In this guide
Bali packs a lot into one island: volcano sunrises, temples on cliffs, emerald rice fields, waterfalls and some of Asia's best surf. Here are the experiences that make a first trip special, grouped by area so you can plan your days without spending them in traffic.
Ubud and central Bali
- Walk the Tegallalang rice terraces. Go early, before 9 am, for soft light and fewer crowds. The Campuhan Ridge Walk is a free, easy alternative near central Ubud.
- Visit Tirta Empul. This water temple is famous for its purification pools. Wear a sarong and follow the order of the fountains if you take part.
- Meet the monkeys at the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary. Keep sunglasses, food and loose items in a closed bag.
- Watch a Kecak or Legong dance. Evening performances run in several Ubud temples and palaces.
- Take a cooking class. Many start with a market visit and are a great way to learn about Balinese spices.
Volcanoes, lakes and waterfalls
- Hike Mount Batur for sunrise. Tours collect you around 2–3 am and you reach the crater rim as the sky lights up over Lake Batur and Mount Agung.
- Chase waterfalls. Tegenungan is easy to reach from Ubud; Tukad Cepung, Tibumana and Sekumpul in the north are quieter and more dramatic.
- See Ulun Danu Beratan. This lakeside temple in the cool highlands is one of Bali's most photographed sights; combine it with the Jatiluwih rice terraces, a UNESCO-listed landscape.
The south coast
- Sunset at Uluwatu Temple. The clifftop temple is followed by a Kecak fire dance at sunset. Arrive an hour early.
- Swim at Bukit beaches. Padang Padang, Bingin and Melasti have clear water, but some involve steps down the cliff.
- Learn to surf. Kuta and Canggu have gentle beach breaks and plenty of surf schools for beginners.
Islands and the sea
- Day trip to Nusa Penida. Fast boats leave from Sanur. Highlights include Kelingking Beach, Broken Beach and Crystal Bay.
- Snorkel or dive. Manta Point off Nusa Penida, Amed on the east coast and the USAT Liberty shipwreck at Tulamben are excellent.
Food and culture
- Eat like a local. Try babi guling (roast pork), nasi campur (rice with small dishes), sate lilit and fresh tropical fruit in a family-run warung.
- Join a temple ceremony or festival day. If you're lucky enough to be invited, dress respectfully and follow your host's lead.
Make it a trip
Want these spread across a full week? See our 7-day Bali itinerary, or let our AI planner build one around your dates. Then compare cheap flights to Bali.
Frequently asked questions
What is the number one thing to do in Bali?
For most first-time visitors it's a day around Ubud: the Tegallalang rice terraces, a temple such as Tirta Empul and the Sacred Monkey Forest. Sunset at Uluwatu Temple is a close second.
Is the Mount Batur sunrise hike difficult?
It's a moderate climb of about two hours in the dark on loose volcanic ground. Most reasonably fit people can do it with a local guide, who is normally required.
Is Nusa Penida worth a day trip?
Yes, if you don't mind a fast-boat ride and bumpy roads. Kelingking Beach viewpoint and snorkelling with manta rays are highlights. Staying one night makes it more relaxed.
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