Things to Do in Bali 2026 — Temples, Volcanoes, Beaches & Rice Terraces

Destination Guide

The Island of the Gods, Beyond the Beach Club

Bali packs an improbable amount into one small island — active volcanoes, Hindu temples, jungle waterfalls, world-class surf and some of the friendliest hospitality anywhere. It's close, warm and affordable, which is exactly why it's the number-one overseas destination for Australian travellers.

The trick is not trying to do everything from one base. The south (Seminyak, Canggu, Uluwatu) is where the beaches, surf and dining live; Ubud, an hour inland, is the cultural heart, surrounded by rice terraces and temples. Split your stay between the two and you'll see the best of Bali without spending your holiday in traffic. Below are the experiences worth building a trip around.

🛂 Entry & fees — 2026

Australian passport holders now need an e-VOA (electronic visa on arrival, around AUD $50) — apply online roughly 48 hours before you fly so you can use the airport e-gates, or buy a visa on arrival at the airport. There's also a one-off Bali tourist levy (about IDR 150,000 / AUD $15) paid via the official Love Bali system, and your passport should have at least six months' validity. Rules change — always confirm on the official Indonesian immigration portal before you book, and read our travel insurance guide before you travel. General information only, not travel or financial advice.

12 of the Best Things to Do in Bali

From a 2am volcano hike to a sunset fire dance — the experiences that define a great Bali trip.

🌋Kintamani

Sunrise over Mount Batur volcano and Lake Batur, Bali

Kintamani

Hike Mount Batur for Sunrise

A pre-dawn start and a roughly two-hour climb up an active volcano, rewarded with sunrise over the caldera and Lake Batur. Most guided treks include breakfast at the summit.

Tip: Book a small-group guide and start around 2am; bring a light layer — it's cool up top before the sun.

🔥Bukit Peninsula

Uluwatu clifftop sea temple at sunset, Bali

Bukit Peninsula

Uluwatu Temple & the Kecak Fire Dance

A sea temple perched on cliffs 70 metres above the Indian Ocean, best visited late afternoon so you can stay for the sunset Kecak dance — chanting, fire and the Ramayana story.

Tip: Arrive about an hour before sunset for the dance, and keep sunglasses and hats away from the resident monkeys.

🏯Ubud

Ubud

Explore Ubud, Bali's Cultural Heart

Temples, the royal palace, the art market, craft workshops and the Sacred Monkey Forest, all walkable in the centre — plus galleries, yoga and some of the island's best cafés.

Tip: Base here for at least a couple of nights; it's the launchpad for rice-country and temple day trips.

🌾Ubud

Ubud

Tegallalang Rice Terraces

The postcard-perfect tiered paddies just north of Ubud, carved into the valley and worked by hand. Early light is magic, and the jungle-swing viewpoints are here too.

Tip: Go at sunrise or early morning to beat the tour buses and the midday heat.

💧Tampaksiring

Holy spring purification pools at Tirta Empul temple, Bali

Tampaksiring

Tirta Empul Water Temple

A sacred spring temple where Balinese Hindus and visitors take part in the melukat purification ritual, moving through a line of water spouts in the bathing pools.

Tip: Bring a sarong and a change of clothes, and take part respectfully — this is a living place of worship.

🛕West Coast

West Coast

Tanah Lot Sea Temple

One of Bali's most photographed temples, sitting on a rocky outcrop just offshore and framed by the surf. It's spectacular at sunset, when the whole west coast lights up.

Tip: Check the tide — you can walk out to the base at low tide; sunset is busy but worth it.

🏝️Off the SE Coast

Kelingking Beach cliff on Nusa Penida island, Bali

Off the SE Coast

Day Trip to Nusa Penida

A fast boat from Sanur (about 40 minutes) reaches the dramatic cliffs of Kelingking Beach, Angel's Billabong, Broken Beach and Crystal Bay — some of the region's best scenery.

Tip: Roads are rough — book a driver or a small-group tour, and consider an overnight to see it without the crowds.

🐠Nusa Penida

Nusa Penida

Snorkel or Dive with Manta Rays

Manta Point off Nusa Penida delivers year-round encounters with manta rays, along with turtles and healthy coral — one of Bali's genuine bucket-list experiences.

Tip: Seas are calmest early morning; choose a small-group operator that keeps a respectful distance from the mantas.

