Bali | The Adventure Travel Site

Explore Mount Batukaru

Pura Batukaru is a haven for the soul not only for Balinese but also for everyone. Superb scenery along the road of the Penebel village and the mystical jungle where the temple is nestled gives the soulful experience to whoever visits this ancient site. Batukau, is Bali’s second-highest mountain at 2,276 m. It is the highest peak in the Bedugul volcanic area, but is dormant. Batukaru is worshipped by the Balinese, and has a temple, Pura Luhur Batukaru, devoted to it. Batukaru has a large crater, the largest on Bali, but this crater is open at the southern end, allowing the river Mawa to escape. It is this that gives it the name “Batukaru”, which means “coconut shell” in Balinese. There are many hotels and villas in Bali, however the Alila Villas Soori is one of the most Luxury villas in Bali. The area of Kerambitan, where Alila Villas Soori situated was at one time the seat of one Bali’s most important Royal families. This unique hotel is a haven for those who want to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of Bali. Enjoy the refreshing and revitalizing mountain air, clean spring fed water and panoramic views to the coast of Bali from this elegant hotel.

Batukaru Mountain is the highest peak in the Bedugul area, located in Tabanan regency. It has to be mentioned that it is recommended to professional climbers only. Also the complete Trekking Tour takes a little bit longer than other Trekking Tours as the last part of the tour, close to the summit, becomes really challenging. Regular Tours start around 7.30 in the morning and you will be back at 4.30. This is enough time to explore the rain forest life such as wonderful butterflies, wildlife monkeys and amazing plants.

Nigel Walters is a travel writer, who writes under the pen name, Fritzjames Stephen. His content is based on the myriad of experiences and indulgences that the world has to offer travellers across all walks of life.

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Explore Kintamani

Kintamani is considered as one of the most scenic regions of Bali. Located in the north east of Bali , the highlands breath taking. It is believed that a volcanic eruption around 30000 years ago created a caldera that is 3 Km long. Half of the caldera is taken up by the Batur lake with the remaining half being an active volcano. There are six ancient villages around the caldera of Batur. This area is considered as the Bali age villages , which have people who practice unique culture, lifestyle and live in unique houses. The kintamani region consists of the following villages such as Kedisan village, Trunyan , South Batur and middle Batur among others.

For those visiting the Kintamani region , perfect accommodation option could be the Ubud resorts. Not too far from Kintamani ,Ubud is itself a beautiful town set among rice paddy fields. The town was an important source of medicinal herbs , and hence derived the name Ubud , which int he local dialect means medicine. A much sought after place to stay amongst the tourist has been Alila Ubud. A perfect hill top get away Alila Villas sits between lush greenery and in the valley of Ayung River. The villa is designed with a fusion of the trade mark Balinese architecture as well as a hint of modern touch.

Visiting the Kintamani region from Ubud is not too time consuming. The Kintamani region’s Batur lake is the largest lake in Bali and provides the island with most of its irrigational needs. The day time is the perfect time to visit kintamani as the views are clear and the entire region is visible. A perfect time would be anytime between 10 am till 3 pm. The weather in the region tends to get a bit chilly and there may be drizzles and showers later during the day.

Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry.

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Bali Bike Hire

The best way you could explore Bali with so much enjoyment and without any restrictions is to consider renting a cycle, a scooter or a motorcycle. If you are skilled at riding one of the aforementioned, hiring
charges are relatively cheap in Bali. The process of hiring a bike is quite straightforward and trouble free. You can easily hire a bike from almost any Resort in Bali such as Anantara Seminyak Bali Resort & Spa while you spend a holiday in perfect relaxation.

If you are the kind of adventurous traveler keen to explore and not interested in organized group tours the best choice for you is hiring a motorbike. The standard bike that is widely used in Indonesia and most tourists rent, is the Honda 100cc or 125cc four-gear, semi-automatic. You will be able to enjoy more of the island on your own pace, and see sights that most tourists never get to see.

