13 Best Things To Do in Bali 2023: Hidden Gems, Must-Visits and New Experiences
Key Takeaways
- 1. Travel guide on the best things to do in Bali
- 2. Book your travel essentials with the Traveloka app
- 3. Get discounts of up to S$100 off (with minimum spend) Traveloka app bookings when you use your Citi Credit Card
This article was first published on The Travel Intern.
Planning for a Bali holiday soon? If you're wondering about what to do there, we’ve rounded up the 13 top things to do in Bali, Indonesia in 2023. There's so much more to Bali than just a tropical retreat with amazing brunch cafes, and this guide reflects the destination's diversity. We've included everything from Bali's best outdoor spots to lesser-known beach clubs, as well as thrilling experiences to check off your bucket list!
Best of Bali’s Outdoors
With its dramatic landscapes and volcanic highlands, Bali is a far cry from Singapore's hustle and bustle and a much-needed breath of fresh air. Excited to be back in the great outdoors, we went on the hunt for the most breath-taking spots in Bali where you can get up close and personal with Mother Nature.
1) Chase Waterfalls
Photo credit: @jackson.groves via Instagram
Aling Aling waterfall is a stunning 35m twin fall located in the north of Bali. While the sight of its sheer power can be mesmerising, it isn't recommended for swimming.
The hidden gems here are in fact the three other waterfalls in the vicinity. Come for the spectacular scenery and stay for the waterfall-hopping adventure! It’s like walking into Bali’s natural waterpark where you'll get to jump off cliffs and ride down rock slides.
Photo credit: @alingalingwaterfall_cliffjump via Instagram
Start off easy with Kroya Waterfall. The 5m leap is a great warm-up for beginners before hitting the slide on the other side of the falls. The natural slide is 10m long and almost vertical so do expect to plunge in with a lot of speed.
Photo credit: @explorebali_waterfalls via Instagram
Kembar Waterfall is where you’ll find a 10m double fall jump. These falls are a little rockier, so you’ll need to jump out further to land safely.
Saving the most epic for the last, end off with a 15m finale jump down Pucuk Waterfall!
If you’re new to cliff-jumping or are unfamiliar with the area, opt for a guided waterfall tour which comes with a guide to show you the ropes!
Aling-Aling Waterfall Tour
Cost: From S$10.70/pax (entrance fee & life jacket included)
Meeting point: Jl. Raya Desa Sambangan, Sambangan, Kec. Sukasada, Kabupaten Buleleng, Bali 81161
2) Hike Up An Active Volcano
Photo credit: @mountbatursunrisetrekk via Instagram
There are many experiences in Bali worth waking before dawn for but one of the most quintessential experiences is this — catching the sunrise from the top of Mount Batur.
At 1,717m, Mount Batur is a fairly straightforward two-hour ascent. However, it’s highly recommended to
hire a local guide if you’re starting the hike before sunrise as it will be pitch dark with segments of steep, narrow trails and loose gravel.
The tour also offers hotel pick-up and drop-off, as well as boiled eggs with Indomie to accompany the epic sunrise view! Once you’ve conquered Mount Batur, you can consider trekking up the more gruelling and challenging Mount Agung for your next adventure.
Cost: From S$39.60/pax
Tour timing: 2AM – 12:30PM
Pick up: Anywhere in Ubud, Sanur, Canggu, Kuta, Seminyak and Kintamani area
3) Alas Harum
Alas Harum is perhaps one of Bali’s most photogenic playgrounds and top things to do in Ubud.
Take on the iconic Bali Swing (Rp176,250), cycle in the air on the Sky Bike (Rp235,000), or take a dip in the infinity pool — all with Ubud’s impressive rice terraces as a backdrop.
Cost: S$23.70 inclusive of Extreme Swing
Opening hours: 9AM – 7PM
Address: Jl. Raya Tegallalang, Tegallalang, Kec. Tegallalang, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80561
4) Nusa Penida
Nusa Penida is an island just an hour away from Bali via speedboat (S$7/one-way), popular with divers because of the crystal-clear visibility of its waters.
The offshore Indonesian island is also known for its many photo-worthy locations like Broken Beach, Angel’s Billabong and Kelingking Beach.
When you’re done exploring, pick up your snorkelling gear and head to Crystal Bay, Manta Bay, or Gamat Bay to explore its marine residences.
