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Verified · Apr 26, 2026

Things to do in Bali

12 named places across 7 neighborhoods — restaurants, sights, bars, cafés, parks, and shops. Specific recommendations, no generic filler.

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5 picks

Sights & landmarks in Bali.

The monuments, museums, and photo spots actually worth the queue.

Tanah Lot Temple

sight

A 16th-century Hindu temple perched on a large offshore rock formation, surrounded by crashing waves at high tide. Best visited in late afternoon for sunset views and photographs.

In Beraban, Tabanan

Tegallalang Rice Terraces

sight

Centuries-old terraced rice paddies carved into hillsides using the traditional subak irrigation system. Visitors can walk along the ridge paths and photograph the stepped landscape.

In Tegallalang, Ubud

Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary

sight

A nature reserve home to over 700 long-tailed macaques and three Hindu temples dating to the 14th century. The forest includes ancient banyan trees and stone pathways through the temple grounds.

In Padangtegal, Ubud

Uluwatu Temple

sight

An 11th-century clifftop temple standing 70 meters above the Indian Ocean on the southwestern tip of the Bukit Peninsula. The temple hosts nightly Kecak fire dance performances at sunset.

In Pecatu, South Kuta

Tirta Empul Temple

sight

A water temple built in 960 AD featuring natural spring water that flows through carved stone spouts into bathing pools. Local Balinese and visitors come here for purification rituals.

In Manukaya, Tampaksiring
3 picks

Where to eat in Bali.

Editor-picked restaurants from the neighborhood deep-dives — no tourist traps.

Locavore

restaurant

A fine dining restaurant opened in 2013 that sources ingredients from Bali and Indonesian islands to create modern tasting menus. Reservations are typically required several weeks in advance.

In Ubud

Warung Babi Guling Ibu Oka

restaurant

A family-run warung established in the 1960s specializing in babi guling, Balinese roast suckling pig served with rice, vegetables, and spiced meat. The original location sits near Ubud Palace.

In Ubud

Kou Cuisine

restaurant

A Japanese restaurant featuring sushi, sashimi, and grilled dishes in a minimalist dining room. The chef prepares omakase menus using imported and local seafood.

In Seminyak
1 picks

Bars & nightlife in Bali.

Where to drink, from aperitivo terraces to locals-only dive bars.

Potato Head Beach Club

bar

A beachfront venue opened in 2010 with an amphitheater-style pool, daybeds facing the ocean, and multiple bars. The location hosts international DJs and serves food throughout the day.

In Seminyak
2 picks

Cafés & coffee in Bali.

Morning stops, espresso counters, and bakery classics.

Seniman Coffee Studio

cafe

A specialty coffee roastery and cafe that sources beans from Indonesian islands and offers pour-over, espresso, and cold brew preparations. The space includes indoor and outdoor seating with views of rice fields.

In Ubud

Revolver Espresso

cafe

A Melbourne-style coffee shop established in 2011 serving espresso drinks and breakfast plates in a small, vintage-decorated space. Known for consistent coffee quality and long weekend queues.

In Seminyak
1 picks

Parks & green space in Bali.

Where to slow down, picnic, or escape the summer heat.

Campuhan Ridge Walk

park

A paved 2-kilometer walking trail along a narrow ridge between two river valleys, lined with tall grass and tropical vegetation. The relatively flat path offers views of the surrounding hills and is busiest at sunrise.

In Ubud

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Before you go
Book the rest of the trip.
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— FAQ

Planning Bali.

What are the top things to do in Bali?
We've listed 12 named places across 7 neighborhoods on this page — specific recommendations, not generic filler. The grouped sections (sights, food, bars, cafés, parks, shops) let you pick by intent. If you only have one day, work the "Sights & landmarks" list top-to-bottom.
How many days do you need in Bali?
Three full days is the honest floor for a first visit to Bali — enough to cover the essential sights without a march, plus two meals per day in different neighborhoods. Five days lets you add day trips. Anything less than three and you're queuing instead of experiencing.
Are guided tours in Bali worth booking?
For major sights with skip-the-line value (Vatican, Colosseum, Alhambra-tier queues) yes, almost always. For neighborhood walks — usually no, our free deep-dives cover the same ground in more honest detail. The CTAs on this page go to Expedia's tours inventory if you want to compare.
What's the best neighborhood to base yourself in Bali?
Depends on your trip style — our /hotels/bali page ranks the neighborhoods by price and vibe. Generally: central for first-timers, residential-adjacent for return visits, canal/waterfront if the city has one.
Are these recommendations updated?
This page was last refreshed on the date shown in the trust pill above. We're rolling out hand-vetted neighborhood deep-dives for Bali — until those land, the entries here are sourced from well-established places that have been operating for many years, but we recommend confirming opening hours and current operations before you go.

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