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Fun Things to Do in Bali

Most cycling tours around the Bali countryside take place in the Ubud region of Bali. This region is rich in rice paddies and steep ravines, and  picturesque beyond doubt, making it a perfect backdrop for your cycling adventure. Cycling tours are arranged for by various providers and conducted by local guides. This is an upside because you don’t just get to explore the countryside, you also get to experience it in greater depth. 

There is the Mount Batur volcano to see along with the various historical temples and traditional villages. A ride through a bamboo forest is also possible. Routes can be customised or you can hop onto a pre-set route. These routes cover large distances- nearly 25kms of the countryside in a go.  

And, for those of you shrinking from the thought of an exhausting day spent cycling, worry not. All the routes are downhill, which basically means you’re cruising along with minimal effort, making it ideal for all sorts of people. They start and end at specific spots. You are usually driven to and from your accommodation in a vehicle.

Price: Varies according to the provider

Best time to Go: The dry season from April to August.

Location: Ubud, Bali  

Recommeded Read: Ultimate Things to Do in Ubud

Our day to day activities do not allow us to tread the oceans and we don’t even realise what we are missing out on. Bali is located in the Coral Triangle which is home to more than 500 coral communities. The ocean around Bali is extremely bountiful and throbs with life. Sea walking is a way for you to experience this unusual ecosystem. Unlike scuba diving which calls for knowledge of swimming, sea walking can be enjoyed by the majority of tourists. Sea walking is one of the most interesting things to do in Bali.

It is simply a matter of wearing a helmet and treading the ocean floor. Imagine the grandeur of walking through a school of fish, watching the blue ocean revealing its secrets to you! Beautiful! This activity is largely safe and doable though there are a few words of caution- it is absolutely necessary to wisely choose the company with which you go sea-walking as the services they provide, like oxygen helmets and first aid can be the points of difference between a good and a bad experience. But other than that, sea walking in Bali is one of the most fun activities you can partake of. You will really have some memories to cherish. The place is a well-known couple destination which makes it a famous tourist spot to visit during honeymoon.

Price: Varies according to company, INR 2000- 6000 approx.

Best Time to Go: April to August

Location: Sanur, Tanjung, Benoa, Lembongan

Click Here to Book Now: Sea Walking in Bali

Popular Read: Popular Things to Do in Sanur Bali

Waterbom Bali is the best waterpark in Asia and the third best in the world. So, if you’re heading over to Bali, make sure to drop by here. There are dozens of rides you can hop onto at this place, from tube rides to a bungee catapult which flips you in the air up to 9 metres high. As you can guess, opportunities to get your adrenaline pumping are lined up. But you can always float peacefully upon the lazy river for a break. You can do many other thrilling activities in Kuta which can your vacation more adventurous.  

You get a package deal when you buy the ticket which includes full access to the rides, along with one optional activity- you can opt in for a massage or a spa or even a mani-pedi among others. What better way to end a fun-filled day in Bali?

Price: Total package rates are IDR 880.000 and IDR 750.000 for an adult and a child respectively.

Location: Kuta

Timings: 9am-6pm

Best Time to Go: Avoid the rainy season

Click Here to Book Now: Waterbom Bali Tickets

Also Read: Best Things to Do in Kuta

A wonderful work of architecture, the Sharma Springs Bamboo House is truly a place worth experiencing! Situated alongside the Ayung river in the Ubud district of Bali, the Sharma Springs Bamboo House is the latest in a collection of bamboo houses by Green Village. It is 6-storey high and comprises of 5 floors with 4 air-conditioned bedrooms and a host of facilities at your disposal. It is furnished with classy bamboo furniture. 

You also have an attached pool and a private garden at your disposal along with your very own guest house for an additional charge. Talk about luxurious! Living in this bamboo house will prove to be a wonderfully exotic experience because how many people can boast of having done so? Bamboo also absorbs all the harmful greenhouse gases in the environment. So, think of it as doing your body a favor. The view of the valley is a treat for the eyes and the Ubud district with its rice paddies, ravines and its plethora of beautiful distractions is a therapy for the soul.

