Bali is one of the world’s most beautiful and sought after destinations. Millions of visitors flock to this sun-drenched Indonesian paradise every year – but when the pandemic struck in 2020 the tourism industry came to a devastating halt. Many locals who relied on the sector for their livelihoods became unemployed and the island suffered a rough economic downturn.
While a few digital nomads had the chance to stay on the island and relax on the uncrowded beaches – the usual plane loads of tourists arriving from Australia, the US and the UK came to an abrupt end. However, over two years have passed since that date and things are starting to look brighter on “The Island of the Gods”. Quarantine has lifted and the mountain of paperwork required to enter is getting smaller and smaller by the day.
This is great news not only for tourists who miss the island but also for locals who can now get back to work and provide for their families. As the saying goes, “Every challenge is an opportunity”, and Bali has the chance to rebuild its tourism offering in a way that protects its natural environment at the same time as providing equitable outcomes for the Balinese people.
For those planning to travel in 2022, we have compiled a list of the best tours in Bali which can help you experience the island in a new way. There are so many things to do that it can be hard to know where to start. With ForeverVacation – the number one tour operator in Southeast Asia – you can see the best sights and secrets of Bali, while enjoying the company of kind local guides whose smiles are nothing short of contagious.
10 Best Tours in Bali
Bali doesn’t just offer sun and beaches. This tropical oasis has volcanic peaks emerging from the earth, rice fields cared for by passionate farmers, secret waterfalls only a select few know about and stunning islands where even more adventures abound. Nature is a given but to take your vacation to the next level you should consider cultural, food and wildlife experiences that will paint a broader picture of this beautiful destination.
Consider booking one of the best tours in Bali mentioned below which cover a range of themes – whether you have come to Bali in search of adrenaline pumping activities like hiking or you desire a slower paced trip full of cultural immersion. Whatever preferences you harbor, the 5-star rated ForeverVacation can help you live out your dream Bali holiday.
1. Best of Ubud Tour
Ubud is the heart and soul of Bali. Here in the uplands travelers can find magnificent monuments, picturesque rice fields and unparalleled cultural experiences. The Best of Ubud Tour takes guests on an all-inclusive private journey that will make for one of the best days spent on the island. There is probably no better way to become acquainted with Bali for first time visitors, so pencil this tour into your itinerary for your first few days.
The tour kicks off with a hotel pick-up by one of the friendly local faces at ForeverVacation. Your guide will accompany you for the day, driving you around in a VIP vehicle. Everything is included such as transport, entrance fees and places to eat. Highlights include stops at the Ulun Danu Beratan Temple, the Nungnung Waterfall and the Jatiluwih Rice Terrace.
2. Bali Secret Waterfall Tour
Bali is home to some of the most beautiful waterfalls in Indonesia and on the Bali Secret Waterfall Tour guests will get the chance to experience four of the very best. These falls are: Leke Leke Waterfall, Banyumala Waterfall, Munduk Waterfall and Banyu Wana Amertha Waterfall. One or two of them you may have noticed on Instagram while the others are true hidden gems.
Travel from waterfall to waterfall with your fun guide who will be happy to take photos of your group under the water’s spray. The guides have ample experience shooting photos so you can trust them to find the right angles. Lunch is included on the tour so all you have to bring is your bathing suit, a towel, a phone or camera for photos and a positive attitude.
3. Bali Ultimate Monkey Forest Tour
The Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, otherwise known as the Monkey Forest Temple, is an incredible place to visit in the Ubud area. The scenes at the forest are otherworldly with stone carvings of Komodo Dragons on display, tree roots winding around various structures and a few monkeys roaming through the temples. The monkeys here are Balinese long-tails.
On the Bali Ultimate Monkey Forest Tour, travelers can get up close and personal with their new primate buddies as they explore this majestic site. And it’s not just the monkey forest that guests will see. This is a full day tour after all and so there is plenty of time to check out some other temples in the area as well as a waterfall stop at Kanto Lampo falls. Let your happy local guide take you on an epic day adventure in Ubud and Canggu.
4. Nusa Penida Snorkeling Adventure
Nusa Penida is the largest of the three Nusa islands situated off the Bali mainland. Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan are the two other Nusa islands that also warrant a visit. Known for its jaw-dropping cliff faces and sparkling beaches, Penida has become a must-visit destination in recent years after it was popularized by a variety of social media influencers.
The Nusa Penida Snorkeling Adventure is a great option if who would like to see all of the main attractions while partaking in a bit of snorkeling. Imagine swimming by sea turtles and manta rays – on this tour you won’t have to imagine since these sightings are common. A speed boat will transport you to the island for the day where you will visit a number of amazing places like Kelingking Cliff, Crystal Bay, Manta Bay and Gamat Bay.
