Things to Visit in Bali: Temples, Rice Terraces, and Beaches
Experience Bali's spiritual temples, emerald rice terraces, and world-class surf beaches. Covers Ubud, Uluwatu, Seminyak, volcano treks, and the island's best food and culture.
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Temples and Spiritual Sites
Watch the Kecak fire dance at Uluwatu Temple
The clifftop temple (70 meters above the sea) hosts a nightly Kecak dance performance at 6 PM as the sun sets behind the Indian Ocean. Tickets are IDR 150,000 ($10). Arrive by 5 PM to get front-row seats. Watch your belongings — the resident monkeys are aggressive thieves.
Visit Tanah Lot at sunset
Bali's most photographed temple sits on a rock formation surrounded by sea at high tide. Entry is IDR 60,000. The temple itself is off-limits to visitors, but the surrounding cliff paths and small shrine area at the base are accessible at low tide. Sunset hours draw enormous crowds — arrive by 4:30 PM.
Purify at Tirta Empul water temple
This 1,000-year-old Hindu temple features sacred spring pools where worshippers and visitors undergo a ritual purification. Bring a sarong (or rent one for IDR 15,000) and follow the local protocol — enter from the left pool, move right, and don't skip any spout. Entry is IDR 50,000.
Explore Besakih (Mother Temple)
Bali's largest and holiest temple complex, perched 1,000 meters up on Mount Agung's slopes. The complex has 23 separate temples. Official guides cost IDR 60,000-100,000 and help you avoid the aggressive touts at the entrance. Non-Hindus cannot enter the innermost temples but can see them from designated areas.
Ubud: Art, Culture, and Nature
Walk the Tegallalang Rice Terraces
The most famous rice terraces in Bali, carved into a steep river valley about 20 minutes north of Ubud. Entry is IDR 15,000 plus a variable 'donation' at each swing and photo point along the path. Visit at 7-8 AM before the tour buses arrive. The terraces are most photogenic when the rice is young and bright green (check the planting cycle).
Visit the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary
A 12.5-hectare forest with 700+ long-tailed macaques, ancient temple ruins, and towering banyan trees. Entry is IDR 80,000. Store all loose items (sunglasses, water bottles, phones) in a zipped bag — the monkeys grab anything they can. Never make direct eye contact or show teeth (monkeys read both as threats).
Explore Ubud's art galleries and craft villages
The road from Ubud to surrounding villages passes through craft specialty zones: Celuk (silver), Batuan (traditional painting), Mas (wood carving), and Batubulan (stone carving). Each village has workshops where you can watch artisans work and buy directly. Prices are 30-50% less than Ubud town shops.
Walk the Campuhan Ridge Walk
A gentle 2 km hilltop path between two river valleys with views of palm trees and misty hills. Start from the Gunung Lebah Temple near the Ibah hotel. Best in early morning (6-7 AM) when the light is golden and the air is cool. Free.
Watch a traditional Balinese dance performance
Ubud Royal Palace hosts dance performances almost nightly at 7:30 PM (IDR 100,000). The Legong dance is the most graceful; the Barong dance tells a good-vs-evil mythological story. Shows last about 90 minutes. The palace courtyard setting with torchlight adds to the atmosphere.
Beaches and Coastal Areas
Surf or relax at Kuta Beach
Bali's most famous beach has consistent beginner-friendly waves and dozens of surf schools. A 2-hour lesson costs IDR 300,000-500,000 ($20-33) including board rental. The beach is crowded but the sunset is legendary. Legian Beach one block north is the same sand with fewer vendors.
Visit Seminyak for beach clubs and dining
Bali's upscale beach strip has designer boutiques, high-end restaurants, and beach clubs with pools, DJs, and cocktails. Day beds at beach clubs cost IDR 200,000-500,000 (often with minimum spend). Sunset at any beachfront spot here is a daily ritual for locals and visitors alike.
Explore the Bukit Peninsula beaches
The limestone cliffs of the Bukit hide some of Bali's best beaches, accessible by steep staircases. Padang Padang (small, dramatic cliff entrance), Bingin (laid-back surf vibe), and Nyang Nyang (secluded 500-step descent) each have distinct character. Bring water — there are few facilities at the smaller beaches.
