The Ultimate Travel Bucket List of Bali

Mount Batur is a live volcano situated in the heart of Bali, offering visitors an opportunity to hike to its summit and relish breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes. Although the hike is not too demanding, it is highly rewarding, and it is a popular activity for adventure seekers.

I've had one of the top three experiences of my life by climbing an active volcano, despite it sounding like a silly thing to do. If you're up for the challenge, I highly recommend hiking Mount Agung, the highest point on Bali, which starts at 10 pm and allows you to summit for sunrise. It's an incredibly unique perspective as the light of dawn illuminates the entire island. However, be prepared for a nine-hour hike back down. For a more manageable but still magical experience, I suggest hiking Mount Batur, which is much more commonly visited and can be done in as little as three to four hours round trip. The sunrise views are still excellent, but you'll have to settle for gazing up at its bigger sibling, Mount Agung, in the distance. Overall, both hikes are excellent trips that I highly recommend checking out.

If you're a diver, you can't miss the chance to explore the Liberty shipwreck. This ship has an incredible history, having been torpedoed during World War II and then pushed onto the shores of Bali by a series of earthquakes caused by Mount Agung's explosions in 1963. Today, it rests at the bottom of the ocean off the coast of Ahmed in Bali, at a depth of 12-16 meters. The ship is surrounded by coral, making the trip well worth it. It's an amazing opportunity to experience history firsthand, and I feel lucky to have been a small part of it.

While it may not be as exciting as some of the other activities in Bali, surfing is a must-do while you're here. The island's world-class waves have brought surfers, which in turn brought cafes, shops, and tourists. Surfing is a huge part of the culture here, so be sure to grab your sunscreen and rash guard and hit the waves. If you're a beginner, head to the tamer waves in Kuta, while more experienced surfers can venture further towards Changu. Many locals offer surf lessons for around 150k per person, which includes the rental of a board and rash guard.

I recently had the opportunity to swim with dolphins in Lovina, which is a two and a half hour drive from the airport. The views of white sand and friendly locals were simply breathtaking. I recommend arriving a day before the planned dolphin watching to negotiate the rates with a boat driver. The average cost is around 150k per person. On the day of the trip, we met our driver at 5 am and embarked on a safe and respectful hunt for the dolphins in their natural habitat. It was amazing to witness the dolphins singing, jumping around the boat, and swimming alongside us. I highly recommend jumping into the water with a snorkel and mask to experience the true magic of swimming with the dolphins. To make the experience even more unforgettable, we let the drivers tow us behind the boat while keeping our heads underwater to listen to the dolphins sing as they swam around us. This was definitely one of the best experiences I've ever had.

One of my favorite things to do in Bali is to visit GC waterfall near Ubud. It was definitely the highlight of my trip and I feel so fortunate to have experienced it. Unlike other waterfalls in Bali that tend to be overcrowded with tourists, this one is a secluded paradise. However, finding it can be a bit tricky since Google Maps has incorrect locations, so use the pin in the description to guide you. After walking through a tunnel, you'll be rewarded with a stunning private waterfall. The only way to get down to the falls is to climb down a ladder, which may be daunting, but it's worth it. I highly recommend taking this adventurous journey to experience the incredible beauty of GC waterfall. You can thank me later!

Kintamani is a charming village situated in the mountainous region of Bali. Visitors to Kintamani can relish the breathtaking views of Mount Batur and Lake Batur, as well as discover the numerous rice fields and conventional Balinese settlements in the vicinity. Additionally, the village is a sought-after location for hiking and trekking enthusiasts.

Sidemen, located in the mountains of Bali, is a serene and picturesque village that offers visitors the chance to discover its lush rice paddies, traditional Balinese architecture, and breathtaking natural beauty. The village is a popular destination for hiking and trekking. Many consider Sidemen to be like Ubud, but without the crowds and commercialization. It could very well be one of the most stunning places in all of Bali.

