Otherwise, head to Medewi in West Bali for an uncrowded, bouldery affair, better for more confident surfers.

Experience it for yourself on: Indonesia: Bali, Komodo & Lombok

Pamper yourself silly in Seminyak

Seminyak is one of Bali’s most popular beaches, known for its golden sands, sundowner bars, and surf scene. It enjoys the finer things in life and attracts crowds of travellers who want fancy hotels, pampering spots, and late-night shopping. Doing nothing is one of the best things to do in Seminyak, unrivalled for a lazy beach or pool day with the option of a night out.

Experience it for yourself on: Classic Bali & Komodo Island

See rural Bali at the Jatiluwih Rice Terraces

Combining elegant beauty and ancient practicality, Bali’s rice paddies have become a postcard favourite. The delicately designed emerald green terraces stand out in clearings of overgrown jungle as farmers in traditional bamboo hats tend to their crops. The fresh air isn’t just for rice — it’s loved by walkers, too. Jatiluwih is the quieter cousin of Tegalalang, with plenty of trails, but watch where you step. You don’t want to slip on a rice patch.

Experience it for yourself on: Indonesia: Java & Bali

Learn how to carve a traditional mask

Where coastal Bali has beach bars, inland Bali has wellness centres and workshops. You can take your pick of crafts in Ubud: learn how to make artisan jewellery, take a cooking class, or try your hand at Indonesian mask carving.

Worship the sunset at Tanah Lot

Those temple builders sure know how to pick a location. Tanah Lot is built offshore on a small outcrop of rock, accessible only at low tide. Dedicated to the gods of the sea, it has become a sunset-worshipping spot for travellers far and wide. Bali has thousands of puras (temples) dotted around the island, and it’s worth reading up on the etiquette for visiting before you go. They play a huge part in the spiritual lives of locals, and some temples, including Tanah Lot, allow visitors to take the steps but not go within their holy walls.

Bathe on the beaches of Nusa Dua

The best thing to do in Nusa Dua is to find a beach and sit on it. The powdery white sands swallow you up. The warm waters off the coast of Nusa Dua are perfect for swimming and snorkelling. Mengiat Beach is a particular favourite: plenty of space, cold drinks on tap, and stunning sunsets. What more can you want?

Experience it for yourself on: Wellness Bali

Get creative in Bali’s newest city

Nuanu Creative City is Bali’s brand new cultural centre, on the west coast of Denpasar. It was built to attract the creative entrepreneurial crowds: a space for art and community with afternoons in the beach club. As you drive in, you’re greeted by two colossal, Avatar-like concrete heads. After you've parked, you’re whisked around on a golf cart. It feels like a techno ecotopia — think Burning Man meets futuristic spa. It's worth exploring if you’re into nice bars and mad architecture.