10 Things to Do in Bali: My Personal Journey Through the Island of the Gods
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Bali has always been a destination at the time of my list. From the iconic Bali swing to the Instagram photos, you see with Heaven’s Gate and the “reflection. But honestly, Bali is so much more than that. It’s a blend between culture, incredible landscapes, and spirituality. Honestly, it’s like no place that I have ever been. In this guide, I will review all of the things to do in Bali that will be make your trip as unforgettable as mine was.
Introduction: Best Things to do in Bali
Bali is one of those unique destinations that offers something for every traveler. Bali is frequently called the “Island of the Gods”, and once I visited, I can absolutely see why. Whether you are looking for a spiritual and culture experience, relaxation, or adventure, Bali has something for you! Based on my journey to Bali, I have curated a list of all of my favorite things to do in Bali that I hope you also add to your Bali itinerary.
1. Things to do in Ubud
Visiting Ubud was probably one of my favorite areas to visit in Bali. I love how this area felt so spiritual and cultural, and I could feel that as I wondered through the Ubud Art Market. Everything in this market is handmade and was like nothing I had ever seen. The colorful tapestries, and wood carvings, it felt like I was in a real-life gallery. I even watched a local art pain in her studio for 30 mins and was absolutely memorized. This experience really allowed me to connect with the Balinese people and is something I will never forget.
The next day, I did a tour through the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, and let me tell you, those monkeys are crazy!!! I literally saw one try and take a lady’s purse when she sat it down to take a picture. These monkey’s were so fun to watch, and they are literally everywhere!
Pro Tip: Keep your belongings close and secure, as those monkeys will take anything and everything, and will even unzip a purse!
Late this same day, I also visited the Tegallalang Rice Terraces, which was incredible, and did a Bali swing. The swing was honestly incredible, and I felt like I was flying. I actually did the swing in a few places, because I felt like a kid again being pushed on this massive swing overlooking the amazing green landscapes.
2. Tanah Lot Temple
If I leave you with anything in this guide, let it be to visit the Tanah Lot Temple right before sunset. The sunset views from this temple are incredibly magical and even more spectacular than I could ever describe. With the streaks of pink and gold, I have honestly never seen anything like it. One of my favorite aspects of visiting not just this temple, but any temple is watching the locals with their offers and just witnessing the wave of gratitude that they have. It’s just such an amazing and spiritual experience, and I highly recommend not only visiting this temple, but as many as you can while you are in Bali.
3. Seminyak Beach
If you need a break from exploring all of the temples, and need some downtime, then I highly recommend spending the day at Seminyak Beach. This was a great place to unwind, relax in a lounger, and read two books! That’s right, two books I read here! There is something about listening to the waves, and the sun, that really relaxes you. I was also able to catch a few glimpses of some surfers while I was here, which are always fun to watch. Also at this beach is a cute beachfront cafe called Cafe Organix which is a great lunch time spot.
4. Experience the Sacred Tirta Empul Temple
The only word that I can think of to describe the Sacred Tirta Empu Temple is moving. My local tour guide lent me a sarong for my knees and shoulder and as he explained the purification process, I felt absolutely moved. Each found represents a different aspect in the cleansing process: mind, body, and soul. I was able to witness local participating in this process, and it was incredible to be a part of their culture and customs on such a deeper level. After watching the purification process, I walked through the koi-filled ponds, jumping from one spot to the other, just feeling immersed in the culture, which is one of the best things about traveling, in my opinion.
5. Nusa Islands
The Nusa Islands, which are Penida, Lembongan, and Ceningan, were my ultimate island-hopping escape. Nusa Penida’s Kelingking Beach lived up to its fame, but it was standing at the cliff edge, looking down at the T-Rex-shaped rock formation, that truly took my breath away. My heart raced during the steep climb down, but once I reached the secluded beach, it felt like I had discovered a secret paradise.
Another unforgettable moment was snorkeling near Manta Point. The water was electric blue, and suddenly, three majestic manta rays glided by just feet beneath me. I was so overwhelmed by their grace that I forgot to keep paddling. It was that surreal.
6. Mount Batur: Sunrise Hike
While the 2 a.m. wake-up call was brutal, watching the sun rise above Mount Agung and Lake Batur made every step worth it. I joined a small group trek with a local guide who shared stories about Balinese volcanic legends. At the summit, we huddled over hot coffee and banana sandwiches cooked in volcanic steam, watching the world come alive in soft orange light. It was cold, quiet, and spiritual an experience that reminded me how powerful nature can be. I highly recommend adding a sunrise Mount Batur hike to your Bali itinerary if you enjoy the outdoors.
7. Indulge in Balinese Cuisine
When I was asked about the food in Bali, the only word I could think of to describe it was incredible! The freshness, the flavors, everything about all of the foods I tried was amazing. There is something about their spices and the way they all blend together that is so mouthwatering. I tried several local restaurants on this trip and everything was incredible. I never got the “Bali belly” while I was gone, and if anything, my belly hurt from all the food I kept putting in it! Eating the amazing food in Bali isn’t just about the flavor, it’s about savoring the culture, the warmth and the community.
8. Attend a Traditional Dance Performance
One of the most unforgettable cultural moments I had was watching the Kecak dance at Uluwatu Temple at sunset. The performers, illuminated by torchlight, chanted in rhythmic harmony, telling the story of Ramayana with powerful movements and fiery intensity. With the temple perched on a cliff overlooking the Indian Ocean, the backdrop added a theatrical grandeur I’ll never forget.
9. Explore the Waterfalls of North Bali
The waterfalls in North Bali were my version of Eden. I rented a scooter and braved the winding roads to reach Sekumpul Waterfall, arguably the most stunning in Bali. The trek down was muddy and steep, but as I stood before the cascading mist of multiple falls surrounded by thick jungle, it felt like nature’s cathedral. Gitgit was another gem, less crowded and easier to reach, with a natural pool that invited me in for a refreshing swim.
10. Unwind with a Balinese Spa Treatment
On my last day in Bali before I was flying to Singapore, I decided to teat myself to a relaxing Balinese spa day at Putri Bali Spa. I have zero regrets in making this decision! The open-air spa room overlooked a river, and listening to the water and birds while I had a massage and facial honestly just elevated my entire experience. By the time I was done and sipping on my post-treatment ginger tea, I could barely keep my eyes open! This is honestly a great way to end your trip, and you will absolutely not regret it!
Conclusion: Best Things to do in Bali
Bali is a destination, that no matter what kind of traveler you are, there is always something to do. From temples, to beaches, to amazing food, and everything in between, you will never be short of things to do in Bali. I hope my journey through this am amazing cultural and spiritual paradise has inspired you to start planning your trip so that you have just as an amazing experience as did.