Bali’s beauty goes far beyond its temples and nightlife, you can enjoy lots of outdoor activities in Bali as well! The island is bursting with wild landscapes, stunning beaches, and adrenaline-pumping adventures that nature lovers dream about. Whether you’re hiking through lush jungles, snorkeling over coral reefs, or chasing waterfalls in the highlands, you’ll find unforgettable outdoor experiences around every corner.
This guide rounds up the best outdoor activities in Bali, ideal for anyone who loves sunshine, greenery, and a little dirt on their shoes. From sunrise treks up active volcanoes to serene jungle walks, there’s something here for every kind of explorer. Most spots are easy to reach, and a few are hidden gems locals would rather keep secret. So pack your water bottle, slap on some sunscreen, and get ready to breathe in the real Bali. If you’re more the adventurous type, you can jump straight to the list of the top 10 thrilling and action-packed adventures you can experience in Bail.
Top 10 Outdoor Activities for Nature Lovers in Bali
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1. Mount Batur Sunrise Trek
Hike up an active volcano in the dark and watch the sunrise from above the clouds. This 1,717-meter climb isn’t too tough and rewards you with jaw-dropping views of Lake Batur and surrounding hills. Most tours include breakfast cooked in volcanic steam.
Location: Kintamani, North Bali
Budget: Approx. 350k–500k IDR via tour (includes guide & breakfast)
Time: Starts at 2 – 3 AM (tours only)
Insider Tip: Bring a warm jacket—it’s chilly at the summit before sunrise.
2. Sekumpul Waterfall Hike
Often called Bali’s most beautiful waterfall, Sekumpul is a powerful twin fall surrounded by jungle cliffs and misty air. The hike down includes stairs and river crossings, but it’s worth every step. Great for photography and a dip in natural pools.
Location: Buleleng Regency, North Bali
Budget: 20k IDR entry + 125k IDR for guided hike (recommended)
Time: Open daily, 8 AM – 5 PM
Insider Tip: Go early in the day to avoid crowds and slippery steps.
3. Nusa Penida Island Day Trip
A short boat ride away, Nusa Penida offers cliffside views, crystal-clear water, and Instagram-famous beaches like Kelingking. You’ll also find quiet coves, manta ray snorkeling, and jungle walks. Great for adventurous day-trippers.
Location: Boat departs from Sanur or Padang Bai
Budget: Fast boat: ~150k-200k IDR one way; tour day trips: ~600k IDR
Time: Ferries start at 7:30 AM; full-day trip returns ~5 PM
Insider Tip: Rent a scooter or hire a driver—roads are rough and steep.
4. Tegalalang Rice Terraces
A classic Bali view—lush, stepped rice fields that stretch into the horizon. Wander the small trails or sip coffee with a view from a local café. It’s a peaceful way to connect with the island’s farming roots.
Location: Tegalalang, 20 min north of Ubud
Budget: Free to enter; donation boxes and small fees for photo spots (~10k-20k IDR)
Time: Open daily, sunrise to sunset
Insider Tip: Arrive just after sunrise for soft light and zero crowds.
5. Snorkeling at Blue Lagoon
Tucked away near Padang Bai, Blue Lagoon offers easy access to vibrant coral reefs and tropical fish. It’s ideal for beginners and families, with calm waters and gear rentals on site. Turtles are often spotted here too!
Location: Padang Bai, East Bali
Budget: Free beach access; snorkeling tour ~200k-300k IDR (gear included)
Time: Best between 9 AM – 2 PM (calmest water)
Insider Tip: Bring water shoes, coral and rocks can be sharp underfoot.
6. Bali Swing Adventure Park
Fly above the jungle on dramatic rope swings for unbeatable photo ops and thrills. Set among tropical palms and rice fields, it’s both relaxing and exhilarating. A hit with couples, solo travelers, and kids.
Location: Bongkasa, near Ubud
Budget: Entrance + multiple swings: ~350k IDR
Time: Open daily, 8 AM – 5 PM
Insider Tip: Wear loose or flowing clothes for the best “floating” swing photos.
7. West Bali National Park
Bali’s quiet northwest is home to mangroves, savannas, and rare wildlife like the endangered Bali starling. The park offers hiking trails, snorkeling spots, and birdwatching tours. Far from the crowds, it’s a real nature escape.
Location: Buleleng & Jembrana Regencies
Budget: 200k IDR (includes guide + permit)
Time: Daily, 8 AM – 4 PM (guided entry only)
Insider Tip: Combine it with Menjangan Island snorkeling, some of Bali’s best reefs.
8. Tukad Cepung Waterfall
A hidden gem flowing through a canyon with light rays streaming through the rocks. It feels like stepping into another world, especially around mid-morning when the sun hits just right. A short but slippery walk leads you there.
Location: Tembuku, Bangli Regency
Budget: 15k IDR entrance fee
Time: Open daily, 8 AM – 5 PM
Insider Tip: Bring dry bags for your phone. Water splashes everywhere inside the canyon.
9. Beach Hopping in Uluwatu
Uluwatu is packed with stunning cliffside beaches like Padang Padang, Bingin, and Suluban. You can surf, swim, or just watch the waves crash under dramatic limestone formations. Each beach has its own vibe, some lively, others hidden.
Location: Uluwatu, South Bali
Budget: Free or ~10k-15k IDR for beach access/parking
Time: Open all day; best between 9 AM – 4 PM
Insider Tip: Check tides! Some beaches disappear at high tide.
