10 Things to Do in Bali That We Can Repeat Again and Again (and Again)
I’ve always been a homebody…in Bali. OK, I hear how ridiculous that sounds. With all the beaches, temples, and nightlife, how could I possibly stay in? Well, I do go out sometimes, though very few and far between—and I’d have to be bribed. That’s just me.
That was until my super-rich cousins who grew up abroad came to visit, and they’ve got fancy cars, clothes, and accents! I expected to be dissed but I didn’t. In fact, some of them envied me because I grew up here. They even asked me to be their tour guide!
Well, that definitely cranked up the pressure so I couldn’t say no. Suddenly, I had to remember everywhere I’ve been over the last 10 years. Here’s a compilation of my favorite things to do in Bali that we all loved.
What activities can I enjoy in Bali?
There are plenty of activities you can enjoy in Bali! You can climb an active volcano, visit the most important temples, splash around at a golden beach, marvel at the tallest Indonesian statue, shop ‘til you drop, and more.
Start Your Day with a Volcano Sunrise
Media credit: mountbatursunrisetrekking.info
Website: https://www.mountbatursunrisetrekking.info/mount-batur-sunrise-jeep-adventure/
Address: Kintamani, Batur, Bangli
Contact Details: +62 878 615 85681 (WhatsApp), +62 878 615 85681 (Phone), [email protected]
Fees:
- Rp 1,745,000 per solo traveler
- Rp 2,190,000 for 2 persons
- Rp 2,635,000 for 3 persons
- Rp 3,780,000 for 4 persons
- More than 4 people – Rp 890,000 per person
- Without Breakfast – Rp 75,000 less each
If you want a satisfying start to a long day of exploration, why not climb a volcanic mountain? For us, Mount Batur offers the most stunning sunrise view! You can also see monkeys at the top and a scenic lake at the base as a bonus.
Compared to Mount Agung, we think this active volcano is easier for newbie climbers. It takes around 2 hours to reach the top (some tourists even wake up around 2:30 am!) but we believe the sights are worth your time.
Of course, it will be dark at first, but the local guide will provide you with a headlamp for your safety. And besides the picturesque sunrise, we love that successful climbers will get a creamy hot chocolate and a tasty banana sandwich!
| Pro tip: Is trekking not an option for you to see Mount Batur’s sunrise? Don’t fret! We recommend joining the jeep tour in a private 4×4 instead! |
Wander Around the Main Tourist Town
Media credit: ubudhood
Address: F7R7+V5F, Jl. Karna, Ubud, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 9 AM to 6 PM
Ubud is known for being the main spot for traditional crafts and dance in Bali. It’s surrounded by lush terraces and dense jungles, so we bet you’ll discover many things to spark your interest!
The highlights for us are the Sacred Monkey Forest, Pura Tirta Empul Temple, and the Tegallalang Rice Terraces. And if you’re into yoga, you might like that Ubud is a spiritual place, with a bunch of wellness studios and retreats offering meditation and healing.
Also, don’t forget to get some amazing souvenirs from the market for yourself or your loved ones. You can pick from a big selection of local items, from woven bags to silk scarves and other handcrafted goods.
| Artsy suggestion Want to embrace your creativity? Join classes or workshops in Ubud where you can learn a new skill or find a new hobby! Your options go from jewelry making and traditional fabric painting to wood carving, so you do you. |
Visit a Temple
Media credit: fonfonpanida
Address: Besakih, Rendang, Karangasem Regency
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 8 AM to 6 PM
Fees:
- Local Tourists – Rp 80,000
- International Tourists – Rp 150,000
Pura Besakih (Besakih Great Temple) has among the province’s most significant temples. So if visiting one is on your Bali bucket list, we recommend going for this one.
It’s a big holy site with 23 temples, including soaring spires and festivals. In our view, this is a wonderful place to learn about Balinese Hinduism. On top of that, you’ll see Mount Agung in the background—perfect for mini photoshoots!
Depending on when you come here, we reckon you’ll see some Hindu traditions too, such as various ceremonial offerings and the vibrant festival of Odalan.
| Safety reminder: Like many tourist spots, Pura Besakih isn’t free from scammers. Some local ladies here might try to sell you “essential” items, like flowers and other stuff, to enter the temples. But this isn’t true—all you need to get in is pay the ticket price, which already includes a Sarong cloth rental, a tour guide, the parking fee, and an electric golf car to drop you at the temple gate. We say just be firm and politely walk away. |
Splash Around at a Golden Sand Beach
Media credit: __tvaruka__
Address: Pecatu, South Kuta, Badung Regency
Fees:
- Free entry
Many Bali beaches feature black sand due to their volcanic origins, but not Uluwatu Beach (a.k.a. Blue Point Beach or Suluban Beach). It’s got gorgeous golden sand beaches and turquoise blue waters that could be what you’re hoping for on your trip.
