The Ultimate Bali Bucket List: 15 Best Experiences for First-Time Visitors

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Bali offers far more than beaches. The island offers temples, terraces, and waterfalls, surfing, diving, villages, markets, and culture—one of the things to do in Bali.

For a first trip, you do not need to see everything. Choosing a few different types of experiences will give you a much better introduction to Bali.

Here are some of the best things to do in Bali.

1. Visit Uluwatu Temple

Uluwatu Temple sits dramatically on a cliff above the Indian Ocean.

The location is one of Bali’s most impressive coastal viewpoints, especially around sunset.

Visitors should dress respectfully and follow the temple’s rules.

Be careful around the cliffs and keep personal belongings secure because monkeys are common in the area.

2. Explore Ubud

Ubud is one of Bali’s main cultural centers.

You can spend a day exploring temples, markets, galleries, restaurants and surrounding countryside.

Ubud is also a convenient base for visiting rice terraces, waterfalls and other attractions in central Bali.

3. See Bali’s Rice Terraces

Rice terraces are among Bali’s most recognizable landscapes.

The Tegallalang area near Ubud is particularly popular, although there are many other rice-growing areas around the island.

Visit early in the day if you want cooler temperatures and fewer visitors.

4. Visit Tanah Lot

Tanah Lot is one of Bali’s best-known temples.

The temple stands on a rocky formation near the coast and is particularly popular around sunset.

Crowds can be significant, so arriving early can make the experience more comfortable.

5. Visit a Traditional Balinese Temple

Temples are an important part of everyday life in Bali.

Beyond the most famous tourist attractions, there are temples throughout towns and villages.

When visiting, dress appropriately and respect religious ceremonies.

Some temples require visitors to wear a sarong or cover their shoulders and knees.

6. Watch the Sunset

Bali has many excellent sunset locations.

The west coast around Seminyak, Canggu and Kuta is popular for beach sunsets.

Uluwatu offers dramatic cliff views.

Tanah Lot is another famous sunset location.

Arrive before sunset because popular viewpoints can become crowded.

7. Visit a Waterfall

Bali has numerous waterfalls, particularly in the central and northern parts of the island.

Some require a short hike through forest or agricultural areas.

Water levels and access conditions can change during the wet season, so check local conditions before visiting.

Wear appropriate footwear because paths can be slippery.

8. Try Balinese Food

Food is an important part of the Bali experience.

Try local dishes such as nasi campur, ayam betutu, lawar and babi guling.

Local warungs are often a good way to experience Balinese food without spending a lot of money.

You can also find an enormous range of international restaurants throughout the main tourist areas.

9. Spend Time at a Bali Beach

Bali has beaches for different types of travelers.

Some are best for surfing, others for swimming, sunsets or relaxing at a resort.

Kuta and Seminyak are convenient for visitors staying in southern Bali.

Uluwatu and the Bukit Peninsula offer dramatic coastal scenery.

Sanur has a calmer atmosphere and is popular with families.

10. Go Surfing

Surfing is one of Bali’s most popular activities.

The island has breaks suitable for different experience levels.

Beginners can take lessons from established surf schools, while experienced surfers can choose from many well-known breaks.

Always check local conditions and choose a beach appropriate for your ability.

11. Go Snorkeling or Diving

Bali offers a wide variety of marine environments.

Popular diving and snorkeling destinations include areas around Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan, Amed and other coastal locations.

Visibility and sea conditions vary by season and location.

Choose reputable operators and follow responsible diving and snorkeling practices.

12. Visit Mount Batur

Mount Batur is one of Bali’s most popular volcano hikes.

The sunrise trek is particularly well known.

The hike requires an early start and reasonable fitness.

Weather can change quickly at higher elevations, so check conditions before setting out.

If you are not an experienced hiker, consider using a reputable local guide.

13. Relax at a Balinese Spa

Spa treatments are a major part of the tourist experience in Bali.

