16 Best Things to Do in Bali for First-Time Travelers in 2026

Bali is a tropical paradise of beaches, temples, and rice terraces. There’s something for every traveler in bali to do. Visitors love Bali’s fun things to do, from surfing and volcano hikes to browsing art villages. Whether you want to relax on the beach, taste local dishes, or chase adventures, this guide covers the best Bali has to offer.

Table of contents

• Explore Tegalalang Rice Fields
• Ubud’s Creative Heart
• Tanah Lot, the Iconic Sea Shrine
• Suckling Pig Feast
• Mixed Rice Feast
• Done Bali? It’s Time for Thailand
• Bali Travel Tips for First-Time Travelers
• Walk through Bali with Airhub
• Bali’s Best Things To Do in 2026
• FAQs

Explore Tegalalang Rice Fields

Tegalalang rice terraces are part of the UNESCO Subak irrigation system and showcase Bali’s famous rice terraces. It is one of the most famous Bali tourist attractions you should visit. Here you can walk among the verdant paddies if you barrel through hillsides; the views are stunning. It’s a great place to take photos and find out about Bali’s old way of farming.

Ubud’s Creative Heart

Arts and Culture Ubud is Bali’s cultural hub. Browse the Ubud Art Market for crafts, visit temples like the Sacred Monkey Forest, and sip Balinese coffee overlooking rice terraces. Galleries and yoga retreats abound here, so places to go in Bali for culture in Ubud.

Tanah Lot, the Iconic Sea Shrine

Tanah Lot is Bali’s famous offshore temple on a rocky islet, making it one of the best places to visit in bali. Accessible at low tide, it’s enchanting at sunset when waves crash around it. This iconic site draws around 500,000 visitors a year, so arrive early for the best view.

Suckling Pig Feast

Trying different food has always been one of the best Bali activities. Babi Guling Bali’s beloved roast pork dish is Babi Guling. A whole pig is spiced, stuffed with herbs (like turmeric), and slow-roasted on a spit. The result is tender meat and super-crispy skin. Try it at a local warung with rice and lawar (spiced coconut salad) for an authentic Balinese meal.

Mixed Rice Feast

Nasi Campur literally means “mixed rice.” It’s a plate of rice surrounded by small portions of meat, vegetables, peanuts, and spicy sambal. Each serving varies, but it always offers a bit of everything. It’s a delicious sampler of Bali’s diverse flavors.

Lemongrass Skewers

Sate Lilit Sate Lilit is Balinese satay molded onto a lemongrass skewer. The spiced minced meat (often fish or chicken) grills up smoky and citrusy, thanks to the lemongrass stick. These fragrant skewers are a local favorite; snatch one for a quick, tasty bite.

Cooling Off With Es Campur

After spicy meals or in Bali’s heat, cool down with Es Campur. This shaved ice dessert comes loaded with sweet toppings: jelly, nangka (jackfruit), avocado, sweet syrup, and condensed milk. Each spoonful is refreshingly fruity and milky, a perfect tropical treat.

Ubud’s Traditional Performance

In Ubud (and other towns), catch the graceful Legong dance or the dramatic fire Kecak dance. Held at dusk in open-air temples, these performances feature ornate costumes, intricate hand movements, and gamelan music. Giving you the best cultural glimpse, it is a must-do in Bali.

Cook and Learn

Balinese Cooking Class Joining a cooking class is a tasty adventure. You’ll pick fresh spices at a market and then learn to cook dishes like satelilit or curry. The best part: you get to eat what you cook, it’s a fun, hands-on way to immerse yourself in Balinese culture.

Market and Crafts

Shopping in Bali is synonymous with bustling markets and artisanal villages. Ubud Art Market is a distinct and memorable shopping experience unto itself, so it is one of the things to see in Bali. The surrounding villages are famous for their specialized crafts, such as silver work and wood carving. Bargain and watch craftsmen at work, a cultural treat to remember.

Balinese Spa Day

If you want to relax, a spa day is one of the fun things to do in Bali. Traditional Massage Treat yourself to a day of Balinese spa indulgences. Long strokes and fragrant oils in traditional massages help you relax and relieve stress. Many spas also offer flower baths or reflexology. It’s one of the must-do experiences in Bali for ultimate relaxation.

