The Ultimate Bucket List for Bali in 2023

Bali, Bali, Bali.

Arguably the most desired holiday and traveller destination on the whole planet, Bali attracts visitors from all over the world, all year round. There is no wonder why with its mix of untouched beauty, idyllic beaches and attractive culture. With Bali continuing to be such a popular destination, we’ve outlined all the top bucket list activities in Bali so you know the best things to do before you get there!

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How to get to Bali

The main port of entry to Bali is Ngurah Rai International Airport situated in Denpasar. This is the island’s main gateway and 99% of all visitors enter through its airport.

Due to its popularity, Bali has great connections all across South East Asia, Australia and the Middle East. That means no matter where you’re setting off from, you’re bound to get to Bali in less than three flights!

We always use Skyscanner to compare prices and book our flights!

If you are wondering where to base your trip to Bali, we have a full guide to the best areas in Bali to stay for all kinds of travellers!

How to get around Bali

There are effectively three main ways to get around Bali; by scooter, taxi or on foot.

If you already have experience riding a scooter, we’d highly recommend this option. You’ll have a lot more freedom getting around the island as you’re not dependent on other people. This is on the basis your luggage is easily transportable on a scooter. This is by far the most cost-effective method, especially if you’re travelling on your own. However, do be careful and always wear a helmet when driving as we’ve heard and seen so many injuries from people being careless.

If you don’t have a scooter, you’ll probably be combining the two other methods, taxi and walking. This can be a cost-effective method if you manage to locate yourself centrally in each location. You’ll then have to depend on taxis or ride-hailing apps to get to each place you want to visit.

We ended up choosing this method as we’d never driven a scooter and whilst it was manageable, the scooter definitely seemed the better option.

Why not check out our more in-depth guide on How to get around Bali?

26 Things to do in Bali to add to your Bucket List

1. See Kanto Lampo Waterfall

_{Submitted by Emma from Bonjoursunset}

One of the top things to do in Bali is to explore the stunning waterfalls dotting the island. If you are looking for a lesser-known one, then look no further than Kanto Lampo waterfall. This little beauty might not be the tallest waterfall in Bali but it is definitely one of the most beautiful.

One of the great things about Kanto Lampo is how easy it is to reach. Unlike other waterfalls in Bali that are tucked deep into the jungle, it can be reached in just five minutes on foot from the parking lot.

After reaching the waterfall, you’ll immediately notice the water cascading down a rocky cliff into a small pool. Leave your belongings behind, enjoy a refreshing dip in the pool, or climb onto the lower rocks and stand right under the water flow. This is truly an unforgettable experience, as well as a great photo opportunity. Just be careful as the rocks can be very slippery.

Located near the village of Gianyar, Kanto Lampo Waterfall can easily be combined with visiting some of Ubud temples like Goa Gajah. Alternatively, there are other cascades nearby such as the Tibumana Waterfall.

If you are looking for a hidden gem in Bali, that is easy to reach and offers sensational views, an epic photo opportunity, and a refreshing swim, Kanto Lampo waterfall is definitely the best place to visit.

2. Visit one of Bali’s best temples, Ulun Danu Beratan Temple

_{Submitted by Una from Wandernity}

Ulun Danu Beratan Temple is a beautiful and iconic temple located on the shores of Lake Beratan in the mountain area of Bali. The temple is dedicated to the goddess of the water, Dewi Danu. It is considered one of the most important temples in Bali for the Balinese Hindu community.

The temple complex is surrounded by lush greenery and features several shrines. This includes the main temple and a number of smaller shrines dedicated to various Hindu deities. The main temple is a multi-tiered structure that sits on a small island on one side of the lake. Visitors can also walk around the lake and view the temple from different angles.

The area around the temple is known for its beautiful natural scenery, including the mountains, water, and rice terraces. Visitors can also enjoy traditional dances and ceremonies that are often held at the temple.

Visitors do not need to book a tour to visit the Ulun Danu Beratan Temple, but it is recommended to visit with a guide to learn more about the temple’s history and significance.

To get to the temple, visitors can take a taxi or private car from Denpasar. The journey takes around 1.5 hours and the temple is located in the Bedugul area. An alternative way to reach the temple is by renting a motorbike or joining a tour that includes a visit to the temple.

Stay in The Bejalin Eco Retreat nearby to enjoy tranquil views of Bali’s greenery and calmness that you won’t find in a city.

