Bali Activities Guide: Best Places to Connect with Nature, Culture & Locals

Sun-soaked, tropical, and overall culturally-rich, Bali is coveted as one of the most exotic vacation destinations in the world. Top-rated Bali activities include nature spas, serene temples, bazaar-style shopping experiences, and a variety of cutting-edge nightclubs and bars. Bali is packed with so many fun adventures, you may never want to leave.

Bali Activities | Historic Temples & Landmarks in Bali

The rich history of Bali is evident everywhere you go within the island; check out these popular attractions while out roaming around.

Gunung Kawi Temple

A stunning piece of architecture set amid the lush greenery of the river valley, Gunung Kawi Temple welcomes visitors to explore, take in the beauty, and find inner peace. It is known as “Bali’s Valley of Kings” and is located near the Ubud area. The entire complex consists of 10 shrines that are ornately carved in the hillside and entomb members of royalty that once served Bali.

While at Gunung Kawi Temple, visitors are welcome to meditate in the stone caves, explore the area, and take in its beauty. It is a place where people can reflect on life and find inner peace and harmony. Before heading down to the temple, visitors are required to put on a sash and sarong as a sign of respect; visitors can bring their own or rent them at the entrance to the temple. Be sure to bring a camera to photograph this beautiful historic site!

Check In to Dwaraka The Royal Villas, Step Out to Gunung Kawi Temple

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Tanah Lot Temple

While enjoying the beautiful beaches of the island, be sure to head over to Tanah Lot Temple where guests can pay tribute to the 16th-century religious figure Dang Hyang Nirartha. Tanah Lot Temple is technically located off the island, but is accessible by land so no special accommodations are necessary to visit.

Tanah Lot Temple is surrounded by scenic rock formations and magnificent views of the ocean. Plan your visit during late afternoon hours to enjoy the colorful skyline at dusk. The temple is home to several shrines that all offer their own unique charms.

Entrance fees to get into Tanah Lot Temple are 20,000 IDR for adults and 10,000 IDR for children.

Check In to Kelating Guest House, Step Out to Tanah Lot Temple

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Batu Bolong

Located just off the shore of Canggu, North Kuta district, Badung, Batu Bolong is another popular religious hot spot that celebrates the Hindi traditions of centuries ago. Batu Bolong is located near Tanah Lot Temple and is also found at the top of a scenic rock cliff.

Batu Bolong is small in comparison to some of the other Hindi temples in Bali, but is still important to the history of the region. It features stunning rock structures, an ornate shrine, and gorgeous views of the ocean.

As with other temples on the island, a sash and sarong should be worn upon entry and the cost to get in is 10,000 IDR.

Check In to Legong Keraton Beach Hotel, Step Out to Batu Bolong

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Ubud Palace

Home to the royal family of Ubud, Ubud Palace is exotic, imposing, and absolutely breathtaking. Visitors will have an amazing time touring the site and seeing the stone architecture and traditional thatch roofs. The palace was built in the early 1800s and features an ornate facade, a lush tropical garden, and a collection of art and artifacts that are available for public viewing.

The palace is open from 8am to 7pm daily, and admission is free! Ubud Palace offers dance performances by the Ubud Palace Royal Dancers each day of the week: tickets for the performance start at 100,000 IDR. Check out the palace website for show times.

Check In to Mason Elephant Lodge, Step Out to Ubud Palace

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Bali Activities | Relaxing Nature Attractions

Not only do Bali activities feature world-class restaurants, prestigious shopping opportunities, and some of the hottest night clubs in all of Southeast Asia, they also include picture-perfect nature areas that soothe the mind, body, and soul. When you are ready to kick back and relax, check out these relaxing attractions.

Ubud Monkey Forest

Guests can tap into their inner wild child while enjoying the sweet sounds of nature when visiting Ubud Monkey Forest. Encompassing over 12 hectares of natural habitat, Ubud Monkey Forest is home to more than 700 monkeys and other Asian wildlife.

While visiting the forest, guests can enjoy watching monkeys frolic and play as well as checking out monkey sculptures, taking photos of the natural setting, and finding inner peace and harmony at one of the three temples located at the site.

