Best Things to Do in Bali — Ultimate 2026 Guide
By Visit Bali Editorial Team · 14 min read · 24 May 2026
Bali is one of the most diverse travel destinations in the world. From jungle temples and emerald rice terraces to white-sand beaches, surf breaks and thundering waterfalls, the Island of the Gods packs more variety into a single island than most countries offer in their entirety. This 2026 ultimate guide rounds up the very best things to do in Bali, with practical tips, suggested timings and a sample 7-day itinerary so you can plan a trip that fits your style — whether you are after culture, adventure, wellness or simply a beach lounger and a fresh coconut.
Why Visit Bali in 2026?
Bali continues to refine its tourism offering in 2026 with new direct flights, improved e-VOA processing, and a growing collection of boutique eco-stays in Ubud, Sidemen and the north coast. The new Bali Tourist Levy (IDR 150,000 per visitor) helps fund conservation, cultural preservation and waste-management projects, so your visit directly supports the island. Shoulder season (April–June and September–early November) remains the sweet spot — fewer crowds, lower prices and reliably sunny weather.
1. Explore the Rice Terraces
Aerial view of Bali's terraced rice fields and palm groves
Beyond the photo opportunities, the rice terraces are a window into a thousand-year-old way of life. Local farmers still tend the paddies by hand, guided by the traditional subak water-cooperative system that has been recognised by UNESCO as a model of community-led agriculture. Walk the narrow earth paths between the terraces in the early morning and you'll hear ducks splashing in the flooded fields, see farmers planting fresh rice shoots, and pass tiny shrines tucked into the embankments where offerings are made daily. Several family-run warungs serve fresh young coconut and traditional nasi campur right at the edge of the rice fields — the perfect way to round off a sunrise visit.
The emerald-green rice terraces around Ubud are Bali's most photographed landscape, and for good reason. Tegallalang Rice Terraces are the most accessible — arrive by 7:00 AM to beat the tour buses and capture the morning mist drifting between the palm trees. For a quieter, larger and more authentic experience, head to the UNESCO-listed Jatiluwih in central Bali, where 600 hectares of terraces have been farmed using the traditional subak irrigation system for over a thousand years.
- Best time: Sunrise (06:00–08:00) or late afternoon golden hour
- Entry: IDR 25,000 (Tegallalang) / IDR 50,000 (Jatiluwih)
- Pro tip: Walk down into the valley at Tegallalang for the famous "Bali Swing" photo spots
2. Visit Bali's Iconic Temples
The Kecak fire dance at Uluwatu Temple — a Bali sunset essential
Each temple has its own personality and atmosphere. Uluwatu is best at sunset, when monkeys patrol the cliff edge and the open-air amphitheatre hosts the trance-like Kecak fire dance with the Indian Ocean as a backdrop. Tanah Lot looks its most dramatic at low tide when you can walk almost to the base of the rock, while Tirta Empul is a deeply moving experience if you participate in the melukat purification under the holy spouts alongside Balinese pilgrims. Plan to spend two to three hours at each temple, dress modestly, and bring small change for parking and donations.
Bali is known as the Island of the Gods, with more than 10,000 temples (pura) scattered across the island. The "must-see" trinity for first-time visitors:
- Uluwatu Temple — perched on a 70-metre cliff, famous for its sunset Kecak fire dance
- Tanah Lot — a sea temple on a tidal rock formation, postcard-perfect at golden hour
- Tirta Empul — sacred holy-spring temple where you can join a Balinese purification ritual
For a deeper experience, add Besakih (the "Mother Temple" on Mount Agung's slopes) and Lempuyang (the famous "Gates of Heaven"). Always wear a sarong and sash — most temples provide them at the entrance.
3. Relax on the Beaches
Crystal-clear water and limestone cliffs at Padang Padang
Bali's coastline changes character dramatically every few kilometres. The west coast around Canggu and Seminyak has long stretches of dark volcanic sand and consistent surf, while the southern Bukit Peninsula hides white-sand coves at the foot of limestone cliffs — Padang Padang, Bingin and Nyang Nyang are among the most beautiful. The east coast and Nusa Dua offer calmer, family-friendly waters protected by reefs, ideal for snorkelling and swimming. Whichever beach you choose, plan around the tides — the most photogenic ones (Padang Padang especially) are only fully accessible at mid-to-low tide.
