Banana Boat Riding is a thrilling activity for all but the smallest children. This activity can be found on numerous beaches throughout Bali and is a wet & wild experience.

Bird-Watching enthusiasts of all ages can 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 colours and rarity.  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 bird-life as well as nature.

Bull Racing is held from July to October. The bull races ("Mekepung") are thrilling contests between teams of two young bulls harnessed to a chariot, which is ridden by a jockey who holds onto the bull's tails as they career down a 2km race course! Winning is everything, and for the winning jockey it is a ticket to stardom, and perhaps a chance to become national champion. The bulls are treated with great care and are fed elaborate diets containing all sorts of wonderful potions and secret ingredients. This is a must-see for the whole family.

Camel-Riding is available in the Bukit area near Nusa Dua. These “ships of the desert” offer a wonderful way see the sights.

Dolphin-Watching is a must-do activity when visiting Bali. The trip out on the boat is an experience in itself so if, by any chance the dolphins aren't around when you go out, it’s still a good time.

Dune Surfing is a thrilling activity that everyone in the family can join. Grab an old cardboard box or a large flat board, and surf the dunes. No experience is required and if you can't do it standing up, sit down, lift the front end of the board up and whoosh down the dune like a professional.

Elephant Safari tours are available at the Elephant Safari Park where you will sit atop an elephant in a traditional teak wood chair, while swaying through the refreshing jungle of Desa Taro. This is a fun way to experience the jungles of Bali.

Jungle Trekking is an active family affair where one can discover Bali's glorious flora and fauna in the nature reserve of Mount Batukaru. This off-the-beaten-track adventure leads you into the cool surroundings of a tropical rainforest. Experience the hidden world of Bali's wildlife and native plants. Stop for a picnic lunch by a clear mountain stream before continuing your journey to the archaic temple of Batukaru.

Kayaking across the panoramic lakes or down the Ayung River is an unforgettable experience. Kayaks can be hired at numerous outlets around the island or from your hotel.

Paint Ball Jungle Skirmish is the ultimate paintball experience that will challenge even the most seasoned player. Located in the Sanur area on a 2.5 hectares of land, the field is divided into three unique games. Give them a call on: 036 128 9073.

Reptile Park, near the Bali Bird Park, allows visitors to not only view lizards, snakes and other scaly creatures, but hold them as well; perfect for “monster” lovers.

Surfing and Bali go hand in hand and if your kids are too young to 'hang-ten' just boogy- boarding or simply body-surfing will keep them happy for hours.

Water Park fun can be found at the famed Waterbom Park & Spa in Kuta. A wide variety of slides, pools and activities for all ages are set among 3.5 hectares of landscaped tropical parks, providing hours of entertainment. Relax on the Lazy River or treat yourself to the on-site Mandara Spa. All equipment is built and maintained to strict international standards. Advanced salt chlorination technique is soft on your skin and the environment.

Wayang Kulit (Balinese Puppet Show) The ancient art of shadow play or Wayang Kulit is a unique combination of ritual, lesson and entertainment. Lacy shadow images are projected on a taut linen screen while the Dalang or shadow artist manipulates the figures, to bring the shadows to life. He narrates the story accompanied by a gamelan orchestra and occasional chanting or singing.

Bird-Watching enthusiasts of all ages can 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 colours 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 bird-life as well as nature.

Bungee-jumping is popular on Bali. Thrill to the feeling of momentary weightlessness as you freefall to the end of the bungee cord. Jump from a high tower close to a cascade in Blangsinga-Gianyar. This activity is definitely not for the faint-hearted.

Bull-Racing (Makepung) is held from July to October. A true Bali spectacle, held in Negara, a small town situated in West Bali. The scenic road winds through terraced rice field overlooking the Indian Ocean. This traditional performance is a unique ritual event, part of a religious ceremony for a successful rice harvest. Different villages compete against each other with fiery enthusiasm, offering fantastic photo opportunities. It's a great outing for the kids too. The bulls are highly cared for and given special diets to help build strength.

