With its unique Hindu culture, dramatic tropical landscapes, and long tradition of delightful hospitality, Bali is one of the most exciting places for activities on the planet.
Whether you enjoy surfing, practicing yoga, trekking on volcanoes, diving pristine reefs, or going white-water rafting, Bali offers all sorts of dynamic and fascinating experiences. On the “island of the gods,” you’ll find opportunities for relaxation and pampering, too—it’s not all about adventure and adrenaline.
1. Grab a Surfboard and Catch the Bali Pipeline
Bali is celebrated as one of the top spots for surfing globally. While the island is legendary for world-class waves such as Uluwatu, Padang Padang (“the Balinese Pipeline”), and the aptly named Impossibles, countless other spots are perfect for intermediate surfers or beginners.
Canggu and Kuta Beach are the best hubs on the island for novice surfers. Canggu has several board rental stands and surf schools offering lessons; check out Echo Beach for relatively mellow waves where you can find your feet. More board rental places and surf schools can be found along Kuta Beach, where the waves are normally even more chilled for learning.
However, many beginners discover the hard way that high tide at Kuta brings steep, heavy shore-breakers often challenging even for experienced surfers. Aim to have your lessons close to low tide and save the tougher waves for later in your surfing journey.
If you’d rather escape the crowds, Medewi in West Bali is one of Bali’s least-known spots for good waves. The point itself is covered in boulders, making it best for intermediate or experienced surfers, but you’ll find 10km (6.2mi) of sandy-bottom beach breaks on either side of Medewi that rarely see another surfer.
2. Raft the White Waters of the Ayung Valley
Jungle rivers cascade down from the volcanic highlands in central Bali, carving great ravines that are one of the most unexpected features of Bali’s geography. The southern hills are densely populated with these rivers, and rafting is often the best way to experience still-unspoiled jungle canyons.
Bali’s rivers may not offer the world’s most challenging rapids, but what you lose in adrenaline, you gain in the sheer pleasure of seeing the Ubud area from a totally unexpected angle. It’s hard to believe that such pristine forest valleys can exist just a stone’s throw from bustling Ubud town.
Mason Adventures is one of the most reputable rafting companies, running the longest rafting trips along the Ayung Valley, clocking in at 12km (7.5mi). You can combine an Ayung Valley rafting trip with a 30km (18.5mi) mountain bike tour that runs almost entirely downhill.
3. Go on “Safari” in Bali’s Wild West
In West Bali, you can watch in awe as critically endangered Bali starlings flit overhead while wild ebony leaf monkeys loop through the canopy and giant monitor lizards flick their tongues to taste the air. Herds of Menjangan (deer) even come right up to the beach bungalows—they’re famous for cooling their heels in the shallows.
You can only visit West Bali National Park with a guide, but even if you’re traveling independently outside the reserve, it’s impossible to shake the impression that West Bali has something fundamentally wild. To capture the mood, try trekking in the surprisingly arid hills of the cactus country or along the vineyard-filled north coast, or watch macaques run free at the many temples in the area.
4. Align Your Chakras and Live the Yogi Dream
Yoga has been practiced on the Hindu island of Bali for over 1000 years, but the commercial yoga boom began in the early years of this century. Ubud has particularly made a name for itself as Southeast Asia’s yoga capital.
The Yoga Barn, which started with one humble yoga shala (practice space) in 2007, has grown to become a fixture on the Ubud scene, with seven studios running a whopping 130 classes a week. There’s a restaurant, a cafe, a yoga store, and even accommodations for students who come here for teacher training or specialist courses.
More low-key and offering only 60 classes a week, Radiantly Alive has become a firm favorite with local yogis. Located on a quiet alleyway in the old town, it is popular with students who enjoy a more intimate, communal atmosphere.
5. Dive Bali’s Tropical Waters Surrounded by Splendor
Lying at the center of the Coral Triangle, Indonesia boasts some of the richest marine habitats on the planet, and Bali has its share of top diving and snorkeling spots. The entire north coast, spared the waves of the south, is a watery wonderland for diving and snorkeling enthusiasts. The island of Nusa Lembongan is a good place to start; Bali Hai runs diving day trips to “Manta Alley” and other local sites, as well as full PADI certification courses.
