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The Best Activities to do in Bali!

Are you dreaming of a trip to Bali, or maybe you are already planning a trip to The Island of Gods?

Snorkelling with Turtle

There is SO much to do in Bali and it can be overwhelming to research every single activity there is. Luckily, your Bali Buddies are here to help you and fill you in on the best activities for your trip to Bali!

Make the most of your time in Bali

Bali is not only a popular travel destination due to the nice weather and beautiful beaches. The island has so many fun, exciting and interesting activities to do, making your holiday adventurous and unforgettable! Therefore, you should make the most of your time while visiting our favourite island. Pick the activities you want to do while in Bali and make an itinerary based on the location of the activities. We are listing the best and most popular activities to do on the island to make your travel planning easy! Some of these get booked out in advance, so be sure to plan and book your favourite activities in Bali so you don’t miss out.

List of the best activities in Bali:

Balinese Village Experience 

On the top of our list is the Balinese Village Experience – and it should be on the top of your list too! The culture of the Balinese is unique and experiencing it first-hand is a magical thing that will stick with you forever. This day trip is the perfect way for you to connect with the people and the culture, while everything is taken care of for you. You can expect to experience the culture and learn about the locals’ way of life and their religion. You will experience making Canang Sari – the daily offerings made by the Balinese Hindus while enjoying a traditional morning tea consisting of Balinese cakes, fruits, fresh coconuts & Bali Kopi. For lunch, you will visit a local Warung, located amongst the rice fields, and try traditional Balinese and Indonesian dishes, while enjoying the endless rice field views and the warm, local hospitality. After lunch, you will visit the Village Holy Water site, the only Holy Water site in Bali that has a waterfall and Hidden Canyon. Here you will receive a blessing and experience a full cleansing ritual in the Holy Water which the Balinese Hindus believe helps to cure disease and purify the aura and karma of past lives.

This experience is a chance to dive deep into the culture and foundation of this magical island while embracing and respecting their way of life and their beliefs. We can say with confidence that this will be a highlight of your trip to Bali, and you will leave with great appreciation and an unforgettable experience.

Learn more and book the experience of a lifetime here. Keep in mind that the Balinese Village Experience by Bali Buddies should be booked no later than 72 hours in advance.

Balinesia Lu’Au Experience

At Balinesia you will get first-hand experience with some of the best Balinese culture has to offer. An unforgettable night with plenty of activities for the whole family. Make your own Canang Sari, learn how to perform traditional Balinese dances, watch (or even participate in) their Ogoh-Ogoh parade, enjoy special activities for kids like face painting and more! Besides all these fun activities where you get to experience Balinese culture, the real highlight of the evening is the Balinesia Lu’Au extravaganza show. A spectacular live show that tells the story of the powerful monkey God Hanuman through dance, song and fire! With talented dancers and impressive costumes, this is a spectacle that the whole family will remember forever. Signature dances from different regions are showcased and you’ll learn about the origin of the Hindu God Hanuman.

From the time you arrive until you leave you will have access to their open bar with plenty to choose from including signature cocktails and mocktails, wine, soft drinks and fresh coconuts. A delicious all you can eat buffet is also included where you get to try some of the best Indonesian cuisines has to offer including Babi Guling, a delicious traditional spit-roasted pig! Babi Guling is one of the most famous Balinese foods and a must-try when you’re in Bali.

The event takes place at the Jimbaran Hub starting at 5pm and lasts until 9pm every Thursday. Kids aged 5 and under can join the fun for free while there’s also a significant discount for kids between 6 and 12 years old. Both standard tickets and a VIP package are available for adults with the VIP package including pick-up and drop-off, priority seating, a dedicated drink server for your table and more!

Learn more about the Balinesia Lu’Au experience and book your tickets here

Habitat Village

Looking for a fun day out that ticks all the boxes for everyone? Look no further than Habitat Village – a one-stop convenient destination that’s located just a stone’s throw from the hub of Uluwatu’s bustling Bingin and picturesque Padang-Padang Beach.

For the little ones, their family-friendly restaurant features a separate undercover playground and Kid’s Club supervised by highly trained teachers who are on-hand to stimulate little minds with plenty of amazing daily activities, such as gardening, cooking and art classes, and even fun cultural experiences. Not only that, but their specially-crafted kid’s menu is 100% gluten and nut-free for peace of mind!

