13 Things to Do in Bali

Bali's most photographed landscape — a UNESCO-recognised subak irrigation system carved into the hillside north of Ubud. The emerald terraces at golden hour feel almost too beautiful to be real. Arrive early to beat the crowds.

A sea temple perched on a rocky outcrop, accessible only at low tide, silhouetted against fiery sunsets. One of Bali's most sacred sites and its most cinematic — arrive an hour before dusk for light that looks like a painting.

Bali's western coast delivers the island's most atmospheric sunsets. Seminyak is polished and upscale; Canggu is the laid-back surf town where beach clubs, co-working spaces and black-sand breaks share the same block.

A pre-dawn hike up an active volcano rewarded by one of Southeast Asia's most breathtaking sunrises. The 2-hour ascent through the dark is worth every step — breakfast cooked by volcanic steam at the summit is unforgettable.

Perched 70 metres above the Indian Ocean on Bali's southern tip, Uluwatu is equal parts spiritual and spectacular. The kecak fire dance performed at the cliff edge at sunset is among the most memorable experiences in all of Asia.

A sanctuary of ancient trees, moss-covered temples and free-roaming macaques in the heart of Ubud. Equal parts eerie and enchanting — three active Hindu temples have stood here for over 600 years, and the monkeys have no intention of leaving.

One of Bali's most sacred sea temples, rising from a rocky outcrop surrounded by churning waves. Best at sunset — the silhouette against the orange sky is the image you've seen everywhere, and it's even better in person.

Ubud is Bali's cultural heart — galleries, traditional dance, organic cafes and yoga retreats surrounded by jungle and rice fields. The Tegallalang terraces are 20 minutes north and best explored on foot at dawn.

The clifftop temple at Uluwatu hosts a nightly kecak fire dance — 50 men chanting in hypnotic unison as flames leap against the sunset sky above the Indian Ocean. It's theatrical, sacred and genuinely moving.

A rugged island 45 mins by fast boat — Kelingking Beach cliff, Angel's Billabong natural pool and crystal-clear snorkelling at Crystal Bay. One full day, completely worth it.

Bali's hippest beach village — black-sand surf breaks, oceanfront cafes, co-working spaces and a community of creative nomads all on one very cool strip.

A 10th-century Hindu temple with natural spring-fed pools where Balinese Hindus perform traditional purification bathing rituals — visitors are welcome to join.

Bali's largest and most sacred temple complex, set on the slopes of Mount Agung. Known as the Mother Temple, it's the spiritual centre of the entire island.