3. See Jatiluwhi Rice Terraces

_{Submitted by Kristin from Scotland Less Explored}

Rice terraces are the first image you imagine when thinking of Bali and there’s no better place than in Jatiluwhi. The area has 600 hectares of rice fields and several walks through the rice fields. Paths are clearly marked with different colours so walks are easy to do on your own.

Jatiluwhi rice terraces are located in the centre of Bali, a 1.5-hour drive from Ubud or just over 2 hours from Kuta Beach. There’s no direct public transport so the best way to get here is by hiring a driver for the day. Your accommodation should be able to help you arrange a driver and expect to pay $40-50 for the day.

If you are hiring a car and driver it is worth negotiating to stop at other nearby sights such as Ulun Danu Beratan Temple.

As tourism has increased the number of tours offered to this area has also grown. However, most leave you very little time to explore the rice fields so the best way to visit is to arrange it yourself or by staying overnight in one of the homestays or hotels close by. For an overnight stay at a mid-range price point try Kubu D’Ume homestay or Sarivdevi Eco Lodge.

Restaurants line the small road behind the rice terraces. The views are fantastic but for the most atmospheric places to eat, stop at one of the small cafes located within the rice fields like Rustic Bali.

4. Go Scuba Diving and see Manta Rays

Going Scuba Diving really allows you to see so much more of the world and there is no better place in Bali than Nusa Penida. One of the best bits about scuba diving is that it’s so relaxing and you get to view all different types of wildlife that you’ve never seen before. Manta Rays are a perfect example of this and there’s no better place to see in than in Nusa Penida.

We ended up booking this tour and it was completely worth it! The company picked us up from our hotel and transported us directly to the boat. It already had all of the scuba gear set up which made life so much easier. It was then just a short journey to the appropriately named Manta Bay on Nusa Penida.

Having not even jumped in yet, I could tell the sea was pretty rough. I’d highly recommend staying well away from the cliff edges.

Having done this tour for multiple years, the locals have a great eye for spotting Manta Rays. After a couple of minutes of getting our bearings in the sea, we were quickly directed to a specific location and they were just everywhere. Quietly swimming along, they’re such beautiful creatures up close and it was so cool to just observe them. We ended up following them for nearly half an hour and it was such an amazing experience!

If you’ve ever wanted to scuba dive or swim with these amazing creatures, Manta Bay in Nusa Penida is a must-visit!

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Savaya Beach Club in Bali is one of the best beach clubs in the world. Located at the southern tip of the island in Uluwatu, the beach club is perched on top of a cliff 100m above the Indian Ocean, with breathtaking views on all sides.

Digital nomads living in Bali love to visit Savaya on the weekends, spending the day relaxing in the sunshine by the infinity pools. There’s also an award-winning restaurant serving up elevated Japanese fare.

Savaya hosts some of the world’s top DJs so if you’re planning to visit, look at their event calendar to see who’s performing. Ticket prices depend on who’s playing and if you get a table or a regular ticket.

If you’re visiting Savaya on a regular day, you can get an early bird ticket for 125,000 IDR ($8). This is a fantastic deal as this beach club will make you feel like you’re living a luxurious lifestyle.

The best way to get to Savaya is in a GoJek or Grab, so you can enjoy some of the fantastic cocktails and get home safely. 

If you’re looking for a place to stay nearby, consider booking a room at the Alila Villas Uluwatu. This ultra-chic resort is a five-minute drive away and boasts stunning private villages with pools overlooking the ocean.

Savaya Beach Club is the perfect place to spend a day in Bali. With its stunning views, incredible entertainment, and affordable entrance, it’s no wonder it’s one of the best things to do in Bali.

6. The Campuhan Ridge Walk

_{Submitted by Jolene from Wanderlust Storytellers}

The Campuhan Ridge Walk is a great experience when in Bali and is one of the best things to do in Ubud. This walk is within close proximity to the crazy busy streets of Ubud but it is a great way to escape the chaos of central Ubud.

The very famous and popular Campuhan Ridge Walk is a gorgeous walk along the Bukit Cinta Hills. Along the walk, you will find peace amongst one of the most gorgeous hillside outlooks in the whole region. If you have a clear day, you can enjoy views all the way to Mount Agung. The scenery of valleys and forests are so different to the rice paddy covered Ubud. 