You can find everything from simple local massage services to luxury resort spas.

A traditional Balinese massage is a popular choice for visitors looking to relax after sightseeing.

Prices vary considerably depending on location and the type of establishment.

14. Explore the Gili Islands

The Gili Islands are located between Bali and Lombok and are known for beaches, snorkeling, diving and a relaxed island atmosphere.

The three main islands have different personalities.

Gili Trawangan is the liveliest, Gili Air offers a balance between activity and relaxation, and Gili Meno is generally quieter.

A trip to the Gilis requires a boat transfer, so allow enough time in your itinerary.

15. Visit Nusa Penida

Nusa Penida is famous for dramatic cliffs, beaches and viewpoints.

It can be visited as a day trip from Bali, although staying overnight gives you more time to explore.

Boat connections depend on weather and sea conditions.

If you visit, avoid trying to see every attraction in one day.

Best Things to Do in Bali for First-Time Visitors

If you only have a few days, prioritize experiences that show different sides of the island.

A balanced first trip could include:

• One or two temples
• Ubud and the surrounding countryside
• A rice terrace
• A beach
• A sunset viewpoint
• Local Balinese food
• One outdoor activity
• Some time to relax

You do not need to visit every famous attraction to have a good Bali trip.

Free Things to Do in Bali

Some Bali experiences cost very little.

You can walk along beaches, explore local streets, visit markets and enjoy sunsets without paying for expensive attractions.

Hiking and exploring rural areas can also be inexpensive, although some attractions charge entrance fees.

Things to Do in Bali When It Rains

Rain does not have to ruin your trip.

Visit museums, galleries, cafes, restaurants and spas.

Explore local markets or spend time at your hotel or resort.

If rain is heavy, avoid waterfalls, steep trails and boat trips until conditions improve.

Things to Avoid in Bali

• Do not feed or disturb wildlife.
• Do not ignore temple rules.
• Do not swim in dangerous sea conditions.
• Do not ride a scooter beyond your experience level.
• Do not litter at beaches, temples or natural attractions.
• Avoid overcrowded itineraries that require spending most of the day in traffic.

How Many Activities Should You Plan Each Day?

Two or three main activities are usually enough.

Trying to visit six or seven attractions in a single day often means spending more time traveling than enjoying the destinations.

Group attractions that are located near each other.

This is especially important in Bali because traffic can make relatively short distances take a long time.

Final Advice

The best things to do in Bali are not necessarily the attractions with the biggest crowds.

Mix famous landmarks with local food, beaches, nature and time to simply explore.

For a first trip, focus on a few areas rather than trying to cover the entire island.

That approach will give you more time to enjoy Bali and less time sitting in traffic.

For more on planning this part of your trip, see our Bali Travel Guide: Where to Stay, Things to Do & Travel Tips.

Related guides: Best Gili Island for First-Time Visitors: Which One to Choose?

Frequently Asked Questions

What should you know before visiting Uluwatu Temple?

It sits dramatically on a cliff above the Indian Ocean and is one of Bali’s most impressive coastal viewpoints, especially at sunset — visitors should dress respectfully, be careful around the cliffs, and keep belongings secure since monkeys are common.

What makes Ubud a good place to visit?

It’s one of Bali’s main cultural centers, with temples, markets, galleries, restaurants, and surrounding countryside, and it’s a convenient base for visiting rice terraces and waterfalls in central Bali.

Where are Bali’s most popular rice terraces?

The Tegallalang area near Ubud, though there are many other rice-growing areas around the island — visiting early in the day gives cooler temperatures and fewer visitors.

What is Tanah Lot known for?

One of Bali’s best-known temples, standing on a rocky formation near the coast, particularly popular around sunset — crowds can be significant, so arriving early helps.

What should you know before visiting a Balinese waterfall?

Some require a short hike through forest or agricultural areas, water levels and access conditions can change during the wet season, and appropriate footwear is needed since paths can be slippery.