Discover one of the most iconic and romantic destinations worldwide just three hours from Singapore. From majestic beaches and jungles, cheap exotic villas, dreamy temples, surfing and plenty of instagrammable corners…Bali is the ultimate holiday destination for people of all ages. So we’ve created a Bali bucket list for you – here’s 28 of the best things to do in Bali this year.
1. Zoom down slides as Asia’s best waterpark
Asia’s top-voted waterpark is Waterbom in Bali. The botanical waterpark is located in the heart of Kuta surrounded by jungle. Visitors can zoom down world-class slides and soak up the fun with a number of exciting attractions, from a swim-up bar to delicious food, shaded gazebo areas, and more. Certainly, one of the best things to do in Bali for a few hours.
2. Party at the world’s best beach club
There is no better place in the world than Bali to experience the ultimate beach club culture. Soak up the sunshine at the voted world’s best beach club Finns Beach Club in Canggu, or sip cocktails at Potato Head Beach Club and Cafe Del Mar, head to the glittering Oneeighty Dayclub in Uluwatu, or catch a sunset at La Brisa, to name a few beach clubs. No matter where you go, you’ll have a good time!
3. Swim with dolphins
Ever wanted to swim with dolphins? Well there are many tours offering an iconic swimming with dolphins or dolphin watching experience in North Bali. Be treated to a morning show in the Lovina sea at sunrise on boats equipped with hammocks and 360-degree views of the beautiful sea. To swim with dolphins, you’ll be pulled by the boat while exotic dolphins swim past you with charter companies such as Dolphin Lovina Tour. An exhilarating experience if you ask us!
4. Go on a thrilling outdoor adventure in Ubud
Ubud is located in the centre of Bali. It’s known for exotic rice paddies, rainforests, temples, and an array of adrenaline-pumping outdoor activities through the jungles. Adventure seekers will adore the quad biking around the lush landscape, water rafting down ancient rivers, hiking through secret places, and more.
5. Take a dip in a beautiful infinity pool
Gaze at a spectacular view while swimming around one of Bali’s best infinity pools. Some of our favourites include the magical Hanging Gardens in Ubud, Jimbaran’s luxurious ANAYA facing the ocean, the breathtaking Oneeight infinity pool in Uluwata, oceanfront The Lawn in Canggu, to name a few. Certainly, one of the best bucket list things to do in Bali.
6. See Bali’s abandoned planes
One of the most popular things to do in Bali is to see a number of exotic abandoned planes around the island. For example, an old Boeing 737 plane on a clifftop at Nyang Nyang Beach has been turned into a luxurious villa and it’s quickly become of the most instagrammable places in Bali.
7. Explore Nusa Islands
The three stunning islands of Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan are unmissable while in Bali. Relax at Dream Beach or The Blue Lagoon and even visit one of the most unusual instagrammable places in Asia – Angel’s Billabong Ocean Pool.
8. Admire the view at Kelingking Viewpoint
Located in Nusa Penida, this gorgeous white sand beach and clifftops is one of the most famous photographed places in Bali. The hike is very steep but it’s worth the trek to snap the most rewarding photos on earth.
9. Climb Mount Batur for sunrise
Mount Batur is the second largest active volcano in Bali popular with hikers wanting to experience the most authentic sunrises. You can go with a tour guide or group to trek the two hour hike to the top which is almost 6,000 feet above sea level. Certainly, an ig-worthy thing to do in Bali. The last volcanic eruption was in 2000, so we don’t think you need to worry.
10. Wander the famous Tegalalang Rice Terraces
This valley of green rice fields situated on a terraced hilltop in Ubud is a must-visit on your Bali vacation. Tegalalang Rice Terraces are famous rice paddies are innovatively planted in terraces which offers a unique dreamy setting to admire.
11. Get a picture on the Bali Swing
While visiting the Tegalalang Rice Terraces, you must get your picture on the famous Ubud Swing. It remains one of the most popular instagrammable places globally. Sway above the green jungle on a range of swings including a one-of-a-kind nest. Indeed, a tourist trap but we’ll do anything for a gram-approved picture.
12. Snap a selfie with a monkey
Another one for your Bali bucket list is Monkey Forest Ubud. See more than 1,000 cute monkeys at this beautiful forest and temple sanctuary in Padangtegal Ubud. However, the monkeys may look cute but beware as they are known to steal from visitors, so be sure to bring only essentials. In fact, the monkeys are trained to take selfies with people!
