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Top 20 Things To Do In Bali

Article by Trixie Thomas

Many people see Bali as a cheap drinking and shopping holiday and are oblivious to the fun activities and beautiful scenery this amazing island has to offer. Below are what we at Bali Success Tours believe are the top 20 activities to experience while holidaying in Bali.

1. WATERSPORTSNusa Dua, Bali, is well known for its wide range of water sports and activities. The beach is always buzzing with tourists and Balinese locals and has a laid back party style feel about it. Enjoy a huge array of water sports including parasailing, flying fish, jet skiing, water skiing, banana boat and fishing.

2. HORSE RIDINGExperience the serene surroundings of Bali’s west coast while riding horse back on a 2 hour trail ride. Travel through sloping rice terraces, along a sparkling black sand beach and through a Balinese village. Take in the breathtaking sights including a waterfall, sea salt harvesting area, a bat cave and a natural rock headland jutting out into the crystal clear ocean.

3. VW SAFARIGet picked up in Bali’s coolest mode of transport – the VW Safari. Cruise through the rice paddies and sleepy villages of Bali with the roof down and the wind gushing through your hair. Stop at the Saba Stables for an hour horse ride along the volcanic sands. After this it’s off to the lush Ayung valley for an unforgettable white water rafting adventure. Stop for lunch overlooking the hills of Ubud and then head to the World Heritage Site of Jatiluwih – the world’s most beautiful rice paddies – where you will wind through the most stunning views on earth.

4. BALI SAFARI & MARINE PARKFor animal lovers a trip to Bali is not complete without visiting Bali Safari & Marine Park. Designed for animals to live in a natural habitat, however also allow you to get closer to them than you ever thought possible. Have the chance to cuddle a baby orang-utan, tiger, lion or leopard. Observe and get up close to over 60 different species as you enjoy a safari journey straight through animal enclosures.

5. ELEPHANT RIDINGHave the opportunity to get up close and personal with these magnificent animals. Elephant riding is something you don’t want to miss when travelling to Bali. Embark on a trek on elephant back through the stunning Balinese landscape.

6. WHITE WATER RAFTINGGet wet & go wild in an action packed day of adventure whitewater rafting on Bali’s Ayung River. Experience open valleys and spectacular rainforest surroundings as you spin, dip and dodge your way through 9km of class 2 & 3 rapids. Marvel at the downpour of the natural waterfalls and feel the sheer power of this river as you navigate your raft through surging water & around massive rocks.

7. BALI BUGGY & QUADBali Quad Discovery Tours combine the fun and adventurous experience of driving your own quad bike with the opportunity to learn about the way the Balinese locals live. You will follow an experienced guide through an authentic part of Bali, driving between beautiful rice fields, passing the rainforest and driving up a mountain. Stop along the way at a traditional house and taste real Balinese coffee. A truly unique and exciting way to see Bali.

9.TREKKINGIf you are into trekking Bali is the place to be. Choose between exploring the rice paddies or the jungle flora & fauna. For the real adventurous spirits enjoy a night time trek up the volcano, arriving at the top to watch the spectacular sunrise.

10.UNDERWATER WALKINGExplore the stunning underwater world without even having to swim. Underwater walking is ideal for those who would love to explore life under the sea but are not confident swimmers or do not wish to dive. Just relax & sink into a world of freedom as you walk along the ocean floor.

11.JIMBARAN SEAFOODTantalize you taste buds with a night out at Bali’s famous Jimbaran Beach. Seafood restaurants line the beach with tables & chairs placed on the sand at the oceans edge. The sea breeze is cool and the view of the sunset is amazing. Dine under the stars on an abundance of seafood and be entertained by Balinese dancers.

12.BALI SPABali is known worldwide for it’s inexpensive yet superb spa treatments. Balinese women have small yet powerful hands that seem to emit a healing quality. This combined with the range of natural, gorgeous smelling products used to pamper your body will take you to a state a bliss.

13. CANYON TUBINGCanyon Tubing is a unique one of a kind adventure in Bali. Riding in an inflatable tube you will be carried down the small but active Siap Stream, taking in the amazing sights of untouched Flora and Fauna. In some places the stream gets to difficult to navigate so you will have the opportunity to fly through the air on a purpose built flying fox. For a sightseeing adventure with a difference Canyon Tubing provides fantastic entertainment for young and old.

