Bali resident of 5 years, Mo of Travellust 101 shares one of the best issues to do in Bali with insider ideas and proposals that can make you wish to e book a visit to as we speak!
I’ve traveled extensively all through Southeast Asia, however there is no such thing as a island fairly like Bali.
From the aromatic incense of the “canang sari” (the Balinese Hindu providing) that fills the streets to the magical island vibes that permeate from the seashores to the highlands, Bali at all times held a particular place in my coronary heart since I first planted ft on this enchanting land over ten years in the past.
Bali is a kind of uncommon islands that provide countless issues to do together with browsing, snorkeling, temple hopping, volcano trekking, mountain climbing within the rice fields, purchasing, scuba diving, chasing waterfalls, and a lot extra.
Whether or not you’re keen on cultural experiences or outside adventures, Bali is your final dream come true.
What to do in Bali
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I’ve fallen so in love with Bali in actual fact, that I made this island my residence away from residence. Even after dwelling in Bali for almost 5 years, there’s nonetheless a lot left of the island to find.
I’m excited to share with you the highest Bali actions and issues you shouldn’t miss in your subsequent journey to the Island of the Gods!
1. Snorkel or Scuba Dive with Mantas
After I first traveled to Bali in 2009, I by no means had scuba dived earlier than in my life.
However because the journey was my first solo journey expertise and I used to be in an adventurous spirit, I made a decision to provide it a attempt!
You can not think about the joys and pleasure that overcame me once I noticed gigantic manta rays fly over my head throughout my first trial dive! I used to be blown away and speechless. After that unimaginable encounter, I grew to become obsessive about scuba diving!
At Nusa Penida off of the mainland of Bali, there’s a cleansing station referred to as the Manta Level the place the Oceanic Manta Rays could be seen almost year-round.
The Oceanic Manta Rays that may develop as much as 7 meters in size could be seen almost year-round off of the mainland of Bali, at a cleansing station referred to as the Manta Level on the coast of Nusa Penida.
Since Mantas strategy the floor very often, scuba divers, in addition to snorkelers, can get pleasure from a swim with the manta rays. Don’t miss this life-in-a-lifetime encounter. Seeing this majestic animal is certainly one factor you wish to add to your Bali bucket checklist!You may e book a day journey to
Nusa Penida from Bali, or head to any of the Nusa islands (Lembongan, Ceningan, Penida) for a snorkeling or diving package deal.
2. White Sand Seashore at Nyang Nyang
There are numerous seashores in Bali from white sand to black sand and all the pieces in between.
However my absolute favourite seaside in Bali is Nyang Nyang seaside in Uluwatu.
This pristine white sand seaside is without doubt one of the greatest locations to go to in Bali when on the lookout for some seaside time.
Regardless of the powdery white sand, the turquoise blue seas and the gorgeous panorama, only a few vacationers make their method to the south tip of the island. It’s like having a non-public seaside to your self.
The lengthy shoreline can be implausible for taking a peaceable stroll.
If you wish to escape the mass tourism of close by Kuta/Legian/Nusa Dua and luxuriate in a calming seaside day, head to Nyang Nyang! I went within the midst of a excessive season and nonetheless discovered the seaside void of massive crowds.
If in case you have time, try the sister seaside referred to as Nunggalan seaside only a few minutes down the highway – it’s simply as secluded and delightful, and you may also discover an deserted shipwreck which is legendary for Instagrammers!
3. Blue Lagoon on Nusa Ceningan
Off of the east coast of Bali is a small island referred to as Nusa Ceningan.
After a brief 30-minute ferry trip to Lembongan island and a scooter trip throughout to Ceningan island, you’ll encounter a mind-blowing horizon of the bluest water you’d ever seen.
There are a number of scenic spots on Ceningan, however Blue Lagoon blows all the pieces else out of the water.
The varied shades of blue that surrounds this coast of Ceningan vary from child blue to Azure, and you’ll be mesmerized by the panorama of Blue Lagoon. I had by no means seen colours so stunning!
