best things to do in bali

Beautiful beaches, stunning rainforests and even better places to stay – there’s plenty to do in Bali, no matter what your tastes are.

Whether you want to sightsee or relax, there’s something for everyone in Bali.

It’s official: International travel is (finally) back.

And what better place to get your first post-Covid passport stamp than Bali – it’s just a hop, skip and a jump away from Australia.

It also has all the ingredients for a perfect tropical holiday, no matter what your tastes. Here’s our pick of the best of the best.

BEST THINGS TO DO IN BALI

Located minutes from Echo Beach, Sense Canggu Beach Hotel is the perfect base to explore Canggu. Picture: Trip-A-Deal.

1. IMMERSE YOURSELF IN BALI’S TRENDIEST ENCLAVE

If good waves, plenty of cafes and trendy beachfront bars sound like the perfect holiday, then a trip to Canggu is a must.

Situated north of Kuta, Canggu is fast becoming one of Bali’s top spots for the island’s expat community and in-the-know travellers.

A great base for you to explore the area is Sense Canggu Beach Hotel, a four-star resort located just minutes from Echo Beach.

The hotel also has its own rooftop bar with views over the surrounding farmland – just in case you need some time out from beach bar-hopping.

Stay there for five nights for $449.

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Relax in peaceful surrounds at Seminyak’s award-winning Amadea Resort & Villas. Picture: Trip-A-Deal.

2. UNWIND BY THE POOL AT AN AWARD-WINNING RESORT

While places like Kuta are known for their non-stop night-life, there are just as many places in Bali that offer the opposite – take Seminyak, for example.

The up-market resort village is perfect for those looking for a more low-key holiday experience – while of course, not skimping on relaxing surrounds and excellent dining experiences.

Set within its own lush gardens the award-winning Amadea Resort & Villas is the perfect escape, including its own day spa where you can unwind with a massage.

It’s also in the heart of Seminyak’s Eat Street, meaning there are plenty of incredible dining options at your doorstep should you be tempted to leave one of the resort’s two pools.

Stay there for seven nights for $579.

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Tanadewa Resort Ubud’s infinity pool is the perfect spot to soak up the region’s famous rainforests. Picture: Trip-A-Deal.

3. SWIM IN AN INFINITY POOL OVERLOOKING BALI’S MAGIC RAINFORESTS

While Bali is famous for its beaches, there’s also plenty of natural wonders to see inland.

Situated in the uplands of Bali, the town of Ubud is an unforgettable destination and no visit to the island is complete without a stop there.

There’s plenty to admire, from the region’s lush green rainforest to the picturesque rice paddies – as well as lots to explore, with Ubud home to several historical temples and palaces.

Tanadewa Resort Ubud offers incredible views of the region’s famous countryside from the hotel’s infinity pool.

Spend three nights at Tanadewa Resort Ubud followed by two nights in its sister resort Tanadewa Villas Nusa Dua for $799.

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Watching sunrise from Mount Batur will make you feel like you’re in the clouds. Picture: Wotif.

4. WATCH THE SUNRISE FROM THE TOP OF A VOLCANO
Mount Batur is an active volcano which offers some of the most stunning views in Bali- especially at sunrise when it can literally feel like you’re in the clouds.

If you’re not afraid of an early alarm (or the dark) then this Wotif experience is for you – your tour guide will pick you up from your accommodation between midnight and 1.30am.

The early start will give you plenty of time to hike to Mount Batur’s 1,717m peak, where you can have breakfast and enjoy sweeping views from above.

Tours are available from $60 per person.

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Thrill seekers will be right at home at Waterbom Bali. Picture: TripAdvisor.

5. GET DRENCHED AT WATERBOM BALI

If you’re a theme park fanatic then no visit to Bali is complete without a stop at Waterbom.

Located in Kuta, Waterbom Bali has 15 different water-based rides ranging from the “mellow” to the “extreme”.

Top of the list is Waterbom’s Climax slide – although with a trap door vertical drop, it can feel more like a free fall for those brave enough to give it a go.

There’s also typical water park attractions like tube slides and a lazy river, making it a perfect outing for families.

Tickets start from $57.80.

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Blue Lagoon and Tanjung Jepun beaches are the best spots in Bali to see coral reef life while snorkelling. Picture: Viator.

6. SNORKEL AT BALI’S FAMOUS BLUE LAGOON

Located on Bali’s east coast the Blue Lagoon and Tanjung Jepun are two incredible snorkelling sites for those who want to get up close and person with coral reefs.

Guided snorkelling excursions of both spots can expect to see an array of marine life, from turtles to coral fish and even reef sharks.

This tour on Viator includes two hours of snorkelling with an experienced instructor, as well as hotel transfers and lunch.

Tours are available from $49.36 per person.

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For more travel recommendations, check out our guides to the Gold Coast, the Whitsundays and Byron Bay.