Entrance fee: Rp25,000 (~S$2.30)
Ferry timings: Varies
Take ferry from: Sanur Ferry Terminal, Jl. Hang Tuah No. 27, Sanur, Kota Denpasar, Bali 80227
*Pro-tip: Hit these spots with a full-day tour which includes hotel pickup/drop-off, two-way speedboat ride and snorkelling equipment. Plus, earn up to 4 Citi Miles^ with every S$1 eligible spent in foreign currency with Citi PremierMiles Card.
Best of Bali’s Thrilling Activities
After soaking up Bali's unspoiled nature, we decided to explore its more exciting side by plunging into the island's plethora of adrenaline-pumping adventures. Whether it's an underrated waterpark or a unique way to explore a beach, here's proof that there's always new things to do in Bali.
5) ATV Ride in Ubud
Photo credit: Traveloka
If you have a need for speed, an ATV adventure is one of the best ways to explore Ubud’s natural landscapes. Be prepared to ride through diverse terrains from rice fields to forests and even rivers!
Cost: From S$25/pax
Opening hours: 9AM – 5PM
Address: Jl. Raya Singapadu No.10, Singapadu Kaler, Kec. Sukawati, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571
6) White Water Raft at Ayung River
Photo credit: Traveloka
Ayung River in Ubud is Bali’s longest creek at 68.5km long! That makes it perfect for a thrilling white water rafting adventure.
The entire run takes two hours and brings you through gorges, rainforests and even up close to waterfalls.
Cost: From S$31.50/pair
Address: Jl. Raya Kedewatan, Kedewatan, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571
7) Paraglide Over Timbis Beach
Photo credit: @baliparaglidingtandemtours via Instagram
The 500m stretch of golden sand at Timbis Beach is perhaps best seen from high up. Jump off the cliff on a paraglide to soak in the panoramic views. While you’re up there, try to spot hidden temples and limestone cliffs too!
Cost: From S$64.70 (inclusive of photos and videos)
Timing: 12PM – 6PM
Address: Kutuh, Kec. Kuta Sel., Kabupaten Badung, Bali
8) Unwind at Waterbom Bali Waterpark
Beat the heat and spend a day tackling Waterbom Bali Waterpark’s fast and furious water slides!
Out of 16 exciting rides, our favourites are the Twin Racers—Asia’s best mat-racing slide—and the Smash Down 2.0 with its vertical plunge down a 26m-high trapdoor.
Entrance fee: From S$32.20/pax
Opening hours: 9AM – 6PM
Address: Jalan Kartika Plaza, Kuta, Bali 80361
Read more: 10 Best Adventurous Things To Do In Bali Other Than Chilling
Best of Bali’s Cultural Sites
While Bali is world-famous for its beach clubs, affordable spas and pristine nature spots, it's still very much a spiritual place with its sacred Hindu temples and deep-rooted traditions. Our island getaway would not be complete without a visit to one of its ancient shrines, so here are our favourite cultural sites in Bali.
9) Tanah Lot Temple
Photo credit: Traveloka
Found on a “floating” offshore rock, Tanah Lot Temple was built to worship the sea god Bhatara Segara. Interestingly, the only way to enter the temple is during low tide when the path is clear.
But the best viewing point here is actually the cliff terrace where you can get an aerial view of the temple.
Entrance fee: Rp60,000 (~S$5.60)
Opening hours: 7AM – 7PM
Address: Beraban, Kediri, Tabanan Regency, Bali 82121
*Pro-tip: The Tanah Lot Temple may be a little far out — book this sunset tour which includes hotel pick-up and drop off from most areas in Bali, along with a knowledgeable guide who will dive into the history of this temple.
10) Ulun Danu Beratan Temple
If you find the Ulun Danu Beratan Temple familiar, it might be because you’ve seen it on the Rp50,000 dollar bill! Despite that, it’s worth making the trip down to Lake Beratan to enjoy this scenic temple surrounded by Bali’s mountains, best seen at sunrise before 6AM.
Entrance fee: Rp50,000 (~S$4.60)
Opening hours: 7AM – 7PM
Address: Danau Beratan, Candikuning, Baturiti, Tabanan Regency, Bali 82191
11) Uluwatu Temple
Photo credit: Traveloka
Uluwatu Temple is a 1,000-year-old temple perched on a seaside cliff at the southernmost point of Bali.
Located 70m above sea level, the ocean views are spectacular and it’s also coined a must-visit sunset spot in Bali! As night falls, stay on to watch the Kecak fire dance performance — a famous Balinese traditional dance (Rp150,000).
Entrance fee: From Rp30,000 (~S$2.80)
Opening hours: 7AM – 7PM
Address: Pecatu, South Kuta, Badung Regency, Bali, Indonesia
*Pro-tip: Book a sunset tour with everything included — hotel pick-up/drop-off, entrance fee and tickets to the Kecak dance performance.
