After my recent solo travels to Bali, I can now see why everyone goes. Bali is a small island that attracts BIG crowds every year. There is so much to do and see, so, I have compiled the top 10 things to do in Bali to make it easier for you.
1. Mount Batur Sunrise Hike
Prepare for an early wake up! In my experience, I was picked up from my accommodation in Ubud at 2:15am. The drive to the start of the Mount Batur hike from Ubud was around 2 hours – enough time to catch up on some Z’s.
From the starting point, it takes approximately 2 hours to hike to the top including rest breaks. Keep in mind, it is still pitch black and cold at this time of the morning. You will also be given torches to light up the uneven and rocky volcanic path.
Once you reach the top, it will all have been worth it. Watch the sun paint warm strikes of reds, oranges and yellows and appreciate the view you have worked so hard to witness.
On the trek down, it will be daytime so you can see clearly all the magnificent scenery you missed when it was dark.
2. Silver Jewellery Making Class
I didn’t know silver jewellery making for tourists was a thing in Bali. Until I was researching things to do and came across it, I thought what a great way to learn about the jewellery making process and also make your own souvenir!
There are a few different places you can do this. I took my class in Ubud and had a really great experience.
First, you will be shown some designs (I made a ring). Choose your design and then the process begins! The entire time, you will be supervised and assisted to measure and melt down your silver, shape it, solder it, size it, polish it and I know there’s a lot more to it but voila! In just 1 hour you have a beautiful, shiny ring. Even if you don’t wear silver jewellery this is a great souvenir for yourself or a gift for someone else.
3. Campuhan Ridge Walk
The Campuhan Ridge walk is a luscious, green walk featuring views of rice paddies in Ubud. Along the way, smile at locals as they carry out their daily lives and appreciate the calm of nature.
If you get hungry, there are many restaurants lining the pathway offering views over the rice paddies where you can sit, sip on a coconut and just relax.
Hot tip: Don’t forget your sunscreen and bug spray!
4. Coffee Plantation
Attention coffee (and tea) lovers! This one’s for you. Whilst visiting Bali, I went to Agro Santi Coffee Plantation. Here, we tasted 13 different cups of delicious but unusual coffee and tea. Just to name a few, Avocado coffee was a crowd favourite, whilst the Mangosteen tea was my personal fave. For the really adventurous coffee drinkers they also offer Luwak coffee to try!
5. Tegallalang Rice Terrace
In my opinion, you can’t go to Bali and not visit a rice terrace. In particular, Tegallalang Rice Terrace, a busy but beautiful area to wander around and take in the views from above and below.
There are also some paid extras you can do here such as the swing, where you can sway amongst the ever green terraces.
6. Markets
I went to markets in both Ubud and Uluwatu. To be honest, a lot of them are selling the same thing but for some reason, wherever I am in the world, I cannot walk passed somewhere selling souvenirs with out having a look – it’s like a force that pulls me in every single time.
That said, I found some great pieces from the markets including my now favourite bikini, gorgeous gold hoops and of course a fridge magnet.
7. Nusa Lembongan
Nusa Lembongan is a smaller but nonetheless beautiful island off Bali. Just a 30 minute fast boat from Sanur, Nusa Lembongan is home to blue water, ocean view restaurants, stunning beaches and idyllic sunsets.
The island itself is very hilly so it is not suitable to walk around even though it is so small. Instead, hire a scooter or have a taxi on speed dial. When I was there, the going rate seemed to be 150,000 IDR to get anywhere on the island.
8. Nusa Penida
Nusa Penida is right next to Nusa Lembongan. I recommend a day trip here to see all the best sights including Kelingking beach and Broken beach. Again, this island is quite hilly, therefore a day trip in an air-conditioned car is well worth it!
A highlight for me was seeing Kelingking beach in real life. It was always something I had seen pictures of my whole life either on Instagram or just as a default computer background. I can confirm, it is just like the pictures – stunning but with many tourists (and monkeys)!
9. Snorkelling
Another popular activity to do in Bali is snorkelling with manta rays. Unfortunately, this time the manta rays had left before we had the chance to jump in. However, it was made up for when I got to swim with a very friendly turtle and many colourful fish!
A bonus on my snorkelling tour was that our guide captured amazing footage and underwater photos of us with their GoPro.
10. Pilates at Ulu Cliffhouse
One thing about me is I love pilates. Before my trip I stumbled across Ulu Cliffhouse in Uluwatu. Here, they offer an outdoor morning pilates class overlooking the ocean with breakfast included. Pretty much sums up my perfect morning.
The pilates class felt harder in Bali humidity but looking out to the view made it all worth it. Afterwards, I enjoyed a nutritious breakfast with a coconut and also another choice of 2 drinks to fuel my body after the session.
I highly recommend this experience if you also love pilates and ocean views – one of my favourite experiences by far!
Let me know in the comments below your Bali highlights. Or, what are you excited to do most from this list when you go?
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