Sacred Celebrations

Temple Ceremonies Bali’s calendar is full of temple ceremonies and festivals. If you time it right, you may see colorful processions, offerings, and music at a village temple. Even casual ceremonies (like pujas) are fascinating. Attending respectfully (often in a sarong) offers insight into Bali’s living culture.

Dawn Patrol

Mount Batur Sunrise Trek Climb Mount Batur for an unforgettable sunrise. Guided hikes begin at 3-4 AM to arrive at the summit around sunrise. The 2-3 hour hike is doable even for novices. At the summit, watch as the sun rises over the volcanic crater and lake, a truly extraordinary view.

Ayung River Tours

The thrill of racing down the Ayung River in a raft is undeniable. The rapids are suitable for beginners, so this is a perfect thing to do for families and first-time rafters. As you paddle down lush jungle terrain, past small waterfalls and canyon walls along the way, it’s a thrilling way to explore some of Bali’s hidden interiors.

Surf’s Up

Ride Kuta’s Waves Bali has long been a mecca for surfers, and Kuta Beach is excellent for beginners. Its long, gentle waves and warm water make learning easy. Sign up for a lesson, and you might be riding your first wave by noon. If surfing isn’t your thing, Kuta’s lively beach scene and sunsets are worth experiencing.

Bali ATV Ride

ATV tours take you on muddy tracks through the jungle and rice fields. It’s a wild, messy adventure (no experience needed) that many visitors rave about. Riding through Bali’s backcountry on an off-road vehicle is one bali adventure activity you won’t forget.

Done Bali? It’s Time for Thailand

If you have checked off Bali from your list, it's time to read our things to do in Thailand guide. It will give you a glimpse of all the fun experiences you can have in 2026 in Thailand. Make sure to prepare yourself according to our guide and stay tuned to get special tips in the end.

Bali Travel Tips for First-Time Travelers

If you are traveling to Bali for the first time, here are the things you should know:

• Respect the culture: Always cover your shoulders and knees at temples. Be quiet or pray respectfully if you encounter a ceremony.
  
• Stay connected: Grab an eSIM Singapore (Airhub is great) or a local SIM for data. It’s cheap, and it makes using maps and apps easy.
  
• Getting around: Local travel by scooter taxis and ride-hailing apps (Gojek/Grab). You can also hire a private driver. If you rent a scooter, always wear a helmet.
  

Walk through Bali with Airhub

Heading to Bali? Stay connected with Airhub. Its eSIM covers 190+ countries with instant activation, no SIM swaps or roaming fees. Activate before you go and switch it on when you arrive. Airhub keeps you online hassle-free. If you choose to buy an eSIM online through Airhub, you can forget about the hassles of roaming charges and swapping SIMs. Just enjoy the seamless process of getting connected.

Bali’s Best Things To Do in 2026

Bali truly has something for everyone. From sunrise volcano hikes and temple visits to beach days and street-food feasts, these things to do in Bali will make your trip unforgettable. Use this list of the best things to do in Bali to plan your dream Bali getaway, and do not forget to grab an eSIM from Airhub to stay connected.

FAQs

1. What are the best things to do in Bali?

 Visit Bali’s iconic temples (Tanah Lot, Uluwatu) and trek Mount Batur at sunrise. Also, relax on Kuta or Nusa Dua beaches and try the local street foods; these are the best things to do in Bali.

2. What are some fun activities in Bali for travelers?

 For thrills, try surfing at Kuta Beach and white-water rafting on the Ayung River. Cultural fun includes attending Balinese dance performances, taking a cooking class, or exploring bustling markets, all fun activities in Bali to enjoy.

3. Why is Bali popular among digital nomads and travelers?

Bali offers a low cost of living and warm climate with many expats and coworking spaces. Cafés and workspaces have reliable Wi-Fi, making it easy to work remotely.

4. Can travelers explore Bali without renting a car?

 Yes, scooters and ride-hailing services (like Gojek or Grab) are widely available. You can hire a private driver for day trips, too. The main tourist areas are well connected, so renting a car is optional.

5. Are Bali adventure activities suitable for beginners?

Absolutely. Many Bali adventure activities have options for novices. For example, Kuta’s surf schools use gentle waves, Ayung’s rafting is calm, and guided Mount Batur hikes have steady trails. Instructors make sure even first-timers have fun safely.