Ultimate Bali Bucket List: 27 Things To Do In Bali

If you plan on visiting Bali soon, this Bali bucket list will help you decide on what’s worth spending your time on while visiting this tropical island.

Bali, the Island of Gods, is heavily influenced by Balinese Hinduism, making it a cultural getaway with many temples and traditions to explore.

However, Bali is also popular among digital nomads because of its sandy beaches, great food, warm hospitality and chill lifestyle.

The island is also a hot destination for Instagram influencers because of its natural amenities and vibrant scenic views.

If you fit into one of these groups of people, you’ll love Bali. Even if you’re just looking for a place to get lost in, Bali is the perfect tropical paradise you’ve been looking for.

So, let’s jump into this Bali bucket list right away!

Bali Bucket List: 27 Things To Do In Bali

1. Spend a day at a beach club

If you’re visiting Bali, it’s a must to visit a beach club! Bali has so many beautiful beaches, spending a day by the beach and listening to the waves crashing is a great way to unwind.

However, not all beach clubs in Bali are “chill”. Many of them are party places, filled with expats and tourists. Some of these beach clubs also have a minimum spend as an entrance fee, so it’s best to make full use of it and stay till nighttime to make your money’s worth.

The good thing is that your minimum spent is fully credited to food and beverages which you can enjoy all day long!

If you’re looking for a chill beach club to relax at, La Brisa Beach Club at Canggu has the best vibes, there’s not too many people.

Whereas, if you’re looking for a party place, Finn’s Beach Club (Canggu) and Potato Head Beach Club (Seminyak) might be more up your alley.

2. Go shopping at La Brisa Sunday Market

There are many interesting markets in Canggu.

One of them is La Brisa Sunday Market. Just like the name suggests, it only happens on Sunday. So be sure to plan your itinerary in such a way that you get to visit it!

This market is so fun to visit! You can find handmade items, food, drinks and more!

3. Try drinking a Bintang

Bintang is an Indonesian beer brand that you can get all over the island. It’s especially refreshing on a sunny day.

Be sure to add drinking a Bintang to your Bali bucket list!

4. Enjoy a floating breakfast

Treat yourself to a beautiful floating breakfast in a pool. You can find these at almost any villa or resort in Bali.

Besides treating yourself, getting a floating breakfast is definitely one of the most romantic things to do in Bali for your loved one.

Who wouldn’t want to wake up to a beautifully arranged tray floating in a pool, filled with fresh fruits, pastries, and your favourite breakfast goodies?

This should definitely be on your Bali bucket list!

5. Rent a bike to explore the island

There’s no better way to explore Bali than to ride around the island yourself! Renting a bike is a must-do if you’d like to see the island at your own pace. By taking the reigns, you might even stumble upon some hidden gems in Bali.

The streets of bali are very narrow, so most people prefer riding bikes instead of driving cars. If you aren’t renting a bike, you will most likely have to get around by booking a gojek.

6. Take a photo at Handara Gate

Looking for instagrammable spots in Bali? Handara Gate is definitely one of them!

You’ll notice that taking a photo in front of these massive gates is a popular thing to do in Bali for couples. The Handara gates are actually gates to a golf course.

Most people that go there only spend a few moment to take a photo, they aren’t really interested in golfing.

This Balinese architecture with lushes greens in the background might be worth adding to your bucket list.

7. Go cafe hopping in Canggu

Being the digital nomad hub, Canggu has become one of the best places to cafe-hop in Bali.

Bali is also known for it’s breakfast and coffee culture. Most people say you should skip the hotel’s breakfast and head out to a cafe instead.

It’s definitely worth waking up as early as 6-7am to visit local cafes to try the western-asian breakfasts, smoothies and breakfast bowls.

Best breakfast cafes in Canggu:

Crate Cafe
Nude Cafe

Best coffee in Canggu:

Expat Roasters
Ruko Cafe

8. Explore the Hanging gardens of Bali

The Hanging Gardens of Bali is a renowned luxury resort located in Ubud, Bali. It is known for its breathtaking beauty and unique architectural design.

The resort is situated in the heart of the jungle, surrounded by lush greenery and overlooking the Ayung River.

The pools are designed to resemble terraced rice paddies, with each level cascading down the hillside. This gives the impression that the pools are “hanging” over the jungle.

9. Watch the sunset at Tanah Lot Temple

One of the top things to do in Bali is to visit the iconic Tanah Lot Temple in the evening to enjoy the romantic picturesque sunset.

However, if you’re planning to visit the temple with your partner, it’s best to read up on Bali’s breakup curse first. Whether you decide to believe it or not, that’s on you.

The temple is not always safe to visit, it really depends on the tides. If there aren’t high tides, you can cross the small stretch of beach between the shore and the Temple to visit it.

To know whether it is safe or not, look out for literal signs on the beach that tells you if today is a good day to cross over or not.

All in all, know that the sunset at this temple is worth adding to your bucket list, just be comfortable with your choice of visiting the temple or not.

Even if you don’t visit this temple, there are many other temples with great sunset views in Bali.

10. Visit Uluwatu temple

Uluwatu is located on the southern tip of Bali. It is not only known for its clear water beaches, but also popular for it’s 1000-year-old Hindu sea temple.

This temple is a wondrous sight because of its located on a cliff that overlooks the clear waters. You’ll get one of the best sunset views in Bali if you visit this temple in the evening.

Be sure to note that there are monkeys surrounding the temple, you’ll want to keep your belongings safe in your backpack.

Also, if you’re visiting in the temple in the evening, it’s best to stay for the traditional Balinese Kecak fire dance.

