Bali isn’t just a destination—it’s a feeling. It’s the scent of clove in the air, the hum of scooters rolling past temples, the flash of marigold at a morning ceremony. Every corner of this Indonesian island holds something unexpected. But with so much to take in, knowing how to see the best of it makes all the difference. So, if you're ready to see Bali beyond the postcards, here are 10 ways to get closer to what makes it unforgettable.

10 Ways to Discover the Best of Bali

Wake Up Early and Head to the Rice Terraces

Most will advise you to see the rice terraces. Few will say this: do it before 7 a.m. That's when the sun lights the green just so when the dew still retains on the leaves, and when it's just you and a few farmers beginning the day. Tegallalang is the most well-known, and it's for good reason—it's stunning. But if what you're seeking is a bit quieter, go to Sidemen. There's quiet there that lingers.

Stay in a Local Guesthouse

Luxury resorts have their charm, but staying with a Balinese family offers something different. It's not just about the bed or the view—it's about the homemade breakfasts, the garden shrines, and the stories passed around during coffee. In Ubud or Munduk, you’ll find guesthouses where the hosts treat you like someone they’ve known for years. And that kind of warmth is harder to find in a five-star setting.

Visit the Temples, But Not All at Once

There are thousands of temples in Bali. Some are small and tucked behind family homes. Others, like Tanah Lot or Uluwatu, draw crowds by the busload. Instead of rushing through a checklist, pick one or two and spend real time there. Watch the offerings being made. Listen to the chanting. Let the moment linger instead of chasing the next photo op.

Try Balinese Cooking From Scratch

There's a difference between eating a dish and understanding it. A cooking class in a village kitchen shows you how deep that difference runs. You'll start at a market, maybe still half-asleep, picking out the herbs you've never heard of. You'll grind spices by hand, wrap fish in banana leaves, and cook over an open flame. And in the end, the food tastes like something you've earned, not just ordered.

Spend a Day in the Water—But Choose the Right Spot

Bali’s beaches vary wildly. But head a bit further—try Padang Padang for cliffs and tucked-away coves, or Amed if you’re into quiet snorkeling spots and black sand. If diving’s your thing, Tulamben is where a shipwreck lies just offshore. The point isn’t just to swim. It’s to slow down enough to notice how different the sea feels from coast to coast.

Ride a Scooter Through the Backroads

Driving in Bali is not for everyone. It’s chaotic and unpredictable. But if you’re confident and careful, it’s one of the most rewarding ways to explore. Skip the highways and steer into the smaller roads between villages. That’s where you’ll spot children walking home in uniforms, women balancing baskets on their heads, and views that never show up on maps. Just make sure your phone is charged—you’ll want it for photos, and you’ll definitely need it if you get lost.

Watch a Traditional Dance Without the Gloss

Many shows in tourist centers are polished for foreign eyes—perfect, practiced, and sometimes sterile. But in some temples, especially during ceremonies, you'll see something different. The movements are slower. The musicians miss a beat. Children peek from behind columns. And it feels alive, not staged. If someone invites you to a ceremony, go. Wear a sarong, sit quietly, and let yourself be a guest, not just a viewer.

Eat at Warungs, Run by Families

Warung doesn't mean a restaurant—it means a place where someone cooks like they do on their own. Skip the trendy cafes once in a while and walk into a roadside spot where the chalkboard menu leans slightly to one side. Order nasi campur or mie goreng, and don't ask for less spice. The portions will be uneven, the service slow, and the food? Usually unforgettable.

Hike Before Sunrise, Especially in the North

Bali’s mountains don’t get as much attention as the beaches, which is exactly why they’re worth the climb. Mount Batur is the usual choice for a sunrise trek—it’s not too hard and gives you a view that silences everyone at the top. But if you're okay with something tougher and less crowded, Mount Agung offers a different kind of reward. Either way, it’s not just about reaching the summit. It’s about the cold air, the stars, and the slow shift from dark to gold as morning takes over.

Let a Local Guide Show You Their Bali

Guidebooks can only take you so far. A good guide, though, can turn a random walk into something memorable. They'll take you to a temple their grandfather helped build or a hidden waterfall with no signs. They'll explain the rituals that seem mysterious or introduce you to people who still make batik by hand. The key is to ask questions and listen—most are proud to share, but they won't force it.

Conclusion

Bali is full of beauty, but not all of it is loud. Some parts need you to look closer, to stay a little longer, to speak a little less. These 10 ways won’t just help you see more—they’ll help you see better. And that can change how you remember the island long after your trip ends.