The Best Things to Do in Bali in 2026: Adventures, Culture & Pure Fun
Surf breaks, jungle treks, sunrise volcanoes and rice-terrace cycling — here are the experiences that make Bali one of the world's most rewarding playgrounds.
MyGlob Editorial March 22, 2026 3 min read
Few destinations pack as much variety into one island as Bali. In a single trip you can paddle out at a warm-water surf break before breakfast, hike a volcano in time for sunrise, and end the day watching fire dancers on a clifftop. Whether you crave adrenaline, culture, or slow days by the water, this guide rounds up the experiences worth building a trip around. Each pick is chosen for being genuinely memorable rather than simply popular.
01Pick #1Surf the south coast — for every level
Bali is a global surf capital, and the southern coastline serves every ability. Beginners find gentle, forgiving waves at Kuta and Canggu's Batu Bolong, where dozens of schools offer lessons and board hire. Experienced surfers chase the legendary reef breaks of the Bukit Peninsula at Uluwatu, Padang Padang and Bingin. Dawn sessions mean cleaner waves and lighter crowds, and the warm water means no wetsuit required.
02Pick #2Climb Mount Batur for sunrise — the classic trek
The pre-dawn hike up Mount Batur, an active volcano in the central highlands, is a Bali rite of passage. The trail is moderate and most fit travellers manage it in around two hours, reaching the summit as the sun rises over Lake Batur and distant Mount Agung. Go with a licensed local guide, bring a warm layer for the chilly top, and you may be treated to eggs cooked in volcanic steam.
03Pick #3Cycle the Tegallalang and Jatiluwih rice terraces
The sculpted rice terraces of Tegallalang near Ubud and the UNESCO-listed expanse of Jatiluwih are best appreciated slowly. Guided downhill cycling tours roll past temples, villages and farmers tending the ancient subak irrigation system. It is an easy, scenic way to see rural Bali and understand the water-sharing tradition that has shaped the landscape for over a thousand years.
04Pick #4Chase waterfalls in the highlands and north
Bali's interior hides dozens of waterfalls. Sekumpul in the north is often called the island's most spectacular, a cluster of cascades reached by a rewarding jungle trek. Closer to Ubud, Tegenungan offers an easy splash, while Tibumana and Kanto Lampo reward those willing to wander. Bring sturdy footwear and check conditions in the rainy season, when paths can be slick.
- 05Pick #5
Dive or snorkel the USAT Liberty wreck at Tulamben
On the northeast coast, the wreck of the USAT Liberty lies just metres offshore, encrusted with coral and teeming with fish. It is one of the most accessible wreck dives anywhere, suitable for snorkellers and beginner divers as well as experts. Nearby Amed offers calm bays and traditional jukung outrigger boats, making this stretch a favourite for underwater exploration.
- 06Pick #6
Take a white-water rafting trip on the Ayung River
For a burst of adrenaline framed by jungle, raft the Ayung River near Ubud. The grade two and three rapids are exciting without being intimidating, and the journey winds past hidden waterfalls and carved cliff walls. It suits families, couples and groups, and operators provide all safety gear and guides.
- 07Pick #7
Watch the Kecak fire dance at Uluwatu
As the sun sinks behind the Indian Ocean, the clifftop amphitheatre at Uluwatu Temple fills with the hypnotic chant of the Kecak dance. Performed by a circle of men echoing a story from the Ramayana, and climaxing with a fire scene, it is one of Bali's most atmospheric cultural experiences. Book ahead and arrive early for a good seat with the temple silhouette behind the stage.
- 08Pick #8
Island-hop to Nusa Penida and the Gilis
A fast boat from Sanur reaches Nusa Penida in under an hour, where dramatic clifftop viewpoints like Kelingking Beach and snorkelling with manta rays await. Further afield, the Gili Islands off Lombok offer car-free sands and turquoise water. Both make excellent day trips or overnight escapes from the main island's bustle.
- 09Pick #9
Learn to cook Balinese food
A hands-on cooking class is one of the best ways to connect with Balinese culture. Many start with a guided visit to a local market before you grind your own spice paste, or bumbu, and prepare dishes like sate lilit and lawar. You leave with recipes and a deeper appreciation of the island's flavours.
- 10Pick #10
Unwind with a Balinese spa ritual
After all that adventure, a traditional Balinese massage and flower bath is the perfect reset. From riverside villa spas in Ubud to beachfront day spas in Seminyak, treatments are world-class and remarkably affordable. It is the gentle counterpoint that completes a well-rounded Bali itinerary.
- 11Pick #11
Planning your activities in Bali
However you mix it, the magic of Bali is that adventure and serenity are never more than a short drive apart. Pick a handful of these experiences, leave room to wander, and the island will do the rest.
- Book sunrise treks, popular dance shows and manta snorkelling tours in advance during the dry season (roughly April to October).
- Hire a private driver for a day to combine several inland sights without the stress of self-driving.
- Respect temple dress codes and conservation rules, especially around marine sites and sacred springs.
- Build in slow days — Bali rewards a relaxed pace as much as a packed itinerary.
Bali offers something for everyone: surfing and volcano hikes for adventure, temples and dance for culture, and beaches, waterfalls and beach clubs for relaxation. Highlights include Mount Batur sunrise treks, Uluwatu and Canggu surf, Ubud's culture, and island day trips. Mix activities across regions to see the island's variety.
- Adventure
- Surfing, volcano hikes, waterfalls, diving
- Culture
- Temples, Ubud, traditional dance
- Relaxation
- Beaches and beach clubs
- Day trips
- Nusa Islands
- Best season
- Dry season, roughly April-October
- Adventure highlights include surfing, the Mount Batur sunrise trek and waterfalls.
- Cultural musts include Ubud, temples and traditional dance performances.
- Beaches and beach clubs offer relaxation across the south and west coasts.
- Day trips to the Nusa Islands add snorkeling and dramatic coastlines.
- Renting a scooter or hiring a driver helps you reach spread-out attractions.