25 Things You Did Not Know You Could do in Bali

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 tropicalvolcano! Not cheap, but certainly an experience never
landscapes, the fascinating culture, amazinglyto forget. (Air Bali) 13) Horse Riding Enjoy one of the
hospitable people and shopping for local craftsequestrian centres at your doorstep! Selection of
continue to attract repeat visitors to Bali, time and timehorses, with courses for the beginners. Wonderful
again.escorted tours through the rice terraces and tide
However, as I have been discovering in my recentpermitting down the beach. (Umalas or Saba Bay
trips, there is more to this tropical paradise than meetsStables)
the eye.14) Kite Boarding Some great wind and lift, as well as
Today you can also add to my list above, thethe equipment for rental is available at Nusa Dua
attraction of a myriad of activities catering to both thebeaches. 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 wantreally is an Extreme Sport.
to try when you are next in Bali: 1) Bird Park You don't15) 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 anand 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 amazingForest - Ubud)
sun-set melodies. A great choice for enthusiasts and16) Mountain Cycling If you like cycling, why not enjoy a
families. (located at Taman Burung - open 08:00 - 18:00leisurely 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 forexperienced guide. (Bali Adventure Tours)
the high seas! Nowadays Bali has a great selection of17) Paragliding Throw yourself off the sheer cliff faces
safe boats to choose from. Go for a fun filled familyof Uluwatu into the Indian Ocean! As a beginner you
outing or go more adventurous with some of the latestcan enjoy great tandem jumps with well qualified
cutting edge crafts which deliver the speed. (Bali Haiprofessionals with great safety records.
Cruises, Sea Safari Cruises, Bounty Cruises)18) Slingshot (Reverse Bungee) Defy gravity Bali style,
3) Dance Performances Be enthralled by uniquewith 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 dozensfaint-hearted. Organisers follow international safety
of different troupes to choose from, each with theirstandards.
own following. Keep in mind, shows in hotels and tourist19) Surfing If you've come with your board you'll know
restaurants offer vanilla flavour, and sometimeswhere to go! If you are keen to learn, there are many
mechanical re-creations of the real thing. Head out toschools to choose from, just head for the beach!
some of the villages, and you will be handsomelyWhilst 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 thegreat tubes to test the more experienced. (some offer
'fake originals' that litter the streets of many othersurfing lessons for ages 5+, so the whole family can
Asian locations. In the recent years, Bali has attractedenjoy surfing all together)
some of the most talented original designers, and20) Temple Ceremonies Few visitors to Bali realise
artists from around the world (both the East and thethat in most instances you will be welcomed to attend
West). This coupled with the inherent artistic capabilitieslocal ceremonies as an observer. The great thing is,
of the Balinese, means that Bali today enjoys a largethere is a temple ceremony every single day of the
number of original designer shops. You can findyear in Bali, just ask around to find the nearest one
anything from post-modern lighting installations, toduring your stay. If you are lucky enough, you may be
Imperial Chinese style sideboards, and from originalable to catch one of the Full Moon or Dark Moon
water fountain designs to some of the best jewelryceremonies 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 aisland. Please remember that a sensible dress code,
diving newbie, just do it, and get your PADI certificate inand 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 toplease note that women are not allowed in the
choose from. Some offer PADI 'Youth Scuba' coursestemples 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 incovered courts! Whilst most better tennis courts are
their natural habitat. They are at their best first thing inlocated at major hotels, you can use these facilities on
the morning. Also, the soft hues of the sun-rise providea 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 willthat double flip, or just learn to stand up! Whilst most
more than likely be staying in a hotel or a rental villa inbeaches are more suitable for surfing, you can enjoy
the south. 7) Fishing Go after that marlin or try yourwakeboarding 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 banter23) 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 inyour day! (open 09:00 - 18:00 daily)
South East Asia! Great location and landscaped24) 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 Baywatchboard, and head out, or take one of the courses
moments! Due to their environmental impact, onlydesigned 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 withdrawalages 5+) Organisers follow international safety
symptoms from being away from the hustle andstandards. (Bali Adventure Tours)
bustle of big-city life! All the noise, thrills and danger ofLike 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 availablewant to come back for more. Because, at the end of
across Bali. As you would expect, each more beautifulthe day, it is the people of Bali, with their welcoming
than the other. Relax on an easy course, or challengesmiles, and willingness to help, which will make mere
yourself to one of the more demanding coursesadventures into even more precious memories.
designed by professionals. Either way, don't miss theOne final thought. If you are attempting something new,
spectacular views over the Indian Ocean or one ofor slightly dangerous, please make sure to check that
Bali's great volcanoes. Most courses in Bali are toyou are fit/suitable enough for the adventure ahead,
international standards, and many offer clubhouses andand 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 awonderful Bali adventure.
life-time experience! Spectacular views over Bali evenMany happy returns to the Island of the Gods!
Lombok. Take in the gentle rice terraces from the best