Top Attractions & Things to do in Bali

Bali has a way of drawing you in long before you land. Its mix of volcanic landscapes, terraced hillsides, quiet temples and coastal cliffs creates a rhythm that feels both peaceful and energising. Whether you’re planning Bali solo travel, a relaxed escape, or a full Bali bucket list adventure, the island offers experiences that stay with you long after you return home.

This guide explores the most rewarding things to do in Bali, focusing on meaningful places, nature walks, scenic viewpoints, luxury stays and cultural highlights. Each section is designed to help you build a Bali itinerary that feels grounded, balanced and genuinely enjoyable, without overwhelming your schedule.

Best Time to Visit Bali

Bali is warm all year, but the dry season from April to October is ideal for nature activities, mountain viewpoints and Bali photography spots. Clear skies make places like Lahangan Sweet, Mount Agung viewpoints and Bali rice terraces especially beautiful.

The wet season from November to March brings afternoon showers, fresher mornings and lush greenery. Bali waterfalls such as Bayad Waterfall and others around Ubud become more dramatic during this period. It’s also a quieter time for Bali travel, making it suitable for slow exploration and nature walks.

Top Attractions & Best Things to Do in Bali

1. Ubud’s Nature Walks and Rich Landscapes

Ubud Bali remains the cultural and natural heart of the island. Visitors often start with the Campuhan Ridge Walk, a gentle path overlooking rolling hills and distant valleys. Early morning walks offer soft light, cooler air and sweeping views that feel far removed from the town’s busy centre.

Nearby, the Tegalalang Rice Terrace and the Ceking Rice Terrace deliver some of the most recognised Bali Instagram spots. Their layered green curves, morning mist and tall palms create a classic Bali backdrop. For a quieter alternative, the Bamjar Mancunian rice paddies provide a more local, less crowded experience.

2. Lahangan Sweet and Mount Agung Viewpoints

Lahangan Sweet has become one of the island’s favourite viewpoints for its dramatic platform overlooking Mount Agung. The setting is peaceful, especially at sunrise, when the mountain takes on soft pinks and golds. Travellers often pair this stop with nearby Mount Agung viewpoints for varied angles and photos.

La Montagne Coffee and Mahagiri Resort are two places offering relaxed seating with views of the volcano. These make ideal rest spots during a longer day of exploring East Bali.

3. Mount Batur Sunrise Trek

The Mount Batur sunrise trek is one of the most rewarding things to do in Bali. The hike is accessible for most fitness levels and takes place in the quiet early hours. Reaching the summit just as the sun rises behind the crater lake creates an atmosphere that feels both serene and energising.

Warm drinks are often served at the top, offering a comforting break before the descent. For many travellers, this becomes a core memory of their Bali travel experience.

4. Bali Waterfalls and Hidden Nature

Bayad Waterfall near Ubud is a growing favourite among travellers seeking quieter Bali hidden gems. Surrounded by dense jungle, the falls sit within a calm valley ideal for relaxed walks and photography.

Those interested in Bali nature walks can combine nearby forest paths, small streams and coffee plantations to form a slow-paced morning of exploration. These lesser-known areas provide a refreshing contrast to busier attractions.

5. Magic Hills Bali and Selat Valley Views

Magic Hills Bali is known for its hillside bamboo houses that overlook the Selat Bali region. Staying overnight gives you a front-row view of sunrise across the valley, with the sound of nature all around.

The Selat region itself is filled with scenic spots, coffee farms and secluded lookouts. Travellers often visit to experience Bali viewpoints that feel untouched and quiet, especially compared to the island’s coastal areas.

6. Bali Treehouse Stays and Rumah Pohon

Rumah Pohon Tree House on Nusa Penida offers one of the most iconic treehouse views in Indonesia. Perched above rugged cliffs, it looks out over turquoise bays and dramatic coastlines.

Nusa Penida’s landscapes provide a mix of adventure and raw beauty, making it a strong addition to any Bali itinerary. Treehouse stays across the island offer a similar sense of escape, surrounded by forest, rice terraces and soft morning light.

