Best Places to Visit in Bali for First Timers

Bali is truly a backpackers' paradise and the dream destination for first-time travellers, promising budget-friendly prices, like-minded backpackers in every hostel and bar, and easy-to-navigate transport options. 

We’ve put together a handy guide of the best places to visit in Bali for first-time travellers, from iconic spots to hidden gems. 

📍Canggu 

Canggu embodies so much of why Bali is at the top of many travellers' favourite destinations. Fall into the laid-back rhythm, with tropical beaches just a short hop from aesthetic cafes and bars. With so many trending food spots, you’ll be spoilt for choice! 

Canguu Highlights

Surfing 🏄

Whether this is your first time attempting to ride the waves or you’re a seasoned pro, Canggu is one of the best spots in the world for surfing, with waves catering to all levels. Beginners will be amazed by the opportunities to learn to surf, with friendly instructors and gentle, consistent waves. Who knows? You might just discover a secret talent on our Bali Intro group trip. 

Beach Clubs 🥂

With iconic bars and clubs, ranging from relaxed cocktails with ocean views to evenings that continue until the sun comes up, Canggu is one of the best places to experience beach clubs in Bali. A traveller favourite is FINNS Beach Club, for its aesthetic bar surrounding the lively pool, and music that’ll have you dancing all night with new friends. 

📍Ubud 

If you want to experience Balinese culture and witness serene landscapes, Ubud is the place for you. Visit temples and waterfalls, spot wildlife or climb a volcano. Ubud creates the ideal base for travellers to tick off endless bucket list activities. It’s no wonder this is one of the best places to visit in Bali for first-timers! 

Ubud Highlights

Tegallalong Rice Terraces 🌾 

Picture an ocean of bright green, and you’ve got the unbelievably picturesque Tegallalang Rice Terraces. We know travel isn’t just about bragging on social media, but if you want to take some Instagram-worthy photos to make all your friends back home jealous, this is the place! Whether you want to ride on the viral Bali swing or float in the boujee Cretya Pool Bar, every view of these rice fields is a sight to behold.

Mount Batur Sunrise Trek 🌋

Early bird gets the best views! Wake whilst the stars still sparkle in the sky and begin your ascent of the incredible volcano, Mount Batur! At the top, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking orange hues, transforming the landscape with a golden glow. Sip hot chocolate or tea, made from the heat of the volcano, and soak up the best sunrise of your life (no exaggeration!). On our Bali Adventure group trip, after you’ve trekked back down, you’ll get to relax in the natural, steamy hot springs. 

Sacred Monkey Forest 🐵 

The cheeky residents at Ubud’s Sacred Monkey Forest are world-famous. The monkeys call these ancient ruins and spectacular forest their home. As you walk around the grounds, look above to watch the wildlife swinging around in the trees. Your group leader will be able to tell you all about this beautiful location on our Bali, Lombok and Komodo group trip. 

Kanto Lampo Waterfall 🌊 

Feel the cooling mist on your face at the Instagram-famous Kanto Lampo Waterfall. You may recognise the dramatic, tiered rock formations, the perfect location to pose in front of the cascading water. Surrounded by tranquil jungle, unplug from the bustling towns and listen to the calming sound of the waterfall.  

📍Gili Trawangan 

Search ‘paradise’, and Gili Trawangan will come up. With cute streets of cafes and boutiques, you’ll truly be living the island life as you tuck into a refreshing acai bowl before browsing the quirky shops. Our top tip would be to pack light, you’ll be filling up your backpack with souvenirs! Switch off and relax, you won’t be able to resist sunbathing on the soft sands and cooling off in the clear sea. Gili T’s front strip comes alive after sunset, with welcoming bars, perfect for drinks with your new best friends. 

Gili Trawangan Highlights

Snorkelling 🤿

Underwater statues, colourful reefs and tranquil waters - a snorkelling trip from Gili Trawangan might just be your favourite memory in the making. You’ll want to bring an underwater camera on our Bali Adventure group trip - the marine life here is truly magical. This is one of the best places in Bali to swim near turtles, which call the coral reefs their home!

Horse Sanctuary 🐴

On Day 6 of our Bali Adventure group trip, you’ll cycle along the palm-fringed shores and stop at a local horse sanctuary, dedicated to instilling ethical working conditions for the horses on Gili T and the surrounding islands. Led by a team of volunteers, the sanctuary cares for rescued, retired and injured horses. This is a true underrated gem you’ve got to add to your Bali itinerary. Travellers may even get the opportunity to meet a few of the adorable horses and watch their daily dip in the sea. 

📍 Nusa Penida 

Famed for its spectacular viewpoints, as unique formations complement the incredible ocean views, we couldn’t miss Nusa Penida off our guide of the best places to visit in Bali. Discover it all – from rewarding hikes to hidden beaches, memorable swimming spots, and adventure around every corner.  

