Bali Tours: Temples, Waterfalls & Wellness Across the Island of the Gods

Discover Bali Through Guided Tours

Bali tours reveal the enchanting layers of Indonesia’s most famous island — a place where spirituality, artistry, and natural beauty intersect in everyday life. Whether you’re exploring sacred temples under mossy canopies, trekking to hidden waterfalls, practicing yoga with a view of rice paddies, or snorkeling alongside manta rays, guided tours help unlock the depth and diversity of this beloved destination.

From the beach resorts of Seminyak to the spiritual heart of Ubud and the surf breaks of Uluwatu, there’s no shortage of things to do in Bali. Tours not only simplify transportation across the island’s winding roads — they also provide cultural interpretation, safety, and insider access to experiences you might otherwise miss.

For destination guides, travel tips, and region-by-region suggestions, visit our Bali Travel Guide.

Planning Your Bali Tour Experience

Bali offers countless tour options across terrain, themes, and budgets. Many travelers book:

• Full-day private tours covering temples, rice terraces, and waterfalls
• Half-day culture or spa experiences
• Nature and adventure excursions (hiking, rafting, diving)
• Cooking classes and food tours
• Wellness retreats and spiritual experiences

Most travelers choose to base themselves in Ubud, Seminyak, Canggu, or Uluwatu, using guided tours to explore farther reaches like East Bali, Mount Batur, or Nusa Penida.

Where to Start: Highlights of Bali Touring Areas

Each region of Bali has its own unique rhythm. Knowing where to tour first depends on your interests:

• Ubud & Central Bali: Best for temples, jungle hikes, spiritual sites, and local arts.
• East Bali: Quieter, traditional villages, black sand beaches, and the towering Mt. Agung.
• South Bali: Home to surfing spots, cliffside temples, and beach resorts.
• West Bali: Wildlife, diving, and gateway to Java.
• Nusa Islands: Day trips or overnights to Nusa Penida, Lembongan, and Ceningan for beaches and cliff views.

Top Touring Regions in Bali

1. Ubud & Surroundings

Join guided visits to Tirta Empul temple, Tegenungan Waterfall, and the Tegalalang Rice Terraces. Add spiritual tours like purification rituals or shaman blessings.

2. Mount Batur & Kintamani Highlands

Sunrise hikes to the summit are a bucket-list favorite. Often paired with hot spring baths and coffee plantation visits.

3. South Bali (Seminyak, Uluwatu, Jimbaran)

Ideal for beach lovers. Tours include Uluwatu Temple sunset visits with Kecak dance performances and seafood dinners on the sand.

4. East Bali (Sidemen, Amed, Tirta Gangga)

Experience Bali’s rural heart with less tourist traffic. Great for scenic drives, diving, and cultural immersion.

5. Nusa Penida Island

Accessible via speedboat — join day tours to Kelingking Beach, Angel’s Billabong, and snorkeling spots with manta rays.

Top Experiences in Bali Tours

• Private Full-Day Ubud Tour: Includes the Sacred Monkey Forest, temple visits, waterfall hikes, and a local lunch with views.
• Mount Batur Sunrise Hike with Guide: Leave early, trek under stars, and watch the sunrise above clouds.
• Balinese Cooking Class & Market Tour: Learn to make satay, sambal, and traditional desserts in a local’s kitchen.
• Snorkeling Safari to Nusa Lembongan: Explore coral gardens and swim with manta rays or sea turtles.
• Temple & Dance Sunset Tour: Visit Uluwatu or Tanah Lot at golden hour followed by a dramatic fire dance performance.

Editor’s Picks: Recommended Bali Experiences

Jungle Swing & Coffee Plantation Combo

Best for photo-lovers and foodies — swing over rice terraces and taste Bali’s famous kopi luwak in the highlands.

Traditional Healer & Energy Cleansing Tour

Guided by locals, meet a Balian (traditional healer) or attend a purification ceremony in a sacred water temple.

Bali Waterfall Trekking Experience

Go beyond the typical stops to reach hidden gems like Sekumpul or Tukad Cepung with a local hiking guide.

Traveler Favorites: Most Popular Bali Tours

• Tegalalang + Tirta Empul + Kintamani Combo Tour – Efficient and scenic, ideal for first-timers.
• Nusa Penida Island Tour – Often cited as the most Instagrammable day trip in Bali.
• White Water Rafting on the Ayung River – Thrilling yet safe, a great mix of nature and adrenaline.
• Jimbaran Seafood + Sunset Uluwatu Tour – Combines culture, cuisine, and coastal views.
• Bali Swing + Rice Terrace + Luwak Coffee Tour – A favorite among couples and families.

Hidden Gems: Offbeat & Local Bali Tours

• Sidemen Village Walking Tour: See rice farming up close, meet locals, and enjoy organic Balinese lunches.
• Pemuteran & Menjangan Snorkeling Tour: Escape crowds with reef-rich west Bali excursions.
• Jatiluwih E-Bike Tour: Explore Bali’s largest rice terraces (UNESCO) with ease and without the crowds of Ubud.
• Balinese Dance & Costume Workshop: Learn about storytelling through movement and try on traditional outfits.
• Underground Cave Temple Tour: Visit Goa Gajah or Goa Lawah with expert local mythological guides.