7. Floating Breakfasts, Flower Baths and Ubud Retreats

One of the more unique things to do in Bali is a floating breakfast, often served in private pool villas or hillside resorts. Many boutique hotels create elegant set-ups that blend wellness and atmosphere.

The Udaya Ubud and Kaveri Spa are well-known for their Bali flower bath experiences, where colourful petals fill large stone tubs overlooking nature. These moments offer a quiet reset between more active days of hiking or exploring.

8. Satria Swing Bali and Bali Swings

Bali swings are now part of many travellers’ bucket lists due to their dramatic jungle settings. Satria Swing Bali is one location where you can experience wide valley views, lush greenery and gentle breezes while suspended above the landscape.

These swings are often paired with coffee plantation tours. Visitors can try local beans while learning about Bali coffee plantations and their roasting techniques.

9. Scenic Cafés and Coffee Spots

Bali cafés with views make it easy to slow down and appreciate the island’s scenery. Many are perched above rice terraces or set against mountain backdrops. Whether you’re enjoying a quiet morning coffee or resting after a long day of sightseeing, these spots are welcome pauses in a busy itinerary.

10. Unique Dining: Lunch on a Boat & Koi Fish Experiences

Lunch on a boat in Bali has become a novelty experience, offering a calm setting surrounded by water, greenery or koi ponds. The koi fish lunch Bali setting is especially popular among travellers looking for gentle, photogenic meal experiences.

These meals are ideal for slow afternoons, adding variety to a Bali travel guide that includes more than hiking and sightseeing.

Where to Stay in Bali

Those seeking Bali luxury hotels often choose Ayana Resort Bali for its clifftop views and peaceful design. Munduk Moding Plantation offers a different experience with cool mountain air, infinity pools and coffee estate surroundings.

For a central Ubud stay, Kamandalu Hotel Ubud is well-loved for its hillside views, floating breakfasts and peaceful suites. Bali private pool villas around Ubud and Uluwatu provide privacy, scenic greenery and a slower rhythm suited for couples or solo travellers

Budget-friendly options are available across Ubud, Canggu and Sanur, with cosy guesthouses, scooter rental services nearby and easy access to nature.

Tips or Practical Advice

• Check Bali visa requirements before travelling; many visitors can apply for a Visa on Arrival.
• Always have Bali travel insurance, especially if planning a Bali sunrise hike or scooter rental.
• Expect a small Bali tourist levy added to your entry or accommodation fees.
• Arrange a reliable Bali airport transfer, particularly for late arrivals.
• Carry cash when visiting rural areas, rice terraces or small cafés.
• Start early for popular viewpoints and hikes to avoid heat and crowds.
  
  

FAQs

Q1. What are the top things to do in Bali for first-time travellers?

Ubud’s rice terraces, Bali waterfalls, Mount Batur sunrise trek, Lahangan Sweet and Nusa Penida are ideal starting points.

Q2. Which Bali viewpoint offers the best Mount Agung views?

Lahangan Sweet and Mahagiri Resort provide some of the clearest, most dramatic angles.

Q3. Are Bali swings safe?

Reputable locations like Satria Swing Bali have safety harnesses and trained staff.

Q4. Where can I experience a Bali flower bath?

Kaveri Spa and The Udaya Ubud are two of the most popular places

Q5. 5. Is Bali suitable for solo travellers?

Yes. Bali solo travel is common thanks to its friendly atmosphere, cafés, nature trails and wellness retreats.

Q6. What is the best time for Bali nature walks?

Early mornings in the dry season offer cooler weather and clearer views.

Q7. Do I need travel insurance for Bali?

Yes. It’s highly recommended for activities such as hiking, scooter riding and water-based tours.

Conclusion

Bali offers endless moments of beauty, from peaceful views over rice terraces to sunrise hikes, waterfalls and unique dining experiences. Whether you’re exploring Ubud attractions or discovering quiet corners around Selat Valley, the island balances adventure and calm in a way few destinations can match.

For more guides and hidden gems, you can explore The Peace Destinations and continue planning your Bali journey.