By Kaylin Bailey

Kaylin Bailey

Hi there! I'm Kaylin, and I am from sunny South Africa. For the past eight years, I've been living abroad and exploring the world. My adventures have taken me to some of the most beautiful places and hidden gems around the globe. I thrive on the island lifestyle, but love exploring the hustle and bustle of city life too. My passion is uncovering the coolest activities, the best places to stay, and the most aesthetic beach bars that offer unforgettable experiences. Whether you're looking for travel tips, stunning destinations, or just a slice of paradise, I’m here to inspire and guide you on your own adventures 🌴✨

|

June 4, 2024

Things to Do in Bali: Experience the Magic

The fact that you have found yourself searching for things to do in Bali is already incredibly exciting. What’s even more exciting is what's to come. Bali is a tropical paradise that has something to offer for everyone.

You could be seeking a yoga zen retreat; Ubud has that. Maybe you are a beach bum and dreaming of beautiful oceans, Uluwatu has that. You could be an adrenalin lover; Nusa Penida has you covered. You might like the high life of luxury resorts; Bali has that, too.

Bali is the place you can go to find yourself, even if you’re not lost at all.

If you already like what you’re reading, prepare to be swept away with all the amazing things to do in Bali. In our Bali travel guide, you will learn about where to go in Bali and the best places to stay with accommodation recommendations.

You will also get a suggested ten-day itinerary from long-time Bali travelers embracing the awesome digital nomad lifestyle.

Where to Go and Stay in Bali: Overview of Areas

Bali is a fairly small island that only spans 112 kilometers from north to south. But don’t be fooled. Even though it is small it offers incredible diversity and vast experience to suit every type of traveler.

With an outstanding amount of accommodation options, choosing the right places to stay can be incredibly stressful and time-consuming. What makes it even more difficult is that Bali has set the bar incredibly high when it comes to accommodation. Most of the accommodation options are dreamy, innovative, and postcard-worthy.

Here are some suggestions on where to go and stay in Bali. 

Ubud: the Zen Retreat

Ubud is known as the cultural heart of Bali. It is located in a lush, mountainous region with ancient temples. This has all created the perfect place for yogis, artists, and spiritual people to gather and share memories. Ubud is a place to go if you're looking to immerse yourself in Balinese culture, attend yoga classes, or simply enjoy the tranquil atmosphere.

Here are some suggestions of where to stay in Ubud:

Budget Option:

• Swastika Lodge: A budget-friendly guesthouse with traditional Balinese architecture and a peaceful garden.

Middle Option:

• Alaya Resort Ubud: A stylish and modern resort offering comfortable rooms, a relaxing spa, and a beautiful pool area.

Luxury Option: 

• Viceroy Bali: A luxurious resort nestled in the jungle with spacious villas, infinity pools, and breathtaking views.
• Ubud Black Penny: A luxury spot where each villa has its own private pool overlooking the river with gorgeous views. 

Seminyak: the Upscale Beach Getaway 

Seminyak is arguably the definition of beachside luxury. This upscale part of Bali has high-end restaurants, lively beach clubs, and many chic boutiques. If you're looking for a sophisticated coastal experience that offers pristine beaches, world-class accommodations, and vibrant nightlife then you should consider Seminyak as an option. Here are some suggestions of where to stay in Seminyak:

Budget Option:

• Grandmas Plus Hotel Seminyak: A value hotel with a trendy design, rooftop pool, and a convenient location near the beach.

Middle Option:

• Courtyard by Marriott Bali Seminyak Resort: A contemporary resort with a blend of modern amenities, Balinese touches, and a lagoon pool.

Luxury Option:

• The Legian Bali: An upscale beachfront hotel with elegant suites, a luxurious spa, and exceptional dining options.

Canggu: The Surfer’s Paradise 

Just north of Seminyak lies another coastal town called Canggu. Canggu has some amazing surf breaks, trendy cafes, and nightlife.  Because of this, it has become an awesome place for digital nomads and people who want to network and make new friends. Besides that, Canggu is a great place to learn how to surf and has surf breaks for advanced surfers. Here are some suggestions of where to stay in Canggu:

Budget Option:

• Gypsy Moon Bali: A budget-friendly hostel with a laid-back atmosphere, cozy common areas, and close proximity to the beach.

