15 Best Things to Do in Bali (2026 Guide)
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15 Best Things to Do on the Tropical Island of Bali for Children and Adults

Ekaterina Bocharova The author of the article, the Broker
#Blog DDA
20 January 252 view

Bali is often seen as a destination for surfers, digital nomads, and couples — but in reality, it’s one of the most versatile destinations in Southeast Asia.

You can spend the morning at a temple, the afternoon at a beach club, and the next day exploring waterfalls or wildlife with kids.

This guide covers the best things to do in Bali, combining Bali activities, family-friendly experiences, and must-see attractions.

1. Visit Ubud Monkey Forest

One of the most famous Bali attractions — but not just a tourist park.

  • jungle pathways and temples
  • around 1000–1200 macaques
  • cultural and spiritual site

Important:

  • not a zoo
  • monkeys can steal glasses, phones, or food
  • follow safety rules

Time needed: 1–2 hours
Best for: families, first-time visitors

2. Watch Kecak Dance at Uluwatu Temple

One of the most iconic cultural experiences in Bali.

  • sunset over cliffs
  • traditional chanting performance
  • fire dance elements

Duration: ~60 minutes
Best for: adults, couples, older kids

3. Bali Safari & Marine Park

A structured, well-organized activity for families.

  • safari ride
  • animal shows
  • kids zones

Time needed: half-day to full day
Best for: families with children

4. Beach Clubs (Day vs Night Experience)

Bali beach clubs vary a lot depending on the venue.

  • Finns Beach Club → family-friendly during the day
  • Potato Head → balanced lifestyle format
  • Savaya → mostly adults / premium experience

Expect:

  • pools
  • music
  • minimum spend

5. Rice Terraces (Tegalalang / Jatiluwih)

Classic Bali landscape — but with different formats.

  • Tegalalang → accessible, more crowded
  • Jatiluwih → larger, quieter, UNESCO-listed

Best for: nature, photos, short walks

6. Water Parks (Top for Kids)

Bali has some of the best water parks in Asia.

  • Waterbom Bali (Kuta) → top-tier
  • Splash Water Park (Canggu) → smaller but convenient

Cost: ~$30–50
Best for: kids, families

7. Snorkeling & Diving

Indonesia is one of the best diving regions globally.

  • Nusa Penida → manta rays, strong currents
  • Amed → calm, beginner-friendly
  • Menjangan → clear water, corals

Cost: $40–100+
Best for: all levels (depending on location)

8. Cooking Classes

A simple way to connect with Balinese culture.

  • market visit
  • cooking session
  • local dishes

Best for: families, couples
Duration: 3–5 hours

9. Bali Zoo & Bird Park

More relaxed than safari parks.

  • interactive feeding
  • educational programs
  • shaded areas

Best for: younger children

10. Mount Batur Sunrise Trek

One of the most popular adventure activities.

  • hike starts at 2–3 AM
  • moderate physical effort
  • sunrise view from the volcano

Not for everyone:

  • early wake-up
  • requires basic fitness

11. Calm Beaches (Sanur & Nusa Dua)

Not all Bali beaches are suitable for swimming.

Best options:

  • Sanur → calm, family-friendly
  • Nusa Dua → depends on tides

Important: tides affect swimming conditions

12. Bali Swing (Ubud Area)

A very popular activity for photos.

Reality:

  • highly touristy
  • mostly about visuals

Worth it if:

  • you want iconic Bali photos

13. Waterfalls (Central & North Bali)

Best options:

  • Tegenungan → easy access
  • Sekumpul → more adventurous
  • Gitgit area → multiple spots

Combine into a day trip

14. Canyoning (Adventure Experience)

More extreme than typical sightseeing.

  • waterfalls
  • rope descents
  • jumps

Only with licensed guides
Activity involves real risk

15. Nusa Islands Day Trip

Short boat trip from Bali.

  • Nusa Penida → cliffs, viewpoints
  • Nusa Lembongan → calmer, easier access

Good for:

  • snorkeling
  • exploring beaches
  • day trips

Costs Overview

Activity Price
Monkey Forest ~$6
Water Parks $30–50
Snorkeling $40–100
Kecak Dance ~$8–12
Day Trips $50–150

Where to Stay in Bali Based on Activities

Choosing the right area is critical.

  • Ubud → culture, jungle, tranquility
  • Canggu → lifestyle, cafés, beach clubs
  • Nusa Dua → families, calm beaches
  • Uluwatu → views, surfing, cliffs

Location defines your experience more than activities.

Read also: “Top Areas to Invest in Bali”.

How Many Days You Need

  • 3–5 days → highlights only
  • 7–10 days → balanced experience
  • 10+ days → slow travel + deeper exploration

Best Activities by Age

Group Recommended Activities
Kids safari, zoo, water parks
Teens snorkeling, swings, waterfalls
Adults beach clubs, temples, canyoning

What to Skip (or Think Twice About)

Not everything is worth your time.

  • overly crowded spots at peak hours
  • cheap “Instagram tours”
  • low-quality tour packages

Focus on quality over quantity.

What Makes Bali Unique

Bali combines:

  • nature
  • culture
  • entertainment
  • investment potential

Few destinations offer this balance in one place.

If you’re starting to think about staying longer — it may be worth understanding which areas fit your lifestyle.

Final Thoughts

Bali is not a single-type destination.

It works for:

  • families
  • couples
  • solo travelers

The key is choosing the right mix of locations and activities.

Useful materials: “The Pros and Cons of Off-Plan Property Investments in Bali”, “Indonesia Property Purchase Process: Legal Steps for Foreign Buyers”, “Leasehold vs Freehold in Bali: Foreigner Ownership Guide”.

FAQ

What is the best thing to do in Bali?

Visiting temples, exploring nature, and beach clubs are top choices.

Is Bali good for families?

Yes — many activities are designed for children and families.

How many days in Bali is enough?

7–10 days is ideal for a full experience.

What should I not miss in Bali?

Temples, rice terraces, waterfalls, and at least one island trip.

If Bali feels like more than just a trip — we can help you take the next step.

We offer:

  • free consultation
  • area comparison based on lifestyle
  • selection of investment-ready properties
  • ROI calculations

Contact us to explore real estate options that match your goals.

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