Things to Do in Bali in 2026 (The Honest List)
Introduction: Is Bali Still Worth It in 2026?
Yes — but it depends entirely on what you’re after and how you approach it. Bali has been on the tourist radar for decades, and that brings predictable problems: overcrowded temples, overpriced restaurants targeting foreigners, and a scooter-to-rice-field ratio that would alarm any urban planner. But get past the surface layer and there’s still a genuinely extraordinary island here — one of the most culturally rich, visually dramatic, and logistically convenient places in Southeast Asia.
Planning accommodation near Bali’s top attractions? Search hotels and villas on Booking.com — filter by area to find accommodation close to Ubud’s temples, Uluwatu’s cliffs, or Seminyak’s beach clubs.
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This guide is an honest breakdown of what’s actually worth your time, what you can skip, and how to get more out of Bali than the average tourist manages. Every activity gets a Skip It / Do It verdict. Written by someone who’s spent considerable time on the island — not someone who flew in for a week and discovered a spa.
Temples: Which Ones Are Worth It
Tanah Lot — Do It (with caveats)
Tanah Lot is Bali’s most photographed temple, perched on a rock formation just offshore and surrounded by ocean at high tide. It’s legitimately dramatic at sunset. It’s also extremely busy. The area around it has become a sprawling commercial zone of souvenir stalls and tourist restaurants. The temple itself is only accessible at low tide and non-Hindus can’t enter.
Verdict: Do It — arrive 90 minutes before sunset, walk the clifftop paths beyond the main temple complex (far fewer people), and accept that it’s a tourist experience. It’s a good one. Don’t bother at midday.
Uluwatu — Do It
Uluwatu temple sits on a dramatic 70-metre cliff on Bali’s Bukit Peninsula. It’s spectacular, the views over the Indian Ocean are genuinely breathtaking, and the nightly Kecak fire dance performance in the amphitheatre beside the temple is one of the best cultural experiences on the island. Watch your belongings — the resident monkeys will steal sunglasses, phones, and anything else they can grab.
Verdict: Do It — combine with sunset, stay for the Kecak dance (book ahead in high season). Pair with dinner in Uluwatu’s Single Fin or similar clifftop restaurant. See our guide to where to stay in Bali if you want to base yourself near Uluwatu.
Besakih — Skip It (for most people)
Besakih is Bali’s “mother temple” on the slopes of Mount Agung, and it’s the largest and most important temple complex on the island. It’s also the site of some of Bali’s most persistent tourist scams: unofficial “guides” who insist you must hire them to enter (you don’t), demands for temple sarongs you didn’t ask for, and aggressive requests for donations. The temple itself is often partially closed to non-Hindus and the complex is large but poorly signposted.
Verdict: Skip It unless you’re deeply interested in Balinese Hinduism and willing to do your research beforehand. If you go, hire an official licensed guide in advance and ignore everyone who approaches you.
Tirta Empul — Do It
The holy spring temple near Tampaksiring is one of Bali’s most spiritually significant sites. Balinese Hindus come here to purify themselves in the spring-fed pools, and visitors can participate in the purification ritual (melukat) with appropriate clothing and respect. It’s genuinely moving to witness — far more so than watching crowds photograph a temple from outside.
Verdict: Do It — arrive early (open from 9am), wear a sarong (available to rent), and be respectful. It’s one of the few places where you can participate meaningfully rather than just observe.
Pura Luhur Batukaru — Do It (hidden gem)
Most tourists never make it here. Batukaru sits in the rainforest on Bali’s second-highest volcano, often shrouded in mist. It’s serene, uncrowded, and feels like what people imagine when they picture Bali before they arrive. The mountain setting is stunning. No aggressive vendors, no photo queues.
Verdict: Do It — pair with a visit to the Jatiluwih rice terraces (better than Tegallalang, 45 minutes away).
