BALI TOP OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

It’s no secret that Bali is the surf trip capital of the world, but in recent year’s tourism to Bali has expanded far past just traveling surfers. Today Bali is a health and wellness hub, a party destination, an exotic retreat, and of course an immensely popular surf destination.

But what is there to Bali other than the world-class waves, yoga and wellness retreats, and famous beach clubs? The answer is an incredibly biodiverse island with an array of rugged landscapes to explore. If you’re completely surfed out and in need of another kind of adventure, Bali is not lacking in outdoor opportunities. The Island boasts a plethora of hiking, diving, climbing and other outdoor adventures for you to explore. Dive in to learn the best non-surfing outdoor activities in Bali.

Bali outdoor activities

White Water Rafting in Bali

White water rafting is often associated with high-altitude, alpine locations that provide massive rapids in frigid, mountain rivers, but that is not always the case. The Indonesian island of Bali is home to excellent white water rafting with varying degrees of rapid class. Additionally, white water rafting in Bali will provide travelers with a unique way to explore the interior of the island. Travel through dense rainforest and jungle, rice terraced hills, and lush farmland by river. There are three main rivers where White water rafting is possible; the Melangit River, the Ayung River, and the Telaga Waja River. Several tour companies operate on all three rivers, so you will have your pick based on the type of adventure that suits you. Tour packages typically include a full day of rafting, transport, and lunch.

Hiking in Bali

You may not think you should pack your hiking boots for your tropical getaway to Bali but leaving them out of your adventure pack is a true disservice to the possible adventure that awaits you on the island. Bali is home to several trekkable peaks, the tallest of which (Mount Agung) stands at a whopping 9,944 feet. So, if the waves have vanished, or you simply can’t paddle anymore, lace up your boots and hit the trail. If you don’t want to tackle a near 10,000-foot elevation gain, head to one of Bali’s smaller mountains or volcanos, like Mount Batur. Other popular trekking opportunities include the trails in West Bali National Park, the Campuhan Ridge Walk, and the Lake Tamblingan trek.

Diving, Free Diving, and Snorkeling

 

Located within the Coral Triangle, Bali divers have access to the largest range of marine life in the world. How you explore Bali’s hidden, underwater wonders is up to you. If you’re an experienced surfer who wants to spend their free time in the water, pushing their boundaries and improving their surfing, freediving is for you.

Of course, never free dive alone. Several freediving schools in Bali will introduce travelers to the wonderful world that lies beneath the surface of the ocean. Once you master the basics, explore the Tulamben Shipwreck in a single breath. If freediving is a bit too adventurous for your liking, there are plenty of dive operators that will get you PADI certified and out on the reef in no time. If exploring the water’s surface is enough for you, snorkeling tours can be arranged all over the island.

If you’re traveling on a budget and want to avoid tour operators at all cost, there are several beaches where all you need to do is throw on a mask to find some of the island’s best snorkeling. Bali may be known for pumping surf, but a few beaches offer calm water and lively reef systems for snorkelers to explore. Snorkelers should head to Nusa Dua, Menjangan Island, Pemuteran, Nusa Lembongan, Padangbai, Amed, and Tulamben.

Canyoning in Bali

Canyoning may not be the most popular extreme sport in the world, but it might be the most thrilling. The sport first came about in the early 1900s as a way to transverse canyons and gorges at speed. Since then, the sport has evolved into a favorite amongst adrenaline junkie tourists.

In summary, canyoning involves jumping, repelling, and swimming down canyons, ravines, and waterfalls. Like white water rafting, canyoning offers tourists the opportunity to explore Bali’s inland jungles through a unique means.

While canyoning in Bali, you will undoubtedly encounter a variety of exotic plants and animals.

Golf in Bali

While it may not scratch the same itch as surfing, in terms of closeness to nature or the rush of catching a wave, it is a great way to spend time outdoors. Golf has become an increasingly popular sport amongst World Tour surfers.

Head to the Instagram of Kelly Slater, Josh Kerr, Julian Wilson and more to see pros taking a crack at 18-hole courses near the world’s best waves. If you fancy a round of golf during your stay in Bali, head to one of the many courses on the island. The top five courses on the island are New Kuta Golf, Bali National Golf Club, Handara Golf and Resort Bali, Bukit Pandawa Golf and Country Club, Bali Beach Golf Course. The new Kuta (=Dreamland) golf course is a 5-minute scooter drive from Swell Bali.

Bungee Jumping

If Bali’s cavernous barrels are not enough of a thrill for you, there’s always jumping hundreds of feet off of stationary object with a rubber band wrapped around your foot. While it’s not for the faint of heart, bungee jumping in Bali is sure to be an experience you won’t forget. Bali’s most prominent bungee will send you flying off a 45-meter-tall tower over a 5-meter-deep pool. The bungee is located in Seminyak, just steps away from Legian beach.

Rock Climbing

If you’re surfing with us on the Bukit Peninsula, you won’t have to venture far to find alternative adventure sports. It turns out, there is more to Padang Padang then pumping, freight train left-handers; there’s rock climbing. Many climbers make the trip to Padang Padang to boulder and sport climb the overhanging limestone cliffs on the beach.

To take your climbing adventure further, head to North Bali near the Batur Volcano, where you will find Songan Village. Songan Village has several large crags that will entice experienced sport climbers.

Paragliding

Paragliding is a great way to view the island from above when the surf is flat, and it’s not quite as fear-inducing as skydiving or bungee jumping. Safely harnessed in tandem to an instructor, you’ll take a running leap from a hillside and glide effortlessly through the air. Paragliding tours can be arranged through Bali Paragliding Tours.

Kite Surfing

While it still does not compare to the thrill of surfing, kite surfing is a great flat day activity. Even in pumping surf, when the winds turn onshore, grab the kite to make the best of the poor surf conditions. Kite surfing can be dangerous, and therefore must be taught by a professional. The best area in Bali for kite surfing is Sanur. There, you will find qualified instructors that will teach you the ins and outs of maneuvering the kite, before you hit the water. In a few classes, you’ll be flying and ready to take on some waves.

If you have never done any kitesurfing before, Swell’s location in the Caribbean offers world class kitesurfing conditions for people who want to learn to kite.

Mountain Biking

In the mood for a bit of downhill fun? Head to Bali Bike Park on the northern side of the island to indulge in some high-speed thrills. Bali Bike Bark operates a trail system within the island’s jungle bound, volcanic hills. Take the park shuttle ten minutes uphill and ride down at your own pace. There are even a few jumps to hit if you’re keen.

We hope you enjoyed our list of Bali Outdoor activities, we are sure that if you are looking for an active surf & outdoor holiday that a trip to Bali will not disappoint

Interested in learning to surf on your holiday to Bali? Bali is not just for expert surfers but also caters very well for beginners and intermediate surfers.

Swell Bali is closed for bookings for now, But Swell In the Caribbean is still the best place for a  learn to surf holiday 

About Swell Bali

Swell Bali is opening in 2020 in Bingin as the premiere surf hotel in Bali. Located 100 meter from the cliff edge at Bingin makes it the perfect surf resort for any surfer that wants to experience the best waves that the Bukit in Bali has to offer. Stylish accommodation with healthy breakfasts, centered around a large loft style communal living room makes Swell Bali Surf camp the most social hotel in Bali for surfers that want to experience a boutique surf camp experience in bali

QUICK QUESTIONS

Interested in finding Bali’s best beginner surf spots? Read our guide.