Bali attracts families, couples, backpackers, groups, and lone travelers. The “Island of the Gods” has something for everyone, regardless of holiday interests or money. Nature enthusiasts can hike through lush jungles to waterfalls, climb mountains (Mount Batur dawn is a highlight), or dive in Bali’s beautiful waters.
Many water parks, temples, and beaches amuse families. Luxury resorts, beaches, and spas offer romance and relaxation. Young and skinny people can swim, explore, and party at beach clubs for cheap. Bali has attractions and activities galore, from Ubud to Kuta to Nusa Dua and beyond. Here’s our entire Bali must-do list. Start trip planning!
1. Tegallalang Rice Terraces
The famed Tegallalang Rice Terrace near Ubud is the rice field to see in Bali. Walking through the pathways at the UNESCO World Heritage site offers stunning views of the rice fields and valleys. See local farmers at work and learn about Bali’s 8th-century irrigation system. Tegallalang is one of Bali’s top rice terraces due to its beauty and exciting activities like the enormous swing and zipline. You can also tour the traditional village, local markets, and coffee plantations.
- Opening hours: Daily, 6 am – 7 pm
- Cost of entry: There is no official entry fee, but donations of around IDR 10,000 (~AUD$1) are requested by the locals to gain entry.
2. Waterbom Bali
Try Waterbom Bali, Bali’s most thrilling water park in Kuta, instead of lounging poolside at your resort. Waterbom Bali, a 3.8-hectare theme park with 15 thrilling water slides, rides, splash pools, and meandering rivers in tropical gardens, is perfect for kids and adults.
- Opening hours: Daily, 9 am – 6 pm
- Cost of entry:
- Children: IDR 385,000 (~AUD$39)
- Adults: IDR 535,00 (~AUD$54)
3. Tanah Lot Temple
Tanah Lot, a famous temple in Beraban, Bali, occasionally appears to float in the water. Tanah Lot is one of Bali’s seven sea temples devoted to sea gods and thought to safeguard the island from evil spirits. It also has one of the best views of Balinese waves smashing. Enjoy the sunset, panoramic views, and Bali’s greatest temple at the iconic landmark.
- Opening hours: Daily, 7 am – 7 pm
- Cost of entry:
- Children: IDR 30,000 (~AUD$3)
- Adults: IDR 60,00 (~AUD$6)
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4. Campuhan Ridge
Bali hillside hikes don’t always need maximal effort. One of Ubud’s most popular attractions, the 2km Campuhan Ridge Walk, offers lush scenery. The Ayung River and Mount Agung are in the distance and a generally level, easy trails. Early mornings have better illumination and fewer people.
- Opening hours: 24 hours
- Cost of entry: Free
5. Mount Batur
Was ‘hike an active volcano’ on your Bali bucket list? If not, adding a Mount Batur hike to your itinerary will be great. Two active volcanoes in Bali—Mount Batur and Mount Agung—offer excitement and breathtaking views in one cardio-intense excursion. Mount Batur, 1,717 meters high in the Kintamani highlands, offers stunning views of Bali’s beautiful countryside and Lake Batur.
The hike is appropriate for moderately fit people who can handle the rough and steep terrain. A local guide is recommended. It’s also best to hike in the dry season (May–October) when Bali’s weather is clearer, cooler, and less likely to rain.
- Opening hours: No specified opening hours, but hikes often start early in the morning.
- Cost of entry: There is no entry fee to hike Mount Batur, but tour and guide costs will vary from operator to operator.
6. Goa Gajah Elephant Cave
Goa Gajah Elephant Cave, a 9th-century Hindu temple complex outside Ubud, is beautiful. Bring the kids to explore hidden passageways, exquisite rock wall carvings, and the elephant statue at the entrance. Bring a sarong to avoid salesmen out front.
- Opening hours: 8 am – 5 pm for visitors, and 24 hours for worship
- Cost of entry:
- Children: IDR 25,000 (~AUD$2.50)
- Adults: IDR 50,00 (~AUD$5)
7. Kecak dance at Uluwatu Temple
Men in elaborate costumes perform the Kecak dance, one of Bali’s most popular attractions. For the best Kecak dance experience, visit Uluwatu shrine, a 1,000-year-old shrine atop a 70-meter cliff overlooking the Indian Ocean.
Six temples are considered Bali’s spiritual cornerstones, including this one. Sunset dances offer stunning views of the temple and water. We recommend seeing the Kecak dance despite the crowds because of its cultural relevance and spectacular performance.
- Opening hours: Daily, 7 am – 6 pm
- Cost of entry and Kecak dance ticket:
- Children: IDR 120,000 (~AUD$12)
- Adults: IDR 130,00 (~AUD$13)
8. Tirta Empul Temple
A few nights of Bali’s party scene will make you want to visit the Tirta Empul Temple, a Hindu temple in Manukaya known for its holy spring water that heals and purifies.
The 1.65-hectare Tirta Empul Temple complex is best known for its pool and the traditional purification ritual of bathing in holy spring water (known as’melukat’), but it’s worth exploring the courtyards and gardens to see the intricate Balinese and Hindu statues and shrines. Visit the museum to see traditional Balinese art and culture.
- Opening hours: Daily, 8 am – 6 pm (excluding Nyepi)
- Cost of entry: IDR 50,00 (~AUD$5)
9. Nusa Penida Day Trip
You could never tire of Bali’s beautiful beaches and clean waters, but a day trip to Nusa Penida is worth leaving your sun lounger. Nusa Penida, a huge, completely undeveloped island 20km off Bali’s south coast, is known for its tropical beaches, impressive cliffs, and lush foliage, as well as diving and snorkeling to observe Manta Rays and Mola Mola fish.
- Opening hours: Nusa Penida itself doesn’t have opening hours, but it’s important to note the times for when boats arrive and depart the harbor – typically from 7:30 am – to 5 pm. Check individual operators for schedules.
- Cost of entry:
- Children: IDR 15,000 (~AUD$1.50)
- Adults: IDR 20,00 (~AUD$2)
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10. Quad Bike & Whitewater Rafting Day Trip
Why not combine quad biking and whitewater rafting in Bali for adrenaline junkies? Instead of spending all day on a quad bike while whitewater rafting, the day excursion is split into two two-hour segments with a lunch break. Your tour will determine which activity happens first but expect a thrilling day to see Bali’s stunning scenery.
- Opening hours: Tours will usually start around 7:30 am for pickup (later if you’re closer to Ubud), and you’ll typically be back at your accommodation around 5 pm.
- Cost of entry: Tour prices will vary based on availability and the operator.