10 things to do in Bali
Like many Australians, Bali is one of my favourite destinations for a getaway - whether it be a long weekend to relax or an extended trip to explore the beautiful culture and nature, there is always something to do.
In no particular order, here are my favourite things to do.
1. Yogabarn | Ubud
If you are staying in Ubud, Yogabarn is one of the top wellness and yoga centres in the world and is worth checking out. Whether it’s your first time doing yoga or on a path to self-discovery, healing or rejuvenation, Yogabarn offers a wide range of classes.
To name a few class offerings - Vinyasa flow, fly high yoga, Yin yoga and sound healing, and Bhakti flow.
A single class is currently priced at IDR 150k ($15 AUD), with discounts on packages for multiple visits.
2. Monkey Forest | Ubud
The monkey forest is a sanctuary located in ubud. It is home to over 1,260 long-tailed macaques and is considered by the local balinese people to be a sacred place, housing spiritual forces and guardian spirits. The moneys symbolises protection and mischief and this was proven to be true during a recent visit where one looted food in my bag.
The sanctuary is also home to 3 temples: Pure Dalem (Temple to workshop Lord Shiva), Holy Water Temple and Cremation Temple.
Please exercise caution including taking care of your personal belongings, wearing polite attire (it is a holy place!), do not lock eyes with a monkey (this could be perceived as a sign of aggression), and do not run.
Entrance fee to the money forest varies depending if you’re visiting on a weekend or weekday. Entrance fee for an adult is IDR 80k on weekday and IDR 100k on weekends.
3. Massage at Chapung SeBali | Ubud
Also home to one of Bali’s unique Ubud hotels, Chapung SeBali also offers an extensive menu of massages and treatments. It features a collection of single and couple treatment rooms and offers massages to both male and female.
Chapung SeBali offers a range of ancient balinese royal beauty rituals, ayurvedic treatments, face and body rejuvenation, facial treatments, speciality healing massage and salon treatment. If you’re like me and would love a day of pampering, on the excessing side, 4-hour packages are available, offering a range of treatments and includes a light lunch or afternoon tea with a cocktail at the end.
A 30 minute Shirodara is priced at IDR 200k but if you’re down for a 4 hour package, they start from IDR 1,300k (AUD $130).
4. Fine dining at Aperitif | Ubud
If you’re after a fine dining restaurant for date night or a splurge with friends, it is worth considering Aperitif. Aperitif is reminiscent of a 1920’s dining hall and is a fusion of historical and modern luxury - immerse yourself in intricate patterns, vintage photographs, dimmed and ambient lighting which sets the mood.
Without this being a food review, overall, my party enjoyed our experience here - the staff were attentive and engaging, the food was mostly excellent and the interior was stunning. We like to give credit where credit is due - our highlight (oddly) was the warm bread and selection of 3 butters (yum!), the venison wellington and the truffle pasta (no longer on the menu but worth highlighting)
We opted of the the 7-course signature degustation which was priced at IDR 1,690,000 (AUD $169) per person, exclusive of the 21% tax and services charge.
Hot tip: if you are celebrating a special occasion, do let them know and they will go the extra mile to help you celebrate - whether it be some chocolates to take home or a complimentary dessert to share.
5. Brunch at Pison | Ubud
If you are staying in Ubud, Pison is a popular brunch spot so expect long waits if coming during peak hours.
It is a western-asian cafe which combines the elements of Bali and Australia’s brunch scene. I may be basic but i do enjoy the big breakfast and the smashed avo here!
They also offer speciality coffee and drinks - you may find yourself drawn to a Babi Guling infused Negroni if you so fancy.
6. ATV | Ubud
One activity you absolutely cannot miss is going on an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) in Ubud. You’ll find yourself racing though mud water, rice fields, jungle, tunnel and the local village! The ride itself is quite thrilling as you’ll be traversing slopes, steep inclines and bump terrain but additionally, you’ll get to admire the beautiful landscape of Ubud - this activity is the perfect blend of adrenaline pumping yet scenic.
