What to do in Bali: 9 activities instead of lying on the beach

Bali doesn't end at beaches and lounge chairs. The island holds waves for surfing, reefs for diving, canyons for descents, and volcanoes for nighttime ascents. We've rounded up nine activities that fill entire days here, and added practical details to each: how to get there, who to go with, and what to see.

The activities are scattered across the island, from the southern cliffs of Uluwatu to the central volcanoes, so it's easier to plan your itinerary by area. Some items are best booked in advance: at Garuda Wisnu Kencana park, the evening Barong show starts at 6:00 PM (verified 09/15/2026 on the park's official website). Below you'll find both relaxed options for families and hardcore thrills for those who need adrenaline.

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1. Beach time and evening bars along the coast

💡 In short:

• Southern beaches are good for surfing, eastern ones for calm swimming.
• In the evening, the coast turns into a chain of bars and guesthouses.

A beach vacation in Bali starts on the southern coast. Several developed sandy beaches are there, including Balangan, Padang Padang, and Bingin, while the small coves between them remain wild and hide behind rocky cliffs. This setup gives you a choice: lie on a lounge chair next to a bar or search for an empty stretch of shore down a staircase.

© Aurelia Teslaru · CC BY-SAPhoto: Aurelia Teslaru, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

In the evening, the shore changes character. Dozens of bars and guesthouses along the coast turn on music, bonfires are sometimes lit right on the sand, and the party takes on the feel of a ritual dance. If you want a quiet evening, head to the wild stretches of shore, where there's almost no noise.

• The catch: the popular beaches get crowded and loud in the evenings.

2. Surfing: Kuta for beginners, Uluwatu for experienced riders

Surfing in Bali has long become a way of life, not a one-day activity. Surfers flock here year-round, and almost everyone finds a wave that matches their level. The beginner base is in Kuta: it's easy to find company, an instructor, and a school in town, so that's the best place to take your first lessons. Once the basics are locked in, many move to the Uluwatu cliffs, where the waves are considered the best on the island.

© Jordy Meow · CC BYPhoto: Jordy Meow, CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), Wikimedia Commons

The path down to the water at Uluwatu is no longer wild. Shops and cafes line the trail, and there are almost always other surfers in the water. The waves don't suffer for it: they remain long and smooth. The spot is meant for experienced riders, so beginners are better off staying in Kuta.

After your session, head up to Pura Luhur Uluwatu temple, where traditional ceremonies take place. Nearby, the Single Fin bar is open with a view of the sunset over the ocean. Arrive early: by evening, the best spots on the cliff's edge are already taken.

• How to book: surf courses and tours on GetYourGuide
• The catch: Uluwatu is crowded in every season, so don't expect a quiet session here.

3. Diving and snorkeling at the coral reefs

Tropical latitudes create the best conditions for coral, so colorful underwater forests surround Bali on all sides. Scuba diving here is accessible even to beginners: experienced guides lead first dives, provide support on the descent, and show a safe route along the reef.

If you don't want to go deep, a mask and fins are all you need. Snorkeling reveals the same coral thickets, just from the surface, and requires neither a tank nor a course. In some places you can take a spear gun and fish, but the catch is released back into the water in most cases, so it's more about the process.

• Who it's for: those who want to see the reef without diving and extra costs.
• Not for: those who expect complete silence, as boats and groups are always working nearby at popular spots.

4. Ethno-tourism: Ubud, temples, and dance rituals

Getting to know the culture of the host people becomes its own type of travel experience in Bali. The center of this program, Ubud, is a town in the central part of the island known as the cultural capital of Bali. Here you'll find numerous temples, the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, museums about the island's history, and the village of Petulu, where white herons gather every evening.

© Michelle Maria · CC BYPhoto: Michelle Maria, CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), Wikimedia Commons

The Kecak, Barong, and Calonarang dance rituals bring you closer to local customs. These are large-scale costumed performances with music that showcase the full musical artistry of the Indonesian people. Book evening sessions and arrive early to get a seat closer to the stage.

• How to book: tours of Ubud and the island's temples
• The catch: Ubud is crowded with tourists, so if you want quiet, head to the villages around the city.

5. Nature parks and Balinese-style safari

In terms of flora and fauna diversity, Bali rivals countries many times its size. The island's most prominent park is called Garuda Wisnu Kencana. It's a cultural park with a statue on a vast site. It includes an open-air theater, exhibition halls, cafes, and restaurants. The grounds are open all day, but hours vary by season, so check the park's official website before you go.

The island also has a zoo, a butterfly park, and a reserve with birds and reptiles. A separate adventure is Bali Safari & Marine Park: you board a bus and ride through the reserve like on a real safari. Keep in mind: Garuda Wisnu Kencana is on the Bukit Peninsula, while the safari is in Gianyar. If you're traveling with kids, split these two into different days.

• How to book: park and safari tickets on Tiqets
• The catch: in high season, entrance lines are long, so buy tickets online.

6. Rock climbing and canyoning in the gorges

The island has canyons with sheer rock walls, and vertical enthusiasts have long made them their own. Canyoning is also practiced here: descending a rocky gorge without any watercraft. You'll need to swim, slide down the walls, jump into the water, and carry a full set of climbing gear for the steep sections.

