Benoa is your gateway to Bali, a place where golden beaches, emerald rice terraces and intricate temples all blend into one unforgettable island experience. This port on the southern tip of Bali sets you up for everything the island is famous for — from sacred temples perched on cliffs to lively craft markets, from beach breaks to immersive cultural encounters.
Whether you want to soak up Bali’s spirituality, lounge by the sea or explore the island’s creative heart, there’s an excursion waiting to match your style.
Bali Cultural and Spiritual Excursions
Bali is often called the Island of the Gods and for good reason. The island’s culture runs deep, rooted in centuries-old traditions that are still alive today. Shore excursions here give you the chance to see that heritage up close.
Authentic Balinese Remains
This journey feels like stepping into another world. Wander through a batik gallery where patterns are hand-dyed in mesmerizing detail, then stand in awe at Pura Kehen, one of Bali’s most beautiful temples. With its stone carvings and towering banyan tree, it’s a place that feels both sacred and timeless. Lunch at a local restaurant ties it all together with flavors of Indonesian spices and fresh island ingredients.
Cultural Performance
Bali is as much about performance as it is about temples. On this excursion, local artisans show you how they carve wood and shape silver before you take a seat for a Barong dance. The masks, costumes and music make it one of Bali’s most captivating traditions — part theater, part ritual and entirely unforgettable.
Uluwatu Temple Tour
Few places capture Bali’s magic like Uluwatu Temple. Perched high above the crashing waves, the temple feels like it belongs to the sea and sky. After time to explore the grounds and soak in the views, you’ll head to see the monumental Garuda Wisnu Kencana statue, a modern symbol of Bali’s spiritual identity.
The Artistic Heart of Bali
Beyond beaches, Bali thrives on creativity. Villages here are workshops of art, design and craft, making them a joy to explore.
Balinese Arts and Crafts Shopping Tour
If you love bringing home meaningful souvenirs, this is the perfect outing. From colorful batik textiles to finely carved wood and jewelry, Balinese craftsmanship is world-renowned. Visiting small workshops gives you the chance to meet the artisans, see their process and pick up something you can’t find anywhere else.
Balinese Way of Life
This tour threads together the different sides of daily life on the island — a stop at silver-making studios, a village where traditions have been passed down for generations and an art gallery that showcases Bali’s distinctive style. The experience wraps up with a leisurely lunch overlooking some of the island’s most beautiful scenery.
Ubud On Your Own
Sometimes the best way to experience Bali’s artistic spirit is to just wander. A trip to Ubud gives you free time in a town known for its galleries, boutiques and serene atmosphere. You can shop for handmade crafts, visit local cafes or simply walk through the streets that have inspired travelers and artists for decades.
Nature and Adventure Excursions in Bali
Bali’s landscape is as captivating as its culture and some excursions take you into the countryside where rice fields, rainforests and mountains create the backdrop for adventure.
Soul of Bali by Land Rover
This day trip is as immersive as it gets. Riding in an open-air Land Rover, you’ll head into the island’s green heart, where you’ll learn how to prepare traditional offerings, visit hidden temples and trek through the UNESCO-listed Jatiluwih rice terraces. The scenery is breathtaking — hills layered with terraces that seem to stretch forever. Lunch at the Bamboo Forest Restaurant, accompanied by traditional music, makes it a day that blends nature, culture and local flavors.
Glow of the Rice Terraces
Even a simple drive through the countryside reveals why Bali is so loved. Lush valleys, endless greenery and small villages along the way offer moments that feel both tranquil and inspiring. For those seeking more adventure, hiking or cycling through the rice fields gives you a chance to see Bali’s beauty at your own pace.
Bali Beach Excursions
Of course, many visitors come to Bali for the beaches — and Benoa puts some of the island’s best within easy reach.
Beach Break at Nusa Dua
Sometimes the perfect shore excursion is as simple as a day at the beach. Spend your time at one of Nusa Dua’s top resorts, where the sands are soft, the water is calm and the palm-lined promenade invites you for a stroll. With a pool, shopping options and a delicious meal included, this outing is all about unwinding in style.
Kuta Town On Your Own
If you prefer a livelier vibe, Kuta is where Bali’s beach culture comes alive. With free time to wander, you can shop, grab a bite or simply settle into the sand and watch the surf. It’s energetic, colorful and a fun contrast to the island’s quieter corners.
Choose Your Benoa, Bali Shore Excursion
Excursions in Benoa, Bali include temple visits at Uluwatu and Pura Kehen, cultural performances like the Barong dance, village and art tours in Ubud, countryside adventures through rice terraces and beach breaks at Nusa Dua or Kuta. Whether you’re here for the traditions, the landscapes or the sheer joy of a day by the sea, Benoa opens the door to everything that makes Bali magical.
FAQs: Visiting Benoa
1. Is Benoa a cruise port in Bali?
Yes. Benoa is the main cruise port in Bali, located on the island’s southern tip. From here, excursions take you to beaches, temples, cultural villages and the countryside.
2. Is Bali worth visiting on a cruise?
Yes. Bali is one of the most popular cruise destinations in Southeast Asia, offering a mix of beaches, temples, art, food and cultural traditions in a single stop.
3. What are the best shore excursions in Benoa, Bali?
The best excursions include visiting Uluwatu Temple, exploring Ubud, experiencing a Balinese cultural performance, shopping for handmade crafts and relaxing at Nusa Dua Beach.
4. Can you see traditional Balinese dance on a shore excursion?
Yes. Many cultural excursions include performances such as the Barong dance, where masks, music and storytelling bring Balinese myths to life.
5. Are there beach excursions from Benoa?
Absolutely. Nusa Dua offers resort-style relaxation, while Kuta is ideal for shopping, dining and a lively beach scene.
6. What cultural sites can you visit near Benoa?
Cultural sites near Benoa include Pura Kehen temple, Uluwatu Temple on its dramatic cliffside perch and traditional villages where you can see daily life and craftmaking.