Tour Itineraries: Sample Day Plans in Bali

1-Day Ubud Culture & Nature Tour

Morning: Barong dance performance + Tirta Empul temple
Lunch: Scenic view near Kintamani
Afternoon: Tegalalang Rice Terraces + Coffee plantation
Evening: Tegenungan Waterfall + return to Ubud

1-Day Nusa Penida Adventure

Early Morning: Speedboat to island
Midday: Kelingking Beach, Angel’s Billabong, Broken Beach
Afternoon: Snorkeling + Crystal Bay
Evening: Return to Bali

When to Visit: Best Time for Bali Tours

• April–October: Dry season — best for hiking, snorkeling, and scenic drives.
• November–March: Wet season — greener landscapes, fewer crowds, but some rural tours may be weather-dependent.
• July–August: Peak season, book tours well in advance.
• Holidays & Festivals: Tours often pause for Galungan, Nyepi (Day of Silence), and other major observances.

Travel Health & Safety Tips for Touring Bali

• Drink bottled or filtered water — tap water is not potable.
• Use reef-safe sunscreen for ocean and waterfall tours.
• Many rural or temple tours require modest clothing (sashes, sarongs often provided).
• Some tours include significant stairs, uneven paths, or moderate fitness — check accessibility.
• Bring cash (Indonesian Rupiah) for tips, entrance fees, and market stops.

Getting Around During Your Bali Tours

• Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS): Main hub near Kuta and Seminyak.

• Tour Pickups: Available from Ubud, Seminyak, Canggu, Sanur, Jimbaran, and most major areas.
• Private drivers: Common, affordable, and often double as tour guides.
• Boats to Nusa Islands: Depart from Sanur and Padangbai.
• Scooters: Not recommended for tourists unless very experienced — traffic and road conditions can be challenging.

Where to Stay While Touring Bali

• Ubud: Ideal for culture, yoga, and temple tours.
• Seminyak: Stylish base for food tours, beach clubs, and boutique shopping.
• Canggu: Popular with younger travelers, surfing, and digital nomads.
• Jimbaran/Uluwatu: Great for cliffside sunsets, seafood tours, and surfing.
• Sidemen or Amed: Rural tranquility, ideal for diving and off-grid adventures.

Nearby Attractions to Pair with Bali Tours

• Mount Agung: Bali’s spiritual peak — guided hikes available (conditions permitting).
• Tirta Gangga Water Palace: East Bali’s royal pools and statues.
• Goa Gajah (Elephant Cave): Temple carved into the rock — often included in Ubud day tours.
• Nusa Lembongan: Less touristy than Penida, great for snorkeling and mangrove tours.
• Sangeh Monkey Forest: Less crowded alternative to Ubud’s version.

Extend Your Adventure: Visiting Nearby Islands

• Lombok: Quieter and wilder than Bali — reachable by fast boat or flight.
• The Gili Islands: Party scenes and coral reefs, a favorite side trip from Bali.
• Java (Yogyakarta, Bromo): Fly or ferry to Java for cultural treasures like Borobudur and volcano tours.
• Komodo & Flores: Multi-day tours or flights for dragon spotting and world-class diving.

Entry Requirements & Travel Regulations

• Visa-free or Visa on Arrival (VOA) available for many countries for stays up to 30 days.
• Passport must be valid for at least 6 months on entry.
• Health insurance with COVID coverage may be required — confirm before arrival.
• Tour operators often include entrance fees, but always double-check inclusions.

Hacks & Insider Tips for Bali Tours

• Book popular tours (Nusa Penida, sunrise hikes) a week or more in advance.
• Always bring a dry bag and towel for waterfall and snorkeling tours.
• Travel with small cash bills — for donations, parking fees, and tips.
• Use WhatsApp to confirm pickup times with guides or drivers.
• Don’t flush toilet paper — use the bin provided (common throughout Indonesia).

Recap & Planning Tips for Bali Tours

Bali tours offer an unforgettable range of experiences — from the spiritual to the scenic, adventurous to artistic. Whether you want to chase waterfalls, worship at ancient temples, paddleboard at sunrise, or simply learn how to make nasi goreng, there’s a guide, route, and itinerary to match your pace and style.

• Nature lovers: Hike, snorkel, and explore the highlands and coastlines.
• Spiritual travelers: Join healing rituals, water blessings, and temple walks.
• Families: Choose soft-adventure combos with animal encounters or rice field walks.
• Photographers: Plan golden-hour tours to temples, swings, and cliffside spots.

Still building your dream itinerary? Dive deeper into our Bali Travel Guide for hotel ideas, visa info, and best area-by-area advice.

Discover tours, activities, and immersive experiences to make the most of your trip.
When you book through our affiliate links, you help support our blog — at no extra cost to you.