5. Balinese Local Experience Culture Tour
The Balinese Local Experience Culture Tour is a wonderful opportunity for travelers to experience authentic Bali life. Visit two traditional villages where you can witness artisans producing their wares. Swing by the Celuk Village to see artists create gold and silver crafts, and head to the Mas Village to meet master carvers who chisel away at wooden works of art.
During this tour, guests are driven around in a private vehicle and all costs are covered except for any personal expenses like shopping. Another stop along the way is the Ubud Market which offers some fantastic clothes shopping – so it’s a good idea to bring cash with you. The final point of interest is the Ubud Palace which is the residence of Bali’s Royal Family. It caps off a phenomenal day where many fascinating facts will be learned.
6. Mount Batur Sunrise Hike & Hot Spring Tour
Early risers and adventure-lovers will have a blast on this experience as the crew at ForeverVacation take you on a Mount Batur Sunrise Hike & Hot Spring Tour. Mount Batur is one of the most famous volcanic peaks of Bali alongside Mount Agung. Be prepared to set your alarm for an ungodly hour because Mount Batur is best hiked at sunrise for gorgeous views at the top.
Your guide will collect you from the hotel and then drive you to the starting point. Feel free to nap in the car as you will need to conserve energy. An experienced hiking guide leads you up the volcano for 360-degree views. Once you have reached the summit, breakfast is served followed by a hot spring soak at a natural pool at the bottom. This is a true Bali adventure that lasts 14 hours and offers many epic photo ops along the way.
7. Bali Instagram Tour: The Most Famous Spots
This tour is suited for people who want to tick the most popular Bali attractions off their bucket list and take Insta-worthy photos along the way. Everything from historic temples and staggered rice terraces to enormous volcanoes and glorious waterfalls are included on the Bali Instagram Tour. Make sure your phones and cameras are fully charged for this fun day trip.
It doesn’t matter if you are a solo, a couple looking for romantic photos or a family with young kids – everyone can enjoy the sights and have the guide take photos of them at each stop. The guides at ForeverVacation are talented with cameras in hand and know how to bring out the best in people. You will leave the tour with dozens of remarkable pics.
8. Nusa Lembongan Tour: The Most Famous Spots
Nusa Lembongan is situated 30 minutes by speed boat from Bali and it’s one of the three Nusa islands alongside Penida and Ceningan. While this island is worth staying on for a couple of nights, for those short on time a day trip is the best option. On the Nusa Lembongan Tour guests can enjoy exploring the most beautiful destinations that the island has to offer.
Upon arrival your Balinese guide will take you to the following places: Devil’s Tears, Dream Beach, Yellow Bridge, Mangrove Forest and Mahagiri Beach. All of these spots are super Instagrammable and the guide can help you find the best perspectives to capture your photos. Like the other tours, this experience is all-inclusive and so you don’t need to worry about entrance fees, boat tickets or lunch – everything is sorted for you.
9. Balinese Cooking Class & Tanah Lot Temple Visit
Food is a big part of the culture and on the Balinese Cooking Class Tour travelers can learn how to cook like a local with the help of expert chefs. The traditional cuisine of Bali consists of dishes like chicken satay, meats wrapped in banana leaves, green papaya salad, temper curry, mie goreng and many other amazing recipes. The dishes you will cook and try on this tour cater for all dietary requirements including vegetarian and vegan.
The day begins by meeting your cooking class instructor and then heading to a market to pick up some fresh ingredients. These items are used to prepare a number of classic Balinese dishes that you will surely love. After savoring each bite of this delicious meal, there is enough time later in the day to pay a visit to the Tanah Lot Temple where you can have a look around for a few hours and take pictures of this famous temple by the sea.
10. Bali VIP Ultimate Spa Experience & Tanah Lot Temple Visit
To finish our list of the best tours in Bali, the VIP Ultimate Spa Experience is our last but certainly not least recommendation. Enjoy a three hour Sun & Moon massage at Prana Spa Seminyak. This is the perfect activity after a few days of adventure around the island where you can relax and unwind in a soothing environment. Plus, you will also get the chance to visit the Tanah Lot Temple in the afternoon which rounds off the day nicely.
Lunch is served after the massage in Seminyak, so you don’t have to worry about food for the day. In total, the tour runs for eight hours from 9am to 5pm. Hotel pick-up and drop-off is of course included. As you walk back into your hotel room in the late afternoon following this experience, your body and mind will be rejuvenated and that night you will sleep like a baby.
Final Thoughts on the Best Bali Tours
Bali is back and more beautiful than ever. Two tough years following the pandemic have not stifled the island’s spirit. Some things have changed but not everything for the worse. There is a sense of optimism sweeping through and the tours mentioned above can help you experience “The Island of the Gods” anew. Be sure to browse the entire list of Bali Tours by ForeverVacation to find even more amazing Balinese journeys.