Rice Terraces
Tegallalang — Skip It (usually)
Tegallalang is Ubud’s most famous rice terrace and the most instagrammed. It’s also crowded with swing operators, swing operators dressed as Balinese rice farmers, vendors, and other tourists photographing all of the above. There’s a tiered entry fee system where different sections of the terrace charge separate admission. The terraces themselves are beautiful — the experience around them isn’t.
Verdict: Skip It if you care about the actual landscape. Do It if you’re content with a busy, commercial, but undeniably photogenic stop. If you’re going to go, do it at dawn.
Jatiluwih — Do It
UNESCO-listed Jatiluwih is everything Tegallalang promises to be: sweeping terraces across a vast hillside, working rice paddies, minimal crowds, and genuine agricultural scenery. It’s a longer drive from Ubud (about 1.5 hours) but completely worth it. There are good warungs serving local food along the road through the terraces.
Verdict: Do It — the definitive rice terrace experience in Bali. Combine with Batukaru temple.
Water Activities
Surfing: Kuta vs Canggu vs Uluwatu
Bali has world-class surf and is accessible for all levels. The question is where to go:
- Kuta Beach — beginner-friendly, consistent small waves, very cheap lessons. Also very crowded and the surrounding area is Bali’s most developed tourist strip. Good for learning, not for escaping crowds.
- Canggu (Echo Beach, Batu Bolong) — mid-level waves, great atmosphere, far more pleasant surroundings than Kuta. The Canggu beach strip has excellent cafés, surf schools, and a real community feel. Best all-rounder.
- Uluwatu (Padang Padang, Bingin) — advanced reef breaks, world-famous waves. Not for beginners. The Bukit Peninsula’s surf spots are genuinely extraordinary for experienced surfers.
Verdict: Do It — surfing is one of Bali’s great genuine pleasures. Even non-surfers should try a beginner lesson in Canggu. See our full guide to Bali’s neighbourhoods to understand the geography before you go.
Snorkelling — Amed
Amed, on Bali’s northeast coast, has Bali’s best accessible snorkelling. The Japanese shipwreck (USS Liberty wreck is actually near Tulamben, a 20-minute drive) is shallow enough to snorkel over and completely incredible. Amed’s beach-front snorkelling around the local fishing boats reveals colourful coral and abundant fish life without needing a boat.
Verdict: Do It — Amed requires a 2-hour drive from Ubud or Canggu but is worth the journey if you’re staying long enough. Stay a night or two rather than doing it as a day trip.
Diving — Nusa Penida
Nusa Penida is home to some of Indonesia’s best dive sites, including Manta Point (seasonal manta ray aggregation site) and Crystal Bay (mola mola sightings from July–October). Visibility is excellent, marine life is abundant, and the sites are varied. Currents can be strong — this isn’t beginners-only diving. Dive operators run day trips from Sanur.
Verdict: Do It — one of Bali’s genuinely world-class experiences. Book with a reputable PADI dive centre. Current conditions require respect.
Cultural Experiences
Cooking Classes — Do It
Bali’s cooking classes range from full-day market-to-table experiences (starting with a guided tour of a traditional market, then cooking 5–8 dishes) to shorter hotel-run sessions. The best ones are in Ubud and include learning to make base genep (Balinese spice paste), lawar, and the ceremonial babi guling (suckling pig). Expect to pay $35–65 USD for a quality half-day class. It’s one of the most memorable things you can do — you go home actually able to cook Balinese food.
Verdict: Do It — prioritise classes that include the market visit.
Traditional Dance — Do It
Bali has a living performing arts tradition. The Kecak fire dance at Uluwatu is the most accessible (and genuinely spectacular). Legong and Barong dances are performed nightly at venues around Ubud — quality varies significantly, so ask accommodation staff which performance is current best. The ARMA museum in Ubud runs high-quality performances in a beautiful open-air pavilion.
Verdict: Do It — Kecak at Uluwatu is unmissable. See at least one dance performance in Ubud.
