Experience vibrant culture, embark on outdoor adventures, or simply recharge on the idyllic Indonesian island.
Unwind on stunning beaches.
The best place for that is on one of the island’s manybeautiful beaches.
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See the kecak dance at Uluwatu Temple.
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The centuries-old Uluwatu Temple is famous for several reasons.
You’ll undoubtedly encounter the wily macaques that have been known to snatch sunglasses from tourists.
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It’s a singular experience and not to be missed.
Cycle through rice fields.
To get off the beaten track, consider an epic bike ride that includes lesser known rice paddies.
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Book a Balinese massage.
Go chasing waterfalls.
A few miles away, Kanto Lampo is a smaller but broad and picturesque waterfall.
Tegallalang rice terraces in Bali, Indonesia.Matteo Colombo/Getty Images
Tukad Cepung, partially hidden in a cave, feels rather magical.
Meet macaques in Ubud’s Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary.
Always follow the forests visiting guidelines, including maintaining a safe distance and not bringing in food.
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Take a cooking class at Bali Asli.
Themed classes do way more than teach participants to make a local dish or two.
Visit a water temple.
Tibumana Waterfall near Ubud in Bali.Rizky Panuntun/Getty Images
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You cant visit Bali without getting wet (swimwear is nonnegotiable on thepacking list).
Sarongs, which are required to enter the site, are available to use for a small fee.
Tour the workshop of sustainable jewelry brand John Hardy.
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Courtesy of John Hardy
Internationally acclaimed fine jewelry brandJohn Hardyhas its headquarters and workshop just outside of Ubud.
Reserve a jewelry master class to dive even deeper into the craft.
Two additional Bali boutiques include a concept store near Petitenget Beach with a gallery, restaurant, and bar.
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Do sunrise yoga at Uluwatu.
Go horseback riding on the beach.
Lessons for all levels are available, from an introduction to the basics to a three-day horse whisperer course.
Tirta Empul Temple.Balázs Németh/Getty Images
Have a plant-based meal at Tanaman.
Join a batik-dyeing workshop.
There are evenhalf-day batik classesthat combine botany lessons with instruction on wax-resist designs and indigo dyeing.
A jewelry master class at John Hardy Kapal Bamboo Boutique & Workshop.Courtesy of John Hardy
Hike up a volcano at sunrise.
Take a surf lesson.
Beginners should head to Batu Bolong in Canggu or Padang Padang near Uluwatu.
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Dozens of nearby surf schools offer lessons on paddling out to the break and popping up like a pro.
They also have boards for rent when you’re ready to practice your new skills on your own.
Reset at a luxury resort.
Courtesy of Salty Cowboy
Have brunch at Mandapa.
Book a reservation for the restaurant’s Sunday brunch, an unlimited buffet with live cooking stations.
Swim in Bambu Indahs riverside pools.
Courtesy of Potato Head
Climb up to the “Gate of Heaven” at Pura Lempuyang Luhur.
The sacred hilltop site is in the island’s east and visiting is an incredible experience.
After tying on a sarong, you’ll climb myriad staircases through the complex and up into the clouds.
A Batik class at Threads of Life.Courtesy of Threads of Life
Shop for artisan-made goods at Sukawati Art Market.
Experience a Melukat ceremony.
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Bali is beautiful in its singular traditions, beliefs, and rituals.
Mount Batur at sunrise.John Crux Photography/Getty Images
Go whitewater rafting down the Ayung River.
Soak in hidden hot springs.
If you’re close to Lovina, visit Banjar hot spring.
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Hop over to Nusa Penida, Bali’s Black Magic Island.
Several speedboat companies operate from Sanur (about a 45-minute ride) and Kusamba (about 20 minutes).
A villa at Raffles Bali.Courtesy of Raffles Bali
Courtesy of Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve
Courtesy of Bambu Indah
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Nusa Penida’s Diamond Beach.Olga Gorkun/Getty Images