Snorkel at Amed or Tulamben
The northeast coast has Bali's best snorkeling and diving, including the USAT Liberty shipwreck at Tulamben — a WWII cargo ship sitting 30 meters from shore in 3-30 meters of water. You can snorkel right off the beach (no boat needed). The coral gardens at Amed's Japanese Shipwreck are excellent for beginners.
Adventure and Nature
Trek Mount Batur for sunrise
A 2-hour pre-dawn hike (departure around 3:30 AM) up this active volcano, reaching the 1,717-meter summit for sunrise over the caldera lake and Mount Agung. Guided treks cost IDR 400,000-600,000 per person including breakfast cooked in volcanic steam vents at the top. Moderate fitness required.
White water raft the Ayung River
The Ayung River near Ubud offers Class II-III rapids through a jungle gorge with carved stone faces and waterfalls. The run is about 10 km and takes 2 hours. Trips cost IDR 350,000-600,000 including hotel pickup, lunch, and equipment. No experience needed.
Visit the Sekumpul Waterfall
Often called Bali's most beautiful waterfall — a cluster of cascades plunging 80 meters through dense jungle in the north. The trek down takes 30-45 minutes on steep steps. Entry is IDR 20,000 plus IDR 50,000 for a local guide (strongly recommended — the path is confusing). Bring water shoes for the river crossing.
Food and Practical Tips
Eat nasi goreng and mie goreng at a warung
Fried rice (nasi goreng) and fried noodles (mie goreng) are the staple meals at Balinese warungs (small family restaurants). A plate costs IDR 20,000-40,000 ($1.30-2.60). The best warungs are the ones packed with locals. Add a fried egg on top (extra IDR 5,000).
Try babi guling (suckling pig)
Bali's signature dish — whole roasted pig with crispy skin and spiced stuffing, served with rice, vegetables, and sambal. Only found on Bali (the rest of Indonesia is predominantly Muslim). A plate costs IDR 40,000-70,000. The most famous spots are in Ubud and Gianyar.
Drink Balinese coffee at a plantation
Coffee plantations in the central highlands offer free tastings of 10-15 varieties including the famous luwak coffee (processed by civet cats — controversial but widely offered). A cup of regular Balinese coffee at a warung costs IDR 10,000-15,000. Skip the luwak if you're concerned about animal welfare.
Rent a scooter or hire a driver
Scooter rental costs IDR 60,000-80,000 per day ($4-5) and is the most common transport. An international driving permit is technically required. If you're not comfortable on a scooter, hiring a private driver for a full day costs IDR 500,000-700,000 ($33-47) and is much safer on Bali's chaotic roads.
Carry small bills for temple donations and tips
Many temples, natural sites, and photo spots ask for small donations (IDR 10,000-20,000). Keep a stash of small bills (IDR 10,000 and IDR 20,000) separate from your main wallet. Tipping is not mandatory in Bali but appreciated — 10% at restaurants, IDR 20,000-50,000 for drivers and guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days do you need in Bali?
Three to four full days covers the highlights including temples and spiritual sites, ubud: art, culture, and nature, beaches and coastal areas at a relaxed pace. Five or more days lets you dig into local neighborhoods and take day trips. Most first-time visitors find four days strikes the right balance between seeing enough and not feeling exhausted.
What is the best time of year to visit Bali?
Spring and early autumn typically offer the best weather with manageable crowds. Summer brings peak tourism pricing and longer queues at popular spots. Shoulder season travel saves 20-30% on accommodation and gives you shorter lines at top attractions.
How much should I budget per day in Bali?
A mid-range daily budget of $100-180 per person covers a comfortable hotel, two restaurant meals, and attraction tickets. Street food and local markets cut food costs significantly. Pre-booking tickets for popular sites online often saves 10-15% and lets you skip long queues.
What is the best way to get around Bali?
Public transit handles most tourist routes efficiently and cheaply. Walking between central attractions is often faster than waiting for buses or trains during peak hours. Multi-day transit passes pay for themselves after 3-4 rides per day and remove the hassle of buying individual tickets.
Do I need to book attractions in advance in Bali?
Top-tier attractions and museums frequently sell out during peak season so book 2-4 weeks ahead for guaranteed entry. Lesser-known sites and neighborhoods rarely require advance tickets. Morning time slots (before 10:00) are the most popular; afternoon slots after 14:00 often have shorter waits.