Beautiful beaches, wonderful waves, dense jungle. Bali is a paradise for nature lovers and a haven for outdoors enthusiasts.
Exploring the natural side of Bali is the perfect tonic to boost your wellbeing. We’re talking jungle hikes, cycling tours and treks up active volcanoes. Yes, we said active. Let’s check out the best outdoor activities in Bali.
Take a walk on the wild side.
When to go
DRY OR RAINY – IT’S UP TO YOU
Visit in the dry season from April to September and Bali is your playground. Expect no weather disruptions or delays. It’s especially important for trips under the water – visibility for diving and snorkelling is best between June and August.
And yes, the rainy season (October to March) is called the rainy season for a reason, but it doesn’t always rain. Cycling, hiking and even snorkelling are possible if the conditions are right.
Plus, there’ll be fewer tourists and lower prices. Though Christmas and New Year are always busy and pricey.
Diving and snorkelling
BALI’S UNDERSEA TREASURES
Leave the west coast to the surfers and party animals and head to Bali’s less-visited east coast or the islands off the southeast coast.
There’s kid-friendly snorkelling around the resorts of Sanur and Nusa Dua. But the best sites around here are the offshore islands of Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan. It’s about an hour’s boat trip east of Sanur.
Don’t miss snorkelling with manta rays at Manta Point off Nusa Penida. There’s a reason these islands are regarded as the dive capitals of South Bali. Any tour operator from Kuta to Ubud can get you here with a full or half-day dive trip.
Expect to see sharks, turtles, rays, and plenty of schooling fish.
You’ll find dive resorts and dive outfits around all the main east-coast sites. They’ll often provide transport if you’re staying on the west coast.
They all offer PADI dive courses, Discover Scuba dives and fun dives for certified divers. Expect to pay around $120 for two dives, including equipment. Snorkelling trips cost from $45 for two hours depending on the location.
One of Bali’s most coveted dive sites is the sunken wreck USAT Liberty. It’s an American cargo ship torpedoed during WWII and now lies about 40m off the coast of Tulamben on Bali’s east coast.
The stern is in less than 5m of water – it’s ideal for snorkelling. Scuba divers can get down beyond 20m. The wreck has attracted its own ecosystem of coral and marine life.
Cycling in Bali
HINDU TEMPLES, RICE FIELDS AND A BALINESE BREEZE
Bali is an amazing cycling destination.
We’re not talking about the busy beach strip around Kuta and Seminyak, where the traffic is too congested and the streets too narrow. Instead head out in the countryside, among the villages, Hindu temples, and rice fields. You’ll get a true taste of Balinese life.
Ride past verdant rice paddies in fifty shades of green on almost traffic-free roads. With a tropical breeze blowing, it’s a magical experience.
You can rent good quality bikes from shops in popular beach resorts, Ubud and other mountain biking centres. And if you want the experience without the pedal pounding effort, many cycling tour operators have electric bikes!
Or you can join a guided cycling tour which will lead you to the best views or trails and includes lunch.
THE BEST PLACE TO TAKE TWO WHEELS
The area around Ubud is a favourite cycling destination in Bali. Traffic can be heavy around popular sights like temples and the Ceking rice terraces.
Away from tourist stops you’ll ride through local villages, alongside rivers and past rice fields. Many shops in Ubud rent out mountain bikes for around $30 a day and tour companies also guided day tours.
We love the Jatiluwih rice terraces in central Bali. Perfect rural cycling with less traffic.
A popular trip is the downhill ride in the central mountains starting from Kintamani, just west of the active volcano Mt Batur. Tour operators will pick you up, take you to Kintamani and pedal back via villages and farms. It’s downhill all the way!
Hiking in Bali
STRAP ON YOUR HIKING BOOTS
Like cycling, the best hiking in Bali is in the countryside and highlands, especially around Ubud.
Set out on your own with a local map and explore the backroads, villages, rice fields and temples. Or join an organised trek with one of the many tour companies.
Other good hiking destinations include the Lake Bratan area. Base yourself in Bedugal or Munduk and walk trails past coffee plantations, waterfalls, and the twin lakes Tamblingan and Buyan. You can do this with or without a guide.
COME FACE TO FACE WITH A VOLCANO
Now on to those active volcanoes. This is one for the serious trekkers amongst you. Both Mt Batur and Mt Agung can be hiked. These are strenuous guided treks which usually reach the summit for a spectacular sunrise over Bali.
Trekking agencies around Bali can organise the climb but they must use local guides. It takes about two hours each way to summit Mt Batur. The more challenging Mt Agung is four to six hours each way.
LOSE THE CROWDS
Head to Taman Nasional Bali Barat (West Bali National Park) in Bali’s far west. It’s a remote and uncrowded national park where you can hike with a guide in search of local wildlife.
Bali Sea Turtle Society
Sea turtles nest on Bali’s beaches from May to September. These are mainly green turtles, hawksbill, and leatherback species.
The Bali Sea Turtle Society, based in Kuta, works tirelessly on turtle conservation in Bali. They work with the local Balinese community to protect turtle nests and raise awareness about turtle conservation.
Visitors can help with beach clean-ups and possibly attend turtle releases. What a way to give back to this wonderful place.
That’s adventure covered. Now let’s check out the best places to get a barrel, where to stay and how to get around Bali – or read our comprehensive guide to all things Bali.
Thinking of travelling to Bali? Skyscanner can help you find the best flights, hotels and car hire deals for your next trip.