The sacred monkey forest is undoubtedly one of the most sought-after destinations in Ubud. This stunning forest is teeming with hundreds of Makaya monkeys, making it an ideal location for animal enthusiasts. In addition to the monkeys, visitors can also take pleasure in discovering the various temples and shrines dispersed throughout the forest. Among these is the Pura Dilem Agung, which holds immense significance and is one of the most important temples in the vicinity.

Make a visit to Water bomb, located just three minutes away from Kuta Beach, but that's not the only thing that makes it special. It offers some of the best and most thrilling rides that one can experience in a water park, such as drop bottom floor and washing machine style rides. All of this is set amidst a magical jungle environment, making it an unforgettable experience.

The Jimbaran Fish Market is located in Jimbaran Bay, which is a beautiful bay in the south of Kuta. The bay is well-known for its stunning beach and breathtaking sunset, but the fresh fish market at the northern end of the bay is the highlight of the area. Visitors can enjoy a wide variety of freshly caught fish, which can be cooked in one of the many restaurants in the area. Although the area is popular with tourists, the lively atmosphere created by live music and dancing adds to the experience. For an authentic experience, head directly to the fish market and haggle for your fish before paying a barbecue fee at one of the nearby restaurants.

Pura Besakih is Bali's most significant and extensive temple complex, situated on the slopes of Mount Agung. It is considered to be the holiest temple in Bali. Visitors to Pura Besakih can explore numerous shrines and courtyards and learn about the history and significance of this revered temple.

The Tegalalang Rice Terraces, located in the highlands of Bali, are perhaps one of the most photographed scenes on the island. The rice terraces are stunning and tranquil, offering visitors an opportunity to explore the verdant green landscape and appreciate traditional Balinese architecture. In recent years, the Tegalalang Rice Terraces have become a highly sought-after spot for photography, and it is one of the most Instagrammable locations in Bali.

Tanah Lot Temple, perched on a rock formation in the middle of the ocean, is a picturesque and iconic landmark that is highly renowned throughout Bali. It attracts both tourists and locals alike, who can explore the temple grounds and relish the breathtaking views of the ocean and sunset. Depending on the time of day, the tide may be in or out. If it's out, you can stroll onto the temple and explore. If the tide is in, you can witness a stunning view from the cliffs as the temple emerges majestically from the ocean.

Perched atop a cliff that overlooks the ocean, the Ulawatu Temple in Bali is a historic temple believed to date back to the 10th century, and it is one of the most significant Hindu temples in Bali. The temple's location on a cliff makes it a fascinating site to visit. Tourists can wander around the temple and discover the various shrines and courtyards it houses, and they can also observe traditional Balinese dance performances while there.

Pura Besakih is Bali's most significant and extensive temple complex, situated on the slopes of Mount Agung. It is considered to be the holiest temple in Bali. Visitors to Pura Besakih can explore numerous shrines and courtyards and learn about the history and significance of this revered temple.

I would like to share my favorite activity in Bali with you, which is the Gates of Heaven. This spot is home to a beautiful Hindu temple in the northeast of Bali, and while it can get crowded, it's worth coming here early to catch the sunrise. However, if you drive another 10 minutes, you'll find a stunning and private lookout spot with a breathtaking view of Mount Agung. This is a great spot to take some Instagram-worthy photos and avoid the midday heat. So, if you're looking for a hidden gem in Bali, this is definitely worth checking out!

Sanur, located on the eastern coast of Bali, is a serene and laid-back beach town where travelers can revel in the picturesque beaches, tranquil waters, and breathtaking sunrises. The town is renowned for its conventional Balinese architecture and culture, which is evident in its numerous temples and shrines. Although Sanur was the first area in Bali to experience tourism, it appears that this trend has now shifted, leaving the town relatively quiet with a slightly desolate atmosphere.

Located on the eastern coast of Bali, Amed is a peaceful and serene fishing village. Tourists who visit Amed can relish the gorgeous beaches, pristine water, and exceptional opportunities for snorkeling and diving. The village is renowned for its ancient Balinese salt farming, which has been a significant aspect of the region's culture for centuries.

