15 Things to Do in Bali That Will Make You Fall in Love With the Island

When I first visited Bali, I was in awe of every major sights. The Bali swing. The Heaven’s Gate. The intricate temples. It all felt magical.

However, on my next trips, it felt crowded. There were lines in most sights. I wasn’t looking forward to book any more trip to Bali. Actually, I skipped it.

Until I decided to do my yoga teacher training and stayed for more than a month on the island. That is when I fell in love with the Bali again.

It was not the famous landmarks that brought it back. It was the early morning offerings on quiet streets. The motorbike rides through rice fields with no agenda.

A bowl of bakso at a corner stall. Buying fruit at a local market and not knowing every name. Small moments. Ordinary moments.

If you come to Bali and chase every Instagrammable spot on your things to do in Bali list, you will be impressed. But you may also end up treating it like another destination to complete. If you slow down.

If you learn about the culture. If you go a little farther from the main strips and stay a little longer, you will start to understand why so many nomads choose this island. You may find yourself wanting to return.

This guide focuses on experiences that create connection, not just photos. I will walk you through four categories that shape how Bali feels: wellness, culture, nature, and food. These are the layers that turn a trip into something more personal.

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Spiritual & Wellness Experiences

1. Experience a Wellness Retreat in Bali

Bali makes retreat life feel natural instead of intimidating.

I’ve done two yoga teacher trainings here, a meditation retreat, and even planned to do my Vipassana in Bali at one point. There’s something about being surrounded by nature, daily rituals, and plant-based food that makes inner work feel easier—almost supported by the environment itself.

It’s also one of the few places in the world where you’ll find hundreds of retreat options—from budget meditation stays to luxury wellness programs—all within the same island.

I personally think this is best for travelers who like slow travel, those who visit Bali for longer stays, or people at a certain transition point in life.

Pro Tip: Retreats work best if you’re staying at least one week. Rushing in and out defeats the purpose.

If you have not decided which wellness retreat to join, I have written a guide to the best wellness retreats you can join here.

2. Explore Spiritual Things to Do in Bali (Respectfully)

It’s easy to be spiritual in Bali—because spirituality isn’t a performance here. It’s woven into everyday life.

You’ll see offerings placed on sidewalks, shop entrances, and doorsteps. Prayers aren’t scheduled attractions; they’re habits. And as a visitor, you’re often welcomed—as long as you’re respectful.

That said, Bali’s popularity has changed some experiences. Certain ceremonies and temples now feel more like photo ops than places of devotion, which can make deeper connections harder.

I’ve found the most meaningful moments came from observing quietly, not participating loudly.

Reminder: Many of these rituals are part of daily Balinese life, not tourist experiences. Observation with respect matters more than participation.

Read More: 29 Most Spiritual Things To Do In Bali

3. Do a Yoga Teacher Training (Even If You Don’t Teach)

I completed both my 200-hour and 300-hour yoga teacher trainings in Bali, and even though I didn’t come for certification alone, the experience changed how I travel—and how I live.

Many people assume you need to go to India for serious yoga training. While India is the birthplace of yoga, Bali offers something different: a more holistic approach to learning how to teach, not just how to practice.

If you want a structured immersion with a strong community, you can check this 20 Day 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training in Bali at House of Om.

For those who prefer a longer program that blends yoga and meditation in Ubud, this 24 Day 200 Hour Yoga and Meditation Teacher Training is another solid option.

My teachers are trained in India, some even holding degrees in yoga and the training quality was just as strong but gentler and more balanced.

The challenge? Bali is tempting. It’s harder to focus when waterfalls and cafes are calling your name.

Still, if you’re considering a YTT somewhere in the world, Bali is one of the most accessible and supportive places to do it.

4. Do Absolutely Nothing for a Day

On my first trip to Bali, I joined a fast-paced group tour. I remember being overwhelmed by how beautiful everything was—and also realizing later that I barely remembered it.

