Welcome to Bali, the Island of the Gods! Bali is renowned for its stunning landscapes, rich cultural heritage, exquisite cuisine, and vibrant nightlife. Whether you’re planning a relaxing getaway or an adventurous holiday, this guide will help you discover the best things to do in Bali, divided into sections based on landmarks, culture, food, entertainment, shopping, outdoor activities, wellness, and nightlife.
Landmarks
1. Tanah Lot Temple
Tanah Lot Temple is one of Bali’s most iconic landmarks, famous for its stunning offshore setting and sunset backdrops. Perched on a rock formation surrounded by the sea, this ancient Hindu shrine offers breathtaking views and is a significant pilgrimage site. Visit during low tide to walk across the causeway and explore the temple up close.
2. Uluwatu Temple
Uluwatu Temple is another spectacular sea temple located on a cliff edge in southwestern Bali. It offers stunning ocean views and is known for its nightly Kecak fire dance performances. The temple complex is surrounded by a forest inhabited by mischievous monkeys, adding to the adventurous feel of the visit.
3. Besakih Temple
Known as the “Mother Temple” of Bali, Besakih Temple is the largest and holiest temple complex on the island. Situated on the slopes of Mount Agung, it comprises 23 separate but related temples. The temple’s elevated location provides panoramic views of the surrounding rice paddies and hills.
4. Goa Gajah (Elephant Cave)
Goa Gajah, or Elephant Cave, is an archaeological site of significant historical value. Located near Ubud, the cave features a menacing entrance carved with figures from Hindu mythology. Inside, you’ll find relics and a statue of the Hindu god Ganesha. The surrounding garden and ancient bathing pools add to the site’s charm.
5. Tegallalang Rice Terraces
The Tegallalang Rice Terraces are a beautiful example of Bali’s iconic rice paddies, known for their intricate irrigation system called “subak.” The lush, green terraces create a stunning landscape, perfect for photography and leisurely walks. Several cafes along the terraces offer a chance to enjoy the view with a refreshing drink.
Culture
1. Ubud Art Market
Ubud Art Market, also known as Pasar Seni Ubud, is the perfect place to immerse yourself in Balinese culture and shop for local handicrafts. The market is brimming with handmade goods, including silk scarves, woven bags, statues, and traditional kites. It’s a great place to pick up souvenirs and support local artisans.
2. Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary
Located in Ubud, the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary is home to over 700 long-tailed macaques. The lush forest is dotted with ancient temples and statues, making it a significant cultural and spiritual site. Interacting with the playful monkeys is a unique experience, but be cautious as they can be cheeky.
3. Bali Museum
Situated in Denpasar, Bali Museum offers a comprehensive overview of Balinese history and culture. The museum’s collections include traditional costumes, religious artifacts, and ancient tools. The architecture of the museum itself is a blend of traditional Balinese and colonial styles, making it an interesting visit for architecture enthusiasts.
4. Tirta Empul
Tirta Empul is a sacred water temple located near Tampaksiring. It’s famous for its holy spring water, where Balinese Hindus go for ritual purification. Visitors can participate in the purification process or simply observe the serene beauty of the temple complex. The nearby presidential palace, built during the Sukarno era, adds historical interest to the visit.
5. Traditional Balinese Dance Performances
Balinese dance is an integral part of the island’s culture, often performed during temple festivals and ceremonies. Ubud Palace and Uluwatu Temple are popular venues for traditional dance performances, including the Barong and Legong dances. These performances are a mesmerizing display of Balinese artistry and storytelling.
Food
1. Babi Guling
Babi Guling, or suckling pig, is a traditional Balinese dish that should not be missed. The pig is seasoned with a mixture of spices and roasted until the skin is crispy. Warung Ibu Oka in Ubud is one of the most famous places to try this delicacy, offering succulent meat and flavorful crackling.
2. Nasi Campur
Nasi Campur is a popular Indonesian dish consisting of rice served with a variety of side dishes such as vegetables, meats, peanuts, eggs, and fried-shrimp krupuk. Each bite offers a different taste and texture, making it a satisfying meal. Warung Wardani in Denpasar is well-known for its delicious Nasi Campur.
3. Seafood at Jimbaran Bay
Jimbaran Bay is famous for its beachfront seafood restaurants, where you can enjoy freshly caught fish, prawns, clams, and more. Dining on the beach as the sun sets is a magical experience. Choose your seafood from the display, have it grilled to perfection, and savor the flavors by the ocean.
