Best Things to Do in Bali: A Complete Guide for Australian Travellers

You’re not the only one wondering what the best things to do in Bali are. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, in 2025–26, over 1.77 million trips to Bali were made by Australian residents, making it Australia’s top overseas destination by trip numbers.

Where then shall you begin? When planning the best things to do in Bali, plan around your interests, budget, and availability. This guide will help you decide what to include in your Bali itinerary.

Best Things to Do in Bali: Explore Bali’s Famous Beaches and Coastal Areas

Exploring the island’s beaches is always one of my first recommendations. Bali’s coastline is not only stunning, but it’s also where visitors can enjoy the island’s laid-back ambience, taste local food, indulge in exciting activities, and make lasting holiday memories.

For a lively beach experience, Seminyak is a great choice with its beachfront restaurants, sunset spots and vibrant dining scene.

Canggu is ideal for those looking for a more relaxed atmosphere, with its popular cafés, surfing beaches, and creative beach culture.

Alternatively, if you want a quieter holiday, you can head to Nusa Dua for tranquil waters and family holiday resorts, or Uluwatu to see dramatic cliff scenery, surf destinations, and spectacular sunsets.

The official Wonderful Indonesia tourism website also highlights Bali’s coastal destinations as some of the island’s most popular attractions for visitors looking to experience beaches, nature and local culture.

Discover Bali’s Temples and Cultural Experiences

One of the main reasons travellers return to the island after their stay is the experience beyond beaches and resorts. In any Bali travel itinerary, always include temples, traditions, and cultural sites that showcase Bali’s unique heritage.

Bali’s culture is deeply intertwined with its spirituality, community, and nature. One example is the Subak irrigation system, part of UNESCO’s Cultural Landscape of Bali Province. This heritage reflects the Balinese philosophy of “nopok,” or harmony between the spiritual, human, and natural world.

Some of the most memorable Bali attractions and cultural experiences include:

• Uluwatu Temple (Pura Luhur Uluwatu) – This temple sits on a cliff overlooking the Indian Ocean. It is one of Bali’s most popular places to visit for its ocean views and sunsets. You can also see the traditional Kecak dance performance, which is usually performed around the temple area.
• Tanah Lot Temple – Tanah Lot is one of Bali’s most recognisable tourist attractions and a popular destination for visitors looking for sunset sightseeing, thanks to its coastal, offshore location.
• Tirta Empul Temple – A sacred water temple where visitors can see Balinese Hindu purification traditions. The temple is also linked to Bali’s cultural landscape, recognised by UNESCO for its relationship between water management, temples, and local communities.
• Besakih Temple (Mother Temple of Bali) – Bali’s largest temple complex, on the slopes of Mount Agung, one of Bali’s most important religious sites.
• Ubud Cultural Experiences – If you’re artistic, Ubud offers a wide range of traditional performances, crafts, and cultural workshops you can attend or shop for, and it’s one of the best places in Bali to experience them.

When visiting temples, be respectful. Wear appropriate clothing, cover your shoulders and knees, follow temple directions, avoid restricted areas, and pay attention during ceremonies. These small actions help preserve the cultural importance of Bali’s sacred sites.

Adding temples and cultural experiences to your itinerary is one of the most rewarding and best things to do in bali.

Experience Bali’s Natural Landscapes and Outdoor Adventures

From adventure to photographing waterfalls and enjoying a day in the rice terraces, Bali’s mountains and surrounding islands offer some of the most memorable experiences.

Some of the best natural attractions and outdoor experiences to add to your itinerary include:

• Mount Batur Sunrise Trekking – This trek is one of Bali’s most popular adventures and offers sunrise views from an active volcano. Ideal for outdoor adventure-seekers, it’s a great option for people who want to see Bali’s volcanic landscape.
• Tegallalang Rice Terraces – These iconic rice terraces are near Ubud and represent Bali’s traditional rice-field architecture. The terraces are linked to the island’s Subak irrigation system, which is recognised as a “World Heritage Cultural Landscape” that embodies the interaction between nature, spirituality, and community life in Bali.
• Tegenungan Waterfall – Surrounded by tropical greenery, this waterfall is a popular tourist attraction for those looking for a refreshing break from the city’s hustle and bustle. This is a great place for families and visitors to enjoy a casual nature experience.
• Nusa Penida Day Trips – Nusa Penida is famous for its coastal scenery, cliffs, and viewpoints, and it’s a short trip from Bali’s mainland. It’s a popular destination for photographers and visitors looking for one of Bali’s best places to visit.

You can enjoy Bali’s beauty while also discovering and experiencing local culture and Bali travel activities beyond the typical tourist hot spots.

Best Time to Visit in Bali From Australia

When you’re planning your activities in Bali, consider the best time to visit, as it can make a huge difference to your experience. Bali has a tropical climate with warm weather year-round, but it generally has two seasons: dry and wet.

April to October is the drier period of the year and is generally the best time to visit from Australia. It is perfect for visiting beaches, hiking, sightseeing, and outdoor activities in Bali because rainfall is lower and the days are sunnier.

The wet season (November to March) has more rain, but it’s often light and short, and it can be a good time to visit if you want fewer crowds and more affordable stays.

Season	Months	Best For
Dry Season	April – October	Beaches, sightseeing, outdoor activities
Wet Season	November – March	Quieter trips, wellness stays, budget-friendly travel

Keep in mind that demand can be high during Australian school holidays, particularly the Christmas, Easter and mid-year holidays. To get a better deal on flights and accommodation, book a trip to Bali early during these busy seasons.

The final decision on when to travel to Bali is up to you, depending on what you want to see and do.

Planning Your Bali Holiday: Tips for Australian Travellers

It is great to plan things to do in Bali, but before you fly, sort out the practicalities. With a little preparation, you will save yourself a lot of stress when you arrive.

Here are the essentials I suggest checking:

• Check your passport and entry requirements. Australian travellers are advised to have at least six months of passport validity and to check the most up-to-date visa and entry requirements for Indonesia before travel.
• Arrange your airport transfer. If you want to arrive in Bali easily, booking the transfer in advance is a great option. Smartraveller advises using licensed, reputable transport providers.
• Get travel insurance. Make sure your policy covers your planned activities in Bali, including any adventurous activities you plan to do.
• Bring suitable payment options. Carry a mix of cards and some Indonesian currency, rather than relying on a single payment method. Smartraveller also advises travellers to check that your cards will work overseas and have several payment options.
• Plan your transport between areas. When travelling between destinations, be mindful of the possibility of bumper-to-bumper traffic conditions in Bali. Official taxis, rideshare apps and legal transportation providers are recommended.

Also, keep some flexibility in your schedule. A day in Bali isn’t enough to see all the attractions, and you may end up in more traffic than you’d like. Package nearby attractions together and leave room for spontaneous Bali experiences.

Discover Bali’s Temples and Cultural Experiences

My number one tip for travellers going to Bali is to avoid trying to see everything in one go because it’s not possible! Bali has something for everyone, from beach days and activities to temples, food, nature, and relaxing experiences.

Make a plan based on your interests, not just a list of places you want to visit. Take your time to discover, slow down, and enjoy unexpected Bali experiences.

If you are staying in Seminyak, Akasa Stays can help you make it easier. The villa’s location in Seminyak is ideal for beaches, shopping, restaurants, and day trips.

Ready for your Bali escape? Stay with Akasa Stays in Seminyak and let the team help you make the most of your time on the island.

Contact us.