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Bali’s long been a magnet for conscious travellers chasing something deeper—whether it’s a spiritual reset, a breathwork retreat, or just a break from the chaos. It’s not exactly a hidden gem (it hasn’t been since the ‘80s), but there’s still something about it that pulls people in.
Every year, the island fills up with backpackers ditching the 9-to-5 grind in favour of barefoot nights and sunrise swims. These days, it’s also crawling with digital nomads tapping away at laptops in beachfront cafes and vanishing into the jungle on weekends to find hidden waterfalls or to wander through those endless rice fields.
If you want to see more than just the obvious spots, a good tour makes all the difference. There’s no shortage of them—early hikes up Mount Batur, snorkelling off Nusa Penida, local food tours through Ubud, and day trips that actually give you some context instead of just ticking off photo ops. The right guide can take a place you’ve seen a hundred times on Instagram and actually make it feel worth it.
Sure, you can turn up and wing it. But if you want to skip the guesswork and get to the good bits straight off the bat, then tune into my guide to the BEST tours in Bali.
Photo: @taya.travels
The Broke Backpacker is supported by you. Clicking through our links may earn us a small affiliate commission, and that's what allows us to keep producing free content 🙂 Learn more.
Best Bali Tours
When I was looking into going to Bali, I was overwhelmed by how many options there were. Because it’s a popular destination, there are all sorts of tours – all claiming to be the best. To save you the headache, I’ve handpicked a varied selection of the best Bali tours for a variety of travellers so your trip to Indonesia is as unforgettable as mine was.
Whether you’re heading on your first backpacking trip to Bali and you’ve got limited funds or you’re travelling with the kids – I’ve got a tour for you! From beach holidays to spirituality retreats, Bali is a destination where you’re spoilt for choice.
I won’t waffle on, so without further ado, here are the most epic tours of Bali.
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1. Overall Best Bali Tour – The Classic Route
- Days: 8 days
- Price: Usually $950, but there are price drops on specific travel dates
- Group Size: 12-16 people
- Fitness Required: Average, there will be some hikes, but nothing too challenging
- Accommodations: You’ll stay at a hotel for 5 of the nights, then spend one night at a bungalow and one night at a homestay
- Meals Included: 7 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 1 dinner
- Service Level: Standard (expect it to be comfortable, but not luxurious)
This epic whistle-stop tour of Bali covers all the main highlights and will give you a general feel for the place.
The route runs from Sunur all the way to Candidasa. Along the way, you’ll visit gorgeous outdoor spots like Lake Danu Bratan Temple and the Jatiluwih Rice Terraces. A real highlight of the itinerary is the mountain hot springs you’ll get to laze around in just before you arrive at Kintamani. This stunning mountain town has views of the Batur Crater (which you’ll summit one morning) and is great for mingling with the locals at the markets. The trip wouldn’t be complete without stopping off at Ubud, the island’s most iconic town. For the last day, chill and enjoy a slower pace of life at Candidasa’s beaches.
This jam-packed tour is a great option for any travellers who are short on time but are still adamant about seeing it all! Each day is full to the brim with activities, and you’ll get a well-rounded experience of all of Bali’s flavours, including some hidden gems. As it’s such a short trip and you’ll do so much, there’s not much time for solo exploring either.
Image: Nic Hilditch-Short
Who is this tour best for?
Perfect for busy-bees who want to see as much as possible in a short time, families with older kids or teens, first-time backpackers, and nervous travellers who want some extra guidance.
Cons:
- Most of your lunches and dinners won’t be included, so factor that into your budget.
- You won’t have loads of opportunities to dive into Bali’s spirituality and wellness scene.
2. Best Bali Tour for Families – Bali Family Holiday with Teenagers
- Days: 8 days
- Price: $1,420 per adult and $1,300 per child
- Group Size: Max 16 people
- Fitness Required: Average, don’t worry – there won’t be anything too strenuous
- Accommodations: You’ll stay at hotels each night
- Meals Included: 7 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 1 dinner
- Service Level: Standard – you won’t be travelling like a king, but everything will be easy and comfy
Looking for a Bali vacation that will work for the whole family? Then this family tour is perfect for you! We all know that travelling with kids has its extra challenges, which is why picking a tour that is specifically tailored to families is the best choice.
Let Intrepid do all the hard work, and enjoy your trip!
