The Real Bali Adventures

The best way to enjoy Bali is enjoying every ‘adventure’ which can be experienced on the road, on the beach, and in various occasion. After leaving your comfortable Bali villa, you will face exciting ‘adventures’ which may make you bad mood or more enthusiastic depend on how you figure them out. No panic is needed. Some tips provided to make your life in Bali little bit better.

• A Dog Attack

Rabies though not an epidemic in Bali, there is still some cases of it. The local government has tried to give vaccine to dogs but as human being we have to be careful when we meet any dogs on the road. So when you get barking dog in front of you on the way back to your Bali hotel show no fear, bite your tongue and show it to the dog or whistling. The dog will not bother you anymore. But if the dog bites you, get anti-rabies serum immediately in the hospital. Don’t wait until tomorrow.

• Getting Sick

People who have visited Bali could suffer from some problems on their stomach like diarrhea because of gastronomical delight. No need to worry because Imodium which you can get it in the local pharmacy will cure you within a day. If you are in the medical prescription just bring your medicines. When you travel alone and suddenly get headache or diarrhea, ask for help from Bali hotel’s or Bali villa’s staff. They will be very helpful.

• Traffic Jam

Unquestionably Bali is more crowded. However local government has realized one solution lately by operating Bus Trans Sarbagita. This bus will drop and take you in the area of Sanur, Kuta, and Nusa Dua. And you don’t need to spend 10 minutes trapped in the jam. However, compared to Jakarta, Bali is considered vacant. Personally I have no problem with normal congested road in Bali.

• Annoying Street Vendors/Beach Hawkers

Pushy beach hawkers can be so annoying. When you are lying on the sun bed and the hawkers come to you, close your eyes and pretend to be asleep. How to bargain is also important when you are keen to buy their product. If they ask you to pay IDR 50.000 for nail polish for example, bargain it at half price. If they refuse it, increase your price gradually. Keep bargaining until they agree with your price. If at the stage they are so persistent try to leave them. If they call you back then you can get what you want based at the price you asked. If they don’t then the price of the thing you want is indeed a normal thing.

• Tourist Invasion

Rent a private Bali villa can be a good solution. You will have serene surrounding, private facilities, and no need to share them with other guests. To get utmost satisfaction, Bali villa will be an oasis and the gate leading you to the peaceful home away from home.

• Getting Ripped-Off by Taxi

Once you are getting in the taxi, the first thing you should check is the taxi meter. The starting point for taxi in Bali is IDR 5.000. If you notice the taxi meter shows more than IDR 5.000 ask the driver to reset the meter before driving. If you want to go to a far place load yourself with information of standard fare from staffs at your Bali hotel or Bali villa. So when negotiating with the taxi driver up front, you can judge whether or not the taxi driver offers a fair fare.

• Being Chatted-Up with Unwanted People

Sometimes, when you relax on the beach, a group of students come to you. What they want is just train their English. Well, you can have a chit chat for a couple of minutes, help them in understanding English is such a good thing. But when they take many time and you feel bothered just be honest to them that you want to relax.

• Getting Lost

Getting Lost in Bali? Why don’t bring a map with you? Or install GPS on your mobile phone?

• Spending Unnecessary Money

In Bali it is very easy to spend money by buying nice clothes, yummy food, great liquor, even when a cute girl come to you and you treat her drink. No tips for this except controlling yourself.

• Flat Tire

On the way back to your Jogya villa or Bali hotel, you just got flat tire. The world seems so dark and your mood turns to bad. Well, don’t be panic. Ask the local about the nearby machine shop. Or if you get flat tire on the night call the rental company to discuss what should you do with that rented motorbike. For this reason you have to make sure that you carry a phone number which can be reached after office hours. Voila!

source:http://blog.baliwww.com

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Diving at Pemuteran

Pemuteran area, with its scenic beach is located four km west of Pulaki, 28 km east of Gilimanuk and 40 km west of Lovina. For diving enthusiast Pemuteran offers some of the island’s best diving and snorkeling with great dropoffs just one km offshore. This idyllic resort is also strategic to be used as a base for diving the North Bali areas, with its quiet and pleasant atmosphere and range of accommodation from budget to luxury.

For diving activities, Pemuteran is a good site for beginners since there is hardly any current there. Diving in Pemuteran is good year-around but the best times are from March to early May and September to January. The water temperatures are around 28º – 32ºC and visibility is good.

There are many good dive sites around Pemuteran, such as Napoleon Reef, is an underwater mound, about the size of football field. With its flat top, Napoleon Reef is home of sponges and corals, cuttlefish, and manta rays. Another good reef is Lebar Reef that is covered with thickets of staghorn and tabletops acropora and fan gorgonians.

Another good site is Kebun Batu (Rock Garden), a huge boulder rise from the bottom to just meters below the surface, covered with sponges and corals and serves as home for various fishes. Pemuteran not just offers beautiful sponges and corals, there is also a site known as “Close Encounters” where divers can get a close encounter with big fish such as reef shark, tuna, mackerel, Napoleon wrasse and occasional whale shark.

source:blog.baliwww.com

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Diving at Menjangan Island

Located on the north western tip of Bali, Menjangan Island can be reached by boat from Labuhan Lalang port or from Terima Bay in Buleleng regency. It is received its name from the wild java deer that graze on its open savannahs. Menjangan Island is one of Bali’s premier scuba diving and snorkeling locales, this island has reefs that are frequented by species of fish of every size, shape and color. Menjangan Island boasts of 110 species of reefs and 226 species of reef’s fish and other kind of fish.

Menjangan Island has a good geographical position. With no current and wind-generate waves to contend with Menjangan Island is suitable for beginning and intermediate divers. And when it comes to visibility, Menjangan Island holds the sway, occasionally, the water can be crystal clear, and for the rest of the time visibility seldom go under 25 meters.

Under the water surface, Menjangan Island has variety of underwater terrain, from two meters below the surface to 150 meters offshore. The interesting feature which is offered by this island to the divers is soft coral walls around the island. The walls are almost vertical and extended down to 35-60 below the surface. The reef has unusually rugged surface with caves, grottoes, crevasses and funnel-like splits break up the coral wall, with nooks and crannies texture the surface of the walls. The walls are covered various large-size Gorgonians, huge-barrel sponges and soft corals.

On the south side of the island, divers can explore a spectacular 120-meter dropoffs and caves. On the north western end of Menjangan Island lies the “Anker” wreck, a 25-meter wreck lies on a sandy slope from 7 meters down to 45 meter underwater. This spot has excellent soft corals with variety of fish such as parrotfish, surgeonfish, unicornfish, butterflyfish, batfish, damselfish, triggerfish, scorpionfish, bannerfish and other reef life.

source:blog.baliwww.com

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Diving and Snorkeling at Padang Bai

Snorkeling

There is good snorkeling in the bay, though the snorkeling at the Blue Lagoon is much better. Many of the local dive operators organize trips to this spot. If the waves are large, don’t bother snorkeling as the current is extremely strong and visibility will be 1 to 3 meters at best. On a calm day expect lots of fish and great visibility. Buoys mark the furthest point snorkelers should go. For even better snorkeling you can charter a boat.

