12 Best things to do in Bali

Bali, an Indonesian island famous for its magnificent beaches, coral reefs, volcanic highlands, temples, rice paddies, silver jewellery, and Luwak Coffe; is a break for anyone wanting to get away from the hectic city life. The island is alive and vibrant, with family temples, cultural parks, cliffside religious sites, busy bars, and numerous meditation retreats. While there is a surfeit of things to do on this effervescent island, here is a list of the top things you should not miss while you are here.

Making of the Balinese Batik

Balinese Batik is conjoined with the nation’s traditional and cultural lifestyle. Whatever street or lane you stroll down, you’ll discover a wide variety of Batik men’s and women’s clothing hanging on the racks. The majority of the inhabitants, and even tourists, are clad in Batik. It not only reflects the national ensemble, but it is also one of the most comfortable and colourful fabrics you can wear. On my trip to Mount Batur, I stopped by Sari Amerta Batik Collection in Gianyar, where I was able to see the making process of this lovely “drawing with wax” fabric art.

It’s great to observe the quilting process. According to what I’ve learned, weavers employ a lot of dots and lines to create complicated patterns while creating traditional art on cloth. When in Bali, stop by one of the Batik Boutiques to learn about the technique, and don’t forget to buy some Batik prints to obtain a true sense of the country.

Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park

As soon as you land at Bali International Airport, you will see the massive silhouette of the GWK monument. “What is that big statue?” you will wonder as soon as you step out of the airport. When I eventually visited the cultural park, I have to admit that the size of this statue overwhelmed me. The Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park, dedicated to Hindu Lord Vishnu and his steed, his friend, the mythical bird, Garuda, will take you on an epic voyage if you explore it the right way. First and foremost, abandon the shuttle! Especially if you’re looking for instagrammable photos.

Instead, walk up and make several pauses. You may not be able to span the entire 60-hectare in one visit, but that is all the more incentive to return to this location a few times to appreciate its grandeur. Furthermore, there are several activities available to you while you are here. Take photos of the landmark 21-story monument, learn about history, see traditional performances, engage in Yoga sessions, and buy food and souvenirs. If you want to beat the heat, have a couple of beers – my personal favourite is the stout! Most significantly, if you have the opportunity, witness the spectacular Balinese Kecak dance at the in-house amphitheatre.

Watch Kecak Dance

Kecak Dance is one of the most outstanding activities that showcase Bali’s distinct culture. The music of Kecak will envelop your senses like a trance for roughly an hour. Throughout, numerous performers emerge on stage as various characters from the Ramayana; the renowned Sanskrit epic of ancient India. The original Ramanaya story, which dates back to 500 BC, involves Ram’s quest to rescue his adored bride Sita from Ravana with the assistance of a monkey army.

Because this dance genre does not comprise speech, it is better to read the epic before watching the performance. Be prepared, to be captivated by the costumes, makeup, and rhythm of the performers. The Kecak dance form is a Bali tradition that will leave you silent and your spirit awakened.

Visit Balinese Beaches

Bali’s postcard-perfect milky white beaches are what make this island such a sensational voyage. The Indonesian aquamarine will catch up with you no matter where you go. Furthermore, the island has a tourist vibe and a strong surf culture, so finding a quiet frill ain’t challenging. Bali’s stunning beaches attract swimmers and divers, but even if you aren’t a water baby, you will be attracted to their tranquillity for the love of the ideal beach scenery. There’s a lot to do in Bali, with so many beaches!

You may go surfing, relax under umbrellas, participate in water sports, get tanned, go souvenir shopping, watch sunsets, or just play on the milky white sand. Whatever activity you select, Bali will rekindle a lyrical romance. Kuta Beach, Sanur Beach Harbour, Kelingking Beach, Angel’s Billabong, Broken Beach, Crystal Bay, Dream Beach, and Tanjung Benoa Beach are among the beaches I suggest.

Trace Balinese Temple Trail

One common aspect that prevails across Balinese Temples is its stacked up architecture. These slender structures are unlike any other temples you will see in the rest of Asia. That is why they are both intriguing and compelling! According to legend, this piled gravel is an acknowledged emblem with a special spiritual meaning. While each stone is devoted to a separate god, the totem as a whole is considered the pinnacle of the collective sacred force.

Trace the Balinese Temple Trail while in Bali, and if you want to do it like a local, you may even leave flower offerings while clothed in a sarong. An odd truth is that, in addition to flowers, Balinese people also offer cigarettes to the Gods. Even though the island is home to over 10,000 temples, two must-sees are the Ulun Danu Beratan Temple and the floating Temple of Tanah Lot.

