Ultimate Guide to Bali: 100+ Things to Do in 2026

Bali isn’t just an island — it’s a world unto itself. From the terraced rice paddies of Ubud to the thundering surf of Uluwatu, from sacred water temples to world-class beach clubs, this Indonesian paradise offers something for every type of traveler.

After years of living on and exploring every corner of this island, we’ve put together the most comprehensive guide to Bali you’ll find anywhere. Whether you’re a first-timer or a returning visitor, this guide covers everything you need to know for 2026.

Adventure Activities

1. Mount Batur Sunrise Trek

Wake up at 2 AM (yes, really) and hike an active volcano in the dark. When you reach the summit, you’ll watch the sun rise over the caldera lake — one of the most spectacular sights in all of Southeast Asia. The trek takes about 2 hours up, and you’ll have breakfast cooked by volcanic steam at the top.

Best for: Fit travelers who don’t mind early mornings Cost: $45-65 per person with guide Duration: 6-8 hours total

2. White Water Rafting

Bali has two main rafting rivers: the Ayung River near Ubud (gentler, more scenic) and the Telaga Waja in Karangasem (more intense rapids). Both offer stunning gorge scenery, waterfalls, and a serious adrenaline rush.

Ayung River: Class II rapids, suitable for beginners, beautiful carved rock faces Telaga Waja: Class III-IV rapids, more challenging, less crowded

3. ATV & Quad Biking

Tear through rice paddies, jungle trails, and river crossings on powerful quad bikes. Routes typically pass through traditional villages and offer stunning views of Bali’s interior landscape.

Best areas: Ubud and Tabanan have the best courses Duration: 2-3 hours Tip: Book the long course — the short ones end just when it gets good.

4. The Famous Bali Swing

Love it or hate it, the Bali Swing has become one of the island’s most iconic experiences. Soar above a lush jungle valley on swings of varying heights. Most swing parks also include nest-shaped photo spots, infinity pools, and cafes with valley views.

Where: Multiple locations around Ubud Cost: $25-35 per person Best time: Early morning to avoid crowds and get the best photos

5. Surfing

Bali is one of the world’s premier surf destinations. Beginners should head to Kuta, Seminyak, or Canggu for gentle beach breaks. Intermediate surfers will love Canggu’s Echo Beach. Advanced surfers — Uluwatu, Padang Padang, and Impossibles are calling.

Lesson cost: $25-40 for 2 hours with board rental Board rental: $5-10 per day Best season: April-October (dry season) for the best swells

6. Snorkeling & Diving

The waters around Bali are home to incredible marine life — manta rays at Nusa Penida, coral gardens at Amed, and the famous USAT Liberty shipwreck at Tulamben.

Best snorkeling spots:

Crystal Bay, Nusa Penida (manta rays)
Blue Lagoon, Padang Bai
Amed (coral reef right off the beach)
Menjangan Island (pristine walls)

7. Cycling Tours

Downhill cycling tours from Kintamani to Ubud are one of Bali’s best-value activities. You’ll coast through traditional villages, rice terraces, and tropical forests with minimal effort (it’s mostly downhill).

8. Waterfall Chasing

Bali has dozens of stunning waterfalls, from the easily accessible to the genuinely adventurous. Here are the must-visits:

Tegenungan: The most popular, easy access, can swim
Tukad Cepung: Ethereal cave waterfall, best in morning light
Sekumpul: Often called Bali’s most beautiful, requires a hike
Gitgit: Multiple falls, North Bali, less crowded
Tibumana: Hidden gem, peaceful, great for swimming
Kanto Lampo: Unique cascading rock formation
Nungnung: Powerful 50m drop, 500+ stairs

Cultural Experiences

9. Temple Visits

Bali has over 20,000 temples. Here are the ones you absolutely should not miss:

Uluwatu Temple: Perched on a dramatic cliff, famous Kecak fire dance at sunset
Tanah Lot: Iconic sea temple, best at sunset
Tirta Empul: Sacred water temple where you can participate in purification rituals
Besakih (Mother Temple): Bali’s largest and most important temple complex
Tirta Gangga: Beautiful water palace with stepping stones
Lempuyang (Gates of Heaven): The famous Instagram shot with Mount Agung framed in the temple gate

10. Cooking Classes

Learn to make authentic Balinese cuisine from local chefs. Most classes include a morning market visit, hands-on preparation of 5-7 dishes, and a feast of your creations.

