Exciting Activities in Bali

Whatever activities you can think of to do in Bali, chances are the island has them ready for you. From surfing in the Bukit Peninsula area to exploring Ubud’s rugged nature with an ATV tour and joining a yoga retreat, there’s no doubt that you will always find things to do in Bali.

Whatever it is on your to-do list while visiting the Island of the Gods, these activities will give you a glimpse of what Bali has in store for you. Without further ado, get your papers and pen ready, and let the adventure begin!

Surfing in Bali: Ride the Perfect Wave

Surrounded by water, surfing is one activity you should try in Bali. It’s a well-known secret that Bali has some of the world’s best breaks for surfing. In this section, we lay out everything you need to know about surfing in Bali.

Best Surf Spots in Bali

Among many surf spots on the island, which suits your surfing levels? Here’s a general idea about the surfing spots in Bali.

• Padang Padang. The waves in Padang Padang are unpredictable. That’s why it’s only reserved for advanced surfers. But once you know how to read the waves, it’s the most impressive left-hand break you’ve ever had.
• Kuta. The sandy bottoms in Kuta mean your chance of getting hurt is slight. That’s why Kuta is the most popular place for beginners to surf.
• Canggu. Canggu’s diverse range of waves makes it perfect for beginners and intermediate surfers. However, spots like Batu Bolong and Echo Beach tend to be crowded during peak surfing hours.

Surf Schools and Lessons

The first step in learning how to surf is finding the right surf schools. These schools will guide you about what surfboard type to use and the right outfit to wear aside from how to surf. As a tip, try to find local instructors who know Bali waves like the back of their hands.

• Odyssey Surf School. With more than 20 years of experience, the level of professionalism of Odyssey Surf School is unmatched. Located just opposite Kuta Beach, it’s one of the best surf schools on the island.
• Sea n Surf Bali. If you’re in Canggu, learning to surf with Sea n Surf Bali will equip you with practical knowledge. Whether you’re just starting or looking to elevate your skills, this surf school knows how to make surfing fun.

Surfing Tips for Beginners

As a beginner, knowing the dos and don’ts of surfing in a place like Bali can be intimidating. It’s important to understand the rules of the games when surfing, and luckily, we’ve got you covered.

• Don’t snake. Paddling around other surfers to get into the inside position of a wave is a no-no.
• Respect the locals. The locals have been surfing longer than you, so it’s crucial to maintain a friendly and respectful manner with them.
• Wear appropriate surfing gear. For a beginner, wearing wetsuits may be safer to protect yourself from accidents.
• Always check the wave forecast. The good waves in Bali often happen in the morning, but always check the wave conditions before you surf.

Rafting Adventures: Conquer Bali’s Rivers

Your adventure in Bali won’t be complete without trying the white-water rafting. It gives you the chance to uncover Bali’s nature from a different point of view. Paddling through the boulders and the many bends of the rivers while seeing the landscape you can only see from the water is challenging and exhilarating.

Ayung River: A Scenic Rafting Experience

Ayung River is the longest and widest river in Bali, so having your white-water rafting along this river is certainly an adventure you don’t want to skip! Prepare yourself to see different landscapes of Ubud, from the green rice fields, lush rainforest, stunning waterfalls, and stone walls, while screaming at the top of your lungs from the fun of it all.

The key to having a great rafting in Bali is booking through reputable operators. They will know the right levels based on your prior experience, and most importantly, they have safety standards that ensure your white-water rafting is fun and secure.

Telaga Waja River: Thrill-Seeker’s Paradise

Telaga Waja River may not be as famous as the Ayung River when it comes to rafting. But don’t underestimate the beauty and the challenge of wading in this river in Karangasem Regency. You will see the towering Mount Agung and Mount Abang throughout your rafting, with the view of hidden waterfalls, rice fields, and lush jungles added to the mix.

As a practical tip, bring a change of clothes because you’re going to get extremely wet from all the fun! It’s also important to wear waterproof shoes and dry bags to store your belongings.

What to Expect on a Rafting Tour

The duration of the rafting in Bali varies from 2 hours in the Ayung River to 2,5-3 hours in the Telaga Waja River. But you also need to take into account the journey to the rafting spot, the lunch break, and the trip from and to your hotel. That’s why when you’re on a white-water rafting adventure, get ready to spend at least half a day.

If you book through reputable operators, they will give you training first before you get on the raft. But you will also get a safety jacket and helmet. Most of the rafting operators usually create the package to include lunch so you can recharge right after finishing the tour. The base camp is also equipped with showers, a changing room, and a toilet.

