Things To Do in Bali – The Island of Gods

Bali has emerged as one of the most popular tourist destinations for the modern-day traveller. The Island which is situated in South East Asia garners close to 6 million visitors every year and has seen an increase of one million travellers every consecutive year. This tropical beach destination is famous across all types of travellers such as couples, families, adventure junkies, digital nomads and it has something to offer for all kinds of them. Here’s a list of Things to do in Bali across all kinds of travellers.

Bali – Jack of all experiences:

Bali is best defined as a tropical beach destination which has something to offer for all kinds of travellers. This ‘Island of Gods’ as it is popularly known is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, active volcanos, breathtaking waterfalls, paddy fields and architecture and culture dating back to many centuries. 

If we are to compare Bali vs Mauritius or Bali vs Maldives, those destinations are widely regarded as masters of their niche and cater only to a certain type of travellers, whilst Bali stands out as the jack of all experiences with a wide range of activities catering to different kinds of travellers. One can go snorkelling in the sea, visit a secret waterfall, hike on an active volcano, watch a traditional dance performance, visit a 1000-year-old temple and enjoy a private pool villa experience, and all this in one trip. 

The question of what are the things to do in Bali is a very open-ended question with a vast answer. The truth be told, the answer to what are the things to do in Bali is a customized list of experiences and activities which cater to different kinds of people. If you are a couple, or travelling with a family or want to explore with friends, all three types can see Bali differently and yet get to experience the culture as a whole. 

Here is a list of different kinds of experiences that one can choose to go for.

Things to do in Bali for aqua lovers:

Bali has become world-famous for its beaches and water sport activities. Every year millions of people come to Bali to experience the various water sport activities that Bali has to offer. Right from paragliding, banana boat riding, jet ski riding to snorkelling, scuba diving, water rafting and surfing, Bali has something to offer for everyone. 

Tanjung Benoa in Nusa Dua, Padang bai and Amed beach in the eastern side of Bali and Lovina in the northern end, Nusa Penida island are the hotspots for water sport activities. 

The central part of Bali where the Ayung river flows is also a famous spot for water rafting activities. 

If you are a beginner or you are visiting with family and children, Tanjung Benoa beach in the south of Bali should be your go-to water sport destination. The activities are more suited for beginners and families. If you are looking at something more adventurous, white water rafting in the Ayung River is a great option. If you want to go completely offbeat, Snorkeling in Amed beach and dolphin watching in Lovina are memorable experiences. 

Things to do in Bali for adventure junkies:

Bali is one of the most accessible adventure destinations in the world. Being a tropical beach destination, Bali offers scope for adventures in both the extremes. As we move up towards the central and northern parts of Bali, we start to notice a stark change in scenery. The busy streets and beaches become scarce and get filled by greenery all around. Shacks transform into paddy fields, beaches pave way for mountains and waterfalls. 

The Sunrise trekking of Mt. Batur is one of the most popular adventure activities in Bali and is visited by a large number of mountaineers, trekkers and tourists throughout the year. You can go in search of secret waterfalls in Sukawati and Sekumpul. Reaching these waterfalls require you to trek into the deep jungles surrounded by wilderness. It is a surreal and out of the world experience.

Nusa Penida Island has a lot of secret beaches which can be reached after quite a bit of exploration and research. The Uluwatu mountains in the southern end of Bali are famous for its sunsets and for caving as well.

Things to do in Bali for Party Animals

Bali has its fair share of fun in the nightlife game. Famous for some of the best beach clubs in Asia with never-ending views of the horizon and amazing sunsets. The Party culture of Bali has picked up quite a bit in the last couple of years. 

Kuta, Seminyak and Canggu are some of the hotspots to find the best clubs in Bali. The clubs in Kuta and Seminyak last until the wee hours of the morning.

Things to do in Bali for an Art, Culture and Culinary experience:

While on one side Bali might seem like the most hip and happening place, it is also one of the most traditional and culturally rich places with some traditions and beliefs dating hundreds of years back. The local Balinese people are extremely religious and revere their traditions and beliefs. These ancient traditions make for Bali to be a very culturally enriching experience. 

Art and Culture have always coexisted with each other in Balinese tradition. The Balinese architecture, artworks, patterns and fabrics have created a niche for themselves and have become world-famous. Art is a form of worship in Bali and it is also called as the ‘Island of Artists’. The wooden and stone carvings of Bali have grown in popularity all over the world. 

The Ubud Art Market, Mas wooden carving markets and various boutiques in Bali are very famous for their artworks and interior pieces. 

Balinese culture and reverence towards their religion goes back to many centuries. Bali is home to a lot of temples as it’s prominent religions are Hinduism and Buddhism. The Balinese people take their rituals and deities very seriously and worship them with utmost reverence. The temples such as Pura Ulun Danu Bertan, Pura Ulun Danu Batur, The Lempuyang temple, the Tirta Empul are some of the most famous temples in Bali. 

The Balinese culinary has created its niche. The cuisine in Bali is very similar to that of what is found in other parts of south-east Asia with a few special dishes that separate them from the rest. Bali is also a culinary hub of sorts with people from various cultures migrating and setting up camp in Bali. Your visit to Bali is incomplete without having a go at the traditional Balinese cuisine. You can also take up a culinary class and learn the basics of Balinese cuisine.

Things to do in Bali with Family and Children:

Bali is a great place to visit with family and children and has a lot of experiences which engages both the adults and children alike. The Bali bird park and Bali Marine and Safari park are some of the most famous tourist spots visited by families and children.

The Waterbom, Pirates bay and the Sacred monkey forest are some of the most enjoyable experiences for all age groups.

Bali is also a place which offers large spaces of accommodations suitable to fit in an extended family. 

Luxury activities to do in Bali

If you are someone who is looking for a luxurious holiday and looking to splurge, Bali has something to offer to you too. Bali is very famous amongst people who like to indulge themselves in the finest of things. 

The Balinese Spa experience is definitely worth your time and will leave you relaxed and rejuvenated. Most of the luxurious resorts in Bali have world-class spa facilities attached to them. You can hire a private boat and head out on the sea and explore the Nusa Penida Island. Bali is known all over the world for its private pool villas, while a lot of them are nominal in price range, there are some exquisite properties which have the best of the best. 

My top suggestion would be the Helicopter ride over Mt. Batur and Lake Batur. While it is quite a splurge for just a 30 to 40-minute ride, the views are worth it and will be one of the most memorable Bali experiences. 

Costs of the experiences:

Compared to the other destinations in the world, Bali is one of the most accessible and inexpensive destinations in the world. 

Costs for experiences can start anywhere from 1000 INR per person to up to 30,000 INR per person depending upon the kind of experiences that you choose. 

While there are a lot of local companies that offer experiences for a very cheap price, It is important to go ahead with a well-rated and certified travel company. At the end of the day, these are once in a lifetime experiences and going with the right person will make your money’s worth. 

Tips on how to plan your Bali itinerary:

1. Bali has a lot to offer for all kinds of travellers and offers the scope to truly customize your itinerary according to your preferences. 

2. Choose how many nights you want to stay in Bali and what is the budget you have in mind. 

3. Figure out what kind of vacation you are looking for. It can be a leisure vacation, A jam-packed itinerary with all the top highlights or a luxurious vacation. 

4. Zero down on what are the different experiences you want to go for and the logistics for the same. Remember, you can only do so much in 4 to 5 nights, so choose wisely. 

Bali is an ideal destination for all kinds of travellers and it has something to offer for everyone. Reach out to the folks at Pickyourtrail to craft a completely custom Bali holiday package according to your preference.