My Favourite Areas to Visit in Bali: what to do and how long to stay (EN)
AREAS TO STAY AND WHAT TO DO IN BALI
What to do in BALI? - the question I’ve been asked the most. There is no straight answer as it really matters what kind of person you are and what you enjoy doing.
Bali is very diverse and it literally has everything for everyone - landscapes, rich culture, vast nature, adventurous experiences and excellent hospitality.
If you want to stay in a beachfront five-star resort and literally spend 10 days of relaxing, dining, occasional day trips and treating yourself to balinese hospitality and spa treatments - great, there are such places in the south!
Buy if you are an adventurous person (I’d say like me) and you want to make the most of trip and ride a scooter, get wet in waterfalls, walk through rice fields and get sweaty, wake up early to watch the sunrise near a volcano and savour every single emotion the island has to offer, then you definitely need to visit more areas and add more experiences to your itinerary. These are all things that will make your trip to Bali really worth it!
With so much to see, it can be overwhelming to decide where to go. To help you plan your trip, I’ve put together a list of my favourite areas in Bali. Have in mind that there loads of possibilities for day trips from each location but this would be a great start to plan your trip allowing you to fully immerse into the island’s pleasures!
Here’s where I recommend staying and what you could do in each area for the perfect Bali trip.
UBUD - 4/5 nights:
Jungle, temples, rice fields, cultural encounters, wellness and yoga
Ubud is the cultural and spiritual heart of Bali, surrounded by the jungle and numerous rice fields. It’s the perfect place to either slow down, connect with nature, and experience Balinese culture. Or to go a bit more adventurous and take day trips to waterfalls and rice terraces.
What to do?
Take walks through the rice fields nearby, such as the Campuhan Ridge Walk (loads of cafes at the end of it) or the less crowded Kajeng Rice Fields
Explore Ubud’s Art Market for hand made items and get some new island style clothes from the many boutique shops in the center. Go early or in the afternoon to avoid the harsh sun
Enjoy culinary experiences by trying local warungs, indulging in fine dining with jungle views, tasting specialty coffee. You could also join a cooking class with a visit of the local market in the morning.
Treat yourself to a traditional Balinese massage or join a yoga class at Alchemy Yoga Center
Take day trips to nearby waterfalls or more remote waterfalls like Leke Leke
Participate in a water cleansing ceremony called Melukat in the Pura Mancengan. It is less crowded than the popular Pura Tirta Empul.
Sidemen - 2 nights
Scenic escape, volcano views, and relaxation
If you’re looking for a place to really slow down and escape from the traffic and the crowds, Sidemen should be on your list. This hidden gem (I really mean it) offers stunning views of Mount Agung - Bali’s highest mountain and active volcano. I love the atmosphere here as there is no where to rush for, you can just explore the village on foot or rent a scooter for 8 euro a day. It is very safe to ride a scooter inside the village even if you are not a pro.
My personal favourites:
Go on morning walks through village and around the rice fields
Visit the Gembleng waterfall in the area - 20’ away by car or scooter. All hotels offer transfer services.
Just relax by the pool with breathtaking views of Bali’s highest volcano
Immerse yourself in the slow-paced village life, where you can experience authentic Balinese culture.
If you want more activities- there are options for Silver-making classes, cooking, classes, spa procedures, etc.
North Bali - 2/3 nights
Waterfalls and trekking
For the adventurous traveler, North Bali is a paradise of untouched nature, dramatic waterfalls, and thrilling hike!
Visit the Munduk Waterfalls Trekking Trail — there are a few waterfalls in the area, most of them suitable for swimming. Spend a whole day or even longer exploring all of them.
Trek through the jungle and experience the natural beauty of Bali away from the crowds - guided tours are offered in the area.
Rent a scooter and drive around the villages around Munduk and Gobleg - no finals destination, just loads of panoramic views!
Uluwatu or nusa dua - 3/4 nights
Beaches and sunsets
Uluwatu is one the most popular area in Bali area for beaches, surfing and cliffside ocean views. While it’s known for the famous Uluwatu Temple, I recommend focusing on the coastline and making most of the salty water and sun.
Spend your days relaxing at some of the best beaches, such as Bingin and Thomas Beach.
If you’re into surfing, this is the place for you!
Or if you prefer more high-end beach clubs visit places like the Rock and Sundays Beach Club.
Visit Savaya - it is an all-day beach and night club situated on a huge 100m tall cliff above the Indian Ocean. Attend a special DJ party or just come for the sunset.
Visit Nusa Dua Beach and Geger Beach for a more tranquil experience with easier access.
If you prefer a laid-back vacation or are traveling with family, consider staying in Nusa Dua, where the beaches are more accessible (similar to European), and there are walking paths that don’t require a scooter.
NUSA LEMBONGAN & NUSA CENINGAN ISLANDS - 3 nights
Island trip with mega views of Bali
If you have extra time and want to visit one of Bali’s nearby islands, I highly recommend heading to Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan instead of Nusa Penida. The islands are located next to each other and are connected by an iconic yellow bridge.
Take a fast boat from Bali (Sanur) and explore these islands - less crowded and no traffic. It takes around 40' minutes on a fast boat to reach Nusa Lembongan
Relax on Jungut Batu or Dream Beach or at one of the day clubs
Visit the Blue Lagoon for breathtaking cliffs, huge waves and turquoise waters
Unlike Nusa Penida, these islands are much easier to get around and provide a more relaxed island experience
My tips:
A lot of restaurants and warungs offer free shuttle from your accommodation to their establishment, so it is quite handy if you don’t want to ride a scooter at night.
Driving a scooter in Nusa Lembongan is way easier and safer in Bali, so I recommend experiencing the island by scooter.
Final Considerations
So, with that said, I am only mentioning you a tiny percentage of what you can do in Bali as every region is diverse, and every person seeks a different experience.
My advice:
If you are here for 10 days, you better pick up just 2-3 locations and make most of them. Do not try to visit Nusa Lembongan for a day or travel all the way to Uluwatu to spend just one day on the beach. It won’t be worth it and you will actually waste time. If possible plan a holiday with a duration at least 2 weeks.
Whether you’re seeking an adventure, relaxation, or cultural immersion, these destinations will make your trip unforgettable!
the Essentials Bali Guide & Map
Did you know that recently I created the Bali Essentials Guide that summarises all essential information you should know about a trip to Bali? And the best part? It comes with 5 Google Maps Lists with over 180+ handpicked locations to visit on the island! Saves you time scrolling and researching, I’ve got all the worth the hype locations.
Check it out below 👇
Happy travels and exploring the island! ✨