Watch an Active or an Inactive Volcano

Some Bali tour providers will tell you that trekking an active volcano is one of the best unconventional activities on the island. While I don’t encourage getting too close to an active volcano, I believe it’s great to see one from afar. Among the 139 volcanoes in Indonesia, two are active and continue to be the most popular among tourists. These are Mount Batur and Mount Agung, respectively. Gunung Agung’s vast crater has been erupting since 2019 and is the island’s tallest volcanic mountain. Gunung Batur, on the other hand, was last spotted erupting with lava in the year 2000.

Each of these volcanoes is wrapped in black ash and continues to affect the climate of the surrounding area. Unlike in the movies, I did not expect Mount Batur to belch smoke when I visited Bali. Instead, I was relieved that the deep crater was shrouded in clouds at the moment, with drizzles keeping things light. Witnessing a live volcano erupt is as terrifying as watching a bomb explode. Even viewing the lava on TV may make you shiver, let alone see it in person. At its peak, the eruption can be particularly explosive.

Nonetheless, many people muster the courage to ascend Mount Batur’s hallowed pinnacle. While it may be an incredible experience, taking the risk in the first place requires a stomach. Mount Batur hasn’t erupted in the previous 19 years, but you never know when mother nature can strike. To remain safe, observe it from afar using binoculars to get an excellent picture of the crater opening.

Family Temples

With several sacred sites of worship, one unique characteristic that pervades Bali is its temple culture. Did you realise, though, that the preponderance of temples you see on the street are family temples? Yes, you read that correctly! Family temples are among the most beautiful architectural structures on each side of Bali streets. As each of these sacred buildings is bedecked with incredibly stunning embellishments, you could easily mistake it for a commercial temple. The Balinese family temples are a sight to behold, with colourful doorways and top coverings adorned with intriguing sculptures.

When you first encounter one of these temples, you will be wheedled to go inside and discover more of them. In terms of rituals, Balinese people offer daily prayers to sculptures inside these temples. A one-of-a-kind custom that enables them to maintain contact with both human and divine spirits or souls. These are private dwellings, and Balinese people are firmly protective of their family temples. So, unless you have the consent of the house owner, don’t try to walk inside one.

Buy Silver Jewellery

Jewellery in whatever form is a form of self-expression. As a result, most people opt for designs that best display their originality. While Bali is well-known for its beaches and temples, it is also the island country where you can get the finest silver jewellery. You may select from a myriad of designs ranging from tribal to ethnic.

However, keep an eye out for a 92.5 mark etched underneath these personal decorations. This symbol denotes the purity of the precious metal used in the earrings, bracelets, rings, or necklaces. These ornaments are a fantastic choice for a present, whether for yourself or a loved one.

Immerse in the Surf Culture

No vacation to Bali is complete unless you participate in at least one water activity. From Flying Fish to Fly Boarding, this island country offers a diverse selection of aquatic activities just waiting to be discovered.

Sea walking, sub wing, parasailing, rafting, canyon tubing, jet-skiing, snorkelling, kite surfing, scuba diving, and wakeboarding are a few of the most popular water sports.

Local Food Tasting

So to speak, Bali has a distinct gastronomic culture. Foodies who want their adrenaline pumping by trying strange and outrageous cuisine should try the Balinese Satay, which may be anything from skewered pork meat to chicken.

Try the Lawar, Betutu, juicy Babi Guling, Nasi Tepeng, Urab, Nasi Goreng, Sambal Udang, and Tempe Manis for authentic Indonesian food.

Try a Cup of Kopi Luwak

One of the most amazing things to do in Bali is to taste a hot cup of Kopi Luwak, the world’s most expensive coffee. After coffee growers established a unique method of getting the finest coffee in the world in the 18th century, this coffee became a favoured choice of the affluent. When Dutch coffee plantation owners forbade coffee producers from utilising the beans for personal use, they devised a workaround. As strange as it may sound, coffee producers began collecting the faeces of a cat-like nocturnal species known as Luwak.

The Luwak is said to consume the tastiest coffee cherries and then defecate out the partially digested coffee cherries. Farmers gathered the pooped out beans, which they washed and grounded for personal consumption. While the farmers may have created the world’s finest coffee by chance, the end effect is fantastic! Today, this civet coffee, also known as Kopi Luwak, is regarded as one of the most splendid in the world. This coffee is exorbitantly expensive on the market, with a selling price of €600 per kilogramme. However, because the coffee is from Bali, it’s the most suitable place to try or buy it.

Get a Balinese Massage

One of the finest experiences I had throughout my Bali vacation was a full-body Balinese massage. I tried this deep-tissue, holistic massage at M-Spa in Nusa Dua, Bali’s most extensive Spa facility. Most luxury hotels in Bali feature an in-house Spa with the finest of services.

Balinese massage is a combination of gentle stretches, reflexology, acupressure, and aromatherapy to increase blood flow, oxygen and Qi energy. Overall, the body massage produces a deep sensation of relaxation.