Photo: @amandaadraper
The route starts in the bustling town of Ubud. From there, you’ll travel into the hills and through the rice fields to Pinge Village, stopping at a flower farm and the Ancient Banyan Tree along the way. Get ready to get your adrenaline pumping with a whitewater rafting trip in Candidasa the next day!
You’ll have time to go snorkelling at the beach or explore the city after too. Wake up on the fourth day and head to Pekarangan, a small town where you’ll learn about the tradition of pandan leaf weaving from a local family. A highlight of the trip is hiking through rice terraces and the trip to the lush gardens at Tirta Gangga in Amed. You’ll spend some time snorkelling in Amed too, before ending the trip in Sanur.
Paced just right for families with teens, this tour covers a lot of the island. There’s no repetition in the tour, which will keep the kids from complaining that they’re bored!
Who is this tour best for?
This Bali tour is specifically designed for families with teens. Unfortunately, if you have kids under 10 years old, they won’t be able to come along.
Cons:
- You’ll have to forgo Bali’s wilder side and party scene on this kid-friendly tour.
- Age limit of over 10.
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3. Bali Tour for Conscious Travellers – Wellness Tour
- Days: 9 days
- Price: $1,353 per person
- Group Size: 12-15 people
- Fitness Required: Average, be ready to go hiking or rafting, but don’t worry about summiting volcanoes!
- Accommodations: You’ll stay at hotels each night of the trip
- Meals Included: 8 breakfasts, 4 lunches
- Service Level: Standard (expect some extra comforts, but nothing overly glamorous)
Get ready to dive right into Bali’s world-renowned spirituality and wellbeing scene. Stretch your worries away in yoga class, feast on super healthy food, and ground yourself with meditation classes. You’ll also visit an organic farm outside of Ubud, go to loads of temples like the Tirta Empul, where you’ll take a purifying holy bath, and join healing ceremonies.
The route is less packed than most tours, and only visits Ubud, Pemuteran, Nusa Dua, and Sanur. But less travel time means more time on the yoga mat!
This restorative tour is great if you’re feeling burnt out and you need to hit reset. Unwind and prioritise your health – it’s time to put you first.
Photo: @amandaadraper
Who is this tour best for?
This tour is great for anyone hoping to uncover their spiritual side—yogis, nature lovers, gym-addicts and any health-conscious foodies who want to keep fit and travel at the same time. Families with kids over 12 years old are welcome to join too!
Cons:
- Bear in mind that anyone over 12 can join the tour, so there might be families.
- Because the focus is on well-being, the tour visits fewer places.
4. Best Bali Budget Tour – Essential Bali and Gili Islands
- Days: 10
- Price: $733 (or less on certain dates!)
- Group Size: Up to 16 people
- Fitness Required: Average, there won’t be anything too tricky
- Accommodations: You’ll stay mostly at hotels and one guesthouse
- Meals Included: 9 breakfasts, 1 dinner
- Service Level: Basic – give up some extra comforts in the name of budget travelling
Want to visit Bali without going into your overdraft? Then book this awesome budget-friendly tour. You’ll get to see the main island and go on loads of cool outdoor adventures, as well as island hopping to the Gili Islands.
The route starts in Ubud, where you’ll have loads of free time to explore the temples and rice paddies with your new buddies. From there, you’ll head to Batur. A highlight of the trip is stopping off at the Tirta Empul temple along the way—it’s a Bali classic! Make sure you get a good night’s sleep on the third day because you’ll be waking up at 3 AM to summit Mt Batur’s volcano crater—an experience you’ll never forget.
After that, you’ll catch speedboats to Gili Trawangan, where you can snorkel, join yoga classes, or just chill. Next up—Seminyak! Famous for its spas and bars, it strikes the perfect balance between wellbeing and nightlife.
Photo: @danielle_wyatt
Who is this tour best for?
Anyone who’s worried about their bank balance will love this budget-friendly tour. It’s also great for young backpackers who like to party, adventurous souls who love exploring, and beach fans.
Cons:
- This tour is restricted to 18 to 35-year-olds.
- Some of the activities are extras that you’ll need to pay more for.
5. Beach Trips to Bali – Beaches and Boat Rides
- Days: 9 days
- Price: $990
- Group Size: 12 to 18 people
- Fitness Required: Average – you’ll mostly be lazing on the beach, but there might be some hiking involved
- Accommodations: You’ll stay at simple hotels and homestays
- Meals Included: 8 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 2 dinners
- Service Level: Basic
This fast-paced beach tour is designed for young backpackers who live by the motto ‘I’ll sleep when I’m dead’. Make new friends and memories you’ll cherish for life on this epic Bali beach tour.
