Bali Travel Guide: Things to Do, Beaches, Temples & Day Trips

Bali is an island that captures the imagination. From ancient Hindu temples and emerald rice terraces to dramatic volcanic landscapes and beautiful tropical beaches, this Indonesian island offers an extraordinary variety of experiences.

There is a particular rhythm to life in Bali. Mornings begin with the scent of incense and small offerings placed outside homes and shops. Scooters weave through narrow streets, colourful ceremonies unfold in village temples, and the coastline comes alive with surfers chasing the morning waves. By afternoon, life slows around a pool or in a traditional warung, before another spectacular sunset brings the day to a close.

During my travels, I have experienced several different sides of Bali. I first explored the cultural heart of Ubud, discovered ancient temples, wandered through rice terraces and enjoyed the island’s southern coastline. More recently, I returned for a family holiday, combining beach time and surfing with cultural discoveries and an unforgettable snorkelling adventure.

Whether you are visiting for the first time, travelling with family or returning to explore somewhere new, Bali has something to offer. Join me as I revisit our experiences and share the places, discoveries and adventures that make this island so special.

Understanding Bali: The Island of the Gods

Bali is part of the Indonesian archipelago, situated between Java and Lombok. Although relatively small, its landscape is remarkably diverse. Volcanic mountains dominate the interior, fertile valleys support extensive rice cultivation, and the coastline alternates between sandy beaches, rugged limestone cliffs and black volcanic shores.

What makes Bali particularly distinctive is its Hindu heritage. Indonesia is predominantly Muslim, yet Bali has retained a strong Hindu identity, shaped by centuries of cultural and religious development.

Balinese Hinduism combines elements of Hindu philosophy with older indigenous beliefs and ancestor worship. Religion is woven into everyday life rather than confined to temples. Small offerings, known as canang sari, appear on pavements, doorways and shrines. Elaborate ceremonies mark important stages of life, while village temples remain central to community identity.

Architecture reflects this relationship between spirituality and the natural world. Traditional Balinese compounds are arranged around courtyards, with family shrines and pavilions occupying carefully considered positions. Temple entrances are often formed by dramatic split gates, known as candi bentar, while intricately carved stone guardians protect sacred spaces.

The island’s famous rice terraces are equally significant. Their beauty reflects an agricultural system shaped by centuries of cooperation, religious belief and careful water management. The traditional subak irrigation system connects individual farmers through a network of canals and water temples, illustrating how deeply agriculture and spirituality are intertwined.

It is this combination of landscape, architecture, culture and everyday ritual that makes Bali so much more than a beach destination.

Exploring Ubud and Central Bali

At the heart of Bali, a Day Trip to Ubud offers a fascinating contrast to the island’s busy coastal resorts. Surrounded by tropical vegetation, river valleys and rice fields, it has long been associated with traditional arts, dance, crafts and spirituality.

Although tourism has transformed the town, its cultural heritage remains visible. Royal palaces, Hindu temples and traditional villages sit alongside galleries, boutiques and restaurants. Venture beyond the main streets and the landscape quickly opens into some of Bali’s most beautiful countryside.

Ubud Palace and the Water Palace

Ubud’s royal heritage is best appreciated around Puri Saren Agung, commonly known as Ubud Palace. Located in the centre of town, the palace remains an important symbol of the former Ubud royal family.

Its architecture provides a wonderful introduction to traditional Balinese design. Ornately carved stone gateways, decorative walls and courtyard pavilions create a sequence of intimate spaces. The craftsmanship is particularly impressive, with intricate carvings reflecting Hindu mythology and traditional artistic techniques.

A short walk away is Pura Taman Saraswati, also known as the Ubud Water Palace. Dedicated to Saraswati, the Hindu goddess of knowledge, learning and the arts, the temple is particularly beautiful for its ornamental ponds and lotus flowers.

The approach, framed by water gardens and traditional Balinese architecture, makes this one of my favourite places in Ubud.

Read about our visits to Ubud Palace and the Ubud Water Palace.

Ancient Temples and Sacred Sites

Bali’s temples offer some of the most rewarding cultural experiences on the island. Their importance extends well beyond their architectural beauty, providing a glimpse into the religious traditions that continue to shape Balinese life.

One particularly fascinating site is Goa Gajah, or the Elephant Cave. Located near Ubud, this archaeological complex dates back to around the ninth century. Its most recognisable feature is the imposing entrance carved into a rock face, with an elaborate demonic face appearing to emerge from the stone.

Inside, the cave contains small meditation spaces and religious objects. Outside, bathing pools, ancient stone carvings and temple remains reveal the site’s wider religious significance.