Middle Option:

• Aston Canggu Beach Resort: A modern beachfront resort offering stylish rooms, a rooftop pool, and a relaxing beach club.

Luxury Option:

• COMO Uma Canggu: A luxury beachfront resort with contemporary design, wellness-focused amenities, and stunning ocean views.

Uluwatu: The Coastal Cliffs

Way down south is a small place that is perfectly situated on the top of dramatic cliffs. Not only does Uluwatu offer breathtaking views, but it also hosts some world-famous surfing spots. It’s easy to say that Uluwatu is incredibly kind to the eyes.  Here are some suggestions of where to stay in Uluwatu:

Budget Option:

• Naturella: The perfect spot that is wallet friendly. It has a swimming pool and restaurant and its a super comfortable stay.

Middle Option:

• PinkCoco Bali: A charming unique hotel that has two pools. This could be considered an adult hotel so it's advised not for families. The decor is super cool. It's like 70’s Miami Style.

Luxury Option:

• Bulgari Resort Bali: An ultra-luxurious resort offering private villas, a cliffside infinity pool, and impeccable service.

Nusa Dua: The Luxury Resort Enclave

Nusa Dua is a purpose-built resort area on Bali's southern coast, home to some of the island's most luxurious hotels, pristine beaches, and high-end shopping and dining. This has become the perfect spot for families that want the full resort experience in a more secluded setting.

Budget Option:

• POP! Hotel Nusa Dua: A budget-friendly hotel with modern rooms, a swimming pool, and easy access to the beach.

Middle Option:

• The Westin Resort Nusa Dua: A family-friendly resort featuring spacious accommodations, a tranquil beachfront setting, and a variety of dining options. 

Luxury Option:

• The St. Regis Bali Resort: A gorgeous beachfront resort offering luxurious suites, a world-class spa, and exceptional dining experiences.

Sanur: The Tranquil Beach Town 

On the east coast of Bali lies a quieter beach town called Sanur. With Bali on the up-and-coming tourist spots, places can get busy. Not at Sanur, though; here you will get a more relaxed vibe here than at Sanur, though. Traveling here, you can expect charming beachfront promenades, a family-friendly atmosphere, and easy-to-access snorkeling spots. Here are some suggestions of where to stay in Sanur:

Budget Option:

• Bumi Ayu Bungalow: A cute hotel featuring rooms with balconies and a swimming pool. It is only a five-minute walk to the shops. 

Middle Option:

• Kejora Suites: A boutique hotel offering affordable luxury, stylish rooms, and a serene pool area.

Luxury Option:

• Fairmont Sanur Beach Bali: A luxurious beachfront resort featuring spacious suites, a lavish spa, and exquisite dining venues.
• Maya Sanur Resort & Spa: A contemporary resort with elegant rooms, a beachfront infinity pool, and a relaxing spa.

Other Notable Areas

The areas mentioned above are the most popular destinations to visit in Bali. However, other locations are worth exploring, depending on your preferences, of course:

• Kuta and Legian: These areas were once the center of Bali's tourism boom but have since become more commercialized and crowded.
• Jimbaran:Known for its high-end resorts and seafood barbecues by the sea.
• Kintamani:Situated by Mount Batur and next to a lake. This area offers a refreshing mountain getaway.
• Munduk Village:A cooler mountain village in central north Bali, with access to some of the island's best waterfalls.
• Lovina:A resort beach area in far north Bali, perfect for beach activities and nature walks.

No matter where you choose to stay in Bali, you'll find an array of activities, attractions, and experiences to suit your travel style.

Things to do in Bali: Activities and Day Trips

With its stunning natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and endless activities, Bali offers many exciting things to ensure you never get bored.

Here are some of the top things to do and see during your Bali adventure:

Explore the Monkey Forest

Bali's famous monkey forest is a lush sanctuary home to hundreds of playful, long-tailed macaques. You can go for a nice walk through ancient temples and lush greenery, but be cautious around these mischievous monkeys – they're known for snatching hats, water bottles, and even phones from unsuspecting visitors. So leave your snacks at the resort for this one.

Indulge in Beach Club Bliss

Imagine yourself sipping on a frozen margarita without a worry in the world. Bali's beach clubs are a must-visit for those wanting a luxurious and vibrant atmosphere.