Each beach region has a distinct personality:
- Canggu — laid-back surf town with beach clubs, black-sand breaks and a digital-nomad scene
- Seminyak — chic sunset cocktail bars and boutique shopping
- Uluwatu — clifftop beach clubs above world-class surf at Padang Padang and Bingin
- Nusa Dua — calm, family-friendly waters and luxury resorts
- Sanur — gentle lagoon perfect for kayaking and paddle boarding at sunrise
4. Chase Bali's Best Waterfalls
The seven-tiered Sekumpul Waterfall in north Bali
Reaching the waterfalls is half the adventure. The path to Sekumpul descends 500 steps through coffee and clove plantations to a hidden valley with seven cascades; expect a 2 – 3 hour round trip and plan for a local guide (around IDR 150,000), as the trail is unmarked. Tibumana, Kanto Lampo and Tukad Cepung near Ubud are easier alternatives — short jungle walks lead to dramatic single drops perfect for swimming. Bring a quick-dry towel, water shoes for the slippery rocks, and arrive before 9:00 AM to enjoy the falls in near-solitude before the day-tour buses arrive.
The interior of the island hides dozens of jungle waterfalls. The standouts:
- Sekumpul — seven cascading falls in a remote north-Bali jungle (often called Bali's most beautiful waterfall)
- Tegenungan — easiest day trip from Ubud, swimmable plunge pool
- Munduk — cool mountain village with a network of moss-covered falls
- Gitgit — classic 40-metre single drop, easy access
Wear water shoes, bring a dry bag for valuables, and aim to arrive before 10:00 AM to enjoy the falls in relative solitude.
5. Try Surfing — From Beginners to Pros
Bali offers world-class waves for every skill level
Bali's reputation as a surf destination is built on the reliability of its waves. Most surf schools in Kuta, Legian and Canggu run two-hour group lessons including soft-top board, rash vest and beach instruction — most students stand up on a wave during their first session. Intermediate surfers usually graduate to the punchy beach breaks of Berawa and Echo Beach before venturing onto the famed reef setups of the Bukit. Board hire on the beach is around IDR 50,000 – 100,000 per hour, and a local jukung outrigger to Uluwatu's outer peaks costs about IDR 200,000 round-trip.
Bali is one of the best surf destinations on the planet. Beginners should head to Kuta, Legian or Batu Bolong (Canggu) for forgiving sandy-bottom beach breaks and an army of friendly surf schools (group lessons from around IDR 350,000). Intermediate and advanced surfers will find legendary reef breaks at Uluwatu, Padang Padang, Bingin, Keramas and Medewi. The dry season (April–October) brings the cleanest swells to the west coast; wet season works best on the east.
6. Experience Wellness, Yoga & Spas
A traditional Balinese flower bath in an open-air jungle spa
Wellness in Bali ranges from a one-hour foot massage in a roadside spa to month-long teacher-training retreats in jungle ashrams. Drop-in yoga classes at the Yoga Barn (Ubud) or Pranava (Canggu) cost around IDR 150,000 and welcome all levels — vinyasa, yin, ashtanga, kundalini and aerial classes run daily. Traditional Balinese massage uses long, flowing strokes with coconut and frangipani oil; the ceremonial flower bath, often paired with a body scrub, makes for a memorable two-hour ritual. For something deeper, multi-day silent retreats and breathwork programmes in Sidemen, Munduk and Amed are increasingly popular and book up months in advance.
Bali is the wellness capital of Southeast Asia. Ubud is the spiritual heart — sign up for a daily drop-in yoga class at The Yoga Barn or Radiantly Alive, book a transformational retreat, or simply enjoy a 90-minute traditional Balinese massage from as little as IDR 150,000. For something special, treat yourself to a flower bath, a sound-healing session, or a multi-day silent retreat in Sidemen or Munduk.
7. Island-Hop to the Nusa Islands
Nusa Penida's iconic Kelingking Beach 'T-Rex' viewpoint
Each of the three Nusa islands has its own pace. Nusa Penida is the largest and most dramatic, with rugged cliffs and the famous Kelingking, Broken Beach and Angel's Billabong viewpoints — best explored over two days with a hired scooter or driver. Nusa Lembongan is smaller, calmer and more developed, with great beach clubs and excellent snorkelling at Mangrove Point. Tiny Nusa Ceningan is connected to Lembongan by the iconic Yellow Bridge and is famous for its turquoise Blue Lagoon and a popular cliff-jump platform. Bring motion-sickness tablets — the fast-boat crossing from Sanur can be choppy in the morning swell.
