Perched on a dramatic offshore rock formation along the southwestern coast, Tanah Lot is arguably Bali's most photographed temple and one of the island's holiest sea temples. The temple dates back to the 16th century and is dedicated to the guardian spirits of the sea. Visitors are not permitted to enter the inner temple grounds, but the surrounding cliffside walkways and ocean views are extraordinary, particularly at sunset when the silhouette of the temple against the darkening sky becomes one of Bali's most iconic images.

Tanah Lot is located in Tabanan Regency, about 20 kilometers northwest of Kuta. Arrival around 90 minutes before sunset is recommended to secure a good vantage point without the midday crowds.

The Ubud Royal Palace, known locally as Puri Saren Agung, sits at the intersection of Bali's most famous cultural town. Built in the early 20th century, the palace grounds are open to visitors during the day and serve as a venue for traditional Kecak and Legong dance performances in the evening. These performances, held under the open sky with torch lighting, offer an authentic introduction to Balinese performing arts that no Bali travel guide for first-time visitors should omit.

Directly across the street lies the Ubud Art Market (Pasar Seni Ubud), a bustling bazaar selling handcrafted sarongs, batik textiles, wooden carvings, silver jewelry, and traditional paintings. Bargaining is expected and part of the experience.

The Kecak dance is a ritual performance unique to Bali that depicts scenes from the Hindu epic Ramayana. Unlike most traditional gamelan music performances, Kecak uses the chanting voices of dozens of male performers — a hypnotic, rhythmic sound that builds in intensity as the drama unfolds. The most celebrated performances take place at Uluwatu Temple on the Bukit Peninsula, where the clifftop setting above the Indian Ocean adds a spectacular natural backdrop. Evening Kecak performances at Uluwatu are considered among the best things to do in Bali for culturally curious travelers.

Listed as part of the UNESCO Cultural Landscape of Bali Province, the Tegalalang Rice Terraces north of Ubud represent one of the most visually stunning agricultural landscapes in the world. The terraces follow a traditional Balinese irrigation system called subak, which dates back to the 9th century and coordinates water sharing among farming communities through a network of canals, tunnels, and weirs.

The best time to visit Tegalalang for photography is early morning, when the terraces are bathed in soft light and the tourist crowds are minimal. Several walking paths descend into the valley, allowing visitors to walk among the paddies and observe local farmers at work. Cafes and swing installations line the ridge above, though the swings — while photogenic — are commercial additions rather than traditional features.

For travelers seeking adventure, a sunrise hike up Mount Batur (Gunung Batur) ranks among the most memorable things to do in Bali. Standing at 1,717 meters, Batur is an active stratovolcano in the Kintamani district of Bangli Regency. The hike typically begins around 2:00 AM, takes approximately two hours each way, and culminates in a panoramic sunrise view over Lake Batur and the distant peak of Mount Agung, Bali's highest volcano.

Hiking with a registered local guide is strongly recommended, both for safety and to support the local guiding community. The trails can be slippery in the early morning, and route-finding in the dark without a guide is not advisable for first-time visitors.

Bali is home to dozens of waterfalls, many tucked within forested gorges that require moderate hikes to reach. Sekumpul Waterfall in northern Bali is widely considered the island's most beautiful, with multiple cascades dropping into a lush canyon. Gitgit Waterfall, also in the north, is more accessible and suitable for families. In the east, Tukad Cepung Waterfall is particularly photogenic, its stream falling through a narrow cave opening into a sunlit grotto.

Visiting Bali's waterfalls requires appropriate footwear and a willingness to navigate sometimes slippery stone steps. Entrance fees are modest, and local guides at most sites help visitors navigate the terrain safely.

Kuta Beach introduced surfing to Bali in the 1930s and remains one of the world's most accessible beginner surf destinations. Consistent waves, warm water, and a high concentration of surf schools make Kuta ideal for first-time surfers. More experienced surfers tend to gravitate toward Canggu's Batu Bolong Beach, Echo Beach, and the legendary reef breaks around Uluwatu, where world-class waves barrel along the Bukit Peninsula's limestone cliffs.

Surf lessons from certified instructors are widely available throughout Kuta, Legian, Seminyak, and Canggu, typically ranging in price from USD 20 to USD 40 for a 90-minute group session.

Bali's best underwater experiences are found away from the busy southern beaches. Amed, a quiet fishing village on the island's northeastern coast, offers excellent snorkeling and diving over colorful coral gardens, including the famous USAT Liberty shipwreck at nearby Tulamben. The wreck, sunk by a Japanese torpedo in 1942, now rests in shallow water and is accessible to both snorkelers and divers.

Nusa Penida, a rugged island 45 minutes by fast boat from Sanur, is famous for its encounters with Mola-Mola (oceanic sunfish) and Manta Rays, as well as the stunning clifftop viewpoints at Kelingking Beach and Diamond Beach that have become emblematic of Bali travel photography.

Ubud is the undisputed center of Bali's wellness industry. The town offers hundreds of yoga studios, meditation centers, holistic healing practitioners, and spa facilities. COMO Shambhala Estate and Fivelements Retreat are among the most celebrated luxury wellness resorts in the world, offering immersive programs rooted in Balinese healing traditions. More budget-conscious travelers can find excellent yoga classes and traditional Balinese massages throughout central Ubud for a fraction of the price charged at resort spas.

Traditional Balinese massage (pijat) incorporates acupressure techniques, gentle stretches, and aromatic oils to relieve muscle tension and improve circulation. A full-body session lasting 60 to 90 minutes typically costs between USD 10 and USD 30 at reputable day spas.

Tirta Empul, located near the village of Tampaksiring north of Ubud, is one of Bali's most sacred water temples. The temple contains a large rectangular purification pool fed by natural spring water, where Balinese Hindus perform a ritual known as melukat — a cleansing ceremony intended to purify the body and spirit. Respectful non-Hindu visitors are permitted to participate in the ritual, provided they dress appropriately (a sarong and sash are required and available to rent at the entrance) and approach the experience with genuine reverence.