Here, you can sunbathe and get a luscious tan, surf during the sunset, or dance the night away at a chic beach club—we love that there’s something for all beachgoers!
| Some things to note: Uluwatu Beach is very cliffy, so you might need to walk down a long staircase at some point. We suggest wearing strong grip shoes and being extra careful—you don’t want any accidents in the middle of your coastal getaway! There can be monkeys on your way down the stairs too! They’re usually pretty harmless, though the naughty ones might steal your sunglasses! If you’re hesitant, we feel it’s best to keep your distance. |
See the Tallest Statue in Indonesia
Media credit: gwkbali
Website: https://www.gwkbali.com/
Address: Uluwatu St, Ungasan, South Kuta, Badung Regency
Contact Details: +62 361 700808, [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 8 AM to 10 PM
Fees:
- Ultimate Bundling Package – Rp 300,000 to Rp 375,000
- Regular Entrance Ticket – Rp 120,000 to Rp 125,000
- Buggy Shuttle Service (One Route: Plaza Bhagawan to Pedestal to Festival Park) – Rp 40,000 per person
The GWK Cultural Park is a massive area showcasing gigantic Hindu sculptures, as well as dance performances and concerts. It’s also home to the tallest statue in Indonesia (and among the highest in the world), the iconic Garuda Wisnu Kencana.
This statue stands proud at 121 meters and is devoted to the Hindu god Vishnu, as well as his mount, Garuda, his mythical bird companion. Plus, we’re in awe that you can see this from Jimbaran Beach!
There are lots to see, so it’s smart to allot a couple of hours or half a day to see everything. You can either walk, bike, or hire a Segway too! And when you’re feeling peckish, you can find a small food court, shops, and coffee shops on-site.
| Nifty tricks: For an extra fee at the GWK Cultural Park, we recommend taking an elevator up to the 23rd floor. This is where you can enjoy a panoramic view across southern Bali! Be sure to arrive early so you won’t miss the cultural show! The staff will also provide you with a QR code, where you can check out the show summary. This is very handy, especially if you don’t speak their language. |
Indulge in Sweets at a Chocolate Factory
Media credit: junglegoldbali
Website: https://www.junglegoldbali.com/
Address: Jl. Denpasar-Singaraja No.29, Werdi Bhuwana, Kec. Mengwi, Kabupaten Badung
Contact Details: +62 361 2091011, [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 9 AM to 9 PM
Fees:
- Fresh Chocolate Making – Rp 100,000
Fan of Willy Wonka? This spot is close enough, but with a twist—JungleGold Bali (previously Pod Chocolate) is the world’s first fully plant-based chocolate factory. It uses coconuts, cashew milk, and cocoa butter blend. Not totally vegan, but no dairy in sight.
We’re also happy that travelers can visit the factory and sample chocolate for free! But if you want to level up your experience, you can pay a fee for a special agrotourism experience and see how the chocolates are produced.
| Our recommendation: JungleGold Bali might only take you on a tour if you’re with friends or in a group, so we say don’t risk not getting it by going solo! You can even try making your very own chocolate bar here! How cool is that? However, we suggest bringing an insulated or thermal bag (with wrapped ice packs) to keep your sweet creations from melting before you get home. |
Join a Purification Ritual
Media credit: mariyagi_san
Address: Tampaksiring, Gianyar Regency
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 8 AM to 6 PM
Fees:
- Entrance
- Adults – Rp 50,000
- Children ages 5 to 11 – Rp 25,000
- Children under 5 – Free
- Sarong Rental -Rp 10,000
- Locker Rental – Rp 15,000
- Donation for Guidance and Ritual – Rp 50,000
Pura Tirta Empul is a Hindu Balinese temple with a bathing area containing holy spring water for Melukat or traditional ritual purification. And it’s not just for locals—anyone can participate and get enlightened!
Though this ritual can be held anywhere with water, like at sea, rivers, and waterfalls, we believe the temple is among the most scenic spots to have it.
