Things to Do in Bali (Indonesia)

Things to Do in Bali

The island of Bali is a budget traveler’s dream destination. It is one of the most well-known tourist spots in all of Indonesia and a mecca for those who are interested in yoga, those who are on their honeymoon, and digital nomads.

The island not only provides lots of possibilities for the visitor on a shoestring budget, but it also provides a lot of choices for the traveler with more money to spend.

Even though going to Bali has become something of a tourist cliché in recent years due to the large number of people seeking the “Eat, Pray, Love” experience and unwinding at some pricey yoga retreat, I continue to find the island to be breathtaking, friendly to travelers on a budget, and packed with things to do.

The landscape is breathtaking, the beaches (apart from Kuta) are picture perfect, there is excellent trekking, the people are pleasant, world-class eating is affordable, and it is an economical place to visit.

I devoted a whole month to visiting the island, and I would gladly do so again and again if given the chance.
Getting out from Ubud and Kuta is one of the most important things to do when visiting in Bali. As soon as you do this, you will discover a lot more tranquil, less expensive, and less crowded island that is well worth visiting. The vendors won’t annoy you, and the beaches will be all yours to enjoy to yourself.

Notes and information

Language: Indonesian, Balinese, and English are the three primary languages spoken on the island of Bali.
The Indonesian Rupiah is the currency that is used on the island of Bali.

Credit Cards and ATMs: There are lots of ATMs in the major towns of Bali, such as Ubud and

Safety: If you’re a woman travelling by herself, Bali is one of the safest places you can go. Road safety is the most important consideration you need to give attention to, in particular if you are going to be renting a motorcycle. If you don’t feel comfortable riding, it’s probably best to take a cab. It will never be more expensive than a bill from the hospital.

When to Go to Bali for the Best Weather

The dry season in Bali is when tourists flock to the island in the greatest numbers. You won’t have to worry about rain interrupting any of your plans to spend time outside from May through October, and the humidity level will remain low throughout the summer.

The only drawback is that it’s at the busiest period of the year to visit. Flights will cost you extra at this time of year, and you’ll need to book your hotel well in advance if you want your first pick.
If you don’t mind the occasional quick downpour, the best time to visit Bali is from November to April. It is the time of year with the lowest prices and the greatest number of activities available.

Activities and Sights to See in Bali

Try some adventurous sports

There are a plethora of exciting activities available to participate in. You have the option of doing paragliding, mountain biking, horseback riding, hiking, treetop zip-lining, and even jungle trekking. Prices will range, but be assured that none of them will break the bank. For instance, the cost of a tandem paragliding flight for one person is around 110 US dollars or 1,500,000 Indonesian Rupiah.

Pay a visit to the spa.

Pampering oneself and letting off pent-up stress and anxiety are excellent ways to revitalise oneself in Bali, which makes it the ideal destination for this purpose. The Balinese massage is widely regarded as one of the most soothing treatments available anywhere in the world, and most Balinese spa therapies make use of a wide variety of aromatic plants and spices. Prices are different depending on what you buy, but you can anticipate paying at least 275,000 IDR, which is equivalent to $20 USD, for a treatment.

Have fun in Kuta

Kuta is often referred to as the “Tijuana of Bali.” In this area, the streets are quite congested, and there are hundreds of kiosks offering knockoffs of popular brands as well as unique mementos. There are a large number of hostels and a great number of pubs that are specifically geared toward younger travelers. If you are interested in going out and having a good time, this is the greatest place on the island to do it. Personally, I despise Kuta, and I believe there are many other locations on the island that are superior to it.

Things do to in Bali Travel Guide Kuta

Attend a Race Featuring Buffalo

After a few days spent in Bali, there is a good chance that you will have seen water buffalo being used in agriculture around the island. Chariot races between natives riding buffaloes and each other are held every other Sunday from July to October in Negara. Because Negara is a little out of the way and the races start at seven in the morning, you should definitely make arrangements for lodging the night before the event.

Pay a visit to the Main Temple

A temple known as Pura Besakih may be found atop the revered and active volcano Mount Agung in Bali. Because you require transportation to get to the trailhead, most visitors choose to take a guided trip up the mountain rather than attempt the ascent on their own. Prices start at around 400,000 IDR ($29 USD) per individual. Due to the fact that it is a sacred mountain, climbing it may be prohibited at some periods of the year.

Where Should One Stay While in Bali?

Looking for a spot to lay your head? The following is a list of some of my most recommended hostels in Bali:
PADI Guesthouse for Backpackers (Ubud)
Kememai Hostel (Ubud)
In Bali, at the Island Hotel (Kuta)
Coco Warung Backpackers Hostel (Kuta)
M Boutique Hostel (Seminyak)
Capsule Hotel Bali – New Seminyak (Seminyak)
Tribal Bali (Canggu)

The Finest Resources for Making Reservations

When I travel, these are some of my favourite firms to work with. They continuously give the finest offers, provide customer service of the highest calibre, and provide a fantastic value; all in all, they are superior to the companies that they compete with. When I begin my search for affordable travel options, I always begin with those businesses since they are the ones I use the most.

Skyscanner is my go-to airline search engine. Skyscanner is quick and easy to use. They scan less popular websites and airlines, both of which are sometimes overlooked by major search sites. They are without a doubt the most appropriate point of departure.

Hostelworld is the greatest website out there for booking hostel accommodations due to the fact that it has the most options, the easiest-to-use search interface, and the broadest availability.

Agoda is, with Hostelworld, the top website for booking hotel rooms in Asia. Agoda is particularly strong in Southeast Asia.

Reserving is the greatest site for booking accommodations overall, because it consistently offers the cheapest and most affordable prices. They provide the most diverse assortment of low-cost places to stay. After doing all of my comparisons, I’ve found that their pricing are consistently the lowest of any booking website.

