For many people, Bali is synonymous with beautiful weather, great beaches, amazing surfing and an easy-going way of life. Kuta is part of the southern area of Bali and is one of the most popular tourist destinations on the island. The village of Kuta is largely urban with most people both locals and tourists hanging out by the beach. The area is internationally renowned for its beach bringing in people worldwide to relax on the sandy white shores and surf in the blue waters. Tourism in the area really picked up in the 1970s with surfers primarily from Australia spreading the word of the amazing waves and beaches that can be found around the island. The beach is quite literally the center of life around here with hotels and condos as well as clubs and restaurants being right by the water. If you’re in Kuta and you’re looking to explore the beauty of Indonesia as a whole, here are the best day trips and tours from Kuta.
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1. Day out at Tenganan Pegringsingan Village
Tenganan Pegringsingan Village is an interesting place. Despite the popularity of Bali as a tourist destination, Tenganan Pegringsingan Village was once one of the most secluded societies in the area. Since the 1970s it was largely only anthropologists that even knew of the area but with the influx of visitors from abroad, the village underwent a massive change. The village is also steeped in the legend of God Indra supposedly selecting the people of this village to live as a “microcosm of the world” and to keep it pure and clean by living with the means they have. This notion is still taken into account by the locals here as they live as simply as possible. The village remains as one of the most “authentic” places in Bali with traditional ceremonies, architecture, food and culture shaping as their way of life.
2. Lembongan Island cruise
Taking a cruise is your best option for avoiding the crowds at the Bali harbor. Check out Lembongan Island that many tourists don’t get to experience. Sail through pristine blue waters and look at magnificently colored coral reefs with tons of exotic fish and thriving marine life. The tour comes with everything you’ll ever need like snorkeling gear, hotel transfers, even private island tours with lunch included! This excursion is a great way to spend an entire day getting to know the real Bali while having a great time surrounded by wildlife and some of the most beautiful tropical views and the sandiest beaches you’ll ever step foot on.
Book Tours : Bali Hai Beach Club Cruise
3. Cooking class in Ubud
For the foodies out there you probably already know that Indonesia is home to some of the most delicious food around. This food tour and cooking class in Ubud should be a great trip and will bring you through the fundamentals of Balinese cuisine. Learn how to cook nine dishes from scratch with your fellow guests and in the end, enjoy a buffet meal with everyone. The class also takes place in a locals’ home so you’ll get the full experience of what it takes to cook authentic Balinese dishes.
Book Tours : Cooking Class in Ubud, Bali, Indonesia
4. Quad biking adventure in South Bali
Bali is a beautiful place with amazing natural landscapes that should absolutely not be missed. What better way to get acquainted with nature than to ride through it on a quad bike. This tour has you following a guide while you ride through some of the best spots around Ubud and South Bali. Guests will enjoy a meal on the tour as well as a chance to refresh with a shower while on the road.
Book Tours : Bali ATV Quad Bike Adventures
5. White-water rafting day trip in Bali
Speed through the jungle then ride the waves through the area on a raft. This tour is really for the adrenaline junkies out there looking to get a thrill while you’re in Bali. The tour has people ride through the beautiful countryside of Bali on a quad bike checking out the waterfalls and the lush green landscapes. Afterward, you’ll head to the Ayung River and ride through it on a white water raft with a guide. Finally, you get to sit down for a buffet lunch with your fellow riders and enjoy some delicious Balinese food.
Book Tours : Bali ATV Ride and White Water Rafting
6. Bali waterfall tour
Spend your day chasing waterfalls in the Bali countryside. This tour takes about 7 hours and will have you checking out all the best and the most awe-inspiring waterfalls around the area. You’ll head to some of the most iconic waterfalls in Bali as well as a few lesser-known ones. Swim in the waters of Tibumana and cool off or hike along the rocky Tukad Cepung Waterfalls. There’s plenty of opportunities to indulge in some amazing street food along the way as well.
7. Nusa Penida Island beach hopping
After chasing waterfalls why not start chasing beaches as well? If there’s one thing that Bali is known for it is their gorgeous beaches. If you don’t have a lot of time or you simply just want an easy way to see as many of the beaches here as you can, this tour is for you. The private tour brings you from your hotel right to some of the best beaches around that are a little more off-the-beaten-path. Enjoy some of the best beaches in Bali followed by traditional Balinese fire dances in the evening.
Book Tours : Nusa Penida Island Day Trip
8. Nusa Penida Tour
Escape from Kuta and the tourists of Bali to an island that few tourists know about. Learn about life in a small village untouched by most facets of modern civilization. This tour is great for small groups of people and you’ll be brought to a boat where you’ll head to Nusa Penida. Once there you’ll visit the local villages by motorbike then head to the local beach and work on your tan or swim in the pristine blue water. Enjoy a picnic on the soft sand or check out the local temples.
Book Tours : Nusa Penida Island Day Trip
9. Tanah Lot temple tour
This tour encompasses the best of Balinese culture on a whole day trip through the countryside. You’ll be picked up in South Bali where you’ll be brought to some iconic landmarks like the rice fields of Tegalalang and the Tanah Lot temple. The tour involves visits to local artisans including woodworkers, silversmiths, and batik artists. Try some traditional food while you’re here and have some delicious locally brewed Indonesian coffee from a plantation nearby.