Price: Approx. INR 53,000/night

Location: Ubud

Best Time to Go: Year-round 

Popular Read: Famous Villas in Ubud

Canyon Tubing is one of the most fun things to do in Bali. It gives you an adrenaline rush and makes for a perfect way to combine adventure and sightseeing. Not to mention exploring the secrets of the Balinese rivers as you zoom through the rapids or float through the stiller waters. Bali has many rivers and twice as many tour services which provide Canyon Tubing packages, so you can really go wild with choices. Canyon Tubing involves individual people in their own tubes which only adds to the thrill. 

The rivers take you through lush green jungles and steep ravines inhabited by all sorts of flora and fauna, so you’re in sync with pure nature. Many Canyon Tubing packages also offer other sight-seeing options. For example, you could Canyon tube and then make your way to the Kintamani Lake for a scenic view of Mount Batur along with a visit to spice gardens. Or you could alternatively head to a spa after your adventurous day. There are options galore and minimal age restrictions.

Price: Starts approx. at Rs. 3200. Changes according to the company and package.

Location: Ayung river, Siap river, Penet river, Pakerisan river

Best Time to Go: Dry Season between April to November

Timings: Starts at 9am. Spend 2.5 to 3 hours on the river

Recommended Read: Best Things to Do near Mount Batur

Swimming in an infinity pool is one of the most luxurious things you can do in Bali. An infinity pool is meant to be a source of pampering your senses. It is so constructed as to give you the feeling of infinite open space as if it will merge into the ocean or the sky. 

Bali is famous for its infinity pools, thus making swimming something you must try. Many high-end hotels and holiday homes include an infinity pool so if you’re staying in one, just head over there one morning. But if that isn’t the case, you can always make a trip to one of these infinity pools on a day-pass which will allow you to experience the swimming as well as open up to several dining options.

Price: Varies widely according to the hotel or holiday home

Location: All around Bali

Best time to go: April to November

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A cheap and yet fun thing to do in Bali is watch the Kecak “monkey” dance being performed. This performance takes you back to the cultural and traditional roots of the Hindu and Balinese culture as men and women dance around the fire performing the Ramayana story. No instrumental music accompanies this performance- only a chorus of bare-chested men who use claps and beats for a musical touch. 

The Kecak dance is one of the several traditional dance performances that take place in Bali. It has its roots in, and is often followed by the Sanghyang or the “trance” dance. These performances often take place in the villages which give you a good chance to experience the village life and interact with the locals after the dance. The performance can be as long as 2.5 to 3 hours long, and service for pick-up and drop-off are provided by some companies.

Price: Approx. IDR 75.000 per person

Location: Ubud

Timings: Approx. 7pm to 9pm

Best time to Go: April to November

Book Now to Enjoy the Scenic Sunset: Uluwatu Sunset Tour With Kecak Dance

Also Read: Ultimate Things to Do in Uluwatu

A popular tourist stopping point, Kuta is a rather an extravagant and exciting place to be at after the sun goes down. It’s nightlife can compete with the best of them. Bars and pubs have sprung up like wild mushrooms in Kuta’s party district so you’ll have no trouble finding one to satisfy your party cravings. Some of the best party zones in Kuta include Sky Garden, Bounty Discotheque, Alleycats, Hard Rock café among many others. 

Hard Rock is famous for its live music performances while Alleycats gives you a cheap drinking option. Bounty’s entry is free for tourists while Sky Garden has an amazing buffet. There are way more options to choose from depending upon your tastes.  It is apt to say that partying in Kuta means partying hard. But as exciting partying in Kuta sounds, it can get dangerous if you don’t watch out for trouble. But take care and you’ll end up having a really good time enjoying the nightlife.

Price: Varies by venue

Location: Kuta

Best Time to Go: Year-round

Insider Tip: Try as much as possible to choose bottled drinks as they reduce the risk of someone tampering with the drinks.