Start your walk from Payogen Village, as it is a little easier from this direction. You’ll miss out on most of the hills compared to when you start the walk from Ubud’s side. The end of the walk is signalled by a glorious temple, the Gunung Lebah Temple in Ubud.

As it’s very hot and humid, make sure to tackle this walk in the early morning/late afternoon as there is very little shade to provide relief. Once you’ve finished, you can grab a taxi to take you back to Ubud rather than walking back.

You can either walk by yourself or you can book a tour with a guide and others. Hiring a guide or booking a tour means you’ll learn all about the region and about how the locals live their lives. This tour includes all transport costs as well as refreshments at Sari Organik and lunch at the conclusion of the tour.

7. Go River Rafting in Ubud

_{Submitted by Jan from JanAdventures}

Most people who visit the quaint town of Ubud in Bali may not know that you can have a unique experience of river rafting in this tropical paradise!

The Ayung river is the longest river in Bali with a length of 62 km. The rafting portion is 12 km and takes 2.5 hours. The river is suitable for rafting all year round and is only 5 km from the centre of Ubud village.

There are several rafting companies in the area but check out Ayung Dewata Rafting for its friendly and professional staff. They have experienced guides who explain how to paddle and follow their cues when rowing. The river has white water rapids but is safe for most ages.

You will pass unspoiled natural scenery and will stop at a waterfall for photo opportunities. There will be some big dips over rocks to make you squeal with excitement. The water is very clear, and you can jump out of the raft to swim or float in the river.

When you return, you will be treated to a delicious buffet lunch sitting outside by rice fields. The total price is $27 per person. The company will organize a hotel pick-up for you if needed. You should book your reservation a couple of days in advance. If you are looking for a hotel in the area, the Champlung Sari Hotel is highly recommended.

River rafting is a special way to experience this part of Bali and a way of cooling off during a hot day!

8. Visit Tanah Lot

_{Submitted by Jeanine from Lets go a Wandering}

Pura Tanah Lot is one of the seven Hindu sea temples around the coast of Bali. Each of the seven forms a chain around the southwest coast and each temple is within eyesight of the next.

Tanah Lot literally means “land in the sea”, and was established to worship Bhatara Segara “the Sea God”. The actual temple can only be accessed when the tide is low whilst it is completely cut off from the shoreline at high tide.

Whilst many flock to the temple for sunset photos, a beautiful photo can be gained from one of the restaurants or bars along Jl Tanah Lot. Surya Mandala, a cultural park to the west, has the De Jukung Resto & Bar, for food and glorious views.

Booking a tour to visit Pura Tanah Lot, is not required but you may wish to book a day trip if you’re staying at another destination. Alternatively, you can also book a tour which includes Tanah Lot on the itinerary or hire a driver for the day.

The cost of visiting for foreigners is approx. 60,000 IDR for adults and 30,000 IDR for children. Parking is available close to the temple and is approximately 5,000 IDR.

As Tanah Lot is just over 25km from Bali’s Ngurah Rai International Airport, the best way of getting there is by hiring a taxi. Bluebird taxis offer a great service for tourists and run on a meter. Additionally, you can hire a car and driver, although these are usually the most cost-effective for full-day trips.

Organising internal transport is best done prior to arrival and an essential checklist point, when travelling internationally.

9. Go on a Spiritual Retreat

_{Submitted by Catrina from 24 Hours Layover}

If you’re looking for more than just the Instagrammable spots in Bali and want to gain some deeper clarity in your life, why not go on a spiritual holistic retreat in Bali? Whether you’ve recently had a break-up, lost a loved one, feel like you need to get yourself together or you just want a detox and gain more of an insight into spirituality, there’s no better place than Bali to do it!

The Bali Holistic Retreat will get you immersed in daily meditations and yoga. You will also learn about chakras, and meet with energy healers, shamanists, astrologers, reflexologists, kinesiologists, nutritionists, reiki masters and life coaches.

Not only that but you’ll get to go for spiritual cleansing at Tirta Empul, the Holy Water Temple. This is known for its healing powers and purification, plus visit a Listrik Healer who has electric healing powers and gives you an electric massage with her bare hands. Nothing short of incredible!

Experience energy block removal therapy and get mesmerised in the metamorphosis healing where unconscious stress patterns are healed and links to the spirit world are made. It is really very powerful and life-changing stuff!