The route starts in Kuta, where you can go surfing or drink cocktails on the beach. Then head to a small Balinese village where you’ll hike, swim in natural hot springs, and learn to cook local dishes. Next up, the iconic town of Ubud. Visit temples and hike to picturesque waterfalls with your new travel friends. Then it’s time to leave the mainland and travel by boat to Gili Trawangan. Slow down and relax into the island’s hippie-dippy vibe for a few days. Catch a tan on the island’s white sand beaches and go snorkelling.
Photo: @danielle_wyatt
Who is this tour best for? Young travellers with wild spirits and a go-go-go approach to travelling will love this tour. Thrill-seekers, budget travellers, and beach fanatics shouldn’t miss it either.
Cons:
- Your transfer from Gill Trawangan back to Kuta isn’t included in the price.
- This tour is only suitable for younger backpackers (18 to young 30s).
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Get Yours Here Read Our ReviewBest Bali Day Tours
Not sure you want to commit to a multi-day tour? Or perhaps you’re already in Bali and you’re just looking for a more structured way to explore? If this is you, then day tours are a great option.
They cost loads less than multi-day trips, and you can pick and choose what you want to do instead of committing to a full itinerary. If you haven’t rented a scooter in Bali, then day trips are also a great way to get to nature spots and temples that are out of the way and can’t be reached with public transport.
Get ready to make new friends and see awesome attractions on these fun day tours from Ubud!
1. Join a Ritual at Taman Beji Griya Waterfall
Company: Get Your Guide
The Melukat ritual, known as the Holy Bath, is a big part of Balinese culture. Locals do it regularly to cleanse their spirits and purify themselves of any lingering negativity. There are very few places as suited to the ritual as the Taman Beji Griya Waterfall.
Immerse yourself in the water, which is thought to have healing powers. Watch as your worries dissipate and your negative thoughts ease. I also heard from locals that the ritual is great for getting rid of bad luck – it’s got to be worth a shot, right?
It’s a great place to snap some Instagram-worthy shots, too!
2. Join This Thrilling ATV Experience
Company: Airbnb Experiences
Join this epic quad bike tour through the jungle! Race through the lush vegetation at full speed and try not to lose control as you skid through the mud. Make sure you don’t wear your Sunday best for this one—it’s going to be messy!
After racing with your mates, stop for a delicious Balinese lunch before catching the sunset from an exclusive sunset spot. It’s hard to compete with the views of the sunset you’ll get from Cretya. They have really cool net hammocks suspended in the air that look out over the surrounding rice paddies, too.
3. Summit Mt Batur On This Epic Volcano Day Tour
Photo: @joemiddlehurst
Company: Airbnb Experiences
Even now, I can still see the dazzling sunrise views over the valley from Mt Batur as though it were just yesterday. I’m not an early riser, so the 2 AM start was a challenge, but it was worth every hour of sleep I lost!
Kickstart the day with a hike to the top of Mt Batur crater. Make sure you’ve got your best hiking boots on, there are some tough bits. You’ll arrive at the summit just as the sun starts to appear over the mountains, its golden rays marking the start of the new day.
Even though it wasn’t an easy climb, my muscles weren’t left aching thanks to the stop at some rejuvenating hot springs on the way back. We also stopped for some fresh coffee at a coffee farm!
4. Explore Ubud’s Food Scene
Photo: @amandaadraper
Company: Airbnb Experience
Foodies gather around for an epic day of cooking and visiting local markets! We all know a big part of travelling is immersing yourself in the local cuisine, and few places will tantalise your taste buds as much as Bali.
Kickstart the day at a local market, where you can pick up all the fresh ingredients you’ll need and chat with the friendly stall owners.
Then you’ll head to the kitchen and learn how to cook Balinese dishes. Then comes the best bit—tuck into your creations!
5. Dive Right In – A Day of Snorkelling and Waterfalls
Photo: @amandaadraper
Company: Airbnb Experiences
Bali’s shores are surrounded by colourful corals and exotic marine life that will blow your mind. Get ready to meet the cutest and funniest fish like the real-life clown fish (aka, Nemo)! If you’re lucky, you’ll even come across some sea turtles.
