Things To Do
in Bali
Bali is an Indonesian island known for its dramatic rice terraces, Hindu temples, vibrant arts scene and warm tropical beaches. The island blends traditional Balinese culture with lively surf towns, boutique cafes and luxury resorts. Travelers come for spiritual retreats in Ubud, sun and nightlife in Seminyak and Canggu, and outdoor adventures like volcano treks and diving.
Despite busy tourist hubs, many parts of Bali retain a peaceful, community-centered village life steeped in ritual and ceremony.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
You land at Ngurah Rai International Airport and descend into Bali’s tropical warmth. A private driver whisks you to your boutique resort in Seminyak, where you unwind by the infinity pool. The scent of frangipani fills the air as you sip your first Balinese coffee on the terrace.
You stroll down to Double Six Beach, where colorful parasols and rolling waves beckon. A beachfront warung serves grilled fish and spicy sambal for a leisurely lunch. You wander through the nearby artisan markets, admiring wood carvings and handmade batik scarves.
You watch a fiery sunset from La Plancha’s eclectic array of striped umbrellas. Your tropical cocktail arrives served in a hollowed pineapple. Later, Seminyak’s vibrant nightlife tempts you to dance at a beach club under candlelit umbrellas.
You journey inland to Ubud, Bali’s spiritual and artistic hub, and check into a jungle-side villa overlooking rice terraces. A sunrise yoga class on a wooden platform sets a mindful tone for the day. You savor Balinese kopi tubruk and banana pancakes at a local café.
You wander through the ornate courtyard of Ubud Palace and marvel at intricate stone carvings. In the vibrant Ubud Art Market, you haggle for silver jewelry and hand-dyed textiles. A farm-to-table lunch features tempeh, gado-gado, and sambal matah.
You attend a traditional Legong dance at Pura Desa Ubud, mesmerized by the dancers’ delicate hand movements. Lanterns glow softly in the temple courtyard as the gamelan orchestra plays. A barefoot stroll back to your villa is serenaded by the croaks of night frogs.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $2-6 |
| ☕Coffee at a cafe | $2-4 |
| 🛏️Mid-range hotel per night | $40-120 |
| 🚕Short taxi/ride-hailing trip | $2-10 |
| 🍺Local beer (bintang) at a bar | $2-4 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich cultural and spiritual experiences with temples, ceremonies and arts.
- Beautiful and varied landscapes: beaches, rice terraces, volcanoes and waterfalls.
- Wide range of accommodation and food options from budget to luxury.
- Well-developed tourism infrastructure and many specialized activities.
- Popular areas can be crowded and traffic congested, especially in high season.
- Low-cost tourist development has led to environmental pressures and occasional overtourism.
- Scooter accidents and petty crime can be risks if precautions aren’t taken.
- Some areas experience loud nightlife which can affect tranquility.
- "Terima kasih" - Thank you
- "Permisi" - Excuse me / May I pass?
- "Berapa harganya?" - How much does this cost?
- "Tolong" - Please / Help
- "Selamat pagi / siang / sore / malam" - Good morning / afternoon / evening / night
Places to Visit in Bali
Visit one of these nice places.
Iconic layered rice terraces near Ubud with dramatic patterns and sunrise/sunset photo opportunities.
Famous temple with a reflective pool shot framing Mount Agung—arrive early to avoid long lines and haze.
Cliff viewpoint shaped like a T-rex with turquoise water below—stunning aerial and landscape compositions.
Cliff-top temple with dramatic ocean vistas, especially atmospheric at sunset combined with Kecak dance.
Sunrise from the volcano rim offers otherworldly light, cloud inversions and sweeping lake views.
One of Bali’s most photogenic waterfalls in the north—requires a short trek but rewards with cascading falls and lush surroundings.
UNESCO-listed expansive rice terraces showcasing Subak irrigation system—less crowded than Tegallalang.
Food in Bali
Bali Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A mixed-plate meal with rice and small portions of meats, vegetables and sambal—find it at warungs across the island.
Must-Try!
Balinese-style spit-roast suckling pig, seasoned with a rich spice paste; best at specialty restaurants in southern and central Bali.
Slow-cooked spiced duck, wrapped and roasted for tender, aromatic flesh—a ceremonial and celebratory dish available at traditional restaurants.
Fried noodles or fried rice served widely as street food and in casual eateries—simple, filling, and customizable.
