Bali has a bit of a branding problem. It’s almost always pitched as rice terraces, lush green hills and dreamy sunsets, when the island also has active volcanoes to hike, shipwrecks to explore underwater and traditional fire dances performed against dramatic ocean backdrops.
And these are just a few ways to experience the island. From surf sessions and buzzing nightlife with friends to romantic cliffside dinners and family-friendly wildlife encounters, Bali has something different in store depending on who you’re travelling with and what your ideal holiday looks like.
This Bali Travel Guide covers the top places to visit, things to do and the best time to plan your Balinese holiday. Read more to find everything you need to know about Bali before planning your holiday!
Top Bali Tourist Places You Should Explore
Bali is best explored by grouping places by region rather than trying to cover the entire island in a few days. While Ubud works well for rice terraces, temples and inland landscapes, southern Bali (Uluwatu, Jimbaran, Nusa Dua, Seminyak and Canggu) is better for beaches, surfing, sunset views and nightlife. Here’s how to put your Bali itinerary together.
1. Nature and Wildlife
Places where the main draw is natural landscapes, forests, waterfalls, wildlife or volcanic terrain.
- Tegallalang Rice Terraces, Ubud: Terraced farmland and traditional irrigation systems, with scenic viewpoints and nearby attractions.
- Mount Batur, Kintamani: An active volcano with guided sunrise treks and views of the surrounding caldera and Lake Batur.
- Sekumpul Waterfall, North Bali: Multiple waterfalls reached by trails through a lush valley, ideal for travellers who enjoy longer nature walks.
- Tukad Cepung Waterfall, Bangli: A striking waterfall tucked between tall rock walls, known for its cave-like setting and shafts of sunlight on clear mornings.
- Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, Ubud: A forest reserve with long-tailed macaques, temple structures and shaded walking paths.
- Jatiluwih Rice Terraces, Tabanan: Extensive rice-growing landscapes and walking routes, better suited to travellers wanting to explore beyond Ubud’s popular viewpoints.
2. Beaches and Coastal Landscapes
Places primarily visited for swimming, surfing, sunbathing, coastal scenery or beachfront dining.
- Kuta Beach, South Bali: A broad sandy beach with surf schools and sunset walks.
- Nusa Dua Beach, Southeast Bali: Resort beaches, beachfront facilities and swimming areas where sea conditions permit.
- Padang Padang Beach, Uluwatu: A small cove accessed through a narrow gap in the rocks, popular with surfers and beachgoers.
- Jimbaran Bay, South Bali: A sandy bay known for beachfront seafood dinners.
- Sanur Beach, Southeast Bali: A relaxed waterfront promenade, cycling routes and access to boats travelling to nearby islands.
- Lovina Beach, North Bali: A quieter coastal area known for early-morning dolphin-watching excursions and a slower pace than the southern beach towns.
3. Cultural and Heritage Sites
Places where the primary reason to visit is Balinese Hindu culture, religious architecture, traditional performance or local heritage.
- Uluwatu Temple, South Bali: A sea-facing temple complex with evening Kecak performances.
- Tanah Lot Temple, Southwest Bali: An iconic sea temple set on a rocky coastal outcrop, particularly popular around sunset.
- Tirta Empul Temple, Tampaksiring: A sacred spring-water temple where visitors can learn about Balinese purification rituals.
- Besakih Temple, East Bali: A major temple complex on the slopes of Mount Agung.
- Ulun Danu Beratan Temple, Bedugul: A lakeside temple associated with the region’s water and agricultural traditions.
- Tirta Gangga, East Bali: A former royal water palace with ornamental ponds, fountains, gardens and stepping stones.
- Ubud Palace, Central Ubud: Traditional royal architecture in the centre of town, close to the market and cultural performances.
4. Romantic Places
These are destinations rather than single attractions, and each suits a romantic break.
- Ubud: Jungle-view stays, private villas, couples’ spa treatments and countryside dining.
- Uluwatu: Ocean-view accommodation, sunset dinners and quieter stretches of coastline.
- Sidemen: Rural stays, rice-field walks and a slower pace away from the busiest resort areas.
- Nusa Penida: Dramatic coastal scenery and secluded-feeling stays for couples who enjoy exploring.
- Seminyak: Boutique accommodation, restaurants, spas and sunset dining for couples who prefer a more social holiday.
5. Fun and Adventure
Places and attractions chosen primarily for activities, outdoor thrills or exploring beyond the usual sightseeing circuit.
- Ayung River, near Ubud: Guided white-water rafting through a forested river valley.
- Canggu: Surf lessons, beach cafés and a lively social scene.
- Tulamben, Northeast Bali: Shore-access scuba diving around the USAT Liberty shipwreck, a well-known underwater attraction.
- Nusa Penida’s surrounding waters: Snorkelling trips, coral reefs and possible manta ray sightings, depending on conditions.
- Bali’s countryside ATV routes: Guided rides along muddy tracks and rural trails.
