Some of us have been to Bali more times than we can count on our fingers, however when stuck on something new to see we firmly believe there is no shortage of things you have yet to see. Get your to-do list ready to check off our best things to do in Bali.
1. Barter at a Local Market
As old as Bali herself is the practice of bartering. A few things to remember though is to only pay what you are happy with, keep it polite and fun – no one will win in the end if it turns competitive. A general folk rule we follow is half the price they first offer and take a little bit off, then start to tango back and forth until both parties agree on a price.
Read more: Guide to Seminyak Shopping on Jalan Raya Seminayk
2. Learned to Surf
Bali is known for producing some of the best surfing playgrounds for people of all skill levels. From the pro’s taking on Uluwatu’s coastline to the more pleasant coastlines of Sanur, Legian, Seminyak and Canggu there is no shortage of teachers and waves to catch. Our concierge team can help to arrange a learn to surf lesson with qualified instructors who will introduce you to surfing and help you hone your skills from the beginning.
3. Heaven’s Gate Temple
Until recently, this was a little known secret to tourist, only a few were graced with the honour of visiting. Private tours of Pura Lempuyang or “Heaven’s Gate Temple” can be arranged, and offer incredible views amidst the clouds with Mount Agung in the background. Known as Bali’s mother temple in the Hindu religion, it is important to be respectful when visiting and take note of your guide’s instructions.
4. Island Hopped to Nusa Lembongan
Located just a short 30 – 40-minute fast boat ride is Bali’s neighbouring little sister island of Nusa Lembongan. Increasing in popularity for its barefoot luxury approach to island life with limited cars, motorbikes and tourist-driven activity – making for the perfect getaway to switch off and relax. Dotted with cute restaurants, incredible sunset views and amazing villas – even the most well-travelled will be impressed. Also, Nusa Lembongan is world-renowned for its surfing, diving and snorkelling spots.
Read more: Nusa Lembongan – the Ultimate Island Escape in Bali
5. Diving at Amed
Learn to dive to the depths of the ocean floor with one of the many diving schools in Bali. Amed is known for its generally calm water conditions and a large variety of marine life. Divers flock to this area to explore the Japanese Shipwreck, Gili Selang, Amed Walls, Bunutan Point and Jemeluk Bay. Accessible by both local boat (jukung) or from the shoreline – making for a diverse snorkelling or diving experience.
6. Had a Leather Fashion Piece Made
There is no shortage of leather shops lining the streets of Bali’s tourist-driven areas of Seminyak, Legian and Kuta – ready to make your chosen piece to order. They are relatively priced and whilst most are set with their price guides, don’t be afraid to try and barter them down to something you are comfortable with. At the end of the day, each piece is unique and made to suit your size, as well as at an incredibly fast production rate. We suggest visiting Double Six street in Seminyak, as they have some of Bali’s best leather tailors for jackets, bags, sandals and boots.
7. Visited a Rice Field
Synonymous with the black sandy beaches of Bali’s East Coast is the cascading tranquillity of lush green rice fields. You won’t need to travel far to spot rice fields being tended to, however, if you want to see some of Bali’s best, we suggest you head inland to Bali’s spiritual heartbeat of Ubud or West to Tabanan.
8. Strolled Ubud’s Art Market
Rich is cultural spirit and well known for being the cultural heartbeat of Bali, Ubud is our go-to place when we want to explore the fashion and arts scene from local sellers. Linen from floor to ceiling, wall to wall are hundreds of small shop all of which has been made by either the vendors themselves, or Indonesian artisans. You will be able to find art, fashion, souvenirs and so much more when walking through these markets.
9. Indulged in the Foodie Culinary Scene
One of the most compeitive culinary dining scenes in Asia can be found in Bali, most predominately from the Canggu to Legain strip. You will be able to find almost any International cuisine, all of which is freshly produced daily at affordable prices.
Read more: Insider’s Guide to Mexican Restaurants – Canggu vs Seminyak
10. Pamper Yourself with a Spa Treatment
There’s no better way to treat yourself to some TLC (tender loving care) than a relaxing massage in the privacy of your own villa. If you want to venture out for the day Bali is oozing with boutique spa’s and salons that will have you in a dreamy relaxing state as soon as your step inside. Some of our favourites are Blow Bar Bali (for hair), Spring Spa (for massages) and BodyWorks (for just about everything).
11. Explore the Campuhan Ridge Walk
Accessible and can be completed by all ages! Ubud’s Campuhan Ridge Walk is evidently one of the most picturesque sites in Ubud. This easily trekked walk takes you through typical Balinese rice paddies, through scenic villages and finished at a cute cafe. The best part about this walk is, that it is that easy and takes about 1-hour to complete – you could even complete it with no hiking shoes required!
12. Mount Batur Hiking Trek
Mount Batur is Bali’s second-highest peak reaching 1717-metres above sea level. Popular for its early morning hikes which grant the most stunning sunrises you will ever experience in Indonesia. Hikers are picked up from their villa early in the morning and driven to the basecamp where a private guide will tour you to the best viewing point for sunrise. This will set you back approximately IDR 800,000 per person.
13. Cultural Immersion Through Dance and Cooking
Whether you want to get your boogie on and learn the traditional art of Balinese dance or let your taste buds go on a journey through Indonesia with a private cooking class, both are the best deep dive into Indonesian culture. These activities can be booked as part of your stay at our villas through the assistance of our concierge team.
14. Bali Swing
Gaining instant momentum from the moment this magical swing popped on the scene in Ubud for it’s Instagram worthy pictures, but also for the Tarzan and Jane feeling of swinging through the jungle treetops of Ubud. With multiple swing parks now open in Bali, they do have swings for all adrenaline levels and ages with safety harnesses used when riding. Ranging from IDR 150,000 – 350,000 depending on where you go and if you would like to stay for lunch as the views overlooking the cascading waterfalls, ricefields and treetops are incredible.
15. Wander Through Waterfalls
Being that Bali is a tropical paradise, there is no shortage of running waterfalls for you to explore. Costing as little as IDR 15,000 per person to enter, making your way to the waterfall can vary in skill level depending on which one you go to. Some of our favourites to explore are; Aling-Aling Waterfall, SingSing Waterfalls, and Tegenungan Waterfall.
16. Day Trip to Bedugul – North Bali
We are letting you in on a new secret spot in Bali that is yet to be discovered. North Bali is rumbling and that is because of the magestic views that it has to offer, off the tourist beaten tracks. Lake Bedugul is a peaceful breath of fresh air, located about 2.5-hours drive from Seminyak it offers a beautiful temple with a water backdrop. Also as you drive through the jungle mountains it won’t be amiss for you to see monkey and bird wildlife living peacefully amongst the villages.
17. Enjoy a Stay in a Private Villa
We truly do believe that it is the little things that you get in a Bali villa that make holiday memerable and so special. All of our villas are personally inspected to ensure they meet our Vilondo standards as we are passionate about delivering exceptional service. The convience that a villa allows and the privacy that your group can enjoy with a personalised service from a private team of staff on hand to make your stay hassle free, is something you just can’t get anywhere else. Enquire below if you would like to know more about Bali or the villas that we have on offer.