The Bali Holistic Retreats are a week long and are based close to Sanur Beach so there is plenty of time to go to the beach, relax and reflect on your personal and spiritual growth. Get involved as much or as little as you like. If you’re open to it, it will open your eyes and motivate and empower your soul!

How to get there: Located near Sanur so you can rent a moped or get a taxi there.

10. Hike Mt Batur for sunrise!

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If you’re looking for adventurous things to do in Bali, the Mt Batur hike is undoubtedly one of the best activities! Situated in the remote but stunning Kintamani region, Mt Batur reaches over 1,700 meters in height. 

The best way to hike Mt Batur is with an organised tour. It is actually not allowed to take this hike without a local guide, so make sure you organise the tour ahead of time. And, of course, the best time to do it is at sunrise! 

The bus will pick you up early in the morning, and you will start climbing the trail in the pitch dark. The path is steep, but the whole climb won’t take longer than two hours. Once at the top, you will wait for the sun to come up with a hot drink in your hand. The views at the top are truly out of this world! You will see lake Batur at the foot of the volcano and the mighty Mt Agung in the distance. 

Depending on the tour option, after sunrise, you’ll get to enjoy a simple breakfast and continue to the local hot spring for some relaxation time. Mt Batur tours start at $30 per person.

If you’re wondering where to stay in Kintamani, Batur Cozy Bali boasts stunning views over a lake and the volcano. Kintamani offers many other excellent hiking routes, so if you’re a big outdoors fan, stay here for an extra couple of days.

11. See the Kecak Dance

_{Submitted by Maria from Bali Buddies}

When visiting Bali, the Kecak Dance should definitely be on your itinerary. The Kecak Dance is a traditional performance in the form of dance, drama, singing and fire! Held at sunset in Pura Jurit temple on a cliff in Uluwatu, the surroundings are spectacular. Instead of instruments, the music is performed by 60 bare-chested men.

The drama is unfolded by dancers wearing the most beautiful costumes and masks, and the entire performance is incredibly captivating. The duration is 1 hour and the Kecak Dance surely makes for a perfect evening, still giving you time to catch a late dinner afterwards. 

The Kecak Dance takes place in Uluwatu so it is easily combined with your other travel plans. Tickets can be booked online or upon arrival and cost 130.000 IDR ($9). You also need to pay 50.000 IDR to enter the temple and wear a sarong provided at the entrance.

The show starts at 6pm and again at 7pm and both shows allow you to catch beautiful sunset views. We recommend you go there 1 hour before since the show usually sells out. Even if you have a ticket, be there ahead of time. You can spend the time strolling around the temple and enjoy the beautiful views of the ocean.

Please do not bring hats and glasses or other easily removed items. The temple is crowded with monkeys and they are big collectors of accessories! The temple is easily accessible by car or scooter, so go ahead and book a nice hotel by the water to spend your time in Uluwatu.

12. Ride the Bali Swing

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If you’re looking for one of the best things to do in Bali then head to Ubud and experience the infamous Bali Swing. Just a short drive from the centre of Ubud and you’ll be entering the rain forest and admiring views of the spectacular rice terraces as you happily swing into the sky.

There are many different swings available, and they suit a range of visitors. Swing solo, with your friend, partner or even as a family. Be sure to stop by the other quirky features such as the love nests set amongst the trees or climb atop the branded rock for a great photo with the scenery beyond.

Of all of the swings, the main attraction is a swing that catapults you 78 meters from the ground. This is the only swing where you need to be securely harnessed in and pulled mechanically back. Most of the other swings also have subtle belts and you’ve always got the watchful eye and help of the staff if you need it.

The Ubud Bali Swing is extremely popular so your best time to visit is early in the morning to avoid queuing for too long. One of the advantages of the admission is that when you’ve finished having fun, you can stop by the local restaurant for a free meal. Plan a few hours to half a day for your trip and make sure you have space for plenty of photos.

13. Visit the famous Tegalalang Rice Terraces

_{Submitted by Tess of Tessomewhere}

A visit to the Tegalalang Rice Terraces is one of the most popular things to do near Ubud. They have become a top tourism destination in Bali, attracting visitors from across the world who seek the mesmerising sight of the incredible vertically-tiered rice terraces. These rice terraces are a UNESCO-listed World heritage site.

