The ultimate Bali bucket list: 101+ awesome things to do

Are you looking for the top things to do in Bali? Then you’ve come to the right place. After traveling in Bali for more than 13 years and moving here for six months, I have tried and tested my fair share of Bali attractions.

Bali is the top bucket list destination for many travelers these days and for good reason. With its rich culture, varied landscape and tasty local cuisine, the Island of Gods boasts something to do for everyone.

From the picturesque waterfalls around Ubud and ancient temples like Gunung Kawi, to Instagrammable cafés and black sand beaches. One thing is for certain, travelers are spoilt for choice. Some might even say there are too many awesome things to do in Bali.

So use this Bali Bucket List as inspiration and guide when putting together your perfect Bali itinerary!

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How to get around Bali

Before we get stuck into this Bali bucket List and cover all the top things to do in Bali, I wanted to quickly talk about how to get around. While Bali is a relatively small island, it can take hours to get from point A to point B because of the crazy traffic. So plan your Bali itinerary strategically.

If you need help deciding where to stay, read my guide about all the different areas in Bali.

In the more touristy areas like Legian and Seminyak, taxis are everywhere and they’ll honk at you to show you that they’re free. If you don’t want to bargain, only use Bluebird taxis and tell the driver to put on the meter before you get in.

In Canggu, Ubud, south on the Bukit Peninsula and on the Nusa Islands, I always rent a scooter. Driving around by myself exploring is one of my favorite things to do on the island. Remember to drive on the left and make sure you have an international license so you’re covered by your travel insurance.

Book airport transfer in advance

The arrivals hall at Ngurah Rai Airport can be overwhelming, especially after a long-haul flight, with lots of private drivers, taxi drivers and companies pushing their services on you.

To make your arrival in Bali as smooth as possible, I recommend booking this driver in advance. They will wait for you with a sign in arrivals and they’ll know exactly where to take you.

Best time to visit Bali

The best time to visit Bali is from February to May, except for Easter, with my favorite month being February. That’s when everything is still green from the rainy season and the weather is mostly sunny. The waterfalls, like the mighty Sekumpul Waterfall, are at their most powerful without being brown, during this time.

It is also less crowded than June, July, August and December, which is considered high season.

The rainy season in Bali falls between November and March, peaking in January. I have visited Bali every month of the year several times, and the only month I have experienced continuous rain is in November.

The ultimate Bali Bucket List

Bukit Peninsula Bucket List Experiences

1. Go tandem paragliding above Nunggalan Beach, fly up to 150 meters high and get a unique birds-eye view of the beautiful Uluwatu area.

2. Spend the day at Sundays Beach Club and remember to stay for the bonfire at sunset.

3. Interact with the monkeys and take in the breathtaking views at Pura Luhur Uluwatu ” the Monkey Temple”.

4. Shoot some photos in the amazing infinity pool (180-degree view of the Indian Ocean) at El Kabron Spanish Restaurant and Cliff Club. And eat lots of tapas!

5. Check out the abandoned plane close to Nusa Dua. Just search for abandoned aircraft Nusa Dua on Google Maps.

6. Book a stay with one of the many surf camps in the area and learn to surf.

7. Experience the traditional Kecak fire dance at sunset in Pura Luhur Uluwatu.

8. Enjoy a private sunset dinner on a pier in Jimbaran. Kisik Bar and Grill has been voted one of the most romantic dinner venues in Bali.

9. Go beach hopping, the Bukit Peninsula is where you’ll find all the best beaches in Bali. Check out Green Bowl, Melasti, Nyang Nyang and Padang Padang, just to name a few. Don’t feel like driving by yourself? No worries, join this full-day guided tour of the Bukit Peninsula which includes the best beaches and the Uluwatu Temple.

10. Explore Uluwatu cave and Suluban beach.

11. See the incredible view from the viewpoint on the north side of Balangan Beach. And if you can, stay for sunset. Balangan Beach is my favorite place in all of Bali to watch the sun go down.

