Unique Things to See and Do in Bali

In recent years the Indonesian island of Bali has become an extremely popular tourist destination due to its stunning natural landscape, cultural heritage, exotic wildlife, and affordable costs. Due to its thriving tourist scene, there are a multitude of incredible experiences which can be enjoyed across the island that many visitors do not have the chance to discover.

If you have been looking for some unique activities to enjoy on vacation, then listed below are some of our recommendations on what to see and do in Bali.

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Uluwatu Temple

Photo credit: https://www.flickr.com/photos/samitriani

Amongst the thousands of ancient temples and spiritual places of worship which populate the island of Bali, there are six key temples which have been heralded as Bali’s spiritual pillars for centuries. Out of these six temples, it is highly recommended that you visit the Uluwatu Temple.

Also known as Pura Luhur Uluwatu, this breathtaking temple sits atop a steep cliff which is located 70 meters above sea level. As such, the Uluwatu Temple is one of the best destinations across the island upon which to witness a breathtaking Balinese sunset.

Whether you wish to take capture the moment on camera, or simply bask in the beautiful island backdrop, a sunset spent at Uluwatu Temple is one you will cherish forever.

Bali cooking class

Photo credit: https://www.flickr.com/photos/angelosu/

No trip to Bali would be complete without discovering the rich flavors and exotic spices of the local cuisine. From open markets to street food stalls and gourmet restaurants, the island offers a broad variety of opportunities to sample local Balinese dishes including lawar, Bebek betutu, nasi campur Bali.

However, why settle for sampling these incredible dishes when you could take them home with you? By taking a cooking class, you can learn all of the necessary skills to prepare and enjoy Balinese cuisine within your own home.

At Bumbu Bali restaurant, each four hour cooking class is taught by highly acclaimed chef and bestselling author Heinz von Holzen who will teach you how to prepare, cook and taste up to 20 different Balinese dishes.

Check out some other great cooking classes in Bali here:

Bali Seawalker

Over the years Bali has become renowned for its eclectic array of water sports activities. Destinations such as Kuta Beach are ideal for swimming, surfing, and even participating in more adventurous water sports such as kite surfing and deep sea diving.

On the other hand, if you wish to discover the wonders of the deep blue sea but have little aquatic experience then the Bali Seawalker offers an ideal solution. This unique soft dive system enables you to walk underwater up to a depth of 15 feet without the need for a diving tank. Simply put on a Bali Seawalker diving helmet and a fully certified instructor will lead you on a guided tour across the bottom of the ocean!

Each Bali Seawalker session last approximately 30 minutes; during which time you will be able to swim amongst all manner of tropical fish, sea turtles, eels, octopi and exotic sea life.

Bali Safari & Marine Park

Photo credit: https://www.flickr.com/photos/lafinboy/

If you love animals then a trip to the Bali Safari & Marine Park is a must. Part of the Taman Safari Indonesia organization, the Bali Safari & Marine Park is one of the foremost wildlife conservation programs in Indonesia and as such its staff host daily education and conservation programs with which you can sign up. There are also several safari packages on offer.

Jatiluwih Rice Fields in Bali

Visiting spectacular Jatiluwih rice fields is one of the most beautiful, memorable and unique things to do in Bali.

Awe-inspiring Jatiluwih rice terraces are the biggest rice fields in Bali and a UNESCO World Heritage site. The incredibly green rice terraces spread over an impressive 1,480 acres and are cultivated only by the hands of people without the use of mechanical machines. 

Moreover, the field cultivation is based on the traditional Balinese Tri Hita Karana philosophy of life that advocates  “three causes of well-being”, or in other words, harmony among people, harmony with God, and harmony with nature. 

The Jatiluwih rice fields entrance fee is 40k INR (about 4 USD) and the money goes to the local fund for the field maintenance. So, if you would love to support sustainable travel that benefits local communities and the natural environment on your trip to Bali, visiting sensational Jatiluwih rice fields is one of the best things you can do. Besides that, trekking marvelous Jatiluwih rice terraces is one of the most amazing things a nature aficionado can treat themself in Bali.

Picture-perfect Jatiluwih rice fields are located 25 mi (40 km) from Ubud and 30 mi (48 km) from Denpasar. 

