Things to Do in Bali — Indonesia: Top Attractions, Tours & Tickets

#1Jatiluwih Rice TerracesMust4.8(15,872)

These are the rice terraces to choose for broad, working agricultural landscapes rather than a quick photo stop. Give yourself time to walk a signed trail, then combine it with the Bedugul highlands.

2.5h Walk upMorning brings softer light and cooler walking conditions.

Entry is paid at the access gate; bring cash as a backup.

Pairs with: Ulun Danu Beratan Temple · Yeh Hoo Waterfall · Tanah Lot

#2Sacred Monkey Forest SanctuaryMust4.5(60,022)

This is Ubud’s most accessible mix of temple architecture, forest paths and close-up macaque encounters. Treat it as a wildlife visit rather than a petting experience: secure loose belongings and do not feed or provoke the monkeys.

1.5h Walk upGo near opening, before the central paths become crowded.

Tickets are normally bought at the gate, though online purchase can speed entry in busy periods.

Pairs with: Goa Gajah · Tegenungan Waterfall · Tirta Empul Temple

#3Tanah LotMust4.7(103,288)

The sea temple is an iconic Bali coastal view, with the setting more important than a lengthy temple visit. It works best as a deliberately timed sunset stop, accepting that it will be busy.

1.5h Walk upArrive well before sunset to see the headland before the main crowds gather.

Buy admission at the entrance and allow extra time for traffic near sunset.

Pairs with: Jatiluwih Rice Terraces · Puri Agung Kerambitan · Alas Kedaton

#4Uluwatu TempleMust

Perched on a cliff above the Indian Ocean, Uluwatu is Bali’s essential southern temple visit and a powerful sunset setting. Arrive early enough to explore the paths, then stay for the Kecak performance only if you book or queue strategically.

2.5h Walk upArrive before late afternoon; sunset is the busiest period and monkeys are active around the paths.

Temple admission is walk-up, but evening Kecak tickets can sell out and are best secured early.

Pairs with: Kelingking Beach · Tanah Lot · Mount Batur

#5Pura BesakihMust

Bali’s mother temple is the island’s most important and extensive temple complex, set on the slopes of Mount Agung. It deserves unhurried time and respectful dress, especially when ceremonies are underway.

2h Walk upMorning usually means clearer mountain views and fewer organized groups.

Use the official entrance and ignore unsolicited guide pressure; check for ceremony-related access changes.

Pairs with: Taman Ujung · Puncak Gunung Agung Bali · Tirta Empul Temple

#6Tirta Empul TempleMust

Tirta Empul is the most accessible place for visitors to understand Bali’s water-purification traditions in a living temple setting. Observe respectfully, and only join the bathing ritual if you understand the local etiquette and are appropriately dressed.

1.5h Walk upGo at opening, before large day tours reach the bathing pools.

Buy tickets on arrival; sarongs are required and available at the site.

Pairs with: Tegallalang Rice Terrace · Goa Gajah · Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary

#7Kelingking BeachMust

The cliff-top view over Kelingking is one of the region’s defining coastal scenes and the strongest reason many travelers make the crossing to Nusa Penida. The descent to the beach is demanding and should be treated as optional, not expected.

2h Walk upTake an early boat and visit before the main day-trip wave reaches the viewpoint.

Site access is paid locally; arrange fast-boat transport in advance during busy periods.

Pairs with: Uluwatu Temple · Puncak Gunung Agung Bali · Taman Ujung

#8Mount BaturMust

The pre-dawn hike up Mount Batur is Bali’s classic volcanic outing, valued for the sunrise and caldera views rather than technical mountaineering. It is worthwhile for active first-timers who can handle an early start and uneven terrain.

6h Book aheadAll summit groups start early; a private guide or less common route can reduce the feeling of a convoy.

Book a reputable guided hike ahead and confirm weather and pickup arrangements the day before.

