8 Mesmerizing Things to Do in Bali

Bali has a long history of enchanting its visitors from both near and far. It’s hardly any wonder why, given its fascinating features, which include verdant rice paddies, fragrant frangipanis, mystical traditions and legendary surf breaks. But Bali is as diverse as it is beautiful, and though it’s not exactly an “undiscovered” destination, those travelers willing to spend a bit of time to go off-the-beaten-track will be amply rewarded with unique experiences.

We set off with four weeks and a motorcycle to take on ‘The Island of the Gods’. These were some of our most mesmerizing memories:

1.Surf the Bukit Peninsula

The Bukit Peninsula not only boasts some of Bali’s best beaches, but also the island’s top surf spots. Depending upon the weather conditions, there are typically different surf breaks with different waves suitable for just about any level.  A few of the most popular surf beaches are Padang Padang, Bingin and Dreamland. We recommend renting some boards and driving along until you find the break that’s best for you—it’s quick and easy to hop up and down the coast.

Caption: Surfer tears it up at Bingin

2.Watch a traditional dance ceremony

You simply cannot travel to Bali without experiencing a traditional Balinese dance show. Dynamic and expressive, these shows will leave you riveted from start to finish, even if you don’t quite understand the storyline between Hindu spirits, witches and beasts. Watching a Legong Dance outside of the Ubud Palace is always a crowd favorite, partially due to the skill of the dancers, but mostly due to the shimmering outdoor stage and eye-catching gold costumes.

PHOTO: Performance at the Ubud Palace

3.Visit the Monkey Temple at Uluwatu

A Balinese monetary perched high above the cliffs, the cultural experience and spectacular views at the Monkey Temple are reason enough to make the visit here. But of course, what gets most tourists are the cheeky little monkeys that dot the premises and steal many visitors hearts—along with their lunches and other belongings if they aren’t careful! Do note that the monkeys can be aggressive and it’s not advisable to feed them. But if you treat them with respect, you’ll get some great photos and “aw” moments.

PHOTO: Monkey with a stolen sarong.

4.See the spectacular sunset at Jimbaran Bay

Bali is renowned for the spectacular display of colors that sweep across its skies each night. There are plenty of places to enjoy the sunset, but quiet Jimbaran Bay is one of our favorites. After the sun has finished its show, enjoy the remainder of your evening at any of the plastic tables serving up fresh and delectable local seafood.

5.Go underwater in Tulamben

Tulamben is a sleepy fishing village on the eastern coast of Bali. While there’s not much going on above the water, there is plenty to see and discover beneath its shores. The scuba diving and snorkeling here is suited to all levels. The Liberty, a US Army ship torpedoed in 1942, is perhaps the most famous dive around, though there are also opportunities to dive and snorkel with parrotfish, barracuda, small sharks and more.

6.Take a cooking class

Balinese food might be largely underrepresented in the international foodie scene, but that’s not to say it isn’t anything but superbly scrumptious. Think enticing flavors like lemongrass, turmeric and coconut. For a particularly lip smacking afternoon, take a local cooking class and get an intimate look at what goes into crafting favorites like Babi Guling and Ayam Betutu.

PHOTO: Selecting spices for cooking.

7.Climb Mt. Batur

Bonus points if you wake up at 2 a.m. to reach the peak of Mt. Batur before sunrise. It’s not an easy wake-up call, and it’s certainly not an easy walk to the top, but your efforts will be rewarded with an awesome view into the crater of an active volcano. If you’re not up for the hike to the top, just viewing Mt. Batur from afar is a site to behold.  

8.Rent a scooter and just go

Yes, Bali is touristy. But it doesn’t take long to leave the crowds, clubs and college kids behind in favor of small villages and local ways of life. To get an authentic glimpse of the “real” Bali, rent a scooter and explore the maze of rice paddies and countryside inland. Don’t worry about where it is you’re going. Just go.

PHOTO: Rice paddies and countryside of Bali.

Have you been to Bali? What was your most mesmerizing moment?