Several places in Padang Bai rent snorkeling equipment.

Diving

Padangbai is noted for its diving and the friendly dive centres are right on the beach with their own bars for after-diving refreshments.

Geko Dive, Jl Pantai Silayulkti, Padang Bai (northern end of the bay), â˜Ž +62 363 41516. PADI dive centre which has been awarded GoEco operator status by Project Aware. Offer full range of courses and fun dives. English and Dutch speaking instructors.

Q-Dive Bali, Jl Silayukti 7, Padang Bai (in the front of the Puri Rai Hotel), Ph +62 363 41387 , fax: +62 363 41386). A new PADI diving school

source:blog.baliwww.com

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From Seminyak to Tanah Lot – Along the Beach

The whole concept of a short-long stroll along the beach from Pura Petitenget to Tanah Lot was conceived last week after the four of us through a few crazy suggestions together and the beach walk won. The sojourn had been put off a couple of times thanks to the intervention of Mother Nature in the form of heavy storms and high waves pounding the shoreline thus preventing a clear passage along the beach. Thanks to a break in the weather, Carl, Arti, Candika and myself set out from Pura Petitenget a few days ago to walk to Tanah Lot. As you can imagine, most of the Balinese we talked to about this walk merely laughed and regarded the sojourn as a crazy bule idea. Probably because nobody had ever done it before and the Balinese did not have the inkling to put their bodies through such ‘suffering’. I can imagine that a lot of you reading this will say the distance is not far and rightly so because it is only9.8 klms, but, very soft and deep sand, multiple river crossings and the occasional diversion from the beach because of rocky shorelines does take its toll and time. Combine that with the incessant heat of the day and you have one hell of a walk.

We started off from Pura Petitenget at 6am before first light had broken but on reflection, we left it a bit late. I would advise you start your walk along the beach at least a half hour earlier. This reason will become apparent later. Low tide and a hard sand by the water’s edge made the going fairly easy and I was indeed quite surprised the amount of people on the beach at that time of the morning. The plan was to walk as far as we could in the first hour and then do a kilometre-check on my pedometer. The soft, gentle offshore breeze made a symphony with the breaking waves. Enter the morning sun casting its first rays of light softening the colours of both the sand and sparse shacks. Perahu’s scattered here and there like elongated shadows became alive and before too long, the vast stretch of coastline ahead was in view and became our guiding line, the tip of the headland our destination. With only a couple of shallow river crossings we had walked along the beaches of BatuBelig, Browo, Canggu, Nelayan and, by the fist time and kilometre check we had walked 5.2klms in an hour and a half stopping for breakfast at the magnificent Hotel Tugu Bali located at Pantai Batu Bolong. With no warung in sight, we had no choice but to eat there. The one thing I did notice along these beaches is the gradual lessening of human garbage amongst the refuse washed onto the shore. More and more, coconuts and beautiful pieces of sea-washed driftwood would be the subject of our gaze as were the array of seabirds.

With our stomachs fed we continued on our journey at 8.25am taking the path down along the rocks to the beach. By now the tide had made steady progress advancing onto the shoreline quicker than we realised forcing us to walk higher up along the beach. This caused us all to walk with one leg higher than the other and in soft sand thus zapping energy quicker than we had anticipated. Any attempt to walk in the wet sand in this manner with such turbulent surf was impossible. The shoreline became rockier the further we walked and crossing the smaller rivers was relatively easy and before too long we has walked along the stretches of Batu Mejen beach and Perenean beach. When we finally arrived at the coastal village ofSeseh, a rest-break from the sojourn was agreed upon and we sat on some large structures of driftwood watching local women and children playing and bathing in the muddy waters of the river. The locals were intrigued as to why we were walking along the beach and after informing them we were walking to Tanah Lot a majority of them broke into hysterical laughter. Such a deterrent made us even more determined to reach our destination. Each time we asked any Balinese we came across on the beaches so far as to the distance we had to go to arrive at Tanah Lot, the kilometres varied from 10 up to 23. Of course the added sniggers and laughter didn’t help. The further we walked along the lonely stretches of quickly blackening sand the hotter it became, this being another obstacle on such a journey. We had brought eight litres of water between us but this was soon consumed under the oppressive heat. Another obstacle started to plague us. Rocky outcrops were more and more frequent causing us to leave the beach to find pathways around them, a time-consuming process that was to play havoc with the body’s strength.

At one point, not far fromMencening Beach we were forced to walk a kilometre inland and circle around a headland. This turned out to be a blessing in disguise as we came across a shady warung. Copious amounts of Pocari Sweatwere consumed and it gave us time to take stock of where we were with the helpful assistance of the locals there. According to them we had less than 2 kilometres to Tanah Lot. However, they gave us no warning of what would become our greatest obstacle of all. We eventually made our way back down to the beach and continued walking the length of the very long Mencening beach. A headland upon which sits divinely Pura Luhur Batu Ngaus. Because of the turbulent ocean crashing against the rocky promontory we were once again forced to venture inland to find a path around to return to the beach. After walking through sawah fields for a half hour finally we found a small path, albeit rocky. The sea-garbage strewn beach from that point was relatively hard making walking easier and as we passed by other temple structures I had the feeling that our goal was not far away. The ocean around there seemed to pound the shore viciously and the waters were a murky bracken colour. After turning the next headland I knew our goal was really in sight when I saw on top of the cliff the sprawling fairways of the Nirwana Golf Course.

One last river crossing and we could walk around the base of the cliffs and enter Tanah Lot along the coastline. Nobody along our walk had mentioned this last river crossing or its ferociousness or in fact about the three local people who had lost their lives being swept out to sea in their attempt. We dropped our backpacks in the sand and scanned the length of the river looking for a suitable place to cross. The river’s current was running so strong that when the waters rushed into the sea, a backlash of waves was created along the estuary. Carl tried first. As he gingerly waded into the murky water up to his waist, he was suddenly neck-deep and quickly retreated to the shore. Carl tried again in a different place but was soon met with the same fate. I walked further towards the estuary end and entered. At first it was only knee-deep but then the whole ground gave way underneath me and I felt like I was being sucked into quick-sand, my body being spun around and before too long, I was underwater. With no other visible means of getting across this vicious stretch of water we were once again thwarted and sought an alternative route around the river. Walking downstream along and through the natural garbage strewn banks, we eventually came across a set of stone steps meandering upwards through the vine-clogged jungle. The oppressive heat of the morning sun was taking its toll on all of us and we were soon to be disappointed even more as we reached the top of the steps. Kilometre upon kilometre of sawah fields stretched to the horizon, a few villas dotted here and there, and a small narrow limestone path was all we saw. We had no choice but to follow the path.