On later trips, when I stayed for weeks or months, I always gave myself at least one day with no plans. Sometimes that meant staying in bed. Sometimes wandering aimlessly. Sometimes journaling or randomly joining a roommate for coffee.

Those were the days Bali stopped being a destination and started feeling like a place I belonged.

Doing nothing isn’t lazy here. It’s one of the most meaningful things to do in Bali.

Nature Experiences That Feel Real

5. Walk Through the Tegallalang Rice Terraces

Yes, Tegallalang is iconic. And yes, it can be crowded.

But if you go early in the morning, walk slowly, and skip the swings, it’s still powerful. Rice farming isn’t scenery here—it’s life.

Best before 9 AM, when farmers are working and the light is soft.

For a full breakdown of timing, entrance fees, and practical tips, read my detailed guide to the Tegallalang Rice Terraces.

6. Chase Waterfalls Near Ubud

Kanto Lampo was one of those places that surprised me—not because it was hidden, but because timing changed everything.

We went early, before crowds arrived, and the waterfall felt alive rather than staged. Slippery rocks, cold water, laughter—not just posing.

Effort level: Moderate
Best time: Early morning

For details on the best waterfalls near Ubud, when to go, and what to expect, check my full guide to waterfalls near Ubud.

7. Visit Karang Boma Cliff in Uluwatu

Karang Boma does not try to impress you. It just does.

Standing there, watching waves crash far below, you feel small in the best way. It is raw, windy, and dramatic without being curated.

Best time: Sunset
Crowds: Minimal compared to beaches

If you want to pair sunset at Karang Boma with the Uluwatu Kecak performance and transport included, you can join this sunset Karang Boma and Uluwatu tour.

Read More: Karang Boma Cliff: Complete Guide to Bali’s Most Beautiful Cliff

8. Spend a Slow Beach Day in Sanur

Sanur is not flashy, and that is exactly why it is my favorite beach near Ubud.

Not because of fine sand or bright blue water, but because it feels local.

You will not see people lining up for photos. You will see locals in their daily routines. Friends chatting over snacks. Kids playing by the shore. Fishermen preparing their boats.

There is no rush. Just people enjoying the beach as part of everyday life.

I wrote a more personal guide to Sanur beaches if you want to see where I usually walk at sunrise and which stretch I keep coming back to.

Read More: The 10 BEST Sanur Beaches: Ultimate Guide

9. Go Diving in Amed

After diving in Komodo, I still wanted to explore Bali underwater. Amed is where I would go next.

What makes Amed stand out from other Bali dive spots is how accessible and calm it feels. Many dive sites are shore entries, so you walk straight from the beach into the water. No long boat rides. No heavy marina traffic.

Compared to southern Bali, visibility is often better and currents are generally milder, which makes it ideal for beginners and relaxed divers. You also have the USAT Liberty shipwreck in nearby Tulamben, one of the most accessible wreck dives in the world.

Amed feels less commercial than Nusa Dua or Padang Bai. Fewer crowds. Smaller dive shops. A slower pace above and below the surface.

If you want a guided experience with multiple water activities, you can join this Bali Amed snorkeling, kayak, and paddle board tour.

Cultural Experiences That Go Deeper

10. Visit Local Temples With Intention

Bali’s temples are beautiful—but their power comes from purpose, not architecture.

While places like Lempuyang are stunning, my most meaningful experiences were always at local temples like Goa Gajah, where worship still comes first.

When you approach temples as sacred spaces—not backdrops—Bali opens up differently.

11. Experience Nyepi, Bali’s Day of Silence.

Once a year, Bali shuts down.

No flights. No lights. No movement. Just silence.

Nyepi is not something you do. It is something you experience. It captures the soul of the island. Reflection over performance.

If you are planning your trip around it or want to understand what to expect, I shared everything in my personal guide to experiencing Nyepi in Bali.

12. Explore Hidden Gems in and Around Ubud

Most of my favorite places around Ubud came from slowing down and asking locals, not Google Maps.

Some were small warungs tucked behind rice fields. Others were quiet temples with no ticket booth. A few were viewpoints I would have missed if I had followed only the main roads.