Hotspots like Potato Head Beach Club in Seminyak, El Kabron Single Finn in Uluwatu, or Finn's Beach in Canggu offer stunning beachfront settings, trendy vibes, and world-class amenities.

Explore the Tegalalang Rice Terraces

Stroll through the lush green terraces of Tegalalang, snap photos at the iconic swing overlooking the valleys, and witness local farmers tending to their crops – a truly authentic Balinese experience.

Visit the Tanah Lot Temple

Perched on top of a rocky islet, the Tanah Lot Temple is a breathtaking sight and a significant Hindu pilgrimage site. Be sure to time your visit for sunset and expect to see the temple bathed in golden rays, and be prepared to cross shallow waters to reach the sacred grounds so pull out your sandals.

Shop at Local Markets

Bali's local markets have an amazing range of things to look at and purchase, from vibrant sarongs and paintings to intricate wood carvings and handmade jewelry.

Haggling is expected, and that's okay! You'll find plenty of special items to take home as Balinese mementos.

Chase Waterfalls

Bali's lush landscape has no shortage of water and, as a result, hosts some of the world's most incredible waterfalls, each offering a refreshing escape from the heat.

The Tegenungan Waterfall, with its cascading waters and nearby day club, is a popular spot, while the Banyumala Twin Waterfalls in northern Bali offer a more secluded, jungle-like experience.

Learn to Surf

With its world-renowned surf breaks, Bali is a prime destination for both beginners and experienced surfers.

Sign up for surf lessons, which can be as affordable as $10 per session, and let the expert instructors guide you through the art of riding the waves.

Experience a Water Blessing

When in Bali, do as the Balinese do. Experience their spirituality at the Tirta Empul Temple, a water temple known for its natural springs.

Dress modestly and participate in a traditional water blessing ceremony, or simply admire the temple's beautiful atmosphere.

Relax on Pristine Beaches

When thinking about things to do in Bali, I think a holiday isn't complete without a few days of relaxing on the beach. Luckily, in Bali, you're not short on options. People watch on the lively shores of Seminyak and Canggu or listen to the waves at the secluded coves of Uluwatu and Nusa Penida.

Rent an umbrella and lounge chairs, or simply soak up the sun and enjoy the gentle lapping of the waves.

Witness the Garuda Wisnu Kencana

Part of traveling is appreciating architectural marvels from different countries. One of Bali's more known marvels is the towering Garuda Wisnu Kencana, a colossal statue standing at an impressive 121 meters tall.

This cultural park, built in 2018, features a futuristic yet culturally significant design, complete with waterfalls and smaller statues that showcase Balinese mythology.

Catch a Fire Dance Performance

Experience the mesmerizing art of Balinese fire dancing, a centuries-old tradition that combines dance, acrobatics, and fire.

Catch a performance in Uluwatu, Tanah Lot, Ubud, or the Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park for a truly unforgettable cultural experience.

Embrace the Digital Nomad Lifestyle

With Bali’s vibrant cafe culture, it has become a hotspot for digital nomads. If you’re a remote worker or an entrepreneur, you should consider experiencing all these amazing cafes and the vibes that they give off. Who knows, your short travel might turn into a temporary home.

10-Day Bali Travel Itinerary for the best things to do in Bali

Taking into consideration the best places to visit in Bali, stay, and things to do, here is a ten-day itinerary that you can use as a baseline for your Bali adventure.

Day 1 & 2: Canggu - The Surfers Paradise 

You arrive at Depansar Airport and with an hour's taxi ride, you are in the coastal town of Canggu. Spend your first two days in Canggu. Start your days by visiting some amazing cafes such as Crate Cafe or Copenhagen Cafe.

Get involved in the vibrant surf culture and gain a new hobby that you can carry with you throughout the rest of your trip. Book a surf lesson at Batu Bolong Beach or Echo Beach. Here, you will find experienced local instructors who are full of life and energy. You might even make your first Balinese friend.

Shop till you drop, walk through Canggus streets, and browse through hundreds of electric boutiques and trendy stores.

Enjoy the lively beach club scene at spots like La Brisa, the Lawn, and Finns. Order a cocktail and eat some amazing food with the breeze of the ocean blowing on your skin.

