Things To Do In Bali

Art in Ubud

With its thriving art scene, boutiques, museums, and markets, Ubud is the cultural centre of Bali. Art connoisseurs can enjoy gallery and museum hopping. Visit the Blanco Renaissance Museum, which houses the works of maestro Don Antonio Blanco in a lovely building on an Ubud hilltop.

At the Puri Lukisan Museum, you’ll see Balinese art paintings and sculptures spanning different periods. There are many more museums too, like the Rudana and ARMA museums. Other things to do in Bali include signing up for various hands-on learning experiences: batik painting, silver jewellery making, ceramic/pottery workshops, etc. 

Rice Terraces

Jatiluwih is Bali’s most well-known rural landscape of terraced rice fields, while Tegallalang is easier to access, being less than 30 minutes north of Ubud.

Layer upon layer of green undulating rice terraces welcome you to these UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Sites.

You can enjoy a peaceful meal, hike around a rice field, learn about the traditional irrigation systems, and even sketch sceneries of the stunning landscapes.

Kecak dance at Uluwatu Temple

Uluwatu is another famous sea temple, 25 km from Kuta in southern Bali.

It sits atop a cliff with the Indian Ocean swirling around it. Hike to the temple during the day and take in breathtaking seascapes along the way.

As the sun starts to set, the mood changes. Local dancers showcase the powerful kecak dance against the setting sun at the open-air amphitheatre. The hour-long performance is a dramatic rendition of the Ramayana, a famous Hindu epic.

Balinese Spas

Signing up for a spa treatment is one of the best things to do in Bali. With some of the most luxurious resorts in Indonesia, Bali has many award-winning spas set in tranquil surroundings that offer de-stressing body and beauty treatments.

Sink into a flower bath, opt for a Balinese full body massage with herb-infused oils, or sign up for a purifying body scrub that uses ancient beauty recipes. This is where you go all out and spoil yourself thoroughly. 

Lempuyang Temple

The Lempuyang Temple is located away from the bustle of Ubud and Bali’s more sought-after tourist spots.

Home to the ‘Gates of Heaven’, the temple features intricately carved doorways that frame the mighty Mount Agung.

Visit at sunrise for a quiet experience and the best photos. This is one of Bali’s six holiest places to worship, so you should dress modestly. 

Ubud Monkey Forest

Just minutes from the centre of Ubud town, the Ubud Monkey Forest is a beautiful, green retreat that is the home of 1,000+ long-tailed Balinese macaques.

Stroll amid giant trees, and watch playful monkeys run, jump, and swing.

Also, visit the three ancient temples in the complex. A visit to the Ubud Monkey Forest is one of the most fun things to do in Bali for young and old alike.

Mount Batur

A moderate-level hike of around two hours takes you to the top of this active volcano. Set off early enough to reach the Mount Batur summit in time for sunrise.

The feeling of being above the clouds and the views of Lake Batur, the Batur Caldera and the surrounding mountain ranges are truly magical.