One of the so-called problems of travelling to a destination for the first time is knowing which activities are the ones that you really should try to do whilst you are there. If you travel to Bali the problem is somewhat different in the sense that there are so many outstanding experiences and activities available, that your biggest problem is going to be trying to fit them all into the time you have available.
To give you just a small taste of some of the great activities that you can try in Bali, we are going to highlight 5 of them, and we have tried to make these as diverse from each other as we can so that hopefully there is at least one that will everyone reading this will be keen to do. So, let get started…
#1: View The Sunset
We will start with something that everyone can enjoy and that is watching the awesome sunset that occurs each evening over Bali. Bali’s sunset is simply spectacular and turns the sky into a kaleidoscope of orange, red, pink, and yellow.
The sunset can be enjoyed in all parts of Bali, but there are also some locations in particular where your view will be enhanced. These include The Lawn Beach Club in Canngu, La Laguna Restaurant, Tanah Lot Temple, Uluwatu on the southern tip of Bali, and of course, any beach of your choice.
#2: Visit The Rice Terraces
Bali is famous for its rice terraces and the most famous rice terrace of them all is Tegalalang, which is near to the town of Ubud. If you would prefer to see the largest rice terraces on Bali, head west to the Jatiluwih rice terraces which are stunningly beautiful.
One word of warning is that the rice terraces are extremely popular with tourists and are a regular stop on bus tours, therefore, you should expect them to be relatively busy. To avoid this you should set out early and try to arrive by 8 a.m. so that you are there before the busiest periods.
#3: Go Surfing In Canggu
For the more adventurous, physically fit, and water sports-minded amongst you, surfing is on the agenda in Canggu. Specifically, we are talking about Canggu’s Batu Bolong Beach where the surfing conditions are exceptional.
There is no need to pre-book as you can simply turn up and hire a surfboard from one of the shacks that are clearly visible. The cost can vary but it is extremely low. If you require or wish to have surfing lessons from an instructor the fee for a 2-hour lesson is around 35 Australian dollars.
#4: Visit Ubud Monkey Forest
Apart from the fact that the Ubud’s Monkey Forest is stunningly beautiful thanks to having more than its fair share of tropical trees, and a river flowing through it, it is also the home to a temple and dozens of monkey families, which makes the forest a must-see destination when are in Bali.
Whilst the monkeys are friendly, they can also be mischievous too, so make sure you keep your hat, sunglasses, and wallet secure, otherwise, you must just find them being stolen by one of the monkeys and whisked away to the top of the nearest tall tree.
#5: Walk Along Campuhan Ridge
The Campuhan Ridge Walk is one that offers some of the most stunning views in all of Bali. Whether you walk it in the morning as the sun rises, or in the evening when the sun sets, the array of colours on display from the jungle that surrounds it, is a sight to behold.
There are no entry fees, and with a total round distance to walk the entire ridge and back of around 3 miles, you should allow up to 2 hours to complete it, assuming you wish to stop and take photographs, although in truth you can take as long as you wish.
There are many things Bali has no shortage of including great restaurants, stunning scenery, fantastic beaches, and another you can add to that list, is amazing beach clubs. Whether you are looking for some awesome food and refreshing drinks, a place to meet up with friends, or simply looking for somewhere to relax and chill for a few hours, there is a beach club to suit you.
One of the great things about Bali‘s beach clubs is no matter which area you are visiting, you are almost certain to have a beach club nearby. For that reason, we thought it would be fun to highlight 5 different beach clubs, but instead of them all in one area, we have a beach club in five different locations across Bali and its adjacent islands. These are Canggu, Jimbaran, Legian, Nusa Lemgongan, and Seminyak.
Beach Club #1: Finns Beach Club, Canggu
One of the best-known beach clubs in Bali, which has almost taken on an iconic status, is Finns Beach Club in Canggu. Situated on the wonderful Berawa Beach, you have the option of swimming in the sea or in their infinity pool. Finns serves a wide range of food and drinks and for those music lovers amongst you, there are resident DJs. Opening at 9 am and closing at 11 pm, Finns is free to enter. It is also extremely popular so reserve your seats and loungers in advance.
Beach Club #2: Sundara Beach Club, Jimbaran
If you are looking for a beach club which offers amazing dining options then the Sundara Beach Club in Jimbaran is one you must visit. It’s menus include seafood nights, Sunday brunch (which includes unlimited orders), romantic dinners and desserts to go. There is also a kids menu for the little ones. Between meals you can relax on seating or loungers, and there is also an infinity pool adjacent to Jimbaran beach. Opening hours are 11 am to 1 am and entry is free.
Beach Club #3: Azul Beach Club, Legian
For stunning views of the sunset over Padma Beach in Legian, the place to be is Azul Beach Club which is directly opposite the said beach. Equally eye-catching is the beach club itself which is constructed over several levels and made from bamboo, which from afar, makes it look like a giant beach hut. It has a menu to suit all tastes and is famous for having Bali’s first-ever tiki bar. Provided you meet the minimum spend levels, there is no cost to enter and use their seating.
Beach Club #4: Sandy Bay Beach Club, Nusa Lemgongan
This is another beach club where you can watch a beautiful sunset and do so whilst eating a meal chosen from Sandy Bay Beach Club’s extensive menu which consists of Asian and European dishes as well as snacks, salads, and desserts. Sandy Bay can also be booked for events, and should you wish to stay overnight, accommodation is available. For pampering, there is a spa and a boutique for those who wish to partake in some clothes and accessories shopping.
Beach Club #5: Potato Head Beach Club, Seminyak
The curiously named Potato Head Beach Club in Seminyak is one that will suit all ages and all preferences. For those who are active, there is the swimming pool, for those who prefer to relax there is plenty of loungers, and the group who are especially going to love being here, are those who like fine dining. Regarded as one of Seminyak’s top restaurants, the Kaum Restaurant in this beach club serves traditional Indonesian dishes within beautiful surroundings.
If you’ve watched Night at the Museum, a night at the Bali Zoo is not anything like that. However, it does give you the opportunity to see nocturnal animals moving around, which doesn’t happen on a day tour. If you see those animal at all, they will be sound asleep, which is a bit disappointing. However, if you can manage to leave your comfy luxury Bali villa accommodation, one night at the zoo is an experience that you will never forget.
Night zoo visit
In fact, you don’t spend the whole night there. The ticket you book is for 4-5 hours which is plenty of time to experience the zoo once the sun has set and everything seems to change in the darkness. You can have fun feeding the elephants and encountering animals that are suddenly very energetic when in their natural night time zone.
The ticket price also includes insurance, pick up and drop off at certain hotel areas, dinner and watching the Fire Dance Show, so it is well worth going. How many people have been to the zoo at night? Very few in Australia at least, since most zoos here close at the end of the day. However, many animals are naturally nocturnal and are seen at their best during the night hours.
Day zoo visit
If going at night is not your thing you can still visit the zoo during the day. Going to the zoo is something that all children will love, but even adults can have a lot of fun because feeding and petting many animals is encouraged. You might never get another chance to feed deer or hold a snake or baby crocodile. Of course, if that thought makes you shudder, you don’t have to hold them. But the kids are sure to want to do it while you pet the rabbits.
