Bali Travelers Recommend

A tropical island at the heart of Indonesia, Bali delivers pristine coral, beautiful beaches, sweeping rice-field landscapes, and a traditional Hindu culture with fascinating temples and villages. A week in Bali, split between Seminyak and Ubud, gives you time to experience a rich tapestry of the island’s delights. Here’s how. Days 1 to 3: Beach, Ocean, and Food Spend your first few days on Bali unwinding amid the restaurants, boutiques, and beaches of Seminyak Beach. Discover the joys of Balinese food and the area’s great-value fine dining; savor an oceanfront sunset; and try water sports from parasailing and Jet Skiing to surfing and diving.

Take the time to head south to clifftop Uluwatu Temple, where locals perform the traditional kecak (dramatic dance and chanting) and fire dance at sunset, then follow up with a seafood feast at Jimbaran Bay. Indonesia is at the heart of the Coral Triangle, the world’s epicenter of marine diversity, so be sure to discover the joys of coral, whether that’s a snorkeling trip to Nusa Penida or Nusa Lembongan islands, or a scuba diving taster at the spectacular USS Liberty wreck in Amed. Days 4 to 7: Volcanoes and Rice Fields Refreshed, head inland to Ubud, Bali’s spiritual and cultural capital surrounded by ancient rice terraces. Mingle with grey macaques at the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary; explore the ancient Tirta Empul water temple; tour craft villages such as Mas and Celuk; and perfect your Instagram feed against a backdrop of tumbling waterfalls or tiered rice fields.

Adrenaline junkies won’t want to miss two signature Ubud attractions: a white-water rafting adventure through gorge and forest, and an off-road jungle quad-biking experience. A sunrise climb of Mt. Batur, the island’s second-highest volcano, is another must, capped off with a breakfast of volcano-cooked eggs and a relaxing soak in lakeside hot springs. Photographers will want to head north to the temple of Pura Lempuyang, where gates frame the sacred volcano Mt. Agung, and into the central highlands for stunning lakeside temples such as Pura Ulun Danu Bratan.

Three days in Ubud gives you time to discover the town, explore the natural wonders around it—and perhaps delve a little further into central Bali, or head north. In addition to experiencing the classic Ubud delights of temples, rice fields, rivers, and waterfalls, you can also venture out to Mt. Batur volcano, tube down canyons, or meet a real live shaman. Here’s how.

Day 1: Temples and Rice Fields

Spend your first day in Ubud discovering what made the town famous: its beautiful temples and stunning rice fields. Don’t miss the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, in the heart of town, and consider joining a tour that covers further temples such as Taman Ayun or Tanah Lot. Explore the rice terraces with a camera, on foot, on bike, or even by ATV: a guide can explain the ancient system that governs them. Don’t miss a chance to discover Bali’s spectacular cuisine, whether as part of a cooking class with a local family, on a food tour, or in an authentic local restaurant.

Day 2: Rivers, Waterfalls, and Hot Springs

On your second day in Ubud, delve deeper into the area’s natural wonders. Get the day off to an adrenaline-filled start with a white-water rafting trip down the Ayung River, which races through a gorge to the north of town. Take the opportunity to swim—or pose for photos—in waterfalls such as Tegenungan, or join a tour that combines waterfalls and hot springs. Learn about coffee and sample different styles of java at a coffee plantation, or swing high above the jungle on one of the area’s giant swings. Wrap up the day with a treatment at a Balinese spa.

Day 3: Outdoor Adventures

Ubud makes a great base for exploring the heart of Bali—and its less-visited north. A classic day trip is the sunrise climb of Mt. Batur volcano, complete with a breakfast cooked in volcanic steam. Alternatively, discover the fine art of canyoneering, splash among the waterfalls of north Bali, snorkel pristine reef at Padangbai, or capture the selfie of a lifetime at the “Gates of Heaven” in Lempuyang Temple. Closer to home, shop for souvenirs from wood carvings to paintings at the craft villages around Ubud, or discover the world of Balinese healing over a session with a shaman. Round off your visit with a gourmet dinner at one of Ubud’s modern Indonesian restaurants.

Two days in Nusa Dua gives you enough time to experience the area’s highlights—and more. Besides water sports, beach, pool, and spa therapy, you can get a good taster of Balinese culture, be that touring a temple, watching a fire dance on the top of a cliff, or riding an all-terrain vehicle through the rice fields. Read on to find out how.

Day 1: Decadent Delights

Morning: Make the most of Nusa Dua’s golden sands and crystal waters with a water-sports session. Ride a Jet Ski, brave a banana boat, or take to the skies with a parasail. You can also try your hand at unique experiences such as the Seawalker diving helmet or flyboarding on jet-powered boots.