Another rewarding visit is Batuan Temple, one of Bali’s historic village temples. Its elaborate stonework, traditional architecture and intricately decorated courtyards provide a wonderful insight into Balinese religious craftsmanship.

For a deeper understanding of Bali’s traditions, a performance of the Kecak Dance or Barong and Keris dance is also worthwhile. This dramatic theatrical performance explores the eternal struggle between good and evil, represented by the mythical Barong and the opposing forces of Rangda.

These performances combine music, elaborate costumes, traditional dance and storytelling, bringing centuries-old mythology to life.

Discover more in our stories about Goa Gajah, Batuan Temple and the Barong and Keris Cultural Dance.

Rice Terraces and the Balinese Countryside

Few landscapes are more closely associated with Bali than its emerald-green rice terraces.

The Ceking Rice Terraces, near Tegallalang, are among the island’s most recognisable agricultural landscapes. Carved into the contours of the hillside, the terraces create a remarkable patchwork of green fields, narrow pathways and cascading irrigation channels.

Their beauty is not simply a product of the landscape. They represent the traditional subak system, a cooperative approach to water management that has supported Balinese rice cultivation for centuries.

The system brings together farmers, irrigation networks and water temples, reflecting the Balinese philosophy of harmony between people, nature and the spiritual world.

Walking through the terraces offers a closer appreciation of this relationship. The views change with every turn, revealing different layers of the landscape and the careful engineering behind the cultivation.

Read about our visit to the Ceking Rice Terraces and the Kajeng Rice Fields Walk.

Waterfalls and the Natural Landscape

Beyond the rice terraces, central Bali is blessed with waterfalls, jungle valleys and lush tropical scenery.

Tegenungan Waterfall, near Ubud, is one of the more accessible waterfalls in the region. Its powerful cascade drops into a natural pool surrounded by dense vegetation. It is a popular stop for visitors exploring the countryside south of Ubud.

The surrounding area also offers opportunities to discover local villages, traditional restaurants and small agricultural communities.

For a more relaxed afternoon, Ubud’s resort properties provide another way to appreciate the landscape. Our stay at the Westin Resort’s Tall Trees offered a welcome opportunity to slow down after a morning of sightseeing.

Discover the Tegenungan Waterfall and relaxing at Westin’s Tall Trees.

Discovering Bali’s Southern Coast

Bali’s southern coastline is where many visitors first experience the island. Here, beach resorts, surf culture, restaurants and lively coastal communities create a very different atmosphere from the quieter interior.

The character of each area varies considerably. Some are busy and energetic, while others retain a more relaxed village atmosphere.

Seminyak and Kuta

Seminyak is a popular base for exploring southwest Bali. Its streets are lined with restaurants, boutiques, beach clubs and stylish accommodation, making it particularly appealing for visitors who enjoy having everything close at hand.

Nearby Kuta offers a rather different experience. Once a quiet fishing village, it became one of Bali’s earliest international tourism destinations. Today, it is known for its busy beach, surf schools, shopping and nightlife.

The contrast between these developed coastal areas and the quieter countryside is striking.

Read about our experience of Kuta Beach.

Berawa Beach and Canggu

North of Seminyak, Berawa and the wider Canggu area have developed into some of Bali’s most popular coastal destinations.

The atmosphere is relaxed and distinctly surf-oriented. Cafés, independent boutiques and restaurants sit alongside beach clubs and villas, creating a destination that attracts families, surfers and longer-stay visitors.

We particularly enjoyed the easy rhythm of staying in Berawa. Mornings revolved around breakfast and the boys heading towards the beach with their surfboards. The rest of the day could be spent exploring the neighbourhood, enjoying a leisurely lunch or simply relaxing beside the pool.

Berawa is also well positioned for exploring neighbouring Batu Belig, central Canggu and Seminyak.

However, not every beach is ideal for swimming. Conditions can be rough, and some stretches of coastline are considerably better suited to surfing than family beach days.

Read more about Staying in Berawa Beach, Bali.

Jimbaran Beach

Further south, Jimbaran offers a more traditional coastal atmosphere. Its long sandy beach is particularly well known for seafood restaurants, many of which place tables directly on the sand.

It is a wonderful place to finish a day of sightseeing. We arrived just in time for sunset and settled at Ganesha Café, enjoying dinner overlooking the Indian Ocean.

As the light softened, the beach became increasingly atmospheric. Fishing boats dotted the horizon, waves rolled gently towards the shore and the sky changed colour above the water.

Jimbaran is an appealing choice for anyone looking to combine a relaxed beach setting with excellent seafood and beautiful sunsets.

