6 Things You Have To Do In Bali

Bali: More Than Just Downtime

There are hundreds of reasons to visit Bali from the epic waves to the bustling nightlife, but here are 6 things you have to experience whilst visiting Bali to make the most out of your trip. So if you want to avoid being a complete beach bum whilst on a Bali tour, log these things to do in Bali into your travel plans.

Sunrise on Mount Agung

After a month of loading up on Mie goreng, cheap bintang beer and endless cocktails, a 6 hour trek up Mount Agung, the tallest (and arguably steepest) mountain in Bali probably wasn’t the best idea. Yet any thoughts of aching legs instantly evaporated as I sipped coffee at the summit, watching the sun rise above the clouds whilst Balinese locals performed a blessing at the mountain shrine.



Diving at Liberty Wreck

The experience was part of an action-packed weekend, starting with a taster free-diving session at Liberty Wreck in Tulamben, one of the World’s top diving sights, and ending with a manta ray snorkeling session off the coast of Nusa Penida. In a country where the culture is so relaxed that everything happens an hour later than planned, changing plans on the spur of the moment is easily done. Transfers are easily arranged and advertised everywhere (although haggling is a must to avoid getting ripped off), so hopping from beach to mountain to monkey forest is easily accomplishable in one trip.

Surfing in Bali

From Uluwatu’s monster peaks to Canggu’s beginners break at Batu Balong, Bali is known for having some of the best surf in the world. A good, albeit crowded, surf session is pretty much guaranteed. The popular breaks can get pretty hectic, so waking up early for a sunrise surf is usually the best way to ensure that you don’t have to share the waves with too many people.

Off the beaten track

Surfing aside, you’re spoiled for choice when it comes to Bali’s stunning scenery, with untouched beaches and lush green rice paddies around almost every corner. Ubud’s stunning temples are a prime example of Bali’s cultural side. Alternatively a trip to Flores can take you off the beaten track to the quieter Bali of 30 years ago. From there, day trips or ‘live-aboard’ boat trips are easily arranged to see the island of Komodo and dive Bali’s crystal waters, surrounded by Manta rays, turtles and more.

The best of Bali’s food

Food is cheap, spicy and fresh, even cheaper if you eat at local warungs. Ask for a “Nasi Campur” to be given a little taste of everything and you can’t go wrong with the classic Nasi goreng (fried rice) or Mie goreng (fried noodles). Cap Cay, a chicken and vegetable broth, is also the best way to nurse a hangover after making the most of Bali’s vibrant nightlife.

Late night drinks

Kuta is best known for its mega clubs, however any essence of ‘Bali’ has been swallowed up by strips of bars and discount drinks. Seminyak’s ‘Potato head’ or Canggu’s ‘Pretty Poison’ are better examples of Bali nightlife in places which have a little more of that ‘Bali’ personality.

So whether you see yourself surfing, diving, trekking, or sipping a sunset cocktail on a beautiful beach, then Bali is a place to tick off the list.

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By Elen Gibbons

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