Afternoon: Balinese massage therapists are in demand at spas and on cruise ships around the globe. Find out why with a leisurely pampering session, perhaps a full-body massage with herbal scrub, a deep-cleansing facial, or a romantic flower bath. Once you’re done, unwind with a ginger tea.

Evening: Head across the island to clifftop Uluwatu Temple for a sunset to remember, as a male choir performs a kecak dance, and a solo dancer works with fire. After the performance, travel to pretty Jimbaran Beach for a feast of fresh-grilled seafood on the sand.

Day 2: Island Ideals

Morning: Take the chance to see a different side of Bali, with a white-water rafting adventure down the Ayung River gorge. As you bounce and bump along the river with a dedicated rafting guide, admire jungles, rice fields, waterfalls, and wildlife. Refuel with a buffet lunch once you’re done.

Afternoon: Keep the adrenaline high with an all-terrain-vehicle adventure in the center of the island. Roar through rice fields, villages, and bamboo forests on your sturdy 4-wheeler with a guide. If time permits, get up close and personal with macaques at the notorious Ubud Monkey Forest.

Night: After dinner in Nusa Dua, perhaps at a beach club, a beachfront grill, or that hotel restaurant you’ve been meaning to try, discover Bali’s answer to Cirque du Soleil. The Devdan Show, a blend of acrobatics, dance, and drama, explores some of Indonesia’s most important cultures—and will leave you rapt.

With two days in Ubud, you’ll have plenty of time to hit all the highlights. See the temples and rice-field landscapes that have made Ubud a mecca for visitors since the 1920s, take a cooking class, and then venture further afield into a world of natural wonders, including volcanoes, waterfalls, and hot springs.

Day 1: Temples and Rice Fields

**Morning:**Start the day by checking off the heart of Ubud. Explore the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, with its rambling bridges, jungle, gorge, and cheeky grey macaques. Tour Ubud Palace, home of the town’s royal family, then soak up the arts, crafts, and culture on display at Ubud Market.

**Afternoon:**A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ubud’s rice fields date back around 1,000 years. On a tour, you’ll learn about their ancient cultivation system, and capture timeless images as you hike, bike, or e-bike through the terraces, stopping at temples such as Tirta Empul along the way.

**Evening:**Relying heavily on fresh herbs and spices, Bali’s tangy, flavor-packed cuisine is a revelation. Treat your palate to a cooking class—perhaps with a local family in their traditional compound home—a food tour, or a multicourse feast overlooking one of Ubud’s beautiful rivers.

Day 2: Volcanoes, Waterfalls, and Hot Springs

**Morning:**With a second day in Ubud, you have time for a full-day adventure. Climb Mt. Batur volcano at sunrise, followed by a relaxing lounge in its hot springs. Alternatively, take a whitewater rafting trip down the Ayung River or an ATV ride through forest, jungle, and rice paddies.

**Afternoon:**Spend the afternoon taking stunning photos, perhaps under the tumbling torrent of Tegenungan Waterfall, or soaring high above the green landscape on the Bali Swing. Don’t miss the opportunity to learn about coffee, a famous Balinese crop, at one of the area’s plantations.

**Evening:**Wrap your two days in Ubud up in style with a pampering session at a classic Balinese spa. Let gentle gamelan music enfold you as your therapist kneads the knots away, or discover classic Balinese rituals such as a bath in tropical flowers or a “lulur” body scrub session.

Bali’s spiritual and cultural capital, Ubud offers a surplus of must-dos—both in the town itself, and scattered among the jungle and rice fields that surround it. With one day in Ubud, you can get an overview of its highlights: Visit ancient temples, enjoy a rice-field adventure on an ATV, bike, or raft, and discover Bali’s delicious cuisine. Here’s how.

Morning: Temple Touring

Start by visiting some of Ubud’s stone temples set amid ancient landscapes. Beat the crowds by heading out early to Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, where you’ll encounter lively grey macaques. If time permits, venture further to Tirta Empul, where you can have a Hindu water blessing. Stop by Ubud Palace, right across from Ubud Market, to soak up the regal atmosphere and shop for arts, crafts, and souvenirs.

Afternoon: Adventures in Nature

Head out of town to discover the rich landscapes of rice fields and gorges that surround Ubud. Take a whitewater rafting trip down the Ayung River, which races through a vertiginous valley complete with waterfalls, beaches, carvings, and lush forest. Most tours include a buffet lunch. Alternatively, roar through rice paddies, bamboo forest, and along rivers on an ATV 4-wheeler, hike through tropical green rice terraces, or pedal a bike (or e-bike) along country lanes and through tranquil villages.