Climb to the summit of the highest mountain on Bali, Gunung Agung is a wonderfully adventurous experience and it is advised that you enlist the help of a guide as it’s easy to get lost. Rock Climbing is also available at numerous rock climbing routes around the island.

Cycling along mountain trails, through traditional villages and rice fields and enjoying the experience of a breathtaking atmosphere and panoramic views are an excellent way to pass the time in Bali. Many hotels rent out bicycles as do a number of rental outlets on the island.

Diving and Snorkelling can either be done off the beach or through organised tours that visitors will find scattered throughout Bali. The underwater spectacle is an absolute must-do experience.

Golfing choices on Bali   consist of the following:

Bali Golf and Country Club in Nusa Dua has an 18-hole course, which has been rated by Fortune Magazine as one of the ‘Top Five Golf Courses in Asia’. 

Bali Handara Kosaido offers a public course in the cool mountainous area of Pancasari Village, Singaraja. In 1981, Golf Magazine named it as 'One of the 50 Greatest Holes in the World'.

Bali Nirwana Golf Club in Tanah Lot has an 18-hole course, designed by Greg Norman. Sanur has a 9-hole course.

The Grand Bali Beach Golf Course is an extreme challenge for accuracy and patience as many trees are planted in the course area.

Join a horse-riding trek which will take you through lush rice terraces or gallop through the surf along the beautiful south-western coast. There are a number of riding stables located on the island some with instruction for novices.

Jet-Skiing is available at Tanjung Benoa, Nusa Dua with an instructor for safety and a number of hotels also have this facility. Please be aware of other swimmers in the water.

Jungle Trekking is an active family affair where one can discover Bali's glorious flora and fauna in the nature reserve of Mount Batukaru. This off-the-beaten-track adventure leads you into the cool surroundings of a tropical rainforest. Experience the hidden world of Bali's wildlife and native plants. Stop for a picnic lunch by a clear mountain stream before continuing your journey to the archaic temple of Batukaru.

Kayaking across the panoramic lakes or down the majestic Ayung River is an unforgettable experience. Kayaks can be hired at numerous outlets around the island or from your hotel.

Paint Ball Jungle Skirmish is the ultimate paintball experience that will challenge even the most seasoned player. Located in the Sanur area on a 2.5 hectares of land, the field is divided into three unique games.

Rice Paddy Trekking follows 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, visitors can observe the timeless routine of ploughing, planting and harvesting using handcrafted tools and ancient techniques.

Skydiving is rapidly gaining popularity in Bali. From ordinary single parachute drops to tandem skydiving gives the adventurous a thrill of a lifetime. Lessons are available for newcomers.

Sport Fishing The Greater Bali area with Nusa Penida & Lombok Islands, Komodo National Park, and Takabonerate atoll are some of the premier fishing destinations in Indonesia. These waters provide year-round fishing with Black & Blue Marlin, Yellow-fin & Dog-tooth Tuna, Wahoo, Dorado, Sailfish and Giant Trevally being caught regularly. Note: Bali practices tag and release of all billfish and sharks.
 

Some of the best surfing in the world can be found on Bali’s west coast. Beginners can take lessons from professional instructors on Kuta Beach.

Volley Ball or rather it's seaside equivalent, beach volleyball, can be found on almost every beach in Bali, particularly in the late afternoon or early evening...join in whenever there's a place, and enjoy!

Water Park fun can be found at the famed Waterbom Park & Spa in Kuta. A wide variety of slides, pools and activities for all ages are set among 3.5 hectares of landscaped tropical parks, providing hours of entertainment. Relax on the Lazy River or treat yourself to the on-site Mandara Spa. All equipment is built and maintained to strict international standards. Advanced salt chlorination technique is soft on your skin and the environment.

White Water Rafting is available on a number of Bali’s rivers. The calmest river is probably the Ayung River, which runs through Ubud. Tip: It's a good idea to set off early in the morning as although one has water everywhere on this trip, the middle of the day can get quite hot. Other rivers offer higher levels of thrill and excitement.

