30 Must-Do Experiences in Bali 

Bali is the kind of place that stays with you forever. From breathtaking waterfalls and lush rice terraces to iconic temples and vibrant beach clubs, this island is packed with once-in-a-lifetime experiences you won’t want to miss. Whether you’re here to chase adventure, soak in Balinese culture, or find the most Instagrammable spots, this list has you covered. I’ve rounded up 30 of the best things to do in Bali—including hidden gems, must-visit landmarks, and unique activities you won’t find anywhere else. So, if you’re wondering what to do in Bali, this is the ultimate bucket list to help you make the most of your trip. Let’s dive in!

The Tegalalang Rice Terrace is one of the most iconic spots in Bali, and for good reason. If you've never been to a rice terrace before, you're going to want to start at a place like this one. The Tegalalang Rice Terraces are comprised of multiple tiers of rice terraces where visitors can walk up each level and take in the beautiful view. When I visited this place during my Bali trip, I was in awe. Being from Connecticut in the United States, I had never even HEARD of a rice terrace let alone see one which made it an unforgettable part of our trip. If you're looking to get some cool photos here, definitely come during sunrise or sunset. There will likely be more people but the pictures you get will be even more stunning than what you would get in the day. My group went in the middle of the afternoon which is when I got the picture above, but I would've loved to go for sunrise or sunset. If you're looking to go on a tour through the Tegalalang Rice Terraces and other famous Ubud attractions, I would recommend checking out this tour.

2. Feed and Bathe Elephants at Mason Elephant Park

If feeding or bathing an elephant has always been on your bucket list, now is your chance to cross it off! Mason Elephant Park in Taro is known as an ethical sanctuary that takes in abused and abandoned Sumatran elephants. It has been opened and operating since 2009 with thousands of guests coming to see the elephants each year. The park was also accredited in 2019 as the first certified elephant rescue park in Asia, meeting 191 criteria backed up by veterinarians, scientists, and other professionals who specialize in elephant welfare, so this is a great local place to visit and support. When visiting this sanctuary, visitors can choose between multiple packages including elephant bathing, safari rides, and night safari rides. To check out their pricing, click here.

3. Chase Waterfalls in North Bali: Sekumpul, Aling-Aling, and Banyumala

Bali is home to over 50 waterfalls, which means you really can't visit Bali without seeing a couple of the most beautiful ones. The most Instagrammable waterfall in Bali is Sekumpul Waterfall, which is located in Sekumpul of Northern Bali. This waterfall features dual falls about 100 meters tall and it is swimmable but also harder to get to! Visitors need to hike for about an hour to reach the falls, with a river crossing as one of the final obstacles before arriving at Sekumpul Waterfall. If this sounds like to much for you, don't worry! Waterfalls like Aling-Aling, Banyumala, and Gitgit Waterfall are beautiful as well with shorter hikes that include paved stairs.

4. Visit the Sacred Monkey Forest in Ubud

The Monkey Forest in Ubud is a sacred sanctuary spanning 25 acres of jungle that acts as a home to over 1260 long-tailed macaques. Its unique because there aren't specific designated areas for visitors and for the monkeys... instead both can roam free throughout the property. Because the monkeys have free reign and are very used to being around people, they're notorious for coming to sit on people's shoulders or laps. This makes for such a fun experience, especially because usually you would have to pay a lot of money to play with monkeys. Here, there are unlimited monkeys of all ages and sizes and the tickets are cheap! This was one of the first stops my friends and I went to during our trip to Bali and we loved it. While a monkey didn't sit with me (I was definitely too nervous) they did climb all over my friend Matt.

5. Hike Mount Batur for an Epic Sunrise View

Picture credit to my twin brother, Ryan. I'm still jealous you got to go on this hike.

I would argue that Mount Batur is one of the most beautiful hikes you could go on in Bali, especially to see the sunrise. Despite the fact that there are countless waterfalls across the region, Mount Batur is known for having absolutely breathtaking panoramic views.

My friends did go on this hike but unfortunately I did not. I actually was told that I wasn't allowed! The day before our hike I asked our driver if I could buy tampons anywhere because I kept going into stores and only finding pads. He informed me that a.) there were no tampons so I would have to settle for pads and b.) that I could not go on the hike to Mount Batur. He said that because I had my period I was not allowed to go in any temples or swim in the water anywhere, and because there was a temple at the top I couldn't go. Instead, I stayed in the car with him for 4 hours and he drove me and a friend who had stayed behind with me to a different view of Mount Batur.. While the view was beautiful, I saw photos my brother took on the hike and knew I had missed out on something BIG. To this day he still says that was one of the most beautiful hikes he's ever gone on. Here is the tour my friend group opted for and loved!

