Things to do in Bali
Not sure how to spend your time in Bali? From exploring famous attractions to trying unique local activities, our guide to the top things to do will make your trip unforgettable.
Top 45 curated things to do in Bali

Snorkeling at Crystal Bay
Crystal Bay (Pantai Crystal Bay) is one of Nusa Penida's most popular snorkel spots — a sheltered, pear-shaped bay with clear water, healthy reef patches and abundant reef fish. The bay is known for excellent visibility on calm days and, during certain months, possible sightings of large pelagics such as the mola-mola (ocean sunfish). This activity is ideal for beginners through experienced snorkelers wanting an easy shore/boat-access snorkel combined with a scenic beach visit.

Manta ray snorkel/dive at Manta Point
Experience close encounters with graceful reef manta rays at Manta Point, a world-renowned cleaning and feeding station off the coast of Nusa Penida, Klungkung (Bali). This activity offers both snorkel and scuba diving options depending on experience and certification. Expect dramatic underwater scenes as multiple mantas glide, feed, and visit cleaning stations while strong currents bring plankton-rich water.
Important: this site can have strong currents and variable visibility. Choose a reputable operator and follow all guidance from guides and dive masters.

Island-hopping Nusa Lembongan & Ceningan
A scenic island-hopping tour exploring the turquoise waters, coastal cliffs, and laid-back villages of Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan. Activities typically include snorkeling at colorful reefs, visits to iconic viewpoints (such as Devil's Tear), a walk across the Yellow Bridge, beach time, and optional water sports or chill beach cafés. The trip showcases stunning sea views, limestone cliffs, mangroves, and local island life.

Menjangan Island snorkeling/diving
Menjangan Island (Pulau Menjangan) is one of Bali's premier snorkel and dive destinations, located inside West Bali National Park. Famous for its clear water, healthy coral walls, sheltered bays and abundant marine life, it offers excellent visibility, gentle currents and a mix of shallow reefs for snorkelers and dramatic wall dives for certified divers.

Birdwatching in West Bali National Park
Birdwatching in West Bali National Park (Taman Nasional Bali Barat) offers prime opportunities to see rare and endemic species—most notably the critically endangered Bali myna (Jalak Bali)—within a mix of dry tropical forest, mangroves and coastal habitats. Guided walks and boat trips to Menjangan Island are commonly combined for the best diversity. Dawn and early morning sessions provide the most activity.

Watersports (parasailing, jet ski)
Parasailing and Jet Ski in Nusa Dua, Bali — Enjoy high-adrenaline watersports set against the calm, clear waters of Nusa Dua’s sheltered bay. Parasailing offers peaceful aerial views of the coastline and offshore reefs; jet ski gives a faster, more hands-on ride on open water. Both activities are widely offered by licensed beach operators and resort partners along the Nusa Dua beachfront.

Surf world-class breaks (Uluwatu/Padang Padang)
Uluwatu and Padang Padang on the Bukit Peninsula (Badung, Bali) are two of Indonesia's most famous reef breaks. Uluwatu offers long, perfect left-hand walls, cave access, and multiple peaks for all levels of expert surfers, while Padang Padang is renowned for fast, hollow barrels and a short but intense lefthand reef break. This activity is ideal for experienced surfers seeking world-class waves, dramatic cliff-top scenery, and iconic Balinese surf culture.

Surf Canggu beaches
Surfing in Canggu is one of Bali's most popular surf experiences, offering a variety of breaks for beginners to advanced surfers along a relaxed, reef-and-sand coastline in Canggu, Badung Regency. The area combines consistent swells, beach bars, and a vibrant surf culture.

Beach day at Melasti/Pandawa
A relaxed beach day visiting two of Bukit Peninsula's most scenic beaches: Melasti Beach and Pandawa Beach. Both beaches feature dramatic limestone cliffs, clear turquoise waters and sheltered coves ideal for swimming, sunbathing, photography and light snorkeling. The trip combines short cliff-top viewpoints, beach time, local warung food, and optional water activities. Good for families, couples, photographers, and anyone wanting a scenic coastal escape without long hikes.

Seafood dinner on the sand
Sunset seafood dining on the sand: Enjoy fresh, locally sourced seafood grilled over open coals while sitting at low tables placed directly on Jimbaran Beach. The experience combines picturesque sunset views, candlelit tables, and lively Balinese beachfront atmosphere—perfect for romantic dinners, families, or casual groups.