12. Check out the old shipwrecks on Nunggalan Beach that have been turned into art by local and international artists.

13. Make your own perfume at one of L’Atelier’s studios in either Nusa Dua or Jimbaran.

14. Do morning yoga in the most amazing surroundings at Uluwatu Surf Villas. The view from this place is insane!

15. Enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner at my all-time favorite Bali restaurant, La Baracca.

16. See the amazing view from the tall cliffs at Melasti Beach.

17. Explore the secret caves and have a bath in the natural “jacuzzis” at Tegal Wangi Beach in Jimbaran.

18. Spend a night or two (if you can afford it) in the Santorini Loft at Morabito Art Cliff, a little slice of Greece in Bali.

Seminyak, Legian & Kuta Bucket List Experiences

19. Enjoy the sunset over Seminyak Beach on horseback. This romantic activity is perfect if you’re in Bali with your partner and want to do something a little different.

20. Shop until you drop! This area is shopping heaven. Some of my favorite stores are Surfer Girl, Drifter Surf Shop, Bamboo Blonde and of course all the stalls.

21. Get your Mexican on at the super cool Motel Mexicola. This is also a great place for a little photoshoot and at night it usually turns into a big party.

22. Learn to surf. All along Legian Beach, you’ll see surfboards for rent and eager instructors waiting to teach you. You can also book a private surfing lesson with an instructor in advance here!

23. Watch the sunset and have dinner/drinks at gypsy-themed La Laguna. My mum’s favorite restaurant in Bali! (Located between Seminyak and Canggu, opening again in 2023)

24. Have a spooky dinner amongst different creatures and get your face painted (horror style) at Frankenstein’s Laboratory.

25. Have a smoothie bowl! Let’s face it, you can’t go to Bali without taking a photo of a smoothie bowl. Kynd community (below) is just one of maaany Instafamous cafés in Seminyak. Remember to get there early!

Bucket List activities in Canggu

26. Visit the iconic Tanah Lot Temple. You can easily drive there yourself from Canggu.

27. Get a free tattoo with your tacos at Deus ex Machina every Tuesday.

28. Check out this surf lesson for beginners. Canggu is one of the best places in Bali to learn to surf.

29. Learn how to make traditional Balinese food. Yum! This popular cooking class includes a trip to a local market and Tanah Lot in addition to the cooking class itself. It is one of my all-time favorite experiences in Bali.

30. Spend the day at the bohemian beach club, La Brisa. Lounge in the sun, sip on a cocktail and munch on some Spanish bites.

31. Another cool spot where you can hang out all day long is The Lawn. I love to go there for sunset as well, but get there early as it gets CROWDED!!

32. Put on your party pants and head to Old Man’s at Batu Bolong Beach in Canggu on Wednesdays to compete in the beer pong tournament!

33. Check out the cool weekend markets in Canggu where locals and expats sell their handicrafts.

Ubud Bucket List Experiences

34. Cool down in the amazing jungle infinity pool at Jungle Fish, Ubud‘s new no beach, beach club.

35. Explore the “real Bali” on a cycling tour through Ubud. One of the most amazing experiences I’ve ever had in Bali!

36. Visit the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary. This place is truly magical and one of the best places in Bali to see monkeys!

37. Go whitewater rafting on the Ayung River in Ubud. The perfect activity for the thrillseeker in you.

38. Swim in the amazing pool at Goya Boutique Resort overlooking treetops and volcanos. You have to see this place for yourself!

39. Enjoy a romantic dining experience on a small boat in a lagoon under lush trees and flickering lights at Kamandalu Ubud Resort, a spectacular 5-star resort you just have to see.

40. Buy some locally made handicrafts and souvenirs at Ubud Art Market.

41. Learn how to make your own silver jewelry. This silversmith class inside a traditional family compound was so much fun!

42. Stroll along the picturesque Campuhan Ridge Walk (photo below) for sunrise or sunset.

43. Enjoy a hands-on immersion in Balinese art and craft in Pejaten Village. Learn about traditional techniques from a private instructor, and try your hand at the pottery wheel to create your own piece.

