25 Meilleures Choses à Faire à Bali en 2026 : Attractions, Plages & Expériences
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Découvrez les 25 Meilleures Choses à Faire à Bali en 2026 : Attractions, Plages & Expériences incontournables pour un voyage mémorable.
Hey there! So, you're thinking about Bali, huh? Well, let me tell you, it's so much more than just beaches and parties. Imagine this: in one trip, you could be wandering through lush rice terraces, checking out ancient temples, catching some waves in Canggu, soaking up the sunset at Uluwatu, chasing waterfalls near Ubud, hiking up a volcano before dawn, and hopping on a boat to the dramatic cliffs of Nusa Penida. Sounds dreamy, right?
The real challenge isn’t figuring out what to do in Bali; it’s deciding which amazing experiences to squeeze into your itinerary. But no worries, I've got you covered! I'll share with you 25 of the absolute best things to do in Bali, from must-sees for first-timers to hidden gems that are totally worth the detour.
Quick Peek: Top Things to Do in Bali
Got no time to read it all? Here's the scoop.
First-timers should hit up: Ubud, Uluwatu Temple, Tegallalang, Tanah Lot, and a chill beach day.
Beach lovers will adore: Uluwatu, Nusa Dua, and Nusa Penida.
Surf’s up in: Canggu and Uluwatu.
For culture enthusiasts: Ubud, Tirta Empul, and those amazing Balinese temples.
Nature buffs, check out: Mount Batur, Sidemen, stunning waterfalls, and those iconic rice paddies.
Night owls, don’t miss: Canggu and Seminyak.
Couples should explore: Uluwatu, Ubud, Sidemen, and Jimbaran.
Families will enjoy: Sanur, Nusa Dua, and Ubud.
For the adventurers: Mount Batur, Nusa Penida, surfing, and snorkeling.
Looking for a peaceful Bali? Try Sidemen, North Bali, and West Bali.
Ready to dive into the details and plan your adventure?
1. Dive into Ubud’s Vibe
Trust me, if it’s your first time in Bali, Ubud is a must-see, at least for a full day. Nestled inland, Ubud offers a vibe that’s a world away from the southern beach resorts. Think temples, jungle landscapes, rice paddies, and traditional arts all mingling together. You’ll find yoga studios, organic eateries, and wellness retreats all over the place.
The center of Ubud can get lively, but wander a bit further and you’ll find tranquility. Don’t miss spots like the Ubud Palace, local markets, Sacred Monkey Forest, and Campuhan Ridge Walk. Ubud’s also a great base for exploring the region’s waterfalls and temples.
Perfect for: Culture, nature, wellness, and first visits
Duration: 1 to 3 days
Combine with: Monkey Forest, Tegallalang, and Tirta Empul
Pro Tip: Don’t try to rush through Ubud in an afternoon. Plan to stay overnight if you can, and explore early in the morning before the crowds roll in.
2. Visit the Sacred Monkey Forest
The Sacred Monkey Forest is one of Ubud’s iconic spots. It’s this fascinating mix of forest, temples, and a huge population of long-tail macaques. The sanctuary spans 12.5 hectares and is home to over 1,000 monkeys and 186 species of trees.
Since it’s right in the heart of Ubud, you can easily pair this visit with a meal, some shopping, or other sightseeing in town. Just remember, the monkeys are semi-wild animals, not pets, so keep your snacks hidden, secure your stuff, and stick to the sanctuary rules.
Perfect for: Families, photographers, and first-time visitors
Duration: 1 to 2 hours
Best time to visit: Morning
3. Stroll Through Tegallalang Rice Terraces
Rice terraces are some of the most iconic images of Bali, and Tegallalang, just north of Ubud, is a super accessible place to see them. With steep, terraced slopes, this spot is especially photogenic.
You’ll find viewpoints, cafes, and touristy activities along the main road, but walking a bit further from the main entrances gives you a more authentic view. Head there early to avoid the heat and the crowds.
Perfect for: Photography, couples, and nature lovers
Duration: 1 to 2 hours
Best time to visit: Morning
Combine with: Tirta Empul or a day in Ubud
4. Enjoy Sunset at Uluwatu Temple
Uluwatu Temple stands dramatically on a cliff overlooking the Indian Ocean on Bali’s Bukit Peninsula. The setting alone makes it worth a visit. The temple complex sits about 70 meters above the ocean, offering one of Bali’s most memorable coastal views.