11. Watch the Kecak Dance

If you’re already planning on visiting the majestic Uluwatu Temple, it’s a must to experience the Kecak fire and dance show at around 6pm in the evening.

The Kecak dance is performed by a group of 50 or more dancers who perform the a Hindu epic, Ramayana.

Watching the sunset at Uluwatu temple and immersing yourself in this cultural performance has to be part of your Bali bucket list tours.

12. Go glamping at Kintamani

When we think of Bali, the first thing that comes to our mind is sun, waves and sandy beaches.

But did you know that there’s a whole other side to Bali? We’re talking stunning views of mountains, lakes, natural hotsprings and misty skies.

Glamping at Kintamani is sweater weather for sure and it has to be on your Bali bucket list, especially if you want to experience different sides to this majestic Island.

Although there’s not a lot of activities to do nearby other than hiking up mount batur and visiting some cafes, it’s still a great place to unwind and take in the atmosphere.

13. Visit the Monkey Forest Sanctuary

The Sacred Monkey Forest is located in Ubud. It’s cool place where you can hang out with a bunch of monkeys in their natural habitat.

At this forest, you’ll find yourself surrounded by lushes greens! Expect tall trees and winding paths.

Helpful tip: Do not make eye contact or provoke the monkeys. Pack your belongings in a bag and don’t hold anything, the monkeys will try to snatch it! It’s advisable to get a rabies shot before visiting the forest sanctuary.

14. Take a jeep or hike up Mount Batur

The centerpiece of Kintamani is Mount Batur, an active volcano. So, if you’re going glamping at Kintamani, be sure to add hiking or taking a jeep up Mount Batur to your Bali bucket list.

Mount Batur hikes usually start as early as 1-2am as it takes 4-5 hours to reach the top, just in time for the mesmerizing sunrise.

If you’re taking a jeep tour, it usually start at 4-5am as it only takes a couple of hours to reach the top.

15. Watch the sunrise at a cafe in Kintamani

Cafe-hopping in Kintamani is definitely in my Bali bucket list! It’s also one of the most instagrammable things to do in Bali.

It is best to go as early as 6am to catch the sun rising over Mount Batur. There’s nothing more perfect than being up in the clouds and enjoying a good cup of coffee on a cozy morning.

Some cafes to visit in Kintamani:

AKASA Kintamani Coffee
Montana Del Cafe
Ritatkala Cafe

16. Try local food at a Warung

Warungs are local eateries that are every wheer in Bali. Although cafe-hopping is a great idea, you’re truly missing out on Indonesian culture if you don’t eat at a warung.

Make sure you add trying a plate of nasi goreng or mie goreng to your bucket list!

17. Relax in a flower bath

Looking for some relaxing things to do in Bali?

Having a flower bath is definitely one of them. If you’re staying in a villa or a luxurious resort, try arranging a flower bathe as it is an experience you do not want to miss on!

18. Visit Tegalalang Rice Terraces

Located in the village of Tegalalang, north of Ubud, these rice terraces are a testament to the Balinese people’s agricultural prowess.

The terraces are meticulously carved into the hillside, forming intricate and beautiful patterns that seem to blend harmoniously with the surrounding environment.

19. Swing through the jungle

If you’re looking for Crazy things to do in bali to fill your adventurous soul, swinging through the jungle is definitely going to get your heart-racing.

You can find these swings at Tegalalang Rice Terraces! These swings are also one of the most instagrammable spots in Bali!

In fact, you might be needing some Bali swing captions for your next breathtaking photo, so be sure to check out some Bali captions here.

20. Visit the waterfalls

Take your time to explore some of the best waterfalls in Bali. There’s just so many waterfalls all over the island. Some of them might be located far away from each other, so be sure to plan your itinerary accordingly.

Here are some of the island’s waterfalls that you won’t want to miss:

Sekumpul Waterfall
Tegenungan Waterfall
Banyumala Twin Waterfalls
Kanto Lambo Waterfall
Tukad Cepung Waterfall
Aling-Aling Waterfall

21. Take a cooking class

Taking a cooking class can also be one of the things to do in Bali for couples that’ll bring you closer to each other.

Most of these classes teach you how to cook traditional Indonesian dishes.

22. Learn to Surf in Canggu

If you’re looking for adventurous things to do in Bali, learning to surf is one of them. Many people would love to put this on their Bali bucket list!

The best beach to learn how to surf would be Echo Beach at Canggu. The tides are not as high, making it a safer place to try surfing.

23. Snorkel with Manta Rays

Snorkelling with Manta Rays is definitely a must-do for ocean lovers! Gliding with these creatures underwater will be an experience to remember.

Manta Rays can usually be found around Nusa Penida!

24. Visit a coffee plantation

A Bali coffee plantation is on most tourists’ bucket lists. One of the best coffee plantations to visit in Bali is the Munduk Moding Coffee Plantation.

When you take part in the tour, you’ll get to understand the end-to-end process of planting and harvesting coffee beans.

25. Dolphin watching at Lovina

Dolphin watching off the coast of Lovina is the main attraction of this laidback coastal town in North Bali.

26. See the famous T-Rex Shaped Rock

Visit the famous instagrammable spot, nicknamed the Kelingking ‘T-Rex’ because of how the uniquely-shaped cliff looks like a dinosaur!

You’ve probably seen this all over the internet as soon as you search for Bali!

27. Go Island Hopping

Island hoping is one of the most fun things to do in Bali with friends.

You can take day trips from Bali to these nearby Islands:

Gilli Islands
Nusa Islands

Wrap Up: Bali Bucket List

And there you have it! The best things to do in Bali, be sure to add it to your Bali bucket list!