Admittedly, the Blue Lagoon has change into fairly touristy within the final couple of years, however you’ll not remorse ready for a photograph alternative at this gorgeous cliffside location.
It’s unquestionably probably the most photogenic spot on the island – I spent 2 hours snapping photographs from each doable route.
Make sure you take sunscreen although, because the solar within the tropics is brutally scorching, and there aren’t any shades round Blue Lagoon.
4. Tukad Cepung Waterfall
In the event you ever battle to determine which of the 20+ waterfalls in Bali you need to go to, Tukad Cepung waterfall is one you gained’t wish to miss.
After a straightforward 15-minute hike down a paved path and strolling by means of shallow streams and climbing over some boulders, you’ll run into a wide ranging sight of a sunbeam and waterfall streaming right into a collapse unison.
As you gaze up from the within the cave, you’ll be awe-struck at this unimaginable nature’s magnificence.
Tukad Cepung is shortly changing into a well-liked vacationer vacation spot so make sure to get there early to keep away from the crowds.
I arrived as quickly because the ticket sales space opened at 08:00 and bumped into just one different couple.
Admission is IDR 10,000 (USD .70) per individual
Opening Hours: 08:00 – 17:00
5. Shipwreck at Tulamben
The USAT Liberty Shipwreck is a sunken US Military cargo ship from WWII that lies simply 5 to 30 meters beneath the ocean floor.
What makes this shipwreck a scorching spot is that it’s positioned solely 30 meters off the shore, making it accessible for snorkelers in addition to newbie divers to discover this magnificent historic artifact.
You may merely stroll within the water from the seaside to the shallowest shipwreck on the island!
Not solely does the USAT Liberty make an fascinating dive website with 100 meters of the wreck to discover, nevertheless it has additionally change into residence to varied marine life together with turtles, batfish, backyard eels, bumphead parrotfish, sweetlips, groupers, and plenty of different species.
The shipwreck is one among my favourite dive websites in all of Bali!
Be aware that if you find yourself snorkeling, you’ll be able to see a small portion of the shipwreck however won’t be able to view all the website. For a greater view of the USAT Liberty, I like to recommend that you simply join a trial dive that can will let you discover as much as 12 meters in depth (if not an authorized diver already). Consider me, it’s price it
6. Soak in a Pure Pool
One of many lesser-known Bali Sights – Tegal Wangi
You may catch some stunning sunsets all alongside the west coast of Bali, however there’s one particular seaside referred to as Tegal Wangi that gives shallow swimming pools the place you’ll be able to dip in at low tide.
Tegal Wangi is a reasonably unknown seaside on the west coast, so you’ll be able to get pleasure from a non-public and romantic viewing of the dramatic orange hues within the sky at sundown whereas soaking in a pure Jacuzzi.
The rock formations at Tegal Wangi is uniquely formed concerning the dimension of a Jacuzzi – so when the tide is pulling out, the water collects within the rock “pockets,” forming a pure pool.
Soaking on this rock Jacuzzi whereas the horizon lights up in dramatic orange hues at sundown is a singular expertise for positive!
Though Tegal Wangi is pretty unnoticed by the vacationers, it does get crowded with locals round sundown time. So arrive early on the golden hour for one of the best photograph alternatives.
Uncover this hidden gem throughout your subsequent journey to Bali – you gained’t remorse it!
In the event you plan to spend the day at Tegal Wangi, be aware that there aren’t any retailers on the seaside. Take all the pieces you want for a seaside day resembling drinks, snacks, towels, and so forth
7. UNESCO World Heritage Website at Jatiluwih
While you consider Bali, you could think about an enormous subject of lush inexperienced rice terraces and tall palm bushes peppered all through the horizon.
Whereas rice terraces could be discovered throughout Bali from the well-known Tegallalang to the distant highlands of Pupuan, what I cherished about Jatiluwih Rice Terraces is the entry to three paved mountain climbing trails by means of the UNESCO World Heritage Website.
The paths make it straightforward to immerse your self within the huge horizon of completely sculpted rice terraces with out disturbing the rice paddies or falling by means of the cracks!