14. WATERBOM PARKFor a full day of thrilling activities treat yourself to a day out at Bali’s Waterbom Park. Test your nerves with the nine crazy waterslides that will get your heart pumping. For relaxation, drift leisurely in a tube raft or go for a tranquil dip in the inviting pools. A soothing massage or spa treatment is the ultimate way to unwind. Kids have their own kiddies waterpark with specially designed slides. Set your own pace for a day of fun in the sun or relaxation in the shade, perfect for the whole family.

15. ODYSSEY SUBMARINEThe exotic underwater world can now be experienced by people of all ages and physical condition, in a safe and comfortable atmosphere. With the normal diving site up to 90ft deep the 45 minute ride in this unique vessel will take you to a breathtaking rarely visited place under the sea.

16. DAY TOURSExplore the magnificently diverse landscape Bali has to offer by taking a private day tour. Explore Lovina Beach and Gitgit Waterfall with a North Bali Tour. If you are more into art and culture take a tour of Ubud and visit the famous Ubud Markets.

17. CRUISESExplore Bali’s breathtaking waters and surrounding islands with a fantastic range of day & evening cruises. Start the day early for a dolphin spotting cruise along Bali’s coast or head off for a day of discovery to Lembongan or Nusa Penida Island. Or why not enjoy a relaxing evening cruise to admire Bali’s magnificent sunset and feast on a delicious buffet dinner.

18. SURFINGBali is well known for its surfing beaches and great waves. Advanced surfers can look at sharpening their skills and beginners (including children) can be taught up to the level they desire.Group and private lessons are available.

19. BALI COOKING CLASSDiscover the spiced flavours of Bali’s virtually unknown cuisine. Classes offer a fascinating introduction to the exotic ingredients and unique culinary heritage of Bali. They provide a valuable insight into the various techniques of food preparation and the cooking style used in Bali’s island homes.

20. BUNGY JUMPINGIf you have the courage to bungy jump why not do it in style in Bali. Offering varying styles of bungy jump including standard, full body harness, tandem and most thrilling of all riding off the tower on a BMX bike or a real motorbike.

About the Author

http://www.balisuccesstours.com.au is an Australian owned and run business working closely with quality Balinese Companies to showcase all Bali has to offer for the ultimate holiday experience. Our website is a one-stop shop for researching and booking your perfect Bali holiday. We take care of the booking process for you, from beginning to end, ensuring when you arrive in Bali your holiday will run smoothly.Visit us at http://www.balisuccesstours.com.au for all your Bali Holiday needs.

10 Things To Do In Bali

The amazing choice of different activities available in Bali means that there is indeed something for everyone. Whether you want to throw your self from high altitudes, hurtle down frothing rapids, explore the wonders of the deep or just lie back and take it easy, Bali has perfected the art of keeping its guests happy. The beach is a major factor in any island holiday and Bali has coastline which offers every possible water activity including surfing some of the best waves in the world, swimming with dolphins, cruises, snorkeling, diving, sailing and parasailing.

1. Visit the temple on Lake Beratan. Breathtaking sceneries. Located in the northern part of the island, this important Hindu-Buddhist temple was founded in the 17th century and is actually built on small islands. Cool temperature always covers the area of the temple since it is located around the mountainous area at the altitude of some 1400 meters above sea level.

2. Relax in a hot spring-There are several hot springs on Bali and they are a great way to relax after a long day of surfing.

3. Pamper yourself at a spa- Bali is paradise for spa lovers and all sorts of treatments are widely available, but the Balinese lulur body scrub with herbs and spices is particularly popular.

4. Get married- Balinese wedding have been getting increasingly popular in recent years. The exotic tradition, ceremonies, music customers, and the tropical settings are very appealing. Full wedding services are widely available in Bali and there are about ten wedding chapels in Bali if you want a tropical wedding.

5. Scuba dive/Snorkel- Bali is surrounded by extensive coral reefs and has many amazing dive sites. There are a few wrecks around the islands too. If diving if not your thing, you can always snorkel.

6. Learn to surf- Bali is a surfer’s paradise with some of the best waves in the world. People flock to the beaches to hang ten. The southern coast around Kuta and Nusa Dua are the primary draws. Beginners will find the gentle waves on Kuta. You’ll find surf instructors lounging around the beach; a one hour lesson will cost you around USD .

7. Visit – Waterbom Park & Spa – Exciting water slide slice through 3.5 hectares of landscaped tropical parks providing hours of fun and entertainment for the young and young at heart! An oasis in the heart of Tuban and Kuta.

