Indonesia

Bali: Top Attractions, Things to Do & Experiences

Bali is often described as a small island with an oversized personality—temples on sea cliffs, rice terraces carved into hillsides, black-sand beaches, and a daily rhythm shaped by offerings, ceremonies, and the island’s Hindu traditions. Long before it became a global holiday name, Bali was a crossroads for Indonesian kingdoms and later European traders, and its culture kept evolving while staying distinctly Balinese. That mix shows up everywhere: ancient water temples still guide irrigation, art markets sell carved wood and woven textiles beside modern cafés, and sunset performances play out with the ocean as a backdrop.

For planning, Bali works best when it’s treated as several mini-regions rather than one destination. Ubud and central Bali are the heart of rice terraces, temples, and craft culture. East Bali (Amed and the road to Lempuyang) is slower, scenic, and excellent for snorkeling. South Bali delivers beaches, surfing, and nightlife—plus the island’s most famous cliff and sea temples. Traffic can be the biggest time-thief, so grouping sights by proximity is the difference between a smooth day and a frustrating one.

The attractions below are ordered by popularity first, then clustered by location to reduce backtracking. Each entry focuses on what’s worth doing, how to get there realistically, and the small local habits—dress codes, timing, and etiquette—that make the experience better.

Top Attractions & Experiences

Uluwatu Temple & Kecak dance

Uluwatu is Bali’s classic cliff-top temple: dramatic ocean views, wind off the water, and a walkway that hugs the edge of the limestone headland. The Kecak and fire dance, usually staged near sunset, turns the visit into a full evening—part culture, part scenery. Expect crowds and plan the timing like a “show night,” not a quick stop.

Things to do or see there

Walk the clifftop path for viewpoints over the Indian Ocean

Watch the Kecak performance at sunset for the best atmosphere

Stay alert for monkeys—secure sunglasses, hats, and phones

How to get there Best by private driver or ride-hail (Grab/Gojek) from Seminyak, Canggu, or Ubud; leave extra buffer for south-Bali traffic.

How much time to spend there 2.5–4 hours (temple walk + Kecak performance).

Address Jl. Raya Uluwatu, Pecatu 80361, Bali, Indonesia. Google map

Notes Dress respectfully (covered shoulders and knees). Arrive early to choose a good seat and to avoid rushing between temple walk and showtime.

Tanah Lot Temple

Tanah Lot is Bali’s most famous sea temple, built on a rocky outcrop that feels almost floating when the tide is in. It’s a simple visit that lands hard on the memory: waves, salt air, and a temple silhouette that turns photogenic fast at golden hour. The surrounding area is busy but easy to handle with a clear plan and an early arrival.

Things to do or see there

Photograph the temple from multiple angles as the tide changes

Walk the cliff-path viewpoints for wider coastal shots

Time the visit for late afternoon light, then stay through sunset

How to get there Private driver is the easiest; it also pairs well with Canggu/Seminyak in the same day. Scooters are possible but not ideal after dark.

How much time to spend there 1.5–2.5 hours.

Address Beraban, Kediri, Tabanan Regency, Bali 82121, Indonesia. Google map

Notes Crowds peak at sunset. Go slightly earlier than planned, then claim a viewpoint and wait—this is one place where patience pays off.

Ubud rice terraces & Monkey Forest

Ubud is the island’s inland anchor—green hills, small temples, and a strong arts-and-crafts scene. The Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary is the headline stop: a shaded, temple-filled jungle where long-tailed macaques roam freely. Around Ubud, short walks through local rice paddies offer a calmer counterbalance, especially in the morning before heat and tour buses stack up.

Things to do or see there

Walk the Monkey Forest paths and temple zones at a steady pace

Spot carved statues, mossy walls, and banyan trees in the sanctuary

Do a nearby rice-field walk for quieter photos and fresh air

How to get there Ubud is reachable by driver from the south; the Monkey Forest is walkable from central Ubud, or a quick scooter/taxi hop.

How much time to spend there 2–4 hours (including a short rice-field walk nearby).

Address Jalan Monkey Forest, Padangtegal, Ubud 80571, Bali, Indonesia. Google map

Notes Keep food and loose items out of sight; don’t stare at monkeys or touch them. Morning visits are calmer and cooler.

Tegallalang rice terraces

Tegallalang is the rice-terrace viewpoint that shows up everywhere for good reason: steep green steps, palm trees, and photo angles that read instantly as “Bali.” It’s close enough to Ubud for an easy half-day, and it works best with an early start to beat crowds. The area is more of a scenic stop than a long hike, but a short walk into the terraces changes the experience.

