Activities in Bali

Bali offers more than beaches, but it's slower to get around than it looks on a map. Traffic between the south coast and Ubud can take well over an hour, so pick a few experiences that suit you and group them by area. A driver for the day is common and often the easiest way to see several places.

Culture

Temples. Uluwatu sits on a sea cliff, Tanah Lot on a rock in the surf, and Tirta Empul has a holy spring where visitors can join the water ritual. Go early or late to avoid crowds. A sarong and sash are required, and many temples lend or rent them at the entrance.

Dance. The Kecak fire dance at Uluwatu at sunset is the best known, and it can sell out in peak months, so buy tickets ahead. Watch out for the monkeys, which snatch glasses and phones. Ubud has evening Legong and Barong performances that are easier to attend.

Craft villages. Celuk is known for silver, Mas for wood carving and Tohpati for batik, all on the road to Ubud. Some stops are mainly shops, so tell your driver you'd rather not be taken to commission stores.

Cooking classes. Usually in or near Ubud, these often start at a morning market. Half a day is typical, and vegetarian options are easy to arrange.

Nature and adventure

Rice terraces. Tegallalang is close to Ubud, but it's busy. Jatiluwih, a UNESCO-listed area further west, is larger and quieter. Go in the morning, and check whether the fields have just been harvested, as they can look bare.

Waterfalls. Tegenungan is close to Ubud, and Sekumpul in the north is more impressive but requires a long drive and a steep walk. Currents get dangerous after heavy rain, so check conditions before you go.

Surfing and diving. Beginners learn on the gentle waves around Kuta, while Uluwatu's reef breaks are for experienced surfers. For diving, Tulamben has a famous wreck close to shore, Amed is relaxed, and Nusa Penida has manta rays, although its currents are stronger.

Mount Batur sunrise. Pick-ups are around 2am to 3am, and the walk up takes about two hours in the dark. It's steep and loose in places, so wear proper shoes and bring a warm layer. Hikes generally go with a local guide.

Wellness

Yoga and spas. Ubud is the centre for yoga, and spas are everywhere, from simple massage shops to resort treatments. Read recent reviews, and ask exactly what's included before you pay.

Day trips

Nusa Penida. Fast boats leave from Sanur and take around 45 minutes. The viewpoints are far apart on rough roads, so stay overnight if you can. At Kelingking, the path down to the beach is steep and tiring, and the sea is too rough to swim safely.

Sidemen. A quiet valley of rice fields in the east, with far fewer visitors than Ubud. It's good for a slow day of walking.

Lovina. Black sand and early morning dolphin boats on the north coast. It's a long drive, so it's better as a stop on a tour of the north. The boats can crowd around the dolphins, so choose an operator who keeps a respectful distance.

Practical advice

When to go. April to October is drier and best for hiking and diving. Check the date of Nyepi, Bali's day of silence, usually in March, because the whole island shuts down, including the airport.

Getting around. Ride-hailing is banned from picking up in some areas, and short taxi rides can cost more than you'd expect. Agree prices with drivers in advance. Only ride a scooter if you're licensed and experienced.

Respect and safety. Don't touch or feed monkeys, use reef-safe sunscreen and drink bottled or filtered water. Dress modestly away from the beach, and don't step on the small offerings on the ground.