Things to Do in Bali

Bali manages to be both one of the most visited islands on earth and still deeply itself: an intensely Hindu culture of daily offerings, temple ceremonies and gamelan, set among volcanoes, rice terraces and surf breaks.

The island is small — you can cross it in a few hours — so a volunteer placement here puts everything from clifftop temples to offshore islands within weekend reach.

The best things to do in Bali

1. Ubud and the rice terraces

The cultural heart of the island, inland among river gorges. The Tegallalang terraces north of town are the classic view; the Sacred Monkey Forest sits in the middle of Ubud; and the town has the island’s best craft markets, yoga studios and traditional dance performances at the palace most evenings.

2. The great temples

Tanah Lot sits on a rock offshore and is built for sunset. Uluwatu is perched on a 70-metre sea cliff with a kecak fire dance at dusk. Ulun Danu Beratan appears to float on a mountain lake, and Besakih on the slopes of Mount Agung is the mother temple of Balinese Hinduism. Sarongs are required and usually provided.

3. Mount Batur at sunrise

A pre-dawn start and a two-hour climb up an active volcano to watch the sun come up over Lake Batur and Mount Agung, with breakfast eggs cooked in volcanic steam at the top. Straightforward with a guide, and the standard Bali bucket-list hike.

4. The beaches and surf

Different coasts serve different purposes: Canggu and Seminyak for beach clubs and sunset, Uluwatu for serious surf, Sanur and Nusa Dua for calm swimming water, and the black volcanic sand of the north around Lovina, where dolphins come in at dawn.

5. The Nusa islands

A 30-minute fast boat from Sanur. Nusa Penida has the island’s most dramatic coastline — Kelingking’s dinosaur-shaped cliff, Angel’s Billabong, and manta rays at Crystal Bay. Nusa Lembongan is smaller and gentler, good for a slow overnight.

6. Waterfalls and the north

Sekumpul in the north is the most spectacular, a cluster of falls reached on foot through jungle; Tegenungan near Ubud is the easiest to reach; Gitgit and Banyumala reward the drive. Pair them with the lakes at Bedugul for a full day inland.

When to visit Bali

The dry season runs April to October, with July and August busiest. The wet season (November to March) brings heavy afternoon showers rather than constant rain, quieter sites and better prices. Bali is tropical year-round, so it is warm whenever you come; inland Ubud and the mountains are noticeably cooler at night.

Getting around

Ride-hailing apps work in most areas, though some neighbourhoods restrict them in favour of local drivers. Hiring a car with driver for a day is inexpensive and the easiest way to combine several sights. Scooters are everywhere but Bali’s traffic is genuinely dangerous — only ride with the correct licence, a helmet and valid insurance.

Seeing Bali as a volunteer

Bali placements leave evenings and weekends open, and nothing on the island is more than a few hours away. Our Bali placements are based in Bali, include accommodation, meals, airport pickup and 24/7 in-country support, and leave evenings and weekends free — which is exactly when most of this list gets ticked off. See volunteer programs in Bali for live prices and dates, or read our complete guide to volunteering in Bali for costs, visas and safety.

Bali travel FAQs

How many days do you need in Bali?

A week covers Ubud, a couple of temples and one beach area. Volunteers on a placement spread it across weekends, which is far more relaxed and allows the Nusa islands as an overnight.

What should I wear at Balinese temples?

A sarong and sash covering the knees are required, and shoulders should be covered. Most major temples lend or rent them at the entrance. Visitors are asked not to enter during menstruation, a local religious observance.

Is Bali expensive?

It can be either. Local warungs serve full meals for a few dollars and guesthouses are cheap, while beach clubs and western restaurants in Seminyak and Canggu approach European prices. Volunteers eating locally spend very little.

Is it safe to ride a scooter in Bali?

Traffic is chaotic and accidents involving visitors are common. If you have never ridden before, Bali is not the place to learn. Use ride-hailing or a driver instead, and check your travel insurance — most policies void cover without the correct licence.

Photo: Vyacheslav Argenberg / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 4.0)