Bali is one of the world’s top bucket list destinations. It’s a place that conjures up images of paradise, pristine beaches and gorgeous jungle spots.
There’s so much to do on the island that you could spend a lifetime on its shores and still not see everything, so how do you narrow it down to ensure you enjoy an amazing holiday in Bali in just a few days?
With this list of the best things to do in Bali, of course. We’ve put together the real highlights of a trip to the island to ensure you have the most amazing time of things. Enjoy!
Our Top 10 Things To Do In Bali In 2026
Discover The Sacred Monkey Forest (Ubud)
The Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary of Ubud is one of the must-visit destinations on the island and especially for those who want to connect with the natural and spiritual heritage of this place.
It’s a lush 12.5-hectare forest that is home to over 1,200 long-tailed macaques. These monkeys roam freely among the ancient temples and towering banyan trees of this special part of Bali.
This sanctuary isn’t just about monkeys, mind you, though they are the star of the show for many visitors; it’s also a sacred place. There are three ancient Hindu temples that date back to the 14th century in this corner of Ubud, and they are dedicated to Shiva, Brahma and Vishnu.
Wandering the moss-covered pathways here will let you experience the same mystical atmosphere as Julia Roberts did while filming Eat, Pray, Love.
Tips: Go early to beat the crowds (it opens at 9 a.m.), wear modest clothing to show your respect for the temples, and don’t feed the monkeys (in fact, keep everything you have as far away from the monkeys as possible). The admission charge is reasonable, and you can easily make the Monkey Forest into a half-day excursion.
Marvel At The Tegallalang Rice Terraces (Ubud)
No trip to Bali is complete without a visit to the rice terraces. Jatiluwih has the nicest and most famous terraces, but it’s a long ride there and back, and many visitors opt to hit up Tegallalang instead.
This village just outside of Ubud has rice terraces that are also part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site subak agricultural system, and they are stunning as they cascade down the hillsides like giant steps.
In the planting season, they are absolutely picture-perfect postcard photo opportunities, and you can hike the narrow paths, take scenic shots and even try your hand at the act of rice farming here.
Tips: Don’t forget to dine at the warungs here for a taste of Bali overlooking the rice fields. Try a guided tour to learn more about the rice-driven economy of the area; it’s not expensive. Get there in the early mornings for the best light and minimal crowds. Enjoy the serene escape from Bali’s booming tourism industry and reconnect with the island’s agricultural roots.
Witness The Sunset At Tanah Lot Temple (Canggu)
Tanah Lot Temple is one of Bali’s most iconic sites. It’s perched on its own rocky outcrop in the sea just offshore from the mainland. It’s one of the most photographed places here and a spiritual beacon for the local people.
It was built back in the 16th century to honour the sea gods, and it has breathtaking views, particularly at sunset when the sky comes to life in a blaze of reds, pinks, oranges and purples, creating a stunning silhouette of the temple against the crashing waves of the ocean below.
Get there in the late afternoon, explore the surrounding cliffs, grab something from the local souvenir stalls, and if the tide is low, head to the base of the island and get a blessing from the priests, but don’t try and enter the temple, it’s only open to Hindu worshippers.
And if you enjoy Tanah Lot, you should check out the other best temples in Bali as recommended by FINNS Beach Club.
Tips: It’s about a 40-minute drive from Canggu. Avoid the holy snakes that are said to guard this site. Read up on the Bali Curse to find out about the temple’s strange power for unmarried couples. Stop for a seafood dinner after your visit. Now, it is a great time to visit, too. For some reason, the temple has been less crowded this year than it was last year.
Party At FINNS Beach Club (Canggu)
FINNS Beach Club is the world’s best beach club, and it’s the number one beach club in Bali’s exciting and world-beating beach club scene. It sits on a stunning 170 meters of beachfront on Berawa Beach in Canggu.
The club’s iconic bamboo architecture is worth the trip alone, but the all-day beach parties and spectacular sunset drinking sessions make FINNS a must-see for most people in Bali. In fact, last year, 1 in 4 international visitors to Bali opted to spend at least one day at FINNS!
Lounge by the infinity pools, chill in private cabanas, always book in advance and be prepared for the time of your life. FINNS is simply an amazing time.
Tips: Time your booking before 1 p.m. for the biggest discounts (you can stay as long as you like afterwards). Watch out for happy hour, where you get buy-one-get-one-free deals on drinks. Dance the night away with new friends listening to awesome DJs.
