Bali is famous for its beaches and temples, but there’s so much more to see and things to do in Bali. I’ve journeyed through Bali, from the tranquil Danu Beratan Temple to the vibrant streets of Ubud, and every moment was unforgettable.
If you want sunny days and clear skies, April to October is the best time to see the places in Bali, Indonesia. This is the dry season in Bali. It’s perfect for beach days, hiking, and temple visits.
In this guide, I will cover all the info you need for your Bali trip. So, let’s just start this beautiful journey without wasting any time.
Best Time to Visit Bali Indonesia
If you want sunny days and clear skies, April to October is the best time to see the places in Bali, Indonesia. This is the dry season in Bali. It’s perfect for beach days, hiking, and temple visits.
But if you don’t mind a bit of rain and want fewer crowds, try the wet season from November to March. It rains, but usually not all day. Due to the rain, Bali becomes greener, and the waterfalls are full and beautiful.
For surfing, the best waves are from May to September on the west coast and from November to March on the east coast.
There are also festivals in Bali that you should experience. Nyepi, the Balinese New Year in March or April, is unique. The whole island shuts down for a day. It’s quiet and peaceful. This is a great time to visit if you’re into culture and ceremonies.
July and August are the peak tourist season. Prices are higher, and places are crowded. But the vibe is lively and fun if you love traveling in crowded seasons.
Things To Do in Bali Indonesia
Bali, Indonesia is truely a heaven for nature lovers, there is so much to do. You can explore beautiful monuments, relax at beach, visit ancient Temples and the list will never end. But let’s count what to explore in a short trip to Bali.
#1. Visit The Danu Beratan Temple
The first place on our list is the Danu Beratan Temple. It’s a religious place by lake Beratan and looks like it’s floating when the water’s high. The air’s fresh and it’s really peaceful there.
The temple was built in the 17th century. It’s for the water goddess, Danu, and it’s important for Bali’s farms and water. There are a few temples there, each with a special meaning. The biggest one is for the god Shiva and has a big tower.
What is the best time to go? Early morning, like before 9 AM. It’s quieter, and the light is great for photos. You’ll pay around $5 to get in.
It’s about an hour’s drive from Denpasar. You can rent a scooter or get a driver. There are buses too from places like Lovina and Ubud.
You can rent boats at the temple for a fun time on the lake. It is religious place so in order to respect, dress properly and cover your legs and shoulders.
#2. Go to The Handara Gate
The next one is Handara Gate you should visit in Bali. It’s famous for its big, beautiful Balinese gate. It’s in north-central Bali, near Munduk. If you’re coming from Ubud, it’s about 1.5 to 2 hours drive. From Kuta, it’s around 2 hours. It’s right on the main road, easy to find.
Go early in the morning, like around sunrise, to miss the crowds. It gets busy later on. The gate is actually the entrance to a golf course, but it’s a trendy spot for photos.
The ticket to get in is about 2 dollars. They’re open from 8 am to 5 pm. But you can see the gate anytime since it’s by the road.
Check out other places nearby. Like the Wanagiri viewpoint or the Ulun Danu Beratan Temple.
For staying, there’s everything from fancy resorts to budget places. You can choose from places like the Munduk Moding Plantation Nature Resort & Spa for a luxurious stay or Puri Lumbung Cottages and Umah De Madya for more budget-friendly options.
#3. Explore the Nungnung Waterfall
The next stop is Nungnung Waterfall, It is located in the Badung Regency. It is about 75 minutes from Ubud and a little longer from other tourist areas like Canggu, Seminyak, or Kuta.
You can reach Nungnung Waterfall in around 1-2 hours from Ubud, Canggu, or Kuta, depending on traffic. Another option is to join a guided tour, which can be found at local agents in Ubud and Canggu.
You can Visit in the morning, between 9 am and 10:30 am, to avoid crowds and enjoy a serene experience.
The entrance fee for foreign tourists is about $2 per person. There are facilities like a parking area, toilets, and a small shop selling food and drinks near the parking lot.
After exploring Nungnung Waterfall, there are other attractions nearby, like the Jatiluwih rice fields, the Leke Leke waterfall, and the Sangeh Monkey Forest. So make sure to check them also if you have enough time.
#4. Enjoy Greenery at Jatiluwih Rice Terraces
The Jatiluwih Rice Terraces is located at the foot of Mount Batukaru in Tabanan Regency. Jatiluwih is approximately a 1.5-hour drive north of popular areas like Canggu, Seminyak, and Kuta, and around 80 minutes from Ubud.
I would hardly recommend going in the early morning to capture the terraces bathed in golden sunlight. The terraces can become misty in the afternoon, adding a different charm to the scenery. The best times to visit The Jatiluwih Rice Terraces are from February to April, May, and between September and November.
The entrance fee is only $3 per person, with an additional $1 for car parking.
There are several hiking routes available, ranging from short and easy walks to more challenging treks. The Red Line Short Track takes about 30-45 minutes and is suitable for all ages and fitness levels, while the White Line Extra Long Track offers a more immersive experience.
You can learn about the subak system, participate in agricultural tourism activities, and even volunteer as a farmer for a day.
#5. Sekumpul Waterfall
Sekumpul Waterfall is the most stunning waterfall in Bali, Indonesia. It is located in the north of Bali.
Sekumpul is about a 2.5-hour drive from South Bali areas like Ubud and Canggu. Once you have arrived, there are three trekking options available with different fees.
The best time to visit Sekumpul for photos is mid-morning until about 3 PM when the light is optimal. The falls remain impressive year-round, but they’re particularly powerful at the end of the monsoon season (March-April).