Coming across one villa Carl decided to ask the residents about crossing the river, if there was a boat available or even horses we could us. The disappointment on his face when he returned was enough for all of us. To come so far and yet so near and have a simple river crossing thwart our plans. A chat with a farmer further down the path truly sealed our fate. No, there was no bridge. The farmer’s wife offered to take us to the nearest village where we could get transport to Tanah Lot. Left with no options, we all agreed and the farmer’s wife ferried us on the back of her motor bike one-by-one to the village of Keliki. Deeply disappointed, we found a warung and waited for the Bemo to arrive. As we sat in the shady warung consuming cold drink after cold drink, it was the general consensus that the journey had been on heck of an adventure and the fact that to our knowledge no Balinese had attempted this walk and either had any other westerner. A sobering thought as it was, when the Bemo arrived to ferry us on the last leg, we all secretly wished we had completed that last kilometre by foot along the craggy shore.

When we eventually arrived at Tanah Lot with its parking area full of tourist buses, we looked at each other and laughed knowing that at least we had attempted to make it here in an unusual manner. I think what really upset us all was when we walked down to the base of Tanah Lot temple and looked back along the coast at the last leg of what would have been the last kilometre of our journey (foto below).

Source:baliblog.com

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Day Trips from Kuta Beach

Kuta Beach is a popular surfing and tourist destination. While the area offer a good number of things to see and do in the immediate areas, there is even more just a short drive away. The areas that surround the tourist area of Kuta Beach are filled with temples, wildlife refuges, and much more. Check out some of our favorite day trips you can take from Kuta Beach. All of these things can be done in a day and give you plenty of time to make it back to your hotel in Kuta.

If you need help making plans to visit any of these places, ask your hotel staff. They should be able to offer up some advice on how to get to these popular locations.

If you have any other suggestions for day trips from Kuta Beach, please let us know by leaving a comment below!

Mount Batur

Gunung Batur is one of the most sacred mountains in Bali and probably the most popular. It is one hour drive from Kuta beach to the nearest settlement at Penelokan which is the starting point to the summit of this active volcano. The volcano is famous for its beautiful caldera, which encompasses the majestic turquoise Lake Batur, that is itself an attraction famed for canoeing.

The easiest and most well known route to the top of the mountain takes just a little more than two hours. Visitors flock to the mountain to see the astounding panorama of colors and breathtaking sunsets. Apart from early morning and evening tours, a chance to see the sunrise is increasingly becoming the main attraction. In the morning, the misty clouds hovering above the lake start their journey to the summit, providing once in a lifetime spectacle. There are numerous guides who will be ready to take a small group in any time of the day. Among its several craters, the most sought after is the middle sandy crater which provides the best views and a chance to enjoy warm lava rocks, hot springs and gluey lava flows. Plan an early morning visit to traverse farther for navigating the bat caves and a mountain temple.

West Bali National Park

West Bali National Park is on the least inhabited and sparsely populated region of Bali. It provides an opportunity to visit a lost paradise containing numerous endangered species of which the white Bali sterling is the most famous. A mascot of Bali, only 50 such birds survive. You can visit the rehabilitation program site to watch these most colorful species in its natural habitat. There are over 160 bird species and almost 17 different mammals which include the one of its kind barking deer, giant squirrels and leopards.

Visitors have the flexibility in choosing numerous tours that operate on a daily basis. The park offer one of the most myriad sceneries in Bali with sheer cliff face and black rock surfing friendly beaches. It was here that the last of the famous Bali tigers, once prowled. The last one was shot in 1937, four years before the creation of the park. Visitors to the park are thrilled by the prospect of venturing deep into the forests, rice paddies and swamps which are rightfully highlighted in the government brochures and travel magazines. The Rambutsiwi Hindu temple and the surrounding scenery provides one of the most striking examples of remote and rugged outposts in this part of the world. Traditional villages and lakes abound in the peaceful environments away from the hustle and bustle of Kuta beach and its vicinities.

Sacred Monkey Forest

If you are adventurous by nature or just want to show off then a visit to the Sacred Monkey Forest in the middle of Ubud is an activity which takes courage, respect and an interaction with the bizarre. The heavily forested sanctuary in the middle of an otherwise crowded town distinguishes itself by revealing secrets along its well paved paths containing the three sacred Hindu temples.

Most visitors come here to see the long tailed macaques that are not afraid to steel anything and everything from the visitors. Fortunately, they will only jump at the opportunity if someone test their temperament. These hairy creatures are not so innocent as they may seem. These monkeys keep on increasing their colony from only 69 a decade ago to more than 300 strong in four different groups. The caretakers feed them regularly and such feeding time brings with it the frenzy and a sight to behold. It is not only the attraction but temples, shrouded by the thick forest cover, which hold sinister secrets apparent from the Rangda figures devouring little children along the entrance to the Temple of the dead. You might want to take pesky kids with you who will be delighted by a close encounter with the untamed.

Pura Tanah Lot

From distance, it seems like a sailing ship adrift in the sea. Just a few kilometers out of town lies this magical temple,Pura Tanah Lot, which on first glance seems to be custom made for a blockbuster movie set. Accessible only on low tide, the sacred pilgrimage site is located on a fairy tale rock formation enhanced by the beauty of twilight and the fantastic Balinese sunsets.

Numerous vendors have set up stalls by the seaside where visitors can relax and share the stories surrounding the existence of this structure which is said to be guarded by hundreds of sea snakes who take refuge at the bottom of the rock. To prevent the virgin temple, no one is allowed to enter the compounds. This said, it should not deter anyone from enjoying the beauty of the surrounding area. It is better to arrive in the early afternoon and stay until the sunset. You will be required to pay a fee to enter and pass through hundreds of souvenir stalls on either side of the narrow track. Allow plenty of time to stroll around the beach and locate a perfect spot from where to enjoy the sight and sounds of this mystical structure.

Source:baliblog.com

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How To Enjoy Adventures In Bali

Bali is to everyone not only known for it’s indigenous culture, people, but also known for it’s nature, i.e.: magnificent mountain, alluring sea, beaches, pristine forest, waterfall, hot spring, rice fields, flora, fauna, traditional villages, etc are the great asset that Bali has to offer. It attracts the tourists to come to Bali especially to those who are fond of travelling. They like to go to the places where they can recharge their souls, unwind, release the tension from work, and simply enjoy what life has to offer.

While enjoying the great view, you may thoroughly enjoy the adventures in Bali through joining adventure activities that available in Bali, such as: horse riding, elephant ride, quad & buggy ride, bungy jumping, buggy drive, village trekking, forest & mountain trekking, cycling, hiking, rafting, sea cruise, land cruise, scuba/diving, snorkelling, water sports, land tours, golf, and so on.