Things to do or see there

Walk down a few terrace levels for depth and perspective in photos

Look for quieter side paths away from the main road viewpoints

Pair it with Tirta Empul for an efficient central-Bali loop

How to get there Driver or scooter from Ubud (commonly 25–45 minutes depending on traffic). Combine with nearby temples to save time.

How much time to spend there 1–2 hours.

Address Jl. Raya Tegallalang, Tegallalang, Gianyar Regency, Bali, Indonesia. Google map

Notes Wear shoes with grip—paths can be muddy after rain. If crowds are heavy, step just 10 minutes away from the main entrance for calmer views.

Tirta Empul water temple

Tirta Empul is one of Bali’s best-known water temples, built around a holy spring that flows into purification pools. Even without joining the ritual, it’s a beautiful, meaningful stop—stone courtyards, carved gates, and the steady sound of running water. Visitors who do participate should treat it as a cultural experience first: slow pace, respectful dress, and attention to temple rules.

Things to do or see there

Walk the temple grounds and observe offerings and ceremonies respectfully

Watch (or join) the water purification ritual if comfortable and appropriately dressed

Combine with Tegallalang for a practical central-Bali route

How to get there Most convenient by driver from Ubud (often 30–45 minutes) or as part of a day tour.

How much time to spend there 1.5–2.5 hours (longer if joining the ritual).

Address Jalan Tirta, Manukaya, Tampaksiring, Gianyar, Bali 80552, Indonesia. Google map

Notes Bring a light layer if visiting early; central Bali can feel cooler than the coast. Follow signage and local guidance—some areas are for worship only.

Ubud art market

Ubud Art Market is the fast, colorful way to sample local crafts without traveling far. Expect a classic market rhythm: friendly bargaining, repeating patterns of souvenirs, and occasional gems if patience is applied. It’s best for smaller items—woven bags, simple textiles, and gifts—rather than museum-grade art. The real win is knowing how to shop calmly and avoid overpaying.

Things to do or see there

Browse early for the widest selection and less crowd pressure

Compare similar items across multiple stalls before buying

Pair shopping with a short café break to reset and reassess

How to get there Central Ubud; walk from many hotels or use a short taxi/scooter ride.

How much time to spend there 45–90 minutes.

Address Jl. Raya Ubud No.35, Ubud 80571, Bali, Indonesia. Google map

Notes Start negotiations politely and keep it friendly. For quality textiles, consider comparing with boutique shops in Ubud afterward.

Lempuyang Gates of Heaven

Lempuyang’s “Gates of Heaven” photo spot frames Mount Agung in the distance on clear mornings, which is why it draws visitors from across the island. The temple complex is sacred and layered, with multiple temple areas rising up the mountain. It’s a long drive from the south, so this is a committed day—best paired with other East Bali stops or combined with an overnight in Amed.

Things to do or see there

Visit the lower temple area and enjoy the mountain-and-sky views

Walk parts of the complex if energy and weather allow

Combine with Amed for a practical East Bali day (or two)

How to get there Private driver is strongly recommended due to distance and winding roads; start early to reduce traffic and increase chances of clear skies.

How much time to spend there 2–4 hours on site (plus significant drive time).

Address Pura Luhur Lempuyang, Abang District, Karangasem Regency, Bali, Indonesia. Google map

Notes Expect queues at peak times. Clear mornings are more reliable for Mount Agung views than late afternoon haze.

snorkeling in Amed/Menjangan

Amed and Menjangan deliver two different Bali underwater moods. Amed (East Bali) is relaxed and convenient, with shore-entry snorkeling in bays like Jemeluk and a slower village feel. Menjangan, off the northwest coast near West Bali National Park, is known for clearer water and wall-style reefs—usually reached by boat from the Pemuteran area. Both are worth it; choose based on time and how far you want to travel.

Things to do or see there

Snorkel Amed’s easy-access bays and look for coral gardens close to shore

Take a boat trip to Menjangan for reef walls and bright visibility on good days

Bring reef-safe sunscreen and consider a rash guard for sun and jelly protection

How to get there Amed is typically 2.5–3.5 hours by car from the south; Menjangan trips usually depart from the Pemuteran/Banyuwedang area and require a boat.

How much time to spend there Amed: half-day to full day; Menjangan: full day trip (plus travel) or overnight near Pemuteran.

Address Amed, Karangasem Regency / Menjangan Island (West Bali National Park), Bali, Indonesia. Google map Google map

Notes Check sea conditions and currents before entering. For beginners, guided snorkeling is the safest way to enjoy the best spots with less stress.

