Your Bali Bucket List: 40 Amazing Things To Do
By Sam Lee, 2025. Ready to dance, swim, hike, laugh, explore, and be wowed by Bali?
You’re in the right place! Whether you're an avid beachgoer, a culture buff, or someone (like me) who just loves a good food fest, Bali has something that'll make you fall in love with the experience of travel all over again. You may even want to move here!
Read on for 40 of my favorite things to do across Bali.
01—
South Bali: 10 Things To Do
South Bali is a mix of sun, surf, and vibrant nightlife. First up, stretch out on the sands of Kuta and Seminyak, where the sunsets are…well, stunning. But beware of the crowds.
Then, visit Uluwatu Temple, a majestic structure perched on a cliff offering breathtaking views and cheeky monkeys that think they're your new best friends (or mortal enemies - watch out!). The views are pretty decent, too.
When the sun goes down, Legian transforms into a hotspot with nightlife so vibrant that you'll be dancing like nobody's watching.
If shopping is your thing, head to the markets in Canggu, where you can find everything from handmade crafts to trendy shops.
Surfing more your style? Padang Padang Beach is calling your name.
Next, stroll serene Sanur and check out galleries and local artistry. For a seafood feast that's as fresh as it gets, head to Jimbaran Bay.
Meanwhile, Ubud offers a slice of zen with its yoga classes catering to beginners and experts. It's super fun.
Feeling fancy? Nusa Dua is the place to be with its upscale resorts and pristine beaches, perfect for a day of relaxation and a bit of celebrity spotting.
Finally, the traditional Kecak dance performance is hugely popular with travelers and is worth doing.
02—
East Bali: 10 Things to Do
East Bali is where tranquility meets tradition—or, as I like to call it, where you go to escape your Wi-Fi addiction.
Kick off your journey at the Tirta Gangga Water Palace, a serene spot filled with fountains and pools. Then, meander through the lush Sidemen Valley, where rice paddies stretch as far as the eye can see and offer a backdrop that's perfect for making your friends back home jealous.
If you're a fan of underwater adventures (or just want to pretend you're a mermaid like me), Amed is your go-to. Walk straight from the beach into vibrant coral reefs and crystal-clear waters.
If you prefer not getting wet, hiking Mount Agung for a sunrise view is an unforgettable experience. Just make sure you're up for the climb—it's not exactly a walk in the park! Definitely wear good walking shoes, not flip-flops, and go early to avoid the crowds.
History and culture lovers always geek out at the ancient village of Tenganan where you can explore a community that has preserved its traditions and culture for centuries.
For some secluded beach time, head to White Sand Beach, a hidden gem that offers a perfect spot for relaxation and where you can drop your responsibilities for a while.
Dive into local culture at Pura Lempuyang, where you'll find stunning gates that frame Mount Agung in the background. And don't miss the "Mother Temple" of Besakih, the oldest and largest Balinese Hindu temple.
For photography enthusiasts, the rice terraces in Karangasem are a dream. Their cascading green layers make for some of the most beautiful landscapes you'll ever see.
And what's a visit to Bali without sampling the local food? Stop by a traditional warung to taste some authentic Balinese dishes.
03—
West Bali: 10 Things To Do
Get ready to have your socks knocked off by West Bali—a hidden gem so sparkly that you'll wonder why you ever wasted time on many of the overhyped tourist traps in Kuta.
First stop: Menjangan Island. The snorkeling is so stunning it feels like swimming in your screensaver. Then, mosey on over to the West Bali National Park. It's filled with flora, fauna, and probably a few things that'll make you wonder.
If you're in desperate need of some chill-out time, Balian Beach is your sanctuary. Think of it as the anti-city: no noise, no stress, just waves and beautiful sunsets.
Swing by Rambut Siwi Temple while you're in the neighborhood. Its architecture is simply stunning.
Birdwatchers, get your binoculars ready for Bali Barat National Park (which is also worth visiting even if you don’t love birds).
Coffee connoisseurs head over to Pupuan. It boasts lush coffee plantations where you can sip and swirl like a fancy sommelier of beans.
Craving some culture? Head to the town of Negara. It's got all the traditional Balinese vibes you could ever want, plus a few surprises.
Feeling adventurous? Jembrana's jungles are calling your name. Hike those trails and pretend you're the star of your own nature documentary.
After all that, you'll need to unwind, so hit up the natural hot springs of Banjar. These geothermal baths are basically Mother Nature's hot tub.
And don't even think about missing the drive through West Bali's landscapes. The UNESCO-listed Jatiluwih Rice Terraces are so picturesque that you'll want to move in. Just aim for February to April if you want to see them in full bloom.
I’ve covered a lot…but we’re not done yet. Read on.
04—
North Bali: 10 Things To Do
North Bali is a nature lover's paradise, and if you're not a nature lover, well, it's time to become one because you're about to be blown away.
Start your adventure at the gorgeous Gitgit Waterfall with cascading waters and lush greenery. Plus, a dip in the refreshing waters will make you forget all about that time you got stuck in traffic for three hours leaving the Bali airport.
Next, make your way to Lovina Beach. It's like a tranquil beach setting minus the hordes of tourists who think a beach day means blasting music from their portable speakers.
You can hop on a dolphin-watching tour and see them in their natural habitat. Spoiler alert: they're adorable and playful.
Afterward, swing by the iconic Ulun Danu Beratan Temple. This floating temple is so picturesque that you’ll be overcome with a fever called excessive photo-taking.
If you love diving, Pemuteran's reefs are your place to be. Thanks to serious conservation efforts, you'll find vibrant marine life and coral formations.
If relaxation is more your speed, head to Air Panas Banjar Hot Springs. Soak in natural thermal pools surrounded by lush jungle. Yes, it's as amazing as it sounds.
History buffs, don't feel left out. Singaraja, the former colonial capital of Bali, is a mashup of Dutch colonial architecture and traditional Balinese culture. Stroll through its streets and soak in the local markets, temples, and old government buildings.
Munduk is another gem. Known for its scenic views and cute villages, this area is perfect for trekking. You'll wander through coffee plantations, waterfalls, and viewpoints that will make you question why you don't live here already. I've been told the local coffee is life-changing (I don't drink it myself).
For an experience that will make you feel insignificant, trek to the Sekumpul Waterfall. This is one of the tallest and most beautiful waterfalls in Bali, and it's got multiple falls cascading down lush cliffs. You’ll definitely feel like a tiny speck in the universe.
While you're in North Bali, check out the twin lakes of Buyan and Tamblingan. These lakes are the road less traveled and offer peaceful boat rides and hiking trails with panoramic views. The cool mountain air and serene environment are the cherry on top.
Lastly, don't miss Brahmavihara-Arama, Bali's largest Buddhist monastery. The peaceful ambiance and beautiful gardens are perfect for a spiritual retreat. Plus, the stunning architecture and golden Buddha statues are fantastic.
That’s a wrap! Safe travels, and may your Bali adventure be everything you dreamed of and more.
Did you find this list of 40 great things to do in Bali useful? Pin it for later!