Here’s a list of tips for adventure travellers, whether they want adventures that are more inclined to wilderness or just the typical family adventure most people would love to experience:

1. It is best that people should know what the type of travel adventure they are getting into.

Adventure travel may provide the kind of adrenalin rush most adventurers long to experience every time they get out of their territory. It is the feeling of newness and uncertainty on what will happen that gives them the satisfaction and gratification that they need.

However, it is still important for them to know what they are doing. After all, travelling always involve risky activities especially to those who are set to gain adventure experience.

2. Have a fixed set on the adventure travel destination.

Because of the vastness of locations and adventure locations available today, people might get confused on what areas are best for their adventure travel.

One good tip is to choose a location that can baffle those adventurous minds and mystify the eyes with great mystery.

As much as new and exotic places can be adventurous, it is still best to stick to the classical and typical locations. It would be really risky to try areas, which no one has ever dared to go to.

3. Consider the budget.

Adventure travelling can be pretty expensive especially when it entails going to places that entails great adventure packages.

So, it would be better for adventure travellers to shop around first and compare prices before deciding on what kind of adventure travel to take.

Indeed, adventure travel can be one of the most exciting and gratifying travel one can experience. However, with the exotic places, wilderness, and virgin forests that one might consider, it is a must that every travel must know the proper way how to protect themselves and what to do first before trying the place out.

After all I can say that Bali for adventurer is worthy place to visit.

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Foot Reflexology in Bali

Due to its transient nature, Bali has always been fairly quick to embrace different healing practices. Some treatments have been around for centuries, while others are based on modern wellness beliefs. There is a growing interest globally in alternative therapies that nurture the body, mind and spirit. Most international travellers are familiar with traditional Balinese massage, but now foot massage seems to have made an impact on the island in major tourist areas.



Reflexology is a compression massage technique whereby zones and reflex points in the feet correspond with specific glands and organs within the body. Correct stimulation of the reflex points can alleviate many health problems without the use of medicine. Reflexology stimulates nerves to optimize blood circulation. It is also believed to strengthen the immune system as well as revitalize and maintain a healthy equilibrium between the mind and body.

Directly under the skin there is a network of nerve endings which receive and pass impulses to and from the body organs. The feet are considered an intricate map to the entire body. Reflexology is performed by using intense thumb and finger pressure the various reflex points on the foot. This is a stress reducing experience that enhances the flow of oxygen to blood cell, thus increasing the body’s energy levels.

Reflexology dates back 4000 years and was practiced exclusively by ancient Chinese, Egyptian and Indian cultures. It is believed that this technique spread to other parts of the world from Egypt during the reign of the Roman Empire. Today foot reflexology is particularly popular in South East Asian nations that have long accepted the traditions of natural healing.

In Bali, foot reflexology is available in most hotel spas and healing centres. Foot reflexology is often a prelude to an extended beauty package and involves a flower foot bath and stimulating massage with aromatic oil. As an alternative to visiting a spa facility, a number of low budget foot reflexology salons now line the streets of Kuta and Sanur. Prices start from as low as Rp 30,000 per session and subtle benefits can be felt after several sessions.

If you are planning to travel to Bali in the near future, an hour long session of foot reflexology is an inexpensive indulgence that will leave you feeling totally relaxed. However, it is important to remember that reflexology therapists are not medically trained to diagnose health conditions.

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Massage in Bali

Balinese massage is part of the traditional culture and has been expanded to cater to tourists. For people who have never experienced a massage, a trip to Bali might be the ideal opportunity as prices are a fraction of what the would be in the west.

Types of massage offered in Bali:

•Balinese massage - A Balinese massage uses a combination of gentle stretches, acupressure and aromatherapy oils to stimulate the flow of blood, oxygen and ‘qi’ (energy) around your body, and bring deep relaxation and wellness. An ancient technique, Balinese massage uses a variety of techniques including skin rolling, kneading and stroking, acupressure and reflexology; essential oils will relax and soothe you.

•Swedish Massage - The term “Swedish Massage” refers to a variety of techniques specifically designed to relax muscles by applying pressure to them against deeper muscles and bones, and rubbing in the same direction as the flow of blood returning to the heart.

•Shiatsu massage - Shiatsu Japanese from shi, meaning finger, and atsu, meaning pressure) is a traditional Japanese hands-on therapy based on anatomical and physiological theory and is regulated as a licensed medical therapy with the Ministry of Health and Welfare in Japan.


Places to get a massage:
•Kuta / Seminyak area
Many hotels can arrange a masseuse to come to your room or have a poolside massage for a fixed price. You might pay 50,000rp-100,000rp per hour. Beach side massages offered by older Balinese women range in price and basically consist of you laying flat and having oil rubbed into you for half an hour. Prices are always negotiable and you might pay 25,000rp for 30 minutes. Dedicated spas such as Bodyworks in Ubud and Seminyak (1 hour massage under $20), plus high end spas such as Prana in Seminyak will offer good service, with a higher price than the small local salons. These spas and the spas found in large resorts realize that decor, aroma, fresh air and tranquility lend themselves to a positive experience for the customer. This concept does not exist in the small salons in Tuban, Kuta, Legian, where they are just knocking out massages for 50,000rp. The better spas will have a high level of cleanliness and offer various types of massage.

•Nusa Dua / Jimbaran
Large resorts in Nusa Dua will have a spa complete with a list of treatments including massage. Its possible to enjoy a massage with a friend or partner. The Ritz Carlton has a high quality spa.

•Ubud
Tranquil setting and has a selection of smaller spas downtown. Ideal for people who like to enjoy a massage every day. A 1 hour massage ranges from $25-$40.


Types of massage environments:

•Beach massages:
Advantages: No need to book, instant service, ocean views, friendly staff, low cost.
Disadvantages: Sand may get blown on you sticking to the oil, everyone on the beach gets to watch, quality may not be the greatest.

•Small salons:
In side streets off of Jl. Legian / Seminyak are small salons providing hair treatment as well as massage. These are easy to locate as staff often linger outside passing out flyers to passersby. You’ll pay 50,000rp for 1 hour.
Advantages: No need to book, instant service, low price, friendly staff.
Disadvantages: Premises may not be the most inspiring (smelly, mosquitoes etc.), other locals may be lingering and chatting, no view, quality of massage may not be the best.

Resorts spas / dedicated spas:

Advantages: Plush surroundings, tranquil atmosphere, great views / decor, quality massage.
Disadvantages: You may have to book in advance or wait, staff may be courteous rather than friendly, expensive.

In the smaller places you will be better off asking the receptionist / staff for the person who gives the kind of massage you prefer, meaning strong / medium or soft. If you have joint problems it might be a good idea to let the staff know before they start cracking your toes and bending your knees and ankles inside out.

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Adventures In Bali

As a holiday destination and living place Bali is to everyone not only known for it’s indigenous culture, the friendly people but it is also known for it’s nature, such as the magnificent mountains, alluring sea, beaches, pristine forest, waterfall, hot spring, rice fields, flora, fauna, traditional villages, etc are the great asset that Bali has to offer. It attracts the tourists to come to Bali especially to those who are fond of travelling. Most visitors like to go to the places where they can recharge their souls, unwind, release the tension from work, and simply enjoy what life has to offer in a serene setting.

