Saying that Bali is one of the world’s most popular destinations in the world isn’t an exaggeration. With some beautiful secluded beaches, endless stretches of lush rice terraces, majestic waterfalls, and a myriad of untouched off the beaten track destinations, Bali is the ultimate place to get away from everything, unwind, and relax. But visiting Bali can also cause you a headache when deciding what to do because the options are practically endless. That’s why we created this ultimate Bali bucket list that will help you plan and make the most of your upcoming trip to Bali!
We have divided the activities into regions and/or similar things to do in order to help you plan your trip. All you’d have to do is decide which places you want to visit and when.
Highlights of Ubud and the surrounding area
1. Visit Ubud’s Monkey Forest
The Sacred Monkey Forest in Ubud is probably one of the most popular natural sanctuaries in Bali. The forest is surrounded by 3 jungles and it covers close to 13 hectares of greenery. This sanctuary is home to about 1,100 monkeys and 186 species of plants. If you plan to visit, make sure to bring some bananas to feed the monkey. If you don’t have anything to give them, make sure you keep your valuables safe; the monkeys of Ubud’s Monkey Forest are famous for being some of the island’s best thieves.
2. Whitewater Rafting on Ayung River
If you’re an adrenaline junky and are a fan of water sports, whitewater rafting on Ayung river is one of the most exciting things you can add to your Bali bucket list. Even though Bali has a lot of rivers, most of them are not suitable for whitewater rafting. Out of the three rivers where whitewater rafting is available, Ayung River is by far the best one.
3. Check Out the Ubud Palace
No trip to Ubud is complete without a visit to the Palace. Arguably the most important historical landmark of Ubud, the site of the palace was always considered a spiritual place by locals years before the palace that was home to the royal family for centuries was built. And speaking of spiritual places…
4. Drink from The Fountain of Youth
Goa Cajah is an ancient sanctuary that dates back to the 9th century where according to local legends, you can drink from one of the six fountains of youth. The sanctuary is also home to several tranquil bathing places, numerous ancient sculptures, and some fascinating stone carvings. If you’re a fan of the spiritual, you should definitely consider adding this place to your Bali bucket list. It’s also considered to be one of the best meditation spots in Bali.
5. Check Out the Big Swing
The legend says you were not in Bali if you don’t have a picture of The Swing. Personally, I think it’s overhyped but a lot of people seem to be fascinated by it. If you like to go for a tour in this part of Bali that also features The Swing, check out this tour.
6. Catch the Sunrise at Tegalalang Rice Terrace
The view of the sun rising over what seems to be an endless stretch of scenic rice paddy fields will be one of the highlights of your trip to Bali. The Tegallang Rice Terraces look like a giant stairway carved into the hillside covered in several different shades of green that create divine contrasts as the first sunbeams fall over the terrace. It’s one of the best photo spots on the entire island!
7. Explore the Scenic Jatiluwih Rice Terraces
This rice terrace is a just-as-scenic lesser-known and less frequented version of the Tegalalang Rice Terrace. And having fewer people around while you explore is always better, right?
8. See the World’s First Organic Vegan Cinema
Yes, Bali is famous for beaches, waterfalls, and rice terraces but did you know that it’s also home to the first organic vegan cinema in the world?
9. Explore Ubud’s Art Market
If you like arts and are searching for a place where you can buy some unique local souvenirs in Ubud, the local art market is the perfect place. Here, you can find a lot of arts and antiques, designer pieces, decorations, and some beautiful local jewelry.
10. Swim in the Holy Waters of Tirta Empul
Built in 926 as a tribute to Vishnu, the Hindu God of water, Tirta Empul is one of the oldest and holiest temples in Bali. Local pilgrims believe that the waters of Tirta Empul are holy and many visitors go for a dip inside the temple because of this.
If you’re a fan of swimming but you’re looking for something more peaceful and less spiritual, there are other things you can add to your Bali bucket list, such as…
11. Swim in the pool at the Hanging Gardens
The Hanging Gardens is home to one of the world’s finest infinity pools. You’ve probably seen this amazing pool on Instagram or YouTube and wished you were there at least once. The price per night goes up to $1,000 during the high-season but if you’re looking for a luxury retreat spot, it doesn’t get much better than this.
12. Have a Floating Breakfast
Speaking of luxury experiences in Bali, floating breakfasts are becoming increasingly popular. In case you don’t know what this is, it’s having a breakfast tray table in the pool to start your day. Nowadays, more and more resorts in Bali offer this service.
13. Go Glamping
As one of the world’s leading tourist destinations, Bali always keeps up with the latest travel trends and glamping is no exception. There are a lot of opportunities for glamping on the island and Ubud with its beautiful nature and majestic scenery is arguably the best place in Bali to do this.
14. Go Cycling
Last but not least, the best way to truly experience Ubud is by cycling. Don’t miss the chance to rent a bicycle and explore this part of the island on your own.
15. Stay in the Jungle at New Earth Haven Eco Dome
It’s projects like the New Earth Haven Eco Dome that make Bali one of the world’s premier eco-tourism destinations. Also known as the Crystal Dome, this retreat was built to allow guests to rejuvenate in an incredibly serene setting. All the accommodation facilities are made of bamboo and other natural materials and completely blend in with the environment.
Highlights of Northern Bali
16. Explore the Secret Gardens of Sambangan
The Secret Village of Sambangan is one of the most scenic places in Bali. The garden is basically a series of waterfalls and pools surrounded by long stretches of greenery and an abundance of wildlife.
17. Climb Mount Batur
No Bali bucket list is complete without climbing the highest mountain on the island. Even though not as high as Mount Agung, Mount Batur is even more popular because of the scenic views (especially during sunsets) and the fact that it’s a lot easier and less strenuous than climbing Mount Agung. But if you ask me, I’d do both!
18. See Mount Batur From Pingan Village
And if you don’t climbing/trekking, you can still get a spectacular view without walking. Just get to Pingan Village, one of the least frequented parts in Bali, and see the sun rising above Mount Batur from afar.
19. Hike Mende Hill
Mount Agung and Mount Batur are both amazing hikes but the issue with them is that both routes tend to get crowded, especially during the high-season. If you want to go trekking and experience some of the best views in Bali without rubbing elbows with other tourists, Mende Hill is one of the best options.
20. Dive to the Underwater Temple Garden at Pemuteran
If you want to see some quirky underwater statues and remnants of a temple, you may want to add the Underwater Temple at Pemuteran to your Bali bucket list. However, only visit if you have some diving experience because the diving conditions aren’t always optimal.
21. Visit the Twin Lakes Buyan and Tamblingan Lake
Most people visit Bali for its seaside and ocean shore but then again most people don’t know about the so-called twin lakes. Looked from above, the two crystal-clear lakes look almost identical and that’s not something you get to see very often. The two lakes are a real gem and a must for people who like getting off the beaten track.
22. Discover Air Terjun Sekumpul
Air Terjun Sekumpul is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Bali. To make things even better, there are a few other falls in the area and a lot of amazing spots for nature photography.
23. Try Kopi Luwak
Kopi luwak is a coffee made of partially digested coffee cherries that were eaten and defecated by palm civets. In other words, it’s poop coffee. And one of the most expensive ones in the world! Just be careful about where you try it because a lot of places capture and imprison civets to turn them into their own “coffee makers”. Our recommendation is the Munduk Plantation because their civets are left to roam around freely in their natural habitat.
24. Catch the Sunset at the Floating Temple
Ulun Danu is a scenic temple located at the shore of Lake Bratan which is why it’s also known as “the floating temple”. The temple is 350 years old, it’s one of the most precious specimens of traditional Balinese architecture, and as such, it’s one of the most Instagrammable places on the island.
25. Discover the Wanagiri Hidden Hills
The Wanagiri Hidden Hills are basically photogenic platforms made of bamboo dotted with big swings (that apparently tourist really like). Even though I’m not the biggest fan of ultra-touristy, commercial spots, I added the Wanagiri Hidden Hills to my Bali bucket list because it’s a nice work of art and a nice, yet sustainable way for locals to generate income from tourism.
26. Get Scarred at Trunyan Cemetery
If you’re a fan of dark tourism and like visiting eerie places while traveling, you’ll probably consider adding Trunyan Cemetery to the Bali bucket list. This cemetery belongs to the Bali Aga people who have a rather bizarre way of “burying people”. When someone dies, they don’t dig a grave, nor cremate the body; instead, they just place the dead bodies under banyan trees.
27. Sleep in a Bubble in a UNESCO Global Geopark
Bubble Bali Kintamani gives visitors the unique opportunity to stay in inflatable bubble tents in the heart of a 25,000-years-old caldera at an altitude of 1,200 meters. Needless to say, this is an experience like no other and something you should definitely have on your Bali bucket list.
Highlights of Bukit Peninsula
28. Visit Tanah Lot Temple
Canggu might not have a lot of beautiful temples and historic sights but Tanah Lot is one of the most beautiful temples in Bali. The temple sits atop the stunning Tanah Lot rock formation; a view so spectacular, it’s one of the most photographed spots in Bali.
29. Learn Surfing at Kuta Beach
If you don’t know how to surf, the area around Kuta Beach is one of the best places to learn. The tide isn’t very strong and there’s a lot of space for maneuvering. If you know how to surf, Canggu has a lot of other spectacular places for advanced surfers, such as Echo Beach, or Batu Balong.
30. Relax at a Gypsy-Themed Bar
If you’re looking for a great place to sip cocktails and catch one of the most beautiful sunsets in Bali, check out La Laguna in Canggu.
31. Golf at Nirwana Bali Golf Club
It’s probably the best golf club in Bali and home to an award-winning golf course. If golf is your thing, you’ll definitely love it.
32. Party at Batu Bolong Beach
A few paragraphs prior, I mentioned Batu Bolong is one of Canggu’s premier surfing spots. However, Batu Bolong is also one of the most beautiful beaches in this part of Bali and a place with vibrant nightlife.
33. Check out the Weekend Markets
Canggu has the reputation of the hippiest part of Bali and as such, it’s home to some of Bali’s best markets; Old Man’s Saturday Market, Love Anchor Bazaar, and Samadi Sunday Market. At these markets, you can find anything from jewelry, vintage clothing, bohemian decorations, organic skin and body-care products, fresh produce, and much more.
34. Catch the Sunset at Mengening Beach
Mengening is one of the most beautiful black sand beaches in Bali. If we also take into consideration the fact that the beach is pristine and relatively unfrequented, it’s no surprise that this is one of the best sunset spots in Canggu. As the last sunbeams touch the surface, the black sand of Mengening gets a unique, vibrant contrast that leaves even the craftiest wordsmiths- speechless.
35. Explore the Wonders of Uluwatu
Uluwatu is home to two of the most beautiful beaches on the peninsula (Uluwatu Beach and Suluban Beach), the beautiful Uluwatu Temple, and the famous Uluwatu Cave which happens to be one of the best surfing spots in the world.
36. See the Traditional Kecak Fire Dance
Kecak Fire Dance is one of the most famous art performances you can find in Bali. It takes place in an amphitheater next to Uluwatu Temple, it happens during sunset with mesmerizing views of the Indian Ocean in the background, and the show features fire and human vocals used instead of instruments.
37. Enjoy the Views of Balangan Beach
If you’re looking for some of the best sunset spots and most beautiful viewpoints around the Bukit Peninsula, head to Balangan Beach. It’s the perfect place for beach lovers, sun-seekers, surfers, and photographers.
38. Visit the Cliffs at Melasti Beach
Melasti is one of the most beautiful beaches on the southern coast and one of the rare ones that are (still) largely ignored by most tourists. If you can, try to visit during sunset after it rains and you’ll see an amazing, improvised waterfall that falls down to the ocean from the scenic clifftop towering over the beach.
39. Explore the Secret Caves of Tegal Wangi Beach
If you take a stroll to the very end of Tegal Wangi Beach, you’ll discover two of the most priceless hidden gems in the area- the secret caves carved underneath the cliffs. If you ever saw some of those amazing photos from a cave that gives a spectacular view of the beach (especially during sunset) were taken, it was most likely here.
40. Observe the Indian Ocean from El Kabron’s Infinity pool
The infinity pool at El Kabron Spanish Restaurant and Cliff Club is one of the most scenic ones on the whole island. The pool almost borders the ocean and gives a beautiful view that encompasses all of the surrounding beaches.
41. Shop until you drop
The Bukit Peninsula is one of the most touristy parts of Bali and as such, some of the best shops on the island can be found here. Don’t miss this chance to grab some souvenirs before leaving Bali.