Rental is by the day and the charges vary depending on the period of time you need the bike and the type and condition of the bike you hire. The rental includes a temporary insurance which also covers the charge for any damages. Helmets are compulsory for motorbike riders and speed driving is not encouraged in Bali. You do need a driving license and if you don’t have an international driving license a temporary local permit can be obtained from an office in Denpasar. A set of rules and guidelines will be issued when hiring a bike and it is recommended that all riders adhere to these guidelines as when it comes to paying in the event of an accident, foreigners are usually expected to pay. It is also essential to be aware of the relaxed road rules in Bali. It is the riders responsibility to give priority to safety while exploring the beauty of Bali.

Chandrishan Williams is a travel writer who writes under the pen name, Caleb Falcon. He specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers. Google+

Elephant Safari

How would it feel to sit on a teak wood chair placed on top of the world’s largest land mammal and ride along the river, rainforests and in to the city? That’s exactly what you will experience if you head to Bali, Indonesia. The experience of riding on an elephant back is truly unforgettable and it will certainly add colour and an unusual vibe to your next tropical vacation.

The Bali Elephant back safari is simply an extraordinary and exhilarating experience for the entire family. Elephant trekking has become an important part of a vacation in Bali. Kuta in southern Bali is a great place to get up close and personal with these amazing animals. Internationally acclaimed Elephant safari parks such as the Elephant safari park lodge and Elephant safari park Taro are located close to Bali, Kuta. Those who wish to make the most out of this adrenaline filled experience can choose to stay at a resort in Bali Kuta such as the conveniently located Sheraton Bali Kuta Resort. Special safari tour packages offer the services of picking you up from your Kuta resort and taking you to some of the world’s most fascinating safari parks.

An Elephant Safari in Bali Kuta is not merely riding on an elephant’s back. Travellers will also get the chance to witness elephants bathe and play. Elephant lovers can even hand feed them during special feeding sessions. Surrounded by dense forest, the Elephant Safari park in Taro is home to the largest herd of Sumatran Elephants. Visitors can enjoy an unforgettable ride through peaceful rainforests whilst viewing the exotic and natural scenery. An Elephant safari in Bali will also let you discover the village life in Indonesia and mingle with the local people. This one of a kind trekking experience will let you discover some charming local temples, busy local markets and sweeps of lush green paddy fields. Elephant Safari tours in Bali generally range from 15 minutes, 30 minutes, 40 minutes to 1 hour.

Thanuja Silva is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Auburn Silver. She has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.

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Wellness Journeys in Bali, a delightful & rejuvenating experience

An ever increasing number of travellers seeking to rejuvenate their health and their lives are choosing to undertake wellness journeys. By doing so participants will be able to enjoy a selection of health-giving spa treatments combined with pleasant relaxed travel to local sites of interest, all in a spirit of spiritual contentment and rejuvenation. The Indonesian island of Bali has consolidated a strong reputation for being a premier venue for such wellness programmes, as it offers a pleasant climate, a tradition of tranquillity and serenity as well as a multitude of interesting sightseeing attractions. Above all Bali offers a laidback ambience that is ideal for the visitor in search of peace and comfort.

If you are interested in visiting the island and are seeking a quality resort in Bali that has its own luxurious spa there are some excellent options available. Anantara Seminyak Bali Resort & Spa is such an option and offers a wealth of treatments and therapies to bring about holistic healing.

Bali is a truly beautiful and magical tropical island and many parts of this alluring paradise have retained their pristine charms, presenting an environment far removed from the hectic hustle and bustle of the urban lifestyle. There is no better venue for a comprehensive wellness programme.

The opportunities at this alluring island truly seem to be endless. Visitors will have the opportunity to engage in a yoga session at the break of dawn, with mystical age-old temples as a backdrop. Visitors can take the opportunity to experience a therapeutic massage on the sandy beaches, with the shimmering ocean waters murmuring in the background. Where else would you have the opportunity to practice walking meditation across verdant rice paddy fields?

If on the other hand you are a water sports lover, you will have the chance to indulge in your favoured leisure pursuits, such as surfing on the local waters. In Bali there are opportunities to be found nowhere else in the world, such as experiencing the hereditary healing arts known as Djamoe, which has been passed down through the generations. You will also find modern state of the art spas with all the modern facilities that you may require. Your visit to Bali is sure to be the experience of a lifetime.

Jayani Senanayake is a writer who dabbles in travel and all things exotic. Under the pseudonym of Caliope Sage, she writes of the allures that must simply be discovered.