© Dleex07 · CC BY-SAPhoto: Dleex07, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0), Wikimedia Commons

Popular canyons are divided by skill level. Karimoda and Kerenkall suit almost everyone, while Kirana is designed for experienced climbers. It's best to go with professionals: they provide gear, belay you on ropes, and monitor the water level in the gorge.

• Who it's for: physically active people; beginners need only basic fitness.
• The catch: after heavy rain, the program may be canceled due to water on the slopes.

7. Paragliding over the island

The wide coastline, volcano slopes, and steady sea winds create good flying conditions on Bali. The simplest form of flight is paragliding: a wide wing keeps you aloft at low altitude for a long time. Beginners fly in tandem with an experienced pilot who controls the wing.

© Mj 1903 · CC BYPhoto: Mj 1903, CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), Wikimedia Commons

From above, you see the ocean and jungle, and the view is worth the time. Professionals also find it interesting here: you can try parasailing behind a boat. Go in the morning, because by midday the wind picks up and flights are often rescheduled.

• Who it's for: those who want to see the island from above without lengthy preparation.
• The catch: weather on the slopes changes quickly, and some slots get moved to another day.

8. Hiking, volcanoes, and mangrove forests

For those who can't sit still, Bali offers several trekking routes. The most popular spots are the Gili Islands near the coast of Lombok: there you'll find only beaches, forests, bars, and guesthouses, making it easy to escape the bustle of the big island. In the evening you can relax at a bar, and in the morning head out to a wild beach for the whole day.

© Jnpet · CC BY-SAPhoto: Jnpet, CC BY-SA (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/), Wikimedia Commons

Climbing Mount Batur and Mount Agung opens up a panorama of islands and ocean, and the treks vary in difficulty and length. Finding a guide is easy, and with one you won't get lost on the night trail. A separate story is the mangrove forests: wooden boardwalks run through them, and you can book a tour at the information center between Kuta and Sanur.

• Who it's for: those willing to get up before dawn for a sunrise at the summit.
• The catch: the Batur ascent starts in the dark, so bring warm clothes and a headlamp.

9. Rafting on the Ayung and Telaga Waja rivers

Bali has several rivers suitable for rafting and inflatable boat trips. Beginners will enjoy the Ayung near Ubud and the Melangit, which starts in Klungkung. The rapids there are class II and III, and the banks are lined with forests and striking rock formations, so the trip is both active and scenic.

© Fabio Achilli from Milano, Italy · CC BYPhoto: Fabio Achilli from Milano, Italy, CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0), Wikimedia Commons

Experienced riders should choose the Telaga Waja, where rapids reach class IV. The long route with rapids and whirlpools will make you work hard with the paddle, and that is exactly why people come here. Keep in mind: on fast water you will have no time for scenery, so listen to the instructor's commands.

• How to book: rafting tours in Bali
• The catch: rafting trips run in groups, and the instructor sets the pace, not you.

What to choose: comparing activities

Here is the full picture across all nine options. The table row helps you pick the first item on your itinerary, but it does not replace preparation.

Opening hours and seasonality change, so check them on official websites and at tourist offices before your trip. For night outings, it is important to assess your fitness honestly: in the dark on a volcano, any fatigue feels stronger.

⁉️🤔 Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to go to Bali for surfing and diving?

The dry season from May to October brings consistent waves on the south and west coasts, so surfers plan their trip for these months. For diving and snorkeling, the water stays warm all year round, and visibility is often better in calm morning hours. During the rainy season, some rafting trips and climbs are rescheduled because of water on the slopes.

Do I need an instructor for diving and canyoning?

For your first scuba dive, an instructor is mandatory: they check the equipment, provide support on the descent, and monitor your time underwater. In canyoning, even experienced people cannot do without a guide, because the ropes and anchor points are known to the person who works on the route every day. The same logic applies to paragliding. A trial flight is only done in tandem with a pilot.

How long does the climb up Batur take?

The night hike up Batur starts a few hours before dawn so that you can reach the top by the first light. The exact time depends on the group's pace and the chosen trail. If one summit is not enough for you, combine the climb with the mangrove boardwalks or a rest on Gili.

Can I see the Barong show and Uluwatu temple in one evening?

The evening Barong show at Garuda Wisnu Kencana park starts after dark, while the sunset at Uluwatu happens earlier, so you will have to split one evening: either the cliff with the ocean or the costumed performance. Factor in the drive between the south and the center of the island; in traffic, the time stretches out. It is easier to put these two items on different days.

What should I bring for rafting and trekking?

For rafting, bring a change of clothes, shoes that stay on your feet, and a waterproof phone case: you will definitely get soaked. For a night climb, you need a warm jacket, a flashlight, and extra water, because it is cold and windy at the top. Sunscreen is useful in both cases.

In short: what to book

The choice matrix is simple.

• If you have one free day: surfing in Kuta and sunset at Uluwatu.
• If you are traveling with children: Garuda Wisnu Kencana park and Bali Safari & Marine Park.
• If you want adrenaline: canyoning, Telaga Waja, and paragliding.
• If you need peace: the Gili Islands and mangrove boardwalks.

You can book the essentials in advance: Bali hotels on Trip.com and tours and activities on GetYourGuide.