Bali is one of the world's most beloved travel destinations — and with good reason. The Island of the Gods packs an extraordinary variety of experiences into one relatively small tropical paradise. Ancient temples, terraced rice fields, world-class surf beaches, jungle waterfalls, volcanic peaks and some of the warmest hospitality you'll find anywhere on earth. Here are the 25 best things to do in Bali in 2026.
🌿 Nature & Scenery
Watch sunrise at Tegallalang Rice Terraces
The iconic stepped rice terraces near Ubud are most magical at sunrise before the crowds arrive. Walk the narrow paths between the paddies and watch the morning mist lift over the valley. One of the most photogenic spots in all of Asia.
Hike Mount Batur at sunrise
Bali's most popular volcano trek starts at 2am for a sunrise summit. The views from the caldera rim over the crater lake and surrounding volcanoes are absolutely breathtaking. A guided trek with breakfast on the summit costs around $35–$50.
Swim at Sekumpul Waterfall
Widely considered Bali's most beautiful waterfall — a series of seven cascades plunging into a jungle gorge in north Bali. The 45-minute jungle trek to reach it is part of the adventure. Hire a local guide for $10–$15.
Explore the Campuhan Ridge Walk
A beautiful free walk along a ridge above Ubud through jungle and rice fields. Perfect at sunrise or late afternoon. About 9km return and completely free — one of Bali's great hidden gems.
⛩️ Culture & Temples
Visit Tanah Lot Temple at sunset
Bali's most photographed temple sits on a dramatic rock formation in the sea. At sunset the silhouette against the orange sky is extraordinary. One of the most iconic images in all of Southeast Asia.
Explore Tirta Empul Holy Water Temple
One of Bali's most sacred temples where Balinese Hindus come to purify themselves in the holy spring pools. You can participate in the purification ritual yourself — a deeply memorable cultural experience.
Watch a Kecak Fire Dance at Uluwatu
The dramatic Kecak dance performed at clifftop Uluwatu Temple at sunset is one of Bali's most unforgettable experiences. A chorus of 50+ men create the hypnotic soundtrack while dancers perform scenes from the Ramayana epic.
Take a Balinese cooking class in Ubud
Learn to cook authentic Balinese dishes — usually starting with a visit to a local market to buy ingredients. Most classes include 5–7 dishes and a full feast at the end. A fantastic cultural experience.
🏄 Beach & Water Activities
Surf at Kuta, Canggu or Uluwatu
Bali is one of the world's top surfing destinations. Kuta Beach is perfect for beginners with gentle waves and cheap lessons ($15–$25). Canggu is popular with intermediate surfers. Uluwatu has world-class reef breaks for experienced surfers.
Snorkel or dive at Amed or Tulamben
Bali's best snorkelling and diving is on the quieter east coast. Tulamben's famous USAT Liberty shipwreck is one of the most accessible wreck dives in the world — just 30 metres from shore. Crystal clear water and incredible marine life.
Island hop to the Gili Islands or Nusa Penida
Take a fast boat from Bali to Nusa Penida (45 mins, $20) for dramatic cliff scenery and Manta Ray snorkelling, or to the Gili Islands (2 hrs, $25–$35) for turquoise water, sea turtles and no motorised vehicles.
🧘 Wellness & Relaxation
Get a traditional Balinese massage in Ubud
A 90-minute traditional Balinese massage in Ubud costs just $8–$15 at local spas. Longer treatments combining massage, scrub and flower bath cost $20–$40. Incredible value for world-class treatment.
Take a yoga class in Ubud
Ubud is Bali's spiritual heart and one of the world's top yoga destinations. Drop-in classes start from $8–$15. The Yoga Barn is the most famous studio — a beautiful jungle setting with classes from sunrise to sunset.
🍽️ Food & Nightlife
Eat nasi goreng and satay at a local warung
Bali's local warungs (small family restaurants) serve incredible Indonesian food for $1.50–$3 per meal. Nasi goreng (fried rice), mie goreng (fried noodles), babi guling (roast pig) and fresh satay skewers are unmissable.
Watch sunset from a clifftop beach club in Seminyak
Bali's beach clubs along the Seminyak and Canggu coast offer stunning sunset views with cocktails, DJs and infinity pools. Ku De Ta, Potato Head and La Brisa are legendary. Budget $20–$50 for drinks and a sun lounger.
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Bali genuinely has something for every type of traveller — adventure seekers, culture lovers, beach bums, foodies, surfers and spiritual seekers. And the best part? Most of Bali's greatest experiences cost almost nothing. Start planning your perfect Bali itinerary today at smarttravelplannr.com!
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