Evening: Flavorful Feasts

Sample the tangy, herbal flavors of Balinese cuisine. Try a cooking class, some of which allow you to learn from locals in their home and eat with the family. You can also stroll the streets on a walking food tour, or feast on a 6-course tasting menu overlooking a racing river. Finally, you’d be remiss not to squeeze in one of Bali’s world-famous spa treatments. Unwind with a classic massage, a traditional flower bath, or an Indonesian “lulur” ritual.

It was Bali that put the "love" in Elizabeth Gilbert's iconic memoir Eat, Pray, Love, and it's easy to see why—the Indonesian island is a tranquil paradise blessed with endless sun, sand and surf. Whether it'swatching the sunset over Tanah Lot Temple; swimming and snorkeling around Lembongan Island; hiking Mt Batur at sunrise for rewarding views; or taking part in a cultural cooking class; Bali has all the ingredients for a truly unforgettable trip. See below for some of the best tours and activities for a honeymoon in Bali.

Three days in Kuta is sufficient to give you a good overview of Bali as a whole. Not only can you experience the ocean, have an outdoor adventure, watch the sun rise from an active volcano, and enjoy a Balinese massage, but you’ll still have enough time left over to explore less-visited areas, from Lempuyang Temple to Sekumpul Waterfall. Here’s how.

Day 1: Beach Sports and Outdoor Adventure

No trip to Bali would be complete without a morning on the beach. Start the day close to home with a surfing lesson on Kuta Beach, or travel south for a range of water sports. Pick from activities such as banana boats, Jet Skis, and parasailing; brave fly boarding on a water-powered jet board; or don a Seawalker helmet to explore the ocean floor. After lunch on the beach, head inland for a classic Bali adventure: white-water rafting down the Ayung River gorge or roaring through forest, jungle, villages, and fields on an ATV. Return to the coast in good time for one of Bali’s famous sunsets. Kuta Beach offers stunning ocean colors, but the island’s waterfront temples are majestic. Head north to Tanah Lot Temple, surrounded by rolling waves, or south to clifftop Uluwatu Temple, where you can watch a traditional kecak performance and dramatic fire dance.

Day 2: Volcanoes, Massage, and Coffee

Leave Kuta long before dawn to scale Mt. Batur, an active volcano, in time for a spectacular sunrise from the viewpoint. On a clear morning, you can see all the way to Mt. Rinjani on the neighboring island of Lombok. Cook eggs and bananas in volcanic steam for breakfast, surrounded by cheeky macaques. Shed the dust and soothe tired muscles in the hot springs that nestle beside Lake Batur, or return to south Bali for a classic Balinese massage in an indulgent spa. Be sure to stop at a coffee plantation along the way back to taste coffee, cacao, and spices as you discover the plant’s journey from bush to brew. Wrap up the day with a sunset dinner, either on an ocean cruise, on Jimbaran Beach, or closer to home on the beachfront in Kuta.

Day 3: Watery Wonders

Use your last day in Bali to get off the beaten track with a trip to less-visited north or east Bali. The seven stunning cascades that form Sekumpul Waterfall make for a dramatic hike, and trips often stop at Bedugul, home to sprawling botanic gardens and the lakeside temple Pura Ulun Danu Bratan. Even if you’ve never scuba dived before, you can experience the underwater world on a discovery dive to the USS Liberty shipwreck, a World War II transport ship that’s now home to a wealth of marine life. Alternatively, head to Bali’s most memorable Instagram spot, the “Gates of Heaven” at Lempuyang Temple, by way of tranquil Tirta Gangga Water Palace. Spend your last night discovering Bali’s nightlife scene. Pop up the road to Seminyak for glitzy beach clubs or party hard on a classic Kuta pub crawl.

With three days in Seminyak, you can go beyond the area’s signature charms of spas, boutiques, restaurants, and beach clubs. You’ll also have time to get a taste of Ubud, watch the sun set over Tanah Lot Temple, and head even farther afield, to volcanoes, offshore islands, or timeless water palaces. Here’s how to get the most of three days in Seminyak.

Day 1: Balinese Cuisine and Spa Time

Seminyak is known for its food scene, so start your stay the Balinese way, with a trip to the market and a Balinese cooking course. Grind up fresh roots, herbs, and spices into a flavorsome feast of dishes: Bali-style salad, banana-leaf parcels, fragrant minced seafood satay, and more. Once you’ve eaten the fruits of your labors, check out the stores on “Oberoi” (Jalan Kayu Aya), Bali’s boutique epicenter, then hit a spa for a couple of hours of pure indulgence with a massage, esthetic treatment, or organic facial. Alternatively, take a class in massage or even yoga. Wrap up your first day with a spectacular sunset at Tanah Lot Temple or Uluwatu Temple; at Uluwatu, you can watch a kecak performance and fire dance too.

