There are so many things to do in Bali that you could easily spend a month here and still only see a fraction. That is not a warning. It is a quiet invitation to slow down.
Many first-time visitors ask the same two questions. What should you not miss in Bali? And what are the top five things to do in Bali? The honest answer is different for every traveller. But after years of guiding guests through this island, we have learned that the most memorable moments are rarely the busiest ones.
This guide is not a bucket list of one hundred activities. It is a softer collection. A handful of experiences that capture the real heart of Bali. Some are famous. Some are hidden. All are within a gentle distance from Viceroy Bali.
- The Waterfall That Stays With You
You have seen the photos of Tegenungan waterfall. It lies in the village of Tegenungan, just a short drive from Ubud. The discovery feels like a small victory. You hike through the rich jungle, and then you hear it before you see it. A deep, calming rush of water.
You can relax by the edge listening to the peaceful sound. Or you can take a dip and cool off in the refreshing pool beneath the falls. Early morning is best. Before the crowds arrive. When the mist still rises from the water and the jungle feels like it belongs only to you.
For those who want to venture further, Sekumpul waterfall is often called the most magical on the island. It sits in the heart of a bamboo forest valley. At 80 metres tall, it is not the easiest to reach. But the journey through the valley is part of the gift.
- The Rice Fields Beneath Your Feet
You have not truly felt Bali until you have walked through a rice paddy. The vibrant green fields of Tabanan and Tegallalang are sights you cannot miss. This is not just a view. It is a living, breathing tradition. Centuries old. Passed through generations.
You can stand at the edge and take a photograph. Many do. Or you can walk slowly through the narrow paths. Feel the wet earth beneath your feet. Notice the sound of water flowing through the irrigation channels. Watch a farmer bent over a seedling, completely unbothered by your presence.
For a quieter experience, the Tegallalang rice terraces are stunning but busy. If you prefer solitude, ask our concierge about the smaller rice field walks near the resort. There is one just ten minutes away where you might not see another tourist at all.
- For the Adventurous Heart
Bali is not only for quiet contemplation. It also stirs your spirit of adventure. A short drive from the hotel, the island reveals a more thrilling side, ready for you to explore.
White water rafting on Bali’s longest river, the Ayung, is an exhilarating experience. You will navigate class two rapids, which are exciting yet manageable, as towering cliffs, tropical waterfalls and lush jungle pass you by. Our concierge can arrange a private trip, including a traditional Indonesian lunch at a riverside pavilion.
For those who prefer to stay on land, a pre-dawn trek up Mount Batur is a memory you will carry forever. The two-hour climb is challenging, with steep and rocky paths, but a local guide will lead you every step of the way. Your reward at the summit is an unforgettable sunrise over the caldera, with views of Lake Batur and the distant Mount Agung.
If you enjoy cycling, our team can also arrange bicycle tours through local villages, past rice paddies and family compounds. You will see a side of Bali that most visitors miss. These gentle rides are a beautiful way to connect with the land and its people, at your own pace.
- The Temples
No list of things to do in Bali would be complete without temples. There are over 20,000 scattered across the island. You cannot visit them all. You should not try.
Instead, choose one or two and go slowly.
Ulun Danu Temple floats on the edge of Lake Beratan. A thin mist often rises from the water, making the temple appear to hang in the air. You can explore from a paddle boat or walk the grounds on foot. Both are beautiful.
Tanah Lot is different. Dramatic. Loud in its beauty. This iconic sea temple honours Baruna, the god of the sea. At high tide, the temple appears to float on the water. At low tide, you can walk to the base where legend says guardian sea snakes protect the sacred site. Sunset here is famous for a reason. Arrive early to find a good spot and simply watch.
Tirta Empul is the largest water temple in Indonesia. Its name means holy water spring in Balinese. Founded in 926 A.D, it is dedicated to Vishnu, the Hindu god of water. You can watch locals bathe in the sacred springs or participate yourself if you feel called. It is one of the most spiritual things to do in Bali.
