Top 10 Things To Do in Bali

Sep 6

Gili Trawanga | Travel Aimz | www.travelaimz.com

Thinking of going to Bali? STRONG choice! I love this county so much, i’m thinking about moving there. Rice paddies, jungles, beaches like you see in the movies and more infinity pools than I thought you could get on one tiny island. Bali has so much to offer, and the people are also pretty awesome too. Below I’ve outlined the top 10 things to do in Bali on your trip, to make sure you cover off the best of what Bali has to offer on your holiday.

1. Island hopping (Gili islands)

The Gili Islands are one of the most talked about things in Bali. Whether you are a backpacker, holiday maker, or honeymoon goer the Gili Islands is a must do! The Gili islands are Bali's little bit of paradise. An archipelago of three small islands, all with palm trees lining sandy white beaches, with crystal clear water.

The islands are known for their fantastic scuba diving and snorkelling experience. Sea turtles can often be spotted on the shore line,

Though all have beautiful beaches, and careless roads, each Island is unique and has something slightly different to offer. Gili Tranwangan (Gili-T), is the largest of the 3 islands, with a vibrant bohemian atmosphere. Gili Meno is much more secluded and underdeveloped, great for those looking for a real escape. Though it has less restaurants and activities to offer it has some of the best, untouched beaches the world has to offer. Last but not least you have Gili Air, which offers a combination of the two, one side of the island has secluded beaches, while the other is full of vibrant restaurants and bars, the island also has great watersports, including surfing. Whichever you choose, you are guaranteed a taste of paradise.

Opening times: N/A

Price: N/A

Tours: Gili Island Tours

2. Sacred Monkey Forest

The Sacred Monkey Forest is the natural habitat and sanctuary of the Balinese long-tailed monkey. A total of over 1000 monkeys live in the forest, located in the village of Padangtegal in Ubud. The monkey forest also contains 3 temples which you can visit, you pay an entrance fee and then are able to roam freely through the forest. The Sacred monkey forest is the most famous thing to do in Bali, and they welcome up to 15,000 visitors every month.

A tip - don’t be the bananas. Even once you’ve fed the monkeys - they will smell banana you and climb all over you. Not feeding them is the best way to avoid any aggression.

Opening times: 8:30 - 18:00 (Daily)

Price: 80,000 IDR / £4.50

Tours: Sacred Monkey Forest Tours

3. Tegalalang Rice Terrace

In my opinion this is by far one of the coolest things to do in Bali, Tegalalang Rice Terrace, located in Ubud. Essentially this involves a series of rice fields, constructed in a ‘step-like manner’, that create a truly unique and beautiful landscape.

Not only can you tour the rice paddies, you can also have a go zip-lining through the jungle or take a photo on several jungle swings.

The terrace is only open on the weekends and you'll need to book a place on a tour in advance to ensure you don’t miss out.

Opening times: 8:00 - 18:00 (Daily)

Price: 15,000 IDR / £1 (5,000 IDR for parking)

Tours: Tegalalang Rice Terrace Tours

4. North Bali’s hot springs

In northern Bali you’ll find a group of natural rustic hot springs, surrounded by tropical gardens for a truly tranquil experience. One of the main centres is Banjar Hot Springs, popular with tourists and locals alike. On site they also have a spa and restaurant so you can turn it into a full day trip. If you are looking for a relaxing thing to do in Bali after a long hike, this is it.

The hot Springs has a Sulfur content of 26% and a temperature of ± 38 ° C which is perfect for healing (healing process), and back in WW2 the spring were used to help heal skin conditions. There are two pools that are fed water from the natural hot spring, one which is only 1 meter deep and suitable for children.

Opening times: 8:30 - 17:30 (Daily)

Price: 5,000 IDR / £0.30

5. Hike to the top of Mount Batur

Mount Batur is an active volcano located between two volcanic craters, offering a spectacular landscape, and welcomes about 200 hikers daily. Its elevation is > 1,700 m and takes about 1.5 hours to climb, if you are relatively fit.

You can choose to either hike the mountain alone (despite what the touts try to convince you) or go for a guided tour. I’d only recommend going it alone if there are several of you in your group and you are confident hikers, else opt for the guided tour to make things easier.

There’s an entrance fee to the Volcano of £15, but if you go for a guided tour you’ll be able to get this for about £30 with your entrance fee included. You an also choose to Pay £15 to go to Batur Natural Hot Springs after your hike.

