The terrain and scenery in Balimakes it an ideal place to take part in one of the many adventure activitiesthis island has to offer. The compact size of the island also makes it easy toget to the various starting points without having to travel long distances. Thestarting point of many activities is centered on the Ubud region so this is agood place to base yourself if you plan to do more than one activity.



 

White Water Rafting

Take white water rafting for example. Most tourists tend tosign up for what everyone else is doing and that would be Ayung River Rafting.This is definitely a fun activity and highly recommended to enjoy the scenicroute along the Ayung River which you wouldn'totherwise get to see.  On this raftingactivity, you will wind through deep valleys, pass Hindu shrines, see monkeysplaying, or even catch the odd farmer walking his cow to the river for somewater. For the more adventurous, you might like to go on the Telaga Waja riveradventure. This rafting trip takes you to the foothills of the sacred Mount Agungwhere you will, according to the brochure from the tour operator, navigate downthe Telaga Waja river through torrents, twists and tight turns on a heartstopping adventure.

 

River Kayaking andCanyon Tubing

There is more than one way to travel down one on Bali's famous water ways though. River kayaking isanother one although this would suit someone more experienced and not ideal fortotal beginners. Canyon tubing however is a little more laid back and good funfor the family. This is an activity where you drift down a canyon in aninflatable tube. The location for this is north of Ubud town in Payangan, alittle known area where tourists to Balirarely tread. Over there, the Siap Stream opens up a whole new world of fun andadventure allowing visitors to float down a narrow canyon passing through thickforested areas.

 

Kintamani Cycling

If getting wet is not your cup of tea, then you might liketo go on a Kintamani cycle tour. Several tour companies offer this activitywhere you are picked up from your hotel and driven up to the scenic Kintamanitown located on the rim of the Mount Batur caldera. Breakfastwill most likely be offered in your package at a restaurant where you'll haveample time to take as many photos as you wish before starting. The ride isdownhill of course since you can't get much higher here, and takes you alongbroken tarmac roads through villages, past coffee plantations, traversingthrough paddy fields all the way to Ubud where a buffet lunch is usuallyprovided. The smaller tour operators may offer you a more local experience byinviting you into their homes as part of the tour and cooking a traditionalmeal for lunch.  They'll take time toexplain their culture, point out interesting sites and might even go on detoursif they feel it is worthwhile. 

 

Wildlife and ElephantSafari Excursions

Bali is home to a world famous Elephant Safari Park.The Elephant Park in Taro is a huge complex and thehome of 27 Sumatran elephants. Here you can watch and sit atop an elephant on asafari ride through the Taro forest. There is also a restaurant and the parkhas a purpose built safari style lodge. It is an outing for the entire familyto have fun watching the elephants paint, play and bathe, and spray water onunsuspecting tourists which can be quite amusing depending on your sense ofhumour and what you are wearing at the time. The latest attraction in Bali isthe Bali Safari and Marine Park. This safari park isunusual in that while you normally you would expect to only see wild animals ata wildlife safari, here you will also see part of Bali'sancient past and be able to watch cultural dances. The park is a unique blendof conservation and Balinese culture. There are tram rides through the park andfun activities such as animal rides and shows for the children.  You can purchase a package which includeslunch or dinner.

 

Horse Riding andCamel Riding

Enjoying a breathtaking horseback ride along the coasts ofBali or camel riding along Nusa Dua beach are two other fun activities you cando to experience Bali on four legs instead onfour wheels!  Riding along the blackvolcanic sand beaches on Bali's east coast, though villages that still preserveold traditions and along paddy fields can be something quite romantic if youare a couple especially if you choose an evening ride from one of the westcoast stables. The camel ride takes you on along the pristine white sandbeaches of Nusa Dua.  I don't know if youwill be sitting very much after sitting on a camel's hump on a one hour ride onthe beach but it is definitely some fun judging by the smiles and laughs yousee on peoples' faces.

 

Paragliding &Bungee Jumping

Now these two activities aren't for the faint hearted orthose wearing pace makers but they are worth mentioning.  For those of you who have not heard of thesport, paragliding is not the same as parachuting. Paragliding is a sport wherethe pilot is strapped in a sitting position to a harness that is attached to afabric wing and runs forward usually down a slope to launch the paraglider. Thestunning beauty of Bali's coastlines offersthe paraglider breathtaking views those at ground level won't have the pleasureof enjoying.  The AJ Hackett Bungee Toweris located on Kuta Beach, over a swimmingpool located in a nightclub.  It is theonly place where you can bungee jump in the night with hundreds of party goersdown below. We don't know if this is something desirable for every one, but ifhaving 2000 party goers below you unnerves you, try a jump during day time whenthe club is closed and you'll be able to see the beach as well!

 

There are other activities of course, but these listedprovide a choice of excitement whether you are an individual, couple or afamily with young children looking for something to do other than lounging bythe pool.  You will still get a sun tan,but you'll have to put in some energy to get it but I'm sure it will be worthit for the fun you'll have.