- Alas Harum, Tegallalang: A countryside attraction with jungle swings, photo spots and views over the surrounding rice terraces.
There’s always so much to do in Bali so you can choose places that fit your interests and travel style. Travel companies like Holiday Tribe are known to cater to different requirements and offer personalised holiday packages for couples, families and friend groups planning to visit Bali. Trusting reputed holidaymakers is absolutely essential for having a seamless time.
Things to Do in Bali
The best things to do in Bali depend on your travel group. Couples may want experiences they can enjoy together, families often need a mix of activities and downtime, while groups of friends might prefer water sports, food and nightlife. Here are some ideas to help shape your itinerary.
When Travelling with Your Partner
- Enjoy a floating breakfast: Book a villa with a private pool around Ubud or Seminyak and enjoy breakfast by the water.
- Book a traditional Balinese spa treatment: Make time for a massage or wellness session, particularly after a day of sightseeing. Ubud has plenty of options, from standalone spas to resort wellness centres.
- Take a Balinese cooking class: Learn to prepare local dishes together, with classes often including ingredient preparation and an introduction to Balinese spices.
- Plan a beachfront dinner in Jimbaran: Choose a restaurant along the bay for fresh seafood and a meal by the water. Check menus and prices before ordering.
- Spend an evening watching the Kecak dance: Combine a visit to Uluwatu Temple with the traditional performance, then plan dinner nearby rather than driving across the island.
- Go on a sunset cruise: Set aside an evening for a catamaran or boat cruise, depending on the options available during your visit.
When Travelling with Family
- Spend a day at Waterbom Bali: Located in Kuta, this water park has slides and pools for different ages. Check height restrictions before booking if you are travelling with younger children.
- Choose a wildlife experience: Visit Bali Safari and Marine Park for safari-style animal experiences or Bali Zoo for a zoo visit with animal exhibits and educational activities.
- Cycle along Sanur’s waterfront: The beachfront promenade is a relaxed option for a family walk or cycle, with cafés and places to stop along the way.
- Introduce children to Balinese culture: Visit Ubud Palace or choose a traditional dance performance to learn about local stories, costumes and music.
- Take an easy countryside outing: Choose a rice terrace viewpoint or a short guided walk near Ubud rather than committing to a long waterfall hike with young children.
When Travelling with Friends
- Try a group surf lesson in Canggu: Book a session with an instructor, then spend time exploring the area’s cafés and casual restaurants.
- Get your adrenaline fix with water sports: Head to Tanjung Benoa for activities such as parasailing and jet skiing, subject to operator availability and sea conditions.
- Go white-water rafting or ATV riding: These guided activities make a good addition to an itinerary focused on adventure. Confirm the experience level and safety requirements before booking.
- Explore Seminyak after dark: The area has restaurants, bars, beach clubs and shops, making it easy to organise an evening around different interests.
- Take a day trip to Nusa Penida: Visit coastal viewpoints and arrange a snorkelling trip if sea conditions permit. The island’s roads can be slow, so avoid squeezing too many stops into one day.
- Eat your way through Bali: Try local dishes such as nasi campur, sate lilit and nasi goreng at different restaurants or join a guided food tour to learn more about Balinese food.
How to Get Started with Planning Your Bali Holiday?
Whether you’re planning a romantic escape, a family holiday or a trip with friends, start by narrowing down the kind of Bali experience you’re after. The island has several distinct regions, and choosing where to stay can shape everything from your daily plans to your overall budget. As you research, compare accommodation, experiences and travel arrangements to see what works best for your holiday. For a memorable Bali getaway, Bali tour packages from Holiday Tribe make it easy to plan your trip with expert guidance and hassle-free arrangements.. They provide packages that can be personalised as per preferences and are known to offer great services & 24*7 support during your holiday. With such travel companies, it is also easier to build a customised itinerary around the places you genuinely want to see to enjoy the fullest.
FAQs
Q1. Is Bali visa-free for Indian tourists?
No. Indian passport holders generally need a visa to visit Bali for tourism. Eligible travellers can apply for an Indonesian Visa on Arrival or an electronic Visa on Arrival (e-VOA), subject to the applicable requirements. Check the latest Indonesian immigration rules before travelling, including passport validity, permitted stay and any applicable fees.
Q2. What’s the best time to visit Bali?
April to October is generally the dry season and a popular time for beach activities, sightseeing and outdoor adventures. November to March is wetter, although conditions vary and rain does not necessarily affect every day.
Q3. How many days in Bali is enough?
A 6-7 day holiday is a reasonable starting point for first-time visitors. It gives you time to explore Ubud, visit southern Bali’s beaches and temples, and fit in a few activities.
Q4. What is Bali famous for?
Bali is known for its beaches, terraced rice fields, volcanic landscapes, Hindu temples, traditional dance and art, wellness retreats and distinctive food culture. It also offers surfing, diving, waterfall hikes and outdoor adventures, making it suitable for different travel styles.
