Bali, the tropical paradise located in the heart of Indonesia, is a destination that offers something for everyone. Bali has everything if you’re looking for a relaxing beach getaway, an adventure-filled holiday, or a chance to immerse yourself in local culture. This guide will take you on a journey through the island’s must-see sights and top activities, so you can make the most of your Bali holiday. From the iconic rice terraces of Ubud to the bustling streets of Kuta and from the sacred temples of Uluwatu to the serene beaches of Nusa Dua, we’ll show you the best that Bali has to offer. Get ready to discover the magic of Bali and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Spa Treatments
Bali holidays are a great way to relax and unwind with some of the best spa treatments available in the world. From the natural hot springs and healing energy of Ubud to the luxurious resorts in Seminyak, there is a wide variety of different spa treatments that you can enjoy.
From hot stone massages to facials, manicures and pedicures, there is something for everyone. Whether you are looking for a luxurious getaway or a more affordable option, Bali has a spa.
Traditional Balinese Massage
Traditional Balinese Massage is a must-do during your Bali holidays. This massage is based on finger points, hand movements and stretches to alleviate stress, aches and pains. Using long soothing strokes, the skilled therapists use a mixture of techniques from acupressure and traditional Balinese massage, combined with oil to reach deeply into the layers of the muscles to loosen them.
The pressure used by the therapists can be light or strong depending upon your preference; if you are new to massages, then it is suggested that you choose the lighter option, as this allows the therapist to start off gently and cautiously. Hence, getting you used to the feeling until you eventually work up to a stronger pressure.
Traditional Balinese massages at some spas are often finished with coconut oil for extra relaxation, moisturization and skin rejuvenation. Some treatments focus on reflexology or shiatsu instead, with intense emphasis on traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). During Traditional Balinese Massage, not only will your body thank you but also your mind due to its spiritual elements. These treatments are thought to promote physical and emotional healing by restoring a balance between body and soul harmony. So why don’t you book yourself one session today?
Hot Stone Massage
Hot Stone Massage is a massage treatment used by many spas worldwide to help release tight knots and alleviate stress. During the Hot Stone Massage, heated basalt or river stones are placed on various trigger points of the body. This therapy helps reduce tension in the muscles and deeply relaxes them. It also increases blood circulation and brings about a greater sense of well-being. Furthermore, hot stone massage is beneficial for those suffering from colds, flu and joint pain as it helps to improve lymph drainage throughout the body.
The hot stones can massage any part of your body: shoulders, neck, scalp, abdomen and even feet. The therapist will use special techniques to ensure that heat penetrates deeply into each muscle group to remove pain and tension. Before treatment, clients will be offered a few moments of relaxation before going into the massage room, where oil will be applied for lubrication; after that, heated massage stones will be worked over your entire body to remove any persistent knots in your muscles that are causing you pain or discomfort.
During this relaxing journey, some cooler stones may also be worked on specific areas within your muscles; cool stones have been found to ease chronic pain symptoms such as sciatica or plantar fasciitis. Afterwards, clients may notice reduced muscle stiffness followed swiftly by a deeper level of relaxation throughout their entire body. Benefits from hot stone massage can last anywhere from days up until several weeks, depending upon each individual demanded case.
Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy is a holistic treatment that uses pure essential oils to stimulate healing and enhance well-being. Essential oils are made from plants, flowers, fruits, roots, resins and herbs. When used in the right way, the use of essential oils can help relieve stress and rebalance both the mind and body.
Aromatherapy treatment typically includes a gentle massage with a blend of soothing essential oils chosen to suit your individual needs and desires. The aromas from these natural ingredients can help reduce anxiety, improve sleep quality and increase your sense of calmness. Popular scents include lavender for stress relief, peppermint to boost energy levels, eucalyptus to aid breathing and chamomile for calming purposes.
Suppose you want an aromatic spa experience while embarking on the Bali holidays. In that case, you could opt for a yoga therapy session with aromatherapy added as an additional benefit. The combination will leave you feeling blissfully relaxed while improving overall wellness. You can also purchase essential oil products at numerous local stores or wholesale health-food stores across Indonesia to enjoy aromatherapy benefits at home or during travel arrangements.
Yoga
Suppose you’re looking for a relaxing and calming holiday. In that case, Bali is a great place to visit, and yoga is one of the best activities for a calming and therapeutic experience. While plenty of yoga studios are available in Bali, some of the best practices come from outdoor yoga sessions.
