Things to Do in Bali

There’s no way I’ll tell you about the best volcanoes in Bali without taking you to the top of Mount Batur and watching the sun rise. Yes, you need to get up early because you need to travel to Kintamani and hike in the wee hours. But I promise you, the cold and the extra effort will pay off once you reach the summit.

The good news about the Mount Batur Sunrise Trek is that everyone can do it. The terrain is relatively flat, with occasional elevations. Wear your hiking shoes and light jacket (it can get windy up there), and when you get on top, get your camera ready as the first strike of the sun appears among the sea of clouds and Lake Batur. It’s magical!

You won’t run out of things to do in Bali, not when you have the Tegallalang Rice Terraces. A short ride from Ubud, the rice terrace displays the traditional irrigation system known as subak. The Balinese have utilized the system since the 9th century, which has led to its inclusion on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

You have the option to witness the green rice fields from the side or have a bit of exercise by trekking. I recommend the latter. You will pass the locals’ backyard and have the best view with your nasi goreng for lunch at the cafes inside the rice terraces. There are many spots to snap your photos for the ‘gram, including the famous Bali swing. Pack your flowy dress to get the most surreal pics while you’re high in the air, but wear your most comfy outfit when trekking.

You can’t ever get enough of the many top waterfalls in Bali, can you? So am I! Despite the proximity to Ubud, Sumampan Waterfall is somehow still a secret spot in Bali. It’s relatively off the tourist radar, so you won’t see many people here. The water falls from a 10-meter stone wall, and the area is surrounded by lush vegetation. But the surprising fact about Sumampan Waterfall is that it’s man-made!

You’ve heard it right. The water of the Sumampan Waterfall originates from the local people's irrigation system. Pay attention to the stone surrounding the waterfall, as it has been carved by a local artist in 2018. But even if the waterfall is man-made, no one can deny its beauty and the calm vibe. The entrance fee is IDR 20K, and be careful with the uneven steps as you go down the river.

I bet you’ve seen all the raves about Lempuyang Temple and include it on your what to do in Bali list. You get what I’m talking about, right? The majestic Mount Agung sits in the middle of the Balinese’s split gates, while the reflective pools beneath the gates appear to give the illusion of heaven. To get that exact photo, you need to climb around 1,700 stairs and pay IDR 100K (US$ 7) as the entrance fee and a private photographer to take that perfect Instagram shot.

Beyond the temple’s fame on social media, Lempuyang Temple is a complex of seven temples. The highest one, Pura Lempuyang Luhur Temple, is 1,000 meters above sea level. What I would like you to do is to come as early as you can because people are lining up to get the Instagram shot. If you come late, get ready to wait three to four hours!

I know it sounds cliché, but there’s no word to describe Uluwatu Temple other than iconic. The temple sits 70 meters above the cliff at the southern tip of Uluwatu, overlooking the sprawling Indian Ocean. No wonder Uluwatu Temple always makes the list of things to see and do in Bali, because of how scenic the temple is. But beware of the cheeky monkeys that love snatching stuff. Always keep your belongings inside the bag, including your phone and sunglasses, the monkeys’ two favorite items.

But the Uluwatu Temple is not just about breathtaking views. During sunset, you can also see the traditional Kecak dance performance with the Indian Ocean as the background. The entrance fee to Uluwatu Temple itself is IDR 50K, while to see the Kecak Dance, you need to pay IDR 150K (sadly, they only accept cash, though you can buy the ticket online).