BEACHES
Echo Beach
Drive down Jalan Pantai Bolong and within minutes you'll be at one of the most popular surfing beaches this part of Bali. Grab something to eat at the Echo Beach Cafe or further along the beach at Lagong or Boulare restaurants. Keep walking, and you'll run into Petitenget Temple and a wonderful pavilion style Italian restaurant on the beach, La Luciola. If you really want to work up an appetite, continue for 30 minutes or so down the beach and you can dine at the world class Ku de Ta restaurant.
Blue Ocean Beach
Off Jalan Double Six. Sometimes described as the 'hippie beach', this part of Legian Beach is the safest to swim at, so it is ideal for children. You can rent beach chairs and umbrellas while you enjoy a meal on the beach at Zanzibar or Tekor Bali. Surfing lessons are provided by Bali Surf School.
Dreamland / Balangan Beach
Ask your driver to bring you to a surfer's paradise - Dreamland Beach in the Uluwatu area. There are warungs for lunch and beach loungers/umbrellas you can rent for only Rp. 15,000./ day or treat yourself to a massage on the beach for about Rp. 25,000. If access in the rainy season proves to be difficult, then head off along the sealed road to Balangan Beach.
Ku de Ta Beach
In Seminyak, at Ku de Ta restaurant, you can hang out at the beachfront locations in the sun lounges with umbrellas. Bring your own towel or sarong. Perfect location for a tequila sunrise at sunset.
Nusa Dua Beach
Spend a day in the safe Nusa Dua Bay; to get there, drive either past Nusa Dua Galeria behind the Amphitheater or continue to the Bale Boutique Hotel and then turn towards the ocean (shady spots through rocks and caves). Warungs and massages; NO beach chairs or umbrellas.
POOL SIDE
Hard Rock Hotel
The Hard Rock's poolside is the perfect beach-pool combo to spend an afternoon. Children love the endless sandy pool, the pizza, the playground and the water slides. Catch some great bands performing at sunset.
Hu'u
The Hu'u Bar has a chill-out pool and provides towels. Have lunch there, enjoy the pool and then take the short walk to the beach. It is one of the newest and hippest restaurant lounges in Seminyak! Excellent food and atmosphere.
DIVING / SNORKELING
Heaven Divers
The Heaven Divers will come to your villa pool to instruct you for your PADI diving license. Maybe a little more expensive but with the luxury of having your personal diving instructor IN your villa and then taking you wherever you choose to dive. Ph 0361 732 683 or 0811 385 736
Please look at Bali Plus to give you an exact summary of the best diving spots in and around Bali. For the best of the best diving/snorkeling take a day trip out of Kuta or across the ocean to Nusa Lembongan / Nusa Penida. Or even take a couple of days in Lombok and visit the Gillies with their stunning coral reefs!
WATER SPORTS / SAILING
Bali Adventure Tours Water Rafting
Lots of fun, safe and brilliant views/waterfalls. Bring shorts or swimsuit, T-shirt, sunscreen, sports or walking shoes and a change of clothes; all other equipment provided. We suggest the afternoon rafting (lower prices, less people). Ph 0361 723 355
Blue Oasis Beach Club
Water sports out of Sanur Beach. Choose from jet-skiing, water-skiing, kayaking, wakeboarding, windsurfing, sailing, parasailing, boogie boarding and paddle boating.
Island Explore
Bali's most luxurious 46' - private yacht is available for charter. Afternoon cruise and Island Day with sunset dinners and Resort packages available. Maximum of 6 persons. Ph +62 361 728 088
Surfing
Beginners: Learn how to surf at Medewi Bali Surf School on Blue Ocean Beach and then use the safe beach breaks at Kuta; later you might want to try Legian (be aware of strong currents).
Advanced: Padang Padang, Canggu, Uluwatu and Nusa Lembongan.
Waterbom Park
Rocket down the slides or just enjoy the tropical environment while lazing in a raft. New Kidz Park, pools and lots of entertainment and food. Tuban, Kuta across Kartika Plaza.
NATURE & ADVENTURE
Bali By Horseback
Nearby Umalas Stables offers a choice of professionally trained horses and ponies and the latest riding and safety equipment. Treks range from 1-3 hours including a special sunset ride along the beach. Pool, BBQ's, playground for your children as well as a cafe and very friendly atmosphere. Umalas. Ph. 0361 731 402
Bali Safari and Marine Park
Bali's latest attraction; ride in special safari vehicles and interact with 400 animals from Indonesia, India and Africa. Ph. 0361 950 000
Ubud and Monkey Forest
For more than a century Ubud has been the island's preeminent centre for culture, fine arts, dance and music. Down the road from the centre, the Monkey Forest - a tourist favourite. The sanctuary is home to about 200 monkeys and surrounded by three 14th century temples.
Elephant Safari Park
Acclaimed as