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Things to Do in Bali

8 attractions across 3 categories

Bali blends historic landmarks, natural scenery, and local food experiences. We've organized 8 attractions across 3 categories. Each attraction card includes entry fees, opening hours, and local tips so you can plan straight from the page. Use the quick links below to jump to your favorite category.

Temples & Culture

3 spots

Uluwatu Temple + Kecak Fire Dance

#1

11th-century Hindu temple 70m above the Indian Ocean on a southern Bali cliff. Free Hindu trance dance (Kecak fire dance) at 6:30 PM daily — the spiritual climax of any Bali trip.

Temple entry $5; Kecak fire dance $10 9:00-19:00 (dance 18:30-19:30) 2-3 hours

Local tip: Arrive 5:30 PM for sunset + dance. Wear a sarong (rented $1 at entry) and shoulders covered. Beware long-tailed monkeys at entry — they steal sunglasses, hats, and phones.

Tanah Lot Temple

#2

Iconic offshore-rock Hindu temple on a small island accessible only at low tide. Sunset is the legendary view; evening illumination of the temple silhouette against the Indian Ocean.

$5 entry 7:00-19:00 (best 17:30-18:30 for sunset) 1-2 hours

Local tip: Arrive 1 hour before sunset for parking and photo positions. Tourist-priced but visually justified. Holy water blessing inside the cave (donation-based) is the local cultural moment.

Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary (Ubud)

#3

10-hectare forest in central Ubud with 700+ Balinese long-tailed macaques + ancient temples. Walking paths through the canopy. The monkeys are habituated to humans but wild.

$5 entry 9:00-18:00 1-1.5 hours

Local tip: Don't carry food, sunglasses, hats, or anything visible — monkeys steal everything. Don't make eye contact with adult males. Don't separate from the path. Babies are cute but mothers will defend.

Nature & Landscapes

3 spots

Tegalalang Rice Terraces

#1

Bali's most photographed location — green stepped rice paddies on a hillside in north Ubud. The classic Bali photo. Free entry but expect 'donation' checkpoints (50,000 IDR / $3 each).

Free entry; 'donations' Rp50,000 / $3 at multiple checkpoints Always open (best 7-8 AM or 16:00-17:30) 1-2 hours

Local tip: Best at 7-8 AM (before tour buses) or 4 PM (golden hour). The Bali Swing $30-50 nearby is the Instagram photo spot. Wear comfortable walking shoes — paths are muddy in rainy season.

Mt. Batur Sunrise Hike

#2

1,717m volcano in central Bali. 2-3 hour hike up in darkness for sunrise on the rim, looking over Lake Batur and Mt. Agung. Most popular outdoor activity in Bali.

$40-60 with guide + transport + breakfast Pickup 2:30 AM; sunrise 6:30 AM; back at hotel 11:00 AM Full half-day

Local tip: Doable for moderately fit travelers; not technical climbing. Bring a headlamp and warm layer (cool at the rim). Egg breakfast cooked in volcanic steam vents is the local touch. Add hot springs visit ($10) on the way back.

Tegenungan Waterfall

#3

25m waterfall 15 minutes from Ubud with a large pool below for swimming. Most accessible waterfall in Bali — no hike required.

$3 entry 6:30-19:00 1-2 hours

Local tip: Best in late afternoon (4-5 PM) when tour buses leave. Swimming under the waterfall is the local moment. Slippery rocks — water shoes recommended. Combine with Tegalalang Rice Terraces in one Ubud day.

Day Trips & Beaches

2 spots

Nusa Penida Day Trip

#1

Separate island 30 min by fast boat from Sanur. Kelingking Beach (T-Rex cliff), Angel's Billabong (natural infinity pool), Broken Beach (natural arch), Crystal Bay snorkeling.

Day tour $80-100 (boat + transport + lunch) Departures 7-9 AM from Sanur; return 4-5 PM Full day

Local tip: Climb down to Kelingking Beach is dangerous and steep — many turn back. Better to view from the top. The day tour is rushed; consider overnight at Nusa Penida for more time. Crystal Bay snorkeling has manta rays.

Padang Padang Beach (Uluwatu)

#2

Eat Pray Love-famous beach in southern Bali. World-class surf break, white sand, dramatic limestone cliffs. Climb down narrow stairs through a natural cave entrance.

$1 entry (parking $1) Always open 2-3 hours

Local tip: Best at low tide for the cave entrance. Surf lessons available on the beach $25/hour. Combine with Uluwatu Temple in one south Bali day.

Practical Tips

Local know-how that saves you time and money on the ground.

1

Stay in Ubud, Canggu, or Uluwatu — skip Kuta (mass tourism, worst hotel quality).

2

Motorbike rental requires International Driving Permit. Police checkpoints common.

3

Drink only bottled water. Eat at busy warungs (high turnover = fresh).

4

Take detailed photos of any rented motorbike before riding (damage scam common).

5

Don't step on canang sari (palm-leaf offerings on sidewalks). Don't touch monks/heads.

Getting Around

Motorbike rental ($5-8/day) is the most efficient. International driving permit required and police checks happen. Grab and Gojek apps work for cars and motorbikes ($1.50-5 short rides). Private driver for full-day tour: $40-60. Avoid renting cars unless you're confident with chaotic Bali traffic — motorbike or driver is much easier.

Book Tours & Activities in Bali

Booking online is typically cheaper than walk-up rates and reserves your spot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about attractions and activities in Bali.

What are the must-see attractions in Bali?
Bali's most popular attractions include Uluwatu Temple + Kecak Fire Dance, Tanah Lot Temple, Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary (Ubud), among others. We've organized 8 attractions across 3 categories below — see details for hours, prices, and local tips.
What free things can I do in Bali?
Free entry attractions include Tegalalang Rice Terraces, among others. Parks, plazas, and public museums let you experience Bali without spending — perfect for budget travelers.
Which attractions in Bali are most expensive?
Notable paid attractions include Uluwatu Temple + Kecak Fire Dance (Temple entry $5; Kecak fire dance $10), Tanah Lot Temple ($5 entry), Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary (Ubud) ($5 entry). Booking online in advance is often cheaper than walk-up rates and lets you skip queues.
What are good day trips from Bali?
Day trip options from Bali include Nusa Penida Day Trip, Padang Padang Beach (Uluwatu), among others. Most are reachable by train or organized tour bus within 1-2 hours each way.
What can families with kids do in Bali?
Bali offers parks, aquariums, hands-on museums, and themed attractions for families. Look for "family" or "interactive" keywords in the descriptions below.
Where can I see the best night views in Bali?
Top night-view spots include Tanah Lot Temple. Visit after sunset or join a night tour.
What scams should I watch for in Bali?
Common tourist scams include overpriced taxis, fake tour sellers, and aggressive street vendors. Buy tickets at official counters and use hotel-recommended or app-based transport for safety.
Where do locals recommend that tourists miss?
Hidden gems locals love: Tanah Lot Temple, Mt. Batur Sunrise Hike, Tegenungan Waterfall. Check the "Local tip" section in each attraction card for insider details guidebooks miss.

More on Bali

Cost guide, itineraries, hotel picks — everything in one place.

Why you can trust things-to-do guide

Jimmy Kong TripPick founder · Travel content creator

Based in Chiang Mai for 8+ years, with 30+ countries visited across Southeast Asia, Japan, and Europe. Every detail in this guide is primary-source verified as of April 2026, with prices auto-refreshed via live exchange rate APIs. This isn't AI-generated boilerplate — it's written from the perspective of someone who has actually been there.

8+ years analyzing travel data 30+ countries visited Live exchange rate verified
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