Silver and Wood Carving Workshops — Do It (selectively)
Celuk village (silver), Mas (wood carving), and Batuan (painting) each have specialist craft traditions. Many workshops welcome visitors and offer short classes. Quality varies enormously — avoid shops that are clearly set up to funnel tour groups, and look for smaller family workshops. Ubud’s surrounding villages are where craft traditions are most authentic.
Verdict: Do It — with research. Read reviews before booking.
Day Trips and Multi-Day Excursions
Nusa Islands — Do It
Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan, and Nusa Ceningan form an island chain accessible by fast boat from Sanur (25–45 minutes). Nusa Penida is the largest and most dramatic: Kelingking Beach (the T-Rex cliff viewpoint), Angel’s Billabong, Broken Beach, and Crystal Bay are all genuinely stunning. It’s become busier in recent years but remains far less developed than Bali itself.
Nusa Lembongan is smaller and mellower — good for snorkelling, mangrove tours, and a more relaxed pace. Stay overnight rather than doing Nusa Penida as a rushed day trip.
Verdict: Do It — Kelingking Beach is one of the most dramatic landscapes in Indonesia. The hike down to the beach is steep and requires some fitness but is worth it.
Mount Batur Sunrise Trek — Do It (for the right person)
Mount Batur is an active volcano in Bali’s caldera district, and the 4am guided sunrise trek is a Bali classic. The hike takes 2–3 hours up, the sunrise from the crater rim is frequently spectacular, and you can cook eggs in volcanic steam vents at the top. The descent brings you back in time for breakfast. It’s not a technically demanding hike but requires an early start and some fitness.
Verdict: Do It — if you’re physically up for it. The crater lake view and sunrise justify the early alarm. Go with a reputable guide (the local guide association has set fees). Book accommodation nearby — driving from Seminyak or Canggu at 2am is brutal. See also our guide to Bali traffic before planning long drives.
Family Activities
- Bali Zoo (Gianyar) — well-maintained for Asia, genuine wildlife including Sumatran tigers and orangutans. Kids enjoy the animal encounters.
- Waterbom Bali (Kuta) — Asia’s highest-rated waterpark, consistently well-run. Worth a half-day for families.
- Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary (Ubud) — atmospheric forest with ~700 long-tailed macaques. Fun, but keep phones and food secured. Monkeys will take items from pockets and bags.
- Elephant Safari Park (Taro) — controversial. The sanctuary has improved welfare standards compared to many in Asia, but ethical elephant tourism remains a complex topic. Research before you go.
- Bali Treetop Adventure Park (Bedugul) — good for older children, rope courses through forest canopy near a lake. Quieter part of Bali worth visiting.
Nightlife
Seminyak and Kuta have the densest concentration of clubs, beach bars, and night venues. Potato Head Beach Club in Seminyak is the iconic spot — genuinely well-designed with great cocktails, DJs, and sunset views. It’s expensive by Bali standards but worth one visit. See our Seminyak restaurant and bar guide for a fuller picture.
Canggu has a younger, more relaxed nightlife scene centred on beach bars like Finn’s and The Lawn. Less bottle-service, more sunset beers and live music.
Ubud closes early. If you’re based there and want proper nightlife, you need to travel.
Off the Beaten Path
Sidemen Valley
East Bali’s Sidemen Valley is one of the island’s most beautiful and least visited areas: rice terraces, traditional villages, Mount Agung as a backdrop, and almost no tourist infrastructure. There are a handful of excellent guesthouses and homestays here. Exceptional cycling and walking country.
North Bali (Lovina, Munduk)
The north coast is a completely different Bali — fishing towns, dolphin watching (sunrise boat trips from Lovina), waterfalls (Gitgit, Sekumpul — the latter requires a guide and some trekking but is worth it), and the Bedugul highland lakes. Far fewer tourists than the south.