Also Read: Best Things to Do in Kuta at Night

One of the most beautiful hotels in Bali, Puri Santrian is famous for its breathtaking location, its excellent hotel area and restaurant, and its services. This is an all-round prizewinner. So, if you’re looking to celebrate something special or even if you’re just looking to give yourself a well-deserved treat, Puri Santrian will not disappoint. 

Its ambience will add just the right magical touch to a memorable evening with the gentle sound of waves lulling you into peace. You can either choose to board in the hotel or simply visit the restaurant area. If you do choose to stay, join one of their cooking classes or their yoga classes which are free of cost to boarders.

Price: INR 350.000 for two people (approx.); INR 45.000 for a pint of beer (approx.)

Location: Sanur

Best time to go: Year-round

Insider tips: Their pizzas and nasi goreng come well recommended.

Recommended Read: Luxury Resorts in Bali

If you’re looking to do something a little off the beaten track, this abandoned plane might be just the thing to visit. The huge Boeing aeroplane just sits there day after day in the limestone valley near South Kuta, an attraction for people looking for something curious and creepy in the romantic Bali paradise.  

The plane is not the relic of a crash; according to rumours it was meant to be a restaurant but had to be abandoned because permits were not granted. It has now turned into a free tourist attraction conveniently located in Kuta. One doesn’t get to see an abandoned plane everywhere after all. Who says something which gives you (good)creepy feels can’t be a fun thing to do in Bali? 

Price: Free

Location: Pandawa Beach, South Kuta

Best time to Go: Year-round

You May Also Like: Best Things to Do in Kuta with Family

Secret Canyon of Sukawati is a particularly picturesque and an awe-inspiring space. It is a sacred site for Hindus in Bali and in truth not so secret anymore. But in a country known for its beaches and valleys, the canyon does come as a surprise which is why it is still relatively “secret”. Many people are still unaware of its existence and as a result, tourist crowds are lesser in comparison to the beaches and other popular hangouts. If you love nature, this is one place you must definitely visit. 

Its beauty is not of the calm paddy-fields of Ubud, the canyon has a wild, colourful, ever changing vibe to it. You will find rivers and multi-coloured rocks. All you might want will be tto sit down and gaze at flowing waters. As there is no entry fee as of this moment, you can quite easily spend time doing so.

You will have to choose  a guide who can take you safely through the canyon as it can get quite slippery in places. This is a free service but they expect tips averaging 150.000 IDR. You can also choose to stop at the Sukawati art market afterwards.

Price: Free

Location: Guwang village, Sukawati

Best time to Go: The dry season between April to November

Insider Tips: Wear a good pair of walking shoes

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For a small place, Bali does have a lot of lovely secrets. The Suluban beach is one of them. A short ride away from Nusa Dua, this beach is one of the most beautiful beaches on Bali, and that is saying a lot since Bali is famed for its pristine sands. You reach the beach after a long walk through stairs and coral caves. Once there, you will find a whole lot more caves just waiting to be explored. It is a small, cosy beach locked in among the huge rocks but its natural beauty will spellbind you. Also visit one of the famous beaches in Bali Uluwatu Beach which is nearby the Suluban Beach. 

The coral reef cave that forms its entrance is also fascinating and the moss-covered caves make for a perfect picnic spot. Head over to Suluban on a low tide day, spend few hours exploring the caves, get your toes wet in the giant waves, and then claim a cave for an unusual picnic.

Price: Free

Location: Uluwatu

Best time to Go: Low tide days

Insider Tip: The stairs can be slippery. So, wear good footwear.

Recommended Read: Famous Uluwatu Beaches

The Yeh Leh Beach is a relatively unknown place in Bali. There are no white sands to be found here. The Yeh Leh beach is a boulder beach, that is to say, it  barely has any sand and is mostly made up of boulders. There are mossy green boulders and there are glossy, smooth boulders extending far out into the ocean. 

There are two “parts” to the beach, the western one is the boulder filled part and the eastern part has black sand. It is a unique place to say the least. It is during a low tide that the beauty of this place shines forth. The low tide completely reveals the long stretch of boulders and the marine life that clings to them. The sunsets here are particularly beautiful, so, try to visit the beach in the late afternoon.