The ceremony starts with an offering to the gods, so we say bring extra cash (they don’t accept cards there, anyway). Then, you’ll go to the water wearing a Sarong (traditional Bali clothing worn around the waist) and visit other fountains for a small ritual.
| Smart pointers: Beat the crowds at Pura Tirta Empul by arriving as early as possible, like 7 to 8 am as the temple opens! For us, having extra time to spare later is always a bonus. And just a note for non-Hindu ladies: if it’s your time of the month, you’re unfortunately not allowed within the temple—might save you a tedious trip! |
Marvel at a Modern Museum
Media credit: sartayudi
Website: http://ppsdm-geominerba.esdm.go.id/home/museum_gunung_api_batur
Address: Penelokan Main Rd, South Batur, Kintamani, Bangli Regency
Contact Details: +62 366 51088, [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 8 AM to 4 PM
Fees:
- Admission
- Adults (Domestic): Rp 10,000 per person
- Children (Domestic): Rp 5,000 per person
- Adults (Foreign): Rp 50,000 per person
- Children (Foreign): Rp 30,000 per person
- Parking
- Bus – Rp 50,000 per unit
- Car – Rp 10,000 per unit
- Motorcycle – Rp 5,000 per unit
- Outdoor Area Rental
- Upper Parking Lot – Rp 3,000,000 per day
- Prewedding Location – Rp 250,000 per day
Taking the kids in tow? Museum Geopark Batur is a unique space where you can have a fun family-friendly experience. You’ll see a decent selection of geological, historical, and cultural exhibits relating to Mount Batur, Bali’s second-largest volcano.
Other than that, you’ll find laptops with free access, big halls with lava samples, movie screens, stones, and the like. Overall, we think it has a serene atmosphere that can calm you down if you’ve had a hectic day.
| Must-know moves: There are no cafes or food options inside Museum Geopark Batur. So if you’re planning a visit, we recommend bringing water or snacks. Alternatively, the museum isn’t far from other tourist spots, so you can easily combine your trip here with other activities in the area. You may use Grab or Gojek ride-hailing services for transportation. |
Learn to Cook Balinese Food
Media credit: balifarmcooking
Website: https://tamandukuh.com/cooking-classes/
Address: Jl. Raya Banjar Jati, Taro, Kec. Tegallalang, Kabupaten Gianyar
Contact Details: +62 852 1122 1669, [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 7:30 AM to 6 PM
Fees:
- Morning Cooking Class (5 hours) – Rp 480,000
- Afternoon Cooking Class (5 hours) – Rp 450,000
- Evening Cooking Class (5 hours) – Starts at Rp 450,000
- Advanced Cooking Class (5 hours) – Starts at Rp 900,000
- Traditional Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO) Making + Cooking Class (5 hours) – Rp 650,000
- Private Cooking Class (5 hours) – Starts at Rp 550,000 per adult
- Bali Night Market & Food Tours (5 hours) – Rp 750,000
- Cook and Stay Packages (1 night and 1 day) – Rp 750,000
- Couple Cooking & Romantic Dinner – Rp 1,500,000 per couple
- All options come with a free Ubud shuttle.
If sampling the local cuisine isn’t enough, what if you actually cook it yourself?
Bali Farm Cooking School provides various cooking workshops focused on Balinese and Indonesian cuisine you might enjoy.
This school offers pick-up from the center, lets guests pick out fresh herbs, and teaches them to cook these straight into 4 tasty dishes—a true farm-to-table experience!
For example, you’ll learn to make Balinese curry, chicken satay, sayur urab (mixed veggies), and sweet and sour tempeh (an Indonesian fermented plant-based protein). In our book, this is a fantastic way to expand your taste buds and bask in bolder flavors!
| Practical advice: Don’t just take it all in—we suggest jotting notes as you learn to cook at Bali Farm Cooking School! For us, this is especially handy if you plan on recreating these dishes for family gatherings and holidays. |
Sample Great Wine
Media credit: sababaywinery
Website: https://megatix.com.au/events/sababay-winery-tour-experience-new
Address: Jalan Professor Doktor Ida Bagus Mantra No.333X Keramas, Medahan, Kec. Blahbatuh, Kabupaten Gianyar
Contact Details: +62 361 949099, [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- Thursday to Tuesday – 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM
- Wednesday – 1 PM to 5:30 PM
Fees:
- Tour & Taste (3 kinds of wines) – Rp 217,800
- Sip of Love (4 kinds of wines, chocolate platter, and romantic setup) – Rp 484,000
- Tour & Dine (4 kinds of wines and light set menu) – Rp 598,950
- Tour & Taste Non-Alcohol (mocktails) – Rp 163,350
What better way to cap off your exploration than to sample some flavorful wine? Sababay Winery is one of the biggest wine producers in Indonesia that ensures its Balinese farmers get paid fairly for their grapes.
The tour guide will share the winery’s history and products and take you through the winemaking process. We suggest asking away to get your money’s worth.
And with enough patience, you’ll get to the best part—you can finally sample Sababay wine! This comes in white, red, rose, and sparkling.
| Cheat sheet: The portion sizes for each wine sample at Sababay Winery can be quite small (only 70 ml per glass), so we reckon you should savor your sips! Here’s how it goes: look at the wine color and clarity, gently swirl it, sniff it well, take small sips, and pay attention to the aftertaste. |