Are you ready to experience Bali beyond its beaches and restaurants? Discover some of the best things many tourists miss out on.
This small Indonesian island province attracts tourists from all over the world – and understandably so. Its temples, volcanic mountains, lush vegetation, coral reefs, and tons of activities offer people quite the adventure.
If you want to make the most out of your trip, check out some of the following activities.
#1 – Surfing in Kuta, Bali
Easily one of the top 10 things to do in Bali, surfing at Kuta Beach is an amazing experience. The water is gentle enough for beginners to learn, but not so tame that veteran surfers wouldn’t have a good time.
You can rent a board and even take surfing lessons during the day. What’s even better is the rolling surf feature that lacks any sharp reefs.
Kuta beach is also a fantastic spot to catch the sunset or grab a few drinks and party.
#2 – Have Fun at the Bali Treetop Adventure Park
When traveling with the kids, or even with a bunch of adrenaline seekers, know that exploring this adventure park is among the best things to do in Bali. Located in a lush forest, the Bali Treetop Adventure Park offers a variety of rides and courses.
There are plenty of kids-friendly circuits, as well as high-rise platforms. The latter can be more challenging to tackle but it offers terrific views from above the canopy. It’s also an ideal place to visit when trying to cool off on a hot day.
#3 – Go on a Dive or Two
Another one of the top things to do in Bali is to go diving. If you want to access the best diving sites, you can head to Padang Bai. It’s to the east and has the finest diving spots in the region. The rich marine life impresses most tourists.
Muck diving is a highly popular activity due to the variety of critters you can see. Turtles, blue-ringed octopuses, seahorses, sharks, and many others are commonly sighted near Padang Bai.
It won’t take more than a couple of dives to get your certification, which means you could go diving for the better part of your vacation without worries.
But if you visit Tulamben, you can have a very different experience. It’s where most people go wreck diving trying to find various artifacts. You can even see the USAT Liberty shipwreck dating back to World War II.
#4 – Tour the Monkey Forest Sanctuary
You can do two things at the Monkey Forest Sanctuary in Ubud.
First, you can explore three remarkable temples that date back to the 14th century and take pictures.
The second, and most popular, activity is to feed the monkeys. It’s because the sanctuary is actually a jungle reserve with fantastic scenery and well over 500 monkeys as permanent residents.
Multiple stands sell monkey food, so you don’t have to bring your own. But be careful what you carry around. Some of the primates are overly friendly and might want to “borrow” your stuff.
#5 – Visit the Bali Zoo
If you want to see more animals, know that visiting the zoo is one of the best things to do in Bali, whether you’re traveling alone or in groups. You’ll find the complex in the Gianyar Regency.
Tingers, rhinos, elephants, lizards, and colorful Southeast Asian birds, and other creatures inhabit the zoo. All the animal residents live in open-air enclosures, which provide them with more freedom.
If you don’t have time during the day, the zoo organizes a night safari, too, though you’ll only get to see any activity from nocturnal animals.
#6 – Immerse Yourself in the Bali Nightlife
Want to paint the town red? You might want to take a trip to Kuta, Bali’s leading hub for nightlife partying. That’s where you can find the most clubs, cafes, eateries, and entertainment venues.
You’ll find a variety of live music events, which are always great for keeping crowds animated. Best of all, if you want to party hard, Kuta accommodates everyone until sunrise.
#7 – Engage in Water Sports
Kuta is for surfing, but Sanur is for all other water sports. In fact, paragliding and kite surfing here are among the most popular things to do in Bali. You can try both, as well as paddle boarding and other various activities.
The reason behind why Sanur is such a significant draw is that the area has no waves. Such calm waters allow people to try just about anything short of surfing.
#8 – Trek to a Waterfall
Hiking and trekking are just two of the best things to do in Bali. Its lush vegetation and natural beauty make it a top attraction for outdoor adventurers.
One of the most popular treks you can do is the one to the Sekumpul Waterfall. A long secluded path will take you to a sacred spot in the middle of a lush valley.
However, don’t take the sacred aspect to mean forbidden. You can go to the waterfall and even bathe in its pools, which is an excellent way to relax after a long hike.
#9 – Relax at the Ulun Danu Temple
Bali is often crowded as it’s such a popular destination. But one of the most visited spots is also the most serene.
The Ulun Danu Temple is in Bedugul, right on the edge of Baratan Lake. It has various shrines and intricate artwork and is generally a place where you won’t hear a peep out of people.
#10 – Catch a Perfect Sunset
Are you looking for romantic things to do in Bali? If so, how about watching a perfect sunset?
You can catch one from the Tanah Lot Temple. This Hindu temple is one of Bali’s top attractions due to its location and picturesque view. The temple sits on a gorgeous rock formation that’s separated from the mainland.
It’s one of the most famous sunset viewing spots, which means you’ll have to take an early trip if you want a good spot for the show.
You Can’t Spend Enough Time in Bali
Many westerners visit Bali just for the beaches, but there’s so much more to discover in the area.
From its amazing wildlife to its lush jungle, to the crazy adventures, there’s never a dull moment here no matter how young or old you are.