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Seeking Adventure: What to Do in Bali for Adrenaline Lovers
Written by Luxury Escapes
From watersports to quad biking, discover true adventure as you explore the adrenaline-filled side of Bali.
There’s no better place in the world to get your thrills than a tropical island paradise, and Bali fits the bill perfectly. With crystal-clear oceans, gushing rivers, tall cascades and rugged cliffsides, why wouldn’t you want to visit the Island of the Gods for some adrenaline-pumping fun?
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Quad biking
It’s time to get some dirt on your boots (and probably everything else you’re wearing, including your helmet) in a high-adrenaline activity that’s as exhilarating as it is educational. Jump on a quad bike and roar through spectacularly scenic rural trails including fruit plantations, rice fields, authentic Balinese villages and forested areas.
Your guide will entertain you with tales of the area’s history while pointing out landmarks and areas of interest. After two to four hours of adventure, you’ll get to relax with some perfectly brewed coffee and delicious traditional fare while you recall your adventures.
Cave tubing
Cave tubing involves riding an inflated inner-tyre tube along a river course. In Bali, you can try cave tubing along the beautiful Pakerisan River in Tampaksiring, allowing you to experience both rapids and calmer sections safely. You’ll see the stunning natural surroundings of Ubud, remnants of Japanese colonialism and spectacular ancient caves as you wind your way downstream for up to 90 minutes.
Your friendly guides will keep you safe while they enlighten you about the region’s history and natural wonders.
Rafting
Feel your heart skip a beat with every twist and turn on an action-packed white-water rafting adventure. Set amid eastern Bali’s lush and wild landscapes, feel the adrenaline rushing through your veins as you cruise down Class II and III rapids of the Telaga Waja River’s 14-kilometre-long course. Quite off the beaten path, this white-water rafting experience is a treat for adventure enthusiasts, as you get to uncover a different side of Bali. Pass by small, cascading waterfalls, soak up the beauty of the rice fields of the Rendang Village and marvel at the imposing stone cliffs as you are swept downstream.
With professional guides to help you steer clear of danger and keep you on course, this activity is loaded with a lot of fun. Plus, you’ll get to savour a delicious and well-deserved buffet lunch after your adventures on the water.
Hike Mount Batur
If scaling an active volcano is on your bucket list, you can (and should) tick it off on your next visit to Bali with a sunrise climb of Mount Batur. Few things are as magical as a challenging hike that is rewarded by the most jaw-dropping views and the Mount Batur hike promises that and more.
Rise in the wee hours of the morning and begin your trek under a blanket of stars. Make your way through steep, rocky terrain and cut through lush jungles, before reaching the summit at1,717 metres high. Witness the golden rays of the sun bathe the sky as it rises above the clouds and admire the distant peaks of Mount Agung and Mount Abang. As you descend, take a moment to admire the volcanic landscape of the region, from its giant craters to its glistening natural springs.
With professional, local guides by your side throughout this moderately difficult trek, you’ll have no trouble reaching the summit, just in time for the most spectacular sunrise.
Watersports & sea vessel rides
There’s no shortage of sea-based activities along the coasts of Bali and some of the more exciting ones involve high-speed boats, jet skis and sailing vessels. There’s the usual jet skiing, parasailing, wakeboarding and surfing along Bali’s beautiful beaches. Then there are a few more unique activities such as banana boating or rolling doughnut rides, flyboarding, or subwing adventures. There are tour operators who package multiple activities together, allowing you to experience a taste of everything. For those looking to try jet-skiing, try this half-day package with sea walker, banana boat and jet ski experiences included. For flyboarding and doughnut boat rides, try this package.
Snorkelling, scuba diving & sea walking
While some people may not consider the slower pace of underwater activities to be thrilling, others point out that being in an environment that contains sharks, sea snakes, fire coral, blue-ringed octopus and jellyfish, to name just a few, will thrill even the hardest adrenaline junkie. Throwing yourself into this exciting activity is truly worth it, as the coasts of Bali are a thriving ecosystem, full of beautiful fish, colourful corals, bright nudibranchs, gliding rays, spectacular sunfish, turtles and more.
Bali’s many tour operators have highly professional staff who will keep you safe and sound the whole time. You can safely explore this underwater wonderland by exhilarating free-diving, surface-level snorkelling, scuba diving and sea walking. For an extra thrill, you can reach the dive sites via fast boat.
Skydiving
There aren’t many skydiving operators in Bali, but if you get the chance to partake in this jaw-clenching dropping, belly-flipping experience, you’ll also be privy to witness some of the most beautiful views in the world in Bali. Imagine recovering from the rush of free-falling thousands of feet while floating above white-sanded beaches, sapphire oceans and lush emerald jungles.
Whether you’re a pro or a beginner, you’ll be able to experience Bali from the air on a tandem jump that you’ll remember forever.
Theme parks
Theme parks are designed to get your adrenaline pumping, so they’re a must-see for those looking for the perfect family outing. Most theme parks in Bali are water-themed, so bring your swimmers and some sunscreen, and be prepared to get your thrill on by speeding down fast slides, navigating twists and turns and circling giant bowls.
You can head to one of Bali’s most popular water parks, such as Waterbom Bali Water Park or buy a day pass to other popular parks like Trans Studio.
Buggy adventure
Live life in the fast lane, as you embark on a full day of exploration through the quaint Munduk Village behind the wheel of your buggy. Experience the thrills of driving on dirt tracks and through rocky terrain, as you take the opportunity to see Bali like never before. Seek out hidden waterfalls tucked away in the forest and take a refreshing dip as you immerse yourself in the lush surroundings. Plus, you can dial up your adventure even further by cycling through scenic stunning plantations!
Paintball
Paintball is not only a thrilling experience, but it’s also a great stress reliever. Duck and weave through beautiful jungle settings and obstacle courses while dodging paint-filled pellets and trying to splatter your opponents. It’s a safe, enjoyable way to blow off steam and see some of Bali’s beautiful countryside at the same time. Some paintball experiences include extra perks like a delicious meal and drinks, plus a swim in a luxury pool afterwards, allowing you to cool down and regale your family or friends with the strategy that helped you win.
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