Whilst enjoying the great views, you may also thoroughly enjoy the adventures in Bali by joining some of the adventure activities that are available in Bali, such as: horse riding, elephant ride, quad & buggy ride, bungy jumping, buggy drive, village trekking, forest & mountain trekking, cycling, hiking, rafting, sea cruise, land cruise, scuba/diving, snorkelling, water sports, land tours, golf, and so on.

I have made a list of tips for adventure travellers, whether they want adventures that is more inclined to wilderness or just the typical family adventure most people would love to experience with there whole family.

1. I have found it is best that people should know what the type of travel adventures they are getting into are:
The adventure travel may provide the kind of adrenalin rush most adventurers long to experience every time they get out of their own territory. It is the raw feeling of newness and uncertainty on what will happen that gives them the satisfaction, excitement and gratification that they need.

However, it is still important for the thrill seekers to know what they are doing. After all, travelling always involve risky activities especially to those who are set to gain adventure experience.

2. Always have a fixed set and map on the adventure travel destination.
Due to the vastness of locations and adventure locations available today, people might get confused on what areas are best for their adventure travel.
One good tip in this situation is to choose a location that can baffle those adventurous minds and mystify the eyes with great mystery but always have a good map.

As much as new and exotic places can be adventurous, it is still best to stick to the classical and typical locations. It would be really risky to try areas, which no one has ever dared to go to, especially if the locals don’t go to these places as well.


3. Consider your budget.

A lot of adventure travelling can be pretty expensive especially when it entails going to places that have the extreme adventure packages.
So, I think it would be better for adventure travellers to shop around first and compare prices before deciding on what kind of adventure travel to take, even ask your travel agent for advice.

Adventure travel can be one of the most exciting and gratifying travel experiences around. However you must also remember with the exotic places comes the wilderness, and virgin forests that one might consider, it is a must that every traveller must know the proper way on how to protect themselves and what to do first before trying the place out.

After all that I can say that Bali for the adventurer is definitely a worthy place to visit

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Bali Best Adventure Activities

Welcome to the great adventures tour in Bali Island which provides many selections of adventure activities during your holiday in the paradise island. The adventures are very attractive and full of challenging and fun. Explore the ford of Bali natures walk encircled by the beauty of natural nature with mutifarious of flora and fauna, see the friendliness of Balinese resident in the rural area and explore every corner of Bali land. This tour has provided the interesting adventure such as White Water Rafting, Kayaking, Elephant Safari Ride, Jungle and Village Trekking, Mountain and Village Cycling, Paragliding, Horse Riding, Land Cruise, VW Safari and Sea Walker with competitive rate. Join and participate from one of the perfect choice adventure gives you the memory which is not fallen into oblivion and later tell to others.

BALI WHITE WATER RAFTING
It is provides choice of water rafting adventures in the spectacular river with rapids class two and three. More...

BALI ELEPHANT SAFARI
The spectacular attraction from Sumatra Elephant and ride on it at the World's Best Elephant Park is the exciting experience for your vacation in Bali. More...

BALI MOUNTAIN CYCLING
The adventure downhill in the trail area of Kintamani and enter the Balinese rural which are offered in three different places of cycling in Bali. More...

BALI LAND CRUISE
Travel by legendary luxury Land Rover, on tiny country road and tracks, through rice terrace and untouched rainforest to the real heart of Bali. More...

BALI JUNGLE TREKKING
Trek into the tropical mountain forest, villages and beautiful rice field which are served in several places in Bali. More...

BALI SEA CRUISES
The experience fords the Bali Sea with luxury cruise ship with the exciting activities to explore the island of Lembongan. More...

BALI HORSE RIDING
The exciting experience to ride a horse in Bali while enjoy a peaceful ride along the beach to get a unique experience in the paradise island. More

BALI WATER SPORT
Serve a lot of games above the calm sea at Tanjung Benoa Bali with full of fun; like jet ski, parasailing, snorkeling, diving,turtle island tour and more. More...

BALI GOLF
Playing golf in Bali at the luxurious golf course by stepping your way to explore the best green fees in Asia. More...

BALI PARAGLIDING
Bali Adventure Paragliding let you do to fly above Bali's most spectacular strip of coastal. More

BALI FISHING
Sport fishing is an adventure to explore the ocean with full of fun to catch the fish. With professional boat driver and complete fishing gear, your adventure will be the exciting experience. more...

BALI DIVING
Diving Tour is an exciting experience under the blue seawater to view the beautiful coral and colorful fish. Nusa Dua, Padang Bai,Tulamben, Menjangan and other are the favorite place for diving point.More...

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THE MOST POPULAR BALI TOURS

Kintamani Volcano Tour: The first stop is often in the village of Batubulan to watch a performance of the Barong and Kris Dance. Afterwards you visit the villages of Celuk (silver jewelry) and Mas (wood carving) to see Balinese artisans at work. Ubud, Bali's cultural center, has grown to a busy town with numerous Balinese art galleries and shops. A scenic drive over small roads overlooking beautiful rice terraces brings you to the mountain village of Kintamani (about 5,000 feet above the sea) which offers spectacular views of Lake Batur and the volcano. You can cross the crater lake below the still active Mount Batur and visit the "Bali Aga" village of Trunyan. Return through traditional villages with stops in Tampaksiring to visit the temple of Tirta Empul, and to visit the Elephant Cave "Goa Gajah", a hermitage from the 11th. century used by both Buddhists and Hindus.


The "Mother Temple" and East Bali Tour: Drive to Besakih through various villages visiting on the way a weaving factory, see the famous painted ceiling at the old "Palace of Justice" in Klungkung, and visit the school of painting in Kamasan. The "Mother Temple" in Besakih is Bali's most holy and Indonesia's biggest Hindu temple. It was build in the 11th. Century in an altitude of 1,000 meters (3,000 feet) on the slopes of Mount Agung. You pass picturesque rice terraces on the way to the walled "Bali Aga" village of Tenganan, and continue to Candi Dasa on the East coast. On the way back it's recommended to stop at the famous Bat Cave "Goa Lawah" with thousands of bats hanging from the walls.


Bedugul Tour: After a stop in Sangeh to visit its holy forest inhabited by wild monkeys, drive up into the mountains to Lake Bratan (1,200 meters above sea level) and the picturesque water temple Ulun Danu. Visit the busy flower, fruit and spice market in Candikuning where most of Bali's vegetables come from. Drive back through small country roads, villages and rice fields, with a stop in an artisan village specializing in gold threaded textiles (Ikat) worn during important ceremonies.


