Your ultimate Skyscanner guide to the best of Bali. From its beaches, temples and food to amazing massages and hotels, the list is endless.
This article was first published on Skyscanner.
First timer? You might be wondering where to stay in Bali. A seasoned visitor? You might ask what cool events to check out in Bali. Read on to find out where to go and what to do on this popular Indonesian island!
What to do in Bali in the morning?
1. Watch the sun rise from Sanur Beach
Begin your holiday bright and early with a golden, ethereal sunrise, viewed from the soft sands of the picturesque Sanur Beach. With nothing in the way between you and the rising sun except the shining horizon of the ocean, you may be able to see as far as Mount Agung (Bali’s highest volcano) on a clear day.
2. Have breakfast at the Royal Beach Seminyak Bali Hotel
After an invigorating start to the day, fuel up with a power breakfast at the Royal Beach Seminyak Bali Hotel. Food choices are varied – you can opt for a light, nutritious fresh fruit platter or some of Bali’s signature mixed rice (Nasi Campur Bali) if your hunger pangs are more severe. Flavoured with side dishes and spices like Balinese sauce, Sambal Matah and sate lilit (meat with coconut on a stick of lemongrass, bamboo or sugarcane), Nasi Campur packs a powerful punch in both the nutrition and taste departments.
Address: Jl. Camplung Tanduk, Seminyak Beach, Seminyak, 80033, Indonesia
Contact Number: +62 361 730730
Website: The Royal Beach Seminyak Bali Hotel
3. Trek up the Lempuyang Temple
An ancient mountain temple, Lempuyang is one of Bali’s oldest and most significant religious sites (and also one of its tallest). From the peak of the temple, that faraway volcano Mount Agung can again be seen – but, as with all great things, getting there requires some sacrifice (the trek from the bottom to the highest point takes about 2 hours, and involves more than 1,000 steps). Do consider getting the help of a local guide at the temple, as you’ll get to learn about the history of the Lempuyang as well as keep out of the way of praying Balinese on your visit.
Address: Jl. Pura Telaga Mas Lempuyang, Tri Buana, Kec. Karangasem, Kabupaten Karangasem, Bali 80852, Indonesia
4. Visit the water palace, Tirta Gangga
Tirta Gangga means ‘water from the Ganges’ in Hindi, and was constructed as a royal water palace for the Raja in 1948. The complex is filled with scenic pools, fountains and waterways, some of which were used for swimming and bathing whilst others are filled with fish. Beautifully landscaped, filled with lush greenery and complemented with the gurgling sounds of water, Tirta Gangga is a complete visual and aural treat.
Address: Karangasem Regency, Bali, Indonesia
What to do in Bali in the afternoon?
5. Have lunch at Bo and Bun
Since the effects of breakfast have probably worn off by now, appease the rumblings of the stomach with lunch at Bo and Bun, one of Seminyak’s hippest little restaurants. Expect a cool interior and Southeast Asian favourites like Pho and Tom Yum Goong, along with some scrumptious East-West fusion burgers.
Address: No. 26 Kuta, Jl. Raya Basangkasa, Br. Basangkasa, Badung Regency, Bali 80361, Indonesia
Opening hours: 9.30am – 10.30pm, daily
Contact number: +62 859-3549-3484
Website: Bo and Bun
6. Hit the beaches
And now we get to the main activity of Bali – beach-bumming. Don’t spend all your sunlight hours at just one beach, though, as the island is filled with a good number of awesome coastal spots. For something a little more unconventional, head to Green Bowl Beach. Located at the bottom of a cliff, Green Bowl boasts carved rock caves on top of the usual white sands and blue waters. But if you’re looking for a party, Double Six Beach and Kuta Beach are more of your place. Filled with beach cafes, restaurants and beautiful young people, you’ll be able to sunbathe and people-watch to your heart’s content. Those who would like to swim may prefer Nusa Dua’s Geger Beach, though, as its calm seawaters are safer to bathe in.