Seminyak beach clubs & sunset
Experience Seminyak's iconic beachfront scene: beach clubs, vibrant sunset views, poolside DJs, and coastal dining. Perfect for relaxation by day and lively cocktails at golden hour. Best enjoyed late afternoon to sunset with comfortable beachwear and a camera.

Balinese cooking class
Learn authentic Balinese cuisine in a hands-on class set in Ubud, Gianyar. The experience typically includes a visit to a local market or organic garden, guided instruction on preparing several traditional dishes, and a communal meal. Ingredients, recipes, and a takeaway recipe booklet are usually provided. Classes cater to small groups for personalized attention and often offer vegetarian or other dietary adaptations on request.

Traditional Balinese spa & massage
Experience the iconic Balinese spa tradition — a restorative blend of rhythmic massage, herbal oils, and ancient wellness rituals performed by skilled local therapists. Ideal for relaxation, muscle relief, and cultural immersion. Available across Bali with notable concentrations in Ubud (calm, jungle retreats) and Seminyak (stylish, beachfront spas).

Yoga and meditation retreat at Ubud
A restorative yoga and meditation retreat set in Ubud’s lush rice terraces and tropical gardens. The program blends daily yoga classes (Hatha, Vinyasa, Yin), guided mindfulness and silent meditation sessions, breathwork, sound healing, and workshops on Ayurvedic wellness and nutrition. Sessions are suitable for beginners to experienced practitioners and emphasize balance, stress relief, and conscious living.

Art villages tour (Celuk, Mas, Batubulan)
Explore three of Bali's most famous artisan villages in Gianyar Regency: Celuk (silversmiths and goldsmiths), Mas (master woodcarvers and galleries) and Batubulan (stone carving and traditional dance). This culturally rich half-day or full-day tour offers close-up views of traditional craftsmanship, live demonstrations, galleries, and the chance to buy handmade souvenirs directly from studios. Expect vibrant studio visits, hands-on opportunities, and a finale with the famous Barong & Keris dance in Batubulan (depending on schedule).

Ubud Art Market browsing
A leisurely visit to Pasar Seni Ubud (Ubud Art Market), the iconic open-air market in central Ubud where visitors can browse long rows of stalls selling traditional Balinese handicrafts, textiles, woodcarving, paintings, jewelry, and souvenirs. The experience is sensory-rich — colorful fabrics, carved sculptures, and bargaining with friendly local vendors. Ideal for shoppers, culture lovers, and photographers.

Handara Gate photo stop
Iconic Balinese photo spot at the entrance gate of the Handara Golf & Resort near Bedugul. The ornate Balinese-style split gate framed against the misty mountains and pine trees creates a dramatic backdrop — perfect for quick photos and memorable landscape shots. The site is primarily a short sightseeing/photo stop rather than a lengthy attraction.

Karang Boma Cliff sunset viewpoint
Karang Boma Cliff (Uluwatu) is a dramatic sea-cliff viewpoint on Bali's southwestern coast offering expansive panoramic views over the Indian Ocean. Famous for its towering white limestone cliffs and unobstructed sunset vistas, it’s a popular spot for photographers and travelers seeking a quieter alternative to busier Uluwatu sunset locations. The setting combines rugged coastal scenery with vibrant skies at dusk.

ATV jungle/river ride
Thrilling off-road ATV adventure through Balinese jungle, riverbeds and scenic landscapes near Ubud. Participants ride automatic quad bikes on varied terrain—mud tracks, tropical forest trails, river crossings, and rice-field tracks—guided by experienced local guides. The experience blends adrenaline, cultural scenery, and photo opportunities in a relatively safe, family-friendly setting.

Canyoning at Aling-Aling/Gitgit
Overview: Canyoning in the Aling-Aling and nearby Gitgit areas of Buleleng (north Bali) is a half-day adventure through narrow gorges, natural water slides, cliff jumps and short abseils beneath tropical jungle and waterfalls. The experience combines swimming, scrambling, guided jumps and rope work through volcanic rock canyons and deep clear pools. It’s suitable for adventurous beginners with a reasonable level of fitness and a head for heights when following guide instructions.



