Contributed by Milijana Gabrić of World Travel Connector

Tukad Cepung Waterfall

Contributed by Sean Lau of LivingOutLau

Snorkeling in Amed

For some of the best snorkeling in Bali, head over to Amed on the East coast. All the beaches in Amed have some very good snorkeling, and the best is that it’s right off the beach, so there is no need to get a boat.

Amed’s longest beach, Jemeluk, has arguably the best snorkeling in Amed. A short swim from the shore is where you’ll find a small underwater temple. Look for the buoys which mark the spot of the underwater temple. Just beyond the underwater temple is the drop off, and and this is where the snorkeling gets really good. Turtles are often spotted here.

Shipwrecks are usually accessible to divers only. In Amed, you can find an old Japanese shipwreck literally a stone’s throw away from the beach. The holes, nooks and crannies of the shipwreck will reveal surprises such as colorful anemones, moray eels, schools of fish is every colour imaginable and other critters. 

Contributed by De Wet & Jin of Museum of Wander

Surfing in Bali

Bali is a surf paradise, and it doesn’t matter if you have experience or not. Surfing is one of the unique things to do in Bali, and the secret of surfing in Bali is to choose where to go. The beach you choose should be related to your surfing skills. 

Kuta or Legian beaches are the best places for beginners. There are several surfing schools along these beaches, and if you are staying in this area, you’ll probably have a surfing teacher at your hotel. If it’s your first time surfing, do it with an instructor for your safety and the safety of other people at the beach.

Experienced surfers can rent a surfboard and have fun on their own. Bali offers great surf spots. The beaches located in the Canggu area are excellent for experienced surfers, be aware of the rocks and the beginners struggling to pass the point break. 

Pros will have fun at Uluwatu, Padang-Padang and Dreamland beaches. And if you want to try a fast and strong right, go to Keramas Beach, a unique paradise hidden from the tourist crowds.

Bali breathes surf; in every corner, you can rent or buy boards and book surfing lessons. Shop around as the prices in Bali can change from one beach to another. Then be ready for incredible waves, a great vibe, sharp rocks, and fun. 

Contributed by Natalie Deduck of LoveandRoad

Balinese Hindu Temple

Saranabhi, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Located right outside of Ubud, Pura Tirta Empul is a Balinese Hindu temple and one of the most spectacular temples in Bali famous for its holy water that comes from springs. Here, you can observe locals getting in the water to do their daily blessings, and also join this fascinating ceremony by getting in one of the baths.

Contributed by Daria Bachmann of The Discovery Nut

Visit a Seaside Village on an Epic Ride

One of the best things to do in Bali is to take a 3-hour drive through central Bali’s stunning landscapes and head North to a seaside village named Pemuteran. This is especially true for those that want somewhere to relax and unwind after a few days in popular places like Ubud or Kuta.

Although it may seem like a long ride to reach Pemuteran, don’t worry. The 3 hour ride is stunning as you make your way through central Bali’s incredible landscapes.

The entire journey is a constant change of scenes as you slowly make your way through winding roads surrounded by jungle, verdant rice fields tumbling down into valleys and passing through charming villages in Bali’s highland. No doubt the journey itself will be a highlight of this trip and maybe even one of the best things you do in Bali.

There are many routes from South to North Bali but the best has to be the one that passes along Jalan Antosari Pupuan. So try taking this route or let your driver know, he will know what you mean.

Contributed by James C. of The Travel Deck

Hike Bali’s Hidden Canyon

After exploring the nature side in Ubud, head on an adventure walking through the peaceful canyons of Hidden Canyon (Beji Guwang). Located in Sukawati, it’s one of the best day trips from Ubud as it’s 15 kilometers (9.3 miles) away. 

The canyons are located in the middle of a jungle. Therefore, a guide is necessary to help with navigation, ensure safety, and take photos of the adventure. 

There are three canyons to walk through and some physical exertion is needed during this 2-hour tour. Expect to scramble over some large rocks and walk along the edge of the canyon. Yet, the rushing water is refreshing to cool off from the humidity. The water level varies depending on the rainy or dry season. Most of the time, it’s ankle to calf-deep yet it can go up to waist-deep in certain areas. 

The chances of seeing another group are low so enjoy the canyons’ tranquility and quietness. It’s a perfect place to escape the tourists.

Contributed by Jackie Szeto of Life Of Doing

Book a Beji Guwang Hidden Canyon tour here >

Original post written by Gene Sanders. Updated April 2021 with additional contributions from our fellow travel bloggers.

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