These places rarely show up on “top things to do in Bali” lists. They are not designed for crowds. They are part of daily life. You find them when you give yourself time to wander, take a wrong turn, or start a conversation.

When you stop searching and start listening, Bali reveals itself quietly.

Read More: 35 Hidden Gems in Ubud, The Ultimate Non Touristy Guide

Adventure (After You’ve Grounded Yourself)

13. Learn to Surf in Uluwatu—or Just Explore

I did not surf there on my last trip, but when I return, I would.

Honestly, Uluwatu just hits different.

It’s not just another beach town with boards everywhere. The cliffs are wild. The waves are no joke. The surfers there are serious about it. No one is trying too hard. It just feels real.

Instead of surfing, I explored the beaches. I climbed down to Suluban. I walked along hidden stretches of sand. I watched surfers from the cliffs and stayed longer than planned.

If you want to see which beaches are worth the steps down and what to expect at each one, read my guide to Uluwatu Beach and Suluban Beach.

Whether you paddle out or stay on shore, Uluwatu gives you the same thing. Perspective.

14. Take a Day Trip to Munduk

If Bali starts to feel a bit loud or crowded, go to Munduk.

It honestly feels like a reset button. The air is cooler. The roads are quieter. You are surrounded by hills and fog instead of traffic and beach clubs.

When I went, it felt like the island slowed down again. Fewer people. More space. Waterfalls that did not feel staged. Just nature doing its thing.

If you need a break from the south, this is where I would tell you to go.

Read More: The Ultimate Guide to Munduk Bali: Things To Do & Itinerary

15. Rent a Scooter and Explore the Countryside

If you already know how to ride a motorbike, this is one of the best ways to experience Bali.

Some of my favorite memories are random scooter days with no strict plan. Driving past rice fields, small villages, roadside warungs, and temples I did not even know the name of. You see more. You stop when you want. It feels personal.

I learned how to properly ride in Bali, and honestly, that was not the smartest decision. Traffic can be intense. Some roads are narrow, uneven, and unpredictable.

Pro Tip: If you are a beginner, do not learn here. Bali is not a good place to figure it out for the first time. Take a proper scooter lesson in a controlled setting before riding on public roads.

Freedom on a scooter is amazing. Just make sure you earn it safely.

Things to Do in Bali Based on Your Travel Style

First-Time Visitors

• Visit local temples with intention
• Walk the rice terraces
• Chase a waterfall
• Learn about Nyepi
• Spend a slow day in Sanur

Slow Travelers & Digital Nomads

• Stay at a wellness retreat
• Explore spiritual daily life
• Discover hidden gems
• Dive in, Amed.
• Do nothing—intentionally

Short on Time

• Day trip to Munduk
• Visit Karang Boma Cliff
• Explore Uluwatu beaches
• Choose one nature highlight
• Slow down for half a day

If You Want to Fall in Love With Bali, You Have to Be Okay Missing Out

You will not do everything. That is the point.

When you try to fit in every popular spot, Bali starts to feel like a task. You move fast. You take the photo. You leave.

When you skip a few things on purpose, you create space. Space to sit longer at a café. Space to talk to locals. Space to wander without a map.

The moments you did not plan often become the ones you remember most.

Where You Stay in Bali Shapes Everything

Where you base yourself changes your entire experience.

This Is How Bali Stays With You

Bali will not compete for your attention. It will not rush to entertain you. It reveals itself based on how you choose to experience it.

You can fill your days with the most popular things to do in Bali and leave with great photos. Or you can choose a few experiences from this guide, stay longer in one place, and let the island unfold slowly.

The version of Bali you remember will depend on your pace.

Maybe it will be a quiet morning watching offerings being placed on the sidewalk. Maybe it will be a slow beach day in Sanur. Maybe it will be a retreat that shifts something in you.

You do not need to do everything. You need to feel something.

Give Bali your time. Stay curious. Stay respectful. Miss a few things on purpose.

That is usually when the island gives something back.