By Sophie Cole
If you were to imagine paradise on Earth, it might look a lot like Bali. With lush green landscapes, expansive rice paddies, sweeping beaches, and a spiritual essence at its very core, this Indonesian island exudes tropical tranquility and is the perfect place to replenish body, mind, spirit, and soul.
Experience Bali’s beauty and serenity — while being mindful of the island’s unique environment and local culture — during one of these eco-friendly activities on your next trip to Indonesia. From nighttime hiking through the jungle to catching an epic mountaintop sunrise and gliding through calm waters with graceful manta rays, these soul-soothing, sustainable adventures will bring you closer to the natural wonders of this truly remarkable Island of the Gods.
Serenity at Batur Natural Hot Spring
Begin the Balinese bliss with a soak in warm waters at Batur Natural Hot Spring. Located in northern Bali at the foot of a volcano, this nature-like retreat features human-made pools filled with natural water sourced from a nearby mountain stream. The mineral-rich water is heated by underground magma and full of volcanic nutrients that can help rejuvenate tired muscles — and the bath-like temperatures can feel like a comforting hug for the soul.
With views overlooking Lake Batur and the surrounding mountains, combined with the orchestral-like sounds of nature and the trickling from streams in the background, it’s a serene setting for a soak. There are 10 different pools, with varying water temperatures and depths, including a swimming pool for adults, a kid-friendly section, and a water-therapy pool at which temperatures in the hot water shower range between 100°F and 104°F. Towel rental, locker space, and a welcome drink are all included in the price, lending to the hot spring’s spa-like aura.
A Relaxing Ride Around Bali’s Countryside
Bali’s inland is a mosaic of lush green rice paddies and iconic terraces interwoven with rural, traditional villages. You can explore the island’s rustic countryside during a scenic half-day bicycling tour with Bali Lost Adventure in the Tabanan area.
The approximately 15-mile-long trail meanders past rice fields, through villages, and alongside rivers, with pit stops along the way, including a break at a farmer’s hut for a refreshing coconut drink and a visit to a local school (if school is in session the day you’re riding). The tour concludes with a delicious Balinese-style lunch at a local restaurant that overlooks vibrant green rice fields and a river. This active outing is mostly downhill and is suitable for children, too. Traveling by bike is a great way to minimize your carbon footprint when exploring the island, while also supporting local communities.
Waterfall Wonders on Lombok
For a relaxing, nature-inspired day-trip, cross over to Lombok — Bali’s neighbor to the east — for some awe-inspiring waterfall magic. This laid-back isle, with its equally lush green landscapes and white-sand beaches, is known for its slower pace of life with fewer crowds.
There are multiple ways to travel from Bali to Lombok, including by plane (about 30 minutes), fast boat (approximately two to three hours), or public ferry (this more budget-friendly option can take about four to five hours).
However you decide to travel, it’s worth the trip to visit two of the island’s most popular jungle cascades: Sendang Gile and Tiu Kelep in northern Lombok, on Viator’s private waterfall tour. Located at the foot of Mount Rinjani — Indonesia’s second highest volcano — both waterfalls can be reached via a leisurely trek through the vivid-green rainforest. At the falls, listen to the soothing sounds of water as it plunges over the green cliffside and feel the cooling mist from the spray. It’s a humbling way to experience the sheer power of nature and witness the majestic beauty of Lombok. According to locals, the waterfall’s name Tiu Kelep derives from the Sasak language and translates as flying pool. Sendang Gile is based on a legend in which a prince was chased by a lion through the woods and hid behind the waterfall, taking refuge.
The tour also includes a visit to Senaru’s traditional village and the Masjid Bayan Beleq — the oldest mosque in Lombok, which dates to the 17th century. You’ll get a glimpse into the customs of the Sasak inhabitants, who are spiritually connected to nature and are considered the cultural guardians of Mount Rinjani and the surrounding forest.