- The Sacred Monkey Forest
The Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary in Ubud is home to over 700 Balinese long-tailed monkeys. They roam freely through a 14th-century Hindu temple complex. Three temples sit inside. Pura Dalem Agung, Pura Beji and Pura Prajapati. Each one a place of worship for different gods.
Visiting is an adventure in itself. The monkeys are playful and curious, but also clever little thieves, so keep your sunglasses secure and your snacks well hidden. If you’re lucky, you might catch a mother gently grooming her baby, or a young monkey attempting to steal a banana from a very surprised traveller.
Go in the morning when the monkeys are most active. The forest is cooler than. And the light filtering through the ancient trees feels almost sacred.
- The Hot Springs and the Stone Dragons
If you need a quiet afternoon of rest, the Banjar hot springs in North Bali offer something unusual. A tropical atmosphere surrounds you. Sulphuric water pours from the mouths of stone-carved dragons, known locally as naga. The water is therapeutic and warm. Perfect for sore muscles after a long hike.
It is not luxurious in the way of a spa. It is more authentic. More local. You will sit among Balinese families and travellers alike. The sound of water and the shade of large trees make it a peaceful escape.
- The Turtle Island Story
Serangan Island sits just 500 metres south of Denpasar. It was once a nesting ground for green sea turtles. Today, it is a turtle conservation and education centre. Green sea turtles are bred here. Hatchlings are released into the ocean on special days.
If you are lucky enough to visit on a release day, you can participate. You can also feed the larger turtles. It is gentle and meaningful. A reminder that Bali cares for its creatures as much as its temples.
- The Ubud Palace and the Evening Dances
Right in the centre of Ubud, the iconic Balinese landmark, the Ubud Palace, displays a unique and exotic array of architecture, gardens, art, and statues. It was built in the 1800s during the late reign of Ida Tjokorda Puta Kandel.
In the evening, the palace hosts traditional dance performances. Legong dances. Ramayana ballets. The gamelan orchestra plays while dancers move their eyes and fingers in ways that seem impossible. It is hypnotic. Beautiful. A perfect way to spend an evening after a day of exploring.
If you prefer to stay closer to the resort, we also host a one-hour traditional dance show at CasCades Restaurant every Monday. You can enjoy the performance with a glass of wine and a valley view, without leaving the property.
- The Royal Treatment at Akoya Spa
After all of this exploring, you will want to rest. And there is no better place to rest than at Viceroy Bali’s own Akoya Spa. Overlooking the lush expanse of the Valley of the Kings, this is not just another spa. It’s a genuine wellness centre designed for deep relaxation.
The spa specialises in treatments that blend Western techniques with time-honoured Balinese traditions. One of their signature offerings is a 60- or 90-minute traditional Balinese massage, which uses essential oils, acupressure, and long strokes to release tension from every muscle. This massage is perfect if you want a more comprehensive wellness experience.
Treatments can be enjoyed in their commodious massage rooms, which feature full baths and sweeping valley views, or within the complete privacy of your own villa. The spa’s facilities also include a beauty salon, luxurious reflexology chairs, and Zen-like water installations, offering a complete mind-and-body escape.
10. Evening Chill
In the evening, you might visit Pinstripe Bar, perched atop the Valley of the Kings. It offers an elegant speakeasy-like setting with warm Balinese hospitality. The cocktail menu is inspired by an artist who documented both the Harlem Renaissance and 1930s Bali. It is a sophisticated way to end your day.
Closing
So what should you not miss in Bali? The honest answer is this. Do not miss the feeling of slowing down. Do not miss the sound of a waterfall before anyone else arrives. Do not miss the warmth of holy water on your skin or the smell of rice fields after rain.
The top five things to do in Bali are different for every person. But if you ask us, they are these. One waterfall. One temple. One rice field. One monkey forest. And one long, uninterrupted rest, a place that feels like it was made just for you.
And one long, uninterrupted rest at Viceroy Bali, a place that feels like it was made just for you.
For our guests who wish to experience any of these activities, we are pleased to arrange everything. From private drivers to early morning tours to dinner reservations after a long day of discovery, your comfort is our priority.
Book your stay at Viceroy Bali today. And let us take care of the rest.
