Top 10 things to do on Bali

With its exotic nature, friendy people and amazing atmosphere, Bali is one the most awesome travel destinations. It’s mysterious temples, legends and magical spirit are the perfect surrounding for Bali detox, meditation, yoga and a true break from the day to day life.

Besides sunbathing on the beach, relaxing, surfing and swimming there are many interesting things to do on Bali.

You can:

#1 Refresh yourself with a coconut drink

The average temperatures on Bali are around 30 degrees, though it can get a lot cooler in the mountains. Still, while on the beach or just strolling around, you have to treat yourself with a freshly cut coconut drink. I promise you, it will taste like nothing you’ve ever tried.

#2 Start new day with a morning yoga class

The Guardian named it one of the top 10 yoga retreats in the world. With its beautiful scenery and tranquility Bali is just perfect for practicing yoga and meditation. You can choose from any form or style and I guarantee you, you will find (at least some of the) inner peace.

#3 Visit the Tanah Lot Temple

The Tanah Lot temple is well known among the tourist, so it can get pretty crowded. But still, it’s a must see, when you visit Bali. I recommend you visit it early in the morning to escape the crowds and the heat. There is an entrance fee though, 30.000 rp per person (about 1,9 EUR) and a parking fee as well (motorcycle 0,1 EUR, car 0,3 EUR).

#4 Have a splash at the Waterbom Bali water park

Even though you probably will not get enough of the beautiful Bali beaches, you should definitely visit the Waterbom Bali water park. It’s just 10 minutes from Seminyak and it offers a whole lot of fun for the whole family and everybody, who loves water. With its 13 rides, from Twin racers to Lazy River, you will spend an unforgettable day of wet fun.

#5 Walk through the water garden of the Tirta Gangga

The Tirta Gangga used to be a royal palace. Now it’s an amazing water palace with pools and fountains, in the village of Ababi, about 20 minutes km Candi Dasa. Many people believe it’s one of the best sceneries in Bali. It is extremely peaceful and relaxing as well. Even though it’s quite small, you can easily spend a few hours sitting on the bench and just thinking. It’s also a great photo opportunity, so be sure you take your camera. don’t forget your camera.

#6 Stroll along the Sanur beach

Sanur is a quiet and peaceful village about half an hour from Ngurah Rai International Airport. The beach is protected by a coral reef and when the tide is low, you will not be able to swim. At high tide the swimming is perfect. The Sanur beach is most peaceful in the morning, when you can experience a great sunrise and wait for the locals to come by afterwards.

#7 Experience the mysterious healing powers of the Tamba Waras Temple

There is an ancient legend, saying that the Tamba Waras temple was seu tup on the site, where the Tabanan kong’s men found a cure for his illness. The king fell very ill and an old tale told the men they would find the cure if they followed the smoke. They went searching and they saw smoke, twirling from a coconut. In the vicinity they found the cure, took it to their king and the king recovered. The meaning of the temple is »get normal again« and it’s almost like an universal pharmacy. People visit the Tamba Waras temple for its healing powers and so should you.

#8 Have a drink at the Rock bar Kuta

The Rock bar in Kuta is also a »must visit«. It sits on a 14 m high natural rock, overlooking the ocean. It’s open daily from 4 pm, but the best experience is at the sunset or in the evening, when the bar is also the busiest. Dress code applies and you have to take a cable car to get there.

#9 Spoil yourself with a Balinese massage and frangipani oil

Unlike traditional Thai massage, the Balinese massage is not painful. On the contrary, it can be very gentle and includes a lot of rubbing, stroking, percussion and essential oils. There are numerous spas and massage places, but Lonely Planet selected the best.

#10 Stay with a Balinese family for a night or two

If you truly want to feel Bali and its people, you need to stay with a Balinese family in their own home, eat their home-cooked food and follow their daily rhythm. You will eat breakfast with them, visit the market, make some offerings, go to the rice fields, dance the Balinese dances and spend some time with authentic Balinese locals. Perhaps you make a friend for life.