A traditional Balinese salad mixing vegetables, grated coconut and minced meat with herbs and spices—often served at ceremonies and local meals.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Beyond handicrafts, the surrounding streets have warungs and snack stalls where you can try local rice dishes, satay and desserts.
Evening food stalls and night markets offering grilled fish, satay, bakso (meatball soup) and fried snacks—good for casual sampling.
North Bali wet market experience with fresh produce, spices and local snacks—great for food photography and sampling regional ingredients.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
When visiting temples, wear a sarong and sash (often available for rent); cover shoulders and knees, speak softly and avoid pointing or climbing on shrines. Women should avoid entering temples during menstruation in some traditional settings—ask or follow local guidance.
Use a polite tone and smile; 'Terima kasih' (thank you) and a slight bow or nod shows respect. Avoid touching someone's head (the most sacred part) and use the right hand for giving or receiving items.
Do not step over offerings (canang sari) placed on the ground and be mindful during temple ceremonies—observe quietly and photograph only with permission.
Bargaining is common in markets—start lower than the asking price and keep it friendly. Avoid aggressive haggling in small family-run shops.
Safety
Tipping in Bali
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory; small cash tips (10% in restaurants if service is excellent) are common. For drivers, guides and spa therapists, a modest tip is customary if service is good. Check bills for a service charge—if included, additional tipping is optional.
Cash in Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) is king for markets, small shops and transport. Credit/debit cards are widely accepted at hotels, larger restaurants and shops; use ATMs in towns but be aware of withdrawal fees. Mobile payment apps like GoPay are used locally (mainly by locals and ride-hailing).
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Sunny days, lower humidity and calm seas make this the most popular time for beaches, diving and trekking. Expect larger crowds and higher prices, especially July–August. Book accommodations and popular activities in advance.
Frequent afternoon showers and higher humidity; mornings often remain pleasant and landscapes are lush and green. Some surf and diving conditions change—north and east coasts can be better for diving; expect fewer tourists and lower rates.
Transitional months with good weather, fewer crowds and competitive prices—ideal for photographers and travelers seeking a balance between weather and crowd levels.
Bali at Night
Hiking in Bali
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Popular sunrise trek with relatively moderate difficulty and spectacular sunrise views of the volcano and Lake Batur; guided treks recommended.
Bali’s highest and most sacred mountain—challenging and potentially hazardous trek requiring a guide and good fitness; permits/guides often required.
Easy, scenic ridge walk near Ubud ideal for morning or late-afternoon strolls with panoramas of valleys and rice fields.
Trails in the northern highlands leading to waterfalls, lush forests and cooler climes—great for multi-stop nature hikes.
Longer walks through UNESCO-listed Subak rice terraces with cultural and agricultural insights—less crowded than southern spots.
Airports
How to reach Bali by plane.
Bali’s primary international airport located near Tuban/Badung—well-connected to domestic and international flights with taxis, shuttles and ride-hailing to main tourist areas (30–60 minutes depending on traffic).
Fast boat and ferry services connect Bali to Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan and Lombok; ferry terminals and private fast-boat operators depart from Sanur, Padang Bai and Benoa.
About a short flight from Bali; useful if combining Lombok and the Gili Islands with Bali travel—accessible by plane or by longer ferry + drive.
On the eastern tip of Java, connected by ferry to western Bali (Gilimanuk) and sometimes used by travelers combining Java and Bali itineraries.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority of the island's indigenous population practices Balinese Hinduism with strong cultural and religious traditions—community and temple life are central.
Residents from other parts of Indonesia work and live across Bali in tourism, services and construction sectors.
Significant expat and remote-worker populations, especially in Canggu, Ubud and Seminyak, contributing to cafes, coworking spaces and international services.
International visitors from Australia, Europe, China and elsewhere create a multicultural tourist scene and seasonal population shifts.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A defining sport in Bali with world-class breaks attracting international surfers and a huge local surf culture.
Popular across Indonesia including Bali—local clubs and community matches are common.
Widely played recreationally and competitively across the country, including Bali.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Bali.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are widely available, especially in Ubud and major tourist areas; ask for 'tanpa daging' (without meat) or try nasi campur with vegetable sides. Many cafes offer vegan and gluten-free choices.
Although Balinese Hindu culture uses pork in many dishes, halal food is available in warungs and restaurants—look for halal-certified places or ask staff. Seafood and vegetarian dishes are often safe choices.
Carry a translation card for allergies in Indonesian and avoid street food if severely allergic. Cross-contamination is possible in busy kitchens.