| As they say, 'one trip to Bali is never enough'. Vast, | | | | vantage point, or get up close and personal with a |
| seemingly endless beaches, beautiful tropical | | | | volcano! Not cheap, but certainly an experience never |
| landscapes, the fascinating culture, amazingly | | | | to forget. (Air Bali) 13) Horse Riding Enjoy one of the |
| hospitable people and shopping for local crafts | | | | equestrian centres at your doorstep! Selection of |
| continue to attract repeat visitors to Bali, time and time | | | | horses, with courses for the beginners. Wonderful |
| again. | | | | escorted tours through the rice terraces and tide |
| However, as I have been discovering in my recent | | | | permitting down the beach. (Umalas or Saba Bay |
| trips, there is more to this tropical paradise than meets | | | | Stables) |
| the eye. | | | | 14) Kite Boarding Some great wind and lift, as well as |
| Today you can also add to my list above, the | | | | the equipment for rental is available at Nusa Dua |
| attraction of a myriad of activities catering to both the | | | | beaches. But make sure you have a great story lined |
| action oriented holiday maker and the more staid. | | | | up for your insurance company! Keep in mind, this |
| Here is a starter list of 25 new things you may want | | | | really is an Extreme Sport. |
| to try when you are next in Bali: 1) Bird Park You don't | | | | 15) Monkey Watching Experience mischievous |
| need to be a bird watcher to enjoy this colourful park. | | | | macaques in full action! Also, some good restaurants |
| Take a morning off, and discover the beauty of an | | | | and eateries nearby. However, be careful of your |
| array of tropical birds Bali has to offer. Even better, | | | | cameras, glasses and the like! (The Sacred Monkey |
| arrive later in the afternoon, and enjoy some amazing | | | | Forest - Ubud) |
| sun-set melodies. A great choice for enthusiasts and | | | | 16) Mountain Cycling If you like cycling, why not enjoy a |
| families. (located at Taman Burung - open 08:00 - 18:00 | | | | leisurely cycle with views of the Batur volcano! Lots to |
| daily) | | | | see, lots to learn, all on two wheels with an |
| 2) Cruising Pick a boat of your choice, and head for | | | | experienced guide. (Bali Adventure Tours) |
| the high seas! Nowadays Bali has a great selection of | | | | 17) Paragliding Throw yourself off the sheer cliff faces |
| safe boats to choose from. Go for a fun filled family | | | | of Uluwatu into the Indian Ocean! As a beginner you |
| outing or go more adventurous with some of the latest | | | | can enjoy great tandem jumps with well qualified |
| cutting edge crafts which deliver the speed. (Bali Hai | | | | professionals with great safety records. |
| Cruises, Sea Safari Cruises, Bounty Cruises) | | | | 18) Slingshot (Reverse Bungee) Defy gravity Bali style, |
| 3) Dance Performances Be enthralled by unique | | | | with some spectacular 50m views! (That is, if you |
| Balinese dances! Try to catch one of each of: Kecak, | | | | remember to open your eyes!) Not for the |
| Legong and Fire Dances, at least. There are dozens | | | | faint-hearted. Organisers follow international safety |
| of different troupes to choose from, each with their | | | | standards. |
| own following. Keep in mind, shows in hotels and tourist | | | | 19) Surfing If you've come with your board you'll know |
| restaurants offer vanilla flavour, and sometimes | | | | where to go! If you are keen to learn, there are many |
| mechanical re-creations of the real thing. Head out to | | | | schools to choose from, just head for the beach! |
| some of the villages, and you will be handsomely | | | | Whilst Kuta is a good all rounder, Uluwatu, |
| rewarded with the authentic fare. | | | | Padang-Padang, and Balangan can provide some |
| 4) Designer Shopping No, I am not talking about the | | | | great tubes to test the more experienced. (some offer |
| 'fake originals' that litter the streets of many other | | | | surfing lessons for ages 5+, so the whole family can |
| Asian locations. In the recent years, Bali has attracted | | | | enjoy surfing all together) |
| some of the most talented original designers, and | | | | 20) Temple Ceremonies Few visitors to Bali realise |
| artists from around the world (both the East and the | | | | that in most instances you will be welcomed to attend |
| West). This coupled with the inherent artistic capabilities | | | | local ceremonies as an observer. The great thing is, |
| of the Balinese, means that Bali today enjoys a large | | | | there is a temple ceremony every single day of the |
| number of original designer shops. You can find | | | | year in Bali, just ask around to find the nearest one |
| anything from post-modern lighting installations, to | | | | during your stay. If you are lucky enough, you may be |
