25 Top Things To Do in Bali

Mt Batur is by far the most hiked route in Bali, as it's a short, beginner-friendly hike that offers up a stunning sunrise view (if it isn't cloudy!). There are many different ways to experience Mt Batur. You can do the usual summit hike, or you can take the jeep up if you want the views without the climb!

Top tip: if you do the hike, do book the guides who take the less-touristed route. The usual route will take 300-600 hikers a day, but the less touristed will take you to the summit with a small fraction of that 🤩

Great for solo travellers, couples and groups of friends.

Nusa Penida with its dramatic landscapes, small winding roads and farming community is known for being like Bali 20 years ago. Though it has gotten increasingly touristed in recent years, the island still only receives 10% of the visitors that mainland Bali gets, and is still very much a worthwhile visit.

The most popular way to see the island is to do a day trip that usually covers all the IG-famous spots, followed by snorkelling to see Manta Rays. (You'll need to be a good swimmer as the currents here are strong!) If you have a little more time though, we would highly recommend staying overnight to really experience the magic of the island. When the daytrippers have left for the day, you can truly experience the idyllic beauty of the island, and soak in its wonderful community vibes where everyone is still very much a family.

Great for solo travellers, couples and groups of friends.

The Balinese love their food so much that there isn't one way to make any given traditional dish. Every village will have its own beloved way of making Babi Guling, Ayam Betutu or even the humble sambal chilli! One of our favourite ways to experience local Balinese culture is to do a cooking class because the locals are so passionate about their food and produce.

Here, you'll get to visit a vibrant local food market in Ubud, see how local produce is harvested at an organic farm, and then finally get to cook your own Balinese meal using farm-fresh produce. Elsewhere they celebrate this as farm-to-table cooking, but here in Bali that's just how traditional cooking has been done for generations - wholesome, organic and incredibly tasty.

Great for solo travellers, couples and families.

Bali may not be as famous for its coffee as for its temples and waterfalls, but for those in the know, Bali's rich volcanic soil actually produces high quality beans which are sold the world over.

A uniquely Bali product is luwak coffee, which is coffee processed after the "luwak" (palm civet cat) has partially digested the raw beans. However many of the luwak coffee farms in Bali aren't sustainable as they keep the wild civet cats in tiny cages. So we would highly recommend instead to visit coffee farms which are run by sustainably and ethically minded farmers, like the one here.

Great for solo travellers, couples and families.

Even the most skeptical visitors find that the spirituality vibe in Bali is strong. One of our favourite local things to do in Bali is the traditional Melukat (purification) ceremony.

The Melukat is something that local Balinese people do as often as once a month, and also at every important occasion. The ceremony usually takes place around waterfalls as water is believed to be able to cleanse your energy. You can also do the ceremony at local temples where you'll be led through various stages of offerings, in order to cleanse your energy. We came away from this ceremony feeling deeply refreshed and connected to the Balinese way of life.

Great for solo travellers and couples.

As you make your way around Bali you will notice how essential bamboo is to everyday life - everything from furniture to food may include this rapidly growing plant. At Bamboo Creative, you will be able to work with local craftsman that will teach you all about bamboo furniture making. Don't worry about the size - it comes apart so you can pack it up in your bag and reassemble it when you arrive home!

Great for solo travellers, couples and families.

The foods of Bali are not just unique and colorful but also rich in nutrients. One of the local gems, that now has a global reputation is turmeric. Take the time to learn about the nutritional value of this orange root and see how the locals like to make it into a potent superfood potion called Jamu. Afterwards, take some deep breaths and enjoy guided meditation.

Great for solo travellers, couples and families.

Farming is big part of Balinese life. Not all of it is done in the sustainable, environmentally friendly ways of the olden days. But there are several farming collectives around the island which are very consciously trying to introduce environmentally sustainable farming practices that will not only help local communities take better care of their land, but hopefully also spread these climate conscious methods around the world. While visiting the The Astungkara Way collective, you will be able to get your hands dirty, maybe even take a full on dip in the mud!

Great for solo travellers, couples and families.

This is one of the most challenging climbs in Bali, but also one of the most worthwhile. At 3031 meters, Mt. Agung is the tallest peak in Bali, as well as the most active volcano and most sacred to the local people. The Balinese believe that Mt. Agung is the exact replica of Mt. Meru, which in Hindu religion is the center of the universe. This volcanic mountain continues to make the most rumbles on the island, even as it has been recently re-opened for hiking. It's a great activity to do if you are staying in Ubud, since it is less than 2 hour drive.

Suitable if you do regular cardio, or are an intermediate hiker as this requires a 8-10 hours climb time.

Walking through the streets of Bali, it's impossible to miss the tiny basket of fresh flowers outside every house and shop. These tiny baskets full of flowers are gifts to Balinese gods, and integral to Balinese daily life. If you're curious about Balinese culture, learning about this sacred tradition is a perfect place to start.

These offerings are small, but result from a very long hand-made process: each day, women make the basket, assemble the flowers in a meaningful placement and carry out a symbolic ritual. Here you'll learn all about the significance of the offering to Balinese culture, how to make it, and you can even choose to wear the ornate traditional outfits worn by the locals.

Great for solo travellers, couples and families with children.

Another famous Bali craft is the making of Batik. This elegant fabric painting by wax and dye can be extremely intricate and time consuming, but have no fear, the experts will guide you through it and you will have a beautiful fabric canvas to show off back home. Best of all you will get to work with and support young local artisans of Keliki Village, a place known for its tradition of art, even boasting its own unique painting style.

Great for solo travellers, couples and families with older children.