7. Watch Balinese craftsmen in action
After a sufficient amount of time soaking in sun rays, head to Celuk Village in Gianyar Regency to check out the famous Balinese silversmiths doing what they do best – crafting exquisite pieces of jewellery. Support the local industry and bring home a souvenir or two with a difference by shopping at the local artisanal shop, then follow up with a visit to Batuan Village for a glimpse of Balinese paintings and wood carvings being made.
8. Take a selfie at the Tegallalang Rice Terraces
Besides amazing beaches and soporific coconut trees, the next image most frequently associated with Bali is that of gorgeous rice terraces on lush green hills. Be sure to head up to the most famous of them all, Tegallalang Rice Terraces (near Ubud), for that must-have photo souvenir and lifelong memorable scene engraved in your mind (and heart).
9. Go shopping at Bali Boat Shed
Your island holiday isn’t complete without the perfect island wear, so get your tropical wardrobe filled at the super shopping district, Seminyak. The Bali Boat Shed, for example, is a one-stop shop for all your Bali fashion needs – everything from swimwear to hats, sunglasses and bright colourful sundresses all can be found here.
Address: Jl. Laksamana Basangkasa No.55, Kuta Utara, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia
Website: The Bali Boat Shed
10. Get a Balinese massage
Indulge in some R&R in true-blue Balinese style, with a Balinese massage and the sound of real ocean waves lulling you into a peaceful zen-like state. If that sounds just about perfect, head to the Royal Beach Seminyak Bali for this rejuvenating treatment – you’ll be taken to a wooden hut by the beach for your massage, which also involves fragrant oils and herbs for a wholesome sensory experience.
Address: Jl. Camplung Tanduk, Seminyak Beach, Seminyak, 80033, Indonesia
Contact Number: +62 361 730730
Website: The Royal Beach Seminyak Bali Hotel
What to do in Bali in the evening?
11. Be awed by a traditional fire dance at Uluwatu Temple
Located right at the edge of a magnificent cliff overlooking the royal blue ocean, Bali’s mystical sea temple, Uluwatu Temple, is one of the most beautiful sights the island can offer. Head there in the evening for an additional treat – the Kecak fire dancers performing a stunning and death-defying traditional dance with origins from the 1930s.
Be sure to take off any jewellery you may be wearing, or anything you might consider precious before you enter the temple, however, as the nearby monkeys are notorious snatch thieves.
Address: Pecatu, South Kuta, Badung Regency, Bali, Indonesia
12. Watch the sun set from Ku De Ta
Unwind after a full day of nonstop action at Seminyak Beach’s most sought-after sunset spot, Ku De Ta, with a cocktail in hand and an obstructed view of the sun easing into the sea in front of you. Don’t worry about going early to secure a good spot, as there’s plenty of space for everyone – you can choose between lounging on a deck chair at the sea-facing pool or grabbing a seat at the second floor terrace.
Address: Jl. Kayu Aya No. 9, Seminyak, Kuta, Kabupaten Badung, Bali, Indonesia
Opening hours: 8am – 2am, daily
Phone: +62 361 736969
Website: Ku De Ta
13. Eat fresh sea creatures at Menega Cafe
Seafood-lovers will go bananas at Jimbaran’s Menega Cafe, which is known for its amazingly fresh ocean offerings. Pick your sea creature of choice out from the ice – everything from lobsters, prawns, crabs to fish can be found – watch it get grilled in front of you, and dig in right after that. To further gild the lily, an acoustic band plays live music to set the stage for the perfect dinner experience.
Address: Jl. Four Seasons Muaya Beach, Jimbaran, Kabupaten Badung, Bali, Indonesia
Opening hours: 11am – 10pm
Phone: +62 361 705888
14. Party at the Mirror
If you’ve still got plenty of energy left in you, head over to Bali’s late-night party central, the Mirror, for a nightcap. Be sure to get dressed up because the Mirror isn’t a beach club – this high-end playground is designed like a cathedral, complete with stained glass windows, high ceiling and chandeliers, but with technicolored laser lights and dance music.
Address: Jalan Petitenget No.106, Seminyak, Bali 80361, Indonesia
Opening hours: 11pm – 5am, Wednesdays to Saturdays.
Website: The Mirror
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