Menjangan Island off Bali’s northwest tip also offers world-class diving without the crowds. You’ll see a vast array of reef fish alongside turtles, reef sharks, and, if you’re lucky, dolphins and whale sharks. The Menjangan also rents kayaks and can arrange guided diving and snorkeling trips to the island.
6. Chill Out at a Private Bali Beach Club
Bali is famed for its beaches, and the island has a surprising number of often deserted strands alongside busy “town beaches” such as Kuta, Seminyak, and Canggu. If you tire of the crowded sand, a day at a private beach club can be an unforgettable experience.
Potato Head in Seminyak has become a Balinese icon. Much more than just a beach club, this lively spot has two infinity pools, a music venue, and several landmark restaurants. Along the beach from Potato Head, Mrs Sippy boasts Bali’s biggest saltwater pool and brands itself as a Mediterranean-inspired oasis.
Over at Canggu, Finns Beach Club has become a Bali institution, featuring five bars (including two sunken pool bars), three restaurants, and a live music space, all spread across a beautifully designed property between two pools and the ocean.
7. Pamper Yourself in a Holistic Bali Spa
Whether you choose to bliss out with an après-surf massage on the beach or indulge in an all-day pampering session in a five-star spa, Bali takes vacation relaxation to the next level. Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan and Fivelements Retreat near Ubud rank among the best spa and wellness retreats available.
The Sacred River Spa at the Four Seasons provides spa treatments, traditional healing, and chakra ceremonies in breathtaking surroundings overlooking the Ayung Valley. Fivelements specializes in holistic treatments inspired by Balinese traditions, focusing on plant-based cuisine and romantic day experiences that are perfect for couples.
8. Walk with Pink Buffaloes on a Paddy Field Tour
Water buffalo have become scarce in Bali since mechanized farm tools replaced traditional plows, but you can still spot a few of Bali’s rare pink buffalo hard at work in the fields, particularly in West Bali. Join a half-day guided paddy walk to gain fascinating insights into the role that these magnificent creatures play in the rice-growing cycle and the complex rituals behind rice farming on the island.
9. Climb Up Batur Volcano at Sunrise
The 1717m (5633ft) summit of the Batur volcano is perhaps the best place to witness the sunrise on an island that Indian statesman Jawaharlal Nehru called the “morning of the world.” From the crater rim, the view includes Mt. Agung—the island’s highest peak and the spiritual abode of the gods in Balinese culture—and Mt. Rinjani on distant Lombok.
You’ll have to set your alarm incredibly early to witness the splendor. Most tours start with a hotel pickup between 1am and 2am so hikers can complete the 3.5km (2.2mi) trek and reach the summit by sunrise.
10. Photograph Asia’s Most Colorful Traditional Fishing Fleet
The fleet of selerek (traditional Balinese fishing boats) at Perancak inlet is one of the most astounding—and least known—sights on the island. These vibrantly colorful longboats, with curiously decorated crow’s nests and longtail engines spiking out from their hulls, will astound any visitor who takes the trouble to discover this unspoiled corner of West Bali.
11. Stroll Across the Emerald Expanses of Jatiluwih Paddies
Lying just 15km (9.3mi) north of Ubud, the beautiful rice terraces of Tegallalang are a prime tourist destination. However, with each passing year, more development comes to Tegallalang, and especially at sunset, it’s hard to soak up the beauty of the valley amid the noise of honking tour buses.
For a better introduction to the stunning paddy landscapes that cover less-visited areas of Bali, head for the immense Jatiluwih terraces, around 40km (25 miles) northwest. This idyllic stretch of countryside is perfect for wandering alone, but consider hiring a local guide to understand the intricacies of the 1000-year-old subak (irrigation) system, which is inscribed on UNESCO’s cultural heritage list.
This article was first published on Aug 23, 2012, and updated on Oct 4, 2024.