Windsurfing can be enjoyed at Sanur Beach, Tanjung Benoa, and Nusa Dua. Equipment can be rented at numerous outlets and instructors are available for first-timers.

Balinese dance and music comes in many forms, functions and styles. From the ethereal Gamelan, to the riveting Kechak chant-dance, Bali’s culture is rich with dance and drama. Many hotels offer dinner performances, or you may be lucky enough to catch one in action at a local temple. You can also learn this art by attending a dance class or two offered in Ubud at certain hotels or dance centres.

Dining in Bali poses endless possibilities as Indonesia has one of the world's greatest cuisines. From a five-star restaurant to a roadside stall, you will be amazed by the choices offered. Tourist-oriented restaurants abound in tourist centres but Indonesian and Chinese food is predominant.

Influences from all corners of the globe make up Balinese cuisine. Curries, cucumber, eggplant, Indian mustard and cow peas came from India; the Chinese brought the wok and stir-frying, Chinese mustard, and vegetables such as Chinese cabbage; from Arabia came kebabs and mouth-watering goat stews, while the Europeans introduced avocados, peanuts, pineapples, guavas, papayas, tomatoes, squashes, pumpkins, cocoa, soybeans and cauliflower. 

Balinese cooking revolves around spices, often partnered by coconut milk, which adds a rich flavour and creamy texture to intriguing dishes of tropical vegetables, poultry, meat and fish. Sugar, fragrant roots and leaves are used and the end result is food that is both subtle and sophisticated. Rice is the basis of any Indonesian meal. A main serving of rice is normally taken first, followed by a small portion of three to four dishes of vegetables or meat, known as lauk. Dishes of lauk are placed in the centre of the table for all to share.

Most Indonesian dishes are served with a side sauce called sambal. Sambal is made with red-hot chillies, so should be taken with caution. If you’re mouth is on fire, do not drink water immediately as it will only worsen the situation; instead let a spoon full of sugar melt in your mouth, drink milk or eat plain rice. Tempeh is a national product - a protein rich cake made of fermented soybeans.

Adventurous travellers can delight in sampling all the food from various stalls and cafes. Those who are unsure but are willing to try should go for something simple such as pisang goreng (banana fritters), lumpia (fried spring roll), and bakso (meatball soup). Lawar, a specialty of Bali, is composed of minced pork, coconut and spices. Other types of lawar that are available include chicken, egg, green bean, and jackfruit. If the lawar is red in colour, it maybe made of raw blood. 
Another snack called tupat, which is normally not found elsewhere…actually steamed rice in coconut-leaf packages that are cubed with tofu, cucumber, spinach and sprouts and mixed with a fiery peanut sauce is well worth sampling. Do not miss bubur injin or black rice pudding for breakfast or dessert, it is heavenly.

Bali has an extensive range of fruit, some unimaginable and some you wish you had never imagined! One of these is the fabled durian, the king of fruits, which is a large thorny fruit. It has a strong smell and unique taste prized by locals. People either love it or hate it. It is rich in vitamins, yet eating too much can cause stomach ache. 

Other fruits that can be savoured include mangoes, mangosteens, bananas, jackfruit, rambutans, markisas, pineapples, papayas, longans, melons, oranges, and custard apples, to name a few.

Indonesian batiks are world famous. Gold and silverware are reasonably priced. Woodcarvings and handicrafts also make attractive gifts. Indonesia is well known for good buys in clothing, leather products, electronics, etc. Bargaining is customary in small shops and markets, the art of which is to start at the half of the asking price and slowly increase your offer until a compromise is reached. Remember, it helps to smile while bargaining.

In addition to the many open markets and street stalls, there are numerous western-style department stores and shopping centres in Denpasar, Kuta-Legian, Sanur and Nusa Dua that offer a range of clothing, shoes, leather goods, sports gear and toys. The service is generally good, and the value of the rupiah ensures excellent prices. In these types of venues, such as department stores, prices are fixed. Balinese arts and crafts are the most popular purchases but you can also find good value on clothing, music, musical instruments and watches.