North Bali Tour: Drive the scenic road via Pupuan through the mountains to Bali's North coast. You'll enjoy beautiful views of picturesque rice terraces, and large plantations growing vanilla, chocolate, coffee, cloves, and even wine grapes. Near the village of Banjar is a popular hot spring where you can take a bath in the natural pond. After a lunch on the black beach in Lovina you pass the old capital of Singaraja on the way to Git Git, famous for its multi-tier water fall. Return over back roads to see the unspoiled Bali. (This tour can be combined with the visit to Bedugul.)


Monkey Forest & Tanah Lot Tour: Visit the royal Taman Ayun temple in Mengwi (built in 1624), the holy monkey forest near Sangeh, and famous Tanah Lot. This picturesque Balinese temple was built in the 16th. Century on a huge rock 100 yards off Bali's West coast and is surrounded by the sea during high tides. Spectacular sight, however, spoiled by thousands of tourists visiting every day during sunset. To avoid these, enjoy the view from the lobby of the nearby Le Meridien Nirvana Resort.


Handicraft Villages & Ubud Tour: Visit the artisan villages of Batubulan (stone carving), Celuk (silver & gold jewelry), Mas (wood carving), and Pengosekan (painting). Stop at the "Bali Art Market" in Sukawati to bargain for all kinds of handicrafts and textiles.

Already in the 1930s Ubud had been made famous around the world as Bali's cultural center by the German intellectual Walter Spies, the Dutch painter Rudolf Bonnet and other foreign artists who'd made it their home.

Today Ubud is a fast growing town with numerous art galleries and shops offering paintings, wood carvings, textiles, and all kinds of souvenirs. Don't miss the MUSEUM PURI LUKISAN in the center of Ubud, the NEKA MUSEUM in Campuhan, the NEKA GALLERY in Ubud, the AGUNG RAI GALLERY in Peliatan, and the AGUNG RAI MUSEUM in Pengosekan to see the difference between creative art and more commercial products. Problem is that when you see their "Permanent Collections" at many "Galleries" you've seen real art, and when you return to their show rooms you don't like any of the very commercial products any more.

The SENIWATI GALLERY - ART BY WOMEN, founded in 1991 by Mary Northmore (the very personable wife of famous painter Abdul Azis) to help Balinese women to be accepted as artists, is a place you should not miss whatever you do. The main purpose of this Bali art gallery is to expose the long understated brilliance of independent women artists resident in Bali, and to motivate, train, and encourage young Balinese girls with obvious creative gifts. Visit also the BLUE MOON STUDIO and GALLERY, founded in 1994 with an emphasis on exhibiting contemporary artists.

The LOTUS CAFE is perhaps the most popular meeting point in town and has become kind of an institution, and MURNI'S as well as the BRIDGE CAFE offer tasty snacks and full meals in very pleasant surroundings and at reasonable prices. For other interesting restaurants please visit Restaurants in Ubud. The various Balinese dance and Wayang Kulit performances (see below) in Ubud and in nearby villages are worth spending the early evening there.

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SHOPPING IN BALI

You can go shopping for fine art and handicrafts such as antique, semi-antique and modern furniture, all kinds of paintings, delicately crafted gold and silver jewelry, wood and stone carvings, masks, woven and dyed fabrics, etc. in many shops in the Kuta/Legian area, in Sanur, in various handicraft villages, the Sukawati market on the way to Ubud and in the town of Ubud.

In most of the shops you can and should bargain for the best price. Be especially careful with the vendors near popular tourist attractions such as Tanah Lot or, for instance, the rip-off artists in the Bali Aga village Tenganan who are well-known for selling fake "antique" fabrics (even spray-painted instead of woven cloth) for very high prices.

Popular buys in Bali are DVDs featuring even very recent movies. These are illegal copies but they sell for just 10,000 Rupiah per piece or 100,000 Rupiah for 11 and are available everywhere in Bali. Beach wear, T-shirts, pants and other clothing, shoes and leather goods, sea shells, trinkets, etc. are offered at low prices in numerous shops in Kuta and Legian as well as – much more expensive – in many hotels.

Well-known shopping centers are Geneva, Jalan Raya Kerobokan in Seminyak for very cheap handicrafts, Kuta Square with many shops and a branch of the Matahari Department Store and Supermarket offering everything a tourist could be interested in as well as Bali Galeria behind the DFS Komplex on the By-Pass where you find many different outlets including Vinoti, Prada, Body Shop, Planet Sport, a Periplus book shop, a branch of Marks & Spencer and many shops selling sports shoes, surf and party wear.

The huge, fully air-conditioned beachfront Kartika Discovery Mall in Jalan Kartika in Tuban next door to the Discovery Kartika Plaza Hotel and opposite the Waterbom Park was opened in 2004. It accommodates a large underground car park and the three storey mall with the Centro Department Store featuring famous international brands and designer labels including Esprit, Guess, Giordano, Polo, Prada, La Senza (for lingerie), cosmetics and fragrances from Bulgari, Gucci, Estée Lauder, Revlon, Clinique, Shiseido etc, surf shops such as Quicksilver, Billabong and Planet Surf, boutiques for ladies and gents fashions, several optical shops, Kids Station and Guess for Kids, Vinoti Living, specialist shops for beautiful watches and jewellry, a Sogo Department Store on street level, a Periplus bookshop, Boots Chemist, Starbucks, Bread Talk, KFC, Pizza Hut, Baskin & Robbins, Black Canyon Cafe and several other restaurants. Opening hours are from 10:00 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily.

There are a number of other shopping centers in Kuta, Tuban, Seminyak and Denpasar. The Nusa Dua Galleria has been reopened after renovations in December 2005 as Bali Collection and is dominated by the Sogo Department Store offering hundreds of international brands and designer labels; there are also several other shops and a small number of restaurants.

The newest shopping center is Carrefour at the Sunset Road which features the huge hypermarket of the French retailer on the top floor selling on over 8,000 sq.m. food, baked goods, prepared food, wine, diary products, fridges, TVs, luggage, clothing, furniture, computers etc. all in one place similar to a Wal-Mart in the US. The lower floors accommodate a variety of shops including a Periplus bookshop, an Apple-authorized reseller and many food outlets. Opening hours are daily from 9:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

The attractive tableware you see in many restaurants, hotels, and the better homes in Bali is made locally by Jenggala Keramik Bali. Started by the New Zealand-born designer-potter Brent Hesselyn who disappeared while diving near Nusa Penida in late 2002, Jenggala has been producing for over 20 years hand-made high-quality ceramics which can be seen and ordered at their modern factory in Jimbaran, Jalan Uluwatu II. This new complex includes in addition to a show room an exhibition area for antique and new Indonesian art, a demonstration area where Jenggala's potters display their skills, and a branch of the popular "Kafe Batu Jimbar" serving light meals and a choice of coffee, tea and other beverages.

Avoid the DUTY FREE SHOPPERS outlets by all means! All local products are ridiculously expensive here.

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Popular Bali Activities

Water Sports: Swimming, snorkeling, banana boat rides, water ski, parasailing, etc. are arranged by most hotels and at the Beluga Marina in Tanjung Benoa. There are also small sail boats, catamarans, and boards for wind surfing for rent along Jimbaran Beach.