Hike To The Summit Of Mount Batur For Sunrise (Kintamani)
If you want some adventure on your holiday, why not climb one of Bali’s active volcanoes? Hiking Mount Batur is a truly exhilarating experience that you can’t replicate anywhere else on Earth.
It’s in the Kintamani Region and stands at 1,717 meters above sea level at the peak. The sunrise trek is the stuff legends are made of, set off at 2 a.m. and reach the top at dawn.
Cook eggs in volcanic steam for breakfast as you enjoy the most amazing view over the island.
Tips: Tours including guides are cheap, and you need a guide as it’s all too easy to get lost climbing mountains in Bali. Wear sturdy shoes for grip and layers; it gets pretty chilly at altitude at night. Always choose a tour operator with a commitment to sustainability and minimising their environmental impact on the island.
Dive Into Bali’s Underwater World (Amed & Tulamben)
Bali’s waters are a diver’s dream, and while some folks will head off to places like Nusa Penida for a swim, we recommend heading to Amed and Tulamben.
Here you can enjoy the USAT Liberty Wreck, coral reefs, rich marine life in an environment that’s ideal for both beginners and highly experienced divers. The area is awesome for snorkelling too, and snorkelling is very cheap. Think 100,000 IDR for renting the equipment you need for an amazing time with the colourful fish.
Tips: A full day of snorkelling should cost no more than 800,000 IDR, including all equipment, boat hire, lunch and transfers. You will need a PADI certification to dive, and there are dive schools in the area where you can get certified. Make sure to keep an eye out for turtles. March to October provides the best waters for snorkelling and diving.
Indulge In A Traditional Balinese Spa Treatment (Anywhere In Bali)
Bali’s home to one of the best wellness industries on Earth, and a traditional spa session is the ultimate way to destress and unwind on the island.
The treatments will draw on ancient Hindu healing practices, modern technology, aromatic oils, acupressure, and much more, all to melt away your tension. You also won’t have to pay too much for it; a great spa session can be as little as 500,000 IDR an hour.
Tips: Hit up the eco-spas using organic products to be kind to the planet. Try sound healing or yoga to extend your day. For luxury, seek out high-end resorts and retreats such as COMO Shambhala; you can find budget options all over the island. Make sure to drink lots of water post-treatment rather than alcohol to feel amazing.
Enjoy The Kecak Dance At Uluwatu Temple (Uluwatu)
The Kecak Dance is often considered to be one of the most eye-catching dance performances in the world. It’s a chanting, rhythmic performance that is based on the epic of the Ramayana.
As the sun sets, bare-chested Balinese men chant in a trance-like manner, while dancers enact tales of good vs evil, gods vs demons, all to a stunning clifftop backdrop with the sunset and, of course, actual fire.
Tips: Make sure to explore the temple before you turn up for the show. Arrive at least an hour before the official start of the show to get the best seats. Watch out for the monkeys, they may be cute, but they’re also little thieves.
Experience Bali’s Best Waterfalls (Munduk)
Bali has some amazing inland waterfalls that make for ideal trips for nature lovers. We recommend the Munduk Waterfall trail to get away from the crowds and enjoy an amazing jungle hike.
Don’t forget to take a towel and enjoy a dip in the refreshing pool at the base of many of the waterfalls.
Tips: Wear shoes with good grips to avoid slipping. Make sure to take a guide with you to avoid getting lost. Go early to ensure you beat the crowds.
Learn To Cook Balinese Cuisine (Canggu, Ubud, or Seminyak)
The flavours of Bali are unique even in the archipelago, and you can learn to make tasty dishes like Nasi Campur, Babi Guling, Soto Ayam and more.
Head to the local markets with an experienced guide to learn about the ingredients and to source the ingredients for your sambal, satay, lawar, etc.
Then, get hands-on under the guidance of an experienced local chef and finally enjoy eating your own creations!
Tips: A half-day session is usually around 500,000 IDR. They usually have vegetarian and/or vegan options as part of the offering. Organic farms are good for sustainable choices. Foodies will love the authenticity of these classes.
Final Thoughts On Awesome Things To Do In Bali
Bali is a land of adventures, exciting contrasts, and there is an endless amount of things to do on this paradise island.
Our list gives you the perfect starting point to plan for an awesome holiday that is rich in experiences and excitement. Just make sure to pack some suntan lotion and sunglasses to enjoy the best of the Bali weather as you explore.