10 Things You Absolutely Must Do in Bali

1. Chase the Sunrise on Mount Batur

Forget sleeping in. A 2 a.m. wake-up call is worth it for this one. The hike up Mount Batur, an active volcano in the island's highlands, takes about two hours in the dark — headlamp on, guide leading the way — and rewards you at the summit with a sunrise that turns the sky over Lake Batur into fire. Bring a jacket; it's colder up there than Bali's beaches will have prepared you for.

2. Surf Uluwatu's Legendary Break

Uluwatu isn't just a surf spot, it's a rite of passage. The waves here are fast, hollow, and famous for a reason, breaking beneath dramatic limestone cliffs on the Bukit Peninsula. Beginners can find gentler breaks nearby, but if you've got the skills, paddling out at Uluwatu at golden hour, with the clifftop temple silhouetted above you, is as close to surf mythology as it gets.

3. Raft the Ayung River

For a shot of adrenaline wrapped in jungle scenery, whitewater rafting down the Ayung River near Ubud delivers both. You'll navigate Class II–III rapids while paddling past waterfalls, carved stone reliefs, and dense tropical canopy. It's thrilling without being terrifying — a perfect group activity if your travel crew has mixed comfort levels with adventure.

4. Trek Through the Sekumpul Waterfalls

Skip the crowded, easy-access falls and head north to Sekumpul, often called the most beautiful waterfall complex in Bali. Getting there requires a proper trek — down slippery steps, through rice paddies, across a river or two — but the payoff is a multi-tiered cascade plunging into a jungle pool that feels genuinely off the beaten path.

5. Dive or Snorkel the USS Liberty Wreck

Off the coast of Tulamben lies a sunken WWII cargo ship now overtaken by coral and marine life. The USS Liberty wreck sits close enough to shore that even snorkelers can explore it, while certified divers can descend deeper to weave through its hull, spotting reef sharks, barracuda, and technicolor schools of fish along the way.

6. Cycle Through the Jatiluwih Rice Terraces

Trade four wheels for two and pedal through Jatiluwih, a UNESCO World Heritage site of impossibly green, stepped rice paddies. Early morning rides mean cooler air, fewer crowds, and soft light that makes every terrace glow. Stop to chat with local farmers still using centuries-old subak irrigation methods — it's a workout and a history lesson in one.

7. Canyon at Beji Guwang

Not many travelers know Bali has canyoning, but Beji Guwang will convert you fast. You'll wade, swim, jump, and slide through a narrow river canyon carved into volcanic rock, with waterfalls to leap from and natural pools to cool off in. It's raw, wet, and completely unlike anything else on the island.

8. Climb (and Camp on) Mount Agung

For the traveler who found Batur too easy, Bali's highest and most sacred peak awaits. Mount Agung is a serious volcanic climb — steep, technical in places, and best attempted with an experienced local guide. Some trekkers camp partway up to summit for sunrise; either way, the views stretch across Bali and, on a clear day, all the way to Lombok.

9. Ride the Waves on a Traditional Jukung Fishing Boat

For something slower but no less memorable, head to Amed or Sanur at dawn and join local fishermen on a jukung, Bali's iconic outrigger canoe. Some outfits now run them as sunrise cruises or dolphin-watching trips. It's a quieter kind of adventure — one that connects you to the island's fishing culture while the sky turns pink over calm water.

10. Explore the Jungle Swings and Hidden Pools of Sidemen

Sidemen Valley is Bali before Instagram found it: terraced rice fields, quiet trails, and jungle swings suspended over dramatic drops. Spend a day trekking between hidden pools and viewpoints, and consider staying a night in one of the valley's simple guesthouses to catch the sunrise over Mount Agung without another tourist in sight.

A Few Adventure-Traveler Tips
Book guides for volcano treks. Trails on Batur and Agung aren't always well-marked, and local guides know the safest routes and best timing.
Pack layers. Bali's coast is hot and humid, but its highlands can be genuinely chilly before dawn.
Respect the sacred sites. Many of these adventures — especially the volcanoes — hold deep spiritual significance for Balinese people. Dress modestly and follow your guide's lead at temples.
Go slow season if you can. April–June and September offer great weather with fewer crowds than the July–August peak.

Bali rewards travelers who show up ready to move — to climb, paddle, swim, and pedal their way into its landscape rather than just look at it. Pick even three or four of these, and you'll leave with a very different Bali story than the one on the postcards.

— WanderLink Travels