Bali Travel Guide: 15 Best Things to Do in 2026
Bali isn’t just a destination — it’s the kind of place that rewires how you think about travel. We spent three weeks exploring the island from the misty rice terraces of Tegallalang to the black sand beaches of Lovina, and what struck us most wasn’t the Instagram spots (though they deliver), but the tiny details: the morning offerings on every doorstep, the sound of gamelan drifting through temple walls at dusk, the way a warung owner remembers your order after one visit.
What You Actually Need to Know
Bali is small — just 5,780 km² — but traffic can turn a 20 km drive into a 90-minute ordeal. The key to enjoying Bali is choosing your base wisely and not trying to see everything in one trip.
Best time to visit: April to October (dry season). July and August are peak tourist months — expect higher prices and crowds at popular spots like Tanah Lot and Tirta Empul.
Budget: Bali is affordable by Western standards. A comfortable mid-range trip costs \-80 per person per day including accommodation, food, transport, and activities. Budget travelers can get by on \-35 per day.
Visa: Most nationalities get a 30-day visa on arrival for \ USD (payable in cash or card at the airport). You can extend once for another 30 days at an immigration office for around \.
Where to Stay in Bali
Each area of Bali has a completely different vibe. Here’s a quick breakdown to help you choose your base:
| Area | Best For | Avg. Hotel/Night | Vibe |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ubud | Culture, rice terraces, yoga | \-80 | Peaceful, spiritual |
| Canggu | Surfing, digital nomads, cafes | \-70 | Trendy, laid-back |
| Seminyak | Beach clubs, nightlife, shopping | \-150 | Upscale, busy |
| Uluwatu | Cliffs, surf breaks, sunsets | \-120 | Dramatic, quieter |
| Nusa Penida | Dramatic landscapes, snorkeling | \-60 | Rugged, adventurous |
| Amed | Diving, snorkeling, quiet beaches | \-50 | Remote, relaxed |
Our recommendation: start in Ubud for 4-5 nights to adjust to the pace and soak in the culture, then move to Canggu or Uluwatu for beach time.
15 Best Things to Do in Bali
1. Tegallalang Rice Terraces
The most famous rice terraces in Bali, about 20 minutes north of Ubud. Arrive before 8:30 AM to beat the crowds. There’s a small entrance fee of 15,000 IDR (\) but some sections charge 10,000-50,000 IDR for photo spots. Walk the full loop (about 45 minutes) rather than just viewing from the top — the deeper paths are far less crowded and more beautiful.
2. Uluwatu Temple at Sunset
Perched 70 meters above the ocean on a dramatic cliff, Pura Luhur Uluwatu is Bali’s most spectacular temple. Entry costs 50,000 IDR (\.20). The Kecak fire dance performance starts at 6 PM daily (100,000 IDR / \.40 per ticket) — book early as it sells out. Watch the sunset behind the temple while 50 performers chant in unison. Bring a sarong or rent one at the entrance for 10,000 IDR.
3. Mount Batur Sunrise Trek
A 2-hour hike starting at 3:30 AM to reach the 1,717-meter summit for sunrise. The view over Lake Batur with Mount Agung in the background is unforgettable. Guided treks cost 350,000-500,000 IDR (\-32) including breakfast cooked in volcanic steam. Book through your hotel or GetYourGuide for guaranteed English-speaking guides.
4. Tirta Empul Water Temple
A sacred water temple where Balinese Hindus come for ritual purification. You can participate — walk through the 13 fountains in order, letting the spring water flow over your head. Entry is 50,000 IDR (\.20). A sarong and sash are required (available for rent). Go early morning for a genuine spiritual experience rather than a tourist queue.
5. Explore Ubud’s Art Market
Open daily from 8 AM, but the real experience is the local morning market (4-8 AM) where Balinese vendors sell fresh flowers, fruits, and ceremonial supplies. The tourist market opens at 8 AM with handicrafts, silk scarves, and paintings. Haggling is expected — start at 30-40% of the asking price and settle around 50-60%.
6. Nusa Penida Day Trip
The rugged island 45 minutes by fast boat from Sanur. Must-sees: Kelingking Beach (the T-Rex cliff), Broken Beach, Angel’s Billabong, and Crystal Bay. Fast boats cost 150,000-200,000 IDR (\-13) return from Sanur. Hire a driver on the island for 500,000 IDR (\) for a full day — roads are rough, and a scooter is risky unless you’re very experienced.
7. Tanah Lot Temple
A sea temple sitting on a rock formation surrounded by waves. Best visited at sunset (arrive by 5 PM for a good spot). Entry is 60,000 IDR (\.80). You can’t enter the temple itself, but the surrounding area has great viewpoints and a holy spring where priests give blessings for a small donation.