Day 2: Ubud Adventures

If you’re not planning to stay in Ubud while on Bali, spend your second morning exploring its rice terraces, arts villages, and temples. Get up close and personal with macaques at the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary; learn how coffee is roasted at a plantation; or shop for wood carvings in Mas Village. After lunch overlooking the rice terraces, head to the highland landscapes around Ubud to zip through the paddies on an ATV, race down the Ayung River gorge on a raft, or enjoy one of the area’s tumbling waterfalls. Hit Seminyak Beach in time for an ice-cold beer at sunset, then set out on a street-food safari. With around 18,000 islands, Indonesia’s cuisine is exceptionally diverse. Savor spicy small plates in a classic Padang joint; try Obama’s childhood favorite, bakso (meatball soup); and discover the nation’s distinctive Chinese-Indonesian fusion.

Day 3: Volcano, Snorkeling, or Water Palaces

Devote your third day in Seminyak to discovering the island’s farthest reaches. Rise in the small hours to scale the active volcano Mt. Batur for sunrise, then feast on a breakfast cooked in volcanic steam and lounge in hot springs. Alternatively, discover the underwater world on a snorkeling trip to the island of Nusa Penida, known for the giant mantas that flock to its fast-flowing currents. Instagrammers won’t want to miss the delights of east Bali: the Gates of Heaven at Lempuyang Temple, the Tirta Gangga Water Palace, and perhaps the Ujung Water Palace as well. Back in Seminyak, wrap up your stay with a fine-dining feast on Petitenget (“Eat Street”), then party into the small hours at a beach club such as Potato Head or Ku De Ta.

Two days in Seminyak gives you time to experience the area’s signature charms: spas, shopping, fine dining, seductive sunsets, and world-class beach clubs. But you’ll also have time for outdoor adventure in Ubud and a sunset over beautiful Tanah Lot Temple. Here’s how.

Day 1: Foodie Fiesta

Morning: Food is a highlight of any Seminyak stay, so start your stay with a Balinese cooking class. Shop for fresh produce at a local market, then mix up fresh roots, herbs, and spices into a fragrant feast. Savor dishes such as sate lilit (aromatic minced seafood satay), Balinese salads, and banana-leaf chicken.

Afternoon: After a stroll down “Oberoi” (Jalan Kayu Aya), Seminyak’s No. 1 shopping street, settle in for a spa splurge. Unwind with a classic Balinese massage; freshen tired skin with upscale esthetics; or indulge in a facial with organic products handmade on the spot. Alternatively, learn the art of massage at an intimate class.

Night: After sunset on Seminyak Beach, take a street-food safari that showcases the different cuisines of Indonesia’s 18,000-odd islands. Sample the spicy, Indian-influenced cooking of Padang; try pan-Indonesian favorites such as bakso (meatball soup) or nasi goreng (fried rice); and don’t miss the archipelago’s unique take on Chinese food.

Day 2: Ubud Excursion

Morning: The highland town of Ubud is Bali’s arts and spirituality capital. Discover its timeless rice-field landscapes, traditional craft villages, tumbling waterfalls, and atmospheric temples on your second morning. Don’t miss the chance to mingle with macaques at the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, capture shots of Tegalalang Rice Terrace, and taste fresh coffee at a plantation.

Afternoon: Still in Ubud, treat yourself to a little adrenaline rush. Capture the Instagram shot of a lifetime as you soar high above the jungle on the Bali Swing; roar through the rice fields on an ATV; or brave the white waters of the Ayung River on an inflatable raft.

Night: Return to the coast to wrap up your stay in style with an Indian Ocean sunset overlooking the stunning sea temple of Tanah Lot. Back in Seminyak, savor contemporary cuisine at a fine-dining restaurant on Petitenget (“Eat Street”), then party the night away at a high-end beach club, such as Potato Head or Ku De Ta.

Two days in Kuta—the beating heart of Bali’s tourist trade—is enough to get a decent taster of the island’s delights. If you plan ahead, you can explore ocean and jungle, see a fire dance, enjoy a classic Balinese massage, admire an ancient Hindu temple, and watch the sun rise from the top of an active volcano. Read on to find out how.