Nusa Penida Highlights

Cactus Beach Club 🍸

Get ready for the best evening of your life as you sip refreshing cocktails with ocean views. Soak up the atmosphere in the diamond-shaped pools, ready for the sunset to dip below the waters. With world-class DJs bringing the best vibes, a night here is a night to remember

Boat Trips 🛥️

Cross your fingers because on boat trips from Nusa Penida, you might just get lucky and have the opportunity to swim near a Manta Ray! You’ll be awestruck by the magic of this marine life, a gentle giant that glides gracefully under the waters. You may even get the chance to snorkel near enchanting turtles and hundreds of colourful fish. 

Iconic Viewpoints 🤩

Need another reason why Nusa Penida is one of the best places in Bali as a first timer? Probably not, but we’re going to give you one anyway! Because you cannot go home without visiting some of the most famed viewpoints in Southeast Asia. Kelingking Cliff is instantly recognisable and doesn’t disappoint. With striking contrasts of light and dark blue, surrounding the unique shape of the beach stretching out into the water, this is more than just a photographic spot. Whilst you explore Nusa Penida, you should also visit Broken Beach and Angel’s Billabong. 

📍Uluwatu 

Where the turquoise waters meet sugar-white sands, you’ll feel like you’ve stumbled upon your own little hidden gem in Uluwatu. Home to one of the island’s most impressive sea temples, this relaxed corner of Bali blends natural beauty, unique cultural experiences and a coastal vibe that’ll have you never wanting to leave. If you feel like you found your calling during the surf lesson back in Canggu, this is the idyllic place to practice your new skill. Uluwatu’s beaches are renowned for their surf! 

Uluwatu Highlights

Uluwatu Temple 🪷

Named after its iconic placement (ulu meaning ‘edge’ and watu meaning ‘rock’), Uluwatu is considered a significant cultural site in Bali. Steeped in history, the experience of visiting here is as transformative as it is stunning. As one of the six holy temples, Uluwatu Temple is believed to protect the island from evil spirits, and you will feel eternally grateful to be a visitor in this phenomenal destination. 

Traditional Kecak Fireshow 🔥

Speaking of feeling grateful, getting to witness the Traditional Kecak Fireshow will sweep you up into Bali’s special culture. Performed without any musical instruments, the performers use only human voices to create a dynamic, high-energy performance to tell a story of ancient mythology. 

📍Seminyak 

Kitted out with everything a first-time traveller in Bali could need, Seminyak is a backpacker favourite. Ideal for meeting fellow adventurers, Seminyak offers luxury restaurants, stylish bars, and a fashionable wellness culture - from spas to yoga! Opt to make traditional food in a cooking class or simply cheers to the end of your memorable adventure in beach clubs. 

Seminyak Highlights

Seminyak Beach 🏖️

Seminyak Beach’s colourful bean bags have almost become synonymous with travelling in Bali. Sitting on these, with a cocktail in hand at sunset, is an absolute essential experience for first-time travellers in Bali. Irresistible shops are just a short walk from the beach, your last chance to pick up anything that has caught your eye whilst travelling. 

Eat Street 🍛

Foodies love Seminyak, and it’s easy to see why. Think of a cuisine, and you’ll find it on Eat Street. Cool off with refreshing iced coffees from aesthetic cafes, and load up your own fro-yo (frozen yoghurt) with all the sweet treats you could dream of. For dinner, try traditional Nasi Goreng (trust us, it’s delicious!), or pop into one of the many famed international restaurants. 

Top Tips for First-Timers in Bali 🌴

Pack Light 

When it’s your first time travelling, it’s tempting to just pack as much as you can into your backpack so you’re prepared for every scenario. Our top packing tip is to lay out everything you want to pack, and then half it! Bali is a shopping paradise, and you’ll be spoilt for choice for new clothes and souvenirs.  

Respect Local Culture

You’ll feel awe-struck by the amazing culture of Bali, best experienced by visiting temples. When packing, it is important to bring clothing to cover your shoulders and knees, so that you can respectfully explore cultural sites. 

Try Local Food

The flavours in Bali are mouth-watering, and you’ll want to try as many of the local dishes as possible. Our personal favourites are Nasi Goreng - a staple Indonesian fried rice, and Mie Goreng - fried noodles. 

Learn a Few Balinese Phrases 

A simple “Saksma” (“Thank you”) goes a long way! On our Bali trips, your group leader will be able to teach you a few Balinese phrases so you can impress the locals. 

Bring Sun Protection 

Your days relaxing on Bali’s paradise beaches will be some of your favourite memories. It may be difficult to find your favourite suncream brands when travelling in Southeast Asia, so it’s best to bring it with you so you can always be prepared. 

Feeling Inspired? 🤩 

Now you know why Bali is a dream destination for first-time travellers, we’re sure you can’t wait to hop on a plane and go. The ultimate way to tick off all these bucket list activities is on our Bali Adventure group trip. With a ready-made group of friends and an expert tour leader, you’ll be left counting down the days until you can return. Check out the trip itinerary for yourself now.