Seven Things to Do in Bali That Are Worth Your Time

If you only have a week in Bali, spend it on a mix of culture, scenery and beach time rather than chasing every viral spot. These seven things give you that balance, and most can be done from a base in Ubud, Seminyak or the Uluwatu side of the island.

Bali is small but traffic can be slow, so group nearby places on the same day. A private driver for the day is the usual way to do this, and it is often better value than it sounds when split between a few people.

Terraces, temples and sunsets

1. Walk the Tegalalang rice terraces

North of Ubud, the terraces of Tegalalang step down a green valley, and they are one of the most photographed views on the island. Go early in the morning, before the tour groups and the heat arrive. You can walk the paths between the paddies, stop at a cafe overlooking the valley, and try the swings and nests set up for photos if that appeals to you. Expect small entry or donation requests along the path.

2. Watch the sun go down at Tanah Lot

Tanah Lot is a Hindu sea temple built on a rock just off the coast on the west side. At high tide the temple is surrounded by water, and the cliffs around it fill with people at sunset. Arrive an hour or so before sunset, walk the cliff path and keep your expectations realistic about crowds. Visitors generally cannot enter the inner shrine, but the setting is the point.

3. See Uluwatu temple and a Kecak performance

Uluwatu temple sits on a high cliff at the southern tip of the Bukit peninsula, with the Indian Ocean far below. Late afternoon is the favourite time, because a Kecak fire dance is usually staged in the amphitheatre at sunset. Do mind the macaques here. They snatch sunglasses, phones and loose items, so keep things zipped away.

Sunrise and sacred water

4. Climb Mount Batur for sunrise

This is the early start people either love or regret. Most trips leave the Ubud area around the middle of the night, and the hike up Mount Batur takes roughly two hours for a reasonably fit walker. Sunrise over the caldera and Lake Batur is the reward, often with a simple breakfast at the top. It is steep and loose underfoot in places, so wear proper shoes and carry a light jacket. Check current conditions with your hotel, as volcanic activity can affect access.

5. Take a dip at Tirta Empul

Tirta Empul in Tampaksiring is a working water temple, where Balinese Hindus come to take part in a purification ritual. Visitors can take part too, if they dress modestly in a sarong and follow the guidance of the staff. Even if you prefer to watch, the stone spouts, the carved gates and the quiet courtyards make it a calm stop. Treat it as a place of worship first and a photo spot second.

Islands and beaches

6. Spend a day at a Nusa Penida viewpoint

Nusa Penida is a short boat ride from the Sanur or Padang Bai side, and its cliffs, including the famous Kelingking viewpoint, look like something from a poster. It is a long day, with rough roads and plenty of walking, so go in comfortable shoes and with a good driver. If you are not keen on boats or steep paths, skip it without guilt and give that day to Ubud instead.

7. Do nothing at a beach in the evening

After a few busy days, spend one evening just sitting on the sand. Seminyak is the usual choice for sunset drinks and a relaxed dinner, while Kuta is livelier and more budget-friendly. Water sports around Tanjung Benoa, such as parasailing and banana boats, are available if you want something more active. Always follow the flags and the lifeguards, as currents can be strong on the west-facing beaches.

How to fit these into a week

A simple way to organise things:

1. Days 1 to 3 in Ubud: Tegalalang, Tirta Empul and the Batur sunrise.
2. Days 4 to 5 near Seminyak or Canggu: Tanah Lot and beach time.
3. Days 6 to 7 on the Bukit side: Uluwatu and, if you wish, Nusa Penida.

Visa and entry rules for Indonesia can change, so confirm the current requirements for Indian passport holders on the official source or with us before you book. Dress modestly at temples, and expect to be asked to cover your shoulders and knees.

If you are still deciding where to base yourself, our first-timer's guide to Bali compares the main areas. You can also read more about the country on our Indonesia page, and couples can look at our honeymoon trips for slower, more private versions of this plan.

Take a look at our trips to Bali if you would like these seven things arranged for you.