Read about our visit to Jimbaran Beach.

Exploring the Bukit Peninsula and Uluwatu

At the southernmost end of Bali, the Bukit Peninsula feels almost like another island.

The lush rice fields and busy streets of central Bali give way to a drier landscape of limestone cliffs, rugged headlands and spectacular ocean views. It is also home to some of Bali’s most celebrated surf breaks and dramatic coastal temples.

Uluwatu Temple

Perched high above the Indian Ocean, Pura Luhur Uluwatu is one of Bali’s most spectacular temples.

The temple is traditionally regarded as one of the island’s important directional temples, helping protect Bali from negative spiritual influences arriving from the sea.

Its setting is extraordinary. Stone walls and traditional gateways follow the contours of the limestone cliffs, while the ocean stretches endlessly below.

Uluwatu is also famous for its resident monkeys, which roam freely around the temple grounds. Visitors should keep a close eye on sunglasses, hats and loose belongings.

One of the most memorable experiences here is the traditional Kecak dance. Performed in an open-air amphitheatre overlooking the ocean, it retells an episode from the Hindu epic Ramayana.

Rather than a conventional musical accompaniment, a large circle of male performers creates a hypnotic rhythm through repeated chanting. As the performance builds, dancers bring the story to life through elaborate costumes, movement and fire.

The combination of traditional storytelling, dramatic scenery and the fading afternoon light makes this an unforgettable cultural experience.

Discover our Uluwatu Day Trip.

Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park

Another landmark on the Bukit Peninsula is Garuda Wisnu Kencana, commonly known as GWK Cultural Park.

The enormous statue depicts the Hindu god Vishnu riding Garuda, the mythical bird-like creature who serves as his mount. Standing approximately 121 metres tall, it is one of the most imposing monuments in Indonesia.

Designed by Balinese sculptor Nyoman Nuarta, the monument represents an ambitious modern interpretation of Hindu mythology and Indonesian cultural identity.

Construction began in the late twentieth century, although the project experienced lengthy interruptions before its eventual completion in 2018.

The surrounding cultural park extends across a substantial area of the peninsula, with landscaped gardens, limestone formations and performance spaces providing an interesting setting for the monument.

Read about our visit to GWK Cultural Park.

Tanah Lot: Bali’s Iconic Sea Temple

On Bali’s southwest coast, Tanah Lot is one of the island’s most recognisable landmarks.

The temple stands on a dark volcanic rock just offshore, its distinctive multi-tiered roof rising above the waves. At high tide, the rock becomes completely surrounded by water, creating the impression that the temple floats above the ocean.

Tanah Lot is traditionally associated with the Hindu priest Dang Hyang Nirartha, whose journey through Bali helped shape the island’s religious traditions.

According to local legend, Nirartha recognised the spiritual significance of the rocky outcrop and established a place of worship there during the sixteenth century.

The temple is dedicated to the sea deity Bhatara Segara and forms part of Bali’s wider network of sacred coastal temples.

Statue and grounds at the site of Tanah Lot

The surrounding coastline is equally rewarding. Clifftop paths provide changing perspectives of the temple, while nearby Pura Batu Bolong offers another striking example of Bali’s relationship between architecture and landscape.

We visited with the family, including Grandad, and found that Tanah Lot offered much more than the familiar postcard view. The surrounding gardens, smaller shrines and dramatic coastline make it worth allowing time to explore.

Read our full story: Tanah Lot Day Trip.

Island Adventures and Day Trips

Bali’s appeal extends beyond its main island. Nearby islands and coastal waters provide opportunities for snorkelling, diving and exploring some of Indonesia’s most spectacular marine environments.

Nusa Penida and Snorkelling with Manta Rays

A day trip to Nusa Penida is one of the most memorable adventures available from Bali.

Located southeast of the main island, Nusa Penida is known for its dramatic cliffs, rugged coastline and exceptional marine life.

The surrounding waters form part of a protected marine environment, attracting manta rays, sea turtles and an extraordinary variety of tropical fish.

Our snorkelling adventure was a particular highlight. Swimming alongside manta rays in their natural environment was an experience we had anticipated long before arriving in Bali.

The encounters are dependent on weather, sea conditions and wildlife movements, but the opportunity to explore this underwater world makes the trip worthwhile.

Popular snorkelling locations include Manta Bay, Crystal Bay and Gamat Bay, although the day’s itinerary should always take account of prevailing conditions.

Read about our Nusa Penida Snorkelling Adventure.