10. Surfing tour in Bali
Bali is known around the world’s surfing community has had some of the best spots in Asia for surfers. But if you’re not a pro and you don’t really know how to surf, do not worry because there are plenty of opportunities to learn! This tour offers a two-and-a-half-hour lesson on the fundamentals of surfing. Learn how to do maneuvers like a duck dive and learn how to find a good wave. Learn how to keep yourself safe in the ocean from your instructor and best of all, the proceeds of this tour go to help to fund a local orphanage.
11. Diving tour at Menjangan Island
Menjangan Island is a gorgeous place with so much natural beauty above and below the water. Whether you’re a new diver or you already have experience with diving, this tour will not disappoint. Enjoy different types of diving and even learn a thing or two about underwater photography! This tour will bring you out to Menjangan Island where you’ll be outfitted with everything you’d need to see - the exotic fish and beautiful colorful coral reefs. The tour is assisted by a professional diver and includes round-trip transportation as well a lunch while you’re out and about.
12. North Bali nature tour
This tour is in Northern Bali and includes a round-trip pick up and drop off from your hotel. If you’re looking to see the foliage of the island, this tour is a great option for you. You’ll be brought around by a guide while you learn about the local flora and fauna of the island including cacao plants, coffee, and lemongrass. During your tour, you’ll also get to see the amazing Ulun Danu Tamblingan town and Sekumple waterfalls. The temples here are UNESCO World Heritage sites that sit among the mountains which makes it a truly breathtaking place. Make sure to bring your camera.
13. Historical Sumbawa Island trip
Sumbawa Island is in the Lesser Sunda Islands and is a place with a rich past and is also one of the most beautiful islands in Indonesia. The island is full of natural resources making it a place where many have tried to invade and claim it for themselves. The Dutch arrived at the island in the 1600s but didn’t really rule over it until a couple of centuries later. During WWII, the Japanese took over the island until the end of the war. For tourists, the island is a little less-known in comparison to other nearby islands such as Komodo Islands but it does have some very popular spots for surfing.
14. Bali Treetop Adventure Park tour
Explore the lush green landscape of Bali from above! Bali Treetop Adventure Park is a great place for people looking to have a little thrill in between their time hanging around the beaches of Bali. You’ll feel like a real acrobat while you zip through the trees and walk through the multiple circuits among the treetops. Safety equipment is provided as well as a delicious lunch buffet.
Book Tours : Bali: Treetop Adventure Park Full-Day Tour
15. E-Scooter tour of Bali
Bali is home to some old temples, cultures, and people. Learning about it is a great way to feel really connected to a place so why not explore the old with a new modern way. This tour involves a pick up from your hotel where you’ll be brought to pick up your electric scooter. Afterward, you’ll explore the island going through rice fields and seeing the countryside landscapes. Take a swim in the rivers and admire the waterfalls while you learn about the culture and history from a guide. Enjoy lunch at a Balinese restaurant and finish your day off at the beautiful Vue Beach Club.
16. Tanah Lot and coffee plantation tour
Tanah Lot is located in the northern part of Bali and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit one of Bali’s most iconic sites and learn about the history of Tanah Lot and why it is significantly important for the culture of Bali and Indonesia as a whole. Guests on this tour will have a ride to and from their hotel and will be taken to several different spots like a coffee plantation and opportunity for lunch overlooking Jatiwulhi Rice Terraces.
Book Tours : Private Bali Tour: Bedugul and Tanah Lot Tour
17. Lempuyang Temple tour
Lempuyang Temple is one of the most important and recognized temples in Bali. Located in the eastern part of Bali, this tour will bring you from our hotel to the temple. Pick-up and drop-off are included and the tour takes approximately 8 to 10 hours in total. The tour is provided by a local guide who will teach you about this Hindu landmark from Mount Agung. The mountain itself is interesting as well since it was an active volcano. Afterward, head to the nearby village of Tenganan and experience traditional Balinese food and culture
Book Tours : Lempuyang Temple Culture Tour
18. Rural Bedugul eight-hour tour
Escape the hustle and bustle of Kuta and head to the countryside. This tour is certainly unique and offers a (literally) different view than what most people expect in this country. Upon arrival here, you’ll gear up and head to the treetops walking along hanging bridges and flying through ziplines. The Jatiluwih Rice Terraces are a UNESCO World Heritage site and you’ll get to see it from the treetops. This activity is great for families with kids as well as a great way to escape the tourists in the cities.
Kuta and nearby
Kuta is definitely a popular destination for tourism and it is for a good reason. The beaches are beautiful and the food is delicious. Surfing is one of the best in the world. But Bali as a whole is always so much more than just beaches and the hot sun. It is a place with a rich and deep culture as well as a place known for old temples and even UNESCO World Heritage sites. While Kuta is amazing, getting out of the tourist city is a great thing to do if you’re looking to experience some authentic Balinese culture.
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