Tegalalang Rice Terraces are about a 20-30 minute drive north of Ubud in central Bali. You’ll need to get your own transport there, like renting a scooter, getting a taxi or booking a private driver for the day. Alternatively, you can book an Ubud tour that includes a visit to the rice terraces.

When you arrive in the area, you’ll notice the long row of warungs, cafés and even an infinity pool at Tis Café which overlooks the lush tropical scenery of the emerald green rice paddies below.

Depending on which café you enter, you may need to pay a small fee to access the rice fields, or just buy a drink or snack from the café first. As you are wandering the rice fields, if you come across a local farmer, please give a small tip of at least 10,000 IDR ($0.50 USD) per person for walking on their land.

At many of the cafés along the main strip, you’ll find the insta-famous Bali swings. The fee varies for use of the swings, but expect to pay around 150,000 IDR ($10 USD).

As there aren’t many options for accommodation close to the Rice Terraces, most visitors stay in central Ubud. Otherwise, The Papas Villas is a highly rated villa in Tegalalang, only 700m from the Rice Terraces.

14. Banjar Hot Springs

_{Submitted by Annelies from Travelers & Dreamers}

One of the top things to do in Bali is paying a visit to the Banjar Hot springs in the north of Bali.

Most tourists to Bali only visit the south of the island with a day trip to Mount Batur but if you want to discover authentic Bali then the northern parts are the place to be!

Aside from excellent snorkelling spots and rolling rice terraces, the north also offers activities away from the beaten path. Banjar Hot Springs is located in the village of Banjar in the Singaraja area. It is set in a lush garden and consists of three pools. The pools are decorated with beautiful Naga sculptures that are in Hindu mythology associated with wells and water.

The water of the hot spring has a pleasant temperature of 38C and has a slightly eggy smell. This is due to the sulfur in the water which is believed to have healing capacities for diseases like arthritis, fibromyalgia, and skin diseases like eczema and acne.

Do note that the Balinese consider this spring a holy place. Be respectful and don’t go in your bikini but wear a T-shirt or a sarong to enter the water. There is also an onsite restaurant where you can grab a bite to eat.

The entrance fee for the hot springs is 20,000 IDR and if you want to use the toilets or showers and changing rooms this will cost you 3,000 IDR.

15. Go to the Ubud Monkey Forest

_{Submitted by Ashley from Culture Snapshots}

The Ubud Monkey Forest, also known as the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, is one of the top things to do in Bali, and for good reason.

The Monkey Forest is a sanctuary for Balinese long-tailed macaques, who freely roam the area. You can see the macaques up close and take great photos with them.

The sanctuary area is quite large, so you can easily spend a few hours just enjoying the scenery and the monkeys. There are also several temples within the grounds that are not open to tourists but are still pretty from a distance.

The sanctuary is located in Ubud, which is well-known for being a centre for Balinese arts and culture.

If you’re around the centre of Ubud, you can quickly ride a motorbike, catch a local taxi, or even walk to the Monkey Forest.

The price of admission for an adult is 80,000 IDR on weekdays and 100,000 IDR on weekends. You can easily visit the Ubud Monkey Forest by yourself. There is no need to visit with a tour unless you want to.

To make the most of your experience in Ubud, stay somewhere near the centre of Ubud. There is plenty to see, do, and eat in the area, and it makes it easy to visit other attractions around Ubud.

16. Visit Diamond Beach in Nusa Penida

_{Submitted by Haley of Haley Blackall Travel}

Nusa Penida, located a scenic 40-minute boat ride southeast of mainland Bali, is a natural playground with many beautiful beaches and stunning landscapes. Within this, Diamond Beach is one of its best. 

Nestled into the towering cliffside is this paradisical beach, it has one large rock formation just off the coastline in the shape of a diamond. With a somewhat adventurous set of stairs down to the beach carved into the cliffside, it’s a desolate stretch of golden sand with crashing waves that you have to see to believe. 

Unfortunately, because of how strong the current is, swimming here is not recommended. However, you luckily don’t have to swim at Diamond Beach to enjoy it.

Once you get down the stairs, there is only one small snack stand, and a token Bali swing, for your Instagrammable pictures. So come prepared with a towel, snacks, water, and sunscreen. 

The cost to enter Diamond Beach is 10,000 IDR ($0.70). You are not required to take an organized tour to enter Diamond Beach, but if you’d like to see other parts of Nusa Penida without the hassle of renting a scooter, a tour might be a great option. 