A 30-minute fast boat from Sanur takes you to Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan — three islands of dramatic cliffs, hidden coves and some of Indonesia's best snorkelling. Don't miss: Kelingking Beach (the "T-Rex" viewpoint), Diamond Beach, Angel's Billabong, Manta Point snorkelling, and the Yellow Bridge between Lembongan and Ceningan. We recommend at least one overnight stay rather than a rushed day-trip.
8. Climb Mount Batur for Sunrise
The famous sunrise crowd on the rim of Mount Batur
The hike itself is moderate — around 4 km up steep volcanic gravel — but the 2:00 AM start, head-torches and chilly summit (10 – 14 °C) catch many travellers by surprise. Wear closed-toe trainers, bring a warm layer and gloves, and pack water plus a small snack. Tour prices range from IDR 400,000 (group, basic) to IDR 1,200,000 (private with photographer); always book a licensed local guide as required by the village cooperative. Many tours add a stop at the natural Toya Bungkah hot springs on the way down — well worth the extra IDR 200,000 for tired legs.
The Mount Batur sunrise hike is Bali's most popular adventure — a 2-hour trek up an active 1,717-metre volcano that rewards you with a panoramic sunrise over Lake Batur, Mount Abang and the silhouette of Mount Agung. Tours include a 2:00 AM hotel pickup, headlamps, a Balinese guide and breakfast cooked in volcanic steam at the summit. Looking for something more demanding? Tackle the Mount Agung summit trek for the ultimate Bali volcano experience.
9. Take a Balinese Cooking Class
Hands-on Balinese cooking class in a traditional garden pavilion
The most rewarding cooking classes are family-run, in a private home or open garden pavilion. The morning usually starts with a guided walk through a traditional pasar (market) to learn about Balinese spices, the daily offerings and the ritual significance of each ingredient. Back at the kitchen you'll grind your own base genep — the foundation spice paste of nearly every Balinese dish — before cooking a full lunch over a wood fire. Highly rated options include Paon Bali (Ubud), Bumi Bali (Sanur) and Anika Bali (Canggu); most include hotel pickup, recipe booklet and the meal itself.
One of the most rewarding half-day experiences on the island. A typical class starts with a guided walk through a local market, followed by a hands-on session preparing 4–6 classic Balinese dishes — usually nasi goreng, chicken satay lilit, gado-gado, base genep spice paste and dadar gulung (pandan crepes). Most classes run 4–5 hours and cost IDR 350,000–650,000 including transport, recipe booklet and lunch.
Suggested 7-Day Bali Itinerary
- Day 1 — Arrival & Seminyak/Canggu: Settle in, sunset cocktails on the beach
- Day 2 — Uluwatu day trip: Padang Padang beach + Kecak fire dance at sunset
- Day 3 — Transfer to Ubud: Stop at Tanah Lot en route, evening dance performance at Ubud Royal Palace
- Day 4 — Ubud temples & rice terraces: Tirta Empul purification, Tegallalang at golden hour
- Day 5 — Mount Batur sunrise + waterfalls: Sunrise hike, then Tegenungan or Sekumpul
- Day 6 — Nusa Penida day trip: Kelingking, Angel's Billabong, Crystal Bay snorkelling
- Day 7 — Wellness day & departure: Yoga class, flower-bath spa, last fresh-coconut sunset
Essential Bali Travel Tips for 2026
- Getting around: Use Grab or Gojek for short trips, hire a private driver (IDR 600,000–800,000/day) for full-day exploring
- Traffic: Always allow extra time — south Bali traffic can double journey times in peak hours
- Money: Carry small-denomination Rupiah for temples, parking and rural warungs; cards work in tourist areas
- Tourist Levy: Pay the IDR 150,000 levy online before arrival via the official Love Bali portal
- Visa: Most nationalities can use the e-VOA (USD 35) — apply 2–14 days before travel
- Dress code: A sarong and sash are required for temple visits — most temples provide them free or for a small donation
- Connectivity: Buy a Telkomsel or XL eSIM at the airport for fast 4G across the island
- Sustainability: Refill reusable water bottles, decline single-use plastic, and tip your guides and drivers (10% is appreciated)
For a deeper dive, read our complete Bali travel tips guide and our Where to Stay in Bali article to choose the perfect base for your trip.
Ready to start planning? Browse our full attractions library, check the 14-day Bali weather forecast, or explore curated experiences and tours to build the Bali holiday of your dreams.