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Indonesia is a beautiful country comprising over 14,000 islands spread across Southeast Asia and Oceania. The country is home to hundreds of distinct ethnic groups and many, many languages and dialects.
Each island has a unique culture with a plethora of things to see. However, one island in particular draws the attention of millions of tourists every single year: Bali.
The “Island of the Gods” is a magical place and there are literally countless things to do in Bali. From its pristine black lava sand beaches to its towering rice terraces to its holy Hindu temples perched on the edges of cliffs, Bali is filled with wonder.
A society of genuinely kind-hearted and warm individuals and a wealth of culture from daily rituals to cremation ceremonies, Bali is a place not to be missed.
Beautiful landscapes, natural phenomena, and a culture rich in kindness and tradition, Bali is a must-see on any bucket list.
There are so many things to do in Bali that it’s hard to know where to start. So when you travel to the “Island of the Gods," be sure not to miss out on any of these unforgettable sites and adventures:
This site is a sacred Hindu Balinese water temple compound that houses a petirtaan (a bathing structure) that is famous for its holy spring water. Balinese Hindus visit this holy house for ritual purification.
The building itself is stunning with intricate Indo-Chinese architecture, but the religious ceremonies performed at this temple are truly mesmerizing.
You can enter the holy water and purify yourself in the baths running from the spring of the temple pond. Wash away your impurities and bathe and bask in the unique religious traditions of Balinese Hinduism.
Surf the waves along the stunning beaches in this sleepy little surfer town or rent a motorbike and ride the steep roads along the coastline.
Visit the tiered coastal temple residing at the edge of a sheer cliff overlooking the beautiful vast expanse of ocean. Play with the monkeys on the temple grounds and explore any of the scenic beaches along the water.
Uluwatu is a destination in and of itself with endless places to explore.
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Towering from high above, this beautiful and intricate system of terraced rice paddies is absolutely a site to be seen—and it's really one of the best things to do in Bali.
Offering dramatic views of vibrant green colors and geometric lines cascading down a steep slope, Tegallalang Rice Terraces just outside of Ubud, Bali are one of the most picturesque locations on the island.
Watch farmers harvest their crop as they wade through the paddies carrying traditional baskets yoked across their shoulders. Soak in the sites and speak to the friendly locals as you absorb the natural and manmade beauty that surrounds you.
This sacred temple is one of seven sea temples along the Balinese coast. Depending on the reach of the tide, the temple rests on an island rock formation inside the crashing waves of the ocean.
Venomous sea snakes that inhabit the waters surrounding the temple are thought by believers to guard the temple from evil spirits and intruders.
This site is well worth the risk of snakes as it is not only stunningly beautiful in its location right on the banks of the coast, but religious ceremonies here include and welcome tourists to be blessed by Hindu priests and anointed with holy water and rice.
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This beautiful sister island just off the Balinese coast is equally picturesque but less populated than Bali, so you can escape to this parallel paradise when you need some extra serenity.
Quiet and low key, this small isle boasts stunning coastlines with even more stunning sunsets. Vistas sprawl the whole island and you can charter a private boat for next to nothing to explore the gorgeous shorelines.
With notable surf breaks and unbelievable sunset views over Bali, it is well worth the trip to travel the short distance to visit this smaller neighboring island.
In the heart of the spiritual city of Ubud, visiting the Sacred Monkey Forest is one of the best things to do in Bali.
A must-see, this jungle sanctuary teeming with wild monkeys and a revered temple complex surrounded by a flowing river is picturesque and extremely unique.
Be cautious with valuables as monkeys tend to snatch wallets, cell phones, cameras, and sunglasses. But it is well worth the risk to be up close and personal with our primate ancestors.
Be sure to keep a respectful distance, though, as these are still unpredictable wild animals. But enjoy being so near to these beautiful creatures that move and interact in such an innately human way.
The ascent to the peak of the volcano begins at four o’clock in the morning, but it is absolutely worth the missed sleep. It’s pitch black outside, and as you trek, you’ll see a trial of flashlights. Tiny torches light the way of a steep but well-beaten path.
The air is crisp and cool as you travel toward the summit and your sweat beads dry in the breeze. You gaze out onto an enormous lake in the canyon of surrounding mountains as you watch the sun ascend behind the volcanoes.
No matter the number of people atop the mountain, for a moment, there is absolute silence as every person stands in awe of the beauty that surrounds them.
There is a palpable feeling in the air as the magic of Bali engulfs you and you surrender to all that is around you. Without a doubt, this is one of the top things to do in Bali.
On the descent, there is a newfound energy as you encounter monkeys on the path. There is a magic there that is indescribable—a magic that one can only experience to believe.
The trek to the top of Mount Batur is well worth the climb for all that you will gain once you reach its peak.
Bali is a place rich with beauty and culture. One of the most unique islands in the archipelago of Indonesia, with a religion and a language of its own, this age-old tourist destination cannot be missed on your travel list.
Bring your family, travel solo, or have a romantic getaway in this diverse and cultured island overflowing with a population of beautiful-to-the-core people.
Feast on nasi goreng and bring your hands to namaste as bow your head saying suksma (“thank you” in Balinese) while you feast your eyes on the landscape and bow in gratitude to the genuine love of the beautiful people in the paradise that is Bali, Indonesia.
Join Nomad Yoga for a transformative journey into the world of yoga in magical Bali! Our Yoga Alliance accredited 200 hour Bali Yoga Teacher Trainings are designed to move you deeper into your personal practice while simultaneously preparing you to offer your teachings to the world.
Practice overlooking the iconic rice fields and nourish yourself on the warm Balinese beaches. Bring your yoga practice to the Island of the Gods and watch the magic that unfolds.
