THINGS TO DO in BALI – Local INSIDER TIPS
These are the top things to do in Bali based on our experiences on this stunning tropical island and insider tips from Mo, a Bali writer and scuba diver.
Bali is the perfect place to live your dreams, whether you are looking for outdoor adventures or cultural experiences. Mo, a resident, shared why Bali is our favorite island in Southeast Asia.
Top Things to Do in Bali Indonesia
You can do many things in Bali, including surfing, temple hopping, and volcano trekking. Even though I have lived in Bali for almost five years, there’s still much to see and do. Here are my top picks and favorite things to do in Bali, the Island of the Gods.
Surf the Waves
Bali is well-known for its many adventures. But surfing is the one that draws adrenalin junkies from around the globe. All four of Bali’s coasts offer world-class surfing.
Advanced surfers often head to the Bukit Peninsula’s south coast. For beginners, the east coast (Sanur) and the west coast (Canggu) have gentler waves. Sanur is less crowded than Canggu. It has calm waters, golden sand beaches, and a charming beach vibe. You can take surfing lessons on every island.
Climb Mount Batur (Gunung Batur)
Mount Batur, or Gunung Batur (Indonesian meaning Mountain), is an adventure-loving must-see in Bali. One of Bali’s most popular attractions is this active volcano. The two-hour climb up the Mountain was steep and fast, but the reward was worth it once we had seen the stunning sunrise over Gunung Rinjani. Even boiled eggs were cooked fresh by steam from the active Mountain.
Book tours starting in Ubud with Get Your Guide. You can cancel up to 24 hours before the time begins for a full refund.
You can read all about Mount Batur or go up it.
Scuba Diving with Manta Rays at Nusa Penida
Nusa Penida, an island off Bali’s southwest coast, is Indonesia. The Manta Point cleaning station is located just off Nusa Penida. Here, the Oceanic Manta Rays are visible almost year-round. Scuba divers and snorkelers can swim with Mantas, reaching 7 meters long since they often approach the surface. This majestic creature is something you should add to your Bali bucket list!
Day trips can be booked from Bali to Nusa Penida. You can also head to Nusa Islands (Lembongan Ceningan, Penida) for snorkeling and a full-day dive package.
Pura Lempuyang
Pura Lempuyang, a Hindu Temple in East Bali, is the most popular Instagram spot. It is known as the Gateway to Heaven and one of Bali’s most sacred temples. With its breathtaking views of Gunung Agung, the Gates of Heaven’s name is appropriate. The Instagram travel crowd has created this illusion of reflection. You can hold a mirror under your shutter while taking it to capture a shot.
Hike through – Jatiluwih rice terraces
You may picture Bali as a vast expanse of green rice terraces and palm trees that stretch across the horizon. Bali has many rice terraces, from the Tegallalang Rice Terrace to the highlands of Pupuan. My favorite, however, is the Jatiluwih Rice Terraces.
Jatiluwih Rice terraces were my favorite part. Three paved trails lead through the UNESCO World Heritage Site. It makes it easy to walk through without disturbing the rice paddies. Jatiliwih’s panoramic view of the rice fields is genuinely unique.
Admission fee: IDR 40,000 per head (USD 2.80).
Hours of Operation: 08:30 – 18:00
The longest trail is approximately 30 minutes long. The second trial takes about an hour. The longest trail is 1.5 hours.
Before you start your hike, make sure you slather on a screen.
The Sidemen Valley: Cycle it
Sidemen Valley is a rural area that boasts breathtaking views of rice fields, farmlands, and more. Sidemen are located just one hour from Ubud, the tourist mecca. It will transport you back to traditional Bali.
Sidemen are home to many resorts and homestays, but the area’s peacefulness is far from the bustling and noisy regions of south Bali. Sidemen are the perfect place to discover authentic Bali. You can sign up for biking or trekking tours to enjoy the best views.
The 3-hour bicycle tour through villages and rice paddies that ended with a picnic overlooking the valley was one the most memorable in Bali.
