Sports and other 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 best 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.
You can also buy a day-guest ticket (telephone before as prices vary from 25
to 90 euro 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 kayaking, 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 huge choice of Western, Indonesian,
Chinese, Japanese and Korean dishes and unlimited 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 50,000 Rupiah per day
for non-resident guests, and for the "Cabana" they charge 100,000 Rupiah per
day.
Scuba diving
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 sites (some with ship wrecks) are along Bali's East cost near Amed and
Tulamben and in the North-West around Menjangan Island near Gilimanuk (ferry
to Java). About 40 to 90 euro, depending on the destination, per person for
one-day tours; 350-400 euro plus extra costs or 450 euro including everything
for four day courses including your PADI certificate.
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 40
euro per hour for a small boat, 500 euro per day for a modern 30-foot
catamaran with satellite navigation, top-of-the range fish finder and sonar as
well as Brownie diving equipment, and 660 euro per day for a state-of-the-art
Black Watch game fishing vessel with experienced crew, full insurance, and all
electronics and safety gear.
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 65 to 85 euro per person including lunch,
children from 5 to 14 years 50%.
Dinner cruises
Some of the boats which leave in the morning for the regular Island Cruises
offer also a Dinner Cruise starting around 18.00 hours. After cruising around
the Benoa harbor, an international buffet dinner and some entertainment by
folk singers and live bands you return around 20.30 to the pier. US$40 per
person, children up to 14 years 50%.
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.
Submarine safaris
You can book a tour which brings you about 60 feet below the sea South of Nusa
Dua. The small submarine can carry about 25 guests, and large port holes allow
to view and photograph underwater reefs and corals, many marine creatures, a
large variety of fish including sharks. Departure from the Beluga Marina in
Tanjung Benoa and you return after about 90 minutes. 100 euro per person, 50%
for children from 5 to 14 years.
Golf
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.
White Water rafting
Several companies offer exciting white water rafting tours (grade 2 to grade 4
rapids) on the Ayun 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. From morning to afternoon, lunch included, 56-85 euro per person
including transfers from and to your hotel and lunch.
Other organized adventures
Lake and Sea Kayaking, Jungle Trekking, and Mountain
Cycling, Paragliding, and even Paint Ball War Games.
Bungee jumping
There are now three companies in Kuta and another company offering the
island's only waterfall jump near Gianyar. With the "Sling Shot" at the
"Adrenalin Park" in Kuta you can get shot 52 meters into the air in just over
one second, and they have an overhanging climbing wall, too. Another Sling
Shot is located right next to the Hard Rock Resort.
Horseback riding
Experience Bali on horse back, ride through padi fields and along deserted
beaches. Tours can be organized through Jaran Jaran, Loji Gardens Hotel in
Legian and Umalas Stables, Banjar Umalas, Kerobokan.
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.
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 enroll
in one of his popular classes, you better book in advance.
Balinese cooking classes are also held in Ubud at the BUMBU Restaurant, at
Casa Luna, and at the nearby Sua Bali Culture and Information Centre. There
are also 5-day classes and "2-Day Mini Schools" at the Serai Hotel near Candi
Dasa.
Birdmarket
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 Singapuda about 20 minutes north of Denpasar, the
Waterboom 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 Hotel Nikko Bali in Nusa Dua.
Waterbom Park Kuta.
Nice for your kids,whole day entertainment and fun.
Skydiving
One of the fastest growing high adventure sports is skydiving. Rapidly gaining
popularity in Bali, tandem skydiving is available to give you the adventure of
a lifetime at 10,000 feet above ground. You will first be given a 30-minute
introduction to the sport and a briefing on safety. Next, you will be fitted
into a harness before boarding the aircraft. The plane will take about 20
minutes to climb to the required height whereby at this point you should be
securely attached to the harness of your instructor.
At the right moment, the Tandem Master will signal you to jump out of the
aircraft and you will instantly be hit by the thrilling sensation of
free-falling! When you've reached 4,000 feet, the Tandem Master will pull the
rip cord to open the main parachute, pulling you up from an amazing 180 km per
hour to a steady 20 km per hour. You will get to see Bali at an unbelievable
bird's eye view. The instructor will then regain control at about 500 feet
above ground for a smoother landing. It will definitely be an unforgettable
experience.