13. Be mesmerised by Handara Gate
This dreamy entrance to a golf course has become a hotspot for tourists in recent years. The popular Handara Gate is the perfect place to capture an insta-worthy shot amongst mother nature.
14. Snorkel with turtles
Discover adorable green sea turtles on Gili Trawangan which is one of the world’s best snorkeling experiences. Plus, the Gili Islands are one of the best islands escapes from Singapore.
15. See Rumah Pohon Treehouse
This surreal treehouse is located at Atuh Beach in Nusa Penida. The hike is a little steep to Rumah Pohon Treehouse but the views are unbeatable when you reach the top offering the perfect backdrop for pictures. Beware the queues for this treehouse are often long and it is a little pricey.
16. Stay in a luxurious villa
Surprisingly, Bali has a host of lush but cheap accommodations whether you’re travelling solo or with a group. Think jungle treehouses, seaside bungalows and romantic huts with pools, to name a few. Expect to pay at the very least $30 per person a night. Check out Airbnb for inspiration.
17. Visit a traditional market
With hundreds of markets across Bali…you’ll be spoilt for choice. Expect to find gems like authentic clothing, handcrafted goods, fresh food and much more. Highlights include Kuta markets, Canggu weekend markets, The Art Market in Kumbasari, to name a few.
18. Swing into the air at Wanagiri Hidden Hills
Another one of the rarest instagrammable places in Asia. If you’ve seen this famous tourist attraction on social media, we bet you’re dying to visit Wanagiri Hidden Hills. There’s a variety of unique swing sets overlooking the charming lake that are essential for selfies. Conveniently, this is near the rice fields mentioned above.
19. Experience a Balinese sunset
Bali is known for its magical sunsets. Luckily, there are hundreds of peaceful places to admire a Balinese sunset. Particularly, travellers love Rock Bar for cocktails with a sunset view, along with Sumberkima Hill, Uluwata Temple and just about any beach is superb.
20. Chase wonderful waterfalls
Why not chase some of the greatest waterfalls on the planet? For instance, Tegenungan is the largest waterfall in Bali and a popular tourist attraction. It sits near a brand new day club where you can relax with a drink if you get bored.
21. Stay in the jungle
Why not spend one night sleeping in the jungle for the ultimate Bali experience? For example, the Hideout Bali boasts gorgeous bamboo huts that are like something out of fairytale and offer the perfect respite for couples or solo travellers.
22. Visit an exotic temple
No visit to Bali would be complete without seeing a cultural temple. Think Ulun Danu Bratan Temple where it looks like it’s floating on Lake Beratan or Uluwata Temple which is wonderful for sunsets.
23. Go cafe-hopping around Canggu
Canggu’s hipster community is home to a laid-back collection of popular eateries serving delicious breakfasts, those instagrammable smoothie bowls and more. Definitely, a must-visit for foodies in Bali.
24. Learn to surf
Bali is one of the top destinations globally for surfing. Particularly, Echo Beach at Canggu is perfect for learners. Meanwhile, there’s a range of water activities to keep you entertained.
25. Swim with Manta Rays
Both Nusa Penida and Lembongan offer the opportunity to swim with breathtaking Manta Rays. Indeed, a magical experience for ocean lovers and one of the best things to do in Bali.
26. Order a floating breakfast
Of course, Bali is the home of floating breakfasts so it’s essential you order one. Almost every hotel and resort will offer you a delightful floating breakfast as Bali is where it was birthed. Alternatively, there are lots of brunch restaurants such as the exotic Cabina Bali whipping them up too.
27. Soak up the sun at Bali’s best beaches
Bali offers some of the best beaches in the world. From Uluwatu to Kuta Beach, Seminyak Beach, Nusa Dua, and so much more…each beach offers diverse and all-rounded activities. Stay for sunset and make a silhouette with your bestie or bae at places such as the world-famous Ombak Sunset beach swings and Gili Island hammocks. Obviously, this is unmissable for photo enthusiasts.
28. Dive into a flower bath
Indulge in a unique flower bath experience while visiting Bali. There are plenty of places offering a spa experience where you can dive into a pool of petals both indoors and outdoors across Bali. The choice is yours! Karsa Spa (pictured) is one of of our favourite blissful Flower Bath ritual experiences.
Tips for Bali
Secret Singapore advises downloading apps such as Gojek and Grab to get around Bali as traffic is hectic. Plus, it’s difficult to walk around. Be sure to get currency here in Singapore instead of when you land. Most places in Bali take card but it’s best to have cash for markets or street food stalls.
SEE MORE: The Best Solo Travel Destinations Near Singapore