8. Bali Swing in Ubud
The famous jungle swings overlooking the Ayung River valley. Prices vary: the original Bali Swing charges 350,000 IDR (\) for unlimited swings and photo spots. Several alternatives along Jalan Dewi Saraswati offer the same experience for 100,000-200,000 IDR (\-13). Go before 10 AM to avoid 45-minute queues.
9. Snorkeling at Amed
The northeast coast has Bali’s best snorkeling — clearer water and healthier reefs than the south. The Japanese Shipwreck at Tulamben is accessible from shore (just walk in). Snorkel gear rental costs 50,000 IDR (\.20) per day. For diving, expect 500,000-800,000 IDR (\-51) per dive including equipment.
10. Seminyak Beach Sunset
Grab a beanbag at one of the beach bars — La Plancha is the most colorful (free entry, drinks from 60,000 IDR / \.80). Watch the sunset over the Indian Ocean while surfers catch the last waves. Every evening feels like an event here.
11. Jatiluwih Rice Terraces (UNESCO)
Less touristy than Tegallalang and much larger — these UNESCO-listed terraces span 600 hectares. Entry is 40,000 IDR (\.50). The 2-hour walking trail through the fields is peaceful, with almost no other tourists midweek. Located in Tabanan, about 90 minutes from Ubud.
12. Waterfalls of North Bali
Sekumpul Waterfall is the most spectacular — an 80-meter cascade surrounded by jungle. Entry is 20,000 IDR (\.30) plus a 15-minute hike down (and back up — 300+ steps). Combine it with Aling-Aling Waterfall nearby, where you can cliff jump (5-15 meters) with a local guide for 125,000 IDR (\).
13. Take a Balinese Cooking Class
One of the best experiences in Bali. Half-day classes in Ubud cost 250,000-400,000 IDR (\-26) and include a market visit, 5-7 dishes, and recipes to take home. You’ll learn to make satay, nasi goreng, lawar, and sambal from scratch. Book on Klook for the best prices.
14. Monkey Forest Ubud
Home to 1,260 long-tailed macaques across three temples. Entry is 80,000 IDR (\.10). The monkeys are bold — secure your belongings, remove sunglasses and hats, and don’t bring food. The ancient banyan trees and moss-covered statues make it worth visiting even without the monkeys. Allow 1-2 hours.
15. Canggu’s Cafe Scene
Canggu has arguably the best cafe culture in Southeast Asia. Our favorites: Crate Cafe (smoothie bowls from 65,000 IDR / \.20), The Shady Shack (vegan menu in a garden setting), and Sensorium (specialty coffee, 35,000 IDR / \.25). Most cafes have fast WiFi and are digital nomad-friendly.
Getting Around Bali
| Transport | Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Grab/Gojek (ride-hailing) | \-5 per ride | Short trips, towns |
| Scooter rental | \-6 per day | Freedom, experienced riders |
| Private driver (full day) | \-50 per day | Sightseeing, groups |
| Airport taxi (official) | \-20 to Seminyak | Arrival transfers |
Our tip: For airport transfers, pre-book through KiwiTaxi to avoid the haggling and inflated prices at arrivals. A private car to Ubud costs around \ and the driver will be waiting with a name sign.
Connectivity: eSIM for Bali
Skip the SIM card hassle at the airport. Buy a 5G eSIM through Klook before you fly — activate it on landing and you’ll have data instantly. Plans start at \ for 1GB/7 days. Telkomsel has the best coverage across the island, including remote areas like Amed and Nusa Penida.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Trying to see everything in 5 days. Pick 2-3 areas max. Bali’s traffic means you’ll waste hours on the road otherwise.
- Only visiting the south. North and east Bali (Amed, Munduk, Lovina) are quieter, cheaper, and often more beautiful.
- Renting a scooter without experience. Bali’s roads are chaotic — potholes, dogs, ceremonies blocking streets. If you’ve never ridden before, use Grab instead.
- Ignoring temple etiquette. Always wear a sarong and sash at temples. Don’t point your feet at shrines, and don’t stand higher than a priest.
- Exchanging money at street booths. Use ATMs (BCA and Mandiri have the best rates) or official exchange offices. Street changers use rigged calculators.
The Bottom Line
Bali earns its reputation. It’s affordable, stunningly beautiful, culturally rich, and incredibly easy to travel. Whether you’re a first-time traveler or a seasoned backpacker, Bali delivers — just slow down enough to look past the tourist trail. The real magic is in the rice fields at dawn, the temple ceremonies you stumble upon, and the conversations with locals who are genuinely happy you’re there.
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