10 of the Top Things to Do in Bali

I already know I’m returning to Bali in the future. There’s just too much to see and do! One week based in Canggu was the perfect introduction but definitely not enough. Elissa and I packed quite a bit into that week while simultaneously trying to relax. However, there are still some things we missed or chose not to do due to time. To make your planning easier, I came up with a few of the top things to do in Bali. These are things I either did or want to do on a return trip!

1. See the monkeys | There are a few options for this. You can check out the Monkey Forest (which quite a few of my friends were enthusiastic fans of), hope they don’t steal your glasses at Uluwatu, or catch them just waking up on Mt. Batur.

2. Hike Mt. Batur to see the sunrise. | Trust me, the views are worth the 2 am wake up call! Elissa talked me into hiking it when we went, and while I died a little walking up and fell most of the way down, I do not regret it one bit. The sense of accomplishment coupled with being awake for the sunrise was such an adrenaline rush.

3. Stay somewhere luxurious. | Bali is filled with these gorgeous villas and resorts for a fraction of what they’d cost elsewhere. While I’ve experienced staying in a retreat, I’d love to indulge a little and stay somewhere truly luxurious on my next trip. Just look at all these listings on Agoda!

4. Try surfing. | I decided next time I’m in Bali, I’m going to suck it up and learn how to surf. Canggu is literally known for surfing, and all I did was sit there and take photos of surfers… Definitely going to change that next trip.

5. Visit a temple… or two or three. | What’s a visit to an Asian country without a visit to its temples? Always remember to be respectful with how you dress and act. Bali has quite a few major temples spread out throughout the island, like Uluwatu, Pura Tanah Lot, or Taman Ayun. You can’t go wrong with any or all of them.

6. Head to the beach for a day of relaxation. | It’s easy to be really active in Bali because everything is so beautiful, but you should definitely take a day to just enjoy the beach! Grab lunch nearby, rent a chair, and enjoy the setting. If you like beer, try the famous Bintang.

7. Take advantage of mountain biking! | If you thought the Ubud Rice Terraces were a little too touristy for you, then I fully recommend mountain biking through central Bali. You’ll see gorgeous views for days without competing with a crowd. We partnered with The Chillhouse’s Bali Bikes for my 40 km birthday ride, and while I was wildly unprepared, I had a blast.

8. Get a Balinese massage. | Do it, especially after the hiking, biking, and surfing! Heck, get one every day if you want.

9. Try some yoga. | Another thing you have to try is some yoga. A year ago I promised myself to try yoga classes in every new country I went to, and for some reason, I have not stuck to that promise this year at all. I’d definitely sign up to try some on a return trip.

10. Eat some seriously delicious Balinese cuisine. | I was personally a huge fan of the sate and peanut sauce. Like maybe a little too in love… I still dream about the food sometimes, and I didn’t think I’d enjoy anything more than the banh mi in Vietnam! CNN has a list of food to try to get you started.

What would you add to the list? I’m already ready to go back!

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