There is a plethora of things to do in Bali since this Indonesian Island offers beautiful rice terraces that ripple across hillsides, temples carved with myth and memory, jungle waterfalls tucked behind quiet villages, and seafood dinners timed perfectly with the sunset. It’s a place where every region delivers something vivid and worth remembering.
On my most recent trip, I spent 15 days in Bali. This list of highlights can technically be completed in five days, but only with tightly managed planning and near-perfect weather conditions. For a more realistic and enjoyable pace, I recommend booking at least 10 days. That gives you around seven active days to explore and a few well-earned moments to relax. Bali rewards both structure and spontaneity, and a little extra time lets you enjoy both.
This guide covers the best things to do in Bali, Indonesia, broken down by region: Ubud and its lush surroundings, the dramatic cliffs of Uluwatu, the quieter northern waterfalls and temples, and the volcanic terrain around Kintamani. If you’re looking for what to do on the island of Bali, this itinerary brings together natural beauty, cultural depth, and standout places to eat, hike, swim, and sit back and relax.
Things to Do in the Ubud Area of Bali
1. Sari Timbul Restaurant
Tucked in the Tegallalang hills, Sari Timbul by Kubu Bali blends art, food, and nature into a magical day out. Imagine Instagram‑worthy swings, sculptures nestled in dense greenery, pool dips after lunch, and artistic installations galore. It’s a feast for your eyes, tummy, and soul.
2. Bambu Indah Resort
An eco‑boutique resort on a hillside, Bambu Indah is a sanctuary of bamboo architecture, infinity pools, and jungle serenity. In terms of structure and ethos, it’s the perfect antidote to fast-paced travel.
3. Temples & Nature Escapes
- Pura Taman Pecampuhan Sala, Pura Dalem Taman Kaja, and Pura Mengening offer peaceful temple visits, with the Mengening Water Temple doubling as an ‘Eat, Pray, Love’–style purification site.
- Goa Gajah (Elephant Cave) is an archaeological treasure located just off Ubud, rich in spiritual history and featuring intricately carved stone.
- Campuhan Ridge Walk, although not listed in your talking points, is a scenic stretch popular for sunrise or sunset strolls.
4. Waterfalls & Village Life
- Kanto Lampo Waterfall and Goa Raja Waterfall are enchanting cascades hidden amid the jungle. Small crowds, big magic.
- Alas Harum Bali offers lush landscapes, often combined with coffee tastings.
- Penglipuran Village is a traditional settlement where stone-fenced compounds reflect ancient customs, making it perfect for cultural immersion.
5. Agritourism & Coffee
- Coffee lovers, don’t miss Alas Harum Bali, offering local brews, swings, and a selfie‑ready setting.
- AKASA Specialty Coffee, though near Kintamani, pairs beautifully with sunrise views over rice terraces and Mount Batur in the distance.
6. Other Ubud Highlights
Ubud is often called Bali’s cultural heart and is a hub of spiritual, artistic, and culinary experiences.
- Puri Saren Agung (Ubud Royal Palace): Enjoy nightly performances of gamelan music and traditional dance in a serene courtyard.
- Taman Saraswati: A lotus‑lily temple close by, beautifully crafted by famed architect I Gusti Nyoman Lempad.
- Temples of Taman Kaja: Delve deeper into Ubud’s spiritual heart via lesser‑known temples like Pura Dalem Taman Kaja and Pecampuhan Sala.
- Rice Terraces: A short ride from Ubud, these UNESCO-calibre terraces offer photo‑worthy panoramas.
- Goa Gajah and jungle‑fringed waterfalls round out a spiritually and visually rich itinerary.
3. Things to Do in Bali: Uluwatu Adventures
The southern peninsula offers dramatic cliffs, world-class surf, and stunning sunset views.
1. Uluwatu Temple & Kecak Dance
Perched on 70m cliffs, Pura Luhur Uluwatu is one of Bali’s most sacred sea temples. At sunset, enjoy the mesmerizing Kecak (Fire) Dance with ocean waves crashing below.