After a dip in the sea, your guide will take you to Kanto Lampo waterfall. The gorgeous falls surrounded by thick rainforest are a photographer’s dream. And just when you think the day couldn’t get better, you’ll be taken to a local coffee farm where you’ll learn all about how the coffee is grown on the island and get to taste it for yourself!
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View on OspreyQuick Guide to Visiting Bali
Here are some handy things you should know before you start planning your trip to Bali. Getting your timing right and making sure you have the right kit and travel insurance is easy to overlook, but it can make or break your holiday!
Best Time to Visit Bali
Bali is pretty close to the equator, so it has a tropical climate. That means that it’s hot year-round and there’s really no such thing as winter on the island (seriously, temperatures rarely drop below 20 degrees Celsius in Bali).
But that doesn’t mean there isn’t a wrong time to visit. Like many tropical places, Bali has a dry and rainy season. Unless you want to get caught in unexpected tropical storms and have to battle with the wet weather day in and day out, I suggest you visit in the dry season.
Photo: @amandaadraper
The island’s dry season is from April to October, and it’s the best time to visit if you want to do lots of hiking or go on a beach-themed holiday. The only drawback is that it’s also when most travellers come to Bali, so it gets really busy. Peak season is June and July, so try visiting outside of those months to avoid the worst of the crowds.
If you don’t mind the rain and humidity, then visit in the rainy season from November to March. Despite the weather, it is the best time to see the rainforests in all their glory, and it’s great for budget travellers. Because there are fewer tourists on the island, flight and hotel prices drop a lot.
Travel Insurance for your Bali Trip
Unfortunately, things can go wrong when you least expect it. This is why good travel insurance is essential before you head on your trip to Bali.
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
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What to Pack for Bali
One of the things that I love the most about Bali is that it’s pretty easy to pack for. Forget having to fork out extra to pay for suitcases bursting with winter coats and heavy layers. You can pack light for your trip, and spend the money you save on cocktails by the beach – it’s a win-win!
Having said that, worst case scenario, you can hit the shops in Canguu if you forget your keks!
Because the weather can be a bit dramatic, it can go from blue skies with not a cloud in sight to a tropical downpour in a matter of minutes, there are some less obvious things you should bring along.
I’ve compiled all the quirky extras and blatantly obvious things you need to bring:
- Lightweight hiking trousers. Ideally, get ones that unzip into shorts too!
- Swimwear. If you can find swim trunks that double up as hiking shorts for jungle treks, that’s even better!
- Sun cream. Even on cloudy days, don’t be fooled! ALWAYS wear sun cream.
- Sunglasses to protect you from the blaring sun.
- Your best camera.
- A lightweight, quick-drying travel towel for the beach.
- Some thin pyjamas (avoid your fluffy Christmas-themed ones!).
- A raincoat for those unexpected tropical storms.
- A dry bag that you can put your phone and important documents in when you’re out hiking or on a snorkelling trip.
- Hiking sandals – I especially love the Teva Hurricane XLT2!
- Bring along a transparent waterproof phone case if you want to take underwater pictures while you’re snorkelling.
Things go wrong on the road ALL THE TIME. Be prepared for what life throws at you.
Buy an AMK Travel Medical Kit before you head out on your next adventure – don’t be daft!
Buy on REIFinal Thoughts on the Best Bali Tours
Bali is one of those places that has it all. From the island’s wacky well-being and spirituality scene to gold sand beaches and volcano hikes. These awesome tours of Bali show off the best of the island.
Whether you decide to go all out and book a multi-day tour or you’d rather do the planning yourself and add on an occasional day tour, this article is packed with great options to choose from.
Still can’t make up your mind? My fave multi-day tour is the Wellness Tour because it offers a deep dive into Bali’s more quirky side. I also think the Mt Batur Volcano Day Tour is an absolute must for those looking for day tours!
I hope this article has helped you prepare for your trip to Bali. Whatever tours you choose, you’re guaranteed to have an awesome time. You really can’t go wrong with a trip to Bali.
Remember to keep applying sun cream! Enjoy!
Photo: Ralph Cope
- Check out our Bali hostel guide for a vibing place to stay.
- If you’re feeling like splurging, check these epic Airbnbs in Bali.
- Our ultimate Backpacking in Bali guide is an essential read before you travel.
- Don’t forget the essentials with our in-depth backpacking packing list.
- Plan your entire Southeast Asia backpacking adventure with our mega-guide!
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You can now buy The Broke Backpacker a coffee. If you like and use our content to plan your trips, it’s a much appreciated way to show appreciation 🙂