You can practice yoga on the beach, in the jungle or at one of Bali’s many renowned yoga retreats. Yoga is the perfect way to relax and unwind on your Bali holiday.
Sunrise Yoga
Practising yoga as the sun rises and illuminates the sky can be a truly transformative experience. This can be especially true during a holiday in Bali, as the mesmerizing island panorama is filled with incredible spiritual vibes.
At sunrise, you’re likely to find many beautiful beach or jungle spots, perfect for stretching and breathing deeply to fill your senses with peace and tranquillity. Whether you’re gazing at the natural beauty of volcanoes, mountains, ocean or rivers in Bali, supporting your body in different postures can become an inspiring journey of self-discovery.
Bali yoga classes come in all shapes and forms, including traditional Hatha, Iyengar or Vinyasa Flow style. Still, there are more relaxing yoga options, such as Yin yoga or Ashtanga, when practitioners are guided by gong instead of verbal cues. It can also be done solo on one’s own schedule during the Bali holiday outdoors. With classes for beginners through to advanced practitioners, yoga is ideal for anyone looking for something special during a Bali getaway.
Beachfront Yoga
Beachfront yoga in Bali is a great way to start the morning and appreciate the island’s beauty. A great spot for beachfront yoga is located near Kuta or Seminyak, where you can take in stunning sunrises and warm balmy air. If sunrise isn’t your thing, plenty of sunset sessions are available.
Whether taking an hour-long class or simply finding a spot for some gentle stretching, beachfront yoga offers spectacular views of Bali’s shoreline and maximum relaxation. Yoga classes often feature a mix of guided and flow postures combined with meditations that leave your mind and body blissfully refreshed. Different types like Yin Yang, Hatha flow and Vinyasa are available on the island, so depending on your interest levels, you can pick out whatever suits you best. While instructors may differ in their styles of teaching yoga, they aim to do each practice connecting with nature while cleansing both body and soul. Whether in groups or private sessions, beachfront yoga offers an unforgettable holiday experience!
Outdoor Yoga
Yoga is a great activity to do when you’re in Bali. Outdoor yoga provides an immersive experience and offers the opportunity to enjoy some of the island’s most beautiful locations. With the warm tropical climate and stunning views, practising yoga outdoors in Bali is a truly unique experience.
In addition to being surrounded by postcard-like scenery, you will also benefit from exercising outside; this allows for extra energy boosts due to the sun’s natural Vitamin D and exposure to nature’s elements such as oxygen, air, light and water particles that are all beneficial for your physical health.
The best way to find outdoor yoga classes in Bali is by going online or asking locals where they recommend. Many studios across the island offer open-air yoga classes, usually overlooking hills or jungle scenes depending on location. Outdoor classes tend to vary from place to place but generally include the following:
- Pranayama breathing exercises
- Various postures from yin or dynamic styles of yoga
- Meditation
- Elements of traditional Balinese dance
Regardless of what type of outdoor class you choose, be sure to wear sunscreen and light clothing and bring along plentiful amounts of water for hydration during your practice!
Tours and Hiking
If you love exploring the outdoors and are looking for a unique place to discover, Bali is the perfect destination! Various tour and hiking options are available, offering beautiful views, wildlife and nature. Enjoy learning about the culture and discovering the hidden gems of Bali as you take on exciting activities, including trekking and cycling.
You can also explore the surrounding areas, such as the volcanoes, rice paddies, national parks and waterfalls. Find the perfect spot to relax and reconnect with nature during your stay in Bali!
Rice Paddy Trekking
Rice paddy trekking is one of the most popular and fascinating things to do during a Bali holiday. This activity takes you through the terraced, irrigated rice paddies of rural Bali, giving you an up-close view of traditional farming methods and providing insight into Balinese life. Rice paddy trekking takes about two hours, and it is a great way for travellers to get off the beaten path and explore another side of Bali.
Your journey starts with a short drive from Ubud to Kintamani, where you will meet your guide and the locals who will lead you on your adventure through stunning greenery and icy-cold rivers that wind through valleys. On your walk, you’ll learn about irrigation systems used in the area and Balinese customs related to farming. During your trek, you’ll also get to observe the daily activities of villagers, like harvesting rice or checking their bee houses for honey. Once at the top of a hill overlooking both mountains and ocean views, enjoy Mount Batur’s beauty while enjoying some freshly prepared food or drink offered by your guide before heading back down – an experience not to be missed!
Waterfall Hiking
For avid hikers, Bali offers a wealth of beautiful landscapes to explore. Discover refreshing waterfalls hidden away in the countryside and provide great trekking and nature appreciation opportunities.