Pairs with: Tirta Empul Temple · Tegallalang Rice Terrace · Pura Besakih

#9Ulun Danu Beratan TempleShould4.6(52,784)

This lakeside water temple is one of Bali’s most recognizable sacred landscapes, especially when the surrounding highland weather is clear. Use it as a stop on a North Bali or Bedugul day rather than making it the sole destination.

1h Walk upGo at opening, before day-trip buses arrive.

Pay admission at the entrance; arrive near opening for the quietest grounds.

Pairs with: Banyumala Waterfall · Melanting waterfall · Jatiluwih Rice Terraces

#10Goa GajahShould4.2(10,545)

The Elephant Cave is a compact, atmospheric temple complex with a striking carved entrance and a wooded ravine below. It is an easy cultural stop when exploring Ubud’s outskirts, but does not need a long visit.

1h Walk upVisit early morning or late afternoon, avoiding the busiest midday tour period.

Admission is bought on site; bring a sarong or use the one provided.

Pairs with: Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary · Tegenungan Waterfall · Tirta Empul Temple

#11Tegallalang Rice TerraceShould4.4(55,320)

Tegallalang delivers the familiar, steeply layered rice-field view close to Ubud, but it is a commercialized experience with many paid viewpoints. Go for a short early walk or coffee stop; choose Jatiluwih for a more expansive landscape day.

1.3h Walk upBe there soon after opening for clearer views and fewer photo queues.

Most access points charge small walk-up fees, and activities are paid separately.

Pairs with: Tirta Empul Temple · Goa Gajah · Real Bali Swing

#12Banyumala WaterfallShould4.8(5,651)

Banyumala is among the more rewarding North Bali waterfall stops, with a lush setting and a proper forest approach. It fits naturally into a Bedugul or Munduk route, though the walk makes it less suitable for a rushed itinerary.

1.5h Walk upArrive in the morning, before tour drivers begin their waterfall circuit.

Pay a small entrance fee at the trailhead and wear footwear with grip.

Pairs with: Ulun Danu Beratan Temple · Melanting waterfall · Munduk Waterfalls Trekking Point

#13Tegenungan WaterfallShould4.4(38,642)

Tegenungan is the most convenient major waterfall from Ubud and the southern resort areas, with developed viewpoints and swimming opportunities when conditions allow. Its accessibility also makes it one of the island’s busiest falls, so use it as a short stop rather than a wilderness experience.

1.5h Walk upGo at opening; midday is especially crowded.

Pay at the entrance and be prepared for a substantial walk between viewpoints and the water.

Pairs with: Goa Gajah · Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary · Tirta Empul Temple

#14Taman UjungShould4.6(10,528)

This former royal water palace is one of East Bali’s most photogenic historic sites, with open pools, pavilions and views toward the coast and mountains. It is an excellent counterpart to the more sacred atmosphere of nearby temples.

1.5h Walk upGo early or later in the afternoon for softer light and less heat.

Tickets are purchased at the entrance; bring sun protection for the open grounds.

Pairs with: Pura Besakih · Goa Giri Campuhan Waterfall ( GGC Waterfall ) · Uma Anyar Waterfall

#15Puncak Gunung Agung BaliIf time4.8(278)

Bali’s highest sacred peak is a serious trekking objective, not a casual viewpoint stop. Attempt it only with suitable fitness, weather tolerance and a reputable local guide, while respecting any religious or safety closures.

10h Book aheadStart before dawn with your guide; conditions can change quickly.

Arrange a licensed guide in advance and confirm current access conditions before committing.

Pairs with: Taman Ujung · Pura Besakih · Kelingking Beach

#16Puri Agung KerambitanIf time4.7(433)

This royal compound offers a quieter glimpse of Bali’s courtly heritage than the island’s headline temples. It is best for travelers specifically interested in architecture, local history or cultural performances, rather than as a universal first stop.

45m Walk upWeekday mornings are generally the calmest time to visit.

Access can depend on activities at the compound, so check locally before making a special trip.

