20 Best Things to Do in Bali (Guide for Travelers & Yoga Students)
Bali is often called the world’s heart chakra. A place where lush tropical jungles, sacred temples, and pristine beaches create an atmosphere of deep spiritual connection. If you’re feeling the call of wanderlust, Bali offers a soul-nourishing experience for every kind of traveler.
We’ve spent over a decade calling Bali home, falling in love with its people, culture, landscapes, and food. Below are our most cherished highlights and unmissable things to do in Bali, organized by region to help you plan your perfect itinerary.
In and around Ubud: Best Things To Do
1. Ubud Royal Palace – Puri Saren Agung
One of Ubud’s most important historical sites, Puri Saren Agung showcases intricate stone carvings, golden doorways, and the royal architecture that defined 19th-century Bali.
Things to Know:
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Located in the heart of Ubud, just steps from the central market.
2. Elephant Cave – Goa Gajah
A UNESCO tentative site, Goa Gajah features a mysterious cave entrance, relics, and ancient bathing pools surrounded by rice paddies.
Things to Know:
Active worship site you will need to dress modestly (covered shoulders and knees); sarongs are available onsite for rent
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Just 10 minutes from Ubud by scooter or taxi.
3. Holy Water Temple – Tirta Empul
One of the most sacred temples in Bali, Tirta Empul draws visitors seeking purification in its holy spring pools, believed to be created by the God Indra.
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Located 30 minutes north of Ubud by scooter or taxi
4. Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary
A protected forest filled with over 300 long-tailed macaques and ancient temple ruins.
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Located on Monkey Forest Road, central Ubud.
5. Saraswati Temple
A stunning lotus-filled temple dedicated to Saraswati, the Goddess of knowledge, literature, and art.
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A short walk from Ubud Palace.
6. Ubud Market
A vibrant maze of stalls selling jewelry, textiles, woven bags, homewares, and local snacks. Perfect for gifts and unique Balinese pieces.
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Located directly opposite Ubud Palace, central Ubud.
7. Campuhan Ridge Walk
One of Ubud’s most famous scenic walks, think lush valleys, rolling hills, and sunrise views.
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The trail begins near the Warwick Ibah Resort.
8. Tegalalang Rice Terraces
The iconic terraced rice fields north of Ubud, recognized as a UNESCO Cultural Heritage landscape.
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Located 15 minutes north of Ubud.
Northern Bali: Best Places to Visit
9. Mount Batur Sunrise Trek
A must-do for adventure seekers. Climb Bali’s active volcano and watch sunrise from the summit.
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10. Mother Temple – Pura Besakih
The largest and most important temple complex on the island, home to over 80 smaller temples.
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Located on the eastern slopes of Mount Agung.
11. Heavens Gate – Pura Lempuyang
One of Bali’s oldest and holiest temples, featuring the famous Gates of Heaven with views of Mount Agung.
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Approximately 2 hours from Ubud.
12. Mount Agung Trek
Bali’s highest and most sacred volcano, offering an intense but unforgettable sunrise hike above the clouds.
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13. Amed Beach
Perfect for diving, snorkeling, and freediving. Amed features volcanic black sand beaches and quiet coastal charm.
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Best of Southern Bali
14. Tanah Lot Temple
A dramatic sea temple perched on a rocky offshore formation—famous for sunset views.
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15. Experience Canggu’s Famous Café Culture & Chill nightlife
Canggu is one of the most vibrant food scenes in Bali. From plant-based cafés to beachfront brunch spots, it’s a paradise for digital nomads and food lovers.
Top cafés to explore:
Canggu is also known for its relaxed sunsets and lively beach scene where travellers gather for music, drinks, and ocean views.
Things to Know:
Best sunset hangouts:
16. Uluwatu Temple
A clifftop temple sitting 70m above the ocean, known for the evening Kecak dance performances and dramatic sea views.
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Around 45 minutes from Kuta or Denpasar.
17. Explore Uluwatu’s Best Beaches
Uluwatu is famous for its dramatic cliffs and crystal-clear surf beaches. Spend the day exploring hidden coves and world-class waves.
Top beaches to visit:
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18. Uluwatu’s Kecak Dance
While Uluwatu Temple is the main attraction, the surrounding cliffside shrines and viewpoints offer peaceful alternatives away from the crowds. At sunset, you can watch the traditional Kecak dance whilst the sun sets.
Must-see highlights:
Canggu is also known for its relaxed sunsets and lively beach scene where travellers gather for music, drinks, and ocean views.
Things to Know:
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The Islands – best of Bali island life
19. Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan & Nusa Ceningan
Just a short boat ride from Bali, the Nusa Islands offer some of the most dramatic coastlines and vibrant marine life in Indonesia. Each island has its own charm, but visiting all three makes the perfect island-hopping adventure.
Highlights across the Nusa Islands:
Things to Know:
20. The Gili Islands (Gili Trawangan, Gili Air & Gili Meno)
Located off the coast of Lombok, the Gili Islands are renowned for white-sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and incredible underwater life. With no motor vehicles allowed, the islands offer a peaceful, eco-friendly escape from mainland Bali.
Highlights across the Gilis:
Things to Know:
Best of Bali Beaches
Surfing in Bali
Bali is world-famous for its surf culture, with breaks for all levels. Popular surf spots include:
Why Bali Is the Perfect Place for a Yoga Teacher Training
Whether you’re exploring sacred temples, hiking volcanic peaks, relaxing on black-sand beaches, or diving into island life, Bali offers life and freedom to all who travel here. If you’re called to Bali craving a deeper experience one that blends nature, spirituality, and personal growth, taking a Yoga Teacher Training in Bali may be for you.
Bumi Cinta, our Eco-Conscious retreat centre nestled in the valleys of North Bali, offers an environment that truly amplifies the experience of a Teacher Training. Where the outer stillness invites inner clarity, and where learning becomes a journey of both practice and self-discovery.
If you’re feeling called to go deeper, explore our 200-hour Bali Yoga Teacher Training, 21 days of practice, ceremony, and community in the north of the island.
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