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What to do in Bali

For a small island stretching just 95 kilometres (59 miles) from north to south and 145 kilometres (90 miles) from east to west, Bali is blessed with plenty of tourist attractions.

There are all kinds of activities on offer, from scaling smoking volcanoes and cycling between rice terraces to riding world-class waves and basking on idyllic beaches. Read on for just a few ideas of what to do in Bali.

Pura Tanah Lot

Teetering atop an isolated hunk of rock just off Bali's south-west coast, Pura Tanah Lot is the most dramatic of the island's many temples.

Separated from the mainland by a rocky causeway that can only be crossed at low tide, it is a popular attraction. But it's worth joining the mob to see the temple in its full twilight glory, complete with sinking sun, crashing waves and candyfloss clouds.

Ubud

Eat, Pray, Love may have put Ubud on the mass tourism map, but the atmosphere remains resolutely Balinese. As the spiritual soul of Bali, there's nowhere better if you're after cultural activities in Bali.

Hike the hillsides, explore royal palaces and discover hidden temples. And don't forget to swing by the Ubud Monkey Forest, where troops of macaques romp in the treetops (and terrorise travellers!).

Mount Batur

Grab your head torch, dust off your hiking boots and get ready to scale an active volcano. For intrepid activities in Bali, it's a must-do. Leaving in the wee hours of the morning, you can trek through the darkness to the top of Mount Batur, reaching the 1,717 metre-high (5,633 feet) peak just before sunrise.

The stunning view from the top at daybreak is arguably Bali's best tourist attraction. On a clear morning, you can see all the way over to the neighbouring island of Lombok.

Nusa Penida

As one of Indonesia’s most recognisable spots, Nusa Penida – an island just off the coast of Bali – is certainly worth the trip. See Kelingking Beach, protected by the famous ‘T-Rex’ cliff, snorkel in the translucent waters of the aptly named Crystal Beach and marvel at the impossibly blue hues of Broken Beach.

With a bit of planning, it’s possible to DIY your day trip to Nusa Penida but for a fuss-free tour, consider a guided excursion from Bali. Tours to the island’s west generally cover the biggest attractions but for quieter trip, try the east route.

Uluwatu

Clinging to a wave-battered cliff on the south-western tip of the island, Uluwatu is one of Bali's most iconic temples. Its dramatic position makes it breathtaking at any time of day, but when set against a fiery sunset, it becomes gold for avid photographers.

By day, the waves below are packed with surfers, while at night, traditional Kecak dance performances take place in the grounds of the temple itself.

Where to stay in Bali

For families

For sheer choice, it’s hard to look past Nusa Dua. The beaches here are beautiful, but perhaps more importantly, they’re safe – a coral reef protects the coast from strong currents. This is also where you’ll find many of Bali’s finest family-friendly hotels and all-inclusive resorts.

Sanur, with another reef-protected beach and plenty of resort choice, is also a good option, while Lovina, although much further from the main airport, is perfect for families looking for a quieter holiday on Bali.

For budget travellers

Canggu, Denpasar, Legian and Kuta are all good bets if you’re looking for really cheap accommodation in Bali – they tend to attract the backpacker set, so prices are low.

Canggu is particularly popular with surfers, as are Uluwatu and Suluban on the far south of the island; prices tend to be affordable as a result. Inland, Ubud has a fair selection of budget accommodation if you stick to family-run guesthouses.

For food and drink

Munch on seriously good satay, feast on fresh fish and snack on suckling pig. You’re bound to find something to tease your taste buds in Bali, whether it’s a pile of nasi goreng (Indonesian fried rice) or a big stack of banana pancakes.

If you’re feeling adventurous when it comes to where to eat, dining in Bali can be dreamy. Go local at a warung (a small family-owned shop, restaurant or cafe) and you’ll discover delicious flavours all over the island.

Ubud offers a taste of the traditional, while the bigger resort like Seminyak and Nusa Dua are best if you’re after Western-style restaurants. Likewise, choose the latter if you’re after upmarket dining.

For nightlife

The vibe of the nightlife in Bali varies massively from place to place. Kuta is the Australian answer to Magaluf – boozy, brash and thumping with all-night beats. This is Bali’s place to party until dawn, pass out on the beach, pick yourself up and do it all again.

Packed with hip beach lounges, exclusive clubs and rooftop bars, Seminyak is Bali’s upmarket party town. Meanwhile, Jimbaran has a much more local flavour. Ramshackle warungs keep their seafood grills sizzling late into the evening, Balinese bamboo orchestras strike up on the sand and the vibe is breezy, barefoot chill.

For culture

Generally, central Bali is your best bet. Ubud is Bali’s cultural and spiritual capital with yoga centres and vegetarian cafés aplenty. Choose from budget hotels, wellness retreats and luxury villas, and enjoy traditional Balinese dance performances during your stay.

Besakih is a good base for temples, the Tegallalang rice paddies, and Mount Agung. Elsewhere, Penebel is surrounded by temples and very close to the wonderfully scenic Jatiluwih Rice Terraces.