Pairs with: Tanah Lot · Jatiluwih Rice Terraces · Alas Kedaton

#17Melanting waterfallIf time4.7(631)

Melanting is a dramatic forest waterfall near Munduk, reached by a walk that makes the experience feel more remote than roadside falls. Pair it with other Munduk-area cascades only if you are comfortable with slippery, steep paths.

1.5h Walk upGo early, before rain and afternoon visitors make the path busier.

Pay at the trail access and bring proper shoes for wet steps.

Pairs with: Banyumala Waterfall · Munduk Waterfalls Trekking Point · Ulun Danu Beratan Temple

#18Red Coral WaterfallIf time4.4(665)

This lesser-known waterfall is a worthwhile detour for travelers exploring quieter inland Bali, particularly if you prefer a modest natural stop over a major tour circuit. It is not essential for a first itinerary with limited time.

1h Walk upMorning is best for a quieter trail and more reliable weather.

Expect a simple on-site entry arrangement and check road conditions locally.

Pairs with: Yeh Hoo Waterfall · Jatiluwih Rice Terraces · Puri Agung Kerambitan

#19Alas KedatonIf time4.2(2,718)

Alas Kedaton combines a temple with a resident monkey population in a smaller, more local-feeling setting than Ubud’s Monkey Forest. It is a reasonable stop on a west-central Bali route, but not a substitute for the stronger first-timer sights.

45m Walk upVisit early, when the temple paths are less crowded.

Purchase entry on arrival and keep food, sunglasses and loose items secured.

Pairs with: Tanah Lot · Jatiluwih Rice Terraces · Puri Agung Kerambitan

#20Munduk Waterfalls Trekking PointIf time4.6(357)

This trailhead is a useful gateway to the cool, green waterfall country around Munduk, where walking is the main appeal. Use it for a half-day of linked cascades rather than treating the signposted point itself as the destination.

2.5h Walk upStart in the morning, before clouds and rain often build.

Pay any trail fees locally and allow for muddy conditions after rain.

Pairs with: Melanting waterfall · Banyumala Waterfall · Ulun Danu Beratan Temple

#21Goa Giri Campuhan Waterfall ( GGC Waterfall )If time4.7(510)

This is a quieter waterfall option reached through rural scenery, making the approach part of its appeal. It rewards travelers with time and their own transport more than visitors trying to tick off Bali’s marquee sights.

1.5h Walk upVisit in the morning for a quieter trail and less chance of rain.

Expect a local entry fee and check the trail condition after heavy rain.

Pairs with: Taman Ujung · Uma Anyar Waterfall · Pura Besakih

#22Uma Anyar WaterfallIf time4.8(1,160)

Uma Anyar is a small-scale nature stop for visitors already exploring eastern Bali’s inland roads. Choose it for a low-key detour, not as a reason to bypass the region’s stronger temples and palace-water gardens.

1h Walk upEarly morning offers the calmest experience.

Pay locally at the access point and wear shoes suitable for wet paths.

Pairs with: Taman Ujung · Goa Giri Campuhan Waterfall ( GGC Waterfall ) · Pura Besakih

#23Yeh Hoo WaterfallIf time4.6(873)

Yeh Hoo is a modest, peaceful waterfall that works well as a cooling break amid the Tabanan rice-country route. It is most worthwhile when paired with Jatiluwih, rather than as a standalone long drive.

1h Walk upMorning visits are quieter and more comfortable for walking.

Entry is generally arranged on site; paths may be slick after rain.

Pairs with: Jatiluwih Rice Terraces · Red Coral Waterfall · Tanah Lot

#24Real Bali SwingNiche4.6(14,986)

This is a purpose-built photo attraction rather than a historic or natural sight, aimed at visitors who want the classic jungle-swing image. It can be fun if that is explicitly your goal, but it should not displace Ubud’s temples, fields or forest.

1.5h Walk upBook the first available session or arrive at opening to reduce photo queues.

Packages and queues vary; confirm what is included before paying.

Pairs with: Tegallalang Rice Terrace · Goa Gajah · Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary