Unique Things To Do In Bali Indonesia

The Land of Gods, access to the Earth’s greatest archipelago and home to the waterway paradises, Bali is without comparison.  Lodged in popular imagination, Bali is a veritable tropical paradise with watersports, volcanic activity, compelling supercities, serene rice fields and dense jungles.  There are many unique things to do in Bali.

Bali is generally inexpensive, following economic trends of Southeast Asia.  However, due to its enormous popularity, there are “tourist areas” which are potentially costly.  If there is a place heavily advertised in English, it’s likely a tourist zone, and should generally be avoided to save money.  Bali is also a backpacker hotspot, so foreigners tend to congregate in large numbers in certain districts.

Indonesia, like many island nations, is a nexus of cultural influences.  Bali showcases these well, with Buddhist, Taoist, Muslim, Christian and Confucianist aspects on display.  However, the vast majority of Bali is Hindu, and the architecture and temples within the city reflects this.

Petty crime is an issue in Bali.  Pickpockets, minor thefts and taxi scams are prominent.  Otherwise, however, Bali is notoriously safe and violent crime towards foreigners is extremely rare.

Attractions in Bali oscillate between heavy tourism group-travel items and isolated solo adventures which are off-the-beaten paths.  I generally only experienced the latter, so that’s the main focus of the following list.

Travel Information When Visiting Bali:

Throughout Indonesia, you might see canang sari, offerings laid on the pavement.  These are for the local gods.  Be careful not to accidentally step on them.  

The three things that are difficult and expensive to find in Asia are floss, deodorant and women’s sanitary products.  Be sure to pack both for the entire stay. 

When visiting a temple, have arms, shoulders and legs entirely covered.  You may need to purchase or rent a sarong to enter temples, but it’s usually easier just to pack one in your day-bag.  This is true for men and women.

Tap water in this part of the world is riddled with bacteria.  Buy and drink bottled water only.  Do NOT order flat water from restaurants, as this might be refilled with tap water.  Consider exclusively ordering carbonated water to ensure you are getting sealed fluid that is uncontaminated.

Beware of monkeys, especially near heavy tourism zones. They tend to grab things, including loose straps or unattended backpacks.

Pickpockets are somewhat common in some of the more popular tourism areas.  Split up your money in various places on your person, only keeping a small amount in your visable wallet or purse.

Unique Things To Do In Bali

Ubud Monkey Forest

This forest is absolutely stocked with over a thousand protected native monkeys.  To help fund the preserve, Bali has crammed the forest with pristine, traditional artworks throughout the hiking trails.  Elaborate stone gates, tall buddhas, vine-draped dragons, monkey-carved gates, deep-jungle temples and stone trails are nestled in this outer-mountain-forest preserve. This is one of the most popular and unique things to do in Bali.

Mount Batur

This is an active volcano located at the center of two concentric calderas north west of Mount Agung on the island of Bali, Indonesia. The south east side of the larger caldera contains a caldera lake.  It’s a supremely popular hike, which requires three hours or so.

Goa Gajah – Elephant Cave

Located on the island of Bali near Ubud, this ninth century cave hosts numerous sacred carvings in Hindu culture, including the male lingam, the phallic symbol of the Hindu god Shiva.  There is the counterpart yoni carved as well and a bust of Ganesh, the elephant god of success over obstacles.  

Tegalalang Rice Terrace

This is one of the famous tourist objects in Bali, situated in Tegalalang Village north of Ubud.  These scenic, terraced hillside offering rice paddies amid lush greenery, plus zip lines & jungle swings.  There are many rice-fields and terraced green zones in Bali, but these are the most tourist-friendly and accessible.

Tirta Gangga

Tirta Gangga is a former royal palace in eastern Bali.  It is famous for specialized water-stepping stones, reflecting pools, expansive gardens, royal stone carvings and specialized bathing pools.

Besakih Temple

This is a pura (Balinese Hindu temple) complex in Besakih Village.  The temple is the most important, the largest and holiest temple of Balinese Hinduism.  Its dual sky-gate is seen in many scenic photos advertising the country. 

Pura Ulun Danu Beratan – Pura Bratan

This is a major Hindu Shaivite temple. The temple complex is on the shores of Lake Bratan in the mountains near Bedugul.

West Bali National Park

Located on the northwestern tip of Bali, this National Park contains forests, mangroves and savanna which protect rare animals like Bali starlings and bantengs, a species of wild cattle.  There are also coral reef breakers, the native barking deer and very unique Hindu temples scattering the preserve.

Mount Agung

This is an active volcano with a unique, nearly perfectly-conical shape.  The structure is actually home to a large central crater which often spews smoke, which is especially striking during sunrise and sunset.

Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park

This is a major tourist attraction highlighting Hindu culture.  The park is a giant-statue exploration park dedicated to Vishnu, and his mount, Garuda, the mythical bird who became his companion.

Ubud Palace

Officially known as Puri Saren Agung, these large imperial grounds served as the official residence of the royal family.  Entry is free.  The main temple towers over the lower serene grounds which is famous for impossibly large lily ponds.

Bajra Sandhi Monument

This is a potent monument to the struggles of the Balinese people throughout history.  The monument presides over large, green grounds and dominates Renon Square.

Setia Darma Houses of Masks and Puppets

This is an interesting, quaint and tiny museum showcasing the incredible art of mask-and-puppet theater influences from around the world.

Parachute

This is a famous Bali eatery and café which is located under a massive artificial canopy.  It has decent overlooks and a robust menu.

Nusa Penida

Accessible via a 40 minute ferry ride from the main island, this location hosts the most dramatic features of Bali.  The famous Penida whale-shaped peninsula, land bridge and beach coves are all located here.

Padang Bai

Padang Bai is a large ocean preserve is situated in the east of Bali.  It is famous for incredible diving and snorkeling activities.   

Sidemen

Sidemen is a much quieter and non-touristy area on the island.  This beautiful portion of the island is known for jade green rice paddies.  It lies in a cool valley and you can go trekking in the surrounding area and walk to secluded waterfalls and stunning vantage points

Amed

This is a diving area showing extremely unique rock-and-reef formations.  It is known to be the cheapest, accessible diving location in Bali.

Kecak Dance

The Kecak Dance is a cultural showcase for Bali-fusion cultural heritage.  The Kecak dance is named for the clacking sound it makes, and performances vary from village to village.  The dance was originally an aspect of a trance ritual, but was popularized for tourism after a German expat became deeply interested.  The roots of the dance are in the Sanghyang ritual, which supposedly repels evil spirits.

Tirta Empul

This is a temple complex just outside of Ubud.  Visitors are allowed to swim in the waters or walk around the complex to check out the pretty architecture and plethora of ornate statues.

Jalan Legian in Kuta

This is Bali’s nightlife district.  Though the district is considered somewhat seedy, the location is still interesting to visit for a robust nightlife, lots of neon and a hoard of unique eateries.  

Menjangan Island

This island is home to Menjangan Island National Park. Menjangan Island takes some time to reach from the main island, but the incredible scenery is known for white marble statues and a large, shallow marine diving zone.

Batubulan

This tiny village is the most famous area for uniquely-carved stone sculptures.  The stones here are blue and black as they are made up of volcanic minerals.  The statues are themed and depict several famous epics such as the Mahabharata and the Ramayana.

Babi Guling

Babi Guling is the most famous traditional food on the island.  It is a dish made of suckling pig which has been spit-roasted over coals.  The pig is rubbed in a blend of local spices and herbs and then slowly roasted over several hours

Tanah Lot Temple

This temple is an impressive visual display. Tanah Lot is famous for being steeped within a stunning rock façade by the sea.

Don Antonio Blanco Museum

Don Antonio Blanco was a Spanish expat who died in Bali in 1999. He is considered the most influential foreign artist in the country’s culture.  His museum showcases many of his signature artworks, including the half-finished piece he died while working on.

Sukawati Art Market

This art market is a cheaper and quieter alternative to the Ubud Market.  It’s pleasant to walk around, although the tourist goods found here are fairly similar to other tourist markets on the island.

Beji Guwang Hidden Canyon

This is a Sukawati-based ravine and sacred Balinese site. The Canyon consists of a series of mid-rise canyons lining the Oos River: prepare to climb, wade, swim, and scale your way through a rocky-tropical landscape not seen anywhere else on the island. Though a guide is necessary to visit, this is still one of the most unique things to do in Bali.

Luhur Uluwatu Temple

This seaside temple is supposedly guarded by the hundreds of monkeys that throng it.  The monkeys are actually slightly aggressive and prone to stealing discarded objects, so don’t leave anything dangling. 

Taman Festival Bali

This is a large, strange amusement park which has been abandoned for a generation.  The jungle has successfully stormed the park features, giving it an eerie and haunting vibe.  Graffiti artists and monkeys tend to congregate in this otherwise quiet part of Earth.

Millennium Bridge

This is one of the largest bamboo bridges in Asia.  The structure is part of a bamboo-school outreach project challenging people to consider using bamboo creatively as a renewable building resource.

Ogoh-Ogoh Museum

The Ogoh-Ogoh Museum is a terrifying and fascinating museum.  This museum showcases both demons and monsters found in Hindu culture.  On March 16th each year, more handcrafted Ogoh-Ogoh creatures are crafted to be set aflame as part of a strange celebration. The combination of museum and cultural celebration makes this one of the most unique things to do in Bali.

Symon’s Art Zoo

Exotic, erotic, and esoteric, this phantasmagoria of art and imagery is an overwhelming display.  Artwork, sculptures and designs are crammed together so thoroughly, it is nearly impossible to separate artwork from the building.

Pemuteran Biorock

Pemuteran Biorock is a unique bit of eco-culture. This strange underwater museum of buildings and statues uses weak electric pulses along bleached-reef recovery lines to stimulate reef regrowth.

The Skulls of Village Trunyan

This is a village popular with tourists for their unusual burial practices.  Bodies are left in elevated bamboo caves under immense Banyan trees.  Once the bodies are decayed, the remains are cleaned and placed at the bottom of a tree as a small shrine. Though morbid, this is one of the most unique things to do in Bali.

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