Things To See In Bali: A First Timer's Guide

Bali, known as the "Island of the Gods," is a dream destination for travellers seeking natural beauty, cultural experiences, and adventure. Or simply to wake up in a luxurious, yet affordable villa with a private pool, a stone’s throw away from some of the most stunning white sand beaches on the planet.

From ancient temples perched on cliffs to breathtaking waterfalls hidden in lush jungles, Bali is a true paradise island offering a little bit of everything; with a near perfect climate, all year-round, to match. Whether you're a surfer, a yoga enthusiast, or a culture lover, this tropical haven offers escapism for everyone.

Here are eight must-see places to add to your Bali itinerary.

1. Uluwatu Temple & Kecak Fire Dance

Perched on the edge of a dramatic limestone cliff, Uluwatu Temple is one of Bali’s most idyllic sea temples and truly like something out of a painting (or postcard). Balinese Hinduism is something that sets this island apart from anywhere else on the planet - even from the rest of Indonesia - with this unique strand of the Hindu faith seeping into every aspect of life, culture and architecture here. Uluwatu temple is one of the most important spiritual sites for Balinese Hindus, but what makes it truly special is its location overlooking the vast Indian Ocean. Visiting at sunset is highly recommended, as the golden hues of the sky create a breathtaking backdrop on the endless waves beyond. 

Stay after sunset for the famous Kecak Fire Dance, a mesmerizing Balinese performance that features rhythmic chanting, fire-walking, and dramatic storytelling. The dance tells the story of the Ramayana, an ancient Hindu epic, and is performed by dozens of bare-chested men chanting in unison. This is one of Bali’s most iconic cultural experiences and should not be missed. The perfect opportunity to soak up some spiritualism after your sunset experience. There are many, many temples to choose from on Bali, but its cliffside setting makes Uluwatu an absolute must-see. 

2. Tegallalang Rice Terraces

The Tegallalang Rice Terraces, located just north of the cultural heart of Bali, Ubud, offers some of the most iconic, and Insta-recognisable landscapes in Bali. These lush, emerald-green terraces are a testament to the ancient traditional Balinese irrigation system of subak, which has been used for centuries, and indeed is still used today; the Rice Terrace is a working farm. 

Take a leisurely stroll through the terraces, stop at the various viewpoints for fantastic snaps and brush shoulders with the Boyfriends of Instagram. If you're looking for an extra thrill, try the famous Bali Swing, which lets you soar over the rice fields for a unique and exhilarating experience. When you’re done, there’s plenty of coffee plantations nearby with coffee tasting menus where you can try the famous kopi luwak, aka racoon poo coffee, which by some measures is the world’s most expensive. We’ll try anything once…

3. Mount Batur Sunrise Hike

For adventure seekers, a sunrise trek up Mount Batur is an unforgettable experience. This active volcano stands at 1,717 meters (5,633 feet) above sea level and offers breathtaking panoramic views as the sun rises over Lake Batur.

It’s a moderate level hike, beginning around 3 AM and should take about three or four hours to reach the summit. While it’s a decent climb, the effort is well worth it when you witness a kaleidoscope of colours as the sky turns shades of pink and orange over the lake and the surrounding mountains. Afterwards, grab lunch at one of the boujee cliffside cafes nearby for more stunning lakeside vistas, before easing those weary limbs and retiring to a natural volcanic hot spring heated by the volcano itself. Bliss. 

If you’re not much of a hiker, we recommend grabbing a moto up to this area and taking in the views anyway.

4. Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, Ubud

Located in the heart of Ubud, the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary is home to over 1,000 long-tailed macaques. You’ll know you’re getting close when you start to see small groups of monkeys spilling out onto the streets outside. The forest itself is a beautiful, jungle-like environment filled with towering vines and trees. The perfect place to pretend you’re tomb raiding Lara Croft and amble around spotting ancient moss-covered temples, and stone statues.

While the monkeys are cute and playful, (especially the babies), they can also be mischievous, so keep a close eye on your belongings. It’s recommended not to carry food or wear loose accessories like sunglasses or cameras, as the monkeys may try to snatch them. The forest is a peaceful place to wander and soak in the mystical atmosphere. If you’re lucky, at the amphitheater, you may catch the traditional Balinese performance, the hypnotic Frog Dance (Tari Katak). Unlike the FIre Dance, it’s performed by female dancers in colourful garb. 

