There are 101 amazing things you can see or do in Bali, but this list is just going to be based off my 10 favourite things I did on my recent short trip. This list is sure to be updated and extended in the future!
Bali is a beautiful island, great for a short or long-term stay. With plenty of restaurant’s, beach clubs, shops, culture, adrenaline, and nature activities – there is something here for everyone. You can choose the backpacker life and travel around quite cheaply here. Or if you are travelling with a group or want to live a little luxe, there are some beautiful options for this too.
Bali is a well-known holiday destination to Australians, as it is only a short flight away (especially from Perth). Over the years it has become very popular with travellers all around the world and for good reason. If you haven’t visited Bali, I highly recommend you do!
Table of Contents
1. Mt Batur
If you love hiking or nature in general, this is an activity for you! Mt Batur is an active volcano, located 1.5hrs from Ubud. This hike although short, is quite strenuous. However, it is well worth it for the amazing views (and hopefully a clear sunrise), you will get at the top. I have written a blog post on what you can expect when you climb Mt Batur, which can be found here.
2. Leke Leke Waterfall
This waterfall is located roughly 1-1.5hrs from Ubud, depending on traffic. Although there are plenty of waterfalls to visit in Bali, this is one of the most photogenic. It’s about a 15min walk from the entrance to the waterfall, which is surrounded by lush greenery. Leke Leke waterfall is extremely popular, so I do recommend coming here early in the morning.
There is a small fee to be paid to enter Leke Leke waterfall, 50.000 IDR (about $5 AUD).
3. Nungnung Waterfall
This was the most impressive waterfall I have visited to date. Nungnung Falls can be visited on a day trip with Leke Leke falls. The best way to see this waterfall is to stay in Ubud. The raw power of this waterfall is epic, its honestly breathtaking.
There are heaps of steps descending to the waterfall, which will take about 20mins. It is rather hard (and hot) when you need to ascend these after your visit. I would also recommend getting here early, so you can have this all to yourself.
Nungnung waterfall has a small enterance fee of 20.000 IDK (about $2 AUD) and 2.000 IDR for a motorcycle (20cents).
4. Kelingking Beach – Nusa Pendia
This is possibly the most famous beach in all of Bali. Why? Because it is spectacular. This is very popular for day tours on Nusa, so don’t expect to come here and have a blissful experience. It will be busy. If you want to avoid the crowds, come early morning for sunrise or late afternoon for sunset. The beach is beautiful and very impressive, but if it’s busy here, it is overwhelming. A take a picture, look, and leave situation.
You can also descent to the beach, although this is quite sketchy is some areas. I also don’t recommend swimming at the beach, as there are no lifeguards, and the ocean is aggressive here.
The entrance fee here is 10.000IDR per person (about $10 AUD).
5. Visit one of the many Beach Clubs
It wouldn’t be a trip to Bali without visiting one of the many beach clubs! Beach clubs are great place to come and chill out for the day, grab a meal or a couple of drinks. If you are ready to party, stay until night-time where most of them will turn into a party.
If you are travelling with friends, I highly recommend booking a day bed in advance, especially at Finns. You will need to pay a minimum for these, but you get the money back in food and drink.
6. Snorkelling Tour – Nusa Pendia
Nusa Pendia is a big, beautiful island off the coast of Bali, easily accessible via a 30-45min ferry. However, I would recommend staying on Nusa Lembongan and day tripping here, as there isn’t much on the island in the way of restaurants etc.
A snorkelling tour is a must. I booked a private tour with Bali Boats – tours and rentals, for my group of 10. This was a much better and cheaper way to see the snorkelling spots. If you are a solo traveller, they do have join in groups. You will see plenty of marine life and coral while on this tour, and manta rays if you are lucky! It’s a fun day out on the water, and definitely worth doing.
7. Eat at one of the many incredible restaurants!
Bali has so many different restaurants to choose from and they are all reasonably priced (much cheaper than Australia). So, if you are a foodie or are just looking to treat yourself, make sure you check out as many restaurant’s as you can.
I have written a blog about 10 restaurant’s to visit in Bali, which can be found here.
8. Visit Nusa Lembongan and Ceningan Island
If you love the beach, surfing and more of a relaxed vibe, these islands are for you. There are plenty of beautiful places to stay on Nusa Lembongan, and much more restaurants and shops. Which is why I recommend staying here, and day tripping to Ceningan Island. It’s only a short scooter ride over the famous yellow bridge, about 20mins from the main town on Lembongan.
There’s too much here to list, but I highly recommend checking out Mahana Point, Sea Breeze beach club, Secret beach, playgrounds, and Nicks Place.
9. Book a treatment at the Bodyworks Spa
There are plenty of Spas in Bali, but this will be the best experience! Bodyworks Spa is a more upmarket spa located in Seminyak. The whole experience is 5 stars, from the check in, treatment, service to check out.
There are plenty of treatments to choose from, including massages, pedicures/manicures, facials, hair treatments and more. I got the “Self-Love Package” which took about 2 hours and included a Massage, facial and flower bath. It will cost about $50-150 AUD, depending on the treatment. It’s worth every dollar, I walked out of this spa feeling like a million dollars.
10. Visit the Gili Islands
This isn’t something that I got to do on my recent trip, but I have only heard good things about! The Gili Islands are about a 2-3hr ferry from the mainland of Bali and the islands are known as a bit more party, then the Nusa Islands.
The islands still give island vibes and have some great beach clubs and restaurants. If you are a backpacker or just looking for a bit of fun, id highly recommend going here. I will be heading here for a while when I return to Bali!
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