42. Discover Your Inner Tarzan at Aura House
Towering above rice paddies and lush stretches of forest, Aura House is a retreat that features rustic treehouses equipped with some of the most luxurious amenities. It’s the perfect mix of Bali’s divine nature and luxury that remains the driving force of local tourism.
43. Come out From Your Room Swimming at the Lagoon Villa
Speaking of unique accommodation facilities in Bali, we just have to mention the Lagoon Villa at Seminyak. The resort consists of tiny villas for visitors merged together by a 60-meters-long lagoon that stretches across the facility.
Highlights of the East Coast
44. Explore the Hidden Canyon of Beji Guwang
The Hidden Canyon of Beji Guwang is one of Bali’s up-and-coming tourist spots. It’s a tranquil, natural destination filled with waterfalls, carved rocks, and natural pools that are just waiting to be explored by wander-lusting adventurists.
45. See a Waterfall Inside a Cave
Tukad Cepung Falls is one of the most instagrammable places in Bali. The waterfall is relatively unfrequented because it lies off the beaten track and you have to go through a long stairway that leads to the cave and the falls. It’s an exhausting experience but it’s completely worth it!
46. Hike to Kuning Falls
And if getting off the beaten track is your thing, you’ll surely want to add Dusun Kuning Falls to the Bali bucket list. Also known as the yellow waterfall because of the unique color the water has as the sunlight reflects from the canyon falls, this set of falls is one of the most mesmerizing sights in Bali when it comes to waterfall chasing.
47. Experience the Views from Bukit Asah
Located in the village of Bugbug, Bukit Asah is one of the new tourist attractions along the East Coast of Bali. From the hills, you can get some nice views of the open sea and nearby Whale Island, Penida, and Lombok. This is also one of the best camping spots in this part of Bali.
48. Climb Mount Agung
Mount Agung is the highest volcano in Bali, the highest point on the island (3,031 meters), and also one of its most amazing viewpoints. If possible, try to visit for sunrise or sunset; the views are spectacular!
49. Go diving at Tulamben
If you’re looking for some of the best diving spots in Bali, Tulamben is a great choice. Here, you can get dive training for beginners or if you’re advanced, you can explore some of the most popular diving sites independently or with an instructor. There are also a lot of accommodation facilities in the area.
50. Visit the Ujung Water Palace
The Ujung Water Palace is a former royal residence turned into a park. The palace features three pools with the main building (Gili Bale) being located in the middle pool. It might not be one of the oldest buildings in Bali but it’s definitely one of the most impressive ones.
51. Explore the Caves at Goa Lawah Temple
Pura Goa Lawah is a temple built around a cave inhabited by a large colony of bats (hence, the name, the Goa Lawah or “bat cave”). The temple is included among the Sad Kahyangan Jagad or the six holiest sanctuaries in Bali.
52. Enter the gates of heaven at Pura Lempuyang Temple
No Bali bucket list is complete without one of the most famous temples on the Island. Lempuyang Temple is one of the oldest temples in Bali and one of the most incredible pieces of architecture on the island. Its iconic gates are better known as Bali’s gates of heaven from where you can see the sacred volcano, Mount Agung in what is one of the most photographed spots in Bali.
53. Relax at the Lotus Lagoon
If you’re looking for a great place to get away and relax, add the Lotus Lagoon to your Bali bucket list. This lagoon is basically an expansive body of water dotted with lotus flowers and a small garden island at the center. The lagoon is open to the public and accessible from the roadside but is still not very frequented, probably because a lot of people don’t know it exists.
54. Discover an Abandoned Amuseument Park
An abandoned theme park doesn’t exactly sound like one of the most interesting places in Bali but trust us, Taman Festival is definitely worth visiting. The former eight-hectare park was opened in the mid-1990s as a Disney-style extravaganza. It was home to the first inverter roller-coaster, the biggest pool in Bali, several 3-D theaters, and numerous laser shows, volcanoes, and even crocodiles. Interestingly, the park was closed after most of the expensive equipment was damaged by lighting on (drumrolls) Friday the 13th in March 1998.
55. Visit the Ghost Palace Hotel
Bedugul Taman Rekreasi, also known as the Ghost Palace Hotel, is a former massive luxury retreat that was closed on the same night of its opening, supposedly because it was haunted. There are several different theories that try to explain the curious faith of this ambitious resort, a few of them involve paranormal elements but none of them are verified. Are you brave enough to visit?
