Don’t Miss Bali’s Traditional Dance Shows

If you want to soak up Bali’s spiritual and natural side, Ubud is the place to be. This charming town is all about lush rice terraces, sacred temples, and peaceful jungle vibes. Don’t miss the Tegallalang Rice Terraces and the Sacred Monkey Forest — perfect spots for unforgettable views and plenty of cheeky monkey antics. Nearby, Tegenungan Waterfall offers a refreshing dip after your adventures.

Down on Bali’s southern tip, Uluwatu serves up dramatic cliffs, legendary surf breaks, and some of the island’s best beaches. It’s calmer than Seminyak or Canggu—more about sunsets, sea views, and boutique stays. The Uluwatu Temple is the big draw here, perched on a cliff edge with nightly Kecak dance shows at sunset.

Bali is dotted with temples—some perched on cliffs, others floating on lakes, or tucked deep in the jungle. These sacred sites aren’t just places of worship; they’re woven into daily life, rich in tradition, ceremony, and stunning scenery. Here's a list of the temples worth visiting in Bali, whether you're after spiritual insight or just an unforgettable view. 1. Tirta Empul Temple Visit Tirta Empul to see the holy spring where locals come for purification rituals. It’s a chance to witness—or join—a unique Balinese tradition centred around water. 2. Uluwatu Temple (Pura Luhur Uluwatu) Perched high on a sea cliff, Uluwatu offers some of the best sunset views on the island. Stick around for a proper local experience, the Kecak dance at dusk. 3. Ulun Danu Beratan Temple Float over to Ulun Danu Beratan, a serene temple sitting on Lake Beratan. It’s dedicated to Dewi Danu, the water goddess, and the cool mountain air adds to the peaceful vibe. 4. Goa Gajah Temple (Elephant Cave) Step into Goa Gajah for its mysterious cave entrance and detailed stone carvings. The nearby ancient bathing pools make it clear this spot was important centuries ago. 5. Saraswati Temple (Pura Taman Saraswati) Dedicated to the goddess of wisdom and arts, swing by Saraswati Temple in Ubud to see the pretty lotus ponds and elegant carvings. 6. Tanah Lot Head to Tanah Lot for one of Bali’s most famous sea temples. Sitting on a rocky outcrop in the ocean, it’s especially popular at sunset. 7. Besakih Great Temple (Pura Besakih) Known as Bali’s Mother Temple, Besakih is situated on the slopes of Mount Agung and comprises over 80 smaller temples. It’s a sprawling complex that feels like the spiritual heart of the island. 8. Penataran Agung Lempuyang Temple Check out Lempuyang for the 'Gates of Heaven' photo spot, with Mount Agung framing the background. The hike up requires some effort, but the views make it worthwhile.

Explore the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary in Ubud, where more than a thousand long-tailed macaques roam the paths like they own the place (because honestly, they kind of do). It’s not just monkeys, though—the forest is full of towering trees, mossy temples, and stone statues slowly being taken over by roots and vines. Just keep your belongings zipped up, as the monkeys will try to snatch anything they think looks interesting.

Bali is a world-class surf destination, whether you're chasing big barrels or just learning to stand up. The island’s coastline has something for everyone—Kuta and Legian are great for beginners, while Uluwatu, Padang Padang, and Keramas attract pros from all over the world. You'll find plenty of surf schools around, with UP2U Surf School in Kuta being a solid pick for lessons or guided sessions.

In Bali, dance isn’t just for show—it’s how stories are told, spirits honoured, and traditions passed down. You’ll see hypnotic Legong and Joged dances, the dramatic Barong show (good vs. evil, Balinese-style), and scenes from the Ramayana brought to life through movement and gamelan music. For a classic experience, head to Batubulan for open-air Barong performances each morning. Wayang kulit (shadow puppet theatre) still pops up at art centres and during special festivals. Many hotels also host traditional shows most evenings—so it’s easy to catch one without much planning.

Tegenungan Waterfall, also called Blangsinga, is about 30 minutes from Ubud and pretty easy to reach. It’s one of the more popular waterfalls in Bali, so don’t expect it to be quiet—but the flow is strong, the jungle backdrop is dense, and you can wade in the pool at the bottom. Go early if you want to avoid the tour groups.

Jatiluwih is where you go to really take in Bali’s rice terrace landscapes—without the crowds. These terraces cover over 600 hectares and are part of the island’s traditional subak irrigation system, which got them UNESCO-listed back in 2012. You can walk, cycle, or just sit with a view and a coffee. In 2024, it was also named one of the Best Tourism Villages by UN Tourism.

Werdhi Budaya Art Centre is a cluster of traditional wooden buildings, galleries, and pavilions where you’ll find Balinese handicrafts on display. The outdoor theatre hosts music and dance performances, including classic Balinese shows. If you're lucky, you might catch the Bali Art Festival here—it's the island’s biggest cultural event and usually takes place in June and July.

Dive into Waterbom Bali in Kuta for a day of water slides, lazy rivers, and rides that suit all ages. It’s got everything you need—lockers, towel rentals, places to grab a bite, and even a swim-up bar if you want to take a break with a drink in hand.

Bali Bird Park is home to around 250 bird species—some native, others from as far as South America and Africa. There’s also a small reptile section, including a Komodo dragon. It’s a good stop if you're into wildlife or visiting with kids.