Things to do in

Bali

A popular early-morning guided trek to Mount Batur’s crater rim to watch a spectacular sunrise over the Batur caldera, Lake Batur and distant Mount Agung. The hike is moderately challenging, starts pre-dawn, and includes panoramic views, a chance to see geothermal steam vents, and often a simple breakfast at the summit (sometimes cooked using volcanic steam).

A leisurely walk through the iconic Tegalalang rice terraces in Tegalalang village near Ubud, Bali. The walk offers panoramic views of tiered rice paddies sculpted by the traditional Balinese subak irrigation system, opportunities for photography, cultural insight into rice farming, and stops at viewpoints, small cafés, and local craft stalls. Terrain includes stepped pathways, narrow dirt trails and occasional wooden bridges—suitable for most fitness levels but requiring steady footing in places.

Jatiluwih Rice Terraces form part of the "Subak" cultural landscape of Bali — a UNESCO World Heritage site (2012) that showcases the traditional Balinese cooperative irrigation system. Located on the western slopes of Mount Batukaru, Jatiluwih offers vast, layered rice paddies, panoramic viewpoints, walking paths through the terraces, and insight into centuries-old farming practices. The area is prized for its wide, uninterrupted vistas and tranquil rural atmosphere.

A scenic, easy ridge-top trail through lush hills and tropical vegetation in central Ubud. The walk offers panoramic views of the river valley, terraced foliage, and peaceful open-air pathways — popular for sunrise and golden-hour photography, light exercise, and a quiet escape from Ubud's town center.

Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary in Ubud is a protected natural and cultural site featuring a dense tropical forest, three ancient Balinese temples, and a population of long-tailed macaques (Macaca fascicularis). The site combines wildlife viewing with cultural heritage: temple architecture, stone carvings, and shaded pathways create a unique experience in the heart of Ubud. It’s both a nature reserve and an important spiritual site for the local community.

Bali Swing in Tegalalang (Ubud) is a popular outdoor attraction offering thrilling swings and panoramic views over the iconic rice terraces. Visitors can choose from a range of swing platforms (single, tandem, or giant swings), selfie/photo platforms, and short treks through the rice terraces. The experience combines adrenaline, scenic photography, and a chance to explore nearby local cafes and coffee plantations.

A popular guided rafting trip on the Ayung River near Ubud, Bali. The experience combines adrenaline-pumping rapids (mostly class II–III) with lush tropical rainforest, dramatic canyon walls, small waterfalls, and traditional Balinese scenery. Suitable for beginners and families with older children with an experienced guide steering the raft.

A popular white-water rafting experience in East Bali, the Telaga Waja River offers a scenic, adrenaline-filled float through jungle-clad canyons, rice terraces and traditional villages. Suitable for first-timers and intermediate paddlers, the river combines sustained Class II–III rapids with moments of calm to enjoy the surrounding landscape. Most operators include safety gear, an experienced guide, transfers and a post-raft meal.

Sekumpul Waterfall is one of Bali's most spectacular waterfall clusters located in the Singaraja area of Buleleng Regency. The hike takes you through lush tropical jungle, rice terraces and local villages to a viewpoint and then down to the base of towering, multi-stream falls. It's celebrated for dramatic photo opportunities, multiple cascades, and a relatively untouched natural setting.

Nungnung Waterfall (Air Terjun Nungnung) is a dramatic 50–70 metre plunge waterfall set in dense tropical jungle in Petang, Badung Regency, Bali. The site is reached by a steep staircase down into a green canyon and offers a powerful curtain of water, a natural plunge pool for swimming (conditions permitting), and scenic jungle views. The descent is part of the experience — you feel removed from the busier tourist spots and immersed in nature.

Tukad Cepung — commonly called Cepung Cave Waterfall — is a dramatic, partially enclosed waterfall set inside a steep rocky gorge in Bangli Regency, central Bali. The waterfall pours down through a gap in the cliff and into a narrow canyon; at certain times of day a shaft of sunlight pierces the cave opening producing a spectacular ‘light beam’ effect. The setting is lush, photogenic and feels like a hidden gem away from crowded mainstream attractions.

Tegenungan Waterfall (Air Terjun Tegenungan) is a popular and easily accessible waterfall located near Ubud in Sukawati, Gianyar, Bali. Set amid lush tropical vegetation and rocky cliffs, the waterfall offers dramatic cascades, a swimming area at the base, and several vantage points for photography. It's a favorite half-day excursion for both first-time visitors to Bali and repeat travelers.

Tirta Empul is a sacred water temple in Tampaksiring, Gianyar, Bali, famous for its natural spring and the traditional purification ritual known as melukat. Visitors can observe or participate in a guided cleansing ceremony where participants move through a series of water fountains to pray and wash away spiritual impurities. The complex combines religious significance, classical Balinese architecture, and a serene riverside setting.

Goa Gajah is an important 9th–11th century archaeological and spiritual site near Bedulu, Gianyar (close to Ubud), Bali. The site is best known for its dramatic rock-cut entrance — a menacing carved face whose mouth forms the cave doorway — a small meditation cave, and a series of ritual bathing pools (petirtaan) fed by ancient carved spouts. The complex blends Hindu–Buddhist iconography and traditional Balinese temple architecture and is set in a tranquil gardened archaeological park. A compact, easily reachable cultural stop ideal for a 1–2 hour visit.

Visit Pura Luhur Uluwatu — a dramatic clifftop sea temple in southern Bali — to experience a spectacular Indian Ocean sunset and the traditional Balinese Kecak (Ramayana-themed) Fire Dance performed at the temple amphitheatre. The activity combines cultural insight, breathtaking coastal scenery, and a unique performance that uses an all-male chorus, rhythmic chanting, and fire elements against a sunset backdrop.

Tanah Lot is one of Bali's most iconic coastal temples set on a rocky outcrop just offshore. The viewpoint at Beraban in Tabanan is famous for dramatic sunset silhouettes of the temple against the Indian Ocean, striking coastal cliffs, and vibrant market and café activity leading down to the shoreline. It’s a short, accessible visit ideal for photography, cultural observation, and sunset watching.

Ulun Danu Beratan is a striking 17th-century water temple located on the shores of Lake Beratan in Bedugul, Tabanan Regency, Bali. Dedicated to Dewi Danu, the Balinese water and lake goddess, the temple complex appears to float when the lake level rises and is set against a backdrop of misty mountains and cool highland air. The site is both a spiritual center and one of Bali's most photographed landmarks.

Lempuyang Luhur, commonly known as the 'Gates of Heaven', is a sacred Balinese Hindu temple complex on the slopes of Mount Lempuyang in Karangasem, Bali. The site is famous for its towering split gateway that frames views of Mount Agung and for the traditional temple steps and shrines that climb the hillside. Visitors come for the dramatic photo opportunity, spiritual atmosphere, panoramic vistas, and the multi-temple pilgrimage along the ridge.

Pura Besakih, often called the Mother Temple of Bali, is the island's largest and most important Hindu temple complex. Situated on the southwestern slopes of Mount Agung, the complex comprises over 20 separate temples (the principal one being Pura Penataran Agung Besakih). The site combines dramatic volcanic backdrop, layered courtyards, traditional Balinese temple architecture, and living religious practice—making it both a spiritual center and a cultural landmark.

Experience the serene rural landscapes of eastern Bali on the Sidemen Valley Trekking — a mostly gentle walk through emerald rice terraces, coconut and clove plantations, traditional Balinese villages, and panoramic viewpoints of Mount Agung. This trek is ideal for travelers seeking authentic village life, photography, and a moderate outdoors experience away from crowded tourist hubs.