Bali can be described as a perfect travel destination, one that will tick all your dream vacation boxes. The Indonesian Island is a beautiful place in Asia that has something for everyone – from breathtaking views to plenty of fun activities to keep you busy. If you’re planning to visit this magical place but still aren’t sure about what to do there – don’t worry. I will show you 10 unique Bali Bucket List activities that you can experience only here.
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Top 10 Bali Bucket List Activities
1. Explore Bali’s Waterfalls
Bali is famous for many things, but what captures most people’s attention is the island’s stunning nature and amazing landscapes. One of the many unique Bali Bucket List activities is going waterfall hopping. Bali has at least ten amazing waterfalls that you can explore in a day. Make sure to take many amazing photos and swim a little. You can opt to visit all the well-known Bali waterfalls or look for those hidden ones, whatever you prefer. Some of the waterfalls that are worth your attention include GitGit, Sekumpul, NungNung, Tegenungan, and LekeLeke to name a few.
2. Visit Bali’s Temples
Bali is predominantly a Hindu Island and as such it has thousands of temples all over the island. There is no way that you could visit all these temples in just one trip to Bali, but you could explore the best ones while you’re there.
Uluwatu Temple, Pura Besakih, Pura Luhur Lempuyang, and Pura Taman Ayun are just some of the most stunning temples in Bali. If you’re lucky to visit a temple on a special day, you may get to see a temple procession. A procession is a colorful event with women in traditional dresses balancing towers of all kinds of offerings on their heads. Right after them, you will see people carrying umbrellas, golden shrines, and much more. It’s a one-of-a-kind experience to visit something like this in a Hindu temple in Bali.
3. Take some photos at Handara Gate
The most iconic photos can be created in front of the mystical Handara Gate. For many people, this place is a must-see attraction in Bali. Gates like Handara Gate symbolize the entrance from the outer world into a temple, or in this case – a golf course. That’s right, Handara Gate is actually the gate to a golf resort.
This picturesque gate is surrounded by green mountains, rainforest, and crater lakes which is exactly what makes it so photographable. As of recently, you must pay to get a photo in front of the gate, but even with that, taking a photo here is well worth it.
4. Have fun at the Bali Swings
Yet another extremely popular thing to do in Bali is to enjoy the view from one of the many Bali swings. There’s nothing like swinging from these beautiful swings and overlooking some of the most amazing landscapes Bali can offer.
There are numerous fascinating places to visit in Ubud. So, it’s no surprise that the oldest and most original Bali swing is located in Desa Bongkasa Pertiwi, a village near Ubud. The view from this swing is spectacular – you can spot a river, the jungle, and a small waterfall! Nowadays, you can choose between several different swings. One of the most popular ones you might already have seen on Instagram is at Tegalalang rice terraces.
5. Discover Bali’s Rice Terraces
Since I mentioned Tegalalang rice terraces, you must add them to your Bali Bucket List as one of the most spectacular places to visit. Rice fields are one of the main tourist attractions in Bali and you can’t miss them on your trip. The two most famous rice fields are the UNESCO World Heritage Jatiluwih rice terrace and the Tegallalang rice terrace in Ubud. You can expect beautiful, green, and luscious layers of rice and palm trees. If you’re planning on visiting these magnificent rice fields, I recommend you wear comfortable shoes since you’ll be walking for at least an hour through the terraces.
6. Eat mouthwatering Indonesian food
Just like Thailand is famous for its amazing food, for many people, one of the top reasons to visit Bali is food as well. The cuisine in Indonesia, as well as local Balinese cuisine, is something you can’t pass up when you’re in Bali. Many amazing and unique restaurants offer the most delicious food. The best thing is that there is something for everyone – from the most expensive luxury restaurants to low-key local restaurants with much more affordable but equally exquisite food.
Some of the must-have dishes in Bali include Babi guling (suckling pig), Bebek Bengil (crispy duck), and Be siap sambal matah (chicken in “raw” sambal), to name a few. If you want to learn more about how to prepare Balinese food, you can take part in a cooking class.
7. Go for a Bike Ride
This may sound silly but going for a bike ride in Bali is a one-of-a-kind experience. Bike rides can help you discover beautiful off-the-beaten-path places and follow where locals are going. You can book a bike tour where you’ll visit local villages, schools, organic family plantations and so much more. The great thing about these bike tours is that they are kid-friendly and an experience you can enjoy with the whole family.
8. See the sunrise from Mount Batur
Witnessing the sunrise from the highest peak of an active volcano, known as Mount Batur, is without a doubt the most amazing Bali Bucket List activity. To climb to the top of this mountain, you will need to start the hike very early in the morning to get there by sunrise. Even though it will be an early wake-up call, it’s well worth it! During the Mount Batur volcano trip, you will be hiking in a group of at least 20 people, plus tour guides, so there is nothing to be afraid of. By the time you reach the top of the mountain, you can witness the most amazing sunrise with the sun peeking from the clouds.
9. Embark on a Scuba Diving/ Snorkeling adventure
Ocean lovers, I haven’t forgotten about you. Bali is the perfect destination to go swimming with manta rays. The best place to do so is Manta Point in Nusa Penida. Depending on what you prefer, you can choose to watch manta rays from above on a snorkel trip or you can swim next to them while scuba diving. Whichever option you choose, one thing is for sure: It will be an unforgettable experience!
10. Stay in your Dream Accommodation
Bali is well-known for its unique accommodations and stunning private villas with outstanding interior designs. If it’s privacy you seek, a villa in Bali is a great choice. You will have the whole place for yourself, including access to infinity pools, sunbeds, and umbrellas – no need to fight over them like in an overcrowded resort. You can get great Bali accommodation deals if you do a bit of research. In Bali, you can easily find exactly what you’re looking for, or even more, for a great price.
Bali is an island that offers many different types of activities, from relaxing spiritual retreats to adventure-filled trekking. You can never be bored in Bali, just like you can’t see everything in just one trip. If you weren’t sure about what to expect from Bali, hopefully, I managed to help you out.
Save this Bali Bucket List for your next trip!