Late afternoon is popular because visitors can explore the temple and then catch the sunset. Uluwatu is a sacred Hindu site, so dress respectfully and follow the temple rules. Plus, monkeys roam the area, so keep your glasses, phones, and loose items secure.
Perfect for: Culture, sunsets, and couples
Duration: 2 to 3 hours
Best time to visit: Late afternoon
Combine with: Kecak dance and dinner in Jimbaran
5. Catch a Traditional Kecak Dance
If you’re spending the afternoon at Uluwatu, stick around for a Kecak performance. Unlike many musical shows, Kecak is famous for its rhythmic vocal chants. The Uluwatu performance is especially popular due to its open-air setting overlooking the ocean.
This mix of dance, storytelling, fire, and sunset makes it one of the most accessible cultural experiences for new visitors to Bali. Arrive early to explore the temple rather than rushing straight to the performance.
Perfect for: Culture and first-time visits
Duration: About 1 hour for the performance
Combine with: Uluwatu Temple
6. Watch the Sunset at Tanah Lot
Tanah Lot is one of Bali’s most photographed temples, perched on a marine rock formation in Tabanan. It creates a striking silhouette against the ocean. This site is steeped in 16th-century religious history and connected to the religious figure Dang Hyang Nirartha.
Sunset draws the crowds, but visiting earlier can offer a more peaceful experience. Remember, Tanah Lot isn’t just a beach attraction. It’s an important religious site, so be respectful of ceremonies, restricted areas, and worshippers.
Perfect for: Photography, culture, and sunsets
Duration: 1 to 2 hours
Best time to visit: Late afternoon
If you’re staying in Canggu, Tanah Lot is an easy addition to your itinerary.
7. Surf in Canggu
Surfing is a classic Bali activity, and Canggu offers a great opportunity to give it a go. The area has several surf spots, with conditions varying by beach, tide, and season. Beginners can take lessons, while more experienced surfers have access to challenging waves around Bali.
Even if you’re not surfing, the beaches around Canggu are worth a visit in the late afternoon. After sunset, the area quickly transforms from a surf town to one of Bali’s most vibrant dining and nightlife scenes.
Perfect for: Surfing, young travelers, and social outings
Duration: 2 hours for a lesson or half a day at the beach
Combine with: Canggu’s restaurants and sunset
Where to Go in Canggu
Batu Bolong is convenient if you want to combine the beach with cafes and restaurants.
Berawa is close to many of Canggu’s popular dining and nightlife spots.
Pererenan has developed quickly but still offers a slightly removed feel from the busier parts of central Canggu.
Explore the Tavilo Canggu guide to compare places to eat, stay, and visit by area.
8. Spend a Day Exploring Uluwatu Beaches
The Bukit Peninsula is home to some of the southern Bali’s most spectacular coastlines. Rather than just visiting Uluwatu Temple, spend a whole day on the peninsula.
The beaches in the area include Padang Padang, Bingin, Dreamland, and Suluban. Some are better for surfing, while others are perfect for relaxing and admiring the ocean. Many of these beaches are located below cliffs, so accessing the sand might require descending some stairs.
A great day in Uluwatu might look like this:
Morning: Beach
Lunch: Cliffside restaurant or cafe
Afternoon: Another beach
Sunset: Uluwatu Temple
Evening: Dinner
It’s way more enjoyable than trying to dart across Bali in a single day.
9. Hike Mount Batur for Sunrise
For travelers who don’t mind an early start, a sunrise hike up Mount Batur is one of Bali’s classic adventure experiences. Mount Batur is an active volcano in the Kintamani region. Most tours begin well before dawn so hikers can reach a viewpoint by sunrise.
The hike requires decent fitness and appropriate footwear. Weather plays a crucial role—clouds and rain can totally change the experience.
Don’t plan a late night just before your hike.
Perfect for: Adventure, hiking, and sunrise views
Duration: Half a day
Best time to visit: Very early morning
After the hike, take time to explore the Kintamani region instead of heading straight back south.
10. Visit Tirta Empul Temple
Tirta Empul in Tampaksiring is one of Bali’s most famous water temples. The temple complex is built around a sacred spring and is closely associated with melukat, a Balinese Hindu purification ritual.
Visitors can observe the temple and learn about the site’s religious significance, but remember it’s not just a place for photos. People come here to pray and engage in religious practices.
If you wish to participate in a purification ritual, understand the etiquette first rather than simply mimicking what other tourists do.
