More than powder soft sandy beaches, world-class surf and a buzzing nightlife (though there is that), Bali is an island that brims with historical, cultural, adventurous and relaxing activities.

Its coastline is sprinkled with fishing villages, sea temples and cliffside resorts while its interior hides lush rainforest, rice paddies and jungle retreats.

Whether its relaxation and romance or adventure and culture, we've got you sorted for the best things to do on this beautiful island. Welcome to the Bali bucket list.

 Best things to do in Bali with kids

Swim with mantas at Penida Island

Often referred to as the Bali of Bali by travellers in the know, Penida Island is a 45 minute ferry ride from Serangan Port on the south-eastern coast. The snorkelling here is utterly worth the trip. Especially around Crystal Bay and Mangrove Point. The jaw-dropping event of the day, however, takes place at the nearby islet of Nusa Penida where enormous mantas glide on by swimmers. Pristine and perfect, Bali's neighbouring is a tropical paradise. It is an excellent alternative to Uluwatu beach and you should deffo drop by Broken Beach when you're there.

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Hit the famous Waterbom waterpark

The island’s OG, Waterbom, celebrates its 30th year and if the children are over lying by the pool and the kids’ club, head here stat. There are 14 separates slides, pools and rides - conveniently grouped into ‘mellow’, ‘moderate’ and ‘extreme’ categories - so you can easily decide who goes where. Massive bonus points for being the first tourism facility in Bali to officially become carbon neutral. It will be a highlight of the Bali holiday for kids of all ages. Add to your Bali itinerary stat.

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Monkey around at the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary

Around 1200 Balinese long-tailed macaques call the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary near Ubud home and they have been one of the island’s most noted attractions for decades. There are three Hindu temples on the site, which is near the village of Padangtegal, so be sure to dress modestly and be mindful of Balinese culture.

Follow the stream trail to see a good chunk of the 10 hectare park and be warned that the monkeys have been known to snatch sunnies and cameras. They can also be somewhat strident when it comes to grabbing food.

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Dine with the animals at Bali Zoo

Spread across 12 hectares, Bali Zoo is home to over 600 local and exotic animals and there are more than a few ways to interact with them. Little ones can feed deer and elephants or watch in wonder as exotic birds fly over their heads during birds of flight presentations.

For a more unique experience, you can tuck into breakfast with the zoo's orangutans or take a bath with Sumatran elephants.

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Best things to do in Bali for adults

Take THAT Instagram shot at the Handara Gate AKA Gate of Heaven

No matter how well you think you know a destination, the locals have the edge. And when that local is a photographer, you know your socials are going to pop.

On the Best Instagram Spots tour you can choose to explore North Bali, East Bali and a more wide ranging Bali option, all while getting the inside goss on the the secret spots and best angles to feed the gram. Naturally it includes the famous Handara Gate in the Lempuyang Temple complex.

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Feel the heat of a Kecak Fire Dance at Uluwatu Temple

You've caught Bali from the sea, now catch Bali from the sky, at another one of the island's spiritual pillars. Perched on the edge of a cliff some 70 metres above sea, sunrise and sunsets are absolutely spectacular from this sacred spot.

While the mornings are serene, the nights come to life with a kecak fire dance performance that takes you through the story of Sri Rama as he journeys to rescue his wife from the evil Rahwana.

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PS if you want something closer to the holiday centre's, check out the Bali Nusa Dua Theatre for a traditional Balinese dance

Best adventurous things to do in Bali

Take on the rapids of the Ayung River

The Ayung is Bali's longest and widest river, stretching 75 kilometres from the mountain region out to sea. Its rapids offer a 2-3 rafting level, which is ideal for beginners looking to get wet on a white water rafting adventure. These adrenaline-packed rides wind through the lush jungle interior and past gushing waterfalls and come with enough rapids to get the heart pumping.Bali adventures don't come better.

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Hike Mount Batur

It’s not all about lazing in the sun or haggling for 'mirror quality' designer gear - at the markets. For some of the best views (and spiritual experiences) in Bali, pull on the hiking boots and trek to the top of Mount Batur, an active volcano that sits at 1717 metres above sea level.Allow around four hours to get to the top, so it’s a very early start if you want to see the sun rise.

Sunrise trekking tours can offer the motivation you need to get up for it. While you’re in the ‘hood, soak away any muscle soreness at the Mount Batur Hot Spring.

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Best things to do in Bali for couples

Soak up a sunset from Tanah Lot

One of seven sea temples in Bali, this sacred site is perhaps one of the most famous due to its proximity to Denpasar. Built on an offshore rock to worship the sea gods, it's said that venomous sea snakes guard it from below.

Tourists are welcome to explore the grounds, and if you can it's worth sticking around to catch the phenomenal sunsets it soaks up from the coastline. Short on time? Tanah Lot Temple tours can take you there and back as well as guide you through the site.

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Explore Ubud and its Tegalalang Rice Terraces

Bali-philes will be rolling their eyes at the fact we’ve included Ubud but first timers to the island may well be tempted to only restrict their activities to the coast. This is a mistake.

Ubud is also a great base for exploring the Bali Butterfly Park and Unesco World Heritage Site the Taman Ayum Temple.

Around 90 minutes from Kuta or Seminyak, this town is so much of an attraction that many regular visitors to Bali only come here for their entire stay. All those incredible images of rice paddies and lush cliffs? Chances are they’re shot here.