If you do decide to visit Diamond Beach on your own, make sure to take into account the 1-hour drive along winding roads from Nusa Penida’s ferry port.

If you have time along your Bali adventure, a night spent near Diamond Beach is one of the best places to stay in Nusa Penida. Diamond Beach Villas offers charming 2-3 bedroom villas surrounding a large palm tree-lined pool.

17. Setia Darma House of Masks and Puppets

_{Submitted by Soumya from Stories by Soumya}

One of the best things to do in Bali, is to visit the Setia Darma House of Masks and Puppets.

This unique art museum has a rare collection of more than 5,500 puppets and 1,000 masks, all sourced from different parts of Indonesia as well as from China, Thailand, Myanmar, Malaysia, and Cambodia. The artefacts are displayed in traditional Javanese wooden houses called “joglos”.

Mr. Hadi Sunyoto built the Setia Darma House of Masks and Puppets and opened it to the public in 2006. What began as his personal collection has now become an intention to preserve and continue the age-old tradition of puppet-making. One of the highlights of the museum are the special Indonesian shadow puppets called Wayang Kulit, an intangible cultural heritage listed by UNESCO.

Located just 20 minutes away from the centre of Ubud, the Setia Darma Museum is easy to get to by car. It is open from 8:00am – 4:00pm every day and is free to enter, though a small donation is highly recommended. If you’d like to stay close by, check out Adil Villa & Resort, a beautiful property located in the middle of rice fields.

The puppet museum is an absolute treasure trove of art and culture from all over the world and is a must-have on every Bali itinerary, especially if you are looking to do something different. 

18. Surf the Beaches in Uluwatu

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Bali has some of the world’s most famous surfing and beaches, and most of those are concentrated in Uluwatu on Bali’s southern tip. Whether you are an advanced surfer or someone looking for their first surfing lesson, there is a beach in Uluwatu for you.

Surfing is one of the best things to do in Bali and is also very affordable. You can rent a surfboard on the beach for 30,000 IDR ($2) for two hours or purchase a surf lesson package for 350,000 IDR ($23). There are also surf camps with lessons available in addition to the hotel. One of the most affordable places for this is Tregge Surf Camp Uluwatu.

If you are a novice surfer looking for calm waves and a soft, sandy break, then the best beach in Uluwatu is Dreamland Beach. 

For those who have been surfing a few times and are looking to jump from longboard to shortboards and begin taking on more intense waves, Bingin Beach and Balangan Beach are the best beaches for you.

Advanced surfers will have the most fun surfing the barrels at Padang Padang Beach and Uluwatu Beach. These quick, left-handed reef breaks are home to some of the world’s most coveted waves. Just be sure to go at high tide for the best expert surfing in Uluwatu.

Just remember to check the tide forecast because each of the beaches in Uluwatu is different. Most beaches have the best breaks during high tide, but others, like Dreamland, are best experienced at low tide.

Where to stay: Surfers House Green Bowl

19. Lempuyang Temple

_{Submitted by Catherine from Nomadicated}

Lempuyang Temple, or Pura Lempuyang Luhur, is a famous Bali cultural site renowned for its exquisite architecture framing some of the finest views of Mount Agung volcano on the island. This holy temple is considered one of six directional temples which guard the island against evil spirits.

Lempuyang Temple is located on Mount Lempuyang of Karangasem Regency, Eastern Bali. It’s only 30 minutes from Amed but more than two hours away from Ubud and Canggu.

The Lempuyang Temple complex comprises seven majestic temples spread across stairways that take around four hours to hike. But the best sight by far is the “Gate of Heaven” which is a stunning split stone gate that overlooks Mount Agung Volcano. Unfortunately, its newfound fame has led to large numbers of tourists and long waiting lines for the best photo.

Many tours go to Lempuyang, but you can also go by yourself by renting a scooter. Arrive early at around sunrise in order to beat the hordes of tourists. In addition, visiting at sunrise yields optimal photographic opportunities and higher chances of clear skies.

Admission to the Gate of Heaven costs 55,000 IDR and includes a complimentary sarong plus someone ready to capture your photo at the Gate of Heaven. A new shuttle system implemented for crowd control purposes now requires an extra 50,000 IDR fee on top of the entrance fee.

20. Take A Multi-Day Komodo Islands Boat Tour 

_{Submitted by Katie from KatieCafTravel.com} 

Taking a multi-day boat tour of Indonesia’s Komodo National Park is one of the most amazing things you can do on a trip to Bali. 

