10 Best Things To Do in Bali

 1. Tirta Empul Temple 

While Bali's other temples may be larger or more jaw-dropping, Tirta Empul Temple possess a unique serenity that cannot be matched. This active prayer site inspires both Balinese Hindus and visitors of different beliefs. While there are several shrines and other structures on the premises, the temple's tranquility is best seen in the large rectangular pool at the complex's center. You'll see worshippers enter the water to pray, so be respectful of the Balinese customs and do not disrupt them. One TripAdvisor user says, "This temple is beautiful, a lot of water, green trees and plants, and a lot of locals with rituals. It's money well spent to get all the way here from Kuta."

This ancient temple can be visited from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. Recent visitors report a variety of admission fees: You should expect to pay around 15,000 IDR (about $1.65 USD). Travelers often visit Tirta Empul Temple on their way to or from Kintamanior the Elephant Safari Park. The site is most easily reached with a rental car and takes about an hour from Kuta. However, you can also book guided tours that depart from all over Bali.

2. Uluwatu Temple

Travelers rave about Uluwatu Temple's stunning cliff-side locale and beautiful architecture. This combination is rendered only more dramatic by the crashing of waves more than 200 feet below. But don't think that you'll have this isolated sanctuary to yourself. Uluwatu Temple is popular with not only tourists and locals but also a horde of monkeys. Beware of the monkeys and the local guides—both have been known to badger visitors on occasion. As oneTripAdvisor user reports, "The Uluwatu Cliffs are absolutely gorgeous; the temple is very pretty; but the monkeys are naughty and obnoxious little thieves." 

Also known as "Pura Luhur Uluwatu," this sacred site is located about 15 miles south Kuta, right along the coast. You'll need a car to reach the temple, and you should make sure to agree on a pick-up time for when you've finished your tour. The site is open daily to visitors from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. for reportedly 20,000 IDR (about $2.25 USD). However, there is a traditional kecakdance performance that begins at 6 p.m. every evening. On the whole, tourists really enjoy this cultural display and don't mind paying the extra 50,000 IDR (about $5.50 USD) to watch. 

3. Elephant Safari Park

If you are coming halfway around the globe, it's fair to expect an out-of-this-world adventure. Where else but Bali can you get up close and personal with elephants before retreating to a world-class resort on the beach? For this once-in-a-lifetime experience, head to the Elephant Safari Park in Ubud. While you won't see them in their true natural state (unless elephants actually paint in their spare time), you'll be impressed by their friendly demeanor and extraordinary talents. The park's facilities include a trail for the elephants to give rides, a restaurant, a research laboratory, a small botanical garden, and a lodge for overnight guests.

Most visitors praise their time here and the park's helpful staff. One TripAdvisor user says, "The elephants are in great condition (check out the footage of them before they were rescued by the park), and the staff are amazingly kind to the elephants." The park is home to about 30 Sumantran elephants.

Located north of Kuta (about an hour and 15 minutes by car), the Elephant Safari Park is operated by Bali Adventure Tours and welcomes visitors from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. A park tour costs $65 USD, but if you wish to ride an elephant, the price increases to $86 USD. There are several packages to choose from that include a variety of additional activities

4. Tanah Lot Temple

Most jaws drop at the sight of Tanah Lot Temple. This stunning religious complex sits on a gigantic jagged rock that rises out of the ocean. From Bali's southern coast, you can marvel at this architectural feat, and you'll have to wait for low tide to reach the temple. But, it might not be worth the wait: Non-Balinese are not permitted to enter the temple. Still, snapping a photo of Tanah Lot Temple at sunset is a must. One TripAdvisor user says, "Even though you can walk up to it and be blessed by the monks in low tide, it looks far more spectacular on high tide."

Tanah Lot Temple is a 30 to 40-minute car ride north of Kuta. You'll find a tourist outpost filled with tiny restaurants and shopping stalls on the nearby coast. You can visit the temple from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. each day. Admission to the temple's rocky perch reportedly costs 3,300 IDR ($0.35 USD).

 5. Jimbaran 

Once upon a time, Jimbaran was a quiet and quaint fishing village with an equally humble shoreline—but no longer. Signaled by the oceanfront perch of theFour Seasons Resort Bali at Jimabran Bay, this town is now one of Bali's most luxurious destinations. Aside from the opulent resorts that reside here, the town has gained acclaim for its succulent seafood and sandy shore. One TripAdvisor user describes, "There are lots of restaurants fronting the beach, and all of them offer more or less the same fare." Many travelers come for a sunset dinner on the sand, but they also note that this experience isn't cheap.

Jimbaran is just south of Kuta and can easily be reached by car or taxi. Most hotels offer free shuttle service from the airport, but you may have to notify your hotel in advance. The restaurants and shops maintain varied hours of operation, and sunset triggers a rush of tourists. Get here before the sun goes down to have an ideal table on the beach.