There are restaurants, spas and resorts galore and if you are only going to do one day trip in Bali, this should be it as it is an entirely different experience to the beach vibe. Private tours can help personalise your experience and take you to all the highlights, from the Tegalalang Rice Terraces to the Tegenungan Waterfall.

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Take a boat to Ulun Danu Beratan Temple

Of all the temples in Bali, we reckon Ulun Danu Beratan is the most romantic. Dedicated to the goddess Dewi Danu it sits on the shores of Lake Bratan in the centre of the island and features decorative gates, open courtyards and pagoda-style temples that spear the sky.

Traditional fishing boats can be hired for a journey around the lake.

Short on time? This Northern Charm tour takes you to all the beautiful spots, including Lake Bratan, Handara Gate and the Bali Swing.

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Watch the sun set at La Brisa

Bali abounds with beach clubs but the one that takes the prize every time for us is La Brisa on Echo Beach. It sits on a point perfect for sunset views and somehow manages to accommodate everyone from family groups to people who measure their self worth in likes. It was built from 500 old fishing boats and there is an excellent organic market every Sunday. Give Finns Beach Club a miss and go here instead.

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Get a rub down at one of the best spas in town

Bali is massage central - just the thing after a long flight from Australia. Prices range from $10 to $100 depending on the venue and treatment. Our favourite places are Jari Menari in Seminyak for the four-handed magic and the nearby Bodyworks for the atmos. For more, check out our guide to getting a massage in Bali.

Swing over the jungle... or the ocean

Bali swings are an Instagrammer's dream, showcasing an exhilarating journey into a picturesque landscape. Choose to tumble into a lush jungle, touch the skies on the edge of a cliff face or dip your toes into the waters in a sea swing. Bali Swing has something to suit everyone's tastes (and nerves), including a couple's swing, 15 metre high extreme swing and a 30 metre high super extreme swing.

Best cheap things to do in Bali

Dive into the culture of Uluwatu

Uluwatu is rapidly becoming one of Bali’s most interesting and evocative regions. Not least for the fact that it is proud home to the Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park. It is dominated by the 75 metre tall, 65 metre wide statue featuring the eagle Garuda and Visnu. We’re talking a structure 30 metres taller than the Statue of Liberty. In the grounds there is also an amphitheatre that holds dance exhibitions at 630 each evening and there are numerous other dance shows throughout the day. There is also roving street theatre and a limestone quarry framing an enormous lotus pond plus myriad cultural attractions.

Bliss out on one of Bali's best beaches

This is what you came here for, right? If you don't wriggle your toes into at LEAST one of Bali's beaches, then you're not doing it right. Make a beeline Kelingking Beach for dramatic rock formations and postcard worthy-pictures, Seminyak Beach for sun loungers, drinks on the beach and waterfront sunsets, or Kuta for on-the-water adventures by day and parties by night.

If you're after a hidden spot though, we know a few off the beaten track beaches worth the trek.

Eat in Badung

Bali is littered with eateries staffed by fiercely talent chefs from around the globe who absconded here in search of a better work/life balance. If we had to pick just one area to explore, it would be this. Our picks of the best eats is long, but top of the list is Da Maria which turns from family pizzeria into Amalfi-ish night spot with live DJs, excellent cocktails and some seriously beautiful people. The nearby Motel Mexicola is an altogether more raucous affair with a psychedelic day of the dead feel, free flowing tequila and a hard-partying rep.

Stretch out on the mat at a yoga class

From its untamed jungles to its spiritual centre, it's little wonder that so many yogis come to Bali to rewind, reconnect and rediscover themselves. Yoga retreats are popular for Aussies searching for an organised getaway though if you simply find yourself needing a bit more zen, Canggu is a melting pot of yoga studios, such as the Canggu Yoga Center, where you can stretch out and breath out your stress.

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Hit the surf

If catching a wave off the coast of Bali wasn't already on your agenda, it really should be. Since the 60s and 70s waves of sun-kissed Aussies have descended on the island paradise, boards in hand, to catch that perfect break. The fact that they return time and time again means they must be onto something. For newbies, surfing lessons are a dime a dozen and are friendly on the wallet.

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Go shopping in Canggu

The heavily trafficked retail areas of Kuta and Seminyak will always be there but if you want to have a way cooler dose of retail therapy, Canggu is the go. In Sydney terms, it’s Newtown. In New York terms, it’s Brooklyn. But with a heavy helping of surfer chic. Our favourite stores include the boho palace that is The Jungle Trader, Magali Pascal for brilliant fashion finds and Bamboo Blonde for accessories.

What should I do in Bali?

Popular tourist attractions you should tick off your list when first visiting Bali include the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, Waterbom Bali, Tegalalang Rice Terrace and seeing the sun rise from the summit of Mount Batur. As travellers ourselves, we also personally recommend eating your way through Badung (check out Da Maria!) and shopping in Canggu.

How many days in Bali is enough?

For a taste of the island we recommend spending 5-7 days. In this time you can see the main attractions and have some much-needed relaxation time, either on a beach or at the spa.

What is the best time to go to Bali?

May to September is the best time to visit Bali for beach holidays as it's dry season and the temperatures don't run too high. If you want to hedge your bets on sunshine, August is the driest month of the year.

Can I drink the tap water in Bali?

We don't recommend drinking tap water in Bali. Instead, stick to bottled water or water that you know is filtered. 

See also

-Bali resorts that will blow your mind

-Top things to do with kids in Bali

-What to know about travelling from Australia to Bali