The Indonesian archipelago attracts tourists and travelers all year round, and from the abundance of pictures from this region, we can conclude that the whole vacation here comes down to beach sands and a gallon of pina colada, but this is not the case. The island of Bali, considered one of the most popular paradises in the world, offers its visitors a wide range of outdoor activities and educational trips deep into the culture of the local population.
Beach vacation
Since Bali has earned itself the fame of a piece of paradise precisely due to the many oceanic beaches that spread with smiles along all the shores of the island, it is from them that we will begin the parade of Indonesian entertainment. Some of the beaches on the island are well explored by tourists, including Balandang, Padang-Padang and Binkin, but even more small and medium sandy slopes remain wild and hidden from inquisitive travelers by rocky cliffs.
Relaxing on the beach includes not only slow-roasting in the sun, but also daily evening revels that take place in hundreds (without exaggeration) of bars and guesthouses along the coast. In some cases, bonfires are made right on the sand, and parties turn into a kind of ritual dances.
Surfing
This type of active recreation is considered the main one in Bali, and this is confirmed by the number of its adherents who flock here all year round and scatter in numerous spots along the perimeter of the island. Of course, Kuta is the base of surfing for most of the fans. Here you can find a fun company, experienced instructors and even enroll in a surf school, but sophisticated travelers consider Uluwatu Cliff to be a place with "real" skiing.
Since its development in the 1970s, a lot has changed here - the beach is no longer wild, the descent to the waves is dotted with many shops and cafes, and there are always 10-20 people in the water. However, all this does not spoil the huge and smooth waves that rise from the ocean near the coast. On our website you can read more about surfing in Bali.
In addition to boarding on the cliff, you can see the Puru Luhur Uluwatu Temple, where various traditional events and rituals are constantly held, as well as enjoy a drink and dinner at the popular Single Fin Bar overlooking the equatorial ocean sunset.
Diving / snorkeling
In tropical latitudes, the best conditions are created for the formation of coral reefs. Bali is surrounded by colorful underwater forests on all sides, so scuba diving is one of the most popular attractions here for travelers. Experienced guides will help those who have decided on this for the first time, as well as accompany experienced divers.
For those who do not risk going deep, there is an easier way to enjoy the vibrant variety of coral thickets and their inhabitants - all you need to do is get yourself a swimming mask and a pair of fins. In addition to passive observations on the reefs, you can pick up a net or a harpoon and go fishing a little. However, in most cases, the prey will still have to be released.
Ethno tourism
An important component of any trip is not only active rest and methodical rolling in the sands, but also acquaintance with the culture of the host people. If you have a similar point of view, then be sure to visit Ubud - a city in the central part of the island, which is considered the cultural capital of the resort. In addition to numerous temples, there is a sacred forest inhabited by monkeys, several museums dedicated to the history of Bali and a daily parade of thousands of egrets in the village of Petulu.
Participation in the Kechak, Barong or Chalonarang dance rituals also helps to get closer to the ethnic roots of the indigenous inhabitants of the island. These are large-scale costumed performances that reveal all the beauty and musical art of the Indonesian people.
Natural parks
In the choice of places where you can immerse yourself in the flora and fauna of the island, both local and brought specially for the entertainment of tourists, Bali is in no way inferior to much larger countries. The largest reserve is Garuda Vishnu Kinsana Park. It stretches over 250 hectares and, on its vast territory, has combined all the diversity of Indonesian nature with an open theater, exhibition halls and numerous cafes and restaurants. The territory of the park is open to the public from 8 to 8.
Bali also has its own zoo, butterfly park, as well as a nature reserve, which contains hundreds of species of birds and reptiles. A separate exciting adventure can be a visit to the Bali Safari & Marine Park, where tourists are put on a bus and arrange a real safari around the reserve.
Rock climbing
There are several canyons with steep stone walls on the island, which are perfect for those who like extreme rock climbs. A special type of active recreation is also widely practiced here - canyoning. The goal is to descend the rocky gorge without the use of any floating equipment. Such a task involves swimming, sliding on walls, jumping from great heights and using the entire arsenal of climbing equipment on some steep sections.
There are three popular canyons in Bali in which you can try your hand under the supervision of professionals. The first two - Karimoda and Kerenkall - are suitable for almost everyone, and the third, Kirana, is for experienced climbers.
Wide expanses of the coast, high slopes of volcanoes and friendly sea winds open up space for various parachuting hobbies in Bali. The simplest form of flight is to use the lift of the air flow with a paraglide - a wide wing that can keep you low for quite some time. Experienced instructors will give beginners a few lessons, after which you can fly your parachute on your own. Amateurs and professionals alike will have great pleasure in contemplating the ocean and jungle of the island from above. For those who prefer other forms of flying, there are paragliders and parasailing instructors.
Hiking
On the island there is something to keep themselves occupied and those who cannot sit still and want to walk through all the natural beauties of the region with their own, so to speak, feet. For ecotourism, Bali has three of the most interesting sites. The small islands of Gili are located a few minutes sailing from the coast of Lombok and will be a real boon for those who are tired of the bustle of a large island, cars and the dominance of tourists. There are only beaches, forests, bars and guesthouses here. In the evening you can have fun, and in the morning for the whole day you can go to a remote wild coast.
Climbing the slopes of the Batur and Agung volcanoes offers stunning views of the islands and the ocean. The tracks are of varying degrees of difficulty and length, but finding a guide who will not let you get lost is not a problem. A visit to the thickets of mangrove forests leaves no one indifferent, since this form of vegetation is striking in its beauty. The mangrove parks have wooden pedestrian decks, and excursions can be booked at the Information Center between Kuta and Sanura.
Rafting
On the territory of Bali there are several rivers that are suitable for rafting on inflatable boats and rafts. An easier option for beginners and those who are not completely confident in their abilities are the Ayung rivers (near Ubud, in the central part of the island) and Melangit, the beginning of the rafting along which is in Klukung. There are relatively small rapids of the 2nd and 3rd categories of difficulty, and the length of the route is 7 and 12 kilometers downstream, respectively.On the banks of the rivers there are picturesque forests, as well as many peculiar geomorphological structures, so that the rest will not only be active, but also beautiful.
For more experienced rafting fans, the Telaga Vaje river is suitable, the rapids on which already reach the 4th category of difficulty. The large number of rapids and whirlpools on the 16-kilometer route will make you paddle properly, but this is exactly the adrenaline rush that participants in category rafting are looking for. The surroundings are not inferior to the picturesque two previous ones, but here you will often not have time to enjoy the beauties sweeping by.
As you can see, rest in Bali is not at all limited to the ocean coast, and even the most sophisticated travelers can find something to their liking. However, choosing extreme descents into the gorges and climbing the volcanoes of the island, you should remember about your safety and be more careful.
We recommend reading Bali yourself, a guidebook for 7 days.