Day 1: Island Insider

Morning: The Indian Ocean is one of Bali’s great joys, and a surfing lesson on Kuta Beach is the perfect way to start the day. Alternatively, travel down to Tanjung Benoa, where offerings include Jet Skiing, banana boats, parasailing, jet-powered fly boarding, and the Seawalker helmet, which allows even nonswimmers to explore underwater.

Afternoon: Head inland for an adventure through Bali’s timeless rice-field landscapes. Race down the white waters of the Ayung River gorge on an inflatable raft, or roar through jungle, forest, villages, and fields on an ATV. Many tours include a stop at a coffee plantation, where you can learn the fine art of caffeine and sample spices and cacao.

Night: After an early dinner, return to the coast for a classic Bali sunset. Kuta Beach is an easy choice, but Tanah Lot Temple, to the north, offers sculpted beauty. Best of all is clifftop Uluwatu Temple, where sweeping ocean views pair with a mesmerizing kecak performance and a spectacular fire dance.

Day 2: Volcano Views

Morning: Start in the small hours for Mt. Batur, an active volcano in the heart of Bali. Hike by headlamp to the viewpoint, where monkeys and hot coffee await, then watch the rising sun reveal dramatic vistas across the island and beyond. Breakfast on eggs and bananas cooked in volcanic steam.

Afternoon: Recover from the climb in true Balinese style. Soak tired muscles and inhale lakeside views in the hot springs below Mt. Batur, or return to south Bali for an indulgent spa, where the trained hands of a Balinese massage therapist will ease the aches away and prepare you for the night ahead.

Night: Mark your last night on Bali with a dinner to remember. Set out on the ocean in time for sunset and feast on international fare as the coast glides by. Alternatively, unwind with a simple dinner on the beach. The seaside resort of Jimbaran is a classic choice for seafood, such as Indonesia’s signature ikan bakar (grilled fish).

Bali’s shopping, dining, spa, and nightlife capital, sexy Seminyak runs along the island’s west coast, north of Kuta. One day in Seminyak gives you enough time to sample a spa, soak up a sunset, feast on Indonesian food, and party amid the glitzy beach clubs and high-end hotels on Seminyak Beach. Read on to find out how.

Morning: Culinary Culture

The spices and fragrances of Balinese cuisine are a highlight of any visit to the island of the gods. Discover them with a hands-on cooking class that starts amid the hustle and bustle of an authentic local market. Learn all about the roots, herbs, and spices that make up Bali’s signature spice pastes; master the traditional mortar and pestle; and discover favorites such as sate lilit (minced seafood satay), fried banana, Balinese salads, and banana-leaf chicken. Finally, enjoy the fruits of your labors over a leisurely lunch washed down with coconut water fresh from the shell.

Afternoon: Shopping and Spa

Take a stroll down “Oberoi” (Jalan Kayu Aya), Seminyak’s signature shopping street, to stock up on goodies from surf wear and homewares to indie fashion and silver jewelry. Then settle in for another defining Seminyak experience, a classic Balinese spa. Unwind with a massage, blending international techniques and indigenous oils; enjoy a facial with fresh products made on the spot; or rejuvenate tired skin with a wealth of upscale esthetic treatments. You can even learn the art of massage at a hands-on class. Whatever you choose, no Indonesian spa treatment would be complete without a cup of ginger tea.

Night: Sunset Seduction

Begin your perfect Seminyak night by savoring an Indian Ocean sunset. Head north to Tanah Lot Temple, where rolling waves surround black-lava towers, or south to clifftop Uluwatu Temple, where you can watch a fire dance and kecak performance against the setting sun. Alternatively, keep it local, with an ice-cold beer overlooking Seminyak Beach. Once the lights go down, dress to impress (tropical style). Start the night at one of Seminyak’s elegant fine-dining restaurants, such as Merah Putih or Métis, then party till late at a classic beach club, perhaps Potato Head or Ku De Ta.

Bali’s best-known tourist destination, bustling, vibrant Kuta sprawls along the island’s west coast, paralleling the broad expanse of Kuta Beach, a mecca for surfers since the early ‘70s. With a day in Kuta, you can experience the ocean, get out into the countryside, and soak up a gorgeous sunset, perhaps with a fire dance. Here’s how.

Morning: Balinese Beaches

Start the day by hitting one of Bali’s celebrated beaches. Learn the art of riding the waves on Kuta Beach itself: Modern foam surfboards are wide, stable, soft, and tailor-made for beginners. Or head down to Tanjung Benoa, Bali’s water-sports capital, to try your hand at ocean favorites from banana boats and Jet Skis to parasailing. Two signature Bali delights will be new to most. Try the Seawalker experience, where you stroll along the bottom of the sea breathing piped air through a helmet, or fly boarding, where you soar above the ocean on a jet-powered board.

