20 Best Things to Do in Bali
Publicado el 30 ago 2026 · 11 min de lectura · 20 cosas que hacer
Bali is an Indonesian island defined by volcanic mountains, iconic rice paddies, deeply rooted Hindu culture, and varied coastal landscapes. Whether you seek serene temple architecture in the central highlands, world-class surf breaks along the southern coast, or tranquil rural valleys, the island caters to diverse travel styles. This guide highlights the twenty most essential experiences to help you build a well-rounded itinerary across Bali's distinct regions.
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1. Watch the Kecak Dance at Uluwatu Temple
Perched on a steep cliff rising seventy metres above the Indian Ocean, Pura Luhur Uluwatu is one of Bali's key directional temples. Every evening, an open-air amphitheatre beside the temple hosts a traditional Kecak fire dance performance as the sun sets over the ocean. Dozens of male performers chant rhythmically while dramatic dancers enact scenes from the Ramayana epic.
¿Por qué ir?: It offers a striking combination of sea-cliff views, classical Balinese choreography, and dramatic sunset vistas in one location.
Consejo: Arrive in the late afternoon to explore the temple grounds and secure seats early, keeping food and sunglasses secured away from the resident macaques.
HistoriaActividades al aire libre2. Explore Tegallalang Rice Terraces
Located just north of Ubud, Tegallalang offers a dramatic look at Bali's traditional subak irrigation system. The vibrant green terraces carve deep into the hillside, lined with coconut palms and narrow walking trails. Visitors can hike down through the valley floor and ascend the opposite slope for quieter perspectives across the landscape.
¿Por qué ir?: This accessible site provides an iconic image of Bali's agricultural heritage and rural scenery.
Consejo: Visit early in the morning shortly after sunrise to avoid heavy traffic, warm afternoon heat, and peak crowds.
NaturalezaActividades al aire libreEconómico3. Visit the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary
This lush nature reserve and temple complex in central Ubud is home to hundreds of Balinese long-tailed macaques. Paved pathways wind beneath a dense canopy of ancient banyan trees, leading past moss-covered stone carvings and three fourteenth-century temples. It serves as both an active spiritual site and a conservation zone for local wildlife.
¿Por qué ir?: It provides a serene, shaded forest walk alongside memorable encounters with local wildlife in the heart of town.
Consejo: Refrain from carrying loose items, plastic bags, or visible food, and maintain a respectful distance from the animals.
NaturalezaFamiliar4. Participate in a Purification Ritual at Tirta Empul
Pura Tirta Empul is an active water temple near Tampaksiring famous for its holy spring water. Balinese Hindus and international visitors alike enter the rectangular purification baths to bathe beneath a series of carved stone spouts. The complex also features traditional courtyards, ornamental gardens, and tranquil koi ponds.
¿Por qué ir?: It allows travellers to respectfully observe and take part in a central living tradition of Balinese Hinduism.
Consejo: Wear a traditional sarong, rent a designated green bathing sarong on site, and observe local customs regarding etiquette before entering the water.
HistoriaEconómico5. Trek Mount Batur for Sunrise
Mount Batur is an active volcano situated inside a massive caldera in northeastern Bali. Guided early-morning hikes take travellers up the steep cinder cone to reach the 1,717-metre summit before dawn. As day breaks, hikers are rewarded with views across Lake Batur, Mount Abang, and neighbouring Mount Rinjani on Lombok.
¿Por qué ir?: It is the island's most popular mountain hike, rewarding a two-hour ascent with dramatic early-morning landscapes.
Consejo: Book a local guide in advance, wear sturdy footwear, and dress in warm layers to counter the cold winds at the summit.
Actividades al aire libreNaturaleza6. Observe Tanah Lot at Sunset
Tanah Lot is an offshore rock formation home to an ancient Hindu pilgrimage temple. At high tide, the waves circle the base of the rock, making the temple appear to float on the sea. At low tide, visitors can walk across the mainland beach toward the base of the formation to receive a blessing from local priests.
¿Por qué ir?: The sea-bound temple silhouette is one of the most recognizable cultural landscapes in Southeast Asia.
Consejo: Check tide tables beforehand to plan whether you prefer walking to the base at low tide or viewing the surrounding waves at high tide.
HistoriaActividades al aire libre7. Take a Day Trip to Nusa Penida
Located just off Bali's southeastern coast, Nusa Penida is a rugged island known for its dramatic limestone cliffs and clear turquoise bays. Key sites include Kelingking Beach with its T-Rex-shaped headland, Angel's Billabong, and the natural archway at Broken Beach. Day tours typically depart by fast boat from the harbor at Sanur.
