By Vibrant Dot Staff
Planning a beach holiday? Surrounded by sapphire seas and golden beaches, Bali is a surfer’s paradise. Also known as the “Island of the Gods”, Bali is located in the middle of Indonesia. Besides having a gorgeous sea landscape, Bali has a variety of attractions to enjoy, such as a water theme park, a jungle canopy, temples, caves, museums and markets. It’s no surprise that Bali is one of the most popular travel destinations in the world.
Whether you’re an avid adventure goer, or a leisure cultural backpacker, surely you will find Bali a splendid place to spend your holiday. There are so many activities to choose from, and here’s a breakdown of the top 10 things you must do in Bali.
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Raft Down The Ayung River
Bali has a huge range of water sports and white water rafting down the Ayung River – the longest river on the island, would easily top the chart. Marvel at the river’s gorgeous surroundings, including lush rainforests, gorgeous waterfalls, and beautiful gorges as you float down the white rapids. It’s a fun and thrilling family-friendly activity. You will be briefed by professional guides on proper rafting techniques and safety rules. Then set off on your exhilarating rafting adventure, which would last for about an hour, and enjoy the splashing fun ride!
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Go Surfing in Kuta
If you haven’t surfed before, Kuta Beach is the best place to kickstart the experience. The beach sits across from a sandbar that has a rolling surf free of sharp reefs, which makes it an ideal surfing location. You can rent a surfboard and sign up for a surf lesson right at the spot. Other than surfing, Kuta Beach is also a strategic place to watch sunset. So sit back and enjoy a cold beer while listening to the sound of waves crashing on the beach.
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Waterbom Bali
Located in central Kuta, Waterbom is an oasis in the heart of the buzzling tourist area and it’s arguably the most popular waterpark on the island. Featuring numerous slides and pools, the park is a great place for families with kids. Adults can enjoy tropical drinks at the swim up bar whilst the kids head to the wet play areas. For those who are seeking out an adrenaline pumping activity, challenge the pride of the park, Climax – a long water slide with a steep drop down at 70km/hr.
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Visit Bali Safari and Marine Park
Don’t miss the most realistic safari experience at Bali Marine and Safari Park, a 40-hectare specially landscaped park man-made to imitate natural habitats. You will be greeted by an enormous range of different species of animals and plants, some rare or endangered. Your day will be well spent in the park with fun activities, like roaming through the park on the safari bus, feeding piranhas, riding an elephant, petting ponies, watching live animal shows and more. During the night time, hop onto the cage tram and embark on the heart-thumping night safari tour as you enter the tiger’s den. The option to stay the night is available at the park where you may watch giraffes and elephants amble past your hotel room.
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Bathe in the Sacred Waters of Tirta Empul
You probably will better recognise this location in the film Eat, Pray, Love which stars Hollywood actress Julia Roberts. Tirta Empul was one of the selected sites to visit by former US President Barack Obama and family on their Bali trip in June 2017. The temple is located in the village of Manukaya, near Tampaksiring, not far from Ubud. It is made up of a number of pools which are filled by fountains. Hindus from all over would come over to bathe as they believe the waters are sacred. Anyone can swim in the water and a tour around the temple will take about 30 minutes. Just as other sacred sites, you will need to put on a sarong before entering the premises, and the sarongs can be rented for a small donation.
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Watch Devdan Show
Get a deeper understanding into this beautiful archipelago and its unique cultures that spread across Sumatra, Borneo, Papua and many other islands through this award-winning production. This talented team of performers will show you how Indonesia celebrates “Unity in Diversity” with a contemporary take on traditional culture, combining acrobatics and special effects. Catch dramatic performances like Kecak fire dances, shadow puppets, warrior chants, water dances, tribal ceremonies, and more!
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Hike Up Mount Batur
Kintamani Volcano is an active volcano that stands at 1,717 meters (5,633 feet) above sea level on Mount Batur and is now listed as a part of UNESCO’s Global Geopark Network. You can take the Sunrise Trek tour to the top which usually sets out at around 4 AM. The trail will take 3 hours to the top of the mountain, just in time to watch the spectacular sunrise over the crater. Indulge in a delicious breakfast with the picturesque Balinese mountainscapes. This is also one of the easiest treks in Bali compared to other larger mountains and volcanoes.
- Hop On the Bali Swing
Perhaps you have already seen this on Instagram. There are a few giant jungle swings now on the island; nevertheless, the first and original Bali Swing is located in Badung, about a 20-minute drive from the Ubud center, or 1.5 hours from Kuta. In fact, the attraction itself is named “Bali Swing”. Open daily from 8 AM to 5 PM, Bali Swing houses a total of 4 jungle swings ranging from 10m, 15m, 20m and 78m above ground. Regardless of the swing you choose, you are still guaranteed a spectacular view that spreads across river, tropical greenery and waterfall. If you are not a fan of heights, consider “Hanging Nests” – the dangling giant bird nests that are wedged between two enormous palm trees which would make good spots for #instagrammable photos.
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Sign Up For A Day Trip to Nusa Penida Island
Credit: merieeems @ Instagram
Nusa Penida is the largest and most exotic of the three Nusa islands. This island is less-travelled compared to the other two Nusa islands but was made popular in recent years – thanks to its collection of unique Hindu temples and picturesque natural features of cliff formations and lagoons. Taking a speedboat from Sanur in the morning and getting back by the evening is fairly doable. During the day, you will be able to visit a few sites, such as Kelingking Beach, Angel’s Billabong, Broken Beach and Pura Goa Giri Putri (Giri Princess Cave).
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Visit A Spa
Credit: iradeniseoyco @ Instagram
Don’t just leave Bali yet without getting a relaxing, full body massage – or maybe two? Living up to its reputation as Southeast Asia’s relaxation capital, Bali is known for its spa experiences which combine traditional local ingredients and centuries-old techniques that will leave you relaxed and rejuvenated. The island is filled with spas and massage parlours in every corner. No matter how you would like it – rubbed, scrubbed, perfumed or pampered, Bali has it all. What are you waiting for?