Seminyak beaches

Seminyak’s beach stretch is where Bali’s “easy holiday” mood turns on: wide sand, sunset bars, and a steady flow of people surfing, walking, and watching the sky change color. It’s less about hidden nature and more about comfort—walkable areas, plenty of food options, and an evening scene that starts before dark. For a simple beach day without logistics headaches, Seminyak delivers.

Things to do or see there

Walk the shoreline at sunset and pick a spot to linger

Try beginner-friendly surf lessons on gentler days

Use Seminyak as a base for day trips to Canggu or Tanah Lot

How to get there Easily reached by taxi/ride-hail from Kuta, Legian, or Canggu; traffic can slow down at peak dining hours.

How much time to spend there 2–5 hours (or a full “do nothing” day).

Address Seminyak, Kuta District, Badung Regency, Bali, Indonesia. Google map

Notes Beach access points can be busy; choose a landmark (a well-known bar or hotel) as a meeting point to avoid getting separated.

Beach clubs

Beach clubs in Bali range from laid-back daybeds and good food to full-scale party venues with DJs and sunset crowds. The biggest concentration is around Canggu and Seminyak, with dramatic cliffside options in the Uluwatu area. The trick is matching the club to the mood: relaxed lunch, sunset drinks, or a louder late afternoon. Planning ahead prevents the most common mistake—arriving when it’s already full.

Things to do or see there

Book a daybed in advance for peak season and weekends

Go earlier for a calmer vibe; stay late if you want music and crowd energy

Choose cliffside clubs for views, or beachfront clubs for easy swim-and-chill

How to get there Ride-hail works well in Seminyak and Canggu; in Uluwatu, a driver is often easier for late returns.

How much time to spend there 3–6 hours.

Address Beach club zones in Seminyak, Canggu, and Uluwatu, Bali, Indonesia. Google map Google map Google map

Notes Dress codes vary and sunset slots fill first. Confirm reservation policies and arrival times before committing the day.

Canggu cafes

Canggu’s café scene is a modern Bali staple: strong coffee, brunch menus, and laptop-friendly spaces clustered around Batu Bolong and Berawa. It’s an easy place to reset between beach time and sunset plans, and it’s also a useful “buffer day” base for travelers who want flexibility. The best cafés are popular for a reason, so going slightly earlier avoids long waits.

Things to do or see there

Explore Batu Bolong for café clusters and an easy walkable feel

Use cafés as a practical break during hot midday hours

Pair a café hop with a beach walk or a quick surf session

How to get there Taxi/ride-hail from Seminyak; scooters are common for short hops between cafés and beaches.

How much time to spend there 1–3 hours (or a slow half-day).

Address Canggu (Batu Bolong & Berawa area), Kuta Utara, Badung Regency, Bali, Indonesia. Google map

Notes Traffic around peak brunch hours can be surprisingly heavy. If working remotely, confirm Wi-Fi reliability before settling in.

Surfing at Kuta/Uluwatu

Kuta and Uluwatu sit at opposite ends of Bali’s surf spectrum. Kuta’s sandy-bottom beach is the classic place to take a first lesson and practice safely with instructors nearby. Uluwatu is famous for reef breaks and more advanced conditions, plus dramatic cliff viewpoints. Doing both in one trip makes sense: learn and build confidence in Kuta, then watch (or surf) Uluwatu once skills and comfort are higher.

Things to do or see there

Book a lesson in Kuta for beginner-friendly conditions and easy access

Watch surfers from the Uluwatu cliff viewpoint and learn the break layout

For Uluwatu-area surf, choose a guide if unfamiliar with reef entries and tides

How to get there Kuta is close to the airport area; Uluwatu requires a drive to the Bukit Peninsula. Ride-hail works, but a driver can simplify timing.

How much time to spend there Kuta: 2–4 hours; Uluwatu surf-viewing: 1–2 hours (longer if surfing).

Address Kuta Beach, Badung Regency / Uluwatu area, Pecatu, Bali, Indonesia. Google map Google map

Notes Respect local surf etiquette and don’t overestimate ability—reef breaks can be unforgiving. For safety, avoid surfing new spots alone.

Sanur beach path

Sanur is the “easygoing” coast: calmer water behind a reef, gentle mornings, and a long paved path that makes walking and cycling simple. The beachfront walkway is the main draw—perfect for sunrise, a slow jog, or a low-effort family-friendly beach day. It’s also a practical launch point for boats to nearby islands, which makes it useful even for travelers not staying here.

Things to do or see there

Walk or cycle the beachfront path at sunrise for cooler air and soft light

Stop at cafés along the promenade for breakfast with sea views

Use Sanur as a calmer alternative to the busier west-coast beaches

How to get there Easy by taxi/ride-hail from Denpasar, Seminyak, or Ubud; morning travel is usually smoother than late afternoon.

