Bali Adventure Guide

Whitewater Rafting, Cycling, Trekking, Waterfalls...

Whitewater rafting, river kayaking and cycling are just a few of the activities on offer around Bali's beautiful interior. Mountain trekking and climbing ancient volcanoes are among the more exotic pastimes on such a small island. No wonder it's been voted the best island destination by readers of prestigious magazine "Travel and Leisure."

Soak up refreshing jungle sights and smells at Bali's rich national parks and botanical gardens, have a splashing time at Bali's waterfalls, or dip into the soothingly hot springs of Banjar...

Whitewater Rafting in Bali

The spectacular Ayung gorge provides the setting for one of the most exhilarating of white water rafting adventures. The shallow winding river Ayung offers an adrenaline pumping ride with stops along the truly idyllic shoreline.

A number of experienced companies run by veteran river guides operate tours including the adventure specialists SOBEK who also operate mountain treks and cycling tours.

Bali Cycling Tours

A perfect way to see the countryside - these "gentle adventures" offer a ride through rainforest, ricefields and the Bali backwaters with a few climbs up one or two hills!

Local guides will give you an insight into Balinese rural life, customs and religion, en route. An excellent way to quietly slip into the Balinese lifestyle.

Trekking in Bali

Some places you simply can't take a bike.... like a volcano. Bali's ancient and rugged landscape is well represented by Danau Batur, also known as Gunung Batur. The volcanic cones of Gunung Batur are located in massive bowl-shaped calderas. The majestic Gunung Batur rises to a towering 1,717 metres, and remains one of Bali's natural wonders.

Best viewed in the early morning at sunrise, Gunung Agung Bali's highest and most revered mountain, is the island's ultimate trekking challenge. It is not difficult to climb, but you need a reasonable level of fitness. Start really early - a few hours before sunrise. You'll need a guide to take you up in the dark. The locals are well used to starting at 3am so don't worry. They'll show you a trick or two about avoiding loose shale under your feet, and even demonstrate how to boil an egg on the hot rocks!

Some of the locals (obviously triathlon candidates) will climb ahead of you (actually they whizz past) just to have a coke or water ready when you reach the top. They've made the effort to climb, so don't begrudge the slightly higher price for a drink! After all, how many people can say they sat on a volcano at sunrise and were waited upon?

Do remember to report to the police station at Selat before start off on your excursion, and drop by again on your return. A guide is necessary, and one can be pre-arranged in Selat or Muncan by just asking around the markets, or by contacting the Selat police station. (Bali's Forrests, Mountains & Parks)

Bali Waterfalls & Hot Springs

Splashing around... The cascading Gitgit Waterfalls close to Singaraja, present a spectacular 40 metres of crystal clear water rushing headlong into a seemingly bottomless pool. This alluring pool carries its own tale which can only be unlocked by a visit.

The Blahmantung Waterfalls in Pupuan takes long walk to reach but is really worth the effort. The Air Terjun Singsing west of Lovina, actually means Daybreak Waterfall, gushes will all the possibilities and strength of a refreshing brand new day.

Another spot well known for its waters are the pools of Yeh Sanih. The attractions here are freshwater springs channeled into clean and tempting swimming pools, amid charming garden surroundings.

The steaming Hot Springs of Banjar in south-eastern Bali are also worth a few days of heavenly soaking. Located close to the Brahmavihara Arama in Banjar, Bali's only Buddhist monastery, with a handsome structure offering inspiring views of land and sky meeting sea. (Bali Waterfalls & Springs)

Rambling & Adventure Challenges in Bali

Wandering around... It is truly a treat to be able to wander freely around the Bali Botanical Gardens in Bedugul, deep in the heart of northern Bali. Established in 1959, it is a rambling 120 hectares, high on the slopes of Tree Mountain; with a massive collection of trees; and five hundred species of exotic orchids!

Western Bali's Taman Nasional Bali Barat is a conservation park spread over almost the whole of the island's western tip. It is bordered by open savannahs, dense rainforests, tangles of mangrove swamps, and the colourful coral reefs of the renowned Deer Island, locally called Pulau Menjangan, habitat of the rare Java Deer.

Outward Bound, recognised in team building programmes offers high and low rope challenges over the Ayung river canyon together with a variety of other challenging team-building exercises.

Bali Horse Riding

Canter through ricefields, gallop on the beach or gently trot through villages. Organised by Umalas stables on a spectacular beach north of Kuta.

Elephant Safaris

Lumbering around... Bali's majestic elephants can be found in the Bali Elephant Safari Park of Desa Taro, north of Ubud. This park offers visitors a chance to get up close and personal with the peaceful giants and also go for a sight-seeing expedition on the backs of these towering peaceful creatures.