15 Things to Do in Bali

"Bali has a unique Hindu culture despite its location in Indonesia, the world’s most populous Muslim country. With the rise of Islam, the Javanese aristocracy took refuge in Bali and brought with them the traditions of dance, theater, sculpture and music that thrive to this day. Southern Bali now attracts huge numbers of tourists and its innocence and beauty have been lost. I spend as little time around Denpasar and Kuta as possible and head north to Ubud and beyond. There, the landscape of rice paddies and high volcanoes remains exquisite, and the island’s ancient culture is as alluring and colorful as ever."

–Mr. Harper

1. Visit a temple and pray with the local Balinese. (Bring a sarong, as it is essential to wear a sarong when entering a temple.)
2. Hike through the rice fields of Ubud or East Bali.
3. Dine on a traditional organic Balinese feast with views of Mount Agung from Bali Asli, a new restaurant near Tirta Gangga.
4. Sip a cocktail at Ku De Ta while watching the sun set into the ocean.
5. Enjoy Asian fusion delights at Mama San, the latest restaurant from chef Will Meyrick. (There is an ultra-hip bar upstairs, which boasts one of the best cocktail lists on the island.)
6. Visit John Hardy’s silver atelier and have lunch with the staff, followed by an appointment-only tour of the jewelry workshop and showroom
7. Spend time in Ubud, the cultural heart of Bali
8. Browse the art galleries and handicraft markets around Ubud.
9. Stroll the boutiques of Jalan Raya Seminyak and Jalan Oberoi, an stop off for high tea at Biku, a converted Torajan Joglo [traditional house].
10. Have a Balinese massage.
11. Raft the Telaga Waja River.
12. Cycle through the villages and rice fields of East Bali, taking in the sites along the way including the Water Palace at Tirta Gangga and the ancient Palace of Ujung.
13. Try stand-up paddling or surfing.
14. Climb Mount Batur and watch the sun rise.
15. Experience world-class diving opportunities, such as a fantastic shipwreck dive in Tulamben.

This article was originally published in the January 2013 Traveler .