Jimbaran is a charming fishing village situated on the southern coast of Bali. Those who visit Jimbaran can relish in its unspoiled beaches, delectable fresh seafood, and breathtaking sunsets. Moreover, the village is renowned for its classic Balinese fishing boats, which can be found lined up on the shore. I highly recommend experiencing the sunset scene here.

Lovina Beach, situated on the northern coast of Bali, is a serene and tranquil black sand beach that offers visitors the opportunity to swim, snorkel, and watch dolphins. The beach is also a sought-after spot for yoga and meditation retreats. Although Lovina may appear distant from other renowned tourist spots, it boasts breathtaking scenery that is worth the drive. Furthermore, the journey to Lovina is itself quite beautiful.

Nusa Dua, or "Nusa" as I like to call it, is a stunning resort town situated on Bali's southeastern coast. It is known for its immaculate beaches, top-tier resorts, and world-class golf courses, making it my personal favorite destination in Bali. For those seeking a lavish and sophisticated experience, Nusa Dua is the perfect choice. Visitors can bask in the incredible blue waters and white sands, indulge in various water sports and activities, and luxuriate in the high-end amenities. Now, let's journey up to the island's northern region.

Kuta, a well-known tourist destination, has been famous for its stunning beaches, water parks, and vibrant nightlife for many years. Kuta Beach is a favorite among surfers, while Legion and Seminyak beaches offer a more serene atmosphere. If you're looking for fun, Kuta is the place to be. The Kuta Theater presents traditional Balinese dances and music performances, while Hooters Nightlife is a bustling scene with numerous bars, clubs, and restaurants. Kuta is also home to one of the largest shopping centers on the island, offering cinemas, restaurants, and a variety of shops to meet everyone's needs. Despite attracting tourists from other parts of the island, Kuta has become somewhat of an outlying town lately, as fewer and fewer younger tourists and travelers choose Kuta as their destination.

Echo Beach is a picturesque beach with black sand that attracts many surfers and provides breathtaking views of the ocean and sunset. The beachfront area is filled with a wide range of restaurants and cafes that serve both local and international delicacies, making it an ideal destination for foodies.

Moving further along the coast of Cangguu, you'll find a laid-back beach town that is known for its world-class surf breaks, busy beaches, and rustic charm. Canggu has quickly become a mecca for the young and beautiful, with fun parties, trendy restaurants, and a surfer pace lifestyle. This has led it to become the top spot for the Instagram generation. Visitors can explore Canggu's rice paddies, take a yoga class at one of the many studios, or enjoy a sunset cocktail while watching the surfers.

Seminyak is a West Coast tourist hotspot in Bali, famous for its luxurious resorts, stylish beach clubs, and high-end shopping. It is an excellent place to visit for anyone looking for a more upscale experience. Tourists can relish the gorgeous beaches, pamper themselves at the numerous spas and wellness centers or enjoy a leisurely stroll through the numerous boutiques and galleries located in Seminyak.

Uluwatu, located on the southernmost point of Bali, holds a special place in my heart as it is one of my personal favorite destinations in Bali. The town boasts an exquisite Cliffside location that provides some of the most awe-inspiring views on the island. Visitors to Uluwatu can relish the unspoiled beaches, uncover the numerous temples and shrines, or go for a leisurely sunset stroll along the cliffs. The terrain in Uluwatu is like nothing else in Bali, with its towering cliffs and pristine white sand beaches. However, the recent growth of cool surfer hubs is rapidly transforming the town, consequently leading to an increase in development and tourism.

If you're a food enthusiast, I highly recommend trying out Boy and Cow, a steak restaurant that serves 28-day dried-aged steak in a trendy and upscale setting. This steak boutique is a must-visit for all steak lovers.

The Potato Head Beach Club is a renowned attraction in Seminyak, and it is one of the most frequented spots by tourists. This chic beachfront club offers stunning views of the ocean, delicious food, live music performances, and other entertainment options. Tourists can also indulge in the club's infinity pool and unwind on its numerous lounges and daybeds while enjoying the scenic beauty of Seminyak.