The words "Nusa Lembongan" and "surfing island" live synonymously in my mind, and I think a lot of people make this connection whenever they hear about this Indonesian island. If you have an adventurous spirit and activities like surfing, scuba diving, and snorkeling get you super psyched then Nusa Lembongan is a stop you need to make. With crystal blue waters, vibrant corals, and famous surf breaks, it's no wonder that Nusa Lembongan has world-class scuba diving and snorkeling opportunities. And you don't even need to stay on the island! You can take a day trip from Bali on a high speed ferry boat like this one. Other great activities when visiting this island include swimming at Mushroom Bay Beach or kayaking through the mangroves. 

7. Watch the Sunset at Uluwatu Temple

Uluwatu Temple is a Hindu temple known as one of the sad kahyangan (aka one of the six holy sanctuaries in Bali). It's located 229 feet above the Indian Ocean, making it a phenomenal place to see the sunset. A traditional Kecak fire and dance show is held daily at 06.00 PM, so this is definitely the best time to go. When there, just make sure to be respectful and keep your eyes open for offerings or anyone who is there to worship. In order to go into the temple visitors must wear a sarong, scarf or sash tied around the waist but if you don't bring one you don't have to worry- a free one will be provided for you! Tickets are under $10 for both entrance and the fire show, which can be found for a great price here.

8. find the Hidden Tukad Cepung Waterfall

This waterfall is WILD to visit in person. While there are multiple waterfalls you can choose to visit in Bali, this one stands out because its underground...like literally in a cave underground. You have to take a ladder down and wade in water until you get to the waterfall, where there is also this big hole that allows light to come in so you can actually see everything. The picture from my trip above shows where you have to walk in but not the waterfall so I'll leave that as a surprise for you ;) Overall though, this was a very cool experience and despite having traveled to 17 countries I still haven't seen any underground waterfall anywhere else so don't miss your opportunity! Take a tour like this one that takes you to this waterfall as well as a few other famous ones in the area for under $30.

9. Explore the Bali Zoo

Before you think to yourself "I'm going to skip this item on the list. I've been to a zoo before", let me tell you a few things that make Bali Zoo different. First off, I was absolutely STUNNED when I walked into this zoo and found deer grazing on a little section of grass with NO FENCE!! It was then I knew that this zoo was probably going to be a little different than the zoos I was used to. There was also an option to wash elephants, ride elephants, or feed elephants here, so I got to feed an elephant for a couple dollars which ended up being one of my favorite things from the trip. To learn more about the Bali Zoo including what animals are there, admission fees, package options, and my experience at the zoo, click here! If you're looking to buy tickets right off the bat, here's a link to the cheapest ticket prices I could find.

10. Take a Balinese Cooking Class

Want to learn how to make Indonesian classics like Opor Ayam (Balinese curry chicken), sate lilit (traditional kebab made with meat, coconut and spices paste), or bubur injin (banana fritters with coconut and palm sugar syrup or black rice pudding? This is the perfect time to take a cooking class! One of the highest rated cooking classes is in Ubud and it's a 5-6.5 hour cooking class where visitors get to pick their ingredients on the organic farm and then cook 6 authentic Balinese meals. They have both a regular menu and a vegetarian menu option, and the class is only about $35 a person. They even give you the recipe book with everything you've made to take home! To book this class or learn more specifics, click here.

11. Ride a Scooter Through the Rice Terraces in Ubud

There's no experience like riding a scooter through the rice terraces in Bali. The first time I ever went to Bali, I had never ridden a scooter anywhere before. Since the scooters were so affordable, my friend group and I decided that we tried it and let me tell you...it was life changing. When we came home from our trip, our parents asked us our favorite part and my brother immediately said "riding scooters everywhere". Some of my favorite memories are riding a scooter through the rice terraces in Ubud in the early morning or riding through the busy streets of Canggu to hit the beach. Just make sure to be safe and look into the driving etiquette there because there are a few rules that are different! You can get a scooter rental for just a couple dollars a day by clicking here. If you're unsure whether or not a scooter rental is right for you, take a look at this pros and cons list I made.

12. Party at Atlas Beach Club & the Lawn in Canggu

Canggu is my favorite place to hit up a beach club in Bali, and there are countless great spots to choose from. Atlas Beach Club is great no matter what time you go. During the day, they have a great menu with beach loungers, multiple pools, and even a special kids area. At night, they have some of the best DJs come so you can party on the beach. Spots like The Lawn, Finn's Beach Club, and Old Man's are also great to grab a drink and have a good time, regardless of whether it's day or night.

