Best Things To Do in Bali

Swinging through the air, high above the Bali countryside watching the rice fields and jungle spin by in a blur of colour, is an experience not to be missed. There are many places offering this exhilarating experience throughout Bali, and they are mostly tastefully done blending into the surrounding environment and using natural resources for their construction. However, we still believe that the best around is the original, located just outside Ubud. Here there are six different swings to choose from, and you can purchase a package that suits your needs and budget; from photo opportunity only, lunch buffets to full on total experiences including all the swings, lunch and drinks and even hire a dress for the perfect photo for the grid.

Bali is a great place to encounter wildlife; whether in its natural setting or at one of the numerous, open-air sanctuaries you will be guaranteed fantastic ‘encounters of the furry kind’. But do be aware that some are less sympathetic to the welfare of their occupants than others, exploiting them for commercial gain. One that certainly doesn’t is the Ubud Monkey Forest.

This 12.5-hectare site is set in the jungle around the village of Padangtegal and is home to around 1260 macaque monkeys. Owned and managed by the villagers this tasteful sanctuary is designed to show the inhabitants in their natural surroundings, including three temples. The locals view the Monkey Forest as an important spiritual, economic, educational and conversational aspect of their lives and are rightly proud to be its custodians. But, beware the monkeys themselves do not operate on such a high moral plane and are prone to snatching bags, cameras, sunglasses and anything else they can get their little paws on.

Just ten minutes away from Ubud lies an amazing Hindu archaeological site and temple. Goa Gajah, more commonly known as the Elephant Cave, is a mysterious collection of caves, pools and relics set amongst lush rice fields. The entrance is majestically carved and gives the impression that you are passing through the mouth of a demon or God as you enter the dark interior. Once inside the area is quite small and consists of two passageways, one containing a statue of Ganesh whilst the other side is a small worship area dedicated to Shiva. Apart from the Elephant Cave itself, the real attractions are the immediate surroundings of carved boulders, ruined temples and small waterfalls. Goa Gajah is an active place of worship and both sexes must have their knees covered (Sarongs are available at the entrance), and please don’t try to take pictures of people during their prayers.

The village of Sekumpul in northern Bali is home to a hidden gem: the astonishing twin waterfalls of the same name. Nestling amid lush green forests, these magnificent natural wonders cascade 80 metres into a rocky basin below, creating a mesmerising mist that envelops the surrounding jungle floor.

To reach the Sekumpul waterfall, take a well-marked, if slightly slippery, path. The sound of rushing water intensifies as you approach, increasing your anticipation of witnessing Bali's most beautiful waterfall. Once revealed, the view is nothing short of spectacular.

However, it's worth noting that locals may approach you and offer their services to guide you to the falls. While their help is appreciated, it's easy to make your own way there.

Bali is undeniably beautiful… but imagine seeing all that amazing scenery from a basket swinging under a hot air balloon as you gently drift over the jungle canopy? Leaving from Ubud, your trip will elegantly transport you over the stunning countryside, revealing aerial views of paddy fields and lush green jungle, always shadowed by the towering Mount Agung on the horizon. Once your flight is over, process the experience over a delicious Balinese dinner, all part of the excursion. Hot air balloon rides leave from Ubud and can be booked online; they are popular so we recommend that you consider booking well in advance of your trip.

Bali offers accommodation options from the high-end 5-star experience to affordable budget hotels. But for something a little different, consider checking into a treehouse hotel for a few days. Mostly located off the beaten track and in secluded locations, (many can actually be found deep in the jungle), their main aim is to connect to nature and offer a haven of tranquillity. Sympathetically built from woven bamboo they blend into the environment perfectly and provide a treetop vantage point from which to relax and discover nature at close quarters.

Indonesia is made up of over 17,000 islands, and Nusa Penida is considered one of the most beautiful. This tropical gem is just a 30-minute ferry ride from Bali and should be high on your agenda. Boat trips leave from Sanur beach at various times, and it's worth adding a guided tour around the island to your experience. Whatever you choose to do, don't miss out on the beauty of palm-fringed Crystal Bay or the breathtaking views from the Thousand Islands lookout point, and leave some time to relax on postcard-perfect Atuh beach.

The secluded beach of Kelingking on Nusa Penida, one of Indonesia's most beautiful islands, is just 30 minutes by boat from Bali. The pristine white sand and deep turquoise ocean are surpassed by an astonishing rock formation in the shape of a T. rex. Observing this prehistoric feature does, however, require some personal effort and a little courage. Some very steep and uneven steps have been carved into the cliff face, and you need steady footing and a great deal of concentration to negotiate them safely. But at the top, your efforts will be rewarded by rocky outcrops that reproduce the silhouette of the famous monster almost perfectly.

The magnificent 3,031-metre-high Mount Agung is impossible to ignore as it towers over the Bali skyline. The Balinese consider it the centre of the World and it has and does play an important part in the islands' cultural and religious life. Mount Agung is an active volcano and its activity is closely monitored. During phases when it appears prone to eruptions a four-kilometre exclusion zone is placed around the peak and hiking to the summit is not possible. During quieter times the trails are reopened and the walk to the top takes about four hours. Many people choose to leave in the middle of the night to ensure they arrive at the summit in time to enjoy a spectacular sunrise. If you are in Bali when the peak is off-limits, consider the adjacent, smaller but dormant Mount Batur. A trek up this mountain will reward you with stunning views of the ocean, countryside and of course Mount Agung.

Bali has a great surf culture and understandably so. Its laid-back attitudes, stunning scenery and waves to test even the most experienced make it the perfect place to step on your board and have some fun. If you have never tried surfing before then you really should schedule some time during your holiday to try it. Bali has so many great surf spots and there are many places where you can engage with qualified instructors to ensure that your first efforts are productive and rewarding. We would recommend that you head to Kuta Beach for your first surfing experience, here a sand bar in front of the beach keeps waves to a very friendly size. For those more experienced and seeking a bigger challenge, Dreamland or Balangan Beaches should be on your radar. For the ultimate surf experience, Padang Padang has got to be up there, as it's considered one of the finest waves in the World.