8. Go White Water Rafting-The Ayung river is Bali’s most spectacular and provides 27 sets of challenging and fun filled rapids set to a backdrop of wild unspoiled rainforest, towering gorges and magnificent rice paddy terraces .White Water Rafting tours in Bali are not all the same. Some rivers are situated in various parts of the island and you may be required to spend up to 5 hours on return bus trips, however the Ayung river is located only one hours drive from most tourist centers. All rivers in Bali are class II to III but may rise to class IV in the wet season (Nov-Mar).

9. Do a Bungi-Jump- Bungy jumping is something that has caught on in the last 15 years or so especially in the backpacking scene. The site is located next to the beach and the landing pool is actually in Double Six nightclub. This makes for a really cool atmosphere. You can do jumps and go to the beach, or night time jumps. AJ Hackett also does jumps from 2am-5am on Friday and Saturday nights.

10.  Take a Cycle – Seeing Bali by pushbike has become very popular in recent years, and Bali may not seem like a place for a bicycle tour, with its tropical heat, heavy traffic, frequent rain showers and high mountains. However, the breeze as you ride on the level or downhill really moderates the heat, and once you’re out of the congested southern region
the traffic is relatively light. The main advantage of seeing Bali by bicycle is the quality of the experience. By bicycle you can be totally immersed in the environment, you can hear the wind rustling in the rice paddies.

Bali beckons you for your holiday of a lifetime, with many beautiful places to see, from the Rice Fields to the Volcanoes, the Rivers to the Sea. This is a vacation you won’t forget.

Things to See and Do in Bali

1) Beach & Surf
Bali is well known for its pristine white beaches and secluded coves, the most famous beaches being in Nusa Dua where long stretches of soft white sand will soothe and comfort the soles of your feet. Many hotels have their own private stretch of beach with a Beach club or restaurant along. Kuta and Uluwatu are areas in South Bali well known for their good surf which makes Bali one of the most popular surf destinations in the world.

2) Padi fields
The beautiful terraced green padi fields are another must see for a visitor to the island of Bali. Many tourists will automatically head to Ubud, about 45 minutes from Bali Airport to stay in a hotel and villa overlooking the padi fields. The best padi field scenery is at Jatih Luwih and Tegallalang which are not far from Ubud.

3) Galleries and Museums
Beautiful paintings can be found in Ubud, home of many of Bali’s well known and aspiring artists. The peaceful scenery and tranquility of the area must be an inspiration for the remarkably detailed paintings these artists create and whose works are displayed in the numerous art galleries and museums found in Ubud village. Some of the more well known galleries are The Agung Rai Museum of Art, Neka Museum, Antonio Blanco Renaissance Museum, Komaneka Gallery and Seniwati Gallery of Art by Women just to name a few.

4) Dance and Music
Dance and music plays a very important part of the life of a Balinese. Every ceremony and festival is almost always accompanied by traditional dance and the soothing sounds of the Gamelan. You will find many locations in and near Ubud where you can watch these dance performances. Dancers wear glittery and colourful costumes, executing to perfection elaborate hand movements and facial expressions to convey stories of the Ramanaya.  You can watch the elegant Legong Dance at the Ubud Palace in central Ubud, or see other entertaining performances such as the Warrior Dance and Kecak Dance at other locations within the town.  Wayang Kulit, or Shadow Play performances are also a common evening entertainment for the local Balinese and tourists alike.

5)  Yoga and Spa Treamtents
There is a growing number of world class spa facilities and health resorts in Bali especially in the Ubud area. Using natural herbs and indigenous products, you will have a wide variety of spa treatments to choose from and enjoy. Spa treatments are ideal for relaxation and what every person who needs a break from this fast paced world of work, family and stress will surely appreciate.  A variety of massages using traditional, Aryuvedic, Shiatsu and hot stones are on the menu for you to choose from. Traditional treatments such as Boreh and Lulur are common. Facials, foot massages, healthy meals and private spa facilities are also available at some hotels and salons. Holistic resorts offer yoga programs and have resident teachers who will guide you to peace of mind.

6) Festivals and Ceremonies
Religion plays a central role in the life of every Balinese family. The island has hundreds of temples, for which each and every one has a temple anniversary, known as Odalan. On this day, the villagers visit the temple for prayers and socializing. It can be considered a community event to bring the people together and promotes good feelings between villagers. With the Balinese Hindu religion comes many daily practices such as placing offerings such as trays of flowers called Canang Sari in temples, shrines and symbolic locations to ward off evil and please the Gods. Nyepi Day, which is the Balinese New Year is a day that is spent in silence in reflective prayer and meditation. The days before Nyepi however provide many opportunities for a tourist to witness ceremonies and rituals including the noisy and colourful Ogoh-Ogoh procession which happens one day before Nyepi, on Melasti Day. This procession is a colourful display of the creativity of the Balinese where towering papier mache ‘monsters’ are paraded through the town in noisy processions in efforts to chase away any evil.