Ubud Monkey Forest is open from 8:30am-6:00pm daily. Admission is IDR 80,000 IDR for adults and 60,000 IDR for kids.

Check In to Bisma Eight Ubud, Step Out to Ubud Monkey Forest

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Kuta Beach

Ideal for water sports or just lounging out and enjoying some rest and relaxation, Kuta Beach is located on the south end of the island and is popular among tourists and locals alike thanks to its sandy shoreline and proximity to popular shopping centers and hotels. From surfing to sun-bathing, Kuta Beach is the perfect destination for those who want to play and take part in Bali activities! Kuta Beach is hip and trendy, catering to those who enjoy worldly street food, loud and crazy nightclubs, and even tattoos.

Check In to Hard Rock Hotel Bali, Step Out to Kuta Beach

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Mount Agung (Gunung Agung)

For those who want to experience the majestic beauty of a live volcano, Mount Agung, also called Ganung Agung, is the perfect destination to get closer to nature. Mount Agung is the highest mountain in Bali, measuring in at over 3,124 meters.

Mount Agung offers plenty of Bali activities for visitors who have an adventurous spirit. It is a popular nature area for hiking, birding, biking, checking out native flora and fauna, swimming, and more. Guests can hike from the base of the mountain to the top in around seven hours.

Banjar Hot Spring

Soak in the therapeutic healing powers of nature when visiting Banjar Hot Spring in the Seririt region of the island. Banjar Hot Spring is a place where nature and a breathtaking landscape collide.

Guests are invited to bathe in the mineral rich pools and indulge in all of the health benefits they offer. This is a public outdoor space with several hot springs pools as well as ornate dragon’s mouth showers, lush foliage, and a few tucked-away private hot tubs. Banjar Hot Spring also offers a relaxing massage studio, a casual restaurant, and beautiful botanical gardens to enjoy.

Hot spring facilities are open from 8:30am-5:30pm daily, and admission is 20,000 IDR for adults and 10,000 IDR for children.

Check In to Dewantara Boutique Villa Resort By Bali Family Hospitality, Step Out to Banjar Hot Spring

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Canggu Beach

Regarded as one of the best surfing destinations in Bali, Canggu Beach is home to epic waves and a silky-smooth sandy shoreline! Visitors to Canggu Beach will be instantly blown away by its stunning beauty and remarkable views. This beach is located on the southwest side of the island and is open year-round to visitors.

Not only can one lay around soaking in the sunshine at Canggu Beach, but there also are rocky cliffs to explore, warm ocean water to swim in, and plenty of food and beverage stops. Be sure claim a spot on the beach early in the day as it tends to get crowded during peak tourism season.

Check In to Aston Canggu Beach Resort, Step Out to Canggu Beach

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Bali Activities | Easy-Going Shopping Experiences

As one of the top warm-weather vacation destinations in the world, Bali offers an amazing lineup of international retailers as well as locally-owned boutiques. Shop around to find some of the most exotic gifts on earth as well as designer brands at extremely affordable prices.

Pepito Market Canggu

Proudly offering fresh and local produce, local culinary delicacies, and an assortment of fine Asian ingredients, Pepito Market Canggu is a one-stop shopping center for all things food-related. Whether you are in search of all the fixings for a picnic on the beach or a home-cooked meal at your hotel, this is a supermarket that is worth checking out. It is a place where you can immerse yourself in the Balinese culture and shop like a local. This supermarket has an on-site bakery and deli, so guests can grab a bite to eat while they shop.

Pepito Market Canggu is located near Canggu Beach and is open from 7am to 11pm daily.

Check In to Shore Amora Canggu, Step Out to Pepito Market Canggu

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Kuta Market

Conveniently located along the boardwalk of Kuta Beach, Kuta Market is the ideal shopping destination to find gifts, accessories, art, clothes, and other handcrafted items created by local artisans. This outdoor market is made up of independent vendor stalls and the owners are always ready and willing to negotiate a bargain with tourists; name your price and you just may get a good deal!

