Commonly referred to as the “Island of the Gods,” there’s no disputing that Bali is a little slice of heaven. A vacation in Bali is truly transformative, and something every traveler needs to experience at least once. Offering a perfect blend of natural beauty, vivacious culture, and warm hospitality, this captivating destination personifies island living at its finest. I fall deeper in love with the island each time I visit, and the memories I’ve made here hold such a special place in my heart.

Whether you’ve looking for a relaxing refuge to soak in the sun or an adventurous excursion to get the adrenaline pumping, there are so many fun things to do in Bali to make your vacation unforgettable. Its diverse range of activities and attractions ensure a perfect trip for any type of traveler. From lush rice terraces and idyllic beaches to vibrant markets and ancient temples, every inch of the island boasts a treasure trove of experiences just waiting to be discovered.

10 Reasons to Plan a Vacation in Bali

If the travel bug’s been biting you, Bali has the cure. Pour yourself a glass of coconut water and get your passport ready: here are the ten best reasons to plan a vacation in Bali as your next getaway.

Breathtaking Beaches

Out of all the tranquil scenes this island boasts, the pristine beaches in Bali, with their crystal-clear waters and powdery sand, are perhaps its most renowned attraction. From the infamous Kuta Beach with its lively surf culture to the serene coastlines of the Nusa Islands with secluded enclaves for mesmerizing sunset strolls, the island offers a fantastic range of beach experiences to match whatever vacation vibe you’re going for.

Getting around from one beach town to another is a breeze, so you don’t have to limit your trip to just one location, either! Kuta, Seminyak, and Canggu are three of the most popular beaches in Bali, and you can easily bounce from one to the next in about a half hour, depending on traffic. Spend a night or two in each and discover your match! (Download Grab before you go for easy transportation: it’s a popular and reliable ride-sharing app in Indonesia).

To get to the Nusa Islands or the Gili Islands, several speed boats and ferries heading in both directions depart each day. You could easily plan a day trip there, but with how peaceful the ambiance is, I definitely recommend spending the night. Be sure to order a ticket in advance to reserve a spot at the time you want.

Ubud’s Cultural Haven

There are so many places to go in Bali that are bursting with culture, but spending some time in Ubud is a sure way to immerse yourself in the heart of it all. You’ll find traditional crafts and artisan goods, magnificent temples, and lush greenery at every turn of this artistic town. Its spiritual ambiance provides a serene escape to nourish your soul and expand your mind.

Exploring the iconic Monkey Forest, one of the most famous Bali attractions, is an absolute blast if you’re looking for fun things to do in Ubud. I loved every second of it and the monkeys were hilarious, but keep in mind: as adorable as they may be, they’re still wild animals and can be unpredictable.

For an awesome night out, another one of the best things to do in Ubud is seeing a traditional Balinese Barong Dance performance. The talented performers, captivating storyline, and stunning costumes made the show a personal highlight of my trip.

Each street in Ubud has tons of markets and eateries to check out, and with the community’s emphasis on healthy living, you’ll never be more than a few minutes away from a yoga studio or day spa. Its central location makes it a fantastic starting point for Bali tours and day trips, too! I spent one of my afternoons visiting the coffee plantations and local schools on a half-day tour and had such a lovely time.

Ancient Temples and Sacred Sites

Bali is home to a myriad of temples and sacred sites reflecting the island’s deep-rooted spirituality and religious values. Many ancient temples date back hundreds or thousands of years, revealing a rich history in their intricate carvings and beautiful designs. Observing local rituals, taking in the ornate architecture, and appreciating the peaceful aura of these sacred locations is an experience you don’t want to miss.

You’ll find so many gorgeous temples in Bali all over the island, but if you want to see some of its most iconic sites, booking one of the Bali tours with a local guide is the best way. There are plenty of group options available, or you can customize your itinerary with a private tour for a more intimate experience.

When visiting the temples in Bali and its sacred places, always remember: these are places of worship and hold immense importance to the Balinese people. Show respect for their culture by dressing appropriately with your knees and shoulders covered.

Ubiquitous Rice Terraces

When you’re visiting Bali, its beautiful rice terraces are truly a sight to behold. Their lush greenery and magnificent landscapes paint a picturesque scene, as though a page was taken straight out of a storybook. The iconic Tegalalang Rice Terrace near Ubud, with lush green fields cascading down the hillsides, and the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Jatiluwih Rice Terraces are two of the most famous, though there are many gorgeous options to choose from.

The main rice terraces are some of the most popular places to visit in Bali, so going with a local guide is much easier to avoid having to worry about finding parking once you get there (many fields tend to attract huge crowds). It’s an awesome way to spend an afternoon, and you’ll usually have enough time to explore a few more great sites during the trip.

Another incredible option to see the terraces (albeit a bit pricey) is booking an accommodation right on one of the fields. If you have a little wiggle room in your budget, there are many luxurious villas and hotels in Bali around the borders of some of the smaller fields, where you can wake up to a backyard of rolling green hills and swim in a private pool surrounded by nothing but Mother Nature herself.

Make sure to bring bug spray! The mosquitos in Bali are no joke.

Vibrant Arts and Crafts

The thriving arts and crafts scene in Bali speaks to the island’s rich cultural history and vibrant community. Strolling through the regional markets and art villages will expose you to a world of handmade treasures, each with a story behind it. From intricate wood carvings to colorful paintings to traditional textiles and more, you’ll surely cherish the items you bring home.