13. Capture the Perfect Shot at Lempuyang Temple’s Gates of Heaven

Lempuyang Temple’s Gates of Heaven is one of the most famous Instagram spots in all of Bali. If you've seen photos from someone else's trip to Bali, odds are a photo like the one above is in their scrapbook. This is a great place to go during sunrise or sunset for a beautiful picture so if you're looking to up your Instagram game, don't forget to make a pit stop here. I did forget and it's still on my list to go back because it's just such a cool concept! It also has such a beautiful temple at the bottom of those stairs.

14. Go White-Water Rafting on the Ayung River

White water rafting is a great way to enjoy the Bali sunshine and have an adventure! There are multiple tour companies that do this across the Ayung River but this tour with Toekad Rafting is among one of the highest rated. It comes with transportation and lunch which means a day of fun where you get to just go with the flow and make some great memories with the other rafters.

15. Go Cliff Jumping at Blue Lagoon in Nusa Ceningan

If you're an adrenaline junky then this next Bali suggestion is for you. The Blue Lagoon is a little cove in Nusa Ceningan with crystal blue water and cliffs 4m, 6m, 8m and 12m high. As long as the weather is nice and the swells aren't too strong, this is an absolutely beautiful place to enjoy some cliff jumping. Look out for a white little hut covered in black art and that's where the cliff jumping is. Just make sure to assess the conditions because if the waves are too high you may struggle to get out. There are also snorkeling tours in this area if you're too nervous to go cliff jumping!

16. Explore Pasut Beach’s Unique Black Sand

Did you know that Bali has black sand beaches? Pasut Beach is considered Bali's most beautiful black sand beach, complete with a palm tree perimeter and sand packed so tightly you could drive your car on the beach. Despite the fact that this beach is composed of jet black volcanic sand and is an insane sunset spot, it is a pretty calm beach to visit. While you'll likely see some other tourists, it won't be as busy as Seminyak or Kuta Beach.

17. Watch a Kecak Fire Dance

The traditional Kecak fire dance is a popular Balinese performance that combines music, dance, and drama. It often depicts stories from the Ramayana epic, including stories of battle, to help ward off evil. There's also one portion of the routine that includes a large group of performers sitting in a circle chanting "cak" in a synchronized manner. There are many places that perform this dance including temples, nightclubs, and more but one of the best times to see it is during sunset. Click here to take a look at one of the best Kecak performances in Bali to plan your visit!

18.  Relax in the Banjar Hot Springs

With so many fun and exciting things to do in Bali, you're going to need some time to relax...and where better to do that than at the Banjar Hot Springs! This large thermal bath was built hundred of years ago when the Japanese were ruling over Indonesia, and it has since then been renovated with more modern amenities. The hot springs are surrounded by tropical gardens, complete with showers, a restaurant, and a spa so you can spend an entire day relaxing and enjoying all the benefits that this warm sulfuric water has to offer. To purchase a ticket for the hot springs, make sure to click here.

19. Visit Kelingking Beach on Nusa Penida

Kelingking Beach is arguably the most iconic beach in Indonesia with hundreds of thousands of visitors coming to Nusa Penida each year just to take a picture from the viewing platform above this beach. While most people won't make the one hour hike down to actually swim at Kelingking Beach, its a super popular spot to see in person and snap some Instagram photos. I did the same thing during my trip to Bali and one of my biggest regrets is not making the hike down to swim at the beach. We met this couple on our trip who DID make their way down there and they said it was one of the most serene and unbelievable beaches they'd been to. To learn more about Kelingking Beach and prepare for your visit there, click here to read a blog where I've gone more into depth with all the details you need to know.

20. Try Luwak Coffee at a Traditional Plantation

Calling all coffee lovers! Bali is a caffeine fiend’s dream—and one of the most talked-about options is Luwak coffee. At local plantations, visitors can sample a variety of Kopi Luwak flavors, known as some of the world’s most expensive due to the unusual production process. In short, the coffee beans are eaten by a civet, pass through its digestive system, and are then collected, cleaned, and roasted. I’ll be honest—once I learned more about how the animals are often kept in captivity, it gave me mixed feelings about the whole experience. My group and I did try the coffee before knowing all the details, and we did think it was surprisingly smooth and rich. If you’re curious, I recommend doing your research ahead of time (I did a lot of the research here) and looking for ethically sourced, wild-collected Luwak coffee if you choose to give it a try. They also offer other teas and beans you can buy onsite.

21. Visit the Kumbasari Night Market in Denpasar

The Kumbasari night market is THE place to grab some souvenirs for family and friends or to spend a little money on yourself. This is a wholesale market with every item you can possible think of. From spices and local produce to textiles, clothings, incense, and little trinkets, this is a great place to shop and get some affordable things to bring back home. During my visit at this market I got a pair of flowy pants, a crochet pillowcase, and a ton of incense.