4. Balinese Cooking Classes
Taking a cooking class is a great way to dive into Balinese cuisine and learn how to prepare traditional dishes. Many classes start with a market visit to pick fresh ingredients, followed by hands-on cooking and a shared meal. Ubud and Seminyak offer numerous cooking schools that provide this immersive experience.
5. Warung Dining
Warungs are small family-owned eateries that serve affordable and authentic Balinese food. Warung Mak Beng in Sanur is famous for its fish soup and fried fish. Warung Nasi Ayam Bu Oki in Jimbaran offers delicious chicken rice dishes. Dining at a warung gives you a taste of local flavors and hospitality.
Entertainment
1. Beach Clubs
Bali is home to some of the world’s best beach clubs, offering a blend of luxury, relaxation, and entertainment. Potato Head Beach Club in Seminyak and Finns Beach Club in Canggu are popular spots where you can lounge by the pool, enjoy live music, and watch the sunset with a cocktail in hand.
2. Ubud’s Night Market
Ubud’s Night Market is a bustling hub of activity, offering a glimpse into local life. The market comes alive in the evening with food stalls, clothing vendors, and trinket sellers. Try local snacks like pisang goreng (fried banana) and sate (skewered meat), and enjoy the lively atmosphere.
3. Kuta’s Nightlife
Kuta is known for its vibrant nightlife, with a wide range of bars, clubs, and entertainment venues. Sky Garden Bali is one of the most famous clubs, offering multiple floors of music and dancing. Paddy’s Pub and Bounty Discotheque are other popular spots for a night of fun and partying.
4. Seminyak’s Chic Lounges
Seminyak offers a more sophisticated nightlife scene with stylish lounges and bars. Ku De Ta is an iconic beachfront venue known for its chic ambiance and gourmet cuisine. Motel Mexicola, with its colorful décor and lively atmosphere, is perfect for a fun night out with friends.
5. Traditional Dance Shows
In addition to temple performances, many hotels and restaurants in Bali offer traditional dance shows. The Devdan Show at Bali Nusa Dua Theatre is a popular cultural performance that showcases Indonesia’s diverse heritage through dance, music, and acrobatics. It’s an entertaining way to learn about the island’s rich cultural traditions.
Shopping
1. Ubud Art Market
Ubud Art Market, also known as Pasar Seni Ubud, is a great place to shop for local handicrafts, including silk scarves, woven bags, wooden statues, and traditional kites. The market is a vibrant hub of activity, with vendors selling a variety of handmade goods. Bargaining is expected, so don’t be shy to negotiate for a good price.
2. Seminyak’s Boutique Shopping
Seminyak is known for its upscale shopping scene, with a range of boutiques offering designer clothing, accessories, and home decor. Jalan Laksmana, also known as “Eat Street,” is lined with fashionable shops. Visit Magali Pascal for stylish women’s wear or Bamboo Blonde for trendy outfits.
3. Kuta Art Market
Kuta Art Market is a bustling marketplace where you can find a variety of souvenirs, including sarongs, wooden carvings, and Balinese artwork. The market is located near Kuta Beach, making it a convenient stop after a day of sun and surf. Remember to haggle to get the best deals.
4. Sanur Night Market
Sanur Night Market, also known as Pasar Malam Sindu, offers a lively shopping and dining experience. The market features stalls selling clothes, accessories, and local snacks. It’s a great place to enjoy some street food while picking up unique souvenirs.
5. Celuk Village
Celuk Village is renowned for its silver and gold jewelry. The village is home to numerous workshops and galleries where you can see artisans at work and purchase high-quality jewelry. Many of the pieces are intricately designed and handcrafted, making them unique souvenirs or gifts.
Outdoor Activities
1. Surfing in Kuta and Uluwatu
Bali is a world-renowned surfing destination, with waves suitable for all levels of surfers. Kuta Beach is ideal for beginners, offering gentle waves and numerous surf schools. Uluwatu, with its challenging reef breaks, is a favorite spot for experienced surfers . Rent a board or take a lesson to ride the waves.
2. Snorkeling and Diving in Amed and Tulamben
Amed and Tulamben, located on Bali’s northeastern coast, are top destinations for snorkeling and diving. The USAT Liberty shipwreck in Tulamben is a famous dive site, teeming with marine life. Amed offers beautiful coral gardens and vibrant underwater scenery. Both locations are perfect for exploring Bali’s underwater world.