Stunning Sunrise Atop Mount Agung
Located in Northern Bali and soaring more than 9,800 feet above sea level stands Mount Agung, the country’s highest peak and an active volcano. It’s considered by the Balinese to be a sacred site. For an exciting, unforgettable challenge, adventurous souls can embark on a nighttime trek up Mount Agung to catch the morning’s sunrise. It’s a mesmerizing experience to witness nature’s daybreak show from what feels like the top of the world as the sun slowly ascends above the cloud-blanketed horizon — an ethereal skyscape view that’ll likely remain etched in your memory.
Bali Trekking Tours offers two hikes with varying difficulty levels. The easier 2.5-mile-long route via Pasar Agung Temple involves a three-to-four-hour uphill hike — with an ascent of almost 5,000 feet, finishing about 300 feet below the summit — and rewards with stunning sunrise views. For folks who dig a vacation challenge, the more than 4-mile-long trek via Besakih Temple takes between six and seven hours to reach the top and winds through the lush Besakih jungle before a challenging scramble up steep terrain along the final stretch. This hike concludes with a majestic panorama overlooking Batur’s caldera, Lake Batur, and neighboring Lombok’s Mount Rinjani in the far distance — before starting your descent.
Snorkel Alongside Graceful Manta Rays
Many people consider manta rays the angels of the sea. Known for their elegant movements as they effortlessly glide through the water, they inspire a sense of peace, awe, wonder, and otherworldly beauty. Swim alongside these majestic ocean creatures during a mesmerizing snorkeling experience in Nusa Penida, on the southern coast of Bali.
Viator offers a manta ray snorkeling safari that stops at three to four prime locations (dependent on the water conditions), such as Manta Bay — a popular site where reef mantas often congregate at a “cleaning station,” to be scrubbed by small fish. By keeping a distance from the mantas and allowing them the space to swim at a distance that they feel comfortable, you’ll help promote eco-friendly practices while enjoying a special insight into their incredible underwater world. Snorkeling equipment is provided on this tour, and an underwater photographer will be with you to capture your magical encounters with the graceful reef mantas, as well as other colorful fish and turtles.
Create Culinary Classics During a Cooking Class
Another highlight of the Balinese culture is the food. From nasi goreng (Balinese-styled fried rice) to es campur (a sweet dessert of shaved ice, coconut milk, tapioca pearls, and mixed fruits), the cuisine is packed full of flavor, spice, and sweetness.
For a relaxing morning, learn how to create authentic Balinese dishes during a cooking class at Taman Dukuh Bali Farm Cooking School in Ubud. The class begins with a visit to the local market — offering visitors the chance to get up close with Bali’s rich food culture and support local communities through buying their produce — before continuing with a tour back at the on-site organic farm. Afterward, you’ll create some of Bali’s best-loved dishes as the expert chefs guide you through the preparation of authentic Indonesian-style dishes such as satay lilit (chunks of meat cooked on lemongrass skewers) or vegan curry, followed by a sweet treat like pisang goreng (banana fritters with melted palm sugar and coconut). And then comes the best part: You get to enjoy your delicious culinary creations.
Soul-Nourishing Yoga in Ubud
Bali is considered by many as one of the yoga capitals of the world and spiritual seekers are often drawn to the island to experience the wellness scene. Whether you’re a seasoned yogi or new to the practice, you can connect to mind, body, and soul during a yoga class at one of Bali’s many studios.
The Yoga Barn, located in a tranquil jungle-like setting in the spiritual heart of Ubud, is home to eight studios, a yoga shop, and a cafe. From vinyasa and hatha, to soul-soothing yin and fun-filled AcroYoga, there are drop-in classes for all levels. Or, if you prefer to try something different, there are a variety of meditation and dance classes available, too, such as yoga nidra and qigong. After the yoga bliss, sip on the likes of a Green Goddess juice or a dragon passionfruit smoothie at Yoga Barn’s Juice Bar or refuel with some wholesome soul food like the rainbow Buddha bowl — filled with fried tofu and roasted beetroot — or a moringa pumpkin curry at the Garden Kafe.
