Bali: what's actually worth it
Bali, once a haven for royalty and spirituality, retains the sacred aura of its ancient temples that have shaped its soul; as you wander through Ubud's lush hills, you'll feel enveloped by the island’s vibrant creativity and deep sense of tradition, where friendly locals greet you with warm smiles and intricate offerings line the streets. Today, Bali is a dynamic blend of serene rice terraces and bustling beach clubs, making it both an enchanting retreat and a lively destination for travelers seeking cultural immersion and tropical bliss.
Top things to do in Bali
Tanah Lot
Hindu Temple · ★ 4.6 (102,742 reviews)
Traditional Balinese temple located on a small, rocky island & offering water vistas.
Check tours & tickets →Uluwatu Temple
Hindu Temple · ★ 4.6 (52,665 reviews)
Perched on a cliff, this ancient Hindu temple features ocean views & hosts traditional dance shows.
Check tours & tickets →Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary
Nature Preserve · ★ 4.5 (59,343 reviews)
Hindu temple complex set in the jungle, renowned for the macaque monkeys who call it home.
Check tours & tickets →Pura Tirta Empul
Hindu Temple · ★ 4.6 (30,385 reviews)
Hindu Balinese temple with a bathing area containing holy spring water for ritual purification.
Check tours & tickets →Tirta Gangga
Tourist Attraction · ★ 4.6 (23,052 reviews)
Elegant spiritual retreat & gardens surrounded by natural springs, with swimming & picnicking.
Check tours & tickets →Waterbom Bali
Water Park · ★ 4.7 (18,590 reviews)
Lively water park with a rides for all ages, plus restaurants, a food court & a swim-up bar.
Check tours & tickets →Taman Safari
Zoo · ★ 4.5 (24,443 reviews)
Family-friendly locale offering safaris for animal viewing, elephant rides & a water park.
Check tours & tickets →Bajra Sandhi Monument
Monument · ★ 4.6 (15,799 reviews)
Ornate, landmark monument to the Balinese people, with a grassy surrounding park.
Check tours & tickets →Bali Bird Park
Zoo · ★ 4.6 (14,260 reviews)
Animal park with exotic-bird shows, feedings & displays, plus reptiles, native plants & a cafe.
Check tours & tickets →Ubud Palace
Tourist Attraction · ★ 4.3 (19,809 reviews)
Iconic temple featuring art, Balinese dance performances in its courtyard & lush surrounds.
Check tours & tickets →Where to eat
This Is Bali - Balinese Food & Desserts
Indonesian Restaurant · ★ 4.9 (18,216 reviews)
Website →Warung Mak Beng
Restaurant · ★ 4.6 (22,508 reviews)
La Brisa Bali | Beach Club
Restaurant · ★ 4.6 (22,350 reviews)
Vibrant destination with pools & beach access offering global eats, shisha, coffee & cool cocktails.
Website →Naughty Nuri's Warung Seminyak
Barbecue Restaurant · ★ 4.7 (14,653 reviews)
Lively, popular chain outlet with understated decor & a terrace serving ribs & cocktails.
Website →Ling-Ling's Bali
Asian Restaurant · ★ 4.9 (9,381 reviews)
Contemporary Japanese & Korean fusion fare & cocktails served in a cool venue with colorful murals.
Website →Warung Nia Balinese Food & Pork Ribs
Indonesian Restaurant · ★ 4.8 (9,201 reviews)
Relaxed restaurant serving popular pork dishes including ribs & skewers, plus rijsttafel & stews.
Website →Boy'N'Cow
Steak House · ★ 4.8 (9,031 reviews)
Upmarket steakhouse serving familiar cuts & creative cocktails in a lofty, industrial-chic space.
Website →Naughty Nuri’s Warung, Sanur
Barbecue Restaurant · ★ 4.8 (5,645 reviews)
Website →Tours worth booking ahead
Get outside
Campuhan Ridge Walk
Hiking Area · ★ 4.3 (17,933 reviews)
Lush, scenic locale known for its mellow hiking trails & sweeping hilltop views.
Kanto Lampo Waterfall
Tourist Attraction · ★ 4.3 (7,383 reviews)
A wooded trail leads to this waterfall flowing down rocks to a small pool surrounded by foliage.
Website →Goa Rang Reng Waterfall
Tourist Attraction · ★ 4.7 (1,599 reviews)
Aan Secret Waterfall
Tourist Attraction · ★ 4.7 (499 reviews)
Tangkup Waterfall
Tourist Attraction · ★ 4.6 (478 reviews)
After dark
Potato Head Beach Club
cocktail_bar, live_music_venue · ★ 4.6 (24,165 reviews)
Happening beachfront venue offering an infinity pool, plus international fare, beer & cocktails.
Website →The Goat Seminyak
Pub · ★ 4.9 (9,688 reviews)
Website →La Favela
Restaurant · ★ 4.4 (21,075 reviews)
Latin-influenced dishes, like tacos & tostadas, served in a whimsical eatery with a bar & a patio.
Website →ShiShi Nightclub & Izakaya Lounge
Night Club · ★ 4.7 (10,218 reviews)
Eclectic Asian fare, cocktails & dancing offered in a 3-floor nightspot with stylish, modern decor.
Website →More guides
Amsterdam Aruba Asheville Athens Atlanta Austin Banff Bangkok Barcelona Berlin Boston Cabo San Lucas Cancún Charleston