Planning a trip to Bali for the first time and not sure where to start?

Planning a trip to Bali for the first time and not sure where to start? We get it – there’s a lot to do and see! We asked the staff at Viceroy Bali for some local knowledge – their hidden treasures, must see spots and unmissable eats to put together the ultimate first timer’s guide to the island. So, if you’ve never visited before and are looking to get the most out of your trip – look no further!

1. Eat your way to happiness with a Degustation special dinner at Apéritif

Swap your Nasi Goreng for a dining concept that includes cocktails, canapes, amazing food and whisky and cigars to finish! You’ll be transported back to the Roaring Twenties as you enjoy an eight-course degustation that brings together modern cooking with unique Indonesian ingredients, with many of the ingredients sourced from the restaurants own greenhouse.
Location: Jl. Lanyahan Br, Nagi, Ubud, Gianyar, Bali, 80571
Cost: IDR 1,450,000++

2. See the sights from above on a Helicopter Tour with Mason Adventures

While there’s plenty of sights to see on the ground, your breath will be taken away when you understand how lusciously green Bali is from a bird’s eye view. Tours include Kintamani Volcano, Bedugal lakes, a tour of the Coast Line – or pop on over to the Gili Islands on your own private transfer! Mason Adventures also allows you to combine flights with adventure tours – meaning you can save the time in transit, all while looking at the killer views from above!
Location: Pick up from Viceroy Bali helipad, the Elephant Park or any helipad in Bali.
Cost: Contact for price

3. Pack your bathers and find one of the many amazing waterfalls around Bali

You can’t miss a day discovering some of Bali’s best hidden gems – waterfalls! There’s plenty around, and while they’re great for cooling off after a day of trekking in the heat, they also provide the perfect backdrop for your travel photos.
Location: Varied – Read our blog post for the locations!
Cost: Most have entry fees of around IDR 10,000 – 20,000

4. Set your alarm clock for an early morning walk through the rice fields

bali guide first time rice paddy trekking

We are sure you’ve seen the backdrop of rice fields in many of your friend’s photos from their own Bali trip, but to really appreciate their scale and beauty, you need to see them for yourself. Our advice: get up early and beat the rush (and the heat!) to have the most beautiful experience.
Location: Jalan Raya Ceking, Tegalalang
Small fees may be applicable (~IDR 10,000)

5. Gather your buddies and spend the day at a Beach Club

Swim, eat, drink and chill out at some of the best beach clubs in Bali. Daybeds a plenty, you’ll be able to unwind all day and come night time, you’ll have the prime spot to say goodbye to the day with a sunset over the beach. Our picks: Finn’s, Cafe del Mar or Potato Head.
Location:
Finns: Jl. Pantai Berawa, Canggu, Kec. Kuta Utara, Kabupaten Badung
Cafe del Mar: Jl. Subak Sari, Canggu, Tibubeneng, Kec. Kuta Utara, Kabupaten Badung
Potato Head: Jl. Petitenget No.51B, Seminyak, Kec. Kuta Utara, Kabupaten Badung

6. Cleanse Yourself in the Purification Pool at the largest Water Temple in Indonesia

Believed to have magical powers, locals come to Tirta Empul to purify themselves under the 30 water spouts that feed the pools. While visiting the temple, you too can take place in a purification ritual, as well as walk around the rest of the temple and grounds. Ensure you head there early to avoid the temple getting busy around noon!
Location: Jl. Tirta, Manukaya, Tampaksiring 80552, Indonesia
Cost: IDR 15,000 for Adults

7. Spend an afternoon chatting to the locals

If you’ve never been to Bali before, you’ll be surprised at how friendly and welcoming the locals are to all tourists. When you see their happy smiles, strike up a conversation with them and you’ll find they have an incredibly unique culture and history, and are often full of interesting stories about the way they live life. Whether it be on the street, or one of the great staff members at Viceroy – you’ll never regret your new found connections.

8. Visit a healer to restore your mind, body and soul

Known for their ability to relieve stress, mend a broken heart or reduce pain – Balians (Balinese Healers) provide treatments that will leave you feeling refreshed and ready to enjoy the rest of your holiday. Ubud’s Cokorda Rai is one of the most well-known healers in the area, and uses a combination of pressure-point work and reiki as part of his treatment.
Cokorda Rai’s Location: Jl. Raya Singapadu, Singapadu Tengah, Sukawati, Kabupaten Gianyar, Ubud
Cost: Determined with Treatment

9. Take your favorite book and laze on the beach for a day!

While there’s plenty of adventure packed days to be had in Bali, you should never underestimate the power of a day of rest (and relaxation of course!). Head to Dreamland Beach for stretches of white sand and a massage on the beach, or if someone in your group is looking for a surf break, head to Bingin Beach for one of the most in demand surfing spots in Bali.
Location: Dreamland Beach Map / Bingin Beach Map

10. Complete your trip with the most Instagrammable spot on the island

For those who can’t resist ensuring they get the perfect shot for the ‘gram, we’ve got you covered. Head to the famous Bali Swing above the fields for an amazing photo all while taking in the even better views. Many take brightly coloured dresses for the photo opportunity, but don’t worry if you didn’t bring your best gown on the trip – you can hire the famous red dress that makes an appearance in most photos!
Location: Jl. Dewi Saraswati No.7, Bongkasa Pertiwi, Kec. Abiansemal, Kabupaten Badung
Cost: $20 – $30 USD / person