Jatiluwih is an expansive horizon of completely sculpted rice terraces that stretch for so long as you’ll be able to see.
The panoramic view of the rice fields is assured to blow you away!
The panoramic view of the rice fields at Jatiliwih is actually one among a sort.
Admission charge is IDR 40,000 per individual (USD 2.80)
Opening Hours: 08:30 to 18:00
The shortest path is about 30 minutes lengthy, the second path is about an hour lengthy, and the longest path is about 1.5 hours lengthy.
Make sure you slather on some display earlier than starting your hike!
8. Smoothie Bowls
Bali has change into a haven for vegans and foodies over the previous few years, providing a formidable collection of scrumptious, hearty, and delightful smoothie bowls.
From east coast to west coast, you’ll find mouth-watering smoothie bowls filled with superfoods and unique fruits nearly in every single place.
In widespread areas like Canggu or Ubud, you will see many cafes that serve mouth-watering smoothie bowls filled with superfoods.
There are such a lot of heavenly cafes to select from, however a few of my prime votes are:
Nalu Bowls in Seminyak for one of the best menu selectionsCafé Vida in Canggu for aesthetic smoothie bowlsAlchemy in Ubud for “make your personal” smoothie bowl creations.
Be sure to get your palms some smoothie bowls throughout your Bali keep. However be warned that they’re addictive!
9. Surf the Waves
Bali is understood for a lot of nice adventures, however browsing is one exercise that draws adrenalin junkies from all around the world.
You’ll find surf on all 4 coasts of the island, in addition to a spread of browsing lessons and classes.
Superior surfers normally head to the south coast of Uluwatu in Bukit Peninsula, whereas milder waves on the west coast (Canggu) and east coast (Sanur) make implausible spots for newbie surfers.
If in case you have by no means tried browsing earlier than, hit the waves and provides it a go!
Though Canggu is a scorching spot amongst all ranges of surfers, the water is so crowded that I didn’t get pleasure from my browsing lesson there – I used to be scared that I’d both get run over by another person or stumble upon somebody with my board.
If you wish to get pleasure from your browsing lesson, head to Sanur – a “sleepy” seaside city the place you’ll be able to apply and luxuriate in browsing with out worrying about getting damage.
Sanur can be a lot much less crowded than Canggu, with calm waters, golden sand seaside and quaint seaside vibe. However in case you benefit from the “motion”, then Canggu could also be a greater possibility.
Browsing classes can be found on all of the island’s coasts so you probably have by no means tried browsing earlier than, hit the waves and provides it a go!
10. Volcanic Black Sand Seashore
Most individuals dream of a white sand seaside after they think about paradise. However do you know that Bali provides some pure, volcanic black sand seashores alongside the north and east coasts?
One in every of my favourite black sand seashores in Bali is an off-the-beaten-path location referred to as Pantai Masceti which is surrounded by small, quiet native villages.
The black sand at Masceti is shimmery and powdery which could be very uncommon, as a lot of the black seashores in Bali primarily include rocks and pebbles.
Additionally, you’ll hardly ever run into one other vacationer right here – the realm is distant from Bali’s vacationer monitor, making it an ideal hideaway if you wish to escape the lots.
Since Masceti seaside is barely a 30-minute trip north of Sanur, you’ll be able to take a fast journey after your browsing lesson to take a look at this distinctive setting
11. Genuine Bali at Sidemen Valley
After I visited Sidemen for the primary time final 12 months, I couldn’t consider that a gorgeous rural countryside with magnificent views of rice fields and valleys has managed to stay off the vacationer radar.
Positioned simply an hour from the tourism mecca of Ubud, being in Sidemen will make you’re feeling such as you transported again in time to a quaint, charming village lifetime of conventional Bali.
Sidemen valley is a rural countryside that gives jaw-dropping views of rice fields and farmlands.
Though a number of resorts and homestays have popped up in Sidemen, the tranquility of the area is a far cry the hustling and bustling cities of south Bali.
If you wish to expertise an genuine Bali, head to Sidemen and join both a biking tour or a trekking tour to entry one of the best views!
