– Discover 10 free things to do in Bali –
Spending your holiday in Bali can get pretty expensive. But there are ways to experience Bali on the cheap. Discover the beauties of the island without spending one single Dollar or Rupiah.
Here we have listed 10 fun and free things to do during your holiday in Bali.
Witness a temple ceremony
Ceremonies and religious festivals are a big happening in Bali especially if it’s an important one.
If you happen to be in Bali during for example Kuningan, Gulungan or during a temple ceremony then you will be in for a treat which is totally free.
Hundreds of beautifully dressed Balinese carrying amazing offerings will gather at a temple throughout the day. On these days you don’t even need to enter the temple grounds. At the entrance, you are able to view spectacular.
Admire the arts and crafts
Bali is famous for its works of art such as paintings, stone and wood carving, textile and jewelry. Around Ubud, you can find many little villages that specialize in a specific form of art.
You can either visit their workshops along the road and many side alleys where the arts and crafts are made. Here they love to tell you how it’s made and which tools they use. Another place is to head to the local markets in Ubud and Sukawati. Here you can find the arts and crafts displayed in abundance.
Walk through the rice fields
This is one of the best things to do for absolutely nothing. We can’t get enough of it and we always go for a stroll whenever we are there.
A small trail in Campuhan Ubud takes you right through the wonderful green rice fields. Walk till the end of Jalan Kajeng and from there just keep to the most obvious trail and you won’t get lost.
The walk takes about a 1 to 1,5 hour and is best done in the morning or before sunset. Don’t forget to order a refreshing drink at the Organic Restaurant. O wait that will cost you…;-)
Gaze at the sunset
Nature offers the best free things to do such as the amazing sunsets that attract hundreds of people every day to the beaches.
Kuta beach all the way to Seminyak is probably the most popular place to watch the sunset.
Expect different colors and patterns every day. If you want a bit of more romance and prefer to have the feeling of owning the entire beach then head to Lovina Beach in the North, Candidasa in the East or go to Nusa Lembongan.
For the early risers or the one’s suffering from jet-lag, you can wake up to a beautiful sunrise at Sanur beach or Nusa Dua beach.
Tour aimlessly through the countryside
Technically this is one of the few free things to do that is not entirely for nothing since you’ll need to rent a bike or motorbike for this.
But if you already have one on hand then it is fun to drive through the little village hamlets of Ubud. Here you can still find scenes from decades ago as if time has stood still.
If you have the entire day then driving around East Bali is the best way to explore Bali at its best. Check out one of our favorite routes from Candidasa to Ubud.
Hiking around the mountains and fields
Hiking in Bali can be done without a guide if it doesn’t involve hiking up a mountain such as Mount Agung and Mount Batur. For these hikes, it is essential to have a knowledgeable guide as the trails are not always that obvious.
But many accommodations such as those in Munduk, near Batu Karu, Tirta Gangga or Candidasa offer detailed maps with trails.
They will take you along rivers, through local villages and their rice fields. Leave early in the day and take enough water and food with you just in case you do get a bit lost…
Go snorkeling
The best snorkeling sites in Bali are reached by boats such as those in Menjangan island and Nusa Lembongan. But there are a couple of snorkeling sites which you can reach from the beach. So there is no need for renting a boat.
In Padangbai you have the Bloo Lagoon beach where you can jump straight into the water with your gear on. Other sites are the Japanese wreck at Aas beach in Amed and from Pemuteran you have good access from the resorts especially Taman Sari Resort and Spa.
Stroll along the beaches
Many beaches in Bali are set within a bay. But at some, you can actually walk for miles on end making it a pretty nice exercise.
Sanur has a paved walkway that takes you along its beach and along many shops, restaurants, and resorts. If you are lucky you even have a view of mount Agung.
On the other side of the island, you can start off your walk at Tuban beach and continue along Kuta, Legian, Seminyak and ending in Canggu beach. It’s a wonderful way to watch people surf, flying kites, swim and having fun on the beach.
Watch surfers tackle the Bali waves
Another great thing to do without spending anything is watching great surfers riding big waves. If you don’t surf it is still great fun to watch especially if it’s from a beautiful beach.
Head to Uluwatu beach to witness the best waves or go to the laid-back Padang Padang, Bingin or Balangan beach to enjoy the tropical setting while checking out the moves of beginners and advanced surfers.
Join the fishermen at Jimbaran beach
Waking up early in the morning to witness fishermen in traditional fishing boats returning from the sea with their share of fresh fish which is then sold to thousands of hotels and restaurants in Bali.
At Jimbaran beach, you can see them come back in with nets full of fish and how the catch is then packed in ice to be brought to the fish market. It’s another great place to witness how things are done in Bali. If you are coming from Europe, Australia or the U.S.A. it is likely to be done differently than at home…;-)