Afternoon: Adrenaline Adventures

Say goodbye to the ocean and head inland for an adrenaline-filled afternoon in the rice fields, rivers, and jungles around Ubud. Take your pick between two classic Bali adventures: an ATV ride or white-water rafting. Thrill on the bumps, chill in the waterfalls, and soak up the timeless beauty as you raft the Ayung River gorge. Or race on a 4-wheel-drive vehicle through streams, bamboo forest, rice paddies, and villages. If time permits, make a stop at a coffee plantation to learn how coffee turns from a berry to a brew and taste coffee, cacao, and spices.

Night: Sunset in Bali

You’d be remiss to stay on Bali’s west coast without soaking up one of the island’s thermonuclear sunsets. The sun sinks into the ocean off Kuta Beach in a blaze of glory, but it’s worth seeking out a more spectacular location. The black lava towers of Tanah Lot Temple, a sea temple around 13 miles (21 kilometers) north of Kuta, make a classic choice. Alternatively, head farther south to clifftop Uluwatu Temple and pair the sunset with a traditional kecak performance and fire dance. Wrap up the night with Indonesian favorites such as nasi goreng (fried rice), satay, and ice-cold Bintang beer.

With three days in Nusa Dua, you can branch out from luxurious resort life and see a bit more of the island. Besides Nusa Dua’s beaches and spas, savor thrills and spills from white-water rafting to fire-dance performances and seafood feasts, and perhaps even a trip to another island as well. Read on to discover more.

Day 1: Decadent Delights

Long, sandy beaches and warm, clear waters make Nusa Dua one of Bali’s water-sports hot spots. Spend the morning on a Jet Ski, banana boat, or parasail; walk on the seabed with the Seawalker diving helmet; or soar above the ripples on jet-powered boots. In the afternoon, relax under the expert hands of a Balinese massage therapist. Refreshed and relaxed, travel to clifftop Uluwatu Temple, savor a dazzling sunset, then watch the traditional kecak monkey dance and a dramatic fire performance. Wrap up the night with a feast of fresh-grilled seafood on the golden sands of Jimbaran Bay.

Day 2: Inland Adventures

Take today to see a different, more traditional side of Bali, as you head inland to the lush, green rice terraces around Ubud. Go white-water rafting down the Ayung River with a guide, through unspoiled forest and rice fields. After a buffet lunch, see more of the landscapes around Ubud, perhaps on an ATV adventure or a cultural tour of the region’s craft villages. Be sure to see the grey macaques at the jungle-clad temple known as Ubud Monkey Forest; consider a visit to a holy water temple; and, if shopping is your thing, don’t miss Bali’s wood-carving capital, Mas Village. Heading back down south, get a fresh perspective on the ocean and the island with a catamaran dinner cruise.

Day 3: Eastern Extravaganza

Nusa Dua’s position on the eastern side of the island makes it a great base for day trips to points east. Instagrammers and culture vultures will enjoy an east Bali highlights tour, including the mesmerizing Gates of Heaven at Lempuyang Temple and the Tirta Gangga Water Garden. Families are well-positioned for a day out at Bali Safari Marine Park, the island’s signature animal attraction, and adventurous travelers will adore Penida Island, with its rugged cliffs, striking beaches, and the chance to snorkel with giant manta rays. Back in Nusa Dua, after an early beachfront dinner, head to the Devdan Show, a showcase of acrobatics, dance, and drama that’s Nusa Dua’s answer to Cirque du Soleil.

Indonesia has a rich textile tradition dating back many hundreds of years, and if there’s one fabric that’s found across all the archipelago’s thousands of islands, it’s batik. The repeating patterns worn across sarongs and shirts are a national symbol, while Javanese batik experts can deduce what city and social class an individual comes from by the pattern they are wearing.

What Is Batik? Batik is a type of cloth dyed using the wax-resist method: A pattern is painted on in wax, and then the cloth is dyed. Once the wax is melted off, blank areas are left. The cloth can be dyed over and over again with different patterns, creating incredibly complex designs. The best batik is still waxed by hand, with the most authentic produced using natural dyes, but the overwhelming majority of what you’ll find on sale is a factory product made with chemical dyes.

Ways to Experience Balinese Batik Art Bali’s batik art tradition may not be as long as that of neighboring Java, but you can still experience this Indonesian art form on the island. Here are a few suggestions.