Komodo National Park is composed of 29 distinct islands, each with their own interesting flora, and fauna. The most popular way to visit Komodo National Park is via a multi-day sailing trip. Here all the guests sleep onboard the boat and make stops at different islands along the way. 

The Komodo Islands are named after the Komodo Dragon, and it’s the only place in the world where you can see these “dragons” in the wild! 

The price of a Komodo Islands sailing trip starts at 760,000 IDR ($50) per day, depending on the room and boat reserved. 

There’s a budget backpacker’s boat that departs from the Gili and Lombok islands which sails through Komodo National Park. This boat is incredibly cheap, at only around 3,000,000 IDR ($200) for an all-inclusive for a four-day tour. It is a very rough ride as there’s no AC, the beds are mats on the floor and the food is extremely basic.

On the other end of the cost spectrum, there are also ultra-luxury private Komodo National Park sailing tours. These tours depart from Flores and include hot tubs, AC and high-end meals.

The Komodo Islands are also an extremely popular spot for divers in Indonesia, second only to Raja Ampat. There are also many multi-day diving live-on-board cruises that cater exclusively to scuba divers. 

How to get there: You can book your private 4 day boat tour here

21. Join a Yoga Class in Ubud

_{Submitted by Anna from Love Yoga Love Travel}

One of the best things to do in Bali is to take a yoga class in Ubud.

Ubud is the cultural and spiritual heart of Bali and has a long history of healing. The name Ubud means medicine, and the town has a plethora of spas and wellness retreats, often in beautiful locations overlooking the lush green rice terraces. 

There’s a huge number of yoga studios and retreats to choose from. Many offer drop-in yoga classes suitable for beginners which are perfect if you are new to yoga and want to try it out. 

One of the best yoga studios in Ubud is the Yoga Barn. It has seven yoga shalas nestled in tropical greenery and hosts a huge variety of yoga classes and workshops in all different styles for all levels. The ecstatic dance on Sundays is especially popular. There’s also an ayurvedic spa, cafe and saltwater pool. 

The cost of a group yoga class in Ubud varies depending on the studio and type of class. However, it’s normally around 150,00 IDR ($10). For some classes, you can just walk in but for the more popular studios, you might need to book in advance. There are too many studios to mention here so check out this guide to yoga in Bali for more information. 

Ubud is a 90 minutes taxi ride from the airport and there’s enough to do here to stay at least a couple of days and soak up the special energy and beautiful nature.

22. Take a day trip to Kawah Ijen

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Kawah Ijen is a terrific day excursion from Bali since it is one of Indonesia’s most stunning volcanoes! It is located on the island of Java which can be reached by taking a guided trip from Bali. The climb up to the crater lake, in particular, is a one-of-a-kind, memorable experience in Bali.

Because sulfur is still mined by hand in Kawah Ijen, it is called the largest acid barrel on the planet. The miners go up and down the hill many times a day, storing the sulfur pieces in bamboo baskets. These may weigh up to 70 kg, thus the baskets are sometimes heavier than the workers themselves.

They must transport the sulfur up to the crater and then down to the valley. You should try how heavy a basket full of sulfur is! The tourist tour leads 3 kilometres up to the crater. During the trip, you will normally come across several of these sulfur workers, who are very pleased to chat and to provide some info.

The hike to the summit of the crater takes around 90 minutes. From the summit, you can see the turquoise crater lake and the majestic rocky terrain.  A special tip is a night hike up to Ijen, because then you will have the chance to see the famous Blue Flames.

How to book: You can book a 24hr trip with breakfast via GetYourGuide or this blue flame hike of Kawah Ijen via Klook which we used many times when travelling southeast Asia.

23. Cycle around Gili Trawangan

Out of all the places we visited, we found Gili T to be the most enjoyable and beautiful. Awash with beautiful beaches and breathtaking sunsets, Gili T has to be on everyone’s bucket lists. For a small island, there is absolutely tons to do but it’s also enjoyable to sit back and relax with a book in hand.

The island is so small that no motorised vehicles are allowed on the island, leaving just walking, cycling and horse-drawn carriages as ways of getting around.