Galungan is another major festival for the Balinese which at the end of 10 days is marked by Kuningan Day. This festival occurs every six months so you will have the opportunity to see it in another half year if you miss the first round. During this time you will see the Barong Dance procession which goes through the village performing in front of shops and houses as an act of purification. Cremations are another village affair where the entire family and friends of the deceased are involved. The body is carried from the home grounds through the village to the cremation site where it is place in a towering sarcophagus and burnt to the ground.

7) Sea Sports
Bali has some of the most colourful and interesting sea life you will ever see. Well known dive sites are located in Amed and Tulamben where there are ship wrecks, in Menjangan Island in the North West, and Pandang Bali and Lembongan Island in the East to name a few.  Nusa Dua and Sanur are ideal for snorkeling but there are many other areas as well.

8) Visit Active Volcanoes
Indonesia has hundreds of volcanoes and Bali has some of its own famous ones as well. Kintamani town is where you will see the 2800m high Mount Bali, a popular tourist destination in Bali. The volcano has a large caldera lake and it is possible to go on a sunrise hike to the top of Mount Batur if you can wake up early enough!  Mount Agung, the location of Bali’s largest and most sacred temple, Puri Besakih, is Bali’s highest and most sacred mountain at 3142m high. Pura Besakih, the Mother Temple is where Bali’s most important ceremonies are held and worth visiting if you have the opportunity to go on an East Bali tour especially in April when the temple has its anniversary.

9) Land Adventure Activities
Apart from the southern tourist towns, Bali is an island still very much in its natural state compared to other tourist destinations. You will soon realise that there are many locations that provide the ideal terrain for exciting adventure activities. Bali is not only Kuta and Nusa Dua. Travel north and you will find out what the real Bali has to offer – culture, spectacular scenery and experiences that modern tourist towns with shopping malls are totally devoid of.

The rivers, mountains and jungles are all places where you can experience Bali away from the tourist crowds. White water rafting down the scenic Ayung or down the heart stopping Telaga River rapids is one of the more popular activities for tourists who come to Bali. A mountain bike ride from Kintamani down to Ubud through the padi fields and small villages with friendly locals is another leisurely activity for families and individuals alike. Bali is home to the Taro Elephant Park, complete with accommodation, activities and elephant fun for all ages. You can ride an elephant through the jungle, marvel at their intelligence and let them make you laugh when you visit the Taro Elephant safari park in Bali. Quad driving will take you through the jungles and rougher terrain. Canyon tubing where you sit in a floating tube and coast down a river through the jungle is another fun activity. A new attraction, the Bali Safari and Marine Park is a unique blend of wildlife conservation and culture. You will be able to see wildlife in their natural surroundings and learn about the ancient Balinese culture at this tourist attraction.

10) Shop till you drop
Finally what the first thing tourists tend to do on any trip and most certainly to Bali is to shop. You have Kuta Center, Galeria Nusa Dua, Matahari in Legian and Ubud Market where you will find bargains of all sorts. The Balinese are well known for their creative and artistic skills evident in the numerous arts and crafts found throughout the island. Many craft factories are found in Tegallalang and the surrounding area. Skilled silversmiths in the village of Celuk, sell their creations in eclectic shops in Ubud but you will be able to buy their jewelry at slightly better prices.  Sukawati art market is where you will find many of the fabrics used in Balinese clothing as well as hand made crafts such as woven baskets at good prices. Crafts and statues are made from natural products found on Bali such as coconut wood, bamboo and volcanic sand stone.  Masks and puppets make interesting gift items. You will also find many unique home decor items such as table runners, lamp shades and wall decorations to give your home a touch of Bali style when you return.  Furniture items are often available at attractive prices compared to if you were to purchase them from outside of Bali.

So there you are, a list of many things you can do in Bali. Relax, get fit, have fun, gain new experiences and most of all, a memorable holiday. And if you count them up, you’ve got a lot more than 10 things to do there. This is by no means an exhaustive list but more than enough for a 3 to 7 day trip to this wonderful and magical island of the Gods.