Canguu has some dreamy sunsets that fall over the ocean. Make sure you are ready and head to SandBar Beach Club or La Plancha to witness this beauty whilst enjoying some music.

Day 3: Sidemen- A Relaxing Village Escape 

Now that you've experienced a little slice of the hustle and bustle venture out to the peaceful Village of Sidemen. This village is located at the foot of Mount Agung. Here, you can get a better feel for authentic Balinese life.

Go for a stroll through the lush rice fields and watch local farms working their rice crops.

Explore nearby temples and shrines crafted with intricate carvings, which can give you a glimpse into the island's cultural heritage.

Day 4: Mount Batur- Volcanic Landscapes 

Witness the power of Bali’s mother nature as you adventure the majestic Mount Batur, a volcanic peak that dominates the landscape.

Start your day here by enjoying a scenic drive along the crater rim road. Take in all the views of this amazing volcanic landscape.

Visit the fishing village by Lake Batur and watch the local fishing industry in action. Who knows, maybe you could cast a line yourself.

If you're on an adventure, skip the first two steps and go straight for the summit. Hike to the top of Mount Batur, where you can see for miles and miles.

Day 5 & 6: Ubud - Rich Cultural Heritage 

Ubud is known for its known for its rich cultural heritage and traditional arts. This town is also surrounded by lush rice paddies and steep ravines which makes it perfect for exploring.

On your first day here go to the Tegalalang Rice Terraces which is a 20-minute drive from the center of Ubud. Here you can take amazing pictures on the famous swings that look over the rice paddies. Don’t forget to post it on Instagram. Finish off your day by visiting local markets and browsing through all the hand-crafted goodies.

After a good night's rest, you can wake up the next day ready to swim in an amazing waterfall. Take a 30-minute drive from the center of Ubud and find yourself at Tibumana Waterfalls. Make sure to pack your hiking shoes as you will walk about 15 minutes to get to the waterfall it's so worth it though.

When you get back to Ubud, go for a walk through the Sacred Monkey Forest and see how these monkeys have taken over the forest and temples and created their personal little city.

Day 7,8 & 9 Uluwatu - The Place on the Cliffs 

Okay, enough moving around and it's time to truly enjoy crystal clear waters and beautiful beaches. And reflect on your trip so far.

In your three days, you have many things to do in Bali and incredible beaches to visit such as Padang Padang Beach, Thomas Beach, Dreamland Beach, and Suluban Beach. If you can visit them all you should try and do that.

Don’t forget to visit some world-class beach clubs and catch the sunsets on the cliff. You can enjoy these sunsets at places like Single Fin, Ulu Clif House, Karma Beach Club, and Omnia Dayclub.

Day 10: Seminyak - Luxury Time

It’s your last day so why not head to somewhere near the airport? Go down to Seminayk and spoil yourself with whatever budget you have left. Experience luxury accommodations and eat at some world-class restaurants. You can even get your last bits of shopping done before you have to go back home.

Things to Consider Before Traveling to Bali

Before you pack your bags and jet off to this tropical paradise, here are a few things you should consider to ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey.

eSIM and Internet in Bali

To ensure you stay connected during your Bali adventure, consider purchasing an Indonesian eSIM card for your device. eSIMs offer a convenient and hassle-free way to access local data plans, eliminating the need for physical SIM cards.

With reliable internet access, you can easily navigate, share your experiences on social media, and stay connected with loved ones back home. Esimsurf offers great packages for all travelers like Asian eSIM bundle card for 7 countries, 20 countries or 30 countries (all packages include Indonesia), where you can get unlimited data with no roaming charges, and it's super easy to install!

Conclusion 

As you get ready to explore the wonders of Bali, get set for an adventure like no other! Bali is a place of magic and marvels where every traveler can find something to cherish.

Whether you're looking for a tranquil yoga retreat in Ubud, dreaming of the sun-kissed beaches of Uluwatu, seeking the thrills of surfing in Canggu, or craving the lavish indulgence of luxury resorts, Bali has it all. It's a place where you can discover a part of yourself, even if you weren't looking for it.

I hope you enjoyed these insider tips on the best spots, cozy accommodations, and a specially crafted 10-day itinerary from experienced Bali travelers living the digital nomad dream. Get ready to be swept off your feet by Bali magic and create memories that will last a lifetime.