Joanna James
Dubbed "Indonesia's holiday island", Bali is a beach paradise of impressive proportions. Whether one is spending a weekend in Bali or embarking on a lengthy vacation, there's more to a Bali getaway than working on your tan. Here are some must-have adventures for active visitors touring the isle.
Ranked among Indonesia's best white-water rafting destinations, those who love challenging rapids must sign up for a rafting session during a trip to Bali. The Ayung River close to Ubud is the best place to engage in this activity as it is home to the island's longest and biggest rapids. The thrills and spills begin as soon as you leave the shore and start paddling down these Grade 2 and 3 courses. There are a number of local white-water rafting tour operates and guides in Bali to help travellers navigate the rapids safely. The highlights of white-water rafting in Bali are the opportunities to glide under waterfalls and experience natural ramps.
One of the most popular outdoor excursions in Bali is the Antungan Village rice field trekking tour. Most tour operators combine this trek across Balinese village paddy fields with the Blangsinga waterfall tour as travellers can cool off with a dip in the waterfall after walking for most of the day. A pit stop at the Kemenuh Butterfly Park is also a common feature of this day-long tour that offers visitors an in-depth look at pastoral Bali, away from the beaches and the resorts. Those based at POP Hotel Kuta Beach Bali or any similar hotel in Kuta, Bali, can book this tour via their accommodation provider.
Adventurous travellers who love the prospect of trekking in the highlands will relish the opportunity to hike up Batukaru Mountain. Located within close range of the Jatiluwih Rice Terraces, which are dubbed the island's "sea of green", the mountain is also home to iconic cultural attractions such as the centuries-old Batukaru Temple. The entire journey back and forth can take up to 8 hours and is perfect for those who wish to explore the western reaches of Bali.
Considered among Bali's most ancient civilisations, Tenganan Pegringsingan village occupies eastern Bali. With their way of life remaining unchanged for centuries, the community members of this village is also famous for producing some of the globe's finest tie-dye fabrics, which are called Gringsing. This heritage trek offers tourists the opportunity to experience the authentic customs and traditions of a village by taking them to its core. Visitors can witness local trades such as palm wine production and the process of dyeing the renowned fabrics. The tour comes to a close on the shores of Virgin Beach in Perasi village.
Fans of 4x4 jeep tours in the wilderness must sign up for this bumpy ride in Bali's rugged interiors. The drive begins at the crack of dawn with a pit stop in an ancient village and travels through mountainous terrain to the Jatiluwih rice fields.
Adrenaline junkies holidaying in Bali will revel in this ATV and dirt buggie driving adventure in the Central Highlands.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