Opening times: 8:30 - 18:00 (Daily)

Price: 100,000 IDR / £6

6. Pura Tanah Lot

Pura Tanah Lot is something truly unique to Bali. Just off the coast of Bali sits a rock formation that is home to an ancient pilgrimage temple; Pura Tanah Lot. Feel the sea flow over your feet as you walk out to the temple. A really keen spot for photographers too.

Non-Balinese people are not allowed to enter, however you can walk over to the rock at low tide, and explore the surrounding areas including the Holy snake and Holy Spring. Is the most visited and photographed temple in Bali so I’d highly recommend going at a time you're most likely to miss the crowds, as it can ruin the experience. The most popular time is sunset, and it’s pretty busy throughout the day. Try and go for sunrise if you can, this will also give you some great photo opportunities.

Pura Tanah Lot is extremely symbolic for locals, but nearby has been filled with souvenir shops, and speakers that can impact the experience, so if you can go when it’s less busy definitely do.

Opening times: 7:00 - 19:00 (Daily)

Price: Adult 60,000Rp / Child 30,000 Rp

7. Cycle around Lake Batur

Lake Batur is a volcanic crater, located in the caldera of Mount Batur (if you hadn’t guessed already). The lake sits in the centre of a picturesque landscape including a temple and Mount Batur, and it is considered a sacred lake by the locals. IT is the largest lake on the island, with Mount Batur and Mount Abang, lining either side. Crescent shade and high walled crater rim. You can also hire boats on the lake, and is one of the most popular activities.

Cycling around Lake Batur will take about 6-8 hrs, and takes you around the base of Mount Batur and Mount Abang, back to Ubud. You can get a day tour for about £40, but there are multiple providers to choose from.

Opening times: Departs at 9:00 am Daily

Price: 700,000 IDR / £40 (Lake Batur Cycling Tour)

8. Swim with Turtles

The best place to swim with turtles in Bali is over on the Gili Islands, with their calm and crystal clear waters that’s perfect for spotting, and often referred to as the turtle capital of the world. Turtles are also renowned for nesting and hatching on their beaches. There are lots of snorkel tours to choose from, as well as Scuba diving (if that’s more your thing), from as little as £10 for a day trip, and if you can take an underwater camera to capture the moment)

The islands also do a lot of work on Turtle conservation, with multiple turtle sanctuaries you can visit.

Opening times: Depends on the tour provider - Daily trips

Price: 200,000 IDR (£10-12)

9. Pura Lempuyang

Pura Lempuyang is one of the most photographed places in Bali. If you’ve ever searched Bali in google images you’ll have definitely seen a photo of it, specifically Heaven's Gate. The temple sits on the slope of mount Lempuyang and was founded in the 11th century AD, within the complex are 7 unique architectural temples that remain in great condition. Everyone must wear a sarong to enter the temple, and if you don’t bring one, you can rent one for 10,000 IDR (50p) at the site.

In order to reach the main temple you have to climb about 1,700 steps so I advise going for sunrise or sunset when the air is cooler, it’ll also offer some great photo opportunities at Heavens Gate.

Opening times: 7:00 - 17:00 (Daily)

Price: Free (Small donations advised)

10. Ubud Jungle Swing

Last but not least on our list of top things to do in Bali is the Famous Ubud jungle swing.

Dubbed one of the hottest Instagram spots in the world. The Bali swing is essentially a complex in the Jungle that consists of multiple swings and manufactured settings, for incredible photos within Bali nature.

The complex includes 7 swings along with several ‘nest’ places with incredible jungle backdrops. The swings are massive, and swing you pretty far over the hilltops, so you’ll get all the proper harnesses and safety gear if needed. You can also get a variety of different photo packages. Check out their site for what’s on offer.

Opening times: 8:00 - 17:00 (Daily)

Price: 500,000 IDR / £28 - (Full swing packing inc; lunch & soft drinks)

Bali Jungle Swing | Travel Aimz | www.travelaimz.com

Top Tips for Travelling Bali

If you ever go to a currency exchange desk count your money after it is handed to you for the last time. Even if they count it out for you, they will often hide it out of view while it is put into a money pouch and take half your money. This happened to me both times, but I caught them out and they gave me the money back.
Don’t do drugs. Drugs are seriously illegal in Bali, so much so they have the death penalty in place for people who sell them, and prison sentence for those caught in possession. Seriously - it isn’t worth the risk.
Be a guest, not a tourist. Try to avoid as many of the tourist hot-spots as possible and explore off the beaten track. Try local cuisine, and be friendly to the locals