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Bali, one of Indonesia’s most popular islands, is nicknamed ‘Island of the Gods’ with good reason. A place of breathtaking beauty, Bali boasts a number of incredible beaches as well as volcanoes to climb, temples to visit, and small towns to experience. But an island that offers so much can be hard to navigate, so here are our tips for ten of the best places and activities to enjoy in Bali, Indonesia.

Kuta

Kuta is Bali’s most popular beach town, filled to the brim with opportunities for enjoyment. Kuta Beach is the top attraction, drawing swimmers, surfers, and sunbathers from all over the world. It’s definitely a tourist hotspot, however, so thankfully it’s not Kuta’s only offering. The town is also Bali’s main nightlife hub, so if you’re looking for a night on the town you’ll be more than satisfied with the number of cafés, night clubs, and live music events.

Tanah Lot Temple

Tanah Lot Temple is an impressive architectural feat and one of the most famous attractions in Bali. This Hindu temple, which sits on a large rock formation jutting out of the ocean, is completely surrounded by water during high tide. It’s an incredible sight—especially at sunset—and a perfect photo opportunity. You can only reach the temple when the tide is low enough for you to walk across the sand, but the stalls and vendors nearby can provide you with plenty of food and drink for your little trek.

Ubud

The town of Ubud is an arts and culture center with plenty to offer visiting tourists. There are many museums and art galleries for art lovers, and the Bali Cultural Center is the perfect place to witness the traditional Balinese Tek Tok dance. Ubud is also where you’ll find the Ubud Monkey Forest, a Hindu temple complex with three temples and over 500 monkeys. The whole area is a nature reserve, so you are free to check out the 14th century temples and try and feed the primates. Be warned, however: these monkeys have a penchant for mischief, so they may very well try to steal your sunglasses, water bottles, or other loose items.

Pasar Badung

People interested in a more traditional experience should be sure to visit Pasar Badung, a large market on the banks of the Badung River. It’s Bali’s largest traditional fruit and vegetable market, serving as the primary source of fresh produce for the locals. The market essentially runs all day, with many stalls opening well before dawn breaks, and comprises a spacious, open ground level as well as a four storey building. Many shops in the building sell non-perishable goods, but the outdoor areas are mostly teeming with fresh produce, meats, and flowers. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to experience some Indonesian culture!

Tegalalang Rice Terrace

Tegalalang Rice Terrace, which is located a bit north of Ubud, is another big hit among tourists. This series of sloping rice paddies is an ancient irrigation system dating all the way back to the eighth century. The area feels almost magical, and the elevation provides the bonus of a cooler climate. You’ll need to take a bit of a hike to reach the terrace, but restaurants overlooking the terrace will help you recharge. Make sure to bring your camera!

Diving

Bali is a great area for anyone interested in diving. Padang Bai, located in the eastern part of Bali, boasts seven different dive sites and is perfect for muck diving. You’re sure to find a number of interesting critters, such as seahorses, turtles, and octopuses, and you might find some coral gardens as well. If wreck diving is more appealing, head over to Tulamben. Here you’ll find one of the most famous wrecks in the world—the USAT Liberty, sunk during WWII. It’s near a coral garden and attracts plenty of underwater creatures, so you won’t be disappointed!

Suluban Beach

Suluban Beach isn’t as well-known as Kuta Beach, but it’s still a worthwhile destination. Discover the natural limestone formations that rise above the soft sand and follow the many stone steps and log ramps down to a collection of caves. Low tide will allow you enjoy secret caverns and tide pools, and a short paddle out into the ocean will get you to breakers that surfers covet. You’ll also find locally-run cafes near the beach entrance, so you can grab a drink if you get thirsty!

Tanjung Benoa

Adrenaline junkies should make their way to Tanjung Benoa, which is arguably Bali’s best spot for water sports. The most unique offering here is jetpacking, which will let you experience something that has only recently gone from sci-fi pipe dream to reality. You can buy a 20 minute session and fly up to ten meters in the air, an experience unlike anything else you’ve ever encountered.

Gunung Batur

If you’re looking for outdoor adventures, how about climbing a mountain? Bali has a few different options for you, some harder than others. Gunung Batur is one of Bali’s most famous volcanoes and also provides one of the more manageable treks, so this is a good starting point. If you’re up for an early morning you could take a tour to the top, and though the 4am start time sounds daunting it will get you to the top in time for the incredible sunrise!

Munduk

If you grow weary of tourist attractions you can make your way to Munduk. This little town provides a great taste of local life and isn’t bustling with visitors like many other stops in Bali. Munduk lies near the beautiful Tamblingan Lake and is also home to gorgeous waterfalls, so be sure to take in the natural beauty. There are also local markets and orchid fields, which contribute to the feeling that Munduk is an accurate representation of typical Balinese local life.

The ‘Island of the Gods’ is certainly deserving of its nickname. Between the natural splendor, rich cultural and historical significance, and picturesque tourist hubs, Bali is a destination you won’t soon forget.

Need help planning a travel incentive to Bali? Contact Gavel International for more information.

Jim Bozzelli
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