Discover Bali
with Cathay Pacific

Denpasar is the capital of Indonesia’s popular holiday spot Bali, a hedonistic paradise known as the ‘Island of the Gods.’
Whether you crave meditative yoga retreats or a thriving party scene, Bali offers the full spectrum of delights. The beautiful coastline and its sandy beaches boast adrenaline-pumping water sports while mountainous heartlands are populated with cultural pursuits and natural wonders. Bali’s attractions and year-round tropical climate have an unwavering charm, discover the top things to do with our Bali travel guide.

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Things to do in Bali

Go temple-hopping

While Indonesia is a Muslim-majority country, Bali’s unique cultural legacy means the island is blessed with thousands of gorgeous Hindu temples. Snap the perfect selfie at the Gates of Heaven in Pura Lempuyang, admire the picturesque temple of Tanah Lot perched on a rocky outcrop in the sea, or catch Balinese Kecak dance performances at the Uluwatu Temple amphitheatre.

Drink the world’s most expensive coffee

Bali is home to some of the rarest coffee in the world: kopi luwak. The highly prized bean is famous for its smooth flavour and unusual source - the droppings of civets. The indigenous racoon-like creatures graze on coffee beans and their digestive enzymes help to ferment the flavours. Learn more about the whole process at Luwak Coffee Plantation.

Do go chasing waterfalls

Nothing says tropical adventure quite like a majestic waterfall, and these natural Bali attractions are in plentiful supply. Bathe in the natural pool at the foot of Banyumala Twin Waterfalls, embark on cliff-jumping adventures at Aling Aling Waterfall or trek through a banana plantation to reach the four grand cascades of Banyu Wana Amertha Waterfall deep in the jungle.

Become a beach bum

There’s no shortage of opportunities to top up your tan when you travel to Bali. The island’s southern tip, around Kuta, Jimbaran and the Bukit Peninsula, is particularly famed for its gorgeous white sand beaches. Surfers meanwhile will want to head for the numerous breaks around Canggu or visit the east coast where Keramas beach hosts annual surf competitions.

Explore photogenic rice paddies

Tegallalang Rice Terrace is one of Bali’s most popular attractions. The stunning landscape of tiered emerald rice paddies, cascading down the mountain surrounded by swaying palms, is an iconic postcard moment. The terraces’ ancient subak irrigation system of canals and weirs is also a Unesco-listed phenomenon.

Get crafty

Pay a visit to one of the craft villages scattered around the island, where collectives of artisans demonstrate their skills and sell their wares. Admire the exquisite woodwork in Pakudai village, with stunning carvings and statement pieces of furniture. Alternatively, try a Batik painting workshop, a simple yet beautiful form of decorating fabric with wax and ink.

Make a splash

Spend a family-friendly day at one of Bali’s three water parks. Waterbom is the largest, with 15 rides including Asia’s steepest waterslide: The Climax. Aside from gravity-defying drops, you can practice your surfing skills on Flow Rider, team up with friends to spin down the Python, or take a break on the Lazy River.

Meet the cheeky monkeys

Part nature reserve and part temple complex, the Ubud Monkey Forest is a popular Bali attraction and home to some 700 grey long-tailed macaques. Enjoy wandering the forested trails dotted with temples and statues, while watching the playful primates swing through the trees. Just be careful not to attract unwanted attention with food or shiny objects.

Glam up for a beach club

Don your swankiest bathers and make a beeline for one of Bali’s upmarket beach clubs. Soak in the vibes at Potato Head Beach Club which features two infinity pools, sun-drenched daybeds and laidback summer sounds. Alternatively, take in the wild beauty of Uluwatu at Ulu Cliffhouse, which clings to a rockface and boasts live DJs and unbroken ocean views.

Explore the Gili islands

Extend your travel to Bali with a short boat trip to the Gili Islands. Less frequented by tourists, these three neighbouring isles offer visions of paradise with perfect white, sandy beaches and turquoise waters. Each has a slightly different flavour: for example, Gili Trawangan is famous for its party scene, while the quieter Gili Meno is famed for its local charms and character.

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