The Island of the Gods, Bali, is one of the world’s most popular travel destinations. Its unique charm that captivates tourists lies on its cultural, natural, and adventure attractions. As there are endless interesting tourist destinations to visit, you might wonder where to start. In this guide, we offer you an updated list of the top 10 things to do in Bali. We will also recommend you to start your journey with the #1 must-visit destination in Bali, GWK Cultural Park.
The Top 10 Best Things to Do in Bali
- Ascend the 4th Tallest Statue in the World – Top of the Statue Tour at GWK
Top of the Statue Tour is a unique and thrilling experience that takes you to the GWK statue’s upper levels. With this guided tour, you can enjoy different experiences on two different floors:
- 9th floor: On this floor, you can find a museum showcasing various dioramas, art installations, and memorabilia. Experiencing the attractions on this floor allows you to deepen your understanding about the history of the making of the GWK statue which stands at an impressive height of 121 m.
- 23rd floor: This floor is the best viewpoint you can find in Bali. From GWK statue’s height, you can see stunning panoramic views of different places in Bali which includes the Jimbaran area, Kuta Beach, Seminyak Beach, Bali Mandara Toll Road, Melasti Beach, Nusa Dua Area, and the Ngurah Rai Airport. Additionally, this floor serves as an iconic photography spot as well.
Entrance fee: IDR400,000/ticket (Regular Entrance Ticket + Top of the Statue Tour) (Ultimate Package)). Purchase it here!
- Witness the Mesmerizing Kecak Dance
Kecak Dance is a traditional Balinese dance that is performed by male dancers. The unique trait of this dance is that it’s accompanied by the “cak cak cak” sound shouted by the dancers themselves. The best place to witness this dance is none other than GWK Cultural Park. GWK”s version of this dance is called Kecak GWK. This version features the Ogoh-Ogoh (Balinese sculpture art) which makes the performance even more spectacular. It performs daily at 18.00 WITA at the Lotus Pond.
Entrance fee: Free (included in the Regular Entrance Ticket for IDR 150,000/ticket).
- See the BarAong Show – A Modern Twist of the Barong Dance
The BarAong Show is GWK’s reinterpretation of the legendary Barong story. What makes it special and different from the regular Barong dance is that it features five Barongs instead of one. It also features larger-than-than-life Barong masks and modern stage effects. This unique show is not found anywhere else in Bali. It performs every Wednesday-Saturday at 18.00 WITA at the Amphitheater.
Entrance fee: IDR100,000/ticket (BarAong performance only!)
- Sunrise Hike on Mount Batur
Source: Freepik
Mount Batur is a popular spot with breathtaking sunrise views located in Kintamani. This area is ideal for adventure seekers and photographers as there are picturesque views worth immortalizing. Other than the sunrise trek, there are also various cafés and hot springs nearby.
Entrance fee: IDR100,000
Activity fee: Trekking/sunrise tour IDR300,000-1,000,000
- Discover Hidden Beach: Green Bowl
Green Bowl is a quiet and secluded beach located near Uluwatu. It features the iconic and huge limestone cave on the back of the beach. This place is a must-visit if you seek serene relaxation by the beach or swimming (aim for mid-tide).
Entrance fee: IDR5,000 (parking fee is IDR2,000-5,000 depending on the vehicle).
- Visit the Iconic Tegalalang Rice Terrace
Source: Freepik
Tegalalang Rice Terrace is a world-famous terraced rice paddies located near Ubud. This UNESCO-recognized spot is perfect for those seeking cultural/nature photography and scenic leisurely strolls. The recommended time to visit this tourist spot is during the sunrise and sunset for viewing unforgettable sights from unique perspectives.
Entrance fee: IDR25,000
- Experience Bali’s Beach Clubs
Visiting Bali beach clubs is the key to peak relaxation. Beach clubs often serve music and world-class dining accompanied by the pristine sands and ocean views. Some of the most recommended beach clubs in Bali are FINN’s Beach Club in Canggu and Sundays in Uluwatu. Not only for your own relaxation activities, beach clubs can also serve as a fun option for celebrations or parties.
Entrance fee: No standard entrance fee because it depends on the beach clubs. Usually, they will charge for food, drinks, or pay-for-loungers. Entrance may be free if you buy something.
- Surf World-Class Waves in Uluwatu
Uluwatu is a legendary surf destination for both professionals and beginners. This area is most famous for its cliffside temple, consistent waves, and sunset views. Its consistent waves makes it a favorite surfing spot. Some of the most recommended beaches for surfing in Uluwatu are Padang Padang and Dreamland Beach. There are also surf lessons for beginners which fee varies depending on the duration and instruction type.
Entrance fee: Most beaches in the Uluwatu area don’t have any entrance fee. You only need to pay for parking if you come with a vehicle.
Activity fee: Surf lessons fee may vary from IDR200,000 to over IDR1,000,000 depending on the duration and instruction type.
- Snorkeling at Nusa Lembongan
Source: Freepik
Nusa Lembongan is known for its clear waters and vibrant marine life. While here, you must try snorkeling with manta rays. This experience not only allows you to have incredible manta ray encounters, but also explore the vibrant coral reefs.
Activity: IDR300,000 to IDR1,500,000 per person, depending on the package, group size, included sites, and whether it’s a day trip from Bali or an island-based tour.
- Shop Local Goods at Ubud Art Market
Ubud is heaven for those looking to buy handicrafts, textiles, jewelry, and souvenirs. With so many souvenir options, Ubud is the perfect place for bringing home a piece of Bali. You can even make your own Balinese arts and crafts by participating in workshops. This way you’ll have an opportunity to connect with local artists.
Entrance fee: Free (parking fee is IDR2,000-100,000 depending on the vehicle)
Why GWK Cultural Park is the Heart of the Bali Experience
GWK Cultural Park is Bali’s No. 1 tourist destination for a reason. We combine culture, performance, history, and modern tourism in one destination. This combination is the park’s unique selling point that can’t be found anywhere else. The park itself also houses the global cultural icon GWK statue which stands at 121 m tall. Aside from the GWK statue, there are so many other must-experience attractions such as the BarAong Show, Kecak GWK, and other 10+ Balinese cultural performances. GWK also offers an exquisite dining option, Jendela Bali, where you can have a taste of Balinese and Indonesian cuisine. GWK Cultural Park is truly a place where visitors can see, learn, and experience Balinese culture in one visit.
Bali offers countless experiences, but GWK Cultural Park stands as the must-see place of them all. Plan your visit and book your tickets now to experience Bali’s #1 tourist destination!