Best Things to Do in Bali When You’re Not Surfing
This post is about the best things to do in Bali beyond the epic waves.
Surfing is, without a doubt, the best activity in Bali. But maybe you know the feeling: your entire day revolves around the best waves. Whether you’re at a surf camp or a free surfer, everything is planned around the perfect surf sessions, leaving little time for other experiences. We often had to remind ourselves to schedule a trip or some sightseeing – even if it meant skipping a surf day. But let’s be honest: a rest day is good for everyone, right?
In this article, I’ll introduce you to my favorite activities in Bali beyond surfing – things you can do on the side or during a well-deserved rest day.
Reading Tip: The 8 Best Surf Spots in Bali for Beginners & Intermediates
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The 10 Best Things To Dos in Bali (beyond Surfing)
1. Take Advantage of Bali’s Extensive Sports Offerings
Bali has an incredible sports scene – if you can think of it, you can probably do it here! From gyms, yoga, and Pilates studios to martial arts, padel, golf, tennis, and football, the options are endless.
What’s even better? The quality of the sports facilities is outstanding and super modern! I was member of NIRVANA Lifestyle Club (see photos) – and honestly, you won’t find anything like it everywhere. The entrance features a café with a co-working space, plus a gym with indoor and outdoor areas, top-notch classes, a pool, an ice bath, and a restaurant. It’s not the cheapest, but you can easily spend the whole day there and meet tons of new people.
2. Get a Custom Surfboard Shaped
The best souvenir from Bali? My custom-shaped surfboard! Getting a board shaped in Bali is not only affordable but also one of the best investments for any surfer.
To make it even more special, ask if you can be part of the shaping process! Not every shaper allows it, but at REDZ Surfboard I was lucky enough to join in – I even got to choose the color and design. A memory for life!
Tip: The shaping process takes time, and depending on your requests, it might take even longer. If you’re only in Bali for a short trip (e.g., two weeks), you can pre-order your board online and pick it up when you arrive. It’s best to get in touch before your trip to check their schedule.
3. Customized Surfboard Sock – The Perfect Souvenir for Surfers
Discovering the Palm Bay Bali Surfshops surf shop was a real highlight! Not only did I find some great accessories for my new board, but I also got a custom-made surfboard sock – a perfect souvenir, either for yourself or a surfer friend back home. Prices start at around $30, and you can check their price list and fabric options here: Boardsock
The variety of fabrics and designs is amazing, and the team is super friendly. The owner even knows Kelly Slater, and we had a fascinating chat!
Whether you’re getting a custom board sock or just browsing, a visit to Palm Bay Bali is a must for every surfer in Bali!
4. Get Your Diving Certification
As someone with a passion for the ocean and a fascination for the underwater world, we’ve gone snorkeling and tried introductory dives on countless trips.
However, snorkeling was never really my thing – I get nauseous easily and end up with headaches. Diving, on the other hand, was always the better alternative for me. I love the feeling of being closer to the underwater world, the adrenaline rush, and the meditative aspect of diving.
That said, booking an introductory dive every time can be a bit of a hassle. You always have to start with a training session in the pool, which takes time and is more expensive than a regular dive with a certification. Plus, for safety reasons, you’re often not allowed to bring your GoPro. So, during our time in Bali, we decided: Let’s just get our Open Water certification!
Bali has plenty of PADI dive schools, including the well-known Bali Fun Diving. In the end, we chose a German-speaking school: Paradise Diving. The course only took three days, and we still managed to squeeze in a sunset surf session at the end of each day. Plus, getting a diving certification in Bali is significantly cheaper than in Europe – it was one of the best decisions of our trip! We even got to use our newly acquired certification in Australia at the Great Barrier Reef, where another introductory dive would have been way more expensive.
Many top surf destinations are also world-class diving spots, making it easy to combine both activities without repeatedly paying for introductory dives.
Another school we can recommend is 3W Dive on Gili Air!
5. Take a Trip to the Gili Island
If you need a little break from Bali or want to experience laid-back island life, the Gili Islands are the perfect escape. Gili Air and Gili Meno are ideal for relaxing, while Gili Trawangan is famous as the party island.
On the Gilis, everything revolves around diving, snorkeling, and unwinding. There are no cars or motorbikes, which slows down the pace of life and makes the islands feel even more idyllic. However, due to the large number of (sadly, some dead) corals, the beaches aren’t ideal for swimming everywhere. But there are certain spots where you can easily get into the water without hurting yourself or damaging the coral.
If you’re short on time, you can island-hop all three Gilis in a single day. However, for a more relaxed experience, I’d highly recommend staying at least three days to fully soak in the peaceful atmosphere.