22. Unwind with a Traditional Balinese Massage

If you're looking for something to do that's more relaxing compared to more adventurous then you should definitely opt for a traditional Balinese massage. These massages are super affordable and use holistic therapy in combination with Asian techniques to give you a massage you'll never forget. While you can find a massage therapy center in almost every major village in Bali, here is one of the highest rated massage places that visitors go to time and time again to relax and unwind with a traditional massage.

23. Ride an ATV Through Bali’s Jungles and Rice Fields

A lot of people come to visit Bali's jungles and rice terraces but not many people actually get to EXPERIENCE these locations first hand. Instead of taking a picture on the outskirts, why not go on an ATV ride? There are countless exceptional ATV tours across Bali and many are very fairly priced which makes this a great experience to do whether you're alone and looking to make friends, you brought your family with children, or your entire friend group is in Bali looking for things to do. Here I've linked one of the coolest ATV tours I've seen to make the planning of this activity easy for you (that's how badly I want you to go LOL).

24. Visit the Abandoned Airplane in South Kuta

While I did not have the opportunity to visit the abandoned airplane in South Kuta (mainly because I didn't even know this existed at the time) I think that this is such a cool thing to do when visiting Bali. This Boeing 737 is rumored to have been purchased by a business man who was going to turn the plane into some sort of restaurant or experience but he never had enough money to complete the project. Instead, the plane just sits there in a Bali field waiting for you to come explore it and take pictures with it.

25. Go Bar-Hopping in Seminyak

Time for a night out on the town! Seminyak is such a lively place, especially for anyone in their 20s and 30s looking to experience some of Bali's best nightlife in an aesthetic area. Potato Head Beach Club and La Favela are two of the most popular spots to go but lucky for you there are a ton of great spots in one condensed area so you can hop from one night club, bar, or restaurant to another. You can also go on an organized pub crawl with a group if you don't want to have to plan anything and want to meet some new people!

26. Indulge in a Floating Breakfast at a Luxury Villa

While you can get a floating breakfast on pretty much any tropical vacation that you go on, there's something so iconic about getting a floating breakfast in a pool in Bali. I don't know why that is, and I don't know if you agree, but that's just honestly how I feel. So get a floating breakfast, enjoy a morning dip, take some cutesy Instagram pics, and feel a little spoiled. I dare you. That's what I would do!

27. Snap Photos at the Abandoned Taman Festival Theme Park

For those who loveeee to find abandoned properties on vacation, what do you think about an abandoned adventure park? This place is said to be one of the most haunted places in Bali with roaming spirits occupying this quiet park for eternity. It's the perfect place to roam around, take some pictures, and spend an afternoon going through all the dilapidated buildings and graffiti.

28. Walk Through the Bamboo Forest in Penglipuran Village

The Bamboo Forest in Penglipuran Village is 7 acres with only bamboo plants. There are both paved walkways and dirt trails that act as a path through the bamboo, and this is another spot where people absolutely love to take photos. The locals believe that the bamboo forest was planted by their ancestors, making it a symbol of their heritage and a sacred place to visit. To purchase a ticket for the bamboo forest, click here.

29. Experience the Thrill of Waterbom Bali

If you're tired of the beach and looking to switch things up a little bit then make sure to hit the waterpark at Waterbom Bali in Kuta. With 26 waterslides, gazebo rentals, and a lazy river, it's the perfect place to spend a day with your family or friends. To purchase a ticket for this waterpark, click here.

30. Go River Tubing in the Ubud Jungle

River tubing in the Ubud jungle is a relaxing way to spend a couple of hours while cooling off. You just float down a calm river surrounded by trees and greenery—it’s super peaceful and a nice break from the busier parts of Bali. It’s not intense at all, so it’s perfect if you’re looking for something outdoorsy but low-effort. Honestly, just a fun and easy way to enjoy the nature side of Ubud which is why it's the perfect final item for this list! You can purchase a ticket for this by clicking here.

Don’t Stop Here—Explore More Bali

Bali is one of those places that completely lives up to the hype—I went and absolutely loved it. From peaceful moments in the jungle to lively beach clubs and unforgettable food spots, there’s so much to experience. This list covers a wide range of activities, but honestly, it only scratches the surface. If you're still looking for more things to do, one of the best ways to discover hidden gems is by talking to the locals. They know their area better than anyone and can often recommend places or experiences you won’t find on a typical list—sometimes even better than the ones above.

If you’re planning a trip to Bali and want more help figuring out what to do, where to stay, how to rent a scooter, or which tourist spots are actually worth it—I’ve got you covered. Scroll down for more of my Bali guides, and if you want everything in one place, be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss out!