• Visit a workshop: Batubulan and Tohpati villages are home to a number of workshops where you can watch batik being produced.
• Get hands-on: The Arma Museum and Resort in Ubud offers 2-hour classes in Balinese batik, where you create your own designs using traditional Balinese motifs.
• Shop at a market: Klungkung Market has a stellar selection of batik, while you’ll find affordable machine-made batik at Ubud Traditional Art Market as well.
• Explore a boutique: Threads of Life in Ubud stocks rare, hand-made fabrics from across the archipelago.

Ubud is a hub for visual arts, and the best place in Bali to learn about and appreciate Balinese art and crafts. From museums filled with colorful Ubud-style paintings to markets selling traditional handicrafts, here are the must-see sights for art lovers in Ubud. 

Agung Rai Museum of Art (ARMA)

Founded by respected Balinese art dealer and ambassador of Balinese culture Agung Rai, this museum is one of the top art attractions on the island. The collection features works by indigenous artists, as well as international artists who lived and worked in Bali, such as Walter Spies and Willem Gerard Hofker. Paintings are hung in Balinese-style buildings, and the site also features a traditional Balinese garden. 

Puri Lukisan Museum

Another staple of Ubud’s art scene, this museum, which first opened in the 1950s, showcases Balinese talent. Various Bali schools and styles are represented, spanning everything from 16th-century pieces to modern art. 

Neka Art Museum

Opened in 1982, this museum holds works not just by Balinese artists, but also by those for whom Bali is an important subject matter or source of inspiration. As well as artworks, the Neka Art Museum also features a collection of keris (curved Indonesian daggers). 

Ubud Traditional Art Market

Known by locals as Pasar Seni Ubud, this daily market—situated opposite the Puri Saren Palace—is filled with stallholders selling a wide range of handcrafted local goods. Typical offerings include everything from wood carvings and silver jewelry to paintings and handwoven baskets.

Celuk Village

About a 20-minute drive south of Ubud, this small village is at the center of Bali’s silver and gold trade. Admire intricately designed pieces of gold and silverware, from cutlery to ornaments and jewelry. 

Tohpati Village

This village, about a 50-minute drive from Bali, is known for its batik production, a traditional method of creating colorful patterned textiles. Observe the steps involved in the batik process, from designing to waxing to dyeing, then browse showrooms containing examples of the elaborate craft.

The culinary landscape of Indonesia is as diverse as its culture and geography, and Bali is no exception. Balinese food is time- and ingredient-intensive, with a heavy emphasis on spices, aromatics, and chili peppers. Here are a few foods and activities you won't want to miss.

Must-Try Dishes

Unlike much of the rest of Indonesia, Bali is predominantly Hindu, and one of the island's must-try dishes is babi guling, spit-roasted suckling pig. Traditional Indonesian meat skewers, called sate or satay, are made from chicken, beef, pork, fish, or even tofu, while the Balinese version is often made from minced meat mixed with coconut milk and spices before hitting the grill. Seafood plays a prominent role in the local food landscape— fish and shrimp come barbecued or in fragrant curries—while nasi goreng, Bali's take on chicken and rice, is often served with shrimp crackers, cucumber, and fiery sambal sauce.

Must-Do Experiences

• Experience the ties between Bali's signature dishes and religious ceremony by taking in a sunset seafood dinner and traditional dance performance at the clifftop temple of Uluwatu overlooking Jimbaran Bay

• Learn the craft of Balinese cuisine at a cooking class in Ubud or an intimate chef-led demonstration in a traditional Gulingan Village kitchen

• Explore the street foods of Kuta on the back of a motorbike

• Embark on a Balinese food safari through Seminyak, Jimbaran, or Ubud

• Visit a small village to learn cooking methods from the locals

Dance and theatrical performances are a longstanding tradition, a treasured form of expression, and an essential part of Balinese culture. For travelers who want to gain a greater understanding of the rituals, customs, and spiritual beliefs of the people of this Indonesian isle, here are a few of the must-see performances in Bali.

Barong Dances

One of Bali’s most well-known dances, Barong tells a tale of good versus evil. Barong (the mythological spirit that represents good) faces off against Rangda (a mythological monster representing evil). The figures take different forms—sometimes a lion, other times a dragon or a monkey—depending on the region where the performance takes place. The dance is typically accompanied by gamelan music performed by a percussive ensemble.

Kecak Dances

Also known as the monkey dance, kecak dances chronicle the story of the ancient Sanskrit epic poem Ramayana, which tells of a prince’s quest to rescue his wife, who has been kidnapped by a demon king. The dance, most famously performed at sunset at Uluwatu Temple, usually features a troupe of chanting male dancers. Torches are often incorporated, creating a striking image against the darkening sky.

