Top 05 Water Sports in Bali – Go Beyond the Traditional

Kuta's fame can be attributed to the fabulous surfing opportunities present there. Bali continues to draw a large crowd of backpacker surfers out to master the waves, and there are plenty to be enjoyed. Rebellious barrels around the Bukit Peninsula and beach breaks on the black sands of Canggu and Medewi along the western shores are just the tips of the iceberg. Surfing is by far the islands most alluring water sport, which caters to both short and longboarders, as well as, boogie or body boarding, windsurfing and wakeboarding are amongst the most popular alternatives to just riding a board. Check around the resort towns of Uluwatu, Kuta, Sanur and the Tanjung Peninsula where schools offering beginner courses and board rentals are found in plenty. Guests at Anantara Uluwatu Bali Resort and other such coastal properties will find themselves well placed, within easy distance of top surf spots around the island, which is why many choose to stay at a specialised Bali surf resort.

The warm tropical waters surrounding Bali give went to some of the best dive locations across the world. As part of the beautiful Indonesian archipelago, the sea surrounding the island is home to beautiful coral clusters and marine life. A dive around these sites offers varied attractions, such as wrecks, and drop-off walls to explore. In Bali, you can easily earn your PADI diving certificate, after which you can explore sites such as, Nusa Lembongan, Amed, Sanur Reef and Tulamben.

Snorkelling is the easiest sport to indulge in, which offers you an insight into the enchanting world of Bali below the waves. All you need are snorkel, mask and flippers, and you are good to go. No experience is needed for enjoying this sport, which lets you relish the wonders of coral reefs, in various hues and beautifully coloured tropical fish, dancing below the waves. As temperatures are an average of 27 degrees Celsius, snorkelling can be enjoyed by the entire family and is not too taxing in terms of getting kitted up.

Get out of the ocean and experience the real splendours of Bali, as you relish the thrills of white water rafting in the backwoods. Inflatable rafts, a daredevil attitude and thrills of hurtling along the rapids, as gorgeous flora and fauna, line the banks, are offered on these rafting tours. The most popular locations are Ayung River across Ubud and Telaga Waja in the east; the latter is an extremely challenging run.

Stand Up Paddling – SUP, seems to have taken the world of water sports by storm. It is a fun and diverse alternative to riding a surfboard and is conducted on a broader board to a surfboard, with the aid of a paddle. Cruise at your own speed and even manoeuvre yourself over long swells, in true surfer style.