Adults too can choose from a selection of mouthwatering wood-fired pizzas and homemade pasta, as well as a tempting array of delicious Western and authentic local dishes at the comfortable and welcoming Makan Makan restaurant. With a focus on fresh, organic and sustainable ingredients, as well as catering to a variety of dietary requirements, no matter what your taste buds are craving, they’ve got you covered!

And whilst the kids are being entertained, you can relax at their epic Health Club with its Japanese Onsen hot and cold pools and revitalising sauna. Or why not indulge in some well-deserved ‘You Time’ with a soothing massage at their spa? Fitness enthusiasts will love the undercover Ninja Warrior facilities, with indoor rock climbing and a range of exciting yoga and martial arts classes coming soon.

And as if that wasn’t enough to keep you busy, Habitat Village also offers a free professional adults-only co-working space, providing a bright and air-conditioned environment to work in, with fast Wifi and only a 100k minimum spend on food and beverages. And before you head home, don’t forget to swing by their on-site grocery store and newly opened French bakery so you can stock up on some freshly baked goodies.

Be sure to check out their Instagram page for exciting weekly offers and come and discover the perfect balance of leisure, work and wellness at Habitat Village!

Nusa Penida Day Tour from Bali 

Nusa Penida View

While Bali in itself is a place full of endless beauty and fun activities, you don’t want to miss out on experiencing Nusa Penida – an island of majestic cliffs, unmatched underwater life and immense beauty, located just 40 minutes by ferry from Bali. And the good news is, that all you need is 1 day in your Bali itinerary to make this happen. If you book the Day Tour to Nusa Penida, expect to see famous spots like Kelingking Beach and Angel Billabong, and have a chance to spot Manta Rays on a snorkelling trip! The tour company will take care of you all day long – from pick up until drop off. 

Learn more and book your day trip to Nusa Penida here.

Atlas Beach Fest

Do you want something more than easy strolls at Bali’s sunset beaches? Then, we suggest heading to the famous Berawa Beach area to experience the one-stop culinary, entertainment, and lifestyle destination – Atlas Beach Fest. There you will find Atlas Beach Club, the home of various entertainment, from the iconic Kecak Dance and Fire Dance, to tarot readers and magicians. And while you’re in the area, you may want to check for special events at W Atlas Superclub, Bali’s biggest nightclub that features cutting-edge technology and a lavish party atmosphere. Atlas is definitely the ultimate entertainment and night experience destination, with something to entertain everyone! Best still you don’t have travel from the Seminyak/Canggu area to experience it.

Nusa Penida Private Car Charter 

Nusa Penida Private Car Charter

Nusa Penida is such a cool destination that you might want to spend more than 1 day there, or maybe you just want the freedom to choose your spots and experience the island on your own time. The best way to do this is by booking a private car charter to take you around the island! It is the most relaxing and safe way of getting around the island, and a great way to tick off everything on your Nusa Penida bucket list. 

There are so many amazing experiences in Nusa Penida, including Kelingking Beach, snorkelling trips, Angels Billabong, Diamond beach, and many more beautiful viewpoints, beaches, and breathtaking nature. So many things to do and places to explore – it will sure make for a memorable day!

Learn more and book your private car charter in Nusa Penida here.

Waterbom Bali 

Are you looking for a day filled with fun, for kids and playful adults alike? Then Waterbom Bali is the perfect activity for you to try. Waterbom is Bali’s most popular waterpark – and for a good reason. The park features something for everyone, from numerous thrilling rides to child-friendly attractions. Adults can even enjoy massages or a tropical drink at the swim-up bar, while kids can head to the slides and wet play areas. Brave the park’s pride, a 70km/hr ride called Climax. There certainly is something for everyone, and it is guaranteed to be a FUN day in the sun!

Waterbom Bali is located in central Kuta, making it easily accessible. Learn more and book your ticket here!

Mount Batur Sunrise Trekking Experience

Another very thrilling experience to spice up your Bali holiday is the Mount Batur sunrise trek! Hike to the top of an active volcano, Mount Batur, part of UNESCO’s Global Geopark Network. You will hike up to the height of 1717 meters (5633 feet) above sea level and be rewarded with mesmerizing views. Enjoy a delicious breakfast at the top with the backdrop of stunning Balinese mountainscapes. On your way back, you will make a stop at a coffee plantation and try Luwak Coffee, the rarest and most expensive coffee in the world – and ticking off another experience from your Bali Bucketlist. 

Learn more and book your Mount Batur Sunrise Trek here.