Devdan Show

Performed at Bali Nusa Dua theater, the Devdan Show tells the story of two children who learn about the magic of Indonesian culture after discovering a treasure chest full of traditional objects, from weapons to headwear. Acrobats, aerial dancers, and colorfully costumed performers bring the audience on a cultural tour of the Indonesian archipelago, from Papua to Java and beyond. Though it incorporates traditional items, costumes, and concepts, the Devdan Show puts a modern twist on Indonesian culture.

The palm-fringed beaches and calm sea of Nusa Dua, close to the airport in south Bali, make it one of the island’s premier resort districts. One day in Nusa Dua gives you the chance to immerse yourself in some of the area’s signature delights: water sports, spa treatments, seafood, and even a show. Here’s how.

Morning: Water Wizardry

If you only have a day in Nusa Dua, you’re going to want to spend a chunk of it on the beach, so slap on the sunscreen and spend the morning sampling the wealth of water sports on offer. Besides classic seaside fun, such as Jet Skiing, banana boats, parasailing, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding, make time to experience some more-unusual attractions. The Seawalker helmet, supplied with air by a long hose, enables even nonswimmers to walk on the ocean floor surrounded by tropical fish. Or try flyboarding on jet-powered boots, dive on an underwater scooter, or brave the Jetovator flying machine.

Afternoon: Spa Session

Bali is known for its spas, and whether you’re a spa virgin or already love a good massage, time at a spa is a Nusa Dua essential. After a leisurely lunch, settle in for a pampering session, perhaps with traditional treatments such as Javanese massage and “lulur” body scrubs, elaborate facials, or romantic rituals such as a shared flower bath. Many packages include time to unwind by the pool and herbal tea and snacks, while others include a dinner element for maximum relaxation.

Night: Dinner and a Show

If you’re staying in a hotel with a beachfront restaurant, make the most of it, savoring a feast of local seafood with the sand between your toes. Alternatively, consider dining at one of Nusa Dua’s elite hotels, beach clubs, or beachfront grills. Wrap up in good time to enjoy the Devdan Show, a feast of dance, drama, acrobatics, and song that’s Nusa Dua’s (and Bali’s) answer to Cirque du Soleil. You’ll leave with a deeper understanding of Indonesia’s rich and diverse culture, geared to explore as many of its 18,000 islands as you can.

Nyepi, Bali’s annual day of silence, is a very special time to visit. For 24 hours, the island completely shuts down, including the airport and ports. While hospitals and police maintain a skeleton service, travelers are only allowed to leave their accommodation in the case of a medical emergency.

What is Nyepi?

Nyepi runs from 6am until 6am on a date dictated by Bali’s lunar calendar, usually in March. For the Balinese Hindus who make up the majority of the island’s population, this is a time for silent contemplation at home, with neither cooking nor electric light allowed. Staying indoors without showing light is believed to ensure that demons leave the island, and traditional security guards patrol to make sure no one ventures out.

Consider Taking a Break

If the prospect of staying quietly in your hotel for 24 hours fills you with dread, then the Nyepi break is a great opportunity to visit Muslim-dominated islands for a couple of days. Ijen, Lombok, and the Gilis are all popular Nyepi getaways.

Don’t Go Outside

The Balinese take Nyepi extremely seriously, and traditional security guards are entitled to fine or even arrest visitors who go out on the streets.

Check Whether You Are Allowed Light

Service in large hotels continues much as normal over Nyepi, although with reduced staffing levels and strict lighting limits. If you’re staying in a villa or a guesthouse, check whether you will be allowed to use lights or electronic devices at night. Some village councils are extremely strict and will object to so much as a charging light, while others are a little more relaxed and will let you use lights behind blinds or go into the garden to use the pool.

Confirm Whether the Internet Is On

An increasing number of Indonesian ISPs turn off the internet on Bali for the 24 hours of Nyepi, as do many mobile-data providers. Ask at your accommodation whether you will have internet access over the period.

Stock Up on Food

All shops and businesses close for Nyepi. If you’re staying in a villa or a guesthouse that doesn’t offer food service, be sure to stock up on everything you might need for the 24 hours, including food and drinking water. Many cafés and restaurants offer prepackaged meals.

Enjoy the Parades

If you’ve chosen to stay on Bali over the Nyepi period, make the most of the parades that enliven the run-up. The Tanah Lot Temple is a classic place to watch the melasti ritual and procession, while the football field in central Ubud hosts a colorful parade of the homemade demons known as ogoh-ogoh.

Make the Most of the Silence

If you’ve opted to spend Nyepi on Bali, enjoy the silence and absence of light pollution. Floating in your pool under a starlit sky is a fantastic way to spend the dark of the night—if the property where you are staying allows it—while many yoga lovers use the time to meditate.