How much time to spend there 1.5–3 hours.

Address Jalan Danau Buyan, Sanur, South Denpasar, Denpasar City, Bali 80228, Indonesia. Google map

Notes The path is shared with bikes—stay aware when walking in groups. Low tide can expose reef areas, so swimming conditions vary by time of day.

Hidden Gems & Local Favorites

Jatiluwih Rice Terraces

Jatiluwih is the rice-terrace experience for travelers who want space, cooler air, and a slower pace than the famous roadside viewpoints. The terraces sit in Bali’s highlands and connect directly to the island’s traditional subak irrigation culture, recognized by UNESCO. It feels less like a quick photo stop and more like a landscape you can actually spend time in, with walking loops and wide views.

Things to do or see there

Walk a marked trail through the terraces for full “green valley” views

Visit viewpoints that show the scale of the subak landscape

Pair it with a quieter highland lunch for a true day-off-the-beach

How to get there Best by private driver; it’s a longer inland drive from the south, and road times vary by traffic and weather.

How much time to spend there 2–4 hours (more if walking longer loops).

Address Jatiluwih, Penebel, Tabanan Regency, Bali, Indonesia. Google map

Notes Go early for clearer skies. Bring a light layer—highland breezes can feel chilly compared with the coast.

Campuhan Ridge Walk (Ubud)

The Campuhan Ridge Walk is a simple, local-style nature break right next to Ubud’s busy center. The path runs along a ridge above green valleys, making it an easy way to “feel the landscape” without committing to a long trek. It’s especially good for early morning or late afternoon when the sun is softer. This is a steady walk rather than a dramatic viewpoint, but it’s quietly satisfying.

Things to do or see there

Walk the ridge in the early morning for cooler air and fewer people

Take wide landscape photos where the path opens over the valley

Combine with Ubud cafés for a smooth, low-effort half-day

How to get there Start near central Ubud; many visitors begin close to the Campuhan area and follow signs toward the ridge trail.

How much time to spend there 1–2 hours.

Address Campuhan Ridge Walk, Ubud, Gianyar Regency, Bali, Indonesia. Google map

Notes Midday heat can be intense and shade is limited. Comfortable walking shoes help on uneven sections.

Photography Hotspots

Uluwatu cliff path at golden hour (ocean horizon + temple silhouette)
Tanah Lot from the main viewpoints as the tide rises or falls
Monkey Forest in soft morning light (mossy statues and jungle shade)
Tegallalang terraces from a lower-level path for depth and leading lines
Tirta Empul courtyards and gate details (respecting no-photo areas)
Lempuyang’s mountain backdrop on clear mornings
Amed’s shoreline at sunrise (calm water and fishing boats)
Menjangan’s reefs on a clear day (best with a guided snorkel)
Sanur promenade at sunrise for pastel skies and quiet beach scenes

Pro Tips & Local Secrets

Base choice matters. Split the stay if possible: Ubud for central culture and terraces, then a beach base (Seminyak/Canggu/Uluwatu) for coast time.
Plan by region to beat traffic. Ubud + Tegallalang + Tirta Empul works as one loop; Tanah Lot pairs naturally with Canggu/Seminyak.
Start early for East Bali. Lempuyang and Amed days go smoother with sunrise departures and a driver.
Respect temple etiquette. Covered shoulders and knees, quiet behavior, and awareness of restricted worship zones prevent awkward moments.
Handle monkeys correctly. No food, no eye contact, no sudden movements, and keep valuables zipped—especially at Uluwatu and the Monkey Forest.
Surf smart. Learn on sand-bottom beaches first (Kuta), then approach reef breaks (Uluwatu) with guidance and tide awareness.
Beach club strategy. Arrive earlier than sunset, confirm reservations, and choose one club per day to avoid spending the afternoon in traffic.

Bali rewards travelers who plan around geography and timing: sunrise starts for East Bali, early afternoons for Ubud markets, and sunset slots for the big coastal temples. If the goal is to build a “Bali itinerary” with the “best things to do in Bali,” the most searched experiences—Uluwatu Temple at sunset, Tanah Lot, Ubud’s Monkey Forest, Tegallalang rice terraces, Tirta Empul, and a snorkeling day in Amed or Menjangan—fit together cleanly when travel time is respected. Keep the trip simple: pick a base (or two), book drivers for long days, and save energy for the moments that actually feel like Bali—temple incense, terraced green hills, and an ocean horizon that turns gold every evening.