Bali island, probably the most famous part of Indonesia. Everyone knows it from its stunning beaches and luxury resorts. But the truth is it is way more than that… There are numerous exceptional outdoor activities in Bali that will leave you breathless.
The vibe of the island is unbeatable. Every house in Bali is a temple and people’s hospitality exceeds your expectations. The island has a deep spiritual significance to the Hindu-Balinese people who practice a unique blend of Hinduism and animism.
Top outdoor activities in Bali.
In fact, Bali has everything. I’ve been on the island many times, spending months and I would never get bored with this magic land. People come here looking for paradise beaches and facing crowds and black sand oceans because they come for the wrong reasons. I’ll guide you through the best outdoor activities in Bali, so you can make the most of your trip to this exotic paradise.
What is actually there to see in Bali?
Bali, the Island of the Gods, is a playground for adventurous travelers seeking great outdoor activities! A land of unspoiled natural beauty /apart from Ubud, Kuta and Denpasar/ is a dream destination for many travelers. This Indonesian island offers an unrivaled blend of spectacular outdoor activities from jungle treks /in the north part of the island/, ancient temples, local markets and volcano hikes – making it the perfect vacation spot for anyone looking for an authentic Southeast Asian experience.
First some Bali facts.
- Bali is located in Southeast Asia and is part of the Indonesian archipelago.
- It is bordered by the Indian Ocean to the south and the Bali Sea to the north.
- The island is only about 153 km wide and spans approximately 5,780 km².
- Bali is known for its rice paddies, ancient temples, body & spririt treatments and one of the toughest volcano hikes! There is endless number of outdoor activities in Bali that are unique and highly adventurous.
Today Bali is mostly known for its tourism, attracting millions of visitors each year from all over the world who come to enjoy its natural beauty and relaxation.
Bali’s history is rich and complex, and the island has seen many political, economic, and cultural shifts over time. Bali was initially inhabited by people from mainland Asia around 2000 BC. The island was then ruled by numerous kingdoms before it was colonized by the Dutch in the early 20th century. Bali became part of Indonesia in 1950, and since then, tourism has become a significant industry on the island.
Bali surfing adventure.
Bali coastline offers lots of opportunities for swimming, snorkeling, surfing, and simply basking in the sun. Surfing is among the most popular outdoor activies in Bali.
Kuta Bali is a place where I tried surfing for the first time. Surfing lesson costs around 15$.
Kuta Beach is famous for its lively atmosphere and surf schools, making it ideal for beginners looking to ride their first wave. While Uluwatu beaches would be more suitable for experienced surfers.
Best beaches in Bali for outdoor activities in Bali.
Here are some of the best beaches to visit in Bali:
- Kuta Beach – It is Bali’s most famous beach and is popular among tourists. The beach is lined with a plethora of shops, restaurants, bars, and markets. Kuta Beach is perfect for surfing, and it has consistent waves throughout the year. You can also enjoy water sports such as parasailing, jet-skiing, and banana boat rides.
- Seminyak Beach – Located north of Kuta, Seminyak Beach is comparatively quieter and less crowded than the more popular Kuta Beach. It is an excellent spot for relaxation, sunbathing, and swimming in its calm waters. It also has beachfront bars, restaurants, and boutiques.
- Nusa Dua Beach – The beach is located in the upscale Nusa Dua resort area, and it has white sand and crystal-clear waters. It is perfect for swimming and sunbathing in a less crowded environment. Water sports activities available on the beach: jet skiing, parasailing, and banana boating.
- Jimbaran Bay Beach – a great spot for sunsets, watching fishing boats come in with their catch in the evening and enjoying freshly grilled seafood right on the beach.
- Balangan Beach – an ideal spot for surfing, sunbathing, and swimming, and it is much less crowded than some other beaches. You’ll be able to visit the nearby Uluwatu Temple, and see a traditional Balinese dance performances at the temple’s amphitheater.
Hiking Iljen crater in Java.