Enjoying this post? Then you may also like our review of Bali’s Grandmas Hotel.
56. Learn the Art of Batik-Making
The village of Tohpati is famous for the traditional art of batik-making (an Indonesian technique of wax-resist dyeing applied to whole cloth) and weaving. There are several establishments that you can visit and learn about local culture while financially contributing to a traditional, sustainable model of tourism that brings food on the table for a lot of local families.
57. Lounge on a Platform in the Middle of the Ocean
Puri Santrian Bar is one of few places in Bali where you can lounge on a floating platform in the middle of the ocean. If you want to add some luxury to your vacation, you should definitely consider adding this experience to your Bali bucket list.
58. Swim in an Infinity Pool with Volcanoes in the Background
The infinity pool at Villa Sidemen is one of the most prominent pools in Bali. The luxurious establishment has a pool that at a first sight seems to be naturally aligned with the neighboring forests and the view of the nearby volcano gives the whole area a special vibe.
59. Stay in the Eco Villas at Hideout Bali
The Hideout is a unique set of eco villas secluded deep in the mountains of East Bali. The retreat is far away from the busy city life and is a perfect hideaway for all travelers who want to get some peace and reconnect with nature.
60. Get Your PADI Certificate
The east coast of Bali is filled with beautiful beaches and rich marine life but only a handful of places can compare to the Blue Lagoon of Padang Bai. With vibrantly-hued corals, an abundance of fish, turtles, and even sharks, the Blue Lagoon is one of the best diving spots in the world and a perfect place to get your PADI certificate.
61. Have a Romantic Dinner Inside a Cave
I know you might not think caves are the most suitable places for a romantic dinner but Samabe Cave in Nusa Dua is an exception. The cave is located at the shore with a nice view of the coastline and the food in the restaurant is top-notch, making Samabe Cave one of the best choices for a romantic dinner in Bali.
Planning to visit Bali soon? Check out our Bali packing list that will help you prepare for both different seasons on the island.
Highlights of the West Coast
62. Explore Bali Barat National Park
Covering an area of 158 square kilometers, Bali Barat National Park covers most of the region classified as West Bali and roughly 3% of Bali’s total land area. In the northern part, the park features a 1,000 meters-long beach dotted with reefs and islets while the rest of Bali Barat is completely covered in dense jungles and greenery. The park is so large that it features several habitats including savanna, mangroves, montane and mixed-monsoon forests, and coral islands.
63. Visit Pura Taman Ayun
Pura Taman Ayun is a huge royal water temple and one of the most serene, spiritual places in Bali. This was the main temple during the era of the Mengwi Kingdom that perished in the late 1800s when it was conquered by neighboring kingdoms. The temple dates back to 1634 and was last restored in 1937.
64. Visit Pura Rambut Siwi
Situated atop a cliff overlooking a long stretch of black-sand beaches, Pura Rambut Siwi is one of the most important sea temples in Bali. It was established in the 16th century and unlike Tanah Lot, it remained a pristine and peaceful place throughout the years.
65. Drive Through the Bunut Bolong Tree
No, this is not a typo. Located in Manggisari village, the Bunut Bolong tree is a large banyan tree with a big hole in the middle, just big enough so that cars can pass through it.
66. Glamp at Menjangan Dynasty Resort
Menjangan is one of the most beautiful beaches on Bali’s west coast but it’s also home to a glamorous resort that offers arguably the most incredible glamping destination in Bali. It’s the perfect mix of luxury, nature, and minimalism.
67. Get Ready for a Surprise at Yeh Leh Beach
Yeh Leh obviously isn’t a typical white sandy beach like most other beaches in Bali but that doesn’t mean it’s not one-of-a-kind. After all, where else can you find hundreds of black boulders populating the shore? The boulders have been here for thousands of years and little is known about their origin but one thing is for certain; during sunset, the black boulder beach turns into one of the most beautiful places on the island.
68. Visit the Catholic Church in Palasari
If you’re looking for a unique cultural experience to add to your ultimate Bali bucket list, consider the Catholic Church in Palasari. The small village is home to a beautiful building that represents a unique mix of two seemingly uncombinable styles; Balinese and Gothic.
