Things to do in Bali: the must-sees and our tips

In short: Bali is about combining culture and beaches. Spend a few days in Ubud for the rice terraces, the Monkey Forest and the temples, watch the sunset at Tanah Lot or Uluwatu, get up early for Mount Batur, then enjoy the southern beaches and a day on Nusa Penida. Traffic is slow: count journeys in hours, not kilometres.

Ubud, the island’s cultural heart

Surrounded by rice fields and forest, Ubud is the centre of Balinese arts: dance, crafts, galleries. Don’t miss:

• the Tegallalang rice terraces, best visited early in the morning before the crowds;
• the Monkey Forest, a sanctuary home to macaques (keep your belongings closed);
• the Royal Palace and its traditional dance performances in the evening;
• Ubud Market and walks through the surrounding rice fields.

The temples

Bali has thousands of temples. The most famous:

• Tanah Lot, set on a rock facing the ocean, magical at sunset;
• Uluwatu, perched on a clifftop in the south, with the kecak fire dance at dusk;
• Ulun Danu Bratan, on the shore of a mountain lake;
• Tirta Empul, a holy water temple where worshippers purify themselves.

Wear covering clothes and a sarong, often lent at the entrance.

Sunrise on Mount Batur

The climb up Mount Batur, an active volcano, is done at night with a guide to reach the summit at sunrise, with views of the lake and Mount Agung. Bring good shoes and a jacket: it’s cool up there.

The southern beaches

• Seminyak: restaurants, shops and sunsets.
• Canggu: surf, cafés and a laid-back vibe.
• Uluwatu and the Bukit peninsula: cliffs and coves.
• Nusa Dua and Sanur: calm water, ideal for families.

Nusa Penida and the nearby islands

By fast boat from Sanur, Nusa Penida impresses with its cliffs and beaches, including Kelingking. The roads there are rough: go with a driver. Quieter, Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan are great for snorkelling.

Before you go

• Formalities: electronic visa on arrival (e-VOA), the All Indonesia arrival card and the Love Bali tourist levy, paid on the official platform. Check the rules before you leave.
• Health: bottled water, mosquito protection and travel insurance.
• Respect: during ceremonies, let processions pass and don’t step on the offerings placed on the ground.

Getting around

• A driver for the day is the easiest way to explore the island.
• Ride-hailing apps work in the tourist areas.
• Scooters are everywhere, but traffic is heavy: only if you’re experienced and hold the right licence.

All our tips for the island: Travel in Bali.

Where to stay in Bali?

You choose a region rather than a neighbourhood, and the ideal is to combine two: Ubud for culture, then a southern beach (Seminyak, Canggu, Uluwatu, Nusa Dua or Sanur). All the areas are covered in our guide Where to stay in Bali.