The most challenging of Bali's famous surfing spots are near Ulu Watu (only for experts in top physical condition who are comfortable surfing over coral reefs on large, powerful waves that break in shallow water) and along Bali's West coast North of Canggu; the best time is during the dry season from June to September. For details on the various locations please visit the Baliwaves web site or check Peter Neely's "Indo Surf & Lingo" guide book.

You can also buy a day-guest ticket (telephone before as prices vary from US$25 to US$40 per person and seem to depend on their occupancy!) and enjoy all sports facilities at Nusa Dua's CLUB MED until 17:00 in the afternoon. They offer sea kayakking, wind surfing, snorkeling, and many other sports activities such as water aerobics, archery, tennis, and ping pong tournaments, beach volleyball, bocci ball lessons, and a circus school for adults. The day-guest ticket includes a lunch buffet with a choice of Western, Indonesian, Chinese, Japanese and Korean dishes and unlimited table wine, beer and soft drinks.

A large free-form swimming pool with a life band playing during the afternoon on the center island is the main attraction of the new HARD ROCK BEACH CLUB in Kuta. There is a pool-side restaurant for various snacks, a pool bar serving exotic drinks, and you can even rent your private pool-side "Cabana" if you wish to draw the curtains for some privacy. Pool use is 100,000 Rupiah per day for non-resident guests, and for the "Cabana" they charge 100,000 Rupiah per day.

Spending an afternoon in the Aquatonic Pool at the new RITZ-CARLTON THALASSO & SPA is an experience not to be missed! The roofed 650 sq. meter (7,000 sq.ft.) pool contains 700 million liters (153 million gallons) of heated seawater. With a maximum depth of 1.3 meters (4 ft.) the pool includes different zones at variable temperatures with numerous strong jets providing aquatic massages to improve blood circulation, tone up the muscles and provide relaxation. There is a cross current walking corridor, cross current swimming corridor, cubicles for leg, tight and stomach massage, aqua seats and cubicles for back massage, swan necks for neck and shoulder massage, several jet pools, bubble bath areas, geysers and aqua beds providing a relaxing bubble massage and a panoramic Indian Ocean view. One-time access to the Aquatonic Pool for two hours is US$35 +20% tax & service per person (minors below 16 years are not allowed). Not cheap but well worth it!


Spa & Beauty Treatments: A wide range of treatments is offered in the RITZ CARLON SPA adjacent to the Aquatonic Pool for US$50 to US$80 +21% per hour. Other famous spas in the upper price category are at the NUSA DUA BEACH RESORT, at THE LEGIAN in Seminyak, and the KIRANA in Ubud features a spectacular setting. Numerous other spas in all tourist areas offer treatments at lower prices, and when you stay at many of Balivillas.com's villas you enjoy free massages and spa treatments including the famous Mandi Lulur at substantially reduced rates. For bookings and more information call 703-060.


Scuba Diving in Bali: A number of PADI certified companies offer diving tours (no spear fishing in Bali) with experienced guides and equipment from one day to several days. The best Bali diving sites (some with ship wrecks) are along Bali's East cost near Candi Dasa, Amed and Tulamben and near Nusa Penida. The area around Menjangan Island near Gilimanuk (ferry to Java) is regarded by many experts as over-rated, and do not try diving near Nusa Dua and around the Southern peninsula — it's a waste of time and money. About US$60 to US$90 (depending on the destination) per person for one-day tours; US$350-US$400 plus extra costs or US$450 including everything for four day courses including your PADI certificate. For bookings and diving information call 703-060.


Game Fishing: A number of companies offer yachts and fishing boats with guides for charter. The catch includes Tuna, Wahoo, Mai-Mai, Mackerel, or Marlin - and Snapper, Cod and Coral Trout to be caught reef fishing should you so desire. From US$40 per hour for a small boat, US$500 per day (US$250 half-day) for a 30-foot catamaran with satellite navigation, top-of-the range fish finder and sonar as well as Brownie diving equipment, and US$660 per day for a state-of-the-art BLACK WATCH game fishing vessel with experienced crew, full insurance, and all electronics and safety gear. For bookings and charter information call 703-060.


Day Cruises: There are daily cruises to nearby Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan islands off the South-East coast of Bali. Guests spend the day either at one of the cruise companies' beach clubs (with restaurant, swimming pool, water sports equipment) or on a floating pontoon, and you can go snorkeling, scuba diving, take Banana Boat rides, or view the underwater world from a semi-submersible vessel. You can choose between modern, air-conditioned motor cruisers accommodating 100 and more guests and a number of smaller sailing boats. For the more adventurous there is now also a 12-meter inflatable Ocean Raft carrying up to 24 passengers. Departure is usually around 9.00 a.m., and you return in the afternoon. About US$65 to US$85 per person including lunch, children from 5 to 14 years 50%. For bookings and information call 703-060.


Dinner Cruises: Some of the boats which leave in the morning for the regular Island Cruises offer also a Dinner Cruise starting around 17:45 p.m. After cruising around the Benoa harbour, an international buffet dinner and some entertainment by folk singers and live bands you return around 20:45 p.m. to the pier. US$40 per person, children up to 16 years 50%. For bookings and information call 703-060.


Island Cruises: There are a number of cruises from Bali through the Lesser Sunda Islands, to Sulawesi, and the Moluccas. You can choose from modern cruise liners, luxurious private yachts, and traditional Buginese schooners, and either join a scheduled cruise from 3 days to 12 or 15 days, or even charter your own yacht or schooner with 2 to 16 cabins, experienced crew, and a Western tour guide. Please look at the different cruises and yacht charter options available or call 703-060 for information.


Submarine Safari: You can book a tour which brings you about 70 feet below the sea of Amuk Bay, Padangbai. The small submarine can carry about 36 guests, and large port holes allow you to view and photograph underwater reefs and corals, many marine creatures, and a large variety of fish including sharks. The Odyssey Submarine offers you 45 minutes dive with 1.5 hour free program. Rate is US$69 per person. For bookings and charter information call 703-060.


Playing Golf in Bali: The "Bali Handara Kosaido Country Club" near Bedugul in the mountains is probably Bali's most attractive golf course. There is also a 18-hole course at the "Bali Golf & Country Club" in Nusa Dua near the Bali Hilton, a 9-hole course at the Grand Bali Beach Hotel in Sanur, and the new "Nirwana Bali Golf Club" with a 18-hole course near Tanah Lot. If you are interested in playing golf in Bali, please call 703-060 for bookings and information.


Tennis & Squash: There are Clark Hatch Sports Clubs at the Sheraton Laguna and Nusa Indah Resort, Kartika Plaza Hotel, and Nikko Hotel each of which has several outdoor tennis courts, indoor squash courts, and complete fitness facilities. Playing partners as well as lessons are available. Most other 5-star hotels have at least some tennis courts which can also be booked by outside guests. For bookings and information call 703-060.


