
Pack your swimsuit and your sense of adventure for Bali – the Indonesian ‘island of the gods’ is a paradise for surfers, swimmers and lovers of local culture. Whether you’re chasing waves, seeking a serene retreat or immersing yourself in vibrant local traditions, Bali has something for every traveller’s bucket list.
WHERE TO EXPLORE

Trek to Nyang Nyang Beach
Chances are you’ve heard about Padang Padang or Dreamland Beach in Uluwatu – but have you come across Nyang Nyang? No pain, no gain – you’ll have to hike a challenging route to reach this remote beauty of a beach, but you’ll be rewarded with golden sands, limpid ocean and no crowds that you need to share them with.
Make friends in Sangeh Monkey Forest
While everyone flocks to the Monkey Forest in Ubud, there is another lesser-visited spot where you can spy out the island’s much-loved simians – Sangeh Monkey Forest. Located in the Badung Regency near Canggu, this 10-hectare forest is not home to white-tailed macaques as well as 54 species of plants and a 17th-century temple. These monkeys aren’t aggressive but you should always watch them from afar.
Shoot the rice paddies of Tegalalang
Dreaming of exploring the lush green paddies that grace a million postcards of Bali? Head to this UNESCO site. Tegalalang is always busy with visitors and budding photographers, but it’s still worth visiting these terraces of green rice plantations for their sheer beauty – and maybe a go on one of those iconic mountain swings. Try hiking here at dawn for glorious golden light.

Cleanse your mind at Tirta Empul Temple
Hindu Bali is dotted with centuries-old temples across the island, but one of the most majestic is Tirta Empul Temple, north of Ubud. Built around the 10th century and famous for its bathing ponds, this holy complex also offers melukat ceremony to visitors. This Balinese purification ceremony cleanses your mind, body, and soul from negative energy through rituals before you take a shower in fresh spring water.
Chill out on Menjangan Island
The western part of Bali is lesser-visited but well worth the detour – the world may have discovered the beauty of the Gili islands but Menjangan Island is that rare thing, an actual hidden gem. Leave behind the sometimes-crowded hotspots of Bali and swap them for snorkelling, diving or just sticking your feet in the white sand while you keep an eye out for the charming herds of deer that give this island its name.

Surf Uluwatu
Beach bums landing in Bali should head straight for Uluwatu, where the surf is always up. This coastline has five famous surf breaks suitable for all levels and is sprinkled with surf hostels, yoga retreats and cafes full of digital nomads – if you fancy catching some waves for a week or two this is the place to grab a board and base yourself.
Whizz about on an electric scooter
Scooting is the way to get about on the island – you’ll see everyone from locals to visiting yogis doing it, often with surfboards, kids and pets piled on as they zip around the coastal roads. If you want to join in, get on the road without adding to Bali’s air pollution by renting an electric scooter such as those available from Skute Bali.
WHERE TO STAY

Gili Asahan Eco Lodge
My absolute favourite place to stay on the islands of Indonesia wasn’t actually on Bali itself.- it was a two-hour boat ride away on Lombok. This blissfully quiet eco lodge was a recommendation from my well-travelled friend Charlie, and I always take her advice for the best secret spots. She instructed me to catch a tiny wooden boat from a hidden harbour and journey across to the islet of Gili Asahan, where this low-impact eco lodge sits by the ocean’s edge. Stay in low-impact open-air cottages and traditional Balinese cabins and join the lodge’s herd of rescue horses for a swim in crystalline waters. The ultimate in (affordable) barefoot living. From £40
Pelan Pelan Bali
This does-it-all retreat is the perfect destination for non-stop surfing, yoga and relaxing. Located in the pretty village of Cemagi just outside busy Canggu, this is a great shout for a first-time visit to Bali. Many of the best breaks in Bali are close by and with a one surf teacher per two guests, you’re likely to pick up the basics fast. From £620 for a three-day surf package

BnB with the locals
Bali is a great place to seek out home-grown accommodation – AirBnB has a plethora of options where you’ll be hosted by locals. If you’re in Ubud, try Kadek’s gorgeous bungalows. I loved these relaxed rooms hidden away from the bustle of town and with a dreamy swimming pool shaded by parasols in their centre. From £66
Serenity
Busy and buzzy Serenity has both a guesthouse and a hostel on site, so it’ll suit pretty much all budgets. Expect plenty of moving your body here – there are daily yoga classes to choose from as well as a relaxed spa and a pool to hang out in with your fellow guests. From £24

Need more ideas? The OnBali Guide has everything you need to explore this green gem of an island as well as ideas for where to stay, eat, surf and shop.