10. Jatiluwih Rice Terraces Trek
A UNESCO World Heritage site with wide, walkable trails through rice paddies and traditional Balinese irrigation systems. It’s less touristy than Tegalalang and more expansive. Great for a full morning walk and picnic.
Location: Tabanan, Central Bali
Budget: 40k IDR entrance fee
Time: Open daily, 7 AM – 6 PM
Insider Tip: Try the “Red Trail” for a 2-hour scenic loop with almost no crowds.
Top 10 Adventure Activities in Bali
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1. White Water Rafting on the Ayung River
Paddle through jungle canyons, waterfalls, and Class II-III rapids just outside Ubud. It’s a thrilling 2-hour ride suitable for beginners and families with teens. Most tours include a buffet lunch and hotel transfer.
Location: Ayung River, Ubud area
Budget: 400k-600k IDR (includes gear, guide, lunch)
Time: Starts ~9 AM and 2 PM daily
Insider Tip: Go during or right after the rainy season (Nov-April) for faster rapids.
2. ATV Jungle & Rice Field Ride
Tear through muddy trails, forest tunnels, and rice paddies on a quad bike. This is the Bali countryside at full throttle, and no experience is needed. You can ride solo or tandem.
Location: Near Ubud, Gianyar Regency
Budget: 500k-750k IDR per person
Time: Daily tours at 9 AM, 12 PM, and 3 PM
Insider Tip: Wear clothes you don’t mind ruining, you’ll come out muddy and smiling.
3. Canyoning in Gitgit or Aling-Aling Gorge
Rappel down waterfalls, slide along natural rock chutes, and leap into deep pools. Guided canyoning tours are safe and thrilling, and you’ll see a secret side of Bali few travelers do.
Location: Buleleng, North Bali
Budget: 1.2-1.6 million IDR (includes full gear and guide)
Time: Starts around 6-7 AM, full-day experience
Insider Tip: Book with licensed operators like Adventure & Spirit for safety and fun.
4. Paragliding Over Pandawa Beach
Fly over turquoise water and limestone cliffs with a professional pilot at your back. Paragliding gives you a literal bird’s-eye view of Bali’s southern coastline and is surprisingly relaxing once airborne.
Location: Timbis, near Pandawa Beach, Bukit Peninsula
Budget: 850k-1 million IDR (tandem flight)
Time: 11 AM – 4 PM (weather dependent)
Insider Tip: Go in the dry season (May-Sept) for the best wind conditions.
5. Surfing in Canggu or Uluwatu
Bali is a world-famous surf destination, with waves for every skill level. Canggu is perfect for beginners with mellow beach breaks, while Uluwatu challenges pros with reef barrels.
Location: Canggu (Beginner), Uluwatu (Advanced)
Budget: Board rental: ~75k-150k IDR/hr; lessons: ~300k-500k IDR
Time: Best surf: early morning or late afternoon
Insider Tip: Look for group surf camps if you want to improve fast and meet fellow travelers.
6. Scuba Diving with Manta Rays at Nusa Penida
Glide alongside giant manta rays and explore dramatic underwater cliffs just off Bali’s coast. Nusa Penida is Bali’s most famous dive site and suitable for certified divers.
Location: Nusa Penida / Nusa Lembongan
Budget: 2-dive trip: ~1.2-1.6 million IDR
Time: Daily trips start at 7 AM from Sanur/Lembongan
Insider Tip: Visit in the dry season for better visibility, but mantas can be seen year-round.
7. Zip-lining at Bali Treetop Adventure Park
Swing through treetops in Bedugul’s botanical gardens on ziplines, rope bridges, and Tarzan jumps. Great for families and beginners, with circuits for all skill levels.
Location: Bali Botanical Garden, Bedugul
Budget: 350k IDR per adult, 250k for kids
Time: Open 9 AM – 5 PM daily (last entry 3 PM)
Insider Tip: Bring a hoodie as temperatures are cooler in the mountains.
8. Kite Surfing in Sanur
Ride the wind across calm lagoons on the southeast coast. Sanur has ideal kite surfing conditions with flat water and steady breeze—great for learning the ropes.
Location: Sanur Beach
Budget: Intro lessons ~800k-1 million IDR for 2 hours
Time: Best wind: June – August, late morning to afternoon
Insider Tip: Book ahead! Gear rental is limited and can book out in peak season.
9. Cliff Jumping at Mahana Point
Brave a 10-meter or 5-meter leap off a rocky ledge straight into the sea. This tiny warung on Nusa Ceningan offers a drink, a view, and a free adrenaline rush.
Location: Nusa Ceningan (near Nusa Lembongan)
Budget: 10k IDR to jump (free if you buy food or drinks)
Time: Open 10 AM – 6 PM (tide dependent)
Insider Tip: Only jump at high tide! Low tide is dangerous due to exposed rocks.
10. Jungle Paintball in Ubud
If you’re into action-packed fun, try paintball deep in the Ubud jungle. Think bamboo bunkers, tree cover, and sweaty fun with your travel crew.
Location: Jl. Dewi Saraswati No.2, Bongkasa Pertiwi
Budget: 490k-750k IDR for ~150 paintballs
Time: Open 10 AM – 5 PM; booking required
Insider Tip: Closed-toe shoes are a must. Flip-flops won’t survive!