Things to do in Bali

Things to do in Bali

Sunrise volcano treks, jungle swings, sacred temples and spa days so good you’ll forget your own name - it’s all in Bali. You can raft rivers past rice paddies, learn to cook like a Balinese local or snorkel with manta rays off island coasts.

Looking for something slower paced? Wander through Ubud's art markets. Sip kopi luwak in misty coffee plantations. Watch the Kecak fire dance as the sun dips behind a sea cliff.

Whether you’re a team thrill-seeker, food-chaser or slow-scenery-sipper, Bali’s got a ton of adventures in store.

Unique things to do in Bali you can’t do anywhere else

Bali's has magical landscapes, long sandy beaches, forests full of monkeys, and volcanoes make it unlike anywhere else. In other words, there's plenty to do here that you can't experience anywhere else. Here's what to add to your Bali bucket list.

• Mount Batur Sunrise Trekking: Set the alarm for 2am and prepare to earn that banana pancake breakfast. Trek past torchlight to the summit, then watch the sky crack open over Bali’s smoky, steaming crater lake.
• Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary: They’re not just monkeys, but macaques with attitude. Wander through mossy ruins and viney jungles where cheeky tails rule among ancient temples.
• Lempuyang Temple and Gate of Heaven Tour: Climb to Bali’s selfie summit. Heaven’s Gate frames clouds and mountains like a dream. You bring the pose, and they bring the mirror trick.
• Balinese Cooking Class in Ubud: Your classroom? A garden kitchen. Chop, grind and stir your way through a full-flavoured feast. Bonus: you get to eat the homework.
• Luwak Coffee Plantation Visit: Have you ever wondered how civet coffee gets from the forest to your cup? Find out just how delicious this local brew is made.

Best Bali attractions to visit

Get a glimpse into the local side of Bali with cultural performances and sacred water temples. Visit seaside sites and head deep into the jungle to see wildlife. From our own trips to the island and based on real user reviews, these are some of the top attractions in Bali.

• Bali Swing and Jungle Swing Experience: Strap in, hold tight, and swing out over a jungle drop. But it's all worth it for the stunning views of lush, green forests below.
• Uluwatu Temple and Kecak Fire Dance: Think cliffs, crashing waves and a chorus of rhythmic chants. This sunset ritual is spiritual theatre - and a full sensory hit.
• Tirta Gangga Water Palace Visit: Pretend you're Balinese royalty in this dreamy maze of pools and rice-paddy reflections.
• Tanah Lot Temple Visit: Built on a rock, blessed by sea gods and backed by crimson sunsets. This offshore temple delivers drama with a spiritual side.
• Bali Safari and Marine Park: Hop on a safari tram through a jungle that roars to life. From Komodo dragons to white tigers, it’s Bali’s wild side, without needing to rough it.

Best Bali day trips and tours

Bali may pack in a lot, but the island itself isn't that large... At least compared to Australia. You can cover quite a bit in a day trip, and we're not just talking about distance.

Dive into the waters off tropical islands surrounded by coral reef are beckoning you to dive in. Climb to the top of soaring volcanoes for sunrise. Thrash through the jungle on mud-covered tracks aboard an ATV. The options are basically endless.

• Nusa Penida Day Trip: Speedboat over to rugged islands. Instagram-famous cliff views at Kelingking, Angel’s Billabong and beaches are so good you’ll question flying home.
• Snorkelling at Blue Lagoon: Drift beside sea turtles and clownfish in calm reef waters. This dive into East Bali’s marine life combines sunsets and snorkelling vibes.
• ATV Quad Bike Adventure: Mud-splattered thrills through jungle tracks. It’s adrenaline inland, with flashes of Bali jungle all around.
• Bali Ubud Waterfall Tour: A short hike through jungle greenness brings you to a wide cascade you can swim under. 
• Ayung River Rafting: Paddle past rainforest cliffs, bamboo bridges and cheering locals. Class III rapids mix thrills with riverside rice-terrace views.

Free things to do in Bali

If you're looking for some budget-friendly activities to squeeze around all the day trips, cooking classes and Balinese spa treatments, you're in luck. There's a host of free things to do on the island, too.

• Campuhan Ridge Walk (Ubud): Rise early and stroll this ridgeline above the valley mist. It’s a free reset with just you, the trail and that emerald sprawl.
• Tegalalang Rice Terrace Visit: These steps nearby don’t charge an entry fee, but the views? Full Bali blockbuster. Get in early to skip the crowds
• Sunset at Jimbaran Bay: Golden sands, smoky seafood BBQs and a sun that knows how to put on a show. But if you’ve got an appetite, bring some cash for a seafood feast in the sand. We promise it's well worth it!
• Penglipuran Traditional Village Walk: Tidy lanes and bamboo houses. This heritage haven feels like a peaceful pause button on Bali.
• Kuta Beach Surfing Window: No board? No drama. Grab a coconut and settle in to watch locals ride the breaks. It’s a high-energy freebie, right on the sand.

Most beaches in Bali are public. But, there are a few in the southern part of the island and on surrounding islands, that do charge an entry fee. This is mostly to support the locals and maintain the beaches. Sometimes, you only need to pay when you're parking.

Budgeting for things to do in Bali

Bali does affordable like a pro. Temples and ridge walks? Often free. Waterfall swims, market strolls and monkey antics? Usually under AU$10.

There's plenty of mid-range activities in Bali, too. In our view, these are also some of the best things to do in Bali.

Learning to cook like a local will set you back about AU$30-AU$40. Checking out the sea life off the coast usually costs between AU$20-AU$40. Want to ride the iconic jungle swings? They're usually about AU$20 or less.

Feeling flash? Island-hopping, sunrise hikes or a day at the safari park might stretch to AU$100–AU$160. But, the wow-factor return is high. From cheap-and-cheerful to splash-worthy, there’s a Bali experience for every kind of spender.