Thinking of picking up some self defense moves? Why not try Pencak Silat?! This local martial art is not just a series of punches and kicks but more like an elegant sequence of movements which looks more like a dance. You will be able to learn from a professional athlete who has competed around the region. He'll not only introduce you to the moments, but also teach you about the origins of the art.

Great for solo travellers, couples and families with older children.

Learning from an experienced craftsman is one of the beautiful traditions the world over. Here in Bali you can take in the experience of the local silversmiths who use very traditional techniques and tools to make silver jewellery with a local taste. Added bonus is the cozy workshop surroundings. This workshop is a bit of hike from Ubud, but you won't regret visiting Sidemen. You can even make a side trip to the Gates of Heaven.

Great for solo travellers, couples and families with older children.

Looking for a way to see more, faster? Hop on an ebike and head out to see the lush green surroundings of Ubud. As you speed down the quieter side roads you will be able to see beautiful rice terraces, traditional villages and even meet a local family and visit their home. You will finish the journey with a delicious lunch.

Great for solo travellers, couples, families with older children or a group of friends.

There are many sunset spots in Bali, but watching the sunset on an old-school Balinese jukung boat tops the list!

This isn't a chilled ride, and is definitely an adventure. You'll get to take a traditional Balinese fishing boat across the waves of Uluwatu, around Middle-Earth like cliffs, to see the sunset at one of the best spots in Bali. The waves can be rough so come prepared to get wet!

𝗧𝗼𝗽 𝗧𝗶𝗽: After your sunset cruise, stay a while to feast on the freshest seafood at Jimbaran beach. Here the catch is brought in by local fishermen daily! 😍

Great for a couple or a group of friends.

Didn't expect to find locally made wine in Bali? That's the best part of Bali, all the surprises that it holds. Wine making is still a young tradition here, but it has done surprisingly well in the tropical climate, with the wines even winning a few international awards. Spend an afternoon getting to know the winemakers, exploring the wine making facilities and enjoy an afternoon of wine tasting paired with cheese and other local delights.

Great for solo travellers, couples, and groups of friends.

Love an adrenaline rush? Then take in the birds eye views of Bali while you paraglide. Your take off will be in Nusa Dua so you will get some great panoramas of bold surfer waves and beautiful beach villas. Depending on what time you go you can even catch some magical sky changing colors.

Great for solo travellers, couples, and groups of friends.

If you love the water, take advantage of staying in South Bali and go snorkelling as much as you can! If you've already seen the mantas, head to some less frequented spots such as Buddha Point where you can see a Buddha statue as well as bell shaped stupas (like the ones in Borobudur) submerged in clear waters. Or head to Mangrove point where you can see pink corals!

Great for solo travellers, couples, families with older children or a group of friends.

Cheese may not be the first thing you think about when you think of Bali. But the Balinese do have a tradition of cheese making and are also taking in recent global influences and putting a local twist. If you have a spare afternoon, there's no better way to spend it than nestled in a lush green garden tasting local cheeses.

Great for solo travellers, couples, and groups of friends.

This is a super cool way to understand local Balinese culture, and immerse in their traditional practices.

Here you'll to try Mepatingan, a uniquely Balinese martial art which takes place in the rice paddy mud. This martial art was created by a local who wanted to honour Balinese nature, culture and infuse it with existing martial arts tradition (Pencak Silat). Once you've had an exiting tumble in the mud with your friends and family, you can enjoy a mud sauna, a coffee scrub and a cup of java followed by a delicious local lunch!

Great for families, or a group of friends.

Ah, the sweet, melty goodness of chocolate! If you are even a half hearted fan of this delightful sweet, you should take the time to see where it comes from. Bali has quite a few cacao farms around the island, and in addition to selling the commodity bean overseas, it also makes it's own tasty treats. Visiting the Primo Chocolate Factory is a great way to support locally made goods, even if that's an excuse to satisfy your sweet tooth craving.

Great for solo travellers, couples, and families/groups.

If you wanted to learn more about sustainable farming techniques and how you can implement them in your own home garden, the Bali farming community is a great resource. Here you can learn how to compost and layer soil. Best of all is that you get treated to a tasty lunch made of veggies grown using these techniques.

Great for solo travellers, couples, and families/groups.

Perhaps you picked up a new hobby or two during the pandemic when you couldn't travel? Rock climbing has been on the rise! Why not take your skills from the indoor wall to the great outdoors! Accompanied by Bali's only climbing gym instructors, you will get to experience unspoiled nature as you make your way up a cliff, located in a secret location. This is a great activity to do while staying in Canggu since the trip starts from there, plus you will be in good company with other adventure seekers like yourself.

Great for solo travellers, couples, and groups of friends.

You won't be able to see the wild beauty of Bali by staying on the beaten path. If you really want to get to know this island, and its many forests and villages you'll need to get on the dirt road in an off-road vehicle! Here you will be able to get much closer to nature, and see rice terraces, coffee and clove plantations and even some hidden waterfalls! Plus it's a super fun adventure 😉

Great for solo travellers, couples, and families/groups.

While this isn't in Bali, we would highly recommend the otherworldly Ijen volcano trek if you have an extra day to spare! You can do this as an overnight trip from Bali, with return transport from your accommodation in Bali.

Ijen is one of the world's most unusual volcanoes, where otherworldly rivers of light flow at night. Home to one of the last active sulfur mines in the world, volcanic gases and molten sulfur combine here at night to burn electric blue flames. You'll leave Bali in the evening to arrive at Ijen at midnight to commence your hike. You'll slowly climb the volcano to see the incredible blue flames, and a gorgeous sunrise at the summit.

Suitable for novice hikers.