3. Mount Batur Sunrise Trek
Hiking Mount Batur to watch the sunrise is a popular adventure activity in Bali. The trek starts early in the morning, and after a couple of hours of hiking, you’ll reach the summit in time to witness a breathtaking sunrise over the volcanic landscape. The hike is moderately challenging and offers spectacular views.
4. White Water Rafting on the Ayung River
Experience the thrill of white water rafting on the Ayung River, located near Ubud. The river offers a mix of rapids and calm sections, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced rafters. The lush jungle scenery, waterfalls, and hidden caves along the way add to the excitement.
5. Cycling Tours in Ubud
Explore the scenic countryside of Ubud on a cycling tour. Ride through rice paddies, traditional villages, and lush forests while learning about Balinese culture and agriculture. Many tours include stops at local temples and farms, providing a comprehensive and immersive experience.
Wellness
1. Yoga Retreats in Ubud
Ubud is known as the spiritual heart of Bali and offers numerous yoga retreats and wellness centers. Places like The Yoga Barn and Radiantly Alive offer daily yoga classes, workshops, and retreats in serene and beautiful settings. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced yogi, Ubud is the perfect place to deepen your practice.
2. Spa Treatments
Bali is famous for its luxurious spa treatments, offering a range of massages, facials, and body scrubs. Many spas incorporate traditional Balinese techniques and natural ingredients. Visit Karsa Spa in Ubud or Prana Spa in Seminyak for a relaxing and rejuvenating experience.
3. Meditation and Healing Centers
Bali is home to several meditation and healing centers that offer a range of holistic therapies, including sound healing, reiki, and chakra balancing. The Pyramids of Chi in Ubud is a unique sound healing center where you can experience deep relaxation and inner peace.
4. Detox Programs
For those looking to cleanse and rejuvenate, Bali offers several detox programs that combine healthy eating, yoga, and holistic treatments. Fivelements Retreat in Ubud and COMO Shambhala Estate near Ubud are renowned for their comprehensive wellness programs that focus on physical, mental, and spiritual health.
5. Natural Hot Springs
Soak in the healing waters of Bali’s natural hot springs. Banjar Hot Springs, located in the north of the island, features several pools surrounded by lush tropical gardens. The mineral-rich waters are believed to have therapeutic properties and provide a relaxing and rejuvenating experience.
Nightlife
1. Beach Clubs in Seminyak and Canggu
Seminyak and Canggu are home to some of Bali’s most stylish beach clubs, offering a blend of luxury, relaxation, and entertainment. Potato Head Beach Club and Ku De Ta in Seminyak, and Finns Beach Club in Canggu, are popular spots where you can lounge by the pool, enjoy live music, and watch the sunset with a cocktail in hand.
2. Nightclubs in Kuta
Kuta is known for its vibrant nightlife, with a wide range of bars, clubs, and entertainment venues. Sky Garden Bali is one of the most famous clubs, offering multiple floors of music and dancing. Paddy’s Pub and Bounty Discotheque are other popular spots for a night of fun and partying.
3. Live Music in Ubud
Ubud offers a more laid-back nightlife scene with live music venues and cozy bars. Laughing Buddha Bar and CP Lounge are popular spots for live performances, ranging from jazz and blues to reggae and acoustic sets. It’s a great way to enjoy a relaxed evening with good music and company.
4. Sunset Bars in Jimbaran
Jimbaran is famous for its stunning sunsets, and there’s no better way to enjoy them than at one of the area’s many beachfront bars. Rock Bar at AYANA Resort is a must-visit, offering panoramic ocean views from its cliffside location. Sundara at Four Seasons Resort is another elegant spot for sunset cocktails.
5. Cultural Performances
In addition to traditional dance shows at temples, many hotels and restaurants in Bali offer cultural performances in the evening. The Devdan Show at Bali Nusa Dua Theatre is a popular cultural performance that showcases Indonesia’s diverse heritage through dance, music, and acrobatics. It’s an entertaining way to learn about the island’s rich cultural traditions.
Conclusion
Bali is an island that truly has something for everyone. Whether you’re exploring its iconic landmarks, immersing yourself in its rich cultural heritage, savoring its diverse cuisine, enjoying its vibrant entertainment scene, indulging in retail therapy, engaging in outdoor adventures, seeking wellness and relaxation, or experiencing its dynamic nightlife, you’re sure to have an unforgettable experience. So pack your bags, grab your camera, and get ready to explore all that the Island of the Gods has to offer!