Best things to do in Bali: our favorite experiences

Bali is much more than beaches: culture, jungle, adventure and islands. This is what we recommend most from our 14-day route, by area.

Ubud: temples, rice fields and holy water

Tirta Empul is one of the most special temples of the trip, famous for its holy-water pools, used for purification rituals, the melukat. You can step into the water and follow the ritual, or simply watch. The Tegalalang rice terraces are probably the most recognizable landscape in Bali, and Gunung Kawi, with shrines carved into the rock, is much calmer than other tourist spots. Wear respectful clothing and a sarong.

An adventure day: rafting

Rafting on the Ayung River is designed for beginners, and takes about 3 to 4 hours including transfers and the activity. You'll probably end up soaked, and that's exactly the point.

A Balinese massage

Probably one of the best decisions of the trip. It costs from €8 to €20 for a simple massage, up to €30 to €50 or more for full treatments.

Canggu: surf and sunsets

A surf lesson of 1.5 to 2 hours with an instructor costs about €20 to €40 per person. And a sunset at a beach club, to do absolutely nothing.

Nusa Penida: Kelingking and the manta rays

Kelingking Beach, the T-Rex-shaped cliff, is the island's most famous image; you don't need to go down to the beach. At Manta Point, swimming with manta rays is one of the most special experiences of the whole trip, although a sighting can't be guaranteed. More in what to see in Nusa Penida.

Gili Trawangan: bikes and turtles

An island with no cars: you get around by bicycle, with snorkeling to see turtles and sunset on the west coast.

Uluwatu: the Kecak at sunset

Pura Luhur Uluwatu, on a cliff, and the Kecak Fire Dance at sunset, with the ocean behind it. Book ahead if you can.

Don't try to fit in a new excursion every day. It's easy to end up exhausted before the halfway point.

Our recommendation

Tirta Empul, a rafting day, Kelingking with manta rays and the Kecak. The whole plan is in our 14-day Bali itinerary, and where to eat in where to eat in Bali.