Mount Batur Custom Sunrise Trekking Experience 

If you are planning on doing Mount Batur Trekking, you might want to combine it with other activities, making the most of your day. Then this Custom Trekking Experience is for you! Start the day by trekking to the top of the majestic active volcano, in a group or private tour. Everything you need will be provided like a light breakfast and proper equipment. If you don’t feel like trekking or you are looking for a different Mount Batur experience, you can go by a 4W Jeep or even motocross! Furthermore, you can combine the experience with other activities like visiting a natural hot spring or a Bali swing. 

Learn more about the Mount Batur Custom Trekking Experience and book here.

Bali Private Car Charter 

There are so many beautiful sights to see in Bali, including temples, beautiful waterfalls, rice terraces and much more! And the best way to fit in as many activities in a day as possible is to hire a private car to take you around the island. This way, you can do the things that are on the top of your list at your own pace. It is for sure the easiest, comfiest and safest way to get around Bali.

Learn more and book your private car charter here.

Combo ATV and Ayung River Rafting with Lunch 

Are you looking for a thrilling adventure and an adrenaline kick to spice up your Bali Itinerary? Then this is the activity for you! Start the day with river rafting down the Ayung River and discover hidden waterfalls along the way. Afterwards, the ATV ride takes you through the scenic countryside and you will experience the lush, green nature of Bali. This experience includes an Indonesian lunch, giving you the chance to try delicious local cuisine. This will make for such a fun day with lots of laughs and beautiful scenery!

Learn more and book your combo ATV and river rafting experience here.

ATV Quad Bike Adventure 

ATV Quad Bike Adventure in Bali

If you don’t feel like trying river rafting, you still have the chance to try the ATV Quad Bike Adventure. You can choose a tandem bike or ride solo. Let your guide know how adventurous you are feeling, and he will adjust the route accordingly. You will ride through the jungle, rivers, rice terraces and more. It’s a great way to see the different scenery while having fun and a thrilling time riding the ATV! We highly recommend this experience, it is one of the most fun activities we have tried in Bali.

Learn more and book your ATV Quad Bike Adventure here.

Breakfast with Orangutans 

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day – so start your day off right by having an unforgettable morning surrounded by Orangutans at Bali Zoo! Apart from having a scrumptious breakfast in the zoo, you also get to interact with the zoo animals. You can interact with the elephants and even experience a fun elephant mud bath! This activity is super kids friendly too and you will get to experience the animals up close.

Learn more about having Breakfast with Orangutans at Bali Zoo and book it here.

Uluwatu Kecak Fire and Dance Show 

Have you ever heard of the Kecak Fire and Dance Show? At the Uluwatu Temple at sunset time you can watch this mesmerizing performance. You get to see the locals put on an enchanting show with traditional and hypnotic Kecak dances with swirling flames and vibrant cultural outfits, all while enjoying the sublime sunset; the show is perfectly timed just in time for it. This will surely make for a more memorable trip to the island. Arrive a little early so you have time to walk around the beautiful temple, enjoy the views of the ocean and observe the sneaky monkeys that live at the temple.

Learn more about the Uluwatu Kecak Fire and Dance Show and book here

Fast Boat between Sanur and Nusa Lembongan 

Fast Boat Sanur and Nusa Lembongan
Picture by Madan Kumar

Visiting Nusa Lembongan should be on your Bali itinerary for many reasons. First of all, it is only a short 30-minute ferry ride away from Sanur. The ferry is modern and air-conditioned, and it will take you to the beautiful island in no time. There is a lot to do on Nusa Lembongan like snorkelling, visiting beautiful beaches, free swings, mangrove forests, and if you cross the yellow bridge you are on Nusa Ceningan, another small island with much beauty to uncover. The islands are quieter than Bali with relaxing vibes, making it the perfect getaway destination.

Book your Fast Boat ticket to Nusa Lembongan here.

Klook Bali Pass

If your list of Bali activities that you want to do is already long, then you might want to consider getting this Klook Bali Pass! It is valid for 30 days and lets you access up to 20 different activities and up to 45% discount. This is a big money saver if you want to try several of the experiences listed in this article. 

Learn about the Klook Bali Pass and book here.

Final Words

We hope this article has inspired you to get Bali planning. If you are bringing the kids to Bali you may also want to take a look at our favourite kids’ activities on offer on the island.

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Bali Buddies Tips

PS. Some links in this blog are affiliate links and if you make a purchase, at no extra cost to you, we receive a commission. We thank you in advance as it helps to keep this website going.

Bali Buddies is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn fees by advertising and linking to affiliated sites.

For more information, please visit our disclaimer page.

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