Top 6 Things to Do in Bali

Just north of Ubud, one of Bali’s top places, lie the breathtaking Tegalalang Rice Terraces. Chances are you will have stumbled upon images of the famous area in glossy magazines, articles, or on Instagram.

Tourists flock to the postcard-perfect valley of rice paddies to capture sensational sunrises over the island, sway between the towering palm trees on wooden swings, stroll the grassy paths that weave up and down the cascading terraces, and view subak, a traditional Balinese irrigation system that keeps the paddies emerald green throughout the year.

Best Cinematic Destinations: Pura Tanah Lot • Mount Batur • Ubud Monkey Forest • Pura Ulun Danu Bratan • The Nusa Islands

Bali’s best waterfall, Sekumpul, is a must-visit attraction nestled in the forest beyond the hazy hills of Silangjana, and a fantastic place for family vacations in Bali.

The forest hike leads visitors beneath the canopy along mossy pathways to observation points where you can come in close contact with the wandering wildlife and, finally, the falls. Your reward for sauntering through the forest is a towering body of falling water that flows into a natural pool. perfect for a refreshing dip.

You can capture the pounding falls from all angles as you bask in the hidden forest’s treasure and listen to the sounds of the jungle.

Best Waterfalls to Visit: Niagara Munduk • NungNung Waterfall • Tegenungan Waterfall • Peguyangan Waterfall

The island of Nusa Penida, a stunning destination for Bali honeymoons, welcomes travelers who step away from the beaten path to explore the Indonesian seas.

Beautiful blue waters, a shimmering white shore, and untouched headlands greet visitors as they climb off boats and step onto the soft sands of Diamond Beach. A sheer cliff face towers above the desolate beach and you can climb a pathway to its summit for spectacular panoramic views of Nusa Penida and the sprawling sea. Descending the other side of the viewpoint, you will arrive at the equally magnificent Atuh Beach.

Best Beaches to Visit: Seminyak Beach • Nusa Dua Beach • Canggu Beach • Jimbaran Bay • Thomas Beach

The aptly named Monkey Forest in the heart of Ubud is a primate’s paradise that offers a chance to exchange the hustle and bustle for tranquil, untouched greenery.

You can stroll along the intricate web of wooden walkways that weave beneath the canopy, watch the monkeys leap from the trees, and feed the little critters bananas when they rear their curious heads, watching you explore the forest.

Other fascinating endemic wildlife and winged creatures can be spotted traversing or soaring through the forest as you amble from viewpoint to viewpoint.

Best Wildlife Viewing Destinations: Alas Kedaton Monkey Forest • Bali Bird Park & Reptile Park • Bali Bird Walk in Ubud • Bali Butterfly Park • Sangeh Monkey Forest

Veteran surfers, enthusiastic paddleboarders, and travelers yet to try the sport arrive in Bali to enjoy the island’s beloved surfing hotspots during the best time to visit for beach trips.

Bali is known for possessing some of the greatest waves in the world, from massive barreling swells ideal for avid surfers to small and glassy waves perfect for newbies to learn how to stand on their boards.

If traveling with a group, partner, or family, those who do not wish to surf can watch from the pearl-white beaches or boats that cruise out to where the waves break.

Best Surf Spots to Visit: Uluwatu • Padang Padang • Medewi • Green Bowl • Keramas

Bali’s temples are magnificent and diverse. Some stand next to the sea and share stunning sunset silhouettes as the light fades behind their ancient stone walls. Others can be found within the forests or perched on the peaks of mighty mountains.

Each temple showcases Balinese spirituality and offers insight into the island’s unique collection of customs and ceremonies still practiced by many locals today.

You can learn about these traditions as you view the phenomenal art and architecture that accounts for centuries of spiritual devotion.

Best Temples to Visit: Tanah Lot Temple • Uluwatu Temple • Ulun Danu Beratan Temple • Besakih Temple • Goa Gajah

From incredible surf spots to marvelous temple complexes, forests teeming with endemic wildlife, waterfalls that flow year-round, and beaches as white as snow, our Bali vacations can inspire your travel plans as you seek to experience what to do in the Indonesian province on vacation.

For more information on the island, explore helpful tips and expert insight in our Bali travel guide.