¿Por qué ir?: The island features some of the region's most striking coastal geography and marine life vantage points.
Consejo: Hire an experienced local driver or book an organized tour, as the island's interior roads can be narrow and rough.
Actividades al aire libreNaturaleza8. Browse the Ubud Art Market
Situated directly opposite the Puri Saren Royal Palace, this bustling market offers a vast collection of local handcrafts. Stalls display woven rattan bags, silk scarves, woodcarvings, oil paintings, and handmade souvenirs. Walking through the narrow covered aisles offers a lively glance into Balinese commerce.
¿Por qué ir?: It is the primary central market for finding authentic crafts and artisanal gifts in central Bali.
Consejo: Shop early in the day for a calmer environment, and bargain politely with stallholders to settle on a fair price.
ComprasEconómico9. Hike to Sekumpul Waterfall
Hidden in the northern highlands near Singaraja, Sekumpul is often considered Bali's most impressive cascade. The site consists of a cluster of up to seven tall waterfalls plunging down dense jungle cliffs into a misty ravine. Reaching the base requires walking down a series of paved steps, crossing streams, and trekking through local hamlets.
¿Por qué ir?: It delivers a rewarding wilderness experience far removed from the busier resort areas of the south.
Consejo: Engage a local village guide at the main entrance to ensure safe navigation across the river paths.
NaturalezaActividades al aire libre10. Photograph Pura Ulun Danu Bratan
Located on the shores of Lake Bratan in Bedugul, this water temple appears to float on the lake when water levels rise. Set against a backdrop of cool mountain mist and volcanic hills, the multi-tiered meru towers honour Dewi Danu, the goddess of lakes and rivers. The surrounding grounds feature manicured gardens and landscaped walkways.
¿Por qué ir?: The highland setting offers cooler temperatures and one of the island's most picturesque temple scenes.
Consejo: Visit in the early morning to catch clear reflection views on the lake before afternoon clouds lower visibility.
HistoriaNaturaleza11. Unwind in the Sidemen Valley
Sidemen is a serene rural region in east Bali characterized by quiet villages, terraced farm plots, and viewlines of Mount Agung. Unlike busier tourist hubs, life here moves at a traditional pace centred around agriculture and weaving. Visitors can walk along country lanes, watch craftspeople weave songket textiles, and relax amidst pristine green scenery.
¿Por qué ir?: It offers an authentic, low-impact atmosphere ideal for travellers seeking quiet countryside solitude.
Consejo: Rent a scooter or arrange a local walking tour to explore the quiet secondary roads connecting the hamlets.
NaturalezaEconómico12. Experience Sunset and Dining in Seminyak
Seminyak is Bali's premier upscale beach enclave, famous for wide sand beaches, high-end boutiques, and world-class dining. Late afternoon brings crowds down to the shore to relax on colorful beanbags or at open-air beach lounges as the sun dips below the horizon. The main strips of Jalan Laksmana and Jalan Petitenget feature exceptional international and fusion restaurants.
¿Por qué ir?: It provides a polished, comfortable coastal experience with excellent culinary and shopping offerings.
Consejo: Reserve table bookings several days ahead for popular beachfront venues around sunset hour.
Comida y bebidaLujoVida nocturna13. Learn to Surf at Canggu or Padang Padang
Bali is world-renowned for its surfing coastlines, catering to all ability levels. Batu Bolong in Canggu offers gentle, long waves perfect for beginners and longboarders taking lessons from local instructors. Advanced surfers often head south to Padang Padang or Uluwatu for faster, hollow reef breaks.
¿Por qué ir?: Surfing is central to Bali's modern coastal culture and accessible to absolute beginners.
Consejo: Book lessons during mid-to-high tide when water depths over sand or reef breaks are safest for beginners.
Actividades al aire libreEconómico14. Walk Through the Jatiluwih Rice Terraces
Covering over 600 hectares at the foot of Mount Batukaru, Jatiluwih comprises Bali's largest continuous expanse of rice terraces. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage site, this vast landscape utilizes traditional subak water management dating back over a thousand years. Marked hiking routes lead travellers through sprawling, open farming fields far from main roads.
¿Por qué ir?: It showcases an immense, undisturbed agricultural landscape with far fewer crowds than closer Ubud equivalents.
Consejo: Hire a driver to combine Jatiluwih with a visit to nearby Mount Batukaru for a full day in Tabanan regency.
NaturalezaActividades al aire libre15. Snorkel or Dive off Amed
Amed refers to a series of quiet fishing villages along Bali's eastern coast, known for black sand beaches and calm waters. The area offers excellent near-shore snorkelling and diving, including coral gardens and the easily accessible Japanese Shipwreck. Nearby Tulamben hosts the world-famous USAT Liberty wreck, accessible right from the beach.