Best of Bali’s Beach Clubs
Beach clubs like Potato Head in Seminyak or Finn’s in Canggu are highly popular for good reason. But if you're looking to escape the crowd, these alternative beach clubs south of Bali are just as luxurious and well-worth your time. Better yet, if you have a week-long itinerary to fill and you're wondering what to do in Bali for 7 days, why not spend time club-hopping?
12) TT Beach Club
TT Beach Club is Bali’s latest addition in November 2021.
Photo credit: TT Beach Club
Sink into a comfortable daybed or sofa overlooking Melasti Beach. Or take a dip in the glass infinity pool and enjoy a cocktail on your floating table.
Photo credit: TT Beach Club
Elevate your experience with a scenic helicopter tour by flying over cliffs and visiting iconic Balinese sites like the Garuda Wisnu Kencana statue and Uluwatu Temple.
Cost: Min. spend Rp350,000 (~S$32.40)
Opening hours: 11AM – 9PM
Address: Melasti Beach, Jl. Melasti Ungasan, Badung, Bali 80361
13) Sundays Beach Club
Photo credit: Sundays Beach Club
On the other end of Melasti Beach is Sundays Beach Club. This low-key spot sits at the bottom of a cliff and requires a short cable car ride to get to.
Lounge by the waters or take up complimentary water sports like stand-up paddling, kayaking and snorkelling.
Photo credit: Sundays Beach Club
As the sun goes down, gather around the nightly bonfires on beanbags and enjoy free-for-all marshmallows!
Cost: Rp450,000 (~S$41.70), incl. entrance fee and Rp300,000 F&B credits
Opening hours: 10AM – 8PM
Address: Jl. Pantai Sel. Gau Banjar Wijaya Kusuma, Ungasan, Kec. Kuta Sel., Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80362
How to Save More When Travelling to Bali
Being back in Bali was like meeting up with an old friend — although they’ve grown much over the years, the vibes still stay the same.
And our trip to Bali was just as fuss-free as before with all our travel essentials pre-booked with Traveloka — from securing our flights to settling our accommodation and even booking our activities.
The best part? We used our Citi Credit Card and enjoyed discounts of up to S$100 via the Traveolka app (with minimum spend).
Get discounts of up to S$100 off (with minimum spend) via Traveloka app bookings when you use the promo code "CITIXPLORE".
Other perks include earning up to 4 Citi Miles^ with every S$1 eligible spent in foreign currency while using a
Citi PremierMiles Card. But if you’re not planning to travel anytime soon, you can still get 1.2 Citi Miles with every S$1 spent locally. ^T&Cs apply. Valid till 30 June 2023 and SMS enrolment is required.
Apply for a Citi PremierMiles Card today and get up to 30,000 bonus Citi Miles*. *T&Cs apply. Applicable for new Citi Credit Cardmembers only.
Disclaimers
This article is for general information only and is not intended to be a forecast of future events nor a guarantee of future results and should not be relied upon as financial advice. All views and opinions are as of the date hereof, and are subject to change based on market and other conditions without notice. The article has no regard to the specific objectives, financial situation and particular needs of any specific person. It is neither an offer nor a solicitation to purchase, nor endorsement or recommendation of any products or services mentioned therein, and the products or services mentioned may or may not be offered by Citibank Singapore Limited, its related entities and their respective directors, agents and employees (together "Citigroup").
This article and its contents do not constitute the distribution of any information or the making of any offer or solicitation by anyone in any jurisdiction in which such distribution, offer or solicitation is not authorised or to any person to whom it is unlawful to distribute such information or make any offer or solicitation.
Citigroup is under no duty to update this article and shall not be liable for any complaint, suit, action, claim, expense, loss or damages directly or indirectly arising out of or in connection with any person’s reliance on, or acting upon, or use of, any contents on this article. The article is subject to amendment without notice. Investment Products are (i) not insured by any government agency; (ii) not a deposit or other obligation of, or guaranteed by, the depository institution; and (iii) subject to investment risks, including possible loss of the principal amount invested. The information contained herein is not intended to be tax or legal advice, or an exhaustive discussion of the strategies or concepts mentioned herein. Please seek advice from your tax, legal or financial adviser as appropriate about the contents discussed herein or before investing in any investment products. Should you choose not to seek such advice, you should carefully consider the risks associated with any investments and make a determination based upon your own particular circumstances and assess whether such investment product is suitable for you.
