Unique Adventures in Bali

Down the road less traveled, discover the incredible sights, sounds, and flavors of Bali.

When many people dream of jetting off to a tropical paradise, they imagine an island like Bali, in Indonesia. This collection of islands, located north-west of Australia, are a land of rich culture, gorgeous natural surroundings, and a vast diversity of experiences. Travelers from all over the world make the journey to Bali every year, be it to scuba dive on the many coral reefs, to enjoy the serenity of nature, or to discover a new culture, full of music, dance, and mouth-watering cuisine.

With such a great reputation worldwide, this little paradise can become overcome with tourists. To take in all the wonders Bali has to offer while avoiding the crowds, use these incredible sights as your guide. Seeking adventure is a truly exceptional way to learn and grow as an individual, not to mention, it is just so much fun!

Ubud

To really submerge into the Balinese culture, spend some time in the uplands, in the bustling town of Ubud. Rice fields stretch between elaborate temples, and thick, green trees, in Ubud’s surroundings, making it one of the most scenic landscapes on the island. Easily pass the days away, appreciating the local art, indulging in the savory food, and basking in the warm, joyous atmosphere.

The Buddhist community is thriving, with yoga studios, healing centers and vegetarian dining abound. Near the Neka Art Museum, which is worth visiting for enthusiast of painting, in particular, is an excellent place to taste authentic Balinese cuisine. Nasi Ayam Kedewatan, easily the most popular restaurant in town, is a roadside eatery serving up delicious seared meats seasoned with lemongrass and other Halal spices.

After filling up on spicy delectables, a visit to the Sacred Monkey Forest is a nice way to spend the afternoon. Wander between the towering jungle trees, visiting the 3 temples inside the sanctuary. Watch out for the sly and vicious monkeys, over 600 of which populate the park. Perhaps the most beautiful temple is the Pura Tasman Saraswati, an ornate structure, set behind a pond of orchids. The temple was erected to honor the Hindu Goddess of learning, art and literature, Saraswati.

Mingle with the locals at one of Ubud’s numerous markets, a colorful and lively way to spend the afternoon. The Ubud Art Market is a traditional gathering place, in the heart of Ubud. Vendors sell a wide variety of handmade goods, including art, jewelry, clothing, and idols. Finally, conclude your day dining on a healthy meal at Moksa, a vegetarian restaurant with a reputation for quality. All ingredients are grown at their local farm, and the food is prepared fresh, with a seasonally evolving menu.

Unique Adventures in Bali

For many, the most important aspect of a vacation can be taking in the beaches, soaking up the sun and exploring a beautiful landscape. Whether you are a surfer, hiker or just a happy traveler, the Bukit Peninsula is a wonderful place to appreciate Bali. This expansive stretch of the south coast features striking cliffs, epic swells, and breathtaking hillsides.

Take in some of the most expansive views, perched atop the cliffs, on the southwestern tip of Bali, at the Uluwatu temple. This Hindu place of worship features intricate carvings and architecture, in an incredible location.

After a morning bite, at one of the many cafes lining the coast, it’s time for an adventure. Make your way east along the ocean, towards Green Bowl Beach. The trek begins near the Pura Batu Pageh temple, with a steep descent into the cove. Efforts will be rewarded by the brilliant, turquoise waters, and the caves. If you’re lucky a bat or monkey might make an appearance, although weekends tend to attract a large crowd, which can frighten the wildlife.

When you have taken some astonishing pictures and soaked up some rays, make the journey north to Jimbaran. Accommodations are easy to find in this popular surf town, and the beach is considered the best in Bali. Rise early to make the best of the Jimbaran Fish Market, where local sailors and vendors sell fish of all varieties, plucked straight from the sea. The market is a colorful, jovial chaos, that has charmed tourists for many years. If you do pick up some seafood, have it fried up at a local "warung", the name for the abundant, tiny, family-owned cafes in Indonesia.

Kintamani (Lake & Mount Batur)

Beneath the shadow of Mount Batur, an active volcano, lie the crystalline waters of Lake Batur. These beautiful highlands, in north-eastern Bali, make up an area commonly referred to as Kintamani. Only an hour north of the thriving city of Ubud, the serene landscapes here transport travelers back to a time when Bali was a quiet, isolated land.

For the braver sorts, summiting Mount Batur is an exciting way to spend a few hours, however, conditions can be very bad when it rains. The climb will reveal stunning views of the crater lake, and surrounding greenery. Some climbers recommend taking a guide, as the rocky paths can be somewhat confusing. You may prefer to spend the dollar and take one of the abundant orange taxis, that will carry you to the crater’s rim.

After a strenuous climb, the best way to recover is with a soak in Batur’s Natural Hot Spring, a local spa that uses geothermal energy to heat their pools. The steamy, spacious baths overlook an expansive view of the lake and mountains beyond.

Another awesome view can be seen from Bali’s highest temple, the Pura Puncak Penulisan, which was built in the 1920s, after an explosion of lava claimed the original. Ascend over 300 steps, then sit back, and take in the view. In the villages beneath, spend time walking the markets, and take advantage of the abundance of cheap treats. In the lakeside village of Trunyan, the old lifestyle is maintained. Spend an afternoon in one of the villages to see what life would be like as a Balinese farmer.

Blahmantung Waterfall

Further inland, east of the smoldering Batur, the highest volcano on the island crashes through a dense tropical forest. Despite what might be expected, the falls are incredibly remote and serene, with few visitors each day. Rent a car, and take the road trip to Punjungan, a remote farmer’s village in the Pupuan region. Upon arriving in the village, simply follow the signs towards the parking lot. From there, continue the approximately 200 meters on foot to reach the cascade. Around 100 meters high, this gorgeous natural phenomenon is a fun place to cool off. The surrounding farms are comprised of coffee, coconut, cocoa, papayas and other tropical fruit plantations.

Nusa Penida (East)

The small island of Nusa Penida sits in the Indian Ocean, several miles south east of Bali’s mainland. Embracing a slower, more relaxed rhythm, the people of this tropical island are a welcome change of pace. Only just now emerging on tourists’ maps, the island is the ideal place for exploring nature. The eastern coast in particular, is packed with amazing sights and gorgeous beaches. You will feel as though you have discovered a secret island, like in "Swiss Family Robinson".

The entire island has become an unofficial bird sanctuary. Its coast is an important stop for many migratory seabirds, as well as the Bali Starling, which nearly reached extinction a few years back. It is a point of pride for the people, and locals actively care for and defend the bird populations.

One incredible cove is Pasih Uug, which means "broken beach". This breath-taking place features a natural stone arch, formed by centuries of crashing waves. After snapping some incredible photos, continue west along the coast to reach the Angel’s Billabong. Infinity meets tide pool, in this beautiful swimming spot. Brilliantly clear waters fill this ravine, which eventually trickles down to the ocean below.

Although a beautiful landscape, the island still lacks any substantial development. Simple accommodations are available on the north coast, but everywhere else, travelers should plan to camp or find their own beds. Day trips to the island are a good alternative, which can be done using the public ferry system.