12 Different ways to have fun in Bali, Indonesia
Bali has everything from sybaritic pleasures like Seminyak and Kerobokan to wild beaches in the south and nudist beach life on Nusa Lembongan. In Sanur, you can enjoy family-friendly activities, or on Bukit Peninsula, you can indulge in lavish getaways. East and west Bali share the island’s most beautiful rice fields and ancient monuments with Ubud, the center of Bali’s culture. Although the north and west of Bali are sparsely populated, they have some of the best diving and surfing in the world. Let’s check how you can enjoy Bali in 12 different ways!
Immerse yourself in a natural playground
Admire the sunrise at Mount Batur via Jeep
In Bali, jumping in a jeep to watch the sun rise over the volcano is considered a once-in-a-lifetime experience. At 1,717 meters, Mount Batur is the lowest volcano on the island and the easiest to climb. It takes about 20 minutes by jeep from the base of the mountain to the viewpoint. The jeep will stop there and if you want to trek to the top, it will take another 30-45 minutes. When you reach the top of Mount Batur after walking around the rim of the volcano, you are likely to be greeted by a group of sociable Balinese monkeys.
Soak in volcanic hot springs surrounded by mountains
Hot springs are one of Bali’s many natural treasures, scattered throughout the interior of the island. This incredible area in the north of the island is home to some of the best hot springs, one of the best ones is the Batur Natural Hot Spring. It sits at the foot of a volcano, allowing the mountain stream to warm and carry minerals down into a series of man-made pools below. You will find crystal-clear infinity pools with panoramic views of a tranquil lake and its surroundings. These therapeutic, mineral-rich waters serve as the perfect wellness retreat, hidden in a gorgeous, lush setting. Bathing beneath beautiful Balinese sculptures, listening to the trickling of water fountains and gazing out over the neighboring lake, you could easily spend hours here.
Take on the challenge of Ayung River Rafting
Ayung River Rafting is suitable for beginners and children. So if you are a first-time rafter, Ayung River Rafting Adventure can be your first try. It can also give you a unique experience that you cannot get in other places. You will find hidden natural waterfalls, the river has clear water and is very fresh if you want to swim. Ayung River Ubud has 10 10-kilometer route, it is about 2 hours rafting adventure duration that you will get. A professional rafting guide will always accompany you and give you instructions on what to do during rafting. As long as you follow their instructions everything will go smoothly.
Ride ATV Quad Bike through tunnel and waterfall
This tour combines an exhilarating quad bike ride through the countryside with a scenic jeep tour of Bali’s interior. You’ll visit remote villages, see ancient temples and stop at a hidden waterfall for a refreshing swim. You can also venture deep into Bali’s lush jungles. Whichever jeep tour you choose, you can be sure of an unforgettable adventure that will take you off the beaten track and show you a side of Bali that most tourists never see.
Enjoy surfing at the sea
The softest sand bottom waves in Bali. Usually, the smallest waves on the island, make Kuta a great spot for beginners. The long, fast walls are a fun and exciting alternative to the dangers of surfing over sharp coral reefs. Surfboards, chairs and umbrellas can be rented along the long stretch of beach from Tuban to Kuta, Legian, and Seminyak. Lessons at the pro surf school. Crowds of Japanese and Balinese surfers flock to Halfway every day, so if it’s too crowded, walk a few hundred meters north to a less crowded beach just before Jalan Melasti. If Kuta is too small, Legian is always at least two meters bigger.
Trek through the Tegallalang Rice Terrace
Tegallalang Rice Fields is located in a valley that offers exceptional views of the terraces and surrounding greenery. Together with the villages of Pejeng and Campuhan, Tegallalang Rice Fields make up the three most stunning terraced landscapes in the Ubud area. When you arrive at Tegalalang Rice Fields, the first thing you can do is enjoy the view from the top of the hill. However, it’s also possible to cross a small stream and reach the rice fields on the other side. We recommend that you climb down and explore the area to find cool spots to take pictures. You will need about 30 minutes to 1.5 hours to explore each corner of the area.
Island hopping in the sea playground
Bali is encircled by numerous islands, each with distinct cultures, terrains and pursuits. They are all much tinier compared to Bali, facilitating expeditions to many of these islands in a shorter span. One of the petite tropical islands neighboring the coast of Lombok is Gili Trawangan. Furthermore, it is ornamented with exquisite white sand beaches, vibrant beach bars, independent eateries and cafes, and embraces the same ambiance that establishes Bali’s prominence, devoid of the crowds. Gili Air and Gili Meno are two smaller islands situated adjacent to Gili Trawangan. Equally stunningly tropical and idyllic, their white sandy beaches meet crystal-clear waters, with beach bars and restaurants dotted around their perimeters.
Interpretation of the Bali’s spirit
Enjoy both low and high tides at Pura Tanah Lot
Pura Tanah Lot is a highly favored tourist attraction. Among the Balinese, it ranks as one of the most valuable and respected temples. While it holds cultural importance to the Balinese, amidst the massive crowds, noise and disturbance, it can be challenging to identify this significance, especially when weighed against the overrated sunsets. It is believed that each of the sea temples was planned to be visible from the next, creating a chain along Bali’s south-western coast. While at Pura Tanah Lot, one can often catch a glimpse of the cliff-top location of Pura Ulu Watu to the far south and the extensive stretch of shoreline westward towards Perancak, near Negara.
Bath and pray in the Pura Tirta Empul
Tirta Empul is a popular water temple in Indonesia that holds a special significance to the Balinese Hindu community. The temple is home to many sacred springs that are believed to have been formed by The God Indra. These springs are said to have blessed and purifying water that can cleanse the body and soul of those who bathe there. Tirta Empul was established in 926 A.D and is still an active place of worship today. Although Tirta Empul is a sacred place of worship for locals, visitors from around the world are welcome to enjoy its beauty and join in the rituals for purification. As a bathing center, the temple complex is vast and exploring the entire site takes anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour. Like other holy sites on the island, wearing a sarong is mandatory before entering.
Wonder in the Ubud Art Village
Ubud village has been renowned as a tourist destination in Bali since the 1930s. The village boasts a vibrant artistic scene with its unique painting style, sculpture, dance, and traditional music. The local society has deeply embedded these art and cultural elements into their traditions. Upon arriving in Ubud, you will discover numerous art galleries and shops that sell handicrafts made by local artists. These shops are visible along the roadside. Most people in Ubud are artists, which sets the village apart from others in Bali. Visit the galleries directly to enjoy the local artists’ artwork.
A feast for the eyes and food
Afternoon tea at a cliff restaurant
Smoqee Sky Bar at Le Méridien Bali provides light snacks and an extensive beverage menu. Join us for a delightful afternoon tea, featuring a variety of sweet and savory delights, at our rooftop bar. Take in the awe-inspiring sunset view of stunning Jimbaran Bay with your loved one.
Full out yourself with seafood in Jimbaran Beach
One of Bali’s finest beaches is Jimbaran, which boasts a 4km stretch of clean sand, with plenty of places to grab a snack, drink, seafood dinner, or even rent sun loungers. The bay is safeguarded by a continuous coral reef, which makes the waves much less choppy than at the renowned Kuta, which is further north. Nonetheless, you may still enjoy some entertaining bodysurfing.
Are you still undecided on where to travel? If you would like to customize your own itinerary, please contact one of our travel consultants!