2. Suluban Beach
Accessed via a cliff descent, Suluban Beach (a.k.a. Blue Point) is a surfers’ playground and a photogenic cove
3. Malini Uluwatu – Seafood & Sunset
For a romantic evening, Malini Uluwatu (a cliffside seafood restaurant) draws in diners with its jaw‑dropping views and sunset vibes. Be sure to go early to pick the best seat.
North Bali: Waterfalls & Lake Temples
This less-touristed region harbours some of Bali’s most sublime natural gems:
- Banyumala Waterfall: A twin‑cascade wonder with a deep pool—a secluded escape in the greenery.
- Amertha Waterfall, Gembleng Waterfall, and Banyu Wana: Side-by-side aquatic spectacles framed by lush forest.
- Ulun Danu Beratan Temple: A floating Hindu shrine on Lake Bratan, often shrouded in morning mist.
These are spectacular spots for tranquil moments far from the crowds.
Kintamani & Mt. Batur Area
1. Kintamani / Mount Batur
Catch the epic sunrise over Mt. Batur for a classic early-morning trek or scenic photo stop. The vantage points around Montana Del Café are ideal for taking in panoramic views with your coffee.
2. Pura Segara Ulun Danu Batur
On the serene shores of Lake Batur, this temple echoes the style of Ulun Danu Bratan, but with its volcanic lake setting.
3. AKASA Specialty Coffee
Sip expertly brewed Balinese-grown coffee overlooking the lake—pure morning magic.
6. Seminyak & More: Things to Do in Bali (Bonus)
While not in your core list, Seminyak is a must for trend-seekers. From chic cafes to boutique shops and rooftop bars, it’s where Bali’s modern meets its traditional. And if you’re in the mood for more seafood, beachside dinners here rival any in Uluwatu.
Sample 7‑Day Bali Itinerary
| Day | Morning | Afternoon | Evening |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arrive, relax at Sari Timbul | Explore Pura Taman Pecampuhan Sala | Dinner at Ubud Palace + dance show |
| 2 | Goa Gajah → Kanto Lampo | Alas Harum/coffee farm experience | Sunset walk at Campuhan Ridge |
| 3 | Morning waterfall trek | Visit Penglipuran Village | Spa evening or cooking class in Ubud |
| 4 | Drive to Uluwatu | Beach and temple visits | Sunset seafood at Malini + Kecak Dance |
| 5 | Suluban Beach surf session | Head north to Banyumala/Ulun Danu | Stay lakeside near Batur |
| 6 | Mt. Batur sunrise hike | Coffee at Montana Del Café | Relax at AKASA by Lake Batur |
| 7 | Free morning in Seminyak | Final shopping or beach chill | Sunset drinks in Seminyak |
Travel Tips & Takeaways
- Car/Driver Hire: For Ubud and North Bali, consider hiring a driver. Alternatively, you can also opt for a Gojek or Grab vehicle. It’s best to prioritize a local who knows the backroads and best photo angles.
- Start Early: Waterfalls and temples are best visited before the crowds arrive. Aim for 7 a.m. visits.
- Respect Customs: Temples enforce the wearing of sarongs and respectful behaviour. Dress modestly.
- Surf or Watch? At Suluban or Padang Padang, you can rent boards or enjoy cliffside people-watching.
- Sunrise vs. Sunset: Sunrise at Batur or Campuhan feels meditative; sunset on cliffs in Uluwatu is cinematic.
- Stay Flexible: Weather can shift, especially near volcanoes. Adapt your schedule as needed.
Recap: What to Do in Bali, Indonesia
- Ubud & surrounds: Sari Timbul, Bambu Indah, Goa Gajah, waterfall chases, temple pilgrimages, rice‑terrace coffee.
- Uluwatu: Temple ceremonies, sunset Kecak Dance, cliffside beaches, and romantic seafood.
- North Bali: Tranquil waterfalls, lake temples, serene mountain vistas.
- Kintamani: Volcano‑ringed lakes, sunrise treks, specialty coffee mornings.
Whether you’re chasing temple tranquility in Ubud, cliff sunsets in Uluwatu, or secluded waterfalls up north, there’s an adventure for every traveler. So pack your sarong, bring your wanderlust, and let Bali show you what to do in Bali Indonesia on this stunning island.