Penglipuran Village
One of Bali’s most intact traditional villages, with uniform bamboo architecture and a well-preserved layout. Pleasant half-day visit, genuine community rather than a staged tourist attraction.
The Skip It / Do It Master List
| Activity | Verdict | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Tanah Lot temple | ✅ Do It | Sunset only, arrive early |
| Uluwatu temple + Kecak | ✅ Do It | Best cultural evening on the island |
| Besakih temple | ❌ Skip It | Scam-heavy, mostly closed to visitors |
| Tirta Empul | ✅ Do It | Participate, don’t just photograph |
| Pura Luhur Batukaru | ✅ Do It | Hidden gem, pair with Jatiluwih |
| Tegallalang terraces | ⚠️ Skip It | Overcrowded; go to Jatiluwih instead |
| Jatiluwih terraces | ✅ Do It | UNESCO, fewer crowds, better scenery |
| Surfing (Canggu) | ✅ Do It | Best for all levels |
| Snorkelling (Amed) | ✅ Do It | Worth staying overnight |
| Diving (Nusa Penida) | ✅ Do It | World-class, manta rays at Manta Point |
| Cooking class | ✅ Do It | Include market visit |
| Kecak dance | ✅ Do It | Unmissable at Uluwatu |
| Nusa Penida day trip | ✅ Do It | Stay overnight if possible |
| Mount Batur sunrise trek | ✅ Do It | For those with fitness + early alarm |
| Monkey Forest Ubud | ✅ Do It | Secure your belongings |
| Potato Head Beach Club | ✅ Do It | One visit; expensive but iconic |
| Sidemen Valley | ✅ Do It | Underrated gem |
Practical Tips
- Getting around: Scooters are how Bali moves. If you’re not comfortable riding one, use Grab (the region’s Uber equivalent). See our Bali visa guide for entry requirements before you travel.
- Best base: Canggu for surf/café culture; Ubud for culture and nature; Seminyak for restaurants and nightlife; Uluwatu for beaches and surf. See our full breakdown in Bali neighbourhoods guide.
- Where to stay: Read our guide to where to stay in Bali for area-by-area recommendations across all budgets.
- Timing: April–October (dry season) is easiest. November–March brings afternoon rain but lower prices and fewer crowds for most activities. See our dedicated Bali weather guide for month-by-month detail.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most popular things to do in Bali?
The most visited activities are the sunset temples (Tanah Lot and Uluwatu), the Tegallalang rice terraces, surfing in Kuta and Canggu, the Sacred Monkey Forest in Ubud, and day trips to the Nusa Islands. Of these, Uluwatu, the Nusa Islands, and surfing in Canggu offer the best experiences relative to tourist density.
What’s the best thing to do in Bali for first-timers?
Watch the Kecak fire dance at Uluwatu temple at sunset. It combines Bali’s best landscape, its most authentic performing arts tradition, and an extraordinary atmosphere in one two-hour experience. Nothing else on the island matches it for sheer impact.
Is Bali worth visiting in 2026?
Yes, but with realistic expectations. Bali is busy, some areas are significantly overdeveloped, and the gap between the tourist experience and local life has widened. But the island’s natural beauty, cultural depth, food scene, and surf remain exceptional. The key is getting out of the most congested tourist corridors and giving yourself enough time to find the island underneath the Instagram layer.
How many days do you need in Bali?
Ten days minimum to do it justice without rushing. Seven days works if you pick one region and stay put (e.g., Ubud + day trips). Anything under five days and you’re mostly stuck in traffic and recovering from jet lag.
What should I avoid in Bali?
Skip Besakih temple unless you’re prepared for persistent vendors and scams. Avoid the Kuta beach strip at night if you’re not after that specific scene. Don’t eat at restaurants with menus in twelve languages and photos of everything — the warung next door will be better and a quarter of the price. And don’t try to see all of Bali in a week — you’ll spend most of your time in traffic. See our honest take on Bali’s traffic situation.