ATV Adventures: Explore Bali Off-Road

If you want to get all muddy and adrenaline pumping, there’s nothing more adventurous than riding an ATV in Bali. Experience different terrains to see the diversity of off-beaten landscapes in Bali.

ATV Tours in Bali: What You Need to Know

The Gianyar Regency, particularly Ubud and Tegallalang, are often the focus of the trails on the ATV tour in Bali. Though you can also experience this adventure in Uluwatu, Ubud has more breathtaking and various landscapes and is a great ATV tour destination.

The ATV tour is usually divided into beginners and advanced trails. If you’ve never ridden an ATV before or taken your family for an adventure day out, the trails are generally flat and beginner-friendly, even for kids over 12. If you’re experienced, the trails have more diverse and challenging terrains. But for every tour, you will have a guide who knows the terrain and area well to ensure your safety.

Unique Landscapes to Explore

Taking the ATV tour in Bali will give you a chance to explore the rugged nature of Ubud, which you cannot reach by motorbike or foot. During the tour, you will drive through the lush jungles, hidden canyons, breathtaking waterfalls, and scenic rice fields. You will also visit some local villages, which is a great way to have a glimpse of the local way of life.

But the fun of this activity in Bali is when you drive through the muddy surfaces and past the shallow rivers. These are often the most challenging trails on the tours. But whatever your level, the ATV tour operators will ensure you get dirty and sweaty without leaving the fun and safety behind.

Tips for an Unforgettable ATV Adventure

As fun as riding an ATV, safety should always be the main priority. Though there will always be an experienced guide on the tour, it’s important that you follow all these basic tips for an unforgettable adventure.

• Follow all the instructor’s guides. The guide includes the basic rules of riding the vehicles, such as how to handle the brakes and gas and turn the vehicles.
• Wear proper attire. Wearing comfortable clothes is crucial, including wearing close-toed shoes to protect you.
• Bring a change of clothes. You will be all muddy and wet, so it’s important that you bring spare clothes that you can wear once you take a shower after the tour.

Yoga in Bali: Reconnect with Your Inner Self

Wellness is one of the activities people do in Bali, particularly yoga and meditation. Yoga in Bali is more than just about moving your body; it can also be a transformative spiritual journey.

Best Places for Yoga in Bali

The great thing about yoga in Bali is that it doesn’t concentrate on one place only. Though Ubud is known as the go-to area for yoga, you can easily find yoga studios across the island. Even if you stay in Seminyak, Canggu, or Sanur, participating in the yoga class or joining the yoga retreats is as easy as snapping your fingers.

Some of the best yoga studios on the island are Yoga Barn and Radiantly Alive in Ubud and Samadi in Canggu. Yoga Barn is known to have the largest selection of yoga classes in Bali, ranging from Vinyasa and Hatha to aerial yoga. Radiantly Alive and Samadi have a Yoga Teacher Training program if you want to be a yoga practitioner.

Benefits of Joining a Yoga Retreat

Whatever your level in yoga is, joining a yoga retreat is a chance for you to reconnect with your inner self. Besides the daily yoga, the retreat often includes meditations and healthy meals in addition to a spa and sound healing. After all, you need to nourish not only your mind and soul but your body as well.

Yoga retreats in Bali also have the advantage of being around nature. In a time when you are always glued to your phone and always connected to the outside world, it’s important to take time to disconnect yourself. Yoga and meditation offer that for you, with the plus of being surrounded by Bali’s incredible landscape.

Tips for Yoga Enthusiast

If joining a yoga retreat is the one thing you want to do in Bali, there are other items you need to pack in your suitcase besides your yoga attire. Though you can rent or buy the yoga mat in Bali (some studios even provide it for free), consider bringing the one you have been using, as it will add familiarity.

When choosing a yoga retreat in Bali, it is crucial that you choose the levels you feel comfortable with. Each yoga studio often has the option to customize your needs. Beyond the level of yoga, you can also add other services like sound healing, spa, or even the cocoa ritual ceremony!

Conclusion: Find Your Perfect Bali Adventure

When it comes to adventure in Bali, the activities you want to do are mostly connected to nature. There are the rivers for rafting, the diverse terrains for the ATV tours, and the sprawling ocean view for the yoga retreat. The adrenaline-pumping activities and wellness will create the perfect balance for your body, mind, and soul.

Go book that ATV tour, the surfing lesson, and the yoga retreat, and don’t forget to share with us your absolute favorite things to do in Bali.