If you’re looking for things to do in Bali and want to visit all of the iconic spots, then here is a Bali bucket list guide.
1. Learn To Surf
Of all the places in the world to learn how to surf, Bali was up there for us.
One of the best beaches to learn in Canggu is at Echo Beach, where beginners tend to head daily.
We couldn’t miss out on a surfing lesson. It turned out to be such a fun experience it made us really want to rent our own board and get out and practice more and more.
Most board rentals start at 60,000 IDR for 2 hours, or you can grab a 2 hours lesson for 350,000 IDR (including board rental).
For the organised travellers you can even book a Canggu: 2-Hour Surf Lesson in advance.
Definitely add it to your things to do in Bali bucket list if you haven’t already!
2. Shop The Markets
There are many different markets scattered across Bali, selling everything from handcrafted goods, to coconut bowls and yoga pants.
Our favourite markets are held in Canggu and Ubud. Canggu host a few different markets throughout the month, however the famous Art Market In Ubud is on every day of the week.
Put it on your Bali bucket list and get lost in the culture and crazy hustle of the local Bali life.
3. Eat Local In An Indonesian Warung
Tempe is a traditional Indonesian soy product, that is made from fermented soybeans.
‘Warung’ basically means ‘restaurant’ in Indonesian, so you will find an infinite amount of warungs.
Some will be modern and some will be super local and by ‘local’, we mean a guy selling soups and Nasi Goreng from his wheeled cart on the street.
Our favourite Warung in the whole of Bali is Warung Bu Mi in Canggu and has to be on the Bali bucket list.
Run by a lovely local family, they are absolutely killing it with their home-cooked goodness and we often visited for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
4. Explore The Nusa Islands
The Nusa Islands are a huge hit with tourists thanks to their beautiful beaches and iconic spots.
They are three small Indonesian islands just a 40 minute fast boat ride from Bali.
They consist of Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan and are all so easily accessible from the mainland.
An absolute MUST visit if you’re heading over to this area of Indonesia.
Add them to your things to do in Bali bucket list immediately!
5. Swim With Turtles On Gili T
The most popular of the things to do on Gili Trawangan is to take to the waters.
It’s known for its beautiful fish, turtles and underwater statues so a snorkelling trip is a must.
If you’re in Bali, you’re already so close to the Gili Islands, so adding ‘snorkelling with turtles‘ to your things to do in Bali bucket list is an absolute no brainer!
6. Trek An Active Volcano
Mount Batur is the second largest active volcano in Bali after Mount Agung, and Mount Batur Sunrise Trekking is one of the most popular things to do on the island.
Standing at 1717 metres tall, due to Mount Agung’s consistent eruptions, it is the highest Volcano hike accessible to the public.
There is no need to worry however, as trekking Mount Batur is monitored daily by seismologists and the last eruption was in the year 2000.
7. Visit The Temples
A few of the most visited temples are Tanah Lot, Uluwatu Temple, Ulun Danu and Pura Lempuyang.
The famous Pura Lempuyang Temple is definitely an iconic spot in Bali not to be missed on your Bali bucket list, especially for sunset.
At some temples, you can even get personally blessed by a monk and learn a little about the Hindu culture during your visit.
Just be sure to watch out for the monkeys when you’re visiting most temples!
8. Dolphin Watching In Lovina
Dolphin watching off the coast of Lovina is the main attraction of this laidback coastal town in North Bali.
There are many tours to choose from and you can expect frequent sightings of pods that favour these calm waters.
A typical morning at the coast starts before sunrise . You’ll have to get up early as the tours are usually on-time and waiting on shore with their boats.
After donning life-vests, you climb on board and head out into the bay. The boats can often get you out to the best spots within minutes.
Once at sea, the engines are stopped and the waiting game begins. However, at times, you can see breaching dolphins as soon as your boat reaches the open waters.
9. Tegalalang Rice Terraces
Tegalalang Rice Terrace is one of the most popular things to do in Bali. Offering the most stunning sunrise and a real rural experience it’s easy to see why they are on everybody’s bucket list.