Paragliding: Situated on the Bukit (the hill South of the airport), a well-trained instructor accompanies you on a 20 minute tandem flight over the most spectacular strip of Bali's coastline. For bookings and information call 703-060.


White Water Rafting: Several companies offer exciting white water rafting tours (grade 2 to grade 4 rapids) on the Ayung river North-West of Ubud and — during certain times of the year — also on the Unda river North of Klungkung. You pass waterfalls and volcanic cliffs, deep sided gorges, tranquil rice terraces and remote villages. (New: A new up-river track of the Ayung River is now open. The exhilarating journey brings you through a bat ravine to a waterfall stop and warm water cave). From morning to afternoon, US$56-US$85 per person including transfers from and to your hotel and lunch. For bookings and information call 703-060.


Other Organized Adventures: Lake and Sea Kayakking, Jungle Trekking, and Mountain Cycling are arranged by the companies listed above. For bookings and information call 703-060.


Bungy Jumping: A. J. Hackett in adjacent to Double Six, Legian, is the island's only beach bungy tower with a lift. US$62. With the "Sling Shot" at the "Adrenalin Park" in Kuta you can get shot 52 metres into the air in just over one second, and they have an overhanging climbing wall, too. For bookings and information call 703-060.


Horseback Riding: Experience Bali on horse back, ride through rice fields and along deserted beaches. Tours can be organized mornings and afternoons. For bookings and information call 703-060.


Paintball War Games: The newly operated "Paintball Bali" is located on Jimbaran Hill and occupies about 3 hectares of exciting playing fields. Facilities include a large parking area, lobby with audio-video facilities, individual changing rooms and lockers as well as a staging area. For bookings and information call 703-060.


Nature Tours: Visit the Bali Barat National Park in the West of the island, the Butterfly Park "Taman Kupu Kupu" in Wanasari, Tabanan, or the Botanical Gardens in Bedugul. Guided bird watching tours are offered starting from Ubud (in the village of Petulu a few miles north of Ubud you can also watch between 5:30 and 7:00 p.m. every day the arrival of thousands of white herons who are nesting here), and you can visit the bull races in Negara. If you stay near Lovina in the North, get up early one morning and hire a boat to watch hundreds of dolphins. For bookings and information call 703-060.


Harley Davidson Rental: For real bikers who want to explore Bali in a different way, Harley Davidson bikes are available for rent. Various families of Sportster (883cc), Dyna Low Rider (1,450cc), Fat Boy (1,450cc) or Heritage Softail Classic (1,450cc) are available at US$70 to US$150 per day. Additional US$30 if you need a guide for tandem riding. For bookings and information call 703-060.


ATV Quad & Buggy Tour: An adventurous journey off-the-beaten track on 250-350cc ATV's through lush forests and mountain streams to enjoy some of the best views of Bali's rice terraces. Rates start at US$69 per person. For bookings and information call 703-060.


Paint A Pot: Jenggala is pleased to offer handpainting of ceramics – raw glazed of ceramics range from US$5 to US$21 each. A course in ceramic hand building is also available. This includes slabwork, pinch and coil techoniques, drop moulds and handthrowing. Rate starts from US$10 (2hrs per session - course completed within 1 week.) For bookings and information call 703-060.


Not Only for Children: Take a stroll through Denpasar's bird market near the northern end of Jalan Veteran where you see not only a large variety of tropical birds but also tropical fish, cats and dogs, monkeys etc. You can visit the Taman Burung bird park with 1,000 different species of birds (and even a small Komodo dragon in the adjacent Reptile Park) in Singapadu about 20 minutes north of Denpasar, the Waterbom Park with four slides and a flowing river in tropical surroundings in Tuban, or enjoy jungle treks on top of Sumatran elephants starting from the Elephant Safari Park in Taro, a village about 50 kilometers north of Denpasar. Camel rides on the beach are offered at the Hotel Nikko Bali in Nusa Dua.


Balinese Dance & Music Classes: The YAYASAN POLOS SENI (Foundation for Pure Art) in Banjar Teges Kanginan, Peliatan, Ubud, e-mail polos@goarchi.com, offers Balinese dance and music classes for students who wish to become fully involved with the dance & music culture of Bali. Enrolling in one of these classes (one-to-one tuition and participation in group rehearsals and performances) means becoming a member of the family of students and teachers and an in-depth experience of the world of performers and performances in the Ubud area. There are also 2-week courses to learn playing the Gamelan at the MUSEUM SENI KLASSIK in Klungkung (e-mail anggie@gggamelan.com) which are open for all levels of experience. Beginners as well as "non-musicians" are welcome.


Meditation Classes: Free Raya Yoga Meditation classes and regular sessions in Ubud and Denpasar, tel. 976-206. There are also free lessons every Monday 19.00 at the Denpasar Meditation Shop, tel. 237-260. Information on daily meetings, classes, books, tapes and videos from Bali Osho Information Centre, telephone 423-595.


Balinese Cooking Classes: Discover the secrets of Balinese cuisine by joining one of the 1-Day Cooking Classes held by Heinz von Holzen, the author of the book "The Food Of Bali" and former food guru of the Grand Hyatt and Ritz Carlton hotels in Bali. You can visit Heinz in his beautiful BUMBU BALI restaurant in Tanjung Benoa next to Nusa Dua and enjoy their fabulous dishes at any time. If you wish to enrol in one of his popular classes, you better book in advance.
Balinese cooking classes are also held in Ubud at the BUMBU Restaurant (tel. 974-217), at CASA LUNA (tel. 96-283), and at the nearby Sua Bali Culture and Information Centre (tel. 941-050).


Culinary Events: Aimed more at the local community than at tourists are special wine dinners at THE LEGIAN introducing the products of visiting wine makers and guest Chefs (550,000 Rupiah to 1,000,000 Rupiah per person) and the "Wine & Cigar Dinners" at the AMANUSA and RITZ CARLTON (750,000 Rupiah to 1,000,000 Rupiah per person).

The monthly lunch meetings of the "Bali Wine Club" and the "Chaîne des Rôtisseurs" Black-Tie dinners are for members and their guests only. If you've booked a villa through Balivillas.com and are seriously interested in good food and wine, please call their Service Center to arrange your attendance.


Hash House Harriers: There are three groups of Hash House Harriers holding regular runs on every Monday, Thursday and Saturday at 4.30 p.m. You can find up-to-date information at the GLORY restaurant in Legian, LIPS Country & Western Bar and BALI BAKERY in Kuta, ALAS ARUM supermarket, ARRI'S CAFE and ARENA Sports Bar in Sanur, and at NAUGHTY NURI'S bar in Ubud. For more details please visit their web site.


Social Clubs: Rotarians, Lions, Scal Club members, etc. hold regular meetings in various parts of Bali. Schedules are published in the local newspapers.

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