The market consists of six buildings and is a real treasure hunt for visitors who have some time to spend wandering around. You can find everything from Bali postcards to floral dresses, so there is something there for everyone.

Kuta Market is open from 8am to 10pm daily.

Check In to Sun Island Hotel Spa Kuta, Step Out to Kuta Market

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Bali Collection

Offering a vast assortment of high-end stores, Bali Collection is a top-rated shopping destination on the island. This indoor shopping mall is open from 10am to 10pm daily and is home to several luxury stores.

• Prada Bali Concept
• Hurley
• Nike
• Polo
• Giordano
• Luxury Leather
• Bali Taza
• Wikowi Art & Craft
• Padi Art Market
• Exotic Gems

Within the mall, there are restaurants that feature divine food from all regions of the globe. Guests will find fine dining restaurants as well as quick serve food stalls. For those who are in need of some pampering, head over to day spas such as The Shampoo Lounge, Prada Reflexology, or Ocean Spa. The Bali Collection provides guests with live entertainment shows through the week. Check out the mall’s website to see when and where shows are performed.

Check In to Bali Nusa Dua Hotel, Step Out to The Bali Collection

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Hardy’s Sanur Shopping Square

Tucked away on the east side of the island in the Sanur neighborhood, Hardy’s Sanur Shopping Square offers an all-encompassing shopping experience where visitors can purchase locally-grown produce, groceries, clothes, art, and home decor.

This amazing supermarket and shopping plaza is open from 8am to 10pm Sunday through Friday and from 8am to 10:30pm on Saturday.

Check In to Inna Grand Bali Beach Hotel, Step Out to Hardy’s Sanur Shopping Square

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Bali Activities | Restaurants & Nightclubs

After the sun goes down, the nightclubs and restaurants in Bali come alive, offering visitors the opportunity to let their hair down, enjoy a tropical signature cocktail, and sample award-winning food from all over the world. For those who are looking for the perfect nightcap after a thrilling day of sightseeing, keep these hot spots on your radar.

Popular Bali Restaurants for All Tastebuds

• TIA Garden Restaurant – Casual garden-themed outdoor restaurant that serves up traditional Indonesian fare.
• Zanzibar – Fine dining restaurant that serves artistic Italian and European cuisine.
• La Finca Restaurant – An exotic garden-themed restaurant offering fine Spanish meat, seafood, and vegetarian dishes in a natural setting.
• Seafood House – Elegant seafood restaurant located near the beach. Stop in for tantalizing Cantonese and American-style entrees.
• Karma Steakhouse – Hearty steak restaurant that celebrates the rich flavor of seared beef in a western-style bar and grill atmosphere.

Lively Nightclubs in Bali

• UNIQUE Rooftop Bar – Contemporary nightspot with a huge cocktail bar, outdoor seating, and swimming pools.
• JP’s Warung Club – Popular among tourists and singles, this bar features modern decor and plenty of colored lighting.
• The Fire Station Bar – Casual watering hole where you can get a cold beer and some homestyle European food.
• Rock Bar – Boasting stunning views of the ocean, this outdoor bar is for those seeking an elegant cocktail in an ambient setting.

Bali Activities | Pampering Spa Experiences

In need of an indulgent spa experience after a long day of playing in the sun? Look no further than these health and wellness paradises.

• Amelia Spa – Casual day spa that offers manicures, pedicures, massages, and a variety of beauty services.
• Delta Spa – Full-service spa that offers hot rock therapies, acupuncture, expert massages, facials, body slimming, and more.
• Acqua Perla Spa – Whimsical spa experience, complete with silk and sand treatments, Tibetan singing bowl vibration treatments, nail care, massages, and stone facials.
• Anantara Spa – Colorful indoor/outdoor beauty spa where you can receive services like aromatherapy, dawn and dusk rejuvenation treatments, stress release massage, foot reflexology, body masks, floral baths, and Indian head massages.
• Tjampuhan Spa – A day spa experience that entwines with the elements of nature, this hidden oasis is tucked away on the river bank and offers outdoor massages and more.

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