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Campuhan Ridge Walk

If you love heading off the beaten track and want to do some exploring when in Bali, then taking a hike along the Campuhan Ridge Walk is well worth your time. This scenic trek can be enjoyed near the town of Ubud and those in search of a Bali spa resort in the region can consider COMO Shambhala Estate Bali. This Bali luxury spa resort offers the very best in modern comforts and features a range of wellness treatments that offer rest and relaxation after a day of hiking.

Begin your adventure at Ubud from where you can set off on a tour of the area before heading to the Campuhan Ridge Walk. One can take the road near the Ubud Clinic that leads to the river, which you will have to cross before making your way up to the Campuan Ridge. Set amidst lush greenery, this path offers stunning views of the surrounding landscapes with vistas of the Campuan River Gorge on one side and Tukad Wos River on the other. Your hike will bring you to a village and a place known as Karsa Kafe where you can enjoy a relaxed meal and drink. Continue on your journey which will lead you back to Ubud, making for a truly memorable day out.

Snorkelling at Biorock Pemuteran Bay

Bali is indeed one of the most wonderful destinations on earth. With lush green paddy fields, blue ocean waters and friendly people, it is a great place to spend a holiday. One of the most popular activities here is snorkelling.

Biorock Pemuteran Bay is one of the most popular areas in the region to go snorkelling. It was a community driven reef restoration programme which commenced at the turn of the century in the year 2000 and over the past decade or so it has been a phenomenal success that has changed the lives of the people in the region as well as providing a one of a kind experience to those who come to this place. Pemuteran Bay is known to have some of the largest shallow reef areas in Bali. With less or almost nonexistent waves, the water is crystal clear and easy to see through making it an ideal setting to not only go snorkelling but diving as well.

Amongst the best snorkelling areas are Temple Garden, Temple Wall or Pura Tembok, Canyon Wreck, Kuburan Kapal and Chris’ Garden also known as Kebun Chris. Other sites where one can explore the world that lies beneath the waves include Pemuteran House Reef also known as Bio Rock, Close Encounters, Napoleon Reef, Deep Reef, Pulaki Reef and Gondol Reef amongst others. In these diverse sites one can be sure to spot snapper, batfish, frogfish, humphead parrotfish, lobster, shrimp, crab, pipefish, angelfish, crocodile fish, trevally, blue spotted rays, squid, sweet lips and fusiliers. There are also many nudibranches octopuses, reef scorpions, leaf scorpions and much more to be spotted in this diverse setting.

Occasionally it is also possible to spot a shark or two and also big rays. It has been reported that tiger sharks have been spotted in some areas during the rainy seasons. However, it is also safe and is and provides an unmatched variety of sea life for those who are interested to see the world under water.

For travellers looking for a Bali spa resort where to enjoy a time of personal pampering and rejuvenation, COMO Shambhala Estate Bali makes an ideal choice. This Bali luxury spa resort provides a range of wellness treatments that one can enjoy after a long day of snorkelling at Biorock Pemuteran Bay.

Bali Eco Cycling

The busy streets of Bali can at times be overwhelming and claustrophobic. This is why it is always best to escape to the rural part of Bali where life tends to be lived in a more carefree and leisurely manner. Cycling in this part of the world has to be one of the more soothing of experiences you will ever have the privilege of enjoying when in Bali. Anantara Seminyak Bali which comes across as a good Bali resort to stay in will provide you access to the village lifestyle. Such a resort in Bali must be looked at should one be in the mood for a truly relaxing holiday.

With helmet in hand and a cycle that will make manoeuvring the pathways a thing of the past, one is all set to take on the myriad of sights and sounds that are part of this beautiful landscape. Cycle past bountiful rice fields as vistas of mountain and swaying trees complement that most sought after of outdoor adventure. The many back roads will be flanked by coconut tress which would inevitably lead you to the odd local village or two. Here you may pause a while to witness the womenfolk busily engaged in bamboo weaving. After sharing in a hearty feast, set out on trails that will bring you to an area which overlooks the active volcano of Mount Batur and its enchanting crater lake. Absorb the local culture in all its glory when you decide to go on a cycling tour of rural Bali and its magical landscapes.

