Bored of the beach? Done with the dancing? Hung up with the hangovers? Time to get adventurous. hello bali brings you five of the best adventurous activities in and around the island, from exotic golf courses to Harley country tours, surfing in Nusa Lembongan to shooting the white waters of Bali's jungle gorges. Plus a few suggestions to keep the kids happy this holiday… Welcome to the thrillseekers guide to the best island on the planet.
It's still just the right time of year to take advantage of the end of the wet season here in Bali and head up into the hills to take the plunge down leafy jungle canyons in inflatable rafts. All in the name of some kick ass adrenalin fun. With so many white water rafting companies to choose from in Bali how do you make a good decision? Aren't they all on the same river? Don't they offer similar rapids, with food, fun and photo opportunities? How do you know what to choose and what's the difference? Funnily enough we all know the answer to this. And it's simple. You get what you pay for.
The first and longest standing white water rafting outfit in Bali is still the number one choice for those seeking the ultimate in island adventures. Ask anyone in the know from David and Victoria Beckham to Christina Aguilera, Jessica Biel, David Copperfield, Julian Lennon and even the late Crocodile Hunter, Steve Irwin who were all privileged guests of Bali Adventure Tours (Jl Bypass, Ngurah Rai, Sanur, T: 0361 721 480) - the islands first and longest running professional adventure tour operator since 1989. They still hold their claim to fame as pioneers of the white water rafting industry in Bali, and own the longest rapids on the river, which, at an unprecedented 27 in total, means rafters get the longest ride for their Rupiah.
Australian owned and operated Bali Adventure Tours not only offer the most sophisticated, safe and 100% insured rafting and kayaking experiences on the island but also unparalleled cycling and trekking tours which finish exclusively in the world famous Elephant Safari Park in Taro, Ubud.
What you need to know about whitewater rafting is that it takes place on a river and not all rivers are created equal. The Ayung River in Bali caters to Class 1 and 2 rapids which are more exciting than a calm river and perfectly suitable for anyone from 5-75 years - nothing like the Class 5 rapids famous in other parts of the world for their heart palpitating ferociousness.
Rapids or ‘whitewater' result from steeply descending river channels. Since the channels are carved by erosion, whitewater rafters encounter numerous boulders and layers of bedrock that sit in the river's path, and that means fun on vortexes of swirling and funneled water, natural ramps, sudden drops in elevation and most times adrenaline pumping action.
White Water Rafting with Bali Adventure Tours starts with a custom fit-out of life jackets, helmets and paddles, an expert briefing session with qualified guides and a two hour plus rafting adventure over 27 spellbinding and exciting rapids in a ‘jungle gorge' setting. Finishing with a bite to eat on top of a mountain, amongst the rice fields and complete with air conditioned return transfers, this is a brilliant way to experience the great outdoors of Bali.
For a more relaxed approach to adventuring in Bali you can do worse than taking advantage of the three world-class courses scattered around the island and an excellent 9 hole jumping off point at the Bali Beach Golf Course (Jl Hangtuah, Sanur, T: 0361 287 733). Take in views from the heady caldera heights of the 18 hole Bedugul course (Bali Handara Kosaido Country Club, T: 0362 226 46). To the dramatic ocean vistas afforded by the Greg Norman designed Nirwana greens overlooking Tanah Lot on the west coast, (Le Meridien, T: 0361 815 960) then down south to Nusa Dua and the immaculately preened Bali Golf and Country Club (T: 0361 771 791) voted ‘one of Asia's 5 best golf courses' by Fortune Magazine USA.
Newcomers who don't fancy the prospect of stepping straight into the world class arena can head to Sanur to hone their club skills before moving on to the big league. Bali Beach Golf Club provides challenges to all golfers of every skill level with the nine hole course sheltered by old trees and lit by clear blue Sanur skies. The wind factor is a consideration on this course as is the strategic placement of a number of bunkers, positioned to upset any errant shots that should wander off target of the sleek greens. Competitively priced to appeal to every level of golfing holidaymaker and with comprehensive facilities ranging from golf equipment and accessories, deluxe locker rooms, professional caddies and an onsite business centre the Bali Beach Golf Club has the east coast of the island covered. For those just setting out in their golfing careers then the driving range in Renon, just up the road from Sanur and inland towards Denpasar further compliments the Bali Beach Golf Course. To round off your play The Sector Bar & Restaurant adjoining the golf course offers a wide variety of wet distractions and an array of cuisines to enjoy as the sun descends on your golfing day in Bali. For those looking for an offshore golf experience the Kosaido Golf Club, Lombok (T: 0362 226 46) is accessible by speedboat from the Gili islands or by land, near the Oberoi hotel to the north east of the island around one hour from the airport in Mataram.
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