Island guide
Things to do in Bali
Beyond the beaches: clifftop temples, rice terraces, a volcano sunrise, waterfalls, boat trips to Nusa Penida and the Gilis, surf schools and jungle swings. Real prices, timing and tips on beating the crowds.
Sights & temples
Uluwatu Temple & Kecak Dance
A temple on the edge of a 70-metre cliff and the fire kecak dance at sunset — Bali's signature evening.
Entry about Rp 50,000, kecak about Rp 150,0002–3 hours (with the dance)
Tanah Lot Temple
A temple on a rock in the ocean, reachable on foot at low tide — Bali's most photographed sunset.
About Rp 75,0001.5–2 hours
Ubud Monkey Forest
A sacred forest with three 14th-century temples and seven hundred macaques living entirely free.
About Rp 80,000–100,0001–1.5 hours
Tirta Empul Temple
Sacred springs where Balinese perform the melukat purification ritual — and visitors may join in.
About Rp 75,0001.5–2 hours
Island day trips
Nusa Penida
The T-rex-shaped Kelingking cliff, Diamond Beach and manta rays: the most dramatic scenery within reach of Bali.
Tour about Rp 1,000,000–1,400,000; boat about Rp 300,000–400,000 returnFull day (better overnight)
Gili Islands
Three tiny islands with no cars or scooters: turtles off the beach, bicycles instead of taxis and the region's best slow-down.
Fast boat about Rp 350,000–500,000 one way2–3 days (at least one night)
Nature & viewpoints
Tegallalang & Jatiluwih Rice Terraces
Emerald staircases of rice: postcard Tegallalang near Ubud and the endless UNESCO-listed Jatiluwih.
About Rp 25,000–50,0001–3 hours
Mount Batur Sunrise Trek
A head-torch climb, sunrise above the clouds and breakfast cooked on volcanic steam — Bali's classic trek.
Tour about Rp 500,000–700,000Half a day (2–3 a.m. start)
Bali Waterfalls
From Tegenungan 15 minutes out of Ubud to the jungle columns of Sekumpul in the north — a waterfall for every energy level.
About Rp 20,000–125,000 eachA couple of hours to a full day
Activities
Bali Surf Schools
Bali is the world's best place to learn to surf: forgiving Kuta waves, warm water and lessons year-round.
Lesson about Rp 350,000–500,0002–3 hours per session
Jungle Swings
Flying over a palm gorge with rice terraces below — the island's most Instagrammed activity.
About Rp 200,000–500,0001–2 hours
Benoa Water Sports
Parasailing, banana boats, jet skis and the Turtle Island trip — Bali's water-fun hub in a calm lagoon.
From Rp 150,000 per rideHalf a day