There are many things to do in Bali for the active and the somewhat less active traveller. The Bali landscape offers ideal adventure tours such as rafting and hiking, while the cultural centre Ubud has many courses that travellers can join to create more understanding about the daily life of the friendly Balinese.Here is a list of things to do in Bali so you can experience the beautiful island to the fullest.
Bali hiking:
The mountainous landscape in Bali offers ideal opportunities to go hiking.
A mountain that is visited a lot is Gunung Batur, however the sacred Gunung Agung and many others are climbed as well.
Hiking to the summit is mostly done early in the morning so you are rewarded with a unforgettable sunrise...
Bali diving and snorkelling:
Bali is an ideal island for diving and snorkelling where you can many species of marine life such as nudibranchs, white tip sharks, manta rays, barracudas, turtles.
Most of the diving and snorkelling spots are located on the east coast of Bali and accessible together with dive operators or traditional fishermen...
Surfing:
Bali is popular for its great waves.
The famous surf beaches are located around Kuta and Uluwatu, but for the die hard surfers there are also deserted beaches. Surfing lessons are possible as well.
I had a great surfing lesson in Kuta and now I can’t wait to jump on my board again…
Bali Cruises:
There are many things to do in Bali if if you feel like spending the whole day on the water.
Many cruises offer fun activities such as snorkeling, a ride on a banana boat, visit to an island and not to forget the delicious lunch buffet. Cruise operators are mostly found in Sanur and Nusa Dua.
Bali Water sports:
When you are tired of lazing at the resort pool there are other things to do in Bali that will give a boost to your energy levels such as para-sailing, jetskiing, banana boat, deep sea fishing and even the underwater experience Seawalker where you have tropical fish eating out of your hand.
Most of the water sports can be arranged at the hotels at Sanur, Tanjung Benoa and Nusa Dua or you can ask the boatmen waiting on the beach.
Bali Dolphin tour:
On of the most memorable things to do in Bali is going on a Dolphin tour in Lovina. These dolphins gather together every morning around the reef. Don’t be surprised if you see them suddenly swimming next to your boat. The tours can be arranged in the villages at Lovina and leave just before the sunrise.
Bali Rafting:
There are 3 places in Bali which are perfect for rafting: the Ayung River with II-III rapids, the Melangit River with more than 30 falls and the Telaga Waja River where you slide along waterfalls, rice terraces, winding gorges and the tropical rainforest. There are several companies who offer various whitewater rafting tours.
Bali mountain biking:
One of the best experiences is biking downhill from Gunung Batur all the way to the idyllic village of Ubud. Along the way you will pass several types of vegetation, coffee and vanilla plantations, rice fields and traditional Balinese villages where it looks as if time has stood still. It's a great way to experience Bali.
Bali Sawah Walking:
One of our favourite things to do in Bali is to discover new walking trails in Ubud. Ubud is ideally located in the hills which has resulted into many great walking opportunities. Along these trails you can watch the Balinese working in their fields or placing offerings in the many shrines along the road.
Bali Bird Watching:
Just north of Ubud every day thousands of white Heron Birds return home before sunset. You can watch them land in their nests so get your camera ready. Bali Bird Walk organizes walking tours around Ubud where over 100 species of birds are found such as the Java Kingfisher.
Bali Golf:
There are 5 golf courses available on Bali. Some of them with stunning views such as the world famous Bali Handara Country Club in the cool mountains, the Nirwana Bali Golf Club designed by Greg Norman with views on the sea temple Tanah Lot or the Bali Golf or Country Club in Nusa Dua with breathtaking views on the Indian Ocean.
Bali Courses:
There a whole range cultural things to do in Bali.
You can choose from shadow puppet making, play the gamelan, woodcarving, making jewellery, classical painting, basketry, Balinese dancing, flute playing, offering, mask painting, batik courses and even meditation or Bali yoga classes...
Bali Parks:
There are several parks you can visit. In the Central of Bali near Ubud you have the Elephant Safari Park in Taro, the Bali Bird Park in Batubulan (with the Reptile Park next door) and the Botanical Gardens at Bratan Lake and Ubud. There's also the Bali Orchard Garden north of Sanur and the Butterfly Park north of Tabanan.
Bali Waterbom Park Kuta:
This waterpark offers something for everyone with several pools for young an old.
You won't get enough of the 15 exciting waterslides(some with speeds of 60km/h), the superbowl with centrifugal forces, euro-bungy which catapults you 9m high, wall-climbing, restaurants and there is even a spa with reflexology and several massage treatments...
Bali Horse Riding:
There are a couple of stables available where they organize horse riding tours.
The most famous one is the Umalas Equistrian Resort Bali (contact@balionhorse.com) and there’s another one called Tarukan Equestrian Centre (+62 361 747 06 44) Expect to pay around $30 US for one hour horse riding through rice fields and along the beach.
For additional things to do in Bali you can also have a look at 'things to do' located under each village in the navigation bar and you can get additional ideas at our things to see in Bali page. There might be other activities that you wouldn't want to miss