🍹South Bali

Sunset beach club on the sand in Seminyak, Bali

South Bali

Beach Clubs & Cafés in Seminyak and Canggu

The south's social heart — sunset beach clubs, all-day brunch cafés, boutiques and surf. Canggu leans younger and creative; Seminyak is polished and central.

Tip: Book beach-club day beds ahead in peak season (June–September), especially for sunset.

💦Central & North

Central & North

Chase Waterfalls

Bali's jungle waterfalls range from the easy (Tegenungan, near Ubud) to the spectacular (Sekumpul in the north, often called the island's finest). Tibumana is a quieter favourite.

Tip: Wear proper shoes — some involve a short, steep jungle walk — and go early for calmer pools and light.

🏄Kuta to Uluwatu

Kuta to Uluwatu

Learn to Surf

Bali is one of the world's great surf islands. Kuta, Legian and Canggu have gentle beach breaks perfect for beginners; Uluwatu and Padang Padang are for experienced surfers.

Tip: Mornings are glassiest; lessons, board hire and surf camps are easy to find along the southern beaches.

🍲Ubud & Canggu

Balinese cooking class preparing local dishes, Bali

Ubud & Canggu

Take a Balinese Cooking Class

Start at a local market, then cook your way through classics like nasi campur, satay lilit and sambal with a Balinese chef — a hands-on window into the island's food culture.

Tip: A great half-day when the weather turns; many classes include the market tour and a shared feast.

Beyond the South

Already done the highlights, or want a quieter side of Bali? These reward the extra drive.

Sidemen ValleyTerraced rice country and slow village life under Mount Agung.

Munduk & the NorthCool highlands, twin crater lakes and misty waterfalls.

Amed & TulambenLaid-back east coast for diving, including the Liberty wreck.

LovinaBlack-sand north coast and calm, low-key beach towns.

CelukTraditional silver and goldsmith villages for jewellery workshops.

West Bali NPRemote national park, snorkelling and Menjangan Island.

Practical Bali

🗓 When to go

Dry season is April–October, with June–September the peak for sunshine (and crowds and prices). April–May and October are the sweet spot — good weather, fewer people. The wet season (Nov–Mar) is lush and cheaper, with short, heavy afternoon downpours rather than all-day rain.

📅 How long

5–7 days is enough for first-timers to combine Ubud with a southern beach base. Add 10–14 days if you want to fold in Nusa Penida or the Lembongan islands, the northern highlands, or a few slow days in Sidemen.

🏨 Where to base

Most people split their stay: Ubud for culture and rice country, plus one of Seminyak/Canggu (beach clubs, dining, surf), Uluwatu (clifftop beaches) or Sanur (calm, family-friendly and the gateway to Nusa Penida).

🚗 Getting around

A private driver is the best value for day trips and costs far less than at home. Grab and Gojek apps cover the south for cars and bikes. Only ride a scooter if you're experienced — always with a helmet and a valid licence. Traffic is heavy, so plan fewer stops per day.

Bali — FAQ

What is the best time to visit Bali?

The dry season from April to October is best, with June to September the peak for reliable sunshine. April–May and October are ideal for good weather with fewer crowds and lower prices. The wet season (November–March) is green and cheaper, with short afternoon downpours.

How many days do you need in Bali?

Five to seven days lets first-timers combine Ubud with a southern beach base. Ten to fourteen days gives you room to add Nusa Penida, the northern highlands, or quieter areas like Sidemen without rushing.

Do Australians need a visa for Bali in 2026?

Yes — Australian travellers need an electronic visa on arrival (e-VOA, around AUD $50), ideally applied for online about 48 hours before flying so you can use the e-gates. There is also a one-off Bali tourist levy (about AUD $15) via the official Love Bali system, and your passport should have six or more months' validity. Always confirm current rules on the official Indonesian immigration portal before booking.

Where should first-time visitors stay in Bali?

Split your stay between Ubud (culture, rice terraces, temples) and a southern beach area — Seminyak or Canggu for dining and surf, Uluwatu for clifftop beaches, or Sanur for a calm, family-friendly base and easy access to Nusa Penida.

Is Bali good for families?

Very — alongside cultural days there are gentle beaches at Sanur and Nusa Dua, waterparks, rice-terrace walks and easy cooking classes. Calmer southern and eastern beaches suit younger children better than the surf breaks.

How do you get around Bali?

For day trips, hiring a private driver is affordable and the least stressful option. Grab and Gojek apps work well in the south for cars and motorbike rides. Scooters are cheap but only advisable for experienced riders, always with a helmet and a valid licence.

Things to Do in Bali