44. Bathe in the holy water at Tirta Empul Water Temple.

45. Go swimming in one of the world’s best infinity pools at Ubud Hanging Gardens. You have probably seen this place all over social media.

46. Chill out at the World’s First Organic Vegan Cinema, Paradiso.

47. Watch the morning light shine through the palm trees at Tegalalang Rice Terrace, a must on any Bali Bucket List. Have you even been to Bali if you don’t visit Tegalalang?

48. Visit my favorite temple in Bali, Gunung Kawi, early in the morning. It is one of those magical moments that everyone coming to Bali should experience.

49. Indulge in a floating breakfast at the incredible Padma Resort Ubud.

50. Chill on a floating bed above the river at Permata Ayung Private Estate Spa.

51. Camping, or should I say glamping, is now even more glamorous at Sandat Glamping Tents.

Popular Ubud tours

Bucket List activities in North Bali

52. Go diving/snorkeling and explore the shipwrecks at Tulamben.

53. Uncover the Secret Gardens of Sambanganm, which is actually a series of waterfalls and pools.

54. Go on a boat trip in a traditional Balinese canoe at sunrise in Lovina and see wild dolphins.

55. Hike to the top of Mount Batur early in the morning and watch the sunrise from 1 717 m above sea level. You can read more about Mount Batur and 11 other incredible hikes in Indonesia here.

56. Explore Bali’s most beautiful waterfalls – Air Terjun Sekumpul and all the other waterfalls in the area. Banyumala Twin Waterfalls is my second favorite.

57. Watch a breathtaking Sunrise over Pinggan Village. This is one of my favorite things to do in Bali and should be included in any Bali Bucket List!

58. See the Marigold flower fields around Temukus Village.

59. Shoot some amazing photos at the iconic Handara Golf & Resort gate.

60. Bath with the locals at the magical hot springs “Air Panas” of Banjar, close to Lovina Beach.

61. Experience sunrise at Ulun Danu temple.

62. Have fun with your own private swing at Zen Hideaway.

63. Check out Munduk Moding Plantation’s infinity pool where it looks like you’re swimming in the clouds.

64. Dive and discover the underwater temple garden at Pemuteran.

65. Visit one of Bali’s creepiest places, Trunyan cemetery where the dead are not buried.

66. Wander around the large and less-visited Jatiluwih Rice Terraces (below) and go for a dip in Yeh Hoo Waterfall.

67. Indulge in some wood-fired pizza at Gong Jatiluwih Restaurant and Lounge and enjoy the incredible view.

68. Hike up Mende Hill in Subaya Village for some incredible views of the Kintamani region.

East Bali Bucket List Experiences

69. Stay in the Instafamous bamboo house at Hideout Bali.

70. Wander around and be amazed by the Hidden Canyon of Sukawati, also known as Beji Guwang.

71. Go explore Tukad Cepung Waterfall which is located inside a cave!! Tukad Cepung is included in this epic Instagram highlight tour of Bali!

72. Satisfy your sweet tooth at Charly’s Chocolate.

73. Have breakfast, lunch, or dinner in an abandoned plane at Keramas Aero Park.

74. Try on the Seawalker helmet to experience the underwater world of Bali.

75. Enjoy some peace and quiet at the Lotus Lagoon in Candidasa.

76. Dive into a pool with the most dramatic views of volcanoes and jungle at Villa Sidemen.

78. Discover Sanur’s abandoned amusement park: Taman Festival.

79. Explore Tirta Gangga, a former royal palace that was built in 1946 by the late King of Karangsem.

80. Enjoy some incredible views from Bukit Asah (Hill) in Karangasem.

81. Wander around and explore the abandoned Bedugul Taman Rekreasi Hotel & Resort, also known as the Ghost Palace Hotel.

82. Learn about traditional Batik-making and weaving in Tohpati Village.

83. Eat and shop at Sanur Night Market also known as Pasar Malam Sindu.

84. Hike to Kuning waterfall, one of Bali’s hidden waterfalls.

85. Wander inside the caves at Goa Lawah Temple where hundreds of bats reside.

86. Learn about the Balinese culture, village life and farming with The Organic Farm Bali.

87. Explore the incredible grounds at Taman Ujung Water Palace, a former royal residence.

88. Enter the gates of heaven at Pura Lempuyang Temple complex (below), one of the oldest temples in Bali. Lempuyang Temple is included in this incredible Instagram highlight tour of Bali!