The area can be wet and slippery during (March-April) so bring your Trekking boots.
6. Visit The Leke Leke Waterfall
Leke Leke Waterfall, also known as Air Terjun Kipuan Kebo, is a less crowded alternative to more popular waterfalls like Tegenungan or Sekumpul.
It takes about 1.5 hours to get to Leke Leke Waterfall from Kuta and around 1 hour from Canggu. From Ubud, it’s closer, approximately 45 minutes away.
You can rent a motorbike for about $10 per day, which is affordable to explore Bali, or you can rent a car along with a driver for a day for around $35, It can be a more convenient option if you’re not comfortable on a motorbike.
The entrance fee is $5 per person. The waterfall is open from 7 am to 5 pm. Make sure to arrive early to avoid crowds and enjoy the waterfall.
Leke Leke is a great spot for photography, especially between 10 AM and 1 PM when the light is ideal. For the best shots, frame the waterfall behind some leaves to create depth. If you have a tripod, long exposure shots of the gently flowing water can be stunning.
7. Explore The Wanagiri Hidden Hills
Wanagiri Hidden Hills is my personal favorite spot in Bali. It is located in the northern highlands of Bali, and you can enjoy views of the twin lakes, Buyan and Tamblingan.
Wanagiri Hidden Hills is about 1.5 hours from Ubud and around 2 hours from Kuta. The route is quite amazing.
Wanagiri Hidden Hills has multiple vendors with entrance fees ranging from $3 to $10.
8. Banyuwana Amertha Waterfall
Banyuwana Amertha Waterfall is located in the Wanagiri area of north Bali. It has a collection of four distinct waterfalls, each with its own unique beauty.
Banyuwana Amertha Waterfall is not very popular among tourists, but it is a beautiful, calm, and peaceful spot.
The waterfall is about a 60-90 minute drive from Ubud or 30-60 minutes from Singaraja. The roads around North Bali can be windy and steep, so if you’re riding a scooter, be cautious. You can also hire a private taxi for around $35.
The entrance fee to Banyuwana Amertha Waterfalls is about $2, which gives you access to all four waterfalls. The area is well-maintained, justifying the slightly higher entrance fee compared to other waterfalls in Bali.
9. Aling Aling Waterfall
Aling Aling Waterfall in Bali, Indonesia, is a remarkable natural wonder known for its thrilling cliff jumps and waterfall slides. Similar to Banyuwana Amertha Waterfall, Aling ALing Waterfall also has four waterfalls.
Aling Aling, the main waterfall, is a stunning sight with its massive flow and impressive height of about 35 meters. Aling Aling waterfall is very religious for the locals. So, you cannot swim in Aling Aling waterfall.
Kroya Waterfall is known for its adrenaline-pumping activities, such as a 5-meter jump off a cement platform and natural water slides. The force of the falls creates an exhilarating experience, but caution is advised as it can be quite powerful.
Kembar Waterfall is near Kroya Waterfall and offers cliff jumping opportunities with jumps of around 10 meters. This waterfall is known for its scenic beauty and the thrill of the jump.
Pucuk Waterfall is the last of the four waterfalls. It’s quieter compared to the others and does not offer jumping activities, but visitors can enjoy swimming or taking pictures in its serene setting.
The entrance fee to view the waterfalls, costs around $5, while options including swimming, jumping, and sliding start from $15 for the shortest trek.
10. Go To The Uluwatu Temple
Uluwatu Temple is a famous cliff-top temple in Bali. It is about 30 kilometers from the airport and usually takes 1 hour to reach from Kuta, Canggu, and Sanur. You can hire a private car and driver for around $45 for a full day, which is convenient and popular among tourists.
The entrance fee for adults is approximately $3.50 and $2 for children. This includes a sarong rental, required for temple entry. The temple is open from 7 AM to 7 PM. Evening visits are recommended for the beautiful sunset views.
One of the highlights at Uluwatu Temple is the Kecak fire dance, performed every evening at sunset. It’s a dramatic dance based on the Ramayana epic, involving 50 to 100 performers.
11. Visit The Sacred Temple Pura Tirta Empul
Pura Tirta Empul, a sacred spring temple in Bali, is about 30 minutes from Ubud and 1.5 hours from Ngurah Rai Airport.
You can rent a scooter for around $35 to $45 per day, or a car with a driver starting from $40 if you don’t have an international license or you are not comfortable driving in a new country.
The Pura Titra Empul temple is known for its clean water pools, requires modest attire with sarongs available for rent. It’s a popular spot for both cultural experiences and photography, with serene water pools and beautiful architecture.
12. Tegelalang Rice Terraces
Tegallalang Rice Terraces is another unique place to visit in Bali. It is just 20 minutes away from the north of Ubud.
You can rent a scooter for around $10 per day. If you prefer a more comfortable mode of transportation, car rentals and taxi services are also available.
The entrance fee to the Tegallalang Rice Terraces is about $2. They are open from 8 am to 6 pm daily for visitors to explore and soak in the breathtaking views.
Final Thoughts On Things To Do In Bali Indonesia
So That was all the places and things you can do on your short trip to Bali, Indonesia. I have mentioned some top places in Bali and things and activities to do in Bali.
Indonesia is an amazing country and Bali is the heart of Indonesia. It is a perfect place to get close to the nature and spend a calm and relaxing vacation, whether you visit the sacred temples or go for hiking or even relax at the beaches in Bali.
So make sure to add these places to you bucket list and do check them to make the most of your trip.
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