69. See Dolphins at Lovina
There are several spots where you can see dolphins but Lovina is probably the best option. Just grab a canoe or hop on a bot at Lovina and you can spot dolphins not too far from the beach. If you want to join a delphing-spotting tour in Lovina, you can also check out this tour.
Highlights of the Nusa Islands
70. Relax at Dream Beach
Words can really do justice to Dream Beach. In a tough competition of beautiful beaches on Nusa Lembongan, Dream Beach still stands out.
71. Paddleboard at Jungut Batu Beach
Not only is this a fun activity but you can also see some dolphins if you go far enough. We were not that lucky but we heard stories from a lot of other people who were more fortunate.
72. Get Mesmerized by the Beauty of Crystal Bay
Located on Nusa Penida, this is a gorgeous, secluded bay dotted with small, unfrequented beaches perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and diving.
73. Try to Find Devil’s Tears
Devil’s Tears consists of a couple of beautiful cave pools off the shore on Nusa Lembongan. It’s one of the most spectacular natural sites on the island. And it gets even better when there are waves because you can see dozens of tiny improvised waterfalls cascading down back into the water as the waves splash against the rocks.
74. Explore the Spectacular Mangrove Forest
The northeast of Nusa Lembongan is covered with mangrove forests that play a crucial role in sheltering the coast and preventing erosion. The best way to explore the area is by boat.
75. Stay in the Batu Molenteng Treehouse
The Batu Molenteng Treehouse is one of the most instagrammable accommodation options in Indonesia. As its name describes, the resort consists of luxury bamboo treehouses equipped with all modern amenities.
76. Check out the Broken Beach
Pasih Uug, also known as the Broken Beach is a scenic coastal formation marked by a hilly rock arch that has a giant hole in the middle filled with turquoise water. This makes Pasih Uug one of the main tourist attractions in the area and arguably the most popular photo spot on the island.
77. Swim in the Cascading Pools of Peguyangan Falls
Located on the southeast coast of Nusa Penida, Peguyangan Waterfall is one of the less-publicized destinations and perfect for people who want to get off the beaten track. Near the falls, you can also find a beautiful water temple decorated with cascading pools connected to the rest of the world by a blue stairway that leads down a narrow cliffside pathway.
Enjoying this post? Then you may also like our guide to choosing a backpacking route in Southeast Asia.
78. Zip-line 18 Meters Above the Ocean
Ceningan Island Resort gives visitors a unique opportunity to indulge in an adventure of a lifetime. The resort runs a zip line that passes right above the ocean. If you’re looking for a quick adrenaline rush, you should definitely consider putting a stay in Ceningan Island Resort on your Bali bucket list.
A Few More Epic Things to Add to Your Bali Bucket List
79. Experience the Iconic Nyepi Festival
Nyepi always starts the day before the Balinese New Year (usually in the second half of March) and lasts for 5 days. To put it simply, Nyepi is a day of silence, fasting, and meditation. There is no central place where celebrations take place and you can experience Nyepie all around Bali.
80. Save the Turtles of Serangen Island
Serangen Island is a tiny island off the coast of the Bukit Peninsula that’s connected to Bali via road. The island is famous for the Turtle Conservation And Education Center where you can learn about the life of the turtles that inhabit the coasts of the island and even volunteer in some of their rescue shelters.
81. Rent a Bike and Explore
Renting a bike is one of the best ways to explore Bali. There are parts of the island that have notoriously bad traffic and a motorbike is always a great way to move around quickly and stop and explore at your own pace if necessary.
82. Hop on a Hot-Air Balloon
Bali is not historically famous for hot air balloons but nowadays, there are more tour operators who provide hot air balloon tours, further enriching Bali’s rich tourist offering. Because nothing beats seeing Bali’s natural paradise from above.
83. Go Paragliding
And if a hot-air balloon doesn’t feel adventurous enough, you can always go paragliding. Personally, our favorite spot for paragliding in Bali is Nusa Dua because there are more tour operators and the price is lower compared to the paragliding operators in other parts of Bali but wherever you choose to go, I’m sure you’ll have a great time.
How did you like our Bali bucket list? Which of these experiences was your favorite? Do you think we didn’t mention some other places that deserve a spot on this Bali bucket list? Let us know in the comments!
Like it? Pin it.
