Bali is one of the world's most beloved travel destinations — a magical island of ancient temples, terraced rice fields, volcanic peaks, world-class surf, and a deeply spiritual Hindu culture. Whether you're seeking adventure on Mount Batur, serenity in Ubud's jungle, or sunset cocktails at a Seminyak beach club, Bali delivers experiences that stay with you forever. This guide covers the best things to do in Bali in 2026.
Book These in Advance
Mount Batur Sunrise Trek, Nusa Penida Day Trip, Uluwatu Kecak Fire Dance and Bali Cooking Classes are best booked in advance — popular slots fill up quickly, especially during peak season (July–August). Book through Trip.com for instant confirmation.
Tanah Lot Temple
Bali's most iconic sea temple, perched dramatically on a rocky outcrop in the Indian Ocean. Tanah Lot is most spectacular at sunset when the temple silhouette glows against the orange sky. One of Bali's most photographed landmarks — arrive 1–2 hours before sunset for the best light and to avoid the largest crowds.
Ubud Sacred Monkey Forest
A lush jungle sanctuary home to over 700 Balinese long-tailed macaques and three ancient Hindu temples. The Monkey Forest is one of Ubud's most popular attractions — the monkeys roam freely and will interact with visitors. Keep bags and food secured. The ancient temples and towering banyan trees make this a magical place.
Tegallalang Rice Terraces
Bali's most famous rice terraces — cascading green paddies carved into the hillside using the traditional subak irrigation system (UNESCO World Heritage). The terraces are most beautiful in the morning light. Swing experiences and cafes with terrace views are available. Visit early morning to avoid crowds and get the best photos.
Mount Batur Sunrise Trek
Bali's most popular volcano trek — a 2-hour hike to the 1,717m summit for a spectacular sunrise over the caldera lake and Mount Agung. The trek starts at 2am and reaches the summit just before dawn. Guides are mandatory and can be booked through Trip.com. The views from the top are absolutely breathtaking.
Uluwatu Temple & Kecak Fire Dance
A clifftop temple perched 70 metres above the Indian Ocean — one of Bali's most dramatic settings. The Kecak Fire Dance performance at sunset (6pm daily) is one of Bali's most spectacular cultural experiences — 50+ men chanting in unison around a fire, telling the Ramayana story. Book the dance tickets in advance.
Seminyak Beach & Sunset
Bali's most stylish beach strip — world-class beach clubs (Potato Head, Ku De Ta, La Plancha), boutique shopping, and some of the best sunsets in Asia. The beach itself is wide and dramatic with powerful surf. Seminyak is the best area for beach clubs, sunset cocktails, and upscale dining.
Tirta Empul Holy Spring Temple
Bali's most sacred water temple — a 10th-century Hindu temple built around a natural spring. Visitors can participate in the traditional purification ritual (melukat), bathing in the holy spring water alongside Balinese worshippers. A deeply spiritual and authentic Balinese experience. Sarong required.
Ubud Art Market & Palace
Ubud's vibrant traditional market selling handmade crafts, batik textiles, silver jewelry, and Balinese art. Bargaining is expected and part of the experience. Directly across the street is the Ubud Royal Palace (Puri Saren Agung) — a beautiful example of traditional Balinese architecture with free entry.
Nusa Penida Day Trip
Bali's most dramatic island — home to Kelingking Beach (the T-Rex cliff), Angel's Billabong, Broken Beach, and Crystal Bay. Nusa Penida is a 45-minute fast boat from Sanur. The scenery is jaw-dropping — towering limestone cliffs, turquoise water, and pristine beaches. Book a guided day tour through Trip.com.
Bali Cooking Class
Learn to cook authentic Balinese dishes — nasi goreng, satay, rendang, and lawar — in a traditional setting. Most cooking classes include a morning market visit to buy fresh ingredients, followed by hands-on cooking and a feast. One of Bali's most popular and rewarding cultural experiences.
Waterbom Bali Water Park
Asia's best water park — consistently rated #1 in Asia by TripAdvisor. 20+ slides and attractions including the Superbowl, Climax, and the lazy river. Excellent facilities, restaurants, and a spa. Perfect for families and groups. Located in Kuta, easily accessible from most Bali hotels.
Traditional Balinese Spa & Massage
Bali is one of the world's best spa destinations — from budget-friendly local spas ($15/hour) to world-class resort spas at the Four Seasons and COMO Shambhala. A traditional Balinese massage uses long strokes, skin rolling, and acupressure. Ubud is the wellness capital of Bali with hundreds of excellent spas.
Bali by Area — Where to Stay & What to Do
Ubud
Bali's cultural heart — rice terraces, monkey forest, cooking classes, yoga retreats, and the best art galleries. Perfect for wellness and culture seekers.
Best for: Culture, wellness, nature
Seminyak & Canggu
Bali's trendiest beach areas — world-class beach clubs, boutique shopping, surf breaks, and the best restaurant scene on the island.
Best for: Beach clubs, nightlife, surfing
Uluwatu & Nusa Dua
Dramatic clifftop temples, world-famous surf breaks, and Bali's most luxurious resort strip. The Kecak Fire Dance at Uluwatu is unmissable.
Best for: Luxury resorts, surfing, temples
Kintamani & North Bali
Volcanic highlands with Mount Batur, Lake Batur, and the sacred Tirta Empul temple. Cooler temperatures and spectacular mountain scenery.
Best for: Trekking, temples, scenery
Suggested 7-Day Bali Itinerary
Ubud — Culture & Nature
- Tegallalang Rice Terraces (early morning for best light)
- Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary
- Ubud Art Market and Royal Palace
- Traditional Balinese cooking class
- Tirta Empul Holy Spring Temple purification ritual
Mount Batur Sunrise Trek
- 2am departure for Mount Batur sunrise trek (book in advance)
- Summit sunrise over Lake Batur and Mount Agung
- Afternoon rest and spa/massage in Ubud
- Ubud night market for dinner
Seminyak & Canggu — Beach Life
- Seminyak Beach and beach clubs (Potato Head, Ku De Ta)
- Canggu surf lesson at Echo Beach
- Sunset cocktails at La Plancha beach bar
- Waterbom Bali water park (Kuta)
- Seminyak boutique shopping and dining
Nusa Penida Day Trip
- Fast boat from Sanur to Nusa Penida (book in advance)
- Kelingking Beach viewpoint (T-Rex cliff)
- Angel's Billabong and Broken Beach
- Crystal Bay snorkeling
- Return to Bali for sunset dinner
Uluwatu & Tanah Lot
- Morning: Tanah Lot Temple (arrive early to avoid crowds)
- Afternoon: Uluwatu Temple clifftop walk
- Sunset: Kecak Fire Dance at Uluwatu (6pm, book in advance)
- Dinner at Jimbaran Bay seafood restaurants
Book Bali Tours & Activities on Trip.com
Book Mount Batur treks, Nusa Penida day trips, Uluwatu Kecak Fire Dance, cooking classes and more — with instant confirmation and competitive prices.