Travel Tip:
The Gili Islands are right next to the surfer’s paradise Lombok. If you’re keen to explore another incredible surf destination, you can easily combine both trips and take a speedboat back to Bali afterward. That said, to truly make the most of Lombok, you should plan at least a week there.
Reading Tip: Lombok Travel Guide: Surfing Exploring, Insider-Tips
6. Explore Nusa Penida & Nusa Lembongan
If you’ve caught the island-hopping bug, then Nusa Penida & Nusa Lembongan should definitely be on your list! These two islands offer the perfect idyllic getaway with breathtaking natural beauty.
The ferry ride from Bali takes just 30–40 minutes, and you can hop between the two islands in about 15 minutes by local boat. For a relaxed experience, I highly recommend spending at least two days on each island.
Once there, renting a scooter is the best way to explore at your own pace. Alternatively, for Nusa Penida, hiring a local driver is a good idea – the island is much bigger than Lembongan, and the roads can be quite rough. Wondering which island is more worth visiting?
Definitely both! Each has its own unique charm. Nusa Penida is famous for its dramatic landscapes – you’ve probably seen them all over Instagram. Nusa Lembongan, on the other hand, has fewer sightseeing spots but is just as worthwhile. The vibe is more laid-back and relaxed, with cozy beachfront restaurants – perfect for surfers like us!
And the best part? You can even surf on Nusa Lembongan! The island has some great point breaks. The water is a bit colder than in Bali, though – so bring a 1mm wetsuit top or rent one locally.
7. Experience Bali’s Culture in Ubud
A trip to Ubud is no secret – and it’s probably already on your Bali bucket list. But I still have to mention it! While places like Canggu have lost a lot of their original authenticity, Ubud still has a special atmosphere – even though it’s just as touristy.
The drive takes only about 30 minutes, and there’s so much to do – or you can simply slow down and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. Some must-do experiences include:
- Exploring rice fields & waterfalls
- Visiting the Monkey Forest
- Checking out temples
- Trying yoga retreats & meditation in the tropical jungle
- Indulging in wellness – like a spa day at Svaha Spa
Even on a day trip, you can experience a lot of what Ubud has to offer. But if you want to truly soak in the culture, I’d recommend staying 2–3 days before heading back to the waves!
Hidden Gem:
If Ubud feels too crowded, Bali has plenty of quieter spots where you can enjoy a more relaxed atmosphere. One place we loved was Sidenem, a peaceful area not too far from Ubud and much cheaper. An ideal stop if you are heading to the Gilis or Lombok as the port is close by.
8. Enjoy Bali’s Affordable Wellness & Beauty Scene
A trip to Bali wouldn’t be complete without indulging in its incredibly affordable wellness offerings! You can get a Balinese massage for as little as $10 – and you definitely shouldn’t miss out on that.
But Bali offers so much more than just massages. The variety of treatments is so vast that you won’t even be able to try them all! How about a full day at the spa, like at SUNDARI?
There are also great beauty salons for relaxing facials. I personally treated myself to a few sessions at Anaya Aesthetics – highly recommended!
Insider Tip:
In Canggu, there’s an amazing lady who does stunning nails. She comes right to your accommodation and is super professional! I always got BIAB nails from her – perfect if your nails are thin and don’t tolerate gel. You can contact her via Instagram: Nailscare Bali
9. Get a Tattoo
For many, it’s a must-do: Coming home from Bali with a tattoo! I couldn’t resist either – with so many talented tattoo artists, the temptation was just too big.
While my studio wasn’t necessarily cheaper than in Europe, it was a special keepsake from my incredible time on the island.
Worried about hygiene? No need! Thanks to Bali’s international influence, there are now high-quality, professional, and sterile studios that meet the highest standards. I personally got inked at HALFMOON Studio and my friends had great experiences at Quiet Ink and Celebrity Ink.
10. Take a Balinese Cooking Class
Experiencing a culture also means experiencing its food. On a flat day or rest day, taking a Balinese cooking class is an unforgettable activity you won’t regret!
Most classes start with a local market visit, where you’ll pick out fresh ingredients before heading to the kitchen. Some classic Balinese dishes you’ll learn to make include: Nasi Goreng, Satay-Skewers, Balinese Curry.
Many courses take place in beautiful, traditional Balinese homes or with stunning views of rice fields. Some highly recommended cooking schools are:
- Paon Bali Cooking Class (Ubud)
- The Balinese Farm Cooking School (Ubud)
- Warung Nia Cooking Class (Seminyak)
Final Thoughts
Surfing will always be the best activity in Bali, but the island offers so much more beyond its epic waves. Whether you need a rest day or the conditions aren’t right for your level, there are plenty of ways to make every moment of your Bali trip unforgettable.
Bali offers the perfect balance between adventure and relaxation – for surfers and non-surfers alike.
This article highlights the best things to do in Bali for when you’re not surfing.
