Bali

Explore Bali Like a Local: Best Things To Do

Aug 18, 2025

By Samridhi Puri

Let me tell you about the exact moment I fell in love with Bali. It wasn't at a fancy beach club or while looking at a grand temple. I was perched on a wobbly plastic stool at a roadside stall – a little place called a warung – with a plate of fried rice in front of me that cost less than my morning coffee back home.

A scooter buzzed past carrying what looked like an entire family, all of them laughing. Across the street, an elderly woman in a colourful sarong was carefully placing a small, handmade offering of flowers and incense on the pavement. The air smelled sweet and smoky. And in that simple, slightly chaotic moment, it just clicked.

This was the Bali I’d heard whispers about. Not the one from the flawless photos, but a place that felt genuinely alive and incredibly kind. It’s a place that gets right under your skin and stays with you long after you've left.

Bali is one of Asia’s most loved holiday escapes, just 6-7 hours from India, ~9 hours from the UAE/GCC, and 15+ hours from Europe – perfect for Bali honeymoon activities, adventures, or family getaways.

So, if you’re planning a trip – maybe a Bali trip from Dubai/Delhi, or creating a Bali itinerary for Europeans, or even looking for family-friendly things to do in Bali – I want to take you beyond the usual highlights. Let’s chat about the things to do in Bali that make it less of a holiday and more of a feeling. Think of this as a guide to finding your own 'wobbly plastic stool' moment.

Sunrise from Mount Batur

There are early mornings, and then there are Bali early mornings. Waking up in the dark to hike or take a jeep up the side of a volcano might sound intense, but trust me on this one. As you reach the top of Mount Batur and the sky begins to blush with colour, you’ll understand. Watching the sun appear over the clouds, with a simple breakfast and a hot cup of local coffee in hand, is a profoundly peaceful way to start your day. It’s one of those core Bali activities that stays with you.

Temple hopping for spiritual vibes and storybook scenes

The spiritual energy in Bali is tangible, and its temples are the heart of it all. Each one has its own personality. There’s Tanah Lot, perched dramatically on a rock in the sea, which is especially powerful at sunset. Then there’s Uluwatu Temple, clinging to a cliff edge high above the crashing waves, where you can watch the captivating Kecak fire dance as dusk falls. For a more personal experience, visit Tirta Empul, where you can take part in a cleansing ritual in its holy spring waters.

Chasing waterfalls, nature’s best cold showers

Swap the hotel pool for something a little more wild. Bali’s jungles are home to some incredible waterfalls, and there’s one for every type of adventurer. Some, like Tegenungan, are easy to get to and perfect for a quick, refreshing dip. Others, like the magnificent Sekumpul waterfall, require a bit of a trek through villages and rice paddies, but the reward is a series of cascades tumbling into a cool, emerald pool. The feeling of the fresh water on your skin is pure bliss.

Finding your patch of sand, from surf towns to sunset clubs

Of course, we have to talk about the beaches! But in Bali, you get to choose your own beach adventure.

Canggu: This is the cool kid on the block. It's a hub for surfers, digital nomads, and anyone who loves a laid-back vibe, healthy cafes, and black sand beaches.
Seminyak: A little more polished and stylish, Seminyak is known for its chic beach clubs, boutique shopping, and gorgeous sunsets that are best enjoyed with a cocktail in hand.
Nusa Dua

Ubud’s jungle magic: swings, rice fields, and finding your centre

Head inland and you’ll find Ubud, the green, beating heart of Bali. This is where you’ll see the famous Tegallalang rice terraces, a sea of green sculpted into the hillside. It’s also home to those famous jungle swings that send you soaring over the treetops. But beyond the popular sights, Ubud is a centre for wellness. It’s the perfect place to join a yoga class, indulge in a traditional Balinese massage, or simply sit on a veranda and listen to the sounds of the jungle.

Because sometimes, one island just isn’t enough

Some of the best things to do in Bali are actually just off its coast. Taking Bali day trips to the nearby islands is highly recommended.

The Nusa Islands: Just a short boat ride away, islands like Nusa Penida offer raw, dramatic coastlines and the chance to snorkel or dive with majestic manta rays.
The Gili Islands: A little further afield, this trio of tiny islands has a wonderfully slow, car-free atmosphere. It’s all about cycling around, snorkelling with turtles, and finding your favourite beach shack.

Your Bali food adventure, from a simple warung to wow

The food in Bali is an adventure in itself. For an authentic taste, you must eat at a warung – a small, family-run eatery. This is where you’ll find the most delicious Nasi Goreng (fried rice) for just a couple of pounds. For a special evening, head to Jimbaran Bay, where you can pick your own fresh seafood and have it grilled for you right on the beach, with your toes in the sand.

Read: Top 10 hidden gems in Bali for ultimate adventure.

What’s new in Bali for 2025

Bali is always evolving. Right now, there’s a wonderful movement towards eco-tourism, with stunning bamboo villas and silent retreats popping up. The digital nomad scene is thriving, with clifftop co-working cafes offering some of the best office views in the world. There are also more boutique music and arts festivals being held in unique jungle locations, adding another layer to the island's creative scene.

Three places your camera will love (that aren't just swings)

Want a photo that truly captures the island’s soul? Try these spots.

Bukit Campuhan Ridge Walk at Golden Hour: An easy, paved walk along a rolling green ridge near Ubud. Go just after sunrise or before sunset when the light is soft and magical.
Pantai Tegal Wangi’s Hidden Cave Beach: A dramatic cliffside beach with a small cave you can explore at low tide. It’s a fantastic spot for watching the sunset.
Handara Gate at Dawn: Yes, it’s a famous gate, but if you get there early, before the queues, you can capture it with misty mountains in the background, making it feel much more mystical.

Crafting your own Bali story

The best Bali itinerary is the one that feels right for you. For a 7-day trip, you could spend three days in Ubud exploring the culture and jungle, and then four days near the coast in a town like Canggu or Seminyak for beach life and sunsets. Mix in a day trip to a waterfall or one of the Nusa Islands, and you have the makings of a perfect Bali holiday package. The best time to visit is during the dry season, from April to October, when the days are sunny and bright.

Ultimately, Bali is a place that works its way into your heart, and the best Bali sightseeing you’ll do is simply observing the everyday beauty of this incredible island.

Know more about how to plan your Bali holiday package on a Budget