A popular way to explore Bali’s scenic countryside is with a waterfall hiking tour. From jungle trails and picturesque rice paddies to serene waterfalls, you will have your pick of places to visit during your time here. Depending on your group size, some tours may offer private transportation or guided tours so that you can safely explore without worry. Many tours also include lunch or snacks along the way!
Before heading out, wear adequate clothing and shoes, as some terrain can sometimes be slippery or uneven. Also, waterproofing might not hurt too! Reachable waterfalls depend on seasonality and rainfall, but some popular sites include:
- Tijuana Waterfall
- Gitgit Waterfall
- Kanto Lampo Waterfall
- Tampak Siring Holy Spring Temple (Nyangnya Temple)
- Kumbuh Kaleng – Green Bowl Waterfall
- Tanggal Waterfall
Waterfall hikes provide scenic beauty and physical challenge, making them perfect for adventurers of all ages! With the assistance of a professional guide aboard one of these fun-filled waterfall hiking trips, you can enjoy the carefree exploration of Bali’s verdant jungle terrain and truly get away from it all for a day or two.
ATV Tour
An ATV Tour is one of the most thrilling activities for visitors to experience in Bali. ATV stands for ‘all-terrain vehicles’, and these machines allow tourists to explore parts of the island inaccessible by traditional means. Bali ATV Tours offers different packages depending on your skill level and preferences.
For adventure seekers wishing to get off the beaten track, challenging courses travel through diverse terrains such as forests, rivers and mountains. Operating on the manual transmission, you have control over your routes, so if you wish to go wild, a high-adrenaline choice is available. A professional tour guide will always accompany you, ensuring your safety and providing well-informed insight into Balinese culture and customs along the way.
For those with less experience or who prefer a calmer ride, tours comprise easy tracks close to local villages. The journey takes you off-road around scenic landscapes near some spectacular temples or other emerald strips of nature allowing you to witness how friendly Balinese folks live in harmony with their environment. Afterwards, enjoy a traditional buffet lunch surrounded by stunning mountain scenery (lunch not included in the base package).
Whether amateur or advanced rider, an ATV Tour package is suitable for everyone browsing holiday ideas in Bali!
Temples
Bali has some of the most beautiful temples in the world, and taking a tour of the temples is one of the best things to do during a Bali holiday.
The temples in Bali range from small family temples to larger public complexes that are open to the public. A visit to the temples can be a meditative and spiritual experience and will provide you with a great insight into the Balinese culture.
Tanah Lot Temple
Tanah Lot temple is one of the most popular temples in Bali, located on a rock formation surrounded by water. This Hindu temple is unique and considered one of the seven sea temples of Bali. Built in the 16th century, the Temple of Tanah Lot is believed to be dedicated to sea defenders. It is also said that this temple serves as a reminder and a protective barrier against evil spirits.
At Tanah Lot, you can participate in several activities such as local art, drama performances and offerings. The sunsets are particularly beautiful here, and it can get quite crowded evenings with trade shops around the area offering souvenirs and food items.
Visitors who come at a certain time of year may even witness traditional ceremonies conducted by local Balinese Hindu priests, including cockfights followed by sand pan ritual dedications to the Tanzpa spirit believed to inhabit this ancient temple complex. Visitors should also note that they shall remain respectful while visiting this holy site, observing all religious or cultural rituals performed during their visit, including wearing modest attire during their stay at this location.
Besakih Temple
Besakih Temple is Bali’s largest and holiest Hindu temple complex and the island’s ‘Mother Temple’. It is a part of the Nature Heritage of UNESCO. While it is made of more than twenty temples, each dedicated to a different God, Besakih also houses many subsidiary complexes.
Built on six hectares of land on a volcanic terrace three thousand feet above sea level, its greatest attraction is Pura Penataran Agung or the “Main Temple”, which rises up at its centre surrounded by other temple structures. It is known as ‘Pura Pusaka’ or the inheriting temple, as it preserves numerous holy relics and items, including heirlooms passed down through generations since ancient times.
The views from Besakih are breathtaking, commanding a scenery of vine terraces stretching far off into the sky-line and down across to Mount Agung – Bali’s highest peak – with little specks of white-walled structures punctuating jungles streets below.
Visitors must walk through a sprawling courtyard lined with intricately carved shrines before arriving at the entrance gate, a splash of bright yellow architecture ascending towards brilliant blue skies. But be aware – here, religious marches for the important ceremony can be heard daily, so please remain respectful during your visit!