| Imperial Chinese style sideboards, and from original | | | | able to catch one of the Full Moon or Dark Moon |
| water fountain designs to some of the best jewelry | | | | ceremonies which attract devotees from far a field |
| designed and manufactured anywhere in the world. | | | | and are some of the most colourful events on the |
| 5) Diving Put your PADI license to use, or if you are a | | | | island. Please remember that a sensible dress code, |
| diving newbie, just do it, and get your PADI certificate in | | | | and polite/respectful behaviour are essential for |
| Bali! A range of dive organizers for the experienced, | | | | continued hospitality towards foreign guests. (Also, |
| and dive schools for the new comers are available to | | | | please note that women are not allowed in the |
| choose from. Some offer PADI 'Youth Scuba' courses | | | | temples during their menstrual period.) |
| for ages 5+. | | | | 21) Tennis Choose from one of many open or some |
| 6) Dolphin Watching Enjoy these all-time favourites in | | | | covered courts! Whilst most better tennis courts are |
| their natural habitat. They are at their best first thing in | | | | located at major hotels, you can use these facilities on |
| the morning. Also, the soft hues of the sun-rise provide | | | | a pay-per-use basis. Many will provide a partner to |
| amazing colours for the photography enthusiasts. | | | | match your skills. |
| However, you will need to plan ahead for this one, | | | | 22) Wake Boarding (or Knee Boarding) Have a go at |
| since Lovina is in the North of the island, and you will | | | | that double flip, or just learn to stand up! Whilst most |
| more than likely be staying in a hotel or a rental villa in | | | | beaches are more suitable for surfing, you can enjoy |
| the south. 7) Fishing Go after that marlin or try your | | | | wakeboarding at the Condrad Bali Resort, and |
| hand at yellow fin tuna! Most boats provide full tackle, | | | | surrounds. |
| bait and a running commentary, a friendly, giggly banter | | | | 23) Waterbom Park Water slides and rides galore, |
| which makes the day out that much more enjoyable. | | | | both kids and adults will have a blast! World class park, |
| (fishing boats from Benoa Harbour or Sanur) | | | | with well trained staff. Go early to make the most of |
| 8) Elephant Safari Park Arguably, one of the best in | | | | your day! (open 09:00 - 18:00 daily) |
| South East Asia! Great location and landscaped | | | | 24) Wind Surfing Maximise the almost continuous |
| gardens. Don't forget to do the elephant safari ride. | | | | winds found in Nusa Dua or Sanur. You can rent a |
| 9) Jet Skiing Re-create those favourite Baywatch | | | | board, and head out, or take one of the courses |
| moments! Due to their environmental impact, only | | | | designed for beginners. |
| available at some selected beaches across the island. | | | | 25) White Water Rafting A thrilling experience through |
| (available at Grand Hyatt Nusa Dua). | | | | 8 kilometers of rapids! (believe it or not, still suitable for |
| 10) Go-Karting Only for those who get withdrawal | | | | ages 5+) Organisers follow international safety |
| symptoms from being away from the hustle and | | | | standards. (Bali Adventure Tours) |
| bustle of big-city life! All the noise, thrills and danger of | | | | Like me, if you manage to fit in five of these activities |
| the real thing! Choice of single or double carts. | | | | into your schedule, every time you visit Bali, you will still |
| 11) Golfing A number of 18 hole courses are available | | | | want to come back for more. Because, at the end of |
| across Bali. As you would expect, each more beautiful | | | | the day, it is the people of Bali, with their welcoming |
| than the other. Relax on an easy course, or challenge | | | | smiles, and willingness to help, which will make mere |
| yourself to one of the more demanding courses | | | | adventures into even more precious memories. |
| designed by professionals. Either way, don't miss the | | | | One final thought. If you are attempting something new, |
| spectacular views over the Indian Ocean or one of | | | | or slightly dangerous, please make sure to check that |
| Bali's great volcanoes. Most courses in Bali are to | | | | you are fit/suitable enough for the adventure ahead, |
| international standards, and many offer clubhouses and | | | | and that the organisers have the necessary |
| recreational facilities for the rest of the family. 12) | | | | experience/safety record so as not to spoil your |
| Helicopter Tours Go on, splash out for that once in a | | | | wonderful Bali adventure. |
| life-time experience! Spectacular views over Bali even | | | | Many happy returns to the Island of the Gods! |
| Lombok. Take in the gentle rice terraces from the best | | | | |