We came to Bali directly after hiking Ijen Crater in Java. The volcano is located in Java, but there are regular ferries from Bali to Java (Pelabuhan Gilimanuk Ferry Port), allowing to take a day trip to hike Ijen Volcano.
Ijen Crater Tour is extremely popular and easily accessible from Bali. It’s the only active volcano with a green acid boiling lake at 300 Celsius degrees. If you take a night tour you will be able to see one of the most incredible phenomenon – blue flames (blue fires).
White water rafting on the Ayung River.
Rafting on the Ayung River is a great experience for both beginners and seasoned rafters. You will find some challenging sections that will get your heart racing but generally it’s a lot of fun!
Hiking Mount Batur.
Hiking Mount Botur is one of the most popular outdoor activities in Bali.
This active volcano rises 1,717 meters above sea level, and the trek usually starts in the early hours of the morning to catch the mesmerizing sunrise at the summit. The panoramic view from the top is magnificent. You’ll be served a tiny breakfast and a hot cup of coffee while watching the sun rise over the surrounding mountains and lakes. The trek is crowded but it’s a truly unforgettable experience.
Bali accomodations for all budgets.
BUDGET – If you are on a tight budget, you can find plenty of affordable hostels and guesthouses in Bali – on agoda.com /up to $25/per night/. In 2016 I literally walked the street to find hundreds of cheap accomodations for less than 10 USD!
MID-RANGE – For mid-range accommodation Bali has plenty of options that offer comfort and convenience. Some of top picks range betweeb $25-$50/per night on agoda.com.
LUXURY – If you want to indulge in luxury during your stay in Bali, there are plenty of high-end resorts and villas to choose from. Some of the most luxurious 5 STAR options start from only 85USD per night: Agoda.com.
ECO-FRIENDLY – Bali also has many eco-friendly resorts that allow you to experience sustainable living while enjoying your vacation.
UNIQUE – For a truly unique experience, Bali also has plenty of unusual accommodation options such as treehouses, yurts, and glamping tents.
Traditional Balinese food.
Bali is not just known for its beautiful beaches and scenic landscapes but also for its delectable cuisine. Balinese food is a blend of rich spices, herbs and fresh ingredients, making it a fusion of complex flavors. Here are some of Bali’s traditional dishes that you must try:
- Nasi Goreng – This is considered Bali’s national dish and is similar to fried rice. It is typically served with a fried egg on top and a side of prawn crackers.
- Sate – This is grilled meat skewers served with a peanut sauce. Satay is commonly made with chicken, beef, or pork.
- Babi Guling – Babi Guling is a whole roasted suckling pig, stuffed with a mix of herbs and spices. It is usually served with rice, crispy pork skin, and Balinese vegetables.
- Lawar – Lawar is a mix of vegetables, meat, and grated coconut. It comes in different varieties and can have either pork, beef, or chicken.
- Bebek Betutu – Bebek betutu is a dish made with a duck that is first rubbed with a mixture of spices, then wrapped in banana leaves and slow-cooked for several hours.
- Pepes – Pepes are typically made with fish wrapped in banana leaves and grilled over charcoal. The fish is marinated with a combination of herbs and spices to give it an intense flavor.
- Lawar Kuwir – Lawar Kuwir is similar to Lawar, but it is made from pig’s blood. Cooked and mixed with spices and coconut, it is known for its strong flavor and is an acquired taste.
- Sate Lilit – Sate Lilit is an Indonesian satay with minced meat (fish, chicken or pork) and mixed with spices and grated coconut.
10. Pisang Goreng – Pisang goreng is a dessert commonly found across Indonesia. Sliced ripe bananas are coated with a batter made of rice flour, sugar and coconut milk before deep frying.
These traditional Balinese food dishes are a must-try for even from the street vendors.
ATV riding through rice fields and jungle trails.
ATV tours across island’s stunning landscapes, volcanic terrain, rural countryside or dense jungle are rated as top adventurous outdoor activities in Bali. Here are some top quad tours on Tripadvisor:
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