Uluwatu Temple
Uluwatu Temple (or Pura Luhur Uluwatu) is a Hindu temple set on top of a steep cliff on the island of Bali, Indonesia. Built-in the 11th century, this temple is one of the most iconic attractions in Bali. Located on Balangan beach, Uluwatu Temple is on top of a massive limestone cliff overlooking an endless balmy blue Indian Ocean and enjoys stunning sunset views that are famed across Bali. The temple is dedicated to Sang Hyang Widhi Wasa in his manifestation as Rudra.
Inside, you will find ancient pavilions and enclosed courtyards surrounded by lush green foliage – perfect for exploration as you leisurely stroll around admiring sculptures, shrines and monuments made from coral stones.
A must-see attraction near this temple complex is the Kecak Fire Dance show which starts at 6 pm every day. Spend an evening here to learn about Balinese dances and join locals and guests alike getting excited about this extraordinary performance!
Party
You will be satisfied if you are looking for the ultimate party experience during your Bali holidays. Bali is home to some of the world’s best beach clubs, nightclubs, and bars. You can find amazing venues to dance the night away with your friends and family from sunset to sunrise. There are also some great spots to enjoy music, drinks and food.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the best places to party in Bali:
Single Fin
Single Fin is one of the most popular locations for spending a night in Bali, especially among surfing enthusiasts. Located at Uluwatu, this bar is ideal for watching beautiful paragliding and scuba diving shows or just sunset gazing.
Not only does Single Fin offer stunning ocean views, but it also has various other facilities that can bring your holiday to life. This includes chilled-out beachy vibes with plenty of cocktails and music, plus massive outdoor movie screens every Sunday night – perfect if you’re looking for a laidback evening with plenty of activities. If you’re in the mood to dance, there’s an indoor club called Rock Bar, with DJs spinning tunes all night long.
Motel Mexicola
Motel Mexicola is a vibrant and bustling Mexican-themed bar and restaurant in the heart of Seminyak, Bali. This eclectic spot is great for nightlife and offers a variety of Bali holidays options to suit any taste.
The venue spans two floors, with each floor boasting its own unique charm. On the first level, you’ll find colourful cantina dining adorned with vintage decor. On the second floor, a party-centric lounge area features a live DJ every night from 9pm onwards.
At Motel Mexicola, you can enjoy a range of tacos, burritos, nachos, and other Mexican lunchtime favourites and an extensive selection of craft beers and cocktails during your Bali holidays. Offering late nights and festive vibes 365 days a year— it’s no surprise that this place quickly became one of Bali’s biggest party destinations!
Finns Beach Club
Finns Beach Club is a luxurious beachfront venue located in the popular holiday destination of Bali, Indonesia. Finns Beach Club is the perfect spot for those looking to unwind and relax in style with its stunning ocean views, white sandy beaches, and crystal-clear waters.
The club offers a wide range of facilities, including a large infinity pool, a swim-up bar, and a variety of sun loungers and day beds for guests to enjoy. The pool area is surrounded by lush tropical gardens, providing a serene and peaceful environment to soak up the sun.
Finns Beach Club is also home to a range of dining options, including a beachfront restaurant serving a delicious selection of international and local cuisine. The restaurant also boasts an impressive wine list and an extensive cocktail menu, making it the perfect spot for a romantic dinner or a casual lunch with friends.
For those looking for entertainment, Finns Beach Club hosts various events and live music performances throughout the week. The club also offers a range of activities, such as yoga classes, making it the perfect spot for a fun-filled day out.
Finns Beach Club is a great spot for honeymooners, families or friends looking to enjoy a relaxing day by the beach in Bali. Finns Beach Club has something for everyone, whether you’re looking to soak up the sun, indulge in delicious food and drinks, or relax and unwind.
In addition to its relaxing atmosphere, Finns Beach Club is also known for its vibrant nightlife scene and the best parties in Bali. The club features a large open-air beachfront bar, transforming into a lively evening party spot. With resident DJs spinning the latest beats and live vocalists, the club attracts a crowd of party-goers looking to dance the night away.
Finns Beach Club is also home to various special events and themed parties throughout the year, including New Year’s Eve and international DJ events. The club’s large open-air dance floor and state-of-the-art lighting and sound system create an electric atmosphere perfect for dancing under the stars.
Finns Beach Club is one of Bali’s most popular party spots, known for its lively atmosphere, great music, and beautiful setting. Finns Beach Club is the perfect place to party hard in Bali, whether you’re looking to dance the night away or enjoy a few drinks with friends.