My Three-hour biking tour by means of the villages and rice paddies, and ending with a picnic overlooking the valley was one of the memorable journeys I did in Bali.
Bali has change into an immensely populated vacationer vacation spot in recent times, and it’s changing into more and more exhausting to keep away from vacationer traps.
However if you need a glimpse of what Bali might have seemed like earlier than commercialization and to expertise the genuine Bali, you will need to head to Sidemen.
12. Calm down in a Flower Bathtub
No journey to Bali is full till you expertise a flower tub!
I didn’t get the hype of flower baths till I lastly indulged in a single myself. The mix of the floral scented water, the luxurious ambiance, and silky easy pores and skin may have you strolling on cloud 9 for days to come back.
Many spas round Bali supply a flower tub, however my all-time-favorite expertise was one at Maya Ubud, the place you’ll be able to soak in a bath surrounded in nature.
The spa “bungalows” are constructed within the jungle over a river, so all of your senses work together with the character round you, from the sounds of the birds chirping, the river flowing down beneath, to the crisp breeze flowing by means of the foliage. It’s absolute heaven!
As if the expertise of a flower tub isn’t unimaginable sufficient, the views from the Spa at Maya Ubud is simply spectacular
If you’re on the lookout for enjoyable issues to do in Bali for couples, it is a should.
13. Go, Temple Hopping
With 1000’s of temples in Bali, it could be tough to decide on which temples to place in your itinerary.
Temples to see in Bali
A lot of the predominant temples in Bali are inevitably touristy, however a few of my favorites are:
Steered Temples to see in Bali
Watching the sundown over Tanah Lot temple in UluwatuExperiencing the therapeutic tub pool at Tirta EmpulVisiting the floating temple on a canoe at Ulun Danu Baratan in north BaliTouring the archeological cliff carvings at Gunung Kawi
Though these temples could be crowded with guests, they’re additionally typically utilized by the Balinese to host native ceremonies, which is an unforgettable expertise if you’re fortunate to witness one! After I visited the Gunung Kawi, a whole lot of native villagers have been gathered to honor the temples positioned on the grounds, and it was a gorgeous sensory expertise involving incense, devices, chanting, and colourful costumes.
Since many temples are scattered all through the island, it’s an awesome concept to base your self in Ubud, rent a driver for a day and make your approach round a few of these attractive websites
14. Banyu Wana Amertha Waterfall
The one factor that makes Banyu Wana Amertha waterfall stand out from all the remainder is which you could get pleasure from 4 spectacular waterfalls in a single location!
One waterfall at Banyu Wana Amertha named Bhunanasari took my breath away – water cascaded down in varied streams over a cliff wall enveloped in lush greenery. I couldn’t consider extra guests hadn’t found this hidden gem.
Banyu Wana Amertha is positioned close to different noteworthy sights resembling Jatiluwih Rice Terrace and Ulun Danu Baratan Temple, so you’ll be able to design a day journey combining a few of Bali’s highlights and exploring nature’s wonders.
Admission charge for the waterfall is IDR 20,000 (USD 1.40) per individual.
Opening hours: 08:00 – 18:00
15. Infinity Swimming pools
Bali is one among many locations in SE Asia the place you’ll be able to stay like a King/Queen even when touring on a funds. And what higher method to really feel like a royal then to loosen up in an infinity pool, basking in a shocking surroundings whereas sipping on a recent coconut or a cocktail?
Whether or not you get pleasure from a cliffside view, an ocean view or a jungle view, Bali is legendary for infinity swimming pools with a dramatic, breathtaking backdrop.
A few of the most spectacular infinity swimming pools in Bali I cherished have been
Toya Villa in UbudSamanvaya in SidemenAya Resort in JimbaranMaya Resort in Ubud
Infinity pool villas in Bali fall in a broad worth vary (from USD 20 to USD 1,000), so it doesn’t matter what your funds is, you’ll find your excellent villa with a view to drool over
As soon as, I discovered an enthralling villa in north Ubud with an infinity pool with a view to-die-for for under USD 20 together with breakfast!
