Top 10: Things to Do in Bali

Known as the ‘Island of the Gods’, Bali has become Indonesia’s top tourist destination—and it’s no surprise to us! With its wonderful exotic weather, top-class range of restaurants and fascinating cultural heritage, this stunning island is a top-class tourist destination. Today with Civitatis, we’re going to take a look at the top things to do in Bali, so you can make the most out of your trip, whether you’re travelling from Australia, the US, Europe or elsewhere.

1. Get in Touch with Your Spiritual Side

If you’re hoping to get in touch with your spiritual side during your journeys, you’re in the right place. Bali is a haven for self-discovery and is said to possess a sacred energy, which aligns to balance mind, body and spirit. Aside from the more mystical side of things, Bali’s incredible natural environment makes it a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of life and connect with your inner self.

We recommend making your way to this Ubud Yoga Class, during which you’ll move your body surrounded by some of the region’s most stunning natural environments. If yoga isn’t your thing, but you still want to relax, check out this one-hour Balinese massage in Ubud—choose the treatment that suits you and leave the experience feeling energised!

2. Discover Balinese Cuisine

Balinese cuisine is a wonderful blend of Indonesian, Indian, Chinese and European influences. One of our favourite things about travelling to Bali is enjoying the distinctive, affordable local eats. As you explore Bali, you’ll come across everything from brilliant street food, to traditional warungs (restaurants), all with fantastic culinary options which are sure to delight. The most famous cultural dish is probably the Babi Guling, which is a mouth-watering suckling pig, prepared with a wonderful mix of turmeric and other spices and usually served alongside sticky rice, crispy skin and peanuts. Another Indonesian classic which you’re sure to encounter on your travels is satay (often written as sate)—delicious meat skewers cooked over hot coals and slathered in a flavoursome peanut sauce.

If you’re a true foodie, you might consider booking this Balinese Cooking Class. As part of the class, you’ll head by local market stalls to pick up some fresh produce, before learning to prepare various seasonal specialities.

3. See Bali’s Wildlife

Bali is home to a staggering diversity of wildlife—said to be home to over 160 animal species! Tigers, rhinos, hippos, monkeys and wild boars are just a few of the beautiful animals which roam this island. The best way to see this wildlife in its natural habitat is by heading out on this safari in the Balinese Jungle. During the safari, you’ll observe the island’s incredible biodiversity, and, if you’re lucky, some are rare as the white hippopotamus, the Komodo dragon, or the Arowana fish. You’ll also make your way to the Marine Park Aquarium which is home to over forty different sea species.

If flying animals are more your speed, you might consider grabbing a ticket to Bali Bird Park. This park is Indonesia’s finest bird park, with thousands of birds, and hundreds of species to discover. As well as seeing such beautiful creatures such as the flying fox, crested eagle and the Argus pheasant.

4. Catch the Sunrise at Mount Batur

A highlight of any visit to Bali is catching a sunrise on Mount Batur. Get up in the early hours of the morning, make your way to the mountain and trek the 1711 metre (5600 ft) sacred volcano. Ascending the active volcano in the early hours of the morning, before seeing the sun slowly rise over the horizon is a mesmerising experience. Take some pictures at the top, and then make your way to the hot springs of Mount Batur—the best way to round off a magical evening.

For many, this experience marks a highlight of a journey to Bali, so don’t miss out—enjoy a sunrise trek at Mount Batur, or enjoy a 4×4 tour of Mount Batur, with Civitatis!

5. Chill Out on Bali’s Beaches

While there’s so much to see in Bali, sometimes you need to take some time to relax, and there’s no better place to do so. The island boasts a wide selection of pristine beaches, especially on the south side of the island. On this Bali Beaches Tour, you’ll head to the Nusa Dua coast, home to Geger Beach, and many more gorgeous beaches that you’ll never forget.

6. See a Barong Dance Show

Another way to gain an insight into the fascinating Balinese culture is at a Barong dance show. This traditional performance is rooted in Balinese mythology, depicting the battle between good (the Barong) and evil (Rangda). Attend a Barong Dance Show for yourself— the dynamic choreography, vibrant costumes, and powerful storytelling will transport you to the heart of Bali’s spiritual and cultural heritage, making it an unforgettable experience.

7. Snorkel the Reefs of Bali

When you’re visiting Bali, you can’t miss out on the island’s marine beauty. These magical reefs are home to an incredible diversity of marine life, from multicoloured fish to sea turtles to manta rays. There are lots of places to go snorkelling around the island, though we recommend checking out this Nusa Penida & Nusa Lembongan Snorkelling activity with Civitatis.

During this activity, you’ll get to visit some of the island’s most famous bays, including Manta Point, one of the foremost snorkelling spots in Bali. Here, you’ll often encounter manta rays, really friendly and gentle creatures who are a joy to swim alongside.

8. Take Pictures on the Bali Swing

Fascinatingly, swings are a significant part of Balinese culture, with swings (also known as ayunan) in many villages around the country. These swings often play a role in ceremonies/festivals and are also significant tourist attractions. Across the island, you’ll find swings suspended over valleys, which provide incredible views and an adrenaline rush!

For the fullest experience, grab a ticket to Bali Swing Park, home to swings as high as 78 metres (255 ft), and lots of incredible photo opportunities of the park’s incredible natural environs.

9. Get Adventurous in Bali

If you’re a bit of a thrill seeker, you might want to get to know the island’s natural beauty through adrenaline-filled activities. One of the most exciting adventures in Bali, and a fantastic way to enjoy the lush Balinese countryside is on this Canyoning Adventure in Bali, which includes canyoning, jumps and abseils of varying heights, depending on your level of experience, from beginner to expert.

10. Explore Natural Beauty on a Day Trip

One of the coolest and most popular day trips from Bali is to the magnificent Nung Nung Waterfalls. A short drive from the city, this stunning 70-metre (330 ft) waterfall is surrounded by lush greenery and picturesque rice terraces—offering a wonderfully serene escape for visitors, just one hour away from Ubud.

On this Tanah Lot, the Nung Nung Waterfalls and Bedgul Day Trip, you can see these magnificent falls for yourself, alongside various different temples, the UNESCO World Heritage Site Jatiluwih rice paddies and more!

So there you have it! Those are our top 10 things to do in Bali. Whether you’re visiting for a cultural experience, or an adrenaline rush, this island has something for everyone. If you’re making a visit to Bali and are still looking for activities to fill your itinerary, check out more activities in Bali with Civitatis!