You’ll also have the opportunity to get in on the action and make your very own souvenir to take with you! Exquisite silver jewelry can be found all over Bali, and if you happen to be visiting Ubud or its surrounding region and are looking for creative things to do in Bali, you can take a silver making course with a local artisan to make your own custom jewelry and learn all about their craft.

Healing and Wellness Retreats

If you need a place to totally renew your mind, body, and spirit, Bali has everything you could wish for and more. While there are tons of Bali attractions to choose from, depending on the kind of trip you’re looking for, just unwinding and soaking in the atmosphere can be one of the best things to do in Bali.

The island is an ideal destination for relaxation and rejuvenation, offering an abundance of retreats and wellness centers catering to different holistic practices. Whether you’re looking to practice yoga in peaceful settings, detox your body with healthy food, indulge in soothing spa treatments, or meditate to the blissful whispers of nature, you’ll find it here.

Whether you want to make health and wellness the focus of your vacation in Bali or just want somewhere to reset for a few days while hopping between cities, you’ll have a lot of options to choose from.

Group Setting or Private Paradise?

Group wellness retreats are a fabulous place to connect with fellow travelers and form friendships if you’re searching for a social setting. I stayed at Arya Wellness Resort for a few days during one of my trips to Bali, and I’d definitely recommend it to any female traveler! The staff was so kind, the location was perfect, the activities were lots of fun, and I had such a lovely time.

For something with a little more privacy, there are tons of outstanding hotels and guesthouses you can book that either have their own on-site spas or will set up appointments for treatments right in your room at both the beaches in Bali and its rural areas. Pricey? Yes. Worth it? Also yes. Nothing says “living my best life” like sipping poolside cocktails at sunset after getting an in-room massage in your own secluded villa, so go ahead: you’ve earned it!

Adventure and Outdoor Activities

As peaceful as Bali may be, it’s no stranger to adventure. There’s no shortage of exhilarating outdoor activities for thrill seekers and adrenaline junkies, and you’ll have plenty of opportunities to create memories that will last a lifetime.

From snorkeling and scuba diving in vibrant coral reefs to surfing world-class waves in turquoise waters to hopping on ATVs for nature treks to whitewater rafting down roaring rapids, there’s an adventure to be had for everyone. There are plenty of more mellow activities too, like biking through rural landscapes or hiking up a scenic mountain.

A personal highlight during my most recent vacation in Bali was off-roading to the top of Mount Batur through the rocky volcanic landscape. There are lots of Bali tours where you can go on a day trip for the excursion, but if you have enough time in your itinerary to stay in the area for a night or two, I highly recommend it.

I booked a cabin on Lake Batur for a couple nights, and with such a tranquil atmosphere, I definitely consider it one of the most magical places to visit in Bali. Swimming in the hot springs was pure bliss, and with fish caught literally right in the lake in front of me and vegetables grown right at the farm next-door, I don’t think I’ve ever eaten fresher meals in my life.

Culinary Delights

Bali’s culinary scene is a gourmet journey to savor. Traditional Balinese dishes are absolutely delicious, with Nasi Goreng being a personal favorite. With so many rural farms across the island, organic vegetables take center stage. The ingredients in every meal are always fresh as can be. The seafood is phenomenal as well, so don’t pass on ordering the grilled fish if you see it on the menu! It was likely caught that morning.

For the chefs out there (or the diehard foodies), consider taking a cooking class with a local family during your vacation in Bali. Learning authentic recipes will let you bring some of that bold Balinese flavor back home!

For the coffee connoisseurs, visiting the coffee plantations and sampling regional varieties is loads of fun. You may be a bit intimidated when you hear how the famous Kopi Luwak coffee is made, but I can assure you, this delicacy is delicious!

Festivals and Celebrations

As a culture with so much character and heritage, you’ll always be able to find special festivals and events to attend during a vacation in Bali. From the grandeur of Galungan, a Balinese Hindu festival honoring the triumph of good over evil, to the splendor of Nyepi, the Day of Silence, the island’s vivacious gatherings create a celebratory atmosphere just as exciting as it is inspirational. They provide a window into Bali’s rich traditions and spiritual beliefs, showcasing everything from processions and traditional dances to colorful rituals.

Even if there are no particular festivities taking place when you’re visiting Bali, that doesn’t mean you can’t immerse yourself in the island’s culture! Watching a Barong Dance is a captivating experience, and you can always get tickets to attend a performance.

Another fantastic way to engage in the traditions while you’re visiting Bali is by learning to make a Canang offering. If you’re looking to get in touch with your spiritual side, signing up for a class or tour with a local to participate in the holy ritual makes for an inspiring day.

Warm Balinese Hospitality

Out of all reasons for planning a vacation in Bali, the warm and welcoming nature of the Balinese people rank among the most convincing arguments. The locals will truly make you feel like a part of their community with their friendly smiles and genuine hospitality, and there’s a high chance you’ll be Googling “how to move to Bali” at least once during your trip.

I’ve met so many kind and incredible people throughout my trips to the island, and some of my best memories here involve days just hanging out with the locals and learning about their way of life. When you’re visiting Bali, make the most of it by engaging in conversations with the people you meet, discovering their customs and traditions, and embracing every second of your time here.

Each moment on this magnificent island is a blessing and will fill you with gratitude.