From waterfalls to beach, here are the best things to see and do in Bali for your 2023 bucket list. Tours, trips, attractions & more!
Make the most of your island vacay with these awesome activities in Bali, from waterfall jumping and beach hopping, to temple exploring and Seminyak shopping!
Soak up Some rays at Bali's best beaches.
Cool ocean air, salty hair, sun-kissed skin and that book you’ve been dying to get stuck into for months – beach life doesn’t get much better than that, right? Well, Bali’s best beaches also come with glamorous dining and sunset cocktails, world-class surfing, some wild water sport adventures and world-class beach clubs to boot. So pack your sunscreen, wrap up your sarong and prep a summer playlist, because you’ll want to tick Bali’s best beaches off your bucket list.
Go chasing waterfalls
A must for your island hit-list is without doubt an adventure to one of Bali’s best waterfalls, all of which you can either jump off, swim underneath, or simply admire from a distance. Our fave has to be Aling-Aling waterfall thanks to its natural slide that has formed over the years. Pop on a lifejacket or grab a floatie and slide your way down the smooth rocky slope – weeeee!
Watch a postcard-perfect Bali Sunset
For a golden hour that really glows, settle into one of Bali’s best sunset spots to watch the sky turn to candy. Beach or jungle, if the view fits we say go with it. And if you’re not sure where to start, check out our pick of Bali’s 35 best sunset bars – the best places to ruminate while the sky illuminates.
Adventure off the beaten path
South Bali is where you’ll find the island’s most vibrant neighbourhoods, but if you’re after traditional villages and beautiful natural backdrops, then you’ll want to venture elsewhere to Bali’s off-the-beaten path regions. We love Pemuteran in north-west Bali with its calm bays and majestic mountain tops, or head east to the highlands of Sidemen for lush jungle and volcano views.
Hire a yacht and set sail in style!
Picture this: blue skies, crystal clear waters, emerald green islands all around and your very own luxury yacht to explore it all. Yep, that’s paradise! A boat tour to explore Bali’s coastlines is the perfect combination of sailing, snorkelling, swimming with Manta Rays, and spending an unforgettable day on the deck of a sparkling yacht. We book with Day Trip Bali – they have an entire fleet of brand new boats and yachts, complete with certified guides and even a GoPro for those all-important underwater photos and videos. They take you to explore the beauty of Bali, Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan, together with a qualified crew who take care of it all. Just check out their thousands of five-star reviews!
See a traditional healer
Sorry to go all “Eat, Pray, Love” on you, but visiting a traditional healer when in Bali has got to be done! For years and years, the ancient ritual of traditional Balinese healing has been used to cure all sorts of ailments, using divine energy, herbal medicines and massage to balance the mind and spirit. Don’t knock it ’til you’ve tried it – Bali’s best local healers really do work wonders.
Bliss out with a Balinese Massage
No trip to Bali would be complete without a Balinese massage. Why? Because the traditional techniques used by Balinese therapists are the deepest, most ahh-inducing we’ve ever experienced. They use long strokes, firm pressure, skilful stretching and the most fragrant essential oils – all for less than $10 for an hour of bliss. If you want to go local, you can find a Balinese massage at your Villa.
Visit a traditional temple
Bali is a predominantly Hindu island adorned with some absolutely stunning temples, so hop on the cultural bandwagon and pay a few a visit. One not to miss is Pura Tanah Lot, a sea temple that perches on the rocks overlooking the ocean – stunning at either sunrise or sunset. Other faves of ours include Ulun Danu Beratan (a floating temple in the middle of a lake) and the Besakih Temple that soars into the sky
Swim with sea turtles & friendly dugongs
Bali is home to some of Indonesia’s most stunning underwater scenery and marine life, so we highly recommend renting a snorkel and mask and searching for sea turtles! Hop over to Nusa Penida, or head up to Tulamben and Amed – these are the best spots to find Nemo. If you want to spot a friendly dugong, hit the surf breaks of Padang Padang and Nusa Dua…
Get your chef on at a cooking class
With so many herbs, spices, farm-fresh produce and unique flavours available across Indonesia’s culinary landscapes, taking part in one of Bali’s best cooking classes should be high priority. Spice up your sambal skills, learn the tricks to traditional cooking techniques, and nab the best ingredients from the local markets to really nail your next Nasi Goreng.
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