Price: Free

Location: Jembrana, off the Denpasar-Gilimanuk highway

Best time to Go: 4 pm to 6 pm, low tide, April to November

Recommended Read: Popular Places to Visit in Bali

Whoever thought that visiting a cemetery where the people just bury their dead under the banyan tree would be considered a fun thing to do in Bali? Funnily enough, a visit to the Trunyan island and cemetery is a good experience and not at all discomfiting. The “Aga bali” people who live on this island are one of the oldest Balinese tribes and this burial system is age old and unique to them. 

The cemetery is not a repulsive place and no foul odour troubles the visitor as it is masked by the scent of the banyan tree. You’ll see several skeletons on the ground. A visit to this cemetery will certainly be a cultural experience to remember. And you’ll certainly have some tales you recall back home.

Price: Free

Location: Batur

Best time to go: Year-round

Suggested Read: Best Things To Do In Kintamani

You can’t visit Bali and not go surfing- that would be likeakin to going to a restaurant and not eating. Bali boasts lovely beaches that are suited to all types of surfers. If you’ve never surfed in your life, no problem. Bali is a haven for surfers whether they are professionals or beginners on their first surfboarding adventure. 

The main beaches in Kuta, Nusa Dua, Tuban and other big cities offer many surf school options to choose from. These schools provide the surfer with all the necessary equipment and if you need instructors, they will provide one to you. The Kuta and Tuban beaches are especially good for beginner-intermediate surfers. Surfing is an engaging sport and you’re sure to feel a surfer’s high the day you finally catch your first wave. Get, set, go surfing!

Price: IDR 200.000 approx.

Location: All Bali beaches

Best Time to Go: July

Popular Read: Beaches in Bali for Surfing

A unique temple situated in the underwater area of Pemuteran, Bali. There are two stops to this underwater temple- you begin to encounter several statues of deities at 15m and the temple at 30m. You will need to know some basic diving and an open water certificate to go down to the 15m mark but neither is difficult to acquire. Advanced divers can go 30m low. 

This temple is a conservation project among the many marine reconstruction projects going around Indonesia. Not only a temple, there are also underwater temple gardens like the Buddha garden on the reef flats which is bursting with corals. It is a beautiful dive and you get to experience the marine life around the statues. It just makes for a very different temple experience.

Price: Varies according to provider

Location: Pemuteran

Best time to Go: June to September

Must Read: Famous Temples in Bali

Every morning, coasting in with the sunrise in Lovina, come the dolphins. Pods of dolphins dancing all around boats, friendly and joyful. When in Bali, you should try your best to take this chance of making friends with the dolphins. The incredibly gentle creatures flock all over the Lovina Bay making for a very good experience as you experience the mammals in their natural habitat. 

You can get to Lovina and hire a local boat but there are also companies which offer special packages for dolphin sighting. You can choose packages which allow you to swim with the dolphins too. Though this is now a very commercialized activity, it can still offer excellent opportunities and makes for good photographic memories.

Price: Varies depending upon the service you choose

Location: Lovina

Best time to go: April to November

Insider tip: If you choose the local fishing boats, bargain hard to get the prices down to reasonable.

Click Here to Book Now: Lovina Dolphin Watching and Snorkeling Tour

Read More: Best Places to Visit in North Bali

This one is truly for the adventurous souls who cannot enjoy a trip without some spice. Climbing Mount Batur is tough, but it is nowhere as tough as hiking up the sister mountain, Mount Ayung. Standing at 9,944 feet, Mount Ayung is one of the highest points in Bali as well as the most sacred. And reaching its top requires every bit of human effort that you can put in. This goes even for the relatively fit people. Mount Ayung has no direct road to the top. 

You have to climb a dirt road, a boulder stretch and then an extremely steep slope to reach the summit. Oh, and did we mention you have to do all this in the middle of the night? 12 am to 5 am if you want to be in time to catch the magnificent sunrise. Yes, the climb is definitely tough. But it is worth every bit of the effort. Just think of the feeling of conquering the mountain at the end when you’re gasping for breath. You will be energized again instantly.