If staying in a villa, you may have the option to arrange this activity through your villa or alternatively, find it cheaper if booked through Klook, as the case for myself.
If booking through, you’ll get the option to pay in your local currency - this worked out to be about AUD $44 for a single ATV or AUD $25 each for a tandem ATV (2 people on the ATV). With this, you’ll get a 90 minute ATV experience and is inclusive of an English speaking guide throughout, safety equipment like a helmet and boots and the use of towels.
7. Unwind at Sundays Beach Club | Uluwatu
In my opinion, Sundays Beach Club is one of the most beautiful beach club’s I’ve been to. Overlooking the beach, it is one of the most relaxing ways to enjoy sunset while sipping on a cocktail (or two!), and nibbling on their delicious bites.
General admission fees for adults are priced at IDR 650k (AUD $64) which includes food and beverage credits of IDR 400k (AUD $40). I went with a group of 4 and we pulled our credits together, affording us a spread of wood fire pizza and small bites.
With your general admission fee, it includes: inclinator ride to access the beach, beach towels, the use of kayaks, snorkelling gear and stand-up paddleboard (subject to tides and availability) and free wifi. Be sure to arrive early as seats are available on a first come first serve basis.
If you’re feeling boujee, Sundays Beach Club also offers VIP sundecks, bungalows and beach houses. VIP sundecks (twin beds) start at IDR 2,800,000 (AUD $273) for a maximum of 2 people,with IDR 2,000,000 (AUD $195) in food and beverage credit and at the upper end, a VIP beach house costs upwards of IDR 20,000,000 (AUD $1,950) for a maximum of 12 guests, with IDR 14,000,000 (AUD $1,460) in food and beverage credits).
8. Tirta Empull Temple | Ubud
The Tira Empul Temple is one of Indonesia’s busiest and sacred temple. The temple has several holy springs that is believed to be created by the God Indra. The water is believed to be blessed and purifies those who bathe in the water.
Like many temples in Bali, you’ll be required to wear a sarong prior to entering the temple, available at the entrance for a small donation.
You may opt to complete the ritual of bathing in the blessed water (melukat ritual) - starting at the left to the pool and standing waist under in the first water sprout and repeating this at all 30 sprouts with the exception of two which are intended for cleansing the dead.
9. Luwak Coffee Plantation | Ubud
This was quite an interesting experience - trying the coffee basically made from the poop of an Asian Palm Civet. As bizarre as it may sound, coffee made from this poop (kopi luwak) is one of the most expensive in the world and is produced from the coffee beans which have been digested by the Indonesian cat.
After a lengthly and rigorous process of gathering, washing, sun drying, roasting and brewing of these beans, the coffee you taste is aromatic with a muted bitterness.
When visiting the plantation, you’ll be met with an informative yet somewhat interactive tour on the coffee making process. At the end of the tour, you’ll be guided to an outdoor seating area overlooking a picturesque background of the rice terrace where you’ll be invited to try a generous sampling of specialty teas and coffee. For those wanting to try kopi luwak, you’ll be able to try a cup of this for IDR 50,000 (AUD $5). As a non-coffee drinker but someone with a chocolate addiction, the mocha really hit the sweet spot for me.
You’ll be able to purchase to any of the coffee or tea you’ve enjoyed in the store before heading back to your next activity. These also make great souvenirs if you want to bring a taste of Bali home for friends and families.
10. Mount Batur
We had single handedly chose the wrong day to visit Mount Batur. What initially started as an idea to climb the mountain and make it up to the peak by sunrise turned to buffet trip with views that were suppose to overlook the mountain (this was not the case as it was simply too cloudly).
Recommended by our driver, we visited the Batur Sari Restaurant on a clear day would no doubt have a great view of Moutn Batur but offered a small range and quite honestly average food. Some of the food items included Mee goreng and Sate. However, we had no complaints as the food was relatively cheap at approx. AUD $13 per person.
Be warned that you’ll be crowded by a few persistent Balinese locals trying to sell you souvenirs as you try and make your way from the car to the restaurant and back!