Banyu Wana Amertha Waterfall
Banyu Wana Amertha waterfall stands out because it has four waterfalls! I was taken aback by the waterfall cascading over a lush greenery wall.
Banyu Wana Amertha can be found near Jatiluwih Rice Terrace or Ulun Danu Baratan Temple. This allows you to combine some of Bali’s top attractions with exploring the wonders of nature.
The waterfall’s admission fee is IDR 20,000 (USD 1.40 per person).
Hours of operation: 08:00-18:00
Ubud Monkey Forest
The Ubud Monkey Forest is an excellent place to go if you’re looking for a close encounter with monkeys. This is a popular place to visit in Bali. However, be aware that it can get crowded, and the monkeys will become used to people. It is considered sacred by the island’s inhabitants and plays a vital role in conservation. It is home to approximately 700 monkeys, just 1 1/2 kilometers from Ubud.
Insider Tip – Make sure you have your sunglasses on. Don’t wear hats or jewelry that is too loose. The monkeys are audacious and will grab any object that isn’t attached.
Every day, 8:30 am to 6 pm
Cost: 80,000 IDR
White Sand Beach at Nyang Nyang
My absolute favorite beach in Bali is Nyang Nyang beach in Uluwatu. The stunning scenery, powdery white sand, and turquoise waters make it a trendy tourist destination. You have your private beach.
Nyang is the perfect place to escape the tourist traps of Nusa Dua, Legian, and Kuta. If you want some relaxation, this beach, with its white sand, is a great place to go. It is a great place to take a tranquil stroll along the long shoreline.
Nunggalan Beach
You can also visit Nunggalan beach, just a short drive away. It’s as private and quiet. You can also find an abandoned wreck, a popular spot for Instagrammers!
Blue Lagoon at Nusa Ceningan
Nusa Ceningan is an island off the east coast of Bali. You will find Bali’s most stunning horizon of blue water after a 30-minute ferry ride to Lembongan Island.
While many scenic spots exist in Ceningan, the Blue Lagoon is unbeatable. Although the Blue Lagoon is now quite touristy, you won’t regret taking a picture at this breathtaking cliffside location.
Tukad Cepung Waterfall
Tukad Cepung waterfall is an excellent choice if you need help choosing which of the more than 20 waterfalls in Bali you want to visit. It is a 15-minute walk down a paved path, through shallow streams, and up over boulders that will take you to a stunning view of a waterfall and sunbeam streaming into a cave together.
Tukad Cepung has quickly become a tourist attraction. Be sure to arrive early to avoid crowds. I was the first to arrive at the ticket booth at 08:00 and met only one other couple.
Admission costs IDR 10,000 per person (USD.70).
Open Hours: 08:00-17:00
Relax in the Natural Pool of Tegal Wangi
Tegal Wangi, a beach with shallow pools that you can swim in at low tide, is exceptional. This is a hidden beach off the west coast. You can take a romantic look at the orange sunsets while relaxing in a natural Jacuzzi.
Although Tegal Wangi is not well-known to tourists, it can get very crowded at sunset. For the best photos, arrive early in the morning to capture the golden hour. This hidden gem is worth a visit on your next Bali trip. You won’t be disappointed!
You will only find shops on Tegal Wangi if you plan to spend the entire day at the beach. You must bring everything you need for a day at the beach, such as snacks, drinks, and towels.
Volcanic Black Sand Beach
When they think of paradise, most people envision a white sandy beach. Did you know Bali has some volcanic black sand beaches on the east and north coasts?
Pantai Masceti is one of my favorite black sand beaches in Bali. Masceti Beach can be reached just 30 minutes from Sanur. You can visit quickly after your lesson to see this fantastic setting.
Masceti’s black sand is shimmery and powdery, which is rare, considering that most black beaches in Bali are made of pebbles and rocks. You will also rarely meet another tourist. This is the ideal hideaway for those wanting to escape the crowds.