Price: Varies according to the guide

Location: Seminyak

Best time to Go: June to September

Timings: 11:30 pm to 6 am

Must Read: Best Beaches in Seminyak

Tourists rolling around in the mud near a rice field is not a usual sight but it is fast becoming common in Bali. This is because the Mepantigan martial art is taking on a new significance as a tourist attraction in Bali. Mepantigan has been around for a long time and involves elements of martial arts along with emphases on emotional and spiritual relief. 

Tourists can participate in organized Mepantigan games which have around 30-50 people in one group along with an instructor and a paramedic team. Though slightly hands-on and rough, the game is nonetheless safe as it is a mud sport. Make sure you play with people from your group for best safety. This is an unusual fun thing to do in Bali but it will leave you with some seriously good memories.

Price: INR 5000 on an average

Location: Varies

Best time to Go: Year-round

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Quite frankly, it’s very difficult to give the Balinese spa a miss if you’re anywhere in Indonesia and especially if you are in Bali. The culture just abounds with spa treatments. There are spa treatments of all kinds on offer but the best ones to go for are the traditionally inspired spa treatments.

If the word spa sounds too expensive to you, don’t worry. In Bali, spas are everywhere. That is to say, you can indulge yourself at a luxury hotel or alternatively, you can just indulge yourself with a spa or two at the local spa shops. 

Masseuses also walk the beaches in the afternoons looking for clients so you can actually get a massage right there on the beach as you relax to the sound of  the waves. The Balinese massage has a famous option called the Shirodhara, a holistic Ayurvedic therapy. Other options are the Papaya Enzyme Wraps and the Mandi Lulur. Indonesian women swear by this last spa treatment and it is a regular in Indonesian houses.

Price: Varies widely depending upon where you get the spa done

Location: All major cities

Best time to Get It: Year-round

Also Read: Best Things to Do in Bali in April

Food is such an integral part of everyday life that we don’t really give it due consideration. It’s just there. You can travel far and wide, see all the tourist attractions there are to see in a country but you will never truly discover it till you get your hands dirty. That is to say, discover the culture by getting into their kitchens. This is the best way to understand what it is that makes the people tick. So, join a cooking class while you’re in Bali and you’ll find you thanking yourself later. 

The Balinese cuisine is a virtually unknown cuisine so you’ll have the fun of learning something very different. You can also surprise people back home with the variety of your knowledge. You will learn to use various types of ingredients, many of them being seafood. You will also learn to do things with the humble rice that you never thought were possible. 

If you can befriend a local lady and get her to open up her secrets for you, you can actually skip the cooking school process too! The possibilities are many and the ease of this activity is really crazy. So, don your aprons and get out your spatulas- Bali food is calling.

Price: Varies by school

Location:  All over Bali

Insider Tip: Befriend a local, it will prove much more effective and you’ll have much more fun

Click Here to Book Now: Cooking Classes in Ubud

Recommended Read: Bali Travel Guide

Learning yoga in Bali is one of the fun things you can do here. Not only will this translate into a great, productive vacation, it will also be a gift to your lifelong health. Bali is peculiarly well-fitted to be a place for yoga. It offers a peaceful, meditative feel to those who come on a vacation here. The scenery is such that it will leave you feeling elevated. People have realised this aspect of Bali and as a result many yoga studios have come up in this place. 

Whether it is hatha you’re looking for or Iyengar or Ashtanga, Bali has the best yoga studios for you. But if you aren’t looking for a time commitment that a yoga studio requires, you can always choose from a whole host of yoga retreats. Yoga retreats are shorter, typically a week or two in length which makes for a perfect vacation-cum-rejuvenation break.

They are a chance to meet new people who are inspired by the same things as you are. A yoga retreat lets you to spend some hours in the morning doing yoga and then leaves you free to explore the place with new people. It is a good way to create memories.

Price: Varies by type of practice

Location: Varies

Best time to Go: Year-round

Also Read: Best Places to Relax Your Soul