Intrepid Travel – If you are interested in going on group trips, Intrepid is the company to go with.

They provide quality excursions in small groups, always work with local guides and drivers, and minimise their impact on the environment. And since you are a reader of our site, you will also be eligible for special savings when you shop with them.

Best Hotels in Bali Travel Guide

The Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan is located in Sayan
Address: Jl. Raya Sayan, Sayan, Ubud
Phone: +62 361 977 577
Booking

Como Uma Canggu

Address: Jl. Pantai Batu Mejan, Canggu
Phone: +62 361 620 2228
Booking

This open and airy new beachside resort takes up ideal real estate in Canggu, and it is within easy walking distance or scooting distance to all of the town’s most popular attractions. Having said that, individuals who choose the surfside apartments or one of the 12 upscale three-bedroom COMO Penthouses (each with their very own personal butler and rooftop pool exposed by a dramatic arching cutaway) may be less inclined to wander off. If you want to learn how to surf, you should arrange lessons with the experts at Tropicsurf, which is located on the premises. Guests who are interested in improving their overall wellbeing may choose from Pilates, yoga, a Jungle Sports class, or a full spa.

Bambu Indah Resort

Address: Jl. Baung, Sayan, Ubud
Phone: +62 361 977 922
Booking

This eco-luxury resort that cascades artistically down to natural swimming pools by the river is home to enlightening experiences and design. From the striking sustainable bamboo architecture to the permaculture farm-to-table food, this resort is dedicated to minimising its impact on the environment. Check out the Riverbend with its sloping copper roof, bedroom that is cut in half by a stream, and bamboo elevator that leads down into a vertical tunnel of dirt. It is a nirvana for the creative spirit, since not only is there daily yoga, but there are also trash walks. During these walks, visitors trek through the neighbouring rice fields, forest, and towns collecting garbage while gaining an education about the local people and their culture.

Best Restaurants in Bali

Kaum
Address: Jl. Petitenget No.51B, Seminyak
Phone: +62 361 473 7979

Kaum, which derives its name from the Bahasa Indonesia word for “tribe,” is a concept that was conceived as a result of the extensive research conducted by the restaurant’s culinary team into the cooking styles and fishing techniques of the various tribes that inhabit Indonesia’s extremely diverse archipelago (fishing and spear hunting to name a few adventures).

After passing past the well-known Potato Head Beach Club and up the steps, you will arrive at this verdant sanctuary, which has handmade décor and cuisine with a rich history that is served in a family-style setting. One of the goals of Kaum is to encourage and promote Balinese communities that continue to practise time-honored talents. A terrific way to start a feast on rich regional meals composed of speciality ingredients gathered as locally as possible is with a tasting of hot sambals.

Hujan Locale

Address: Jl. Sri Wedari No.5, Ubud
Phone: +62 813 3972 0306

This café is the ideal combination of a warung, which is a traditional Indonesian cafe or small restaurant, and a fine dining establishment. It has an air of understated sophistication and can be found nestled away like a well-kept secret among the bustling streets of Ubud. While you drink on one of the many colourful cocktails, take in the sights of a traditional Balinese neighbourhood from one of the many open windows (think Carrot Mai Tais and Butterfly Pea Martinis). The elaborate dishes are an upscale interpretation of a breathtaking survey of Indonesian delicacies from dozens of different islands. The head chef, Will Meyrick, provides a description of how and where he found each dish on the menu.

Sokasi Chef’s Table
Address: Jl. Raya Sayan, Sayan, Kec. Ubud
Phone: +62 361 977 577

Intimate meals at Sokasi, the bamboo pavilion with a curved roof that sits above the flowing Ayung River at the Four Seasons in Sayan, are all about maintaining the labor-intensive culinary tradition of the island. Arrive early to get a glimpse of the pig being roasted over a fire made of coconut wood, and then indulge in some decadent, long-lost dishes incorporating tastes such as wild ginger and klengis (an extract from hand-making coconut oil). The smokey duck that was cooked in an underground clay oven is great, but what really elevates this dinner to the level of a cultural performance is the chef’s colourful commentary during the course of the meal. There is a need for reservations.

Bali Asli Restaurant

Address: Jl. Gelumpang, Karangasem
Phone: +62 822 3690 9215

This restaurant and culinary school is surrounded on all sides by idyllic rice fields and has an unobstructed view of the holy Mount Agung along with a wide-angle perspective of the mountain itself. Authenticity is of the utmost importance here. The authentic flavours of Balinese cuisine are achieved via the use of time-honored cooking techniques, such as brick-lined wood-burning ovens, and an abundance of locally sourced ingredients, which are either cultivated on the premises or procured from the nearest market.

The culinary sessions are not limited to the kitchen, but rather involve activities like as fishing in a junking canoe or cultivating rice. In contrast, the cultural excursions include motorcycling to royal bathing pools and spending a day in the life of a Balinese woman.

Weather (Bali Travel Guide)

Due to its location close above the equator, Bali does not have four distinct seasons as the rest of the world does. Instead, there are only two types of weather: wet and dry. The months of November through March are characterised by high humidity, yet this does not exclude the possibility of glorious days outside of the rainy season.

The months of April through October are often more drier and just as hot, despite the fact that the evenings may seem very chilly. Continuously throughout the year, daytime temperatures range between the upper 70s and low 80s Fahrenheit. (And don’t pay too much heed to the weather app on your iPhone; it forecasts that it will rain practically every day in Bali, but it’s usually inaccurate.)

We have shared some most important factors for the tourists in our Bali Travel Guide. Share you thoughts in our comments section.

Things to Do in Bali | Bali Travel Guide