It is located slightly North of Ubud and sits at 600m above sea level. This makes the air a tad cooler for the rice farmers.
You can also find beautiful souvenir shops selling handcrafted goods as a memory of your visit to Bali.
There are many cafes and restaurants scattered along the road overlooking the rice terraces, so you can grab a Nasi Goreng and enjoy the view!
10. Campuhan Ridge Walk
Campuhan Ridge Walk is a free and easy trek along a beautiful block pathway in Ubud.
It’s the perfect place to grab some fresh air and catch a stunning sunrise or sunset.
The full walk is a smooth 2km trek. There’s no need to dress in your hiking gear as it can be just a simple stroll that takes as long as you choose.
Campuhan Ridge Walk Ubud is really family friendly.
11. Indulge In The Canggu Cafes
A foodies heaven! Just up the road from Seminyak but completely different!
This is where you see smoothie bowls and avocados everywhere and it’s home to some of the best restaurants in Bali.
Canggu has a very laid back vibe and is popular amongst the surfing and digital nomad communities. This is the place where many people extend their stay because it has a certain homely feel to it.
They run beautiful markets in Canggu selling all kinds of chic and start up fashion labels. We guarantee you won’t walk away with your hands empty.
12. Shop Till You Drop In Seminyak
The first stop for most holiday makers and one for your things to do in Bali bucket list!
This southern hotspot is good for its shops, night life and quirky Seminyak restaurants.
You won’t really get a real feel for Bali here as it’s very built up and a popular holiday destination for tourists. This will most likely be your first stop and most expensive one.
Although they do have some awesome little cafes!
13. Ubud Monkey Forest Bali
Ubud Monkey Forest is situated in the heart of the hippie town Ubud and is one of the most popular things to do on the island.
It’s a great place if you want to get a real feel for the true culture and nature of Bali. It is also home to a troop of grey long-tailed macaques, one of Ubud’s most popular attractions.
Some say that you haven’t had a true Bali experience unless you’ve seen some monkeys. So definitely add this one to your Bali bucket list.
14. Hidden Canyon
The Hidden Canyon is an upcoming tourist spot on the island. So for those that are ready for an adventure, add it to your Bali bucket list.
It’s a tranquil, natural destination with pools, waterfalls & carved rocks.
The Hidden Canyon is no joke when it comes to climbing, jumping and clambering. With chest high water from the get-go, be prepared to get wet and for your feet to go through the trenches on this adventure.
15. Take A Cooking Class
Taking part in a traditional cooking class in Ubud is a must.
You can attempt to make many different local foods such as Tempe, peanut sauce and pumpkin curry.
You can also be super specific to what your taste buds are craving. If you have dietary requirements or simply prefer certain foods, you can find many different classes that will cater to your needs.
We took a cooking class in Ubud and really enjoyed the local experience and techniques.
We would recommend this activity for your Bali bucket list.
16. Visit The Waterfalls
We’ve made some of our most amazing memories at the waterfalls in Bali.
A few of our favourites being Sekumpul Waterfall, Tukad Cepung, Tegenungan and Nungnung Waterfall.
After spending a long time exploring deep into the jungle and discovering these incredible forms of mother nature, we’ve put together a HUGE waterfall guide.
You will find all the best waterfalls in Bali in this guide, so be sure to pick your favourites for your Bali bucket list.
17. Wanagiri Hidden Hills
You can’t miss the bamboo made platforms and photogenic swings when you arrive at Wanagiri Hidden Hills.
You’ll see the local competition lined up waving you into their tourist traps.
Although as cheesy as they are, these impressive works of art are an incredible way for the locals to make a living thanks to tourism.
For the perfect Bali Photo this is the spot for your bucket list.
18. Sunrise At Bukit Cinta
Bukit Cinta is the Mount Agung sunrise viewpoint that everybody’s photographing.
It’s located on the side of a road, in Eastern Bali, and is one of the most insane views you’ll ever see in your life.
