The terrain and scenery in Bali makes it an ideal place to take part in one of the many adventure activities this island has to offer. The compact size of the island also makes it easy to get to the various starting points without having to travel long distances. The starting point of many activities is centered on the Ubud region so this is a good place to base yourself if you plan to do more than one activity.

White Water Rafting

Take white water rafting for example. Most tourists tend to sign up for what everyone else is doing and that would be Ayung River Rafting. This is definitely a fun activity and highly recommended to enjoy the scenic route along the Ayung River which you wouldn’t otherwise get to see. On this rafting activity, you will wind through deep valleys, pass Balinese Hindu shrines, see monkeys playing, or even catch the odd farmer walking his cow to the river for some water. For the more adventurous, you might like to go on the Telaga Waja river adventure. This rafting trip takes you to the foothills of the sacred Mount Agung where you will, according to the brochure from the tour operator, navigate down the Telaga Waja river through torrents, twists and tight turns on a heart stopping adventure.

River Kayaking and Canyon Tubing

There’s more than one way to travel down one on Bali’s famous water ways though. River kayaking is another one although this would suit someone more experienced. Canyon tubing in Bali is a little more laid back and good fun for the family. This is an activity where you drift down a canyon in an inflatable tube. The location for this is north of Ubud town in Payangan, a little known area where tourists to Bali rarely tread. Over there, the Siap Stream opens up a whole new world of fun and adventure allowing visitors to float down a narrow canyon passing through thick forested areas.

Kintamani Cycling

If getting wet is not your cup of tea, then you might like to go on a Kintamani cycle tour. Several tour companies offer this activity where you are picked up from your hotel and driven up to the scenic Kintamani town located on the rim of the Mount Batur caldera. Breakfast will most likely be offered in your package at a restaurant where you’ll have ample time to take as many photos as you wish before starting. The ride is downhill of course since you can’t get much higher here, and takes you along broken tarmac roads through villages, past coffee plantations, traversing through paddy fields all the way to Ubud where a buffet lunch is usually provided. The smaller tour operators may offer you a more local experience by inviting you into their homes as part of the tour and cooking a traditional meal for lunch.  They’ll take time to explain their culture, point out interesting sites and might even go on detours if they feel it is worthwhile.

Wildlife and Elephant Safari Excursions

Bali is home to a world famous Elephant Safari Park. The Elephant Park in Taro is a huge complex and the home of 27 Sumatran elephants. Here you can watch and sit atop an elephant on a safari ride through the Taro forest. There is also a restaurant and the park has a purpose built safari style lodge. It is an outing for the entire family to have fun watching the elephants paint, play and bathe, and spray water on unsuspecting tourists which can be quite amusing depending on your sense of humour and what you are wearing at the time. The latest attraction in Bali is the Bali Safari and Marine Park. This safari park is unusual in that while you normally you would expect to only see wild animals at a wildlife safari, here you will also see part of Bali’s ancient past and be able to watch cultural dances. The park is a unique blend of conservation and Balinese culture. There are tram rides through the park and fun activities such as animal rides and shows for the children.  You can purchase a package which includes lunch or dinner.

Horse Riding and Camel Riding

Enjoying a breathtaking horseback ride along the coasts of Bali or camel riding along Nusa Dua beach are two other fun activities you can do to experience Bali on four legs instead on four wheels!  Riding along the black volcanic sand beaches on Bali’s east coast, though villages that still preserve old traditions and along paddy fields can be something quite romantic if you are a couple especially if you choose an evening ride from one of the west coast stables. The camel ride takes you on along the pristine white sand beaches of Nusa Dua.  I don’t know if you will be sitting very much after sitting on a camel’s hump on a one hour ride on the beach but it is definitely some fun judging by the smiles and laughs you see on peoples’ faces.

Paragliding & Bungee Jumping

Now these two activities aren’t for the faint hearted or those wearing pace makers but they are worth mentioning.  For those of you who have not heard of the sport, paragliding is not the same as parachuting. Paragliding is a sport where the pilot is strapped in a sitting position to a harness that is attached to a fabric wing and runs forward usually down a slope to launch the paraglider. The stunning beauty of Bali’s coastlines offers the paraglider breathtaking views those at ground level won’t have the pleasure of enjoying.  The AJ Hackett Bungee Tower is located on Kuta Beach, over a swimming pool located in a nightclub.  It is the only place where you can bungee jump in the night with hundreds of party goers down below. We don’t know if this is something desirable for every one, but if having 2000 party goers below you unnerves you, try a jump during day time when the club is closed and you’ll be able to see the beach as well!

There are other activities of course, but these listed provide a choice of excitement whether you are an individual, couple or a family with young children looking for something to do other than lounging by the pool.  You will still get a sun tan, but you’ll have to put in some energy to get it but I’m sure it will be worth it for the fun you’ll have.

One Response to “Best Activities to Do in Bali”

1. Sabrina Fies http://www.spamluder.de/
   December 26th, 2009 @ 3:43 am

   Hola, mi nombre es Sabrina y estube buscando por internet, fue entonces que encontre tu blog, el cual me gusto mucho, el cual es bastante agradable para leer. Regreso la proxima semana para leerte de nuevo. Saludos Sabrina

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