Waterfalls, Coffee and Countryside Experiences

For those who prefer to remain on Bali, there are plenty of opportunities to explore beyond the main tourist centres.

Coffee tastings, village visits, traditional craft workshops and countryside walks provide a different perspective on island life.

One stop on our Bukit Peninsula excursion was Bukit Sari Agro Pecatu, where we enjoyed a short introduction to local coffee and a tasting.

These smaller experiences can be a welcome addition to a day of sightseeing, particularly when travelling with family.

Experiencing Balinese Food and Hospitality

Food is an important part of the Bali experience. Traditional Balinese cooking draws on aromatic spices, fresh ingredients and a distinctive combination of sweet, savoury and spicy flavours.

Some of the best-known dishes include nasi goreng, mie goreng, satay and nasi campur. Bali is also famous for bebek betutu, a slow-cooked duck dish prepared with an aromatic spice paste.

Warungs, the island’s small family-run restaurants, offer an opportunity to experience local cooking in a relaxed setting. Elsewhere, the coastal resorts have developed an impressive dining scene, with everything from casual cafés to sophisticated restaurants overlooking the ocean.

We have enjoyed both sides of this experience, from traditional duck dishes near Ubud to relaxed lunches overlooking the coast.

And, of course, no visit to Bali would be complete without experiencing a traditional Balinese massage. It is one of the simplest pleasures of a tropical holiday and a wonderful way to unwind after a busy day exploring.

Try whetting your appetite with Bebek Joni, Sweet Orange Warung and Ibu Rai.

Planning Your Bali Holiday

Bali is relatively compact, but travelling between different regions can take considerably longer than expected. Traffic around the southern resorts and Ubud can be particularly challenging, especially during peak periods.

Rather than attempting to see everything from one base, I would recommend choosing accommodation according to the experiences you want to enjoy.

Ubud Day Trip: A One Day Itinerary from Seminyak

Ubud is ideal for temples, rice terraces, traditional culture and exploring the central highlands. Seminyak and Berawa work well for restaurants, shopping and surfing. Uluwatu offers dramatic coastal scenery, surf breaks and spectacular sunsets, while Nusa Dua is particularly appealing for those seeking resort accommodation and a more contained holiday environment.

For longer stays, combining two or three different locations can provide a much more rewarding experience.

A private driver is often the easiest way to explore the island’s cultural and natural attractions. For shorter journeys, ride-hailing services are widely used, although availability and access can vary by location. Scooters are common, but visitors should be realistic about their experience and local road conditions. Appropriate licensing, insurance and safety equipment are essential.

For island excursions, organised boat transfers and snorkelling tours are generally the easiest way to reach Nusa Penida.

When to Visit Bali

Bali has a tropical climate, with relatively consistent temperatures throughout the year. The main distinction is between the dry and wet seasons.

The dry season generally runs from April to October, bringing lower humidity and more predictable weather. July and August are particularly popular, so accommodation and flights can be more expensive.

The wet season typically runs from November to March. Rain showers can be heavy, although they are often relatively short. The island remains lush and beautiful, and there can be fewer visitors outside the major holiday periods.

Surf conditions also vary throughout the year. The west coast generally receives more favourable swell during the dry season, while the east coast can offer better conditions at other times.

What to Wear and Temple Etiquette

Bali is generally relaxed in its approach to dress, particularly around the coastal resorts. However, temples and other religious sites require more respectful clothing.

Visitors should cover their shoulders and knees, and sarongs are often required. These are usually available for hire or provided at the entrance.

It is important to remember that temples are active places of worship. Visitors should respect ceremonies, avoid disturbing worshippers and never step on the small offerings placed around the island. A little cultural awareness goes a long way towards making a visit more meaningful.

Discover More of Bali

Bali is an island that rewards curiosity. Its appeal lies not in one particular beach or temple, but in the remarkable variety of experiences found across relatively short distances.

One day might involve exploring ancient religious sites and emerald rice terraces. The next could be spent surfing, relaxing beside a pool or swimming alongside manta rays.

What stays with me most is the contrast between these experiences. The island can be busy and chaotic, yet remarkably peaceful. Its famous tourist centres sit alongside traditional villages where centuries-old customs remain part of everyday life.

Our travels have taken us from the cultural heart of Ubud to the dramatic cliffs of Uluwatu, from the beaches of Berawa to the waters surrounding Nusa Penida. Each has revealed another side of an island that seeks to draw us back.

Whether you are planning your first visit or returning for another adventure, I hope our stories help you discover the Bali that makes this island so unforgettable.

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Bali Travel Guide: Discovering the Island of the Gods

Understanding Bali: The Island of the Gods