Perfect for: Culture and spirituality
Duration: 1 to 2 hours
Combine with: Tegallalang and Ubud
11. Chase Waterfalls Around Ubud
Bali’s interior is full of waterfalls, with several accessible from Ubud. Popular options include Tegenungan, Kanto Lampo, and Tibumana, while travelers willing to go further north will find many more.
Every waterfall offers a different experience. Some are easy to reach and busy; others require longer walks and feel more secluded. Water levels and conditions change with the seasons, so don’t assume every waterfall will look like the photos online.
Bring shoes with good grip since paths and stone steps can get slippery.
Perfect for: Nature, photography, and adventure
Duration: Half a day for multiple waterfalls
Instead of trying to visit five waterfalls in one day, choose two or three and take the time to enjoy them.
12. Take a Day Trip to Nusa Penida
Nusa Penida, located southeast of Bali, has become famous for its towering cliffs, turquoise waters, and spectacular viewpoints. Kelingking Beach is the island’s most recognizable attraction. The viewpoint above the beach offers the famous view of the unusual limestone formation and coast.
The descent to the beach is steep and physically demanding. You don’t need to go down to appreciate Kelingking—most visitors enjoy the scenery from above. Other popular stops include Broken Beach, Angel’s Billabong, Diamond Beach, and Crystal Bay.
Perfect for: Dramatic landscapes, photography, and adventure
Duration: Full day or overnight
Access: Fast boat from Bali
Day Trip or Overnight?
A day trip works if you just want to see a few major attractions. Stay overnight if you want a slower experience and don’t want your day dictated by boat schedules.
Nusa Penida’s roads and distances can also make a packed itinerary more tiring than it looks on a map.
13. Snorkel or Dive Around Nusa Penida
The landscapes above water grab most of the attention, but the waters around Nusa Penida and neighboring islands are another reason to visit. Snorkeling and diving tours operate around several sites, depending on marine conditions and experience level.
If seeing manta rays is at the top of your list, remember that wildlife encounters can never be guaranteed. Choose an experienced operator, pay attention to weather and ocean conditions, and avoid tours that promise specific wildlife encounters as if they’re certain.
Perfect for: Snorkeling, diving, and marine life
Duration: Half day or full day
14. Relax on Nusa Dua Beach
Not every day in Bali needs an itinerary. Nusa Dua is a great choice when you just want to spend a laid-back day at the beach. The area is known for its white sand beaches, resort complexes, and a more organized tourist environment than many parts of southern Bali.
The generally calmer atmosphere also makes Nusa Dua popular with families and travelers who prefer resorts over nightlife.
Perfect for: Families, couples, and relaxing beach days
Duration: Half day or full day
If your idea of a Bali holiday includes swimming, a long lunch, and not much else, plan at least one chill day into your itinerary.
15. Walk the Campuhan Ridge in Ubud
The Campuhan Ridge Walk offers an easy escape from central Ubud. The path follows a green ridge through a more peaceful landscape and doesn’t require serious hiking preparation.
Go early in the morning or later in the afternoon. The exposed sections can feel hot around midday.
Perfect for: Walking, couples, and budget travelers
Duration: 1 to 2 hours
Best time to visit: Morning
It’s also one of the easiest activities to combine with breakfast or lunch in Ubud.
16. Explore Sidemen
Sometimes travelers arrive in Bali expecting peaceful rice fields and villages, only to spend their whole vacation in the bustling south. Sidemen offers a different pace.
Located in east Bali, the area is surrounded by rice paddies, hills, and rural landscapes. The main attraction isn’t a single monument. It’s the slowdown.
Spend your time walking, visiting villages, enjoying the scenery, and staying somewhere overlooking the valley.
Perfect for: Couples, slow travel, and nature lovers
Duration: 1 to 2 nights
Sidemen works especially well between Ubud and east Bali destinations.
17. Savor Balinese and Indonesian Cuisine
You haven’t truly explored Bali if every meal consists of smoothie bowls, pizzas, and burgers. Try Indonesian and Balinese dishes during your trip.
Look out for dishes like:
- Nasi campur
- Babi guling
- Ayam betutu
- Sate lilit
- Lawar
- Nasi goreng
- Mie goreng
A local warung can offer a completely different dining experience from Bali’s upscale international restaurants.
At the same time, Bali has developed one of Southeast Asia’s most varied food scenes. Canggu, Seminyak, and Ubud offer everything from budget-friendly cafes to ambitious restaurants.
Use Tavilo’s Bali restaurant directory to find places to eat.