Bukit Cinta is a typical Bali photograph that consists of the active volcano, Mount Agung, Rice Terraces, Palm Trees and a misty sunrise.
19. Visit The Bali Beaches
With Bali being an island, there are plenty of beautiful beaches to go around. As with all places, some are better than others.
We’ve spent a lot of time exploring the island so have put together a list of all the best beaches in Bali.
With black volcanic or powdery white sand to choose from, you can highlight all the favourites to add to your Bali bucket list.
20. Sunset At Karang Boma Cliff
Karang Boma Cliff, also known as Uluwatu Cliff, has recently become a popular spot for photographers and Bali Instagram spots.
Many people believe it’s the best viewpoint in Bali to watch sunset. Although we didn’t visit at golden hour, the views were still incredible and it’s one of the lesser known spots on the island.
Definitely add this one to your Bali bucket list if you’re searching for a peaceful moment away from the crowds.
21. Visit The Abandoned Plane
The infamous abandoned plane in Bali is one to add to your bucket list!
Nobody knows the true story of why it appeared in a field in South Bali.
A lot of rumours say it was bought in pieces by a westerner and put together to be turned into a fully functioning restaurant. However, as you can see, the project was never finished but it still stands as one of the hidden gems of Bali.
You are not allowed to access the plane from the ground. It is fenced off with ‘no trespassing’ signs.
22. Visit A Coffee Plantation
A Bali coffee plantation is on most tourists itineraries, and where better to visit that Munduk Moding Plantation.
Munduk Moding Plantation has many daily activities available, the Bali coffee plantation tour being one of them.
In 2007, the current owners discovered this hidden gem situated high above the forest canopy. A dedicated team cleared old growth and planted shadow trees.
They planted Arabica coffee seedlings, found fresh water sources, purchased necessary machinery and also created many jobs.
23. Go Crazy At Waterbom Bali
Rated the number 1 waterpark in Asia by TripAdvisor, Waterbom Bali is not your average water park.
The park is fun for adults, children, and also adults that want to act like children.
With rides for everyone’s level of adrenaline, the fun doesn’t stop. You will walk out of the park at the end of the day, well and truly beat.
We do recommend booking your Waterbom Bali Admission Ticket in advance to beat the queues.
If you’re looking for something a little different to do on your trip, make sure to add Waterbom Bali to your things to do in Bali bucket list.
24. Stay At Hideout Bali
Hideout Bali is a unique set of eco villas, hidden in the mountains of East Bali.
With it being far from city life, it acts as the perfect hideaway for all adventurous travellers. The all-bamboo houses are surrounded by nature, next to a beautiful riverside among rice fields.
We stayed at Hide Out Beehive when it had just opened and had the most tranquil AirBnB experience.
25. Drink Luwak Coffee
This might not be for everybody!
Luwak coffee is a very rare and expensive coffee, made from partially digested coffee beans that have been eaten by a Civet and then passed through excrement.
The beans are collected, thoroughly cleaned and roasted to make an apparently incredibly rich, luxurious tasting coffee. (I didn’t get to taste any.)
However, the traditional method of collecting the faeces from wild Civets has given way to some intensive farming methods. This has raised ethical concerns about the treatment of civets.
Therefore, whilst a lot of visitors to Bali will want to try this unique coffee, I would recommend trying to find Luwak coffee that has been ethically produced.
Where To Stay In Bali
For pre-booking accommodation when travelling, we always recommend Booking.com!
From 5 star hotels, to budget backpacker hostels, it’s got everything and the site is super easy to use.
We’ve actually written a full Where To Stay In Bali Guide which covers a break down of each individual area on the island.
Otherwise you can pre book all of your Bali accommodation and check the latest prices on Booking.com.
More Bali Blogs
8 Things To Do In Ubud That You Cannot Miss
Bali Waterfalls – The Best Waterfalls In Bali
The Best Uluwatu Beaches – An Ultimate Guide
The Only Nusa Islands Bali Guide You’ll Ever Need
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