West Bali Bucket List Experiences

89. Drive through Bunut Bolong Tree (yes you read it right) in Manggisari village.

90. Unwind at Menjangan Dynasty Resort, the most incredible glamping destination on the island. It’s so stunning! This is another place where you can have your breakfast floating in the pool.

91. Shoot some amazing photos at Pantao Yeh Leh also known as Boulder Beach.

92. Visit the Catholic Church in Palasari Village built in a Balinese/gothic style. Definitely, a strange sight you won’t see anywhere else on the island.

General Bali Bucket List activities

93. Drive around on a scooter, or a motorbike as the locals call them, and explore. Don’t be afraid to get lost, there’s no better feeling. You can read more about the things to know before renting and riding a scooter in my article about the most common Bali scams.

94. Try the traditional Balinese pork dish, Babi Guling. A favorite among many of the locals.

95. Have an ice-cold Bintang (Balinese beer) at sunset or at any time really.

Top things to do in the Nusa Islands

96. Spend a lazy day at Dream Beach, one of the best beaches on Nusa Lembongan.

97. When you’re all beached out head to Devil’s Tears, a beautiful cave pool on Nusa Lembongan.

98. Go standup paddleboarding at Jungut Batu beach, I met some wild dolphins there!

99. Head up to the Mangrove forest and spend some time in one of the gorgeous warungs.

100. Daydream and, of course, shoot some photos in the picture-perfect Batu Molenteng treehouse on Nusa Penida.

101. Go snorkeling in Nusa Penida, a once-in-a-lifetime experience where you might even encounter the mighty Manta Rays.

102. Visit Pasih Uug (Broken Beach), a stunning arch and hole in the cliff filled with turquoise water.

103. Then go for a swim in the shallow water at Angel’s Billabong, which is included in this awesome tour of Bali & Nusa Penida!

104. Bathe in the cascading pools of Peguyangan Waterfall, Nusa Penida.

105. Have a photoshoot in front of Banah Cliffs of Nusa Penida.

106. Experience the incredible Atuh Beach on Nusa Penida. This place is especially beautiful at sunset!

107. Go cliff jumping at the Blue Lagoon on Nusa Ceningan.

108. Relax on the small but beautiful Secret Beach on Nusa Ceningan.

109. Go ziplining 18 meters above the ocean at Ceningan Island Resort.

Popular Nusa Islands tours

Popular Bali travel guides

• Don’t miss Gunung Kawi: My favorite temple in Ubud Bali
• Sunrise over Pinggan Village in Bali: An experience you can’t miss!
• Bukit Cinta in East Bali: The best sunrise viewpoint
• 29 things you should know before going to Bali!
• 17 things NOT to do in Bali: Common tourist mistakes to avoid
• Best time to visit Jatiluwih Rice Terraces in Bali
• Top 11 unusual things to do in Bali!
• Discover the 14 Best Waterfalls in Ubud Bali (including map)
• Tegalalang Rice Terrace Ubud swing & sunrise photo spot
• Pura Lempuyang Temple (Gates of Heaven) in East Bali: A first timer’s guide
• The Dark Side of Bali + How you can help break this tragic cycle
• Bali Budget Breakdown: How much do two weeks in Bali cost?
• The 11 most common scams in Bali + How to avoid them!
• The ultimate 2 week Bali itinerary (including Nusa Lembongan & Penida)

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Remember to pin this Bali Bucket List for later 😉