Bali is one of those places we keep coming back to, and it never gets old. Over the years, we’ve spent months exploring the island, whether it’s a sunrise hike up Mount Batur, staying with a local family, or paradise escapes on islands like Gili Air. In this guide, we’ve listed our favorite things to do in Bali: a mix of iconic highlights and more off-the-beaten-path spots we think you’ll love!
1. Stay with a Local Family
One of the most meaningful experiences we’ve had in Bali was staying with a local family in the countryside. We always choose the homestay of Herry and Dwi, whom we’ve known since 2017; they’ve truly become like family to us, and if you visit, we think you’ll feel that too! The homestay is in a quiet village surrounded by rice fields:
- Spend evenings chatting in their traditional home
- Learn how to make local dishes and temple offerings
- Help on the family farm
- Immerse yourself in the real Bali beyond the usual tourist spots
Read more about our homestay experience in Bali
2. Monkey Forest
One of our favorite things to do in Bali is wandering through the famous Monkey Forest. Even though it’s right in the middle of Ubud, it feels surprisingly peaceful, with huge ancient trees, jungle paths, temples, and hundreds of wild monkeys roaming free.
We’ve visited quite a few times over the years, and it’s always fun seeing the monkeys’ personalities (especially the cheeky babies!). Learn how to visit the Ubud Monkey Forest (book your private tour here)
3. Kecak Fire Dance
The Kecak Fire Dance is one of Bali’s most iconic performances, where 50-70 people use rhythmic chanting to tell ancient stories through movement. The most famous setting is at Uluwatu Temple, where the dance takes place at sunset in a clifftop amphitheater. Honestly, it’s just as magical as people say!
The show runs daily from 6–7 PM (gates open at 4 PM), and tickets cost 150,000 IDR ($9) per person. Buy your Kecak Fire Dance tickets online here.
4. Experience Local Life with Yande
One of the most personal experiences we’ve had in Bali was this cultural tour with our friend Yande, who we’ve known for a decade. We started at 7 AM in a tiny village market, buying produce with the locals. From there, his family welcomed us into their home to cook breakfast together, make offerings, and visit a quiet temple, before taking us to a hidden jungle waterfall.
In high season, the tour can fill up quickly, so we recommend booking in advance. Contact Yande on WhatsApp at +62-881-363-9848.
5. Jatiluwih Rice Terrace UNESCO
We’ve visited the Jatiluwih Rice Terrace twice, and walking here at golden hour, with Mount Batukaru in the distance, is something we’ll never forget. It feels much more authentic than other rice terraces in Bali; no swings or busy cafés, just open landscapes and a peaceful atmosphere. We explored on foot, but there’s also the option to rent an e-bike.
Entrance is 75,000 IDR ($4.50), and we’d recommend timing your visit for sunset for the best experience.
6. Tegalalang Rice Terraces
The Tegalalang Rice Terraces are one of our favorite spots in Bali. Just north of Ubud, you’ll find a valley of bright green rice fields, surrounded by jungle; it’s such a beautiful place to wander. We’ve been a few times, but our favorite moment was early in the morning (before 10 AM), when there are no crowds.
Entrance is around 50,000 IDR ($3). Read more about the Tegalalang Rice Terraces or see tickets and availability for a tour here.
7. Nyang-Nyang Beach, Uluwatu
In our opinion, Nyang Nyang Beach is the most beautiful beach in Bali! It’s a long stretch of untouched white sand beneath dramatic limestone cliffs, with just a few small bars and no music; just the sound of the ocean. It’s a bit harder to get there, which is exactly why it stays so quiet. We walk down (it’s an easy, scenic path) and grab a Gojek motorbike taxi on the way back.
Tip: Our favorite time to visit is late afternoon into sunset, when all the paragliders are landing on the beach.
8. Sekumpul Waterfall
Sekumpul Waterfall is, without a doubt, our number one waterfall in Bali. It’s quite dislocated from the usual travel route, but that’s exactly what makes it so special. We still remember standing at the bottom, soaked from the spray, watching the huge waterfall crash down with a rainbow forming in the sun.
It took us about 40 minutes to hike down, but it’s all part of the experience. Go early (around 8 AM) to avoid the crowds, and explore at your own pace.
9. Diamond and Kelingking Beach (Nusa Penida)
A day trip to Nusa Penida is easily one of the most impressive things to do in Bali, and it’s only a 40-minute boat ride away. Diamond Beach completely blew us away with its white sand, bright blue water, and palm trees tucked beneath towering limestone cliffs.
We also recommend Kelingking Beach, famous for its T. rex-shaped cliff (you’ll see it instantly when you’re there). We’ve visited a couple of times, and while it makes for a full and busy day trip (book your tour here), you can also book a hotel on Nusa Penida to explore at a slower pace.
10. Mount Batur at Sunrise
We’ve hiked up Mount Batur a few times now, and it’s one of those experiences that never gets old. The early start (around 2 AM) isn’t the easiest, but reaching the summit for sunrise, with steam rising from the crater, makes it completely worth it.
The hike itself is relatively easy and takes about 2 hours to the top. Booking a guide is required, but they’ll arrange everything, including transport and a simple breakfast at the summit, which tastes extra good after the climb ;)
11. Stay in a Bamboo Villa (Sidemen)
Staying in a bamboo villa in Sidemen was honestly a dream experience! We loved waking up to uninterrupted views over the rice fields, with the whole place open to nature; it was such a peaceful escape from the busier parts of Bali.
Note: Some of the more well-known stays, like Camaya and Veluvana, are definitely on the luxury side, but we didn’t mind splurging since everything else is so affordable in Sidemen.
12. Gili Air
One of the most beautiful islands is Gili Air, and what we loved most is that there are no cars at all! The whole island is just sandy paths, so you explore everything by bike or on foot, which makes it feel so different from Bali.
Our days were spent snorkeling with turtles right off the beach (join a snorkeling boat trip) and finding cute beach cafés for slow brunches; it’s the perfect place to completely switch off.
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