Elephant Safari Park
Do not leave Bali without visiting the Elephant
Safari Park, which is situated in the cool jungle of Desa Taro, 20
minutes north from Ubud. This nature park offers you the priceless chance to
feed, touch, and interact with these wonderful creatures that are set in an
exotic, landscaped environment. Elephants can be seen immersing themselves in
the cool waters of the park or grazing peacefully. Elephant Safari ride tours
are also available where you will sit atop an elephant in a traditional teak
wood chair, while swaying through the refreshing jungle of Desa Taro.
Bali Bird Park and Reptile Park
Bird-watching enthusiasts, good news for you! You will be able to catch sight
of the world's rarest and most captivating feathered friends at Bali's Bird
Park. Hundreds of species dwell within this scenic and fascinating park,
enthralling you with their brilliant colors and rarity. Indonesian parrots,
cassowaries, black palm cockatoos, hornbills, and an impressive collection of
Birds of Paradise will delight you. Apart from these exciting creatures, the
extraordinary komodo dragons also make their home here. Set in magnificent
botanical gardens with a backdrop of ponds and waterfalls, the Bali Bird Park
is the perfect environment to enjoy the glorious myriad of birdlife as well as
nature.
Jungle trekking
Explore and discover Bali's glorious flora and fauna via the nature reserve of
Mount Batukaru in an 'off-beaten' track
adventure that will lead you into the cool surroundings of a tropical
rainforest. You will be introduced to the hidden world of Bali's wildlife and
native plants, as you pass by ancient strangler trees, ferns, wild orchids and
hanging lianas - the home of many species of tropical birds and animals. Stop
awhile for a reviving picnic lunch by a clear mountain stream and savor the
crisp mountain air before continuing your journey to the archaic temple of
Batukaru.
Rice Paddy trek
Follow the farmers' tracks through Carang Sari's emerald-green paddy fields to
catch a piece of traditional rural life that has remained unchanged for a
thousand years. Skirting the Ayung River valley, you will have the chance to
observe the timeless routine of plowing, planting and harvesting using
hand-crafted tools and primitive techniques. Do not forget to visit village
temples, coconut, mango and jackfruit plantations, all set in a background of
unspoiled Balinese countryside.
Indonesia Jaya Reptile & Crocodile Park, is located in Mengwi. The park has
not only over 500 crocodiles but alsoa collection of lizards and snakes within
large tropical gardens. A snake and magic show and even crocodile wrestling go
to make this an unforgettable experience.
Another reptile park is the Bali Reptile Park, next door of Bali Bird Park.The
park housing a collection of Komodo Dragons, snakes, monitor lizards and
iguanas. Featuring a nocturnal reptile house and other special displays you’ll
be able to get close to some of the reptiles if you really want to.
Bali Butterfly Park
Butterflies one kind of living resources in Indonesia which are spread from
Sabang to Merauke, are collected in beautiful garden is called Taman Kupu-Kupu
Bali. Located in Wanasari village Tabanan Regency.
Everyday are release hundreds of colorful butterflies, among which are seen
the world most famous kind of butterflies, such as Ornithoptera Paradisea, O.
Croesus Lydius, O. Priamus and many kinds of traides from all over Indonesia.
Taman Kupu-Kupu Bali, which is the only place for butterflies in Indonesia,
tries to breed butterflies and also to collected them for the sake of
scientific knowledge and studies for the future.
Bali Safari & Marine Park
Designed by a leading U.S. zoo architect, guests will board special safari
busses for drives passing through different areas of the park serving as home
to a number of animals, including: rare white Bengali tigers, Sumatran tigers,
hippopotami, lions, zebras, elephants, wildebeest, camels, alligators, bears
and sundry primates – all roaming in large, near-natural settings.
Reached by the near Professor I.B, Mantra highway, the park is located on
Lebih Beach, just minutes from Sanur.
The Bali Safari and Marine Park occupies a 40 hectare site and is home to over
400 animals representing 80 separate species.
Once in full operation the Bali Safari & Marine Park will offer:
• A number of restaurants.
• 1,200 seat theater and exhibition area.
• Amazon Cruise.
• Safari Lodge and overnight accommodation.
An environmental education center. |
