9 Regions in Bali to Explore for an Incredible Island Getaway

Welcome to Bali, the land of sprawling beaches, towering waterfalls, eye-catching temples, and beyond. In the mood to ride some waves, marvel at colorful corals underwater, or just wanna work on your tan by the shores? At the Island of the Gods, you don’t have to choose. There’s never a shortage of fun and incredible things to do in Bali.

Make up the island adventure you want and know where to go with these 10 incredible destinations:

Ride the waves at Kuta Beach, one of Bali’s most famous tourist spots. For some fun under the sun, you can’t go wrong with Kuta! As one of the best-known tourist areas in Bali, Kuta’s packed with bars, shops, and water parks. After all the daytime activities, cap off your night at one of Kuta’s lively nightlife spots. One of the most famous clubs is Sky Garden, where you can dance to the hottest hits and even munch on some barbecue on the rooftop.

Make the most out of your visit and surf at Kuta Beach! Don’t know how to surf? No problem. With a certified professional instructor, you’ll ride the swells like a pro in no time. Once you get the hang of it, you can use the board even after the lesson.

Have a splashing good time with the entire fam at Waterbom Bali! As the kids take on the water slides, you can get a massage or sip on refreshing fruity drinks at the swim bar. Challenge yourself and ride the longest waterslide in the world, The Constrictor!

Canggu is blessed with some of the most picturesque panoramas in Bali. Head to the rice terraces for dramatic landscapes with mountain ranges in the backdrop, or hit up one of the pristine beaches and go swimming or surfing. 

While you’re in the area, take some time for one of the best things to do in Bali: watching the sunset at Tanah Lot! Perched on top of a rock formation, the temple’s padmasana style of architecture surrounded by nothing but pure blue waters make up incredible views, especially as the sun sets.

If you are keen to experience one of Canggu's world-class beaches, get the Vue Beach Club Day Pass on Klook and spend time at Berawa Beach! Get your board ready and catch some waves at one of the finest surf spots in Bali. Or, spend the time swimming laps at the infinity pool. Tip: Upgrade your pass and get a day bed so you can work on your tan in style!

Located on the western side of the Bukit Peninsula, Uluwatu is brimming with the most captivating coastlines and dramatic cliffs, not to mention some of the best reef breaks on the island. But, the jewel in its crown is undoubtedly the Uluwatu Temple. Sitting on top of a limestone cliff overlooking the Indian Ocean, the temple is one of Bali’s spiritual pillars. For the ultimate visual experience, watch the sunset at Uluwatu Temple before enjoying a fiery Kecak Fire Dance performance.

While you’re in the area, add some splash to your day and visit Ubud's waterfalls. Head to Kato Lampo Waterfall and watch heaps of little falls converge into one at the bottom before spending time at the oasis that is Tibumana Waterfall.

When it comes to luxury stays, Nusa Dua is definitely the place to be. Teeming with five-star hotels and world-class restaurants all the way to the coastline, splurge and treat yourself to a lavish stay as you watch the surf and sunset. Make sure to try some of the seafood! The area is known for its fresh fish and lobsters.

Discover its gems underwater and go snorkeling at Nusa Dua! Thanks to the calm waters, newbies, kids, and everyone else in between will have a smooth-sailing experience admiring the vibrant corals, fishes, and seahorses.

No matter how long or short your holiday is, one of the best things to do in Bali is to visit Ubud. Known as the cultural capital of the island, you’ll find temples, local markets, and yoga studios on every corner. One of its most famous attractions is the UNESCO World Heritage site of Tegalalang Rice Terraces, where there are rice paddies and palm trees as far as the eye can see.

Get in touch with your spiritual side and go on the Eat Pray Love tour. Retrace Julia Roberts’ character’s steps as you partake in a holy bathing experience at the Mengening Water Temple, visit a Balinese healer, and spend time at the Tegalalang Rice Terraces.

On the other hand, if you’re an animal lover, this Ubud Monkey Forest tour is the activity for you. Come face to face with cheeky long-tailed monkeys in their natural habitat before exploring the Tegalalang Rice Terraces. The best of all? It’s with a private guide so you can take your time and learn the hidden gems that only locals know.

Get a taste of traditional Bali before it became a tourist hotspot at Lovina. What the area lacks in infrastructure, it makes up for it with incredible scenery. Walk across black sand beaches, visit remarkable temples, and discover impressive waterfalls.

Set sail and watch adorable dolphins at Lovina Beach leaping above the water. Then, explore the famous Ulun Danu Beratan floating temple and bask in the captivating lake view and surrounding hills. End the tour on a sweet note and go strawberry picking at the Strawberry Stop.

Situated in the West Bali National Park, Menjangan boasts treasures underwater and above ground, making it one of the best Bali things to do. Named Deer Island in English, you’ll find several savannahs with free-roaming Javan rusa deer in the area. Then deep into its waters, you’ll encounter colorful and funky corals along.

For the best experience, go on a Menjangan snorkeling tour where a guide will take you to the best spots. Swim along with the fish and come face to face with the coral reefs. Keep your eyes peeled for sea turtles.

Bali is home to two volcanoes, Mount Agung and Mount Batur. Both are active but only Mount Batur can be climbed. At its peak, you’ll get uninterrupted views of the surrounding Batur caldera lake and lush grasslands.

After watching sunsets in Bali, it’s time to see the sunrise at Mount Batur. At around 2 in the morning, set out on a 90-minute drive to the foot of the mountain. Enjoy a two-hour trek to the summit with your guide, and make it in time to see the sunrise on the horizon. It takes a bit of work, but the views are more than worth the effort.

If you are saying in Sanur, carve out time for the nearby islands. Just 30 minutes away by boat, Nusa Ceningan, Penida, and Lembongan all boast aquamarine waters, white sand beaches, and picture-perfect cliffs. It’s not just a pretty place. It offers exhilarating experiences like cliff diving, swimming alongside manta rays, and paddleboarding.

For a fuss-free day of island fun, go on the West Nusa Penida tour. Visit all the Instagram-famous spots like Kelingking Beach, go swimming at Crystal Bay, explore Angela Billabong and more. With lunch and transportation included, all you have to do is to bring your camera and wear your swimsuit. If you want to avoid crowds, this is the tour for you.

Discover the gems of Nusa Lembongan and Penida on this tour. Put on your mask and goggles, and go underwater to see incredible coral reefs and diverse aquatic species like sea turtles, sea horses, and manta rays up close. It’s definitely one of the best things to do in Bali!

With Bali’s rise as a top destination, Lombok and the Gili Islands have been a bit overshadowed. But its untouched beaches and long coastlines are worth the visit. Plus, since it’s not as popular, it’s way less crowded so you can have a more intimate island experience.

Explore the region’s incredible islands conveniently on this Gili Islands day tour! Have some peace and quiet as you explore the tranquil Gili Naggu Island before you head out to the other two secret Gilis known as Gili Sudak and Gili Kedis for an unforgettable beach day.

Discover one of the finest snorkeling spots in Southeast Asia on this Gili Trawangan private tour. See stunning coral reefs up close underwater before you chill by the soft sandy beach, grab some beers from one of the friendly reggae bars lining the coast and take in the laid-back ambiance.