What to Do in Bali: 5 Can't-Miss Adventures
FROM SNORKELING TO MOUNTAIN CLIMBING TO VISITING HOLY TEMPLES, THE INDONESIAN ISLAND OF BALI OFFERS PLENTY OF AWESOME EXPERIENCES. CHECK OUT OUR LIST OF MUST-DO ADVENTURES.
With its inviting pristine beaches and heavy doses of nature and culture, the Indonesian island province of Bali has a variety of activities to offer the adventurous traveler.
Pack a travel pack or suitcase and head to the Island of Peace. Here are some must-do experiences for your visit.
Hit the Beach!
Grab that surfboard! The western coast of south Bali has a number of quality surfing spots, including Kuta and Legian. To experience the biggest swells, visit during the dry season, which runs from May to September.
When it comes to snorkeling and diving, Menjangan Island offers colorful reefs and thin crowds, but it’s off-the-beaten path and will take some effort to reach. Another option is the fishing village of Tulamben, home of the wreckage of the USS Liberty, a cargo ship torpedoed by the Japanese during World War II that now provides a lush underwater environment for coral and reef fish.
Those who prefer to simply relax on the sand won’t have any trouble finding beautiful beaches throughout the island. Just remember that Bali is very near the Equator, so load up on that sunscreen!
Climb Mount Batur
Opportunities for outdoor adventure abound at Mount Batur, an active volcano that’s erupted more than 20 times since 1800. Batur’s peak sits more than one mile above sea level and is surrounded by a lake, so the area provides cooler temperatures and lush scenery.
Climbing Mount Bator can take two to three hours, and you do not need to be a climbing expert by any means. Local guides and tour companies are plentiful, and will guide you to the edge of the crater while keeping you safe—especially during active lava flows. Pack a bag like the Ready Go Pack 30L before making your journey.
Visit Holy Temples
In Bali, the exploring the beautiful temples is a fascinating adventure that often leads to moving, mindful and meditative moments you won’t ever forget. The Hindu temple Tanah Lot is a popular attraction, especially at sunset. It’s said to be guarded by sea snakes that ward off evil spirits. Its location on a rock, just off the coast, creates an Instagram-worthy photo that’s sure to make the friends in your feed jealous.
Perched atop a cliff on the Bukit Peninsula near the southern tip of Mali, Uluwatu is another temple with excellent views and nightly Kecak fire dances. Besakih and Tirta Empul are among the numerous other temples that hold cultural significance and visual appeal. They may also be a bit less crowded than the two aforementioned spots.
Trek Out to the Rice Paddies
The rice terraces of Tegallalang are some of the most beautiful and impressive sights in Bali. These paddy fields have been converted from steep hills into landscaped plots with flat layers where rice can grow. Rice terrace walking and bus tours often include stops in nearby villages and opportunities to interact with local farmers. You can also hire a driver or rent a car and get out their on your own.
Get Your Culture On in Ubud
The inland town of Ubud provides the most multiculti sensory experience for travelers that like to soak up tradition, from food to art and even wild monkey’s. Stop by a restaurant and try babi guling, a famous Balinese dish of roasted suckling pig; see long-tailed macaques in their natural habitat at the Ubud Monkey Forest, and check out Balinese art at the Neka Museum.
Ubud is also home to yoga and massage studios, and outdoor activities such as rafting and canyoning. Walking or biking around town is a great way to stay active while getting to know the town.
Leave a comment and tell us what you’d most like to do in Bali!
Scott Shetler is a freelance journalist and frequent traveler who enjoys national parks, city nightlife, and everything in between. He blogs about his adventures at http://quirkytravelguy.com.
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