However, by far the most enjoyable way of experiencing Gili T is on a bike. A tarmacked road goes around the perimeter of the island making it possible to experience everything Gili T has to offer. We’d recommend taking a cycle around the island on one of your first days. This will allow you to get a feel of the place and stumble across some hidden gems! Make sure to check out our guide on the 17 Things to do in Gili Trawangan so you don’t miss out.

Cycling will also allow you to reach those places that are too far to walk to, especially in the evening. Whilst arguably the best restaurant in the whole of Indonesia, Jali Kitchen is situated slightly out of the center. This means that if you’re not within walking distance, it really makes visiting that much harder. However, having a bike solves all your problems and enables you to reach the majority of the island with ease.

As bikes can be rented for the day for as little as 30,000 IDR ($2), you’ll easily be able to explore the island on a budget.

24. Visit Finn’s Beach Club

Finns Beach Club is hands down one of the best things to do in Bali. If you ever see incredible photos of partying by the pool then it’s probably come from here.

Located on the southern edge of Canggu in Bali, Finns is a Beach Club open every evening and is always super busy. You’ll get full use of pool facilities where you can drink and boogie into the early hours in great company.

To book you must purchase your bed for the evening. This can range from a single party bed to a super deluxe party bed which can hold up to 10 people. The price ranges from 700,000 IDR ($46) to 2,200,000 IDR ($145). However, this price is subject to arrival before 3pm as the price will pretty much double afterwards.

We got there before 3pm which gave us time to relax a bit and enjoy the venue. It was also a really good place to watch the beautiful sunset over the horizon.

We’d highly recommend you go with as many people as possible as it made our experience that much more fun. It’s also great to have a base camp where everyone congregates around and comes back to. The whole area is huge and it’s good fun to have a nosey around.

If you’re staying in the local area, walking to Finns Beach Club is incredibly easy. Although, on the way back we would recommend getting a taxi home, especially if it’s quite late. Taxis will be waiting outside Finns and even though they do put their prices up, at that point all you want to do is get home.

25. Learn to make Jewellery

If you’re looking for a fun activity to do as a couple or group, look no further than Yin Silver Jewellery class.

Situated on Gili Trawangan, this Silver making class is one of its kind as you’ll get to design and build your own jewlery. You’ll first be presented with a pen and paper to sketch your ideas. If you’re stuck, the jewellers are on hand to give advice as they speak really good English. There’s also a sheet of example drawings to give you some ideas.

From here you’ll need to stretch out the silver using a machine and use a makeshift blowtorch to bend it into place. This will then allow you to chisel the design into your chosen shape before sanding it down so it can be worn.

For a more in-depth guide on the class itself, make sure to check out Jewellery Class In Gili Trawangan page.

The best way of booking is in-store at Yin Jewellery. Here the owner will outline what time and how many people want to book and that’s it! The cost of the class starts at 400,000 IDR ($23). This includes the cost of your silver but any extra silver you need will increase the cost.

26. Take a Balinese Cooking Class and Coffee tour

If you’re looking to experience something truly Balinese, why not spend the day taking a Coffee tour and a traditional cooking class?!

This combined tour takes you first to Lambung Sari House. Here you’ll get to learn the process of how Balinese coffee is made as well as try the world’s most expensive coffee. Known as Coffee Kupi Lowak, the red coffee beans are eaten by civet cats who then poop out the remnants. It is then washed, dried and brewed as normal. Whilst it wasn’t our particular taste, it was a very cool experience.

In addition, you’re given 12 other types of coffee and tea to try, ranging from Vanilla coffee to Roseila tea. One of the best bits was the ability to enjoy all of this whilst overlooking a beautiful rice field in the Balinese sun.

You’re then taken away to a family-run cooking class to teach you all things Balinese cooking. All the ingredients are laid out in front of you and you’ll be introduced to the number of courses you’ll be making. We ended up doing it with another couple and we all had a great time.

We ended up making chicken satay skewers, mie goreng, fish ball soup and sticky banana pieces with coconut flakes. As you can imagine it was all incredibly yummy and the food looked amazing. We kept having to remind ourselves we’d literally just made everything from scratch!

The cooking class was so much fun and we’d highly recommend it to anyone looking to add some culture to their trip!

There you have it, the Ultimate Bucket List for Bali in 2023. Outlining all the best places to visit and stay in the whole of Bali so you know where to visit BEFORE you travel. This will help you plan all your favorite activities and ensure you have the best time possible!

Please let us know what you thought of these activities or any we missed off the list in the activities below.

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