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Verdant Scenes

Among Bali’s sublime scenery is its rice terraces formed along the natural contours of hills. They impart a distinct emerald green tint to the landscape especially when the paddy stalks are fully grown. While the paddy fields that are found in the valleys of the island are attractive in their own right it is the rice terraces cascading down hillsides that offer the best photo opportunities and capture the imagination of visitors.

Some of these rice terraces and fields have been cultivated for thousands of years as rice has always been the staple food of the Balinese. Traditional rice terraces together with the rural landscape in some districts have even been nominated as UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Sites. The most attractive rice terraces popular with trekkers are the well tended green fields of Tegallalang village in Ubud central Bali, the rice fields of Pupuan, Jatiluwih, Tabanan and Tirtagangga that are set off by borders of lush green trees.

Treks among the rice fields and terraces are part of the many walking tours available in Bali. These tours not only take visitors through the rice fields they are also an excellent way to be introduced to the culture, ecology, food and even archaeology of Bali. It is inevitable that a rice paddy trek will go through the village that owns and cultivates the paddy fields and terraces. Depending on the season visitors may have the opportunity of seeing rural folk at work ploughing fields, planting rice by hand, harvesting and threshing in traditional ways.

This is also an excellent way to get acquainted with Balinese mythology and religious beliefs as every paddy field and irrigation system however small has a divine connection and shrines and temples are common features close to and in paddy fields and along irrigation systems. Many villages also have temples they patronise close by and each home as its own shrine. Meeting villagers going about the daily chores, visiting a rural Balinese family and eating a traditional Balinese meal is part of such adventures. Many visitors comment on the absence of the usual city noises during these treks. They come away having witnessed an ancient way of life that has changed little over the centuries. Remaining hydrated throughout the trek under humid weather conditions is something to keep in mind.

Anantara Bali Uluwatu Resort & Spa cascading down a lime stone cliff offers a dramatic setting from which to enjoy the surroundings. Among the many facilities and services at one of prominent Uluwatu hotels are amazing accommodation options ranging from superb contemporary two and three bedroom oceanfront and garden villas and oceanfront condos to themed dining venues and spa cabanas that offer heavenly rejuvenating therapies. As one of exclusive Bali resorts guests also enjoy conveniences that are particular to this property alone.

Thanuja Silva is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Auburn Silver. She has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.

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Ride the Rapids of Bali

Located between Java and Lombok is the popular Indonesian island of Bali. Considered to be one of Indonesia’s most famous tourist destinations, Bali offers a great combination of a tropical climate, stunning scenic beauty and a unique culture. Visitors of the island can enjoy its beautiful beaches, breath-taking landscapes and its many cultural attractions; inclusive of traditional and modern dance and arts.
Bali, being an exotic and tropical island, also offers a wide range of recreational and leisure activities to choose from. Of these one of the most exciting and exhilarating activities is white water rafting. White water rafting involves rafting through raging rapids and waves of rivers and is considered to be a truly adrenaline pumping extreme sport. If you enjoy riding the cool raging waters of tropical rivers with stunning tropical scenery in the background, then head on down to Bali and ride the rapids!
The island has many service providers and operators who offer white water rafting facilities, making it rather easy to plan our a day with the rapids. Bali has many famous white water rafting routes that travel through various jungles and other attractions, which give the white water rafting experience an adventurous aspect too.
Three of the best sites to engage in white water rafting in Bali are the Ayung River, the Telaga Waja River and the Melanggit River. One can experience the thrills of this sport at these rivers, as they all contain rapids which range from level 2 to level 4! Of these rivers the Telega Waja River is the most challenging and is sure to test your physical and mental strength. The white water rafting operators of the island are certified institutions and will ensure your safety while you engage in this exciting and thrilling activity, so you can go ahead and enjoy yourself to the maximum. So, for a thrilling and exhilarating experience in the area, ride the rapids of the rivers of this paradise.
Anantara Bali Uluwatu Resort & Spa is one of the most sought after of Bali resorts that one might consider staying at. The resort affords a variety of fine restaurants, spa therapies and recreational and leisure facilities making it one of the most ideal Uluwatu hotels for a tranquil and soothing vacation.

Thanuja Silva is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Auburn Silver. She has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world. Google+