¿Por qué ir?: It is the premier coastal hub on the main island for accessible, low-current marine exploration.
Consejo: Bring water shoes to navigate the rocky black-sand shorelines comfortably when entering the sea.
Actividades al aire libreNaturalezaEconómico16. Visit Besakih Temple on Mount Agung
Known as the 'Mother Temple' of Bali, Besakih is the largest and holiest complex of Hindu temples on the island. Situated high on the southwestern slopes of Mount Agung, it comprises 23 separate temples linked by stairways and terraces. The grand brick courtyards look out over expansive views of southern Bali.
¿Por qué ir?: It is the spiritual core of Balinese Hinduism and the island's most architecturally significant temple complex.
Consejo: Use the official local guides stationed at the entrance visitor centre to navigate the extensive grounds respectfully.
Historia17. Stroll the Sanur Beach Boardwalk
Sanur is a peaceful coastal town on the southeastern side of the island with a shallow, reef-protected shoreline. A paved five-kilometre path runs continuously along the beach, lined with traditional jukung fishing boats, small cafes, and quiet resorts. It is ideal for flat, easy strolls, morning runs, or leisure bicycle rides.
¿Por qué ir?: It provides a relaxed, walkable coastal environment that is exceptionally safe and easy for families.
Consejo: Rent a bicycle from a beachfront stand early in the morning to catch the sunrise over the ocean.
FamiliarActividades al aire libre18. Take a Balinese Cooking Class in Ubud
Balinese cuisine relies on rich pastes made from fresh herbs, garlic, ginger, lemongrass, and aromatic spices. Most cooking workshops begin with a morning tour of a traditional village market to select fresh produce and ingredients. Participants then return to a garden kitchen to prepare multi-course meals including dishes like satay, lawar, and steamed fish in banana leaves.
¿Por qué ir?: It delivers a hands-on cultural insight into the flavors, techniques, and culinary heritage of the island.
Consejo: Opt for morning sessions, which include the vibrant open-air market tour before cooking begins.
Comida y bebidaFamiliar19. Walk the Campuhan Ridge Trail
The Campuhan Ridge Walk is a free, easily accessible paved trail running along a hilltop ridge in Ubud. Flanked by lush river valleys on both sides, the path offers scenic green vistas of rolling hills and tall elephant grass. The trail concludes near small cafes where walkers can refresh before turning back.
¿Por qué ir?: It provides a pleasant, gentle nature walk located minutes from central Ubud's main shopping streets.
Consejo: Start at first light or late in the afternoon, as the exposed ridge path offers virtually no shade during midday.
Actividades al aire libreEconómico20. Dive or Snorkel at Menjangan Island
Part of the West Bali National Park, Menjangan Island is a protected marine preserve off the island's northwestern tip. The waters surrounding the island offer exceptional clarity, calm currents, and sheer vertical coral walls. Divers and snorkellers frequently spot sea turtles, reef sharks, and dense coral formations.
¿Por qué ir?: It holds some of the healthiest coral reefs and best water visibility found anywhere in Bali.
Consejo: Base yourself in Pemuteran or Labuan Lalang to catch short boat rides out to the island reserve.
NaturalezaActividades al aire libre
Preguntas frecuentes
How many days should I spend in Bali?
For a first visit, ten to fourteen days is ideal. This allows sufficient time to split your stay between two or three areas, such as the cultural hub of Ubud, the southern beaches, and a quieter region like Sidemen or Amed, without feeling rushed.
How do I get around Bali?
There is limited public transport in Bali, so most travellers hire private drivers for full-day excursions or use ride-hailing applications like Grab or Gojek for shorter urban trips. Confident drivers can rent scooters locally, though road conditions and heavy traffic require caution.
When is the best time of year to visit Bali?
The dry season, running from April to October, brings lower humidity, less rainfall, and warm sunny days ideal for outdoor activities. The wet season from November to March sees higher humidity and frequent tropical downpours, though rainfall often occurs in short afternoon bursts.
Do I need to dress conservatively when visiting temples?
Yes, modest attire is required at all religious sites in Bali. Both men and women must cover their legs with a sarong and wear a temple sash around the waist, both of which can usually be rented or borrowed at temple entry points.
Is Bali suitable for budget travellers?
Bali remains very accommodating for budget travellers, offering inexpensive guesthouses, affordable local eateries called warungs, and low admission fees for natural sights. While luxury resorts are plentiful, careful planning makes it easy to explore on a modest daily budget.
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