Cost: $25-45 per person Duration: 4-5 hours Best in: Ubud and Seminyak

11. Traditional Dance Performances

Kecak Fire Dance: Performed at Uluwatu Temple at sunset — absolutely unmissable
Legong Dance: Graceful classical dance, often performed at Ubud Palace
Barong Dance: Tells the story of good vs. evil with elaborate costumes

12. Rice Terrace Walks

The Tegallalang Rice Terraces north of Ubud are the most famous, but they’re also the most crowded. For a more authentic experience, try:

Jatiluwih Rice Terraces (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
Sidemen Valley (East Bali, barely any tourists)
Belimbing (near Tabanan, completely off the radar)

Beach & Coastal Activities

13. Beach Clubs

Bali’s beach club scene is world-class. Here are the best by vibe:

Potato Head (Seminyak): Iconic design, great music, sunset views
Finns Beach Club (Canggu): Massive venue, pools, day beds
Sundays Beach Club (Uluwatu): Clifftop access to a secluded cove
La Brisa (Canggu): Rustic-chic eco vibes
Savaya (Uluwatu): Mega club built into the cliffs

14. Island Hopping

Nusa Penida: Dramatic cliffs, Kelingking Beach, Angel’s Billabong, manta ray snorkeling
Nusa Lembongan: More relaxed, mangrove tours, Devil’s Tear, seaweed farms
Gili Islands: 2-hour fast boat from Bali, car-free paradise, incredible snorkeling

15. Dolphin Watching

Head to Lovina in North Bali for an early morning boat trip to spot wild spinner dolphins. While sightings aren’t guaranteed, the success rate is high (especially in dry season).

Cost: $10-15 per person Time: Depart at 6 AM Season: April-October is best

Wellness & Relaxation

16. Spa & Massage

Bali is a paradise for spa lovers. You can get a quality traditional Balinese massage for as little as $8-15 per hour. Premium spas offer everything from flower baths to volcanic clay treatments.

17. Yoga

Ubud is the yoga capital of Southeast Asia. Whether you’re a beginner or advanced practitioner, you’ll find classes, retreats, and workshops everywhere.

Top studios: The Yoga Barn (Ubud), Desa Seni (Canggu), Samadi Bali (Canggu)

18. Wellness Retreats

Multi-day wellness retreats combining yoga, meditation, healthy eating, and healing treatments. Ubud and Sidemen are the top destinations for these.

Food & Drink

19. Street Food Tour

Don’t miss these Balinese street food staples:

Babi Guling: Suckling pig (Bali’s signature dish)
Nasi Campur: Mixed rice with various sides
Sate Lilit: Minced meat satay on lemongrass sticks
Lawar: Traditional mixed vegetable and meat dish
Pisang Goreng: Fried banana fritters

20. Coffee Plantation Visits

Visit a traditional Balinese coffee plantation to learn about the famous (and controversial) Luwak coffee, taste various exotic blends, and enjoy volcanic mountain views.

Practical Travel Tips

Getting Around

Private driver: $40-60 per day (8-10 hours). Best value for groups and day trips.
Scooter rental: $4-7 per day. Only if you’re an experienced rider.
Grab/Gojek: Ride-hailing apps work in most areas (but are banned from some tourist zones).
Airport transfer: $15-25 depending on destination.

Best Time to Visit

Dry season (April-October): Best weather, busiest, higher prices
Wet season (November-March): Rain mostly in afternoons, fewer crowds, better deals
Shoulder months (April, May, September, October): Best of both worlds

Money Tips

Use ATMs at official bank branches (BCA, Mandiri, BRI)
Always carry small bills for temples and local warungs
Negotiate at markets but be respectful — a few dollars matters more to them
Tip 10-15% at restaurants that don’t include service charge

Safety

Bali is generally very safe for tourists
Watch for motorbike bag-snatching in busy areas
Don’t leave valuables on the beach
Drink bottled water only
Carry a basic first aid kit — pharmacies are hit-or-miss outside major towns

Let Chill Bali Trips Handle Everything

Feeling overwhelmed by the options? That’s exactly why Chill Bali Trips exists. Gede will build you a custom itinerary based on your interests, budget, and travel style — then handle every booking, transport, and detail so you can focus on enjoying the experience.

Get your free personalized itinerary →