Quick answer: The top things to do in Bali are exploring Ubud’s rice terraces and temples, watching sunset at Tanah Lot and Uluwatu, trekking Mount Batur at dawn, and island-hopping to Nusa Penida.
Bali packs temples, volcanoes, surf beaches and emerald rice terraces into one small island. Here are the experiences worth building your trip around.
Top things to do in Bali
| Attraction | Why go |
|---|---|
| Ubud | Cultural heart — rice paddies, the Monkey Forest, art markets and yoga. |
| Tegalalang Rice Terraces | The iconic tiered-green rice fields just north of Ubud. |
| Tanah Lot Temple | Sea temple on a rock, spectacular at sunset. |
| Uluwatu Temple | Cliff-top temple with a fiery Kecak fire dance at dusk. |
| Mount Batur | Pre-dawn volcano hike to a sunrise above the clouds. |
| Nusa Penida | Day trip for Kelingking (“T-Rex”) cliff and snorkelling with mantas. |
| Sekumpul Waterfall | Bali’s most beautiful multi-tier waterfall in the north. |
| Seminyak & Canggu | Beach clubs, surf breaks and the best sunset bars. |
| Sidemen Valley | Quiet, lush rice-terrace countryside away from the crowds. |
How to plan your Bali trip
Base yourself in Ubud for culture and nature, and Canggu/Seminyak for beaches and nightlife — they’re about 90 minutes apart. Hire a scooter or a private driver for day trips; temples require a sarong (often provided).
Best time to visit
Continue planning your Bali trip
Visit in the dry season (April–October) for the best weather. See our Bali weather by month guide for the full breakdown.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days do you need in Bali?
Seven to ten days lets you combine Ubud, the beaches and a day trip to Nusa Penida without rushing.
What is the number one thing to do in Bali?
Watching sunrise from Mount Batur or sunset at Uluwatu/Tanah Lot are the signature Bali experiences.
Is Bali good for non-beach activities?
Very — temples, rice-terrace treks, waterfalls, yoga, volcano hikes and cooking classes fill an itinerary even without the beach.
You Might Also Love
Written by
John Morrison is the founder and lead travel writer at Packzup. Over the past decade he has explored destinations across Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and Oceania — always self-funded, never on a press trip.