5. Nusa Penida & Kelingking Beach ("T-Rex Cliff")

A short boat ride to the southeast of Bali, Nusa Penida is an island known for its rugged cliffs, crystal-clear waters, and breathtaking beaches. The most famous attraction here is Kelingking Beach, often called "T-Rex Cliff" because of its unique rock formation that resembles a dinosaur. A true kodak-worthy viewing point. 

The viewpoint offers one of the most jaw-dropping panoramas in Bali, with towering cliffs and turquoise waters. If you’re up for a challenge, you can hike down the steep and rocky trail to the beach, though it's not for the faint-hearted. However, as most people don’t venture down here, you’ll be rewarded with near private access to Kelingking Secret Point Beach, one of the most gorgeous and secluded beaches in all of the Bali islands. Well… feeling lucky?

6. Sekumpul Waterfall

There are countless waterfalls to choose from in Bali. Sometimes, it can feel like every 2 minutes you drive past a sign for yet another waterfall with a funny name costing 40.000 rupiah. But if we had to pick one…

Considered one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Bali, Sekumpul Waterfall is a hidden gem nestled deep within the jungle. Unlike more touristy waterfalls, this one requires a short trek through lush greenery, small villages, and river crossings, but the effort is well worth it, and feeling like you’ve earned your waterfall dip is what sets it apart from the others. 

Once you arrive, you’ll be greeted by a stunning trio of cascades of multiple waterfalls surrounded by tropical foliage. The cold but refreshing pool at the base of the falls is perfect for a quick swim. If you’re feeling peckish afterwards, grab a grilled garlic corn cob from one of the sellers. We got hooked on these delicious pick-me-ups! And like every food on Bali, it’s even better with some sambal slathered on. 

7. Canggu Beach & Surf Scene

Canggu is Bali’s upmarket laid-back surf town, known for its vibrant beach culture, boujee cafes and yoga retreats, and stunning sunsets. Depending on the beach, it can also be one of the best places for beginner surfers, with several surf schools offering lessons. But waves on Old Man Beach, Canggu, for example can get pretty big and gnarly, so don’t tackle those unless you’re experienced. 

Even if you’re not into surfing, Canggu has plenty to offer. Spend the day relaxing at one of its famous beach clubs like Finns Beach Club or La Brisa, where you can sip cocktails while watching the sun dip below the horizon. The town is famous for its nightlife, especially at weekends, with plenty of bars and live music venues. Old Man’s is a great club hosting international DJs many nights of the week. Like everywhere with Bali, check it out just before sunset at Happy Hour to stock up on cheap Bintang beer.

8. Nusa Lembongan

Many people will recommend you head to the Gili Islands when you’re in Bali. Indeed, they’re not wrong; the Gili’s are a pristine island paradise, with 3 islands full of otherworldly snorkelling and dive sites and out of this world marine life. But, the Gili Islands are not actually that close, in fact they’re a lot closer to Lombok, Bali’s neighbouring island. Traveling to them can take upwards of five hours depending on your vessel, and the changeable sea weather. So if you’re shorter on time, we recommend Nusa Lembongan as a perfect alternative for a true taste of island life. Life moves at a slow pace here, and cars are uncommon, which makes sense when you see the roads. 

This small island paradise is only 30 minutes by boat from Bali and offers pristine beaches, vibrant coral reefs, and crystal-clear waters, making it an excellent spot for snorkeling and diving. In fact, many folks station here for a few days to train for their PADI certificate as it's much cheaper than Bali mainland. Jump on a day trip tour for the chance to snorkel to see impressive (and fast) giant manta rays, before more relaxed coves and then a bonus boat trip through scenic mangrove forests and lunch at a local warung (traditional cheap and cheerful Balinese restaurant). Well worth a trip for a dose of laid-back island atmosphere.

Don't Forget Your eSIM!

Before you jet off to Bali, make sure you’re connected from the moment you land by downloading an eSIM. Bali’s WiFi can be spotty in some areas, and having mobile data is a game-changer for navigating the island, booking last-minute activities, and staying in touch with fellow travellers.

With an eSIM, you can skip the expensive roaming fees and connect to local networks as soon as you land. Simply activate your plan before you arrive, and you’ll have instant access to maps, ride-hailing apps like Grab (Bali’s Uber alternative), and all the travel essentials. Whether you’re hiking to waterfalls, hopping between islands, or checking out the hottest beach clubs, staying online has never been easier.

So, before you board that plane, get your eSIM sorted—Bali awaits!