6. Kintamani

Those who want to break up their beach time with some healthy exercise will want to venture to Kintamani. Located about 31 miles from the town of Denpasar near the island's northeastern coast, Kintamani is a gorgeous region that boasts a towering (active!) volcano and a large lake. Both landscape features are named "Batur," and their pairing makes for dramatic scenery. The two also offer an array of adventures for intrepid travelers. You can hike up Mount Batur for a bird's eye view or take a boat out on the water. Many travelers recommend hiring a local guide once you reach one of the six small lakeside towns or arranging a daytrip through your hotel in advance. You should also not miss Pura Ulun Danau Batur, one of Bali's most important temples, which is located on the lake's northwest shore.

You can reach the Kintamani area via bus from the Batubulan terminal in Denpasar for around 25,000 IDR (about $2.75 USD), but this is a notoriously slow option. It's best to book a direct shuttle or daylong tour from a major tourist center on Bali. Due to the elevation, the weather here can be noticeably cooler than at the beaches, so pack layers. Kintamani has several villages that can provide affordable accommodations and dining options, should you wish to stick around for lunch or stay overnight.

7. Kuta

Touristy? Yes. Fun? Absolutely. Kuta has swiftly become Bali's most popular beach town, and with that title, comes the responsibility of feeding and entertaining flocks of visitors. Restaurants, bars, stores, spas, and even a water park provide travelers with numerous diversions during the day and night. Still, the number-one attraction is Kuta Beach. The town's long sandy shore is a prime playground for surfers, sunbathers, swimmers, kite-flyers, and more. This isn't the isolated Balinese beach that you've dreamt about, but it has plenty going for it.

Kuta is only a short car ride (about 10 minutes) from Ngurah Rai International Airport and (about 20 minutes) from Sanur. You can take advantage of Kuta's beach, nightlife, and shopping options at any time. Because Kuta is a competitive area for local businesses, you'll find some of the lowest prices on spa treatments and tourist souvenirs. 

8. Sanur

Sanur Beach attracts both locals and tourists alike with its soft sand and quaint boardwalk. Lacking the activity of rowdy KutaBeach, these sands offer gentle surf that families with small children will really appreciate. The shore's accessibility and conveniently located eateries and shops make an appealing option. As one TripAdvisor user says, "Where else can you rent a beach chair for $1 a day, sip fresh tropical juices while you watch the waves, and dine with your feet in the sand?"

You'll find this beach in the town of Sanur. Located along Bali's southern coastline, Sanur hosts numerous luxury hotel properties and is within a 30 minute car ride of Kuta, Denpasar, and Ngurah Rai International Airport. You can use the beach free of charge all day, every day.

9. Nusa Dua

On the eastern side of the Bukit Peninsula, Nusa Dua is a tourist hub. With several golf courses, numerous spas, and a handful of luxury resorts (including the St. Regis and Conrad Bali), this region competes with Jimbaran for wealthy patrons. However, all of the amenities and facilities can make Nusa Dua seem too artificial for some visitors. You won't find an abandoned coastline or a small fishing village here. Still, Geger Beach (the area's public shore) receives rave reviews from tourists. One TripAdvisor user says, "The white sand is so soft; the blue pristine water is calm, which is excellent for swimming."

You can reach Nusa Dua from Kuta, Jimbaran, or the airport via taxi. You'll find extensive shopping and dining options, so be sure to bring your wallet.

10. Besakih Temple

Sitting on the slope of Mount Agung, Besakih Temple is a popular stop for travelers. Called the "Mother Temple of Bali," the island's largest Hindu site boasts more than 18 shrines and sanctuaries. Besakih Temple is one of Bali's holiest rites, and visitors regularly see religious processions and services taking place. Travelers also savor the breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.

While Besakih Temple's thousand-year history, picturesque vistas, and remarkable structures draw numerous tourists, travelers express mixed sentiments about their visit. Its popularity has attracted tourist scams and beggars, which detracts from site's serene atmosphere. One TripAdvisor user describes, "First locals tried to con us into buying sarongs; furthermore, we're confronted by a 'mafia like' gang of locals asking for exorbitant donations."

Unfortunately, an unpleasant experience can start even before you arrive. Most travelers hire drivers to bring them inland to the Besakih Village (about 2.5 hours from Sanur by car), and these chauffeurs can charge ludicrous amounts. Additionally, visitors have been known to pay a wide range of fees for entrance and tour guides. Don't let locals hassle you. The normal admission price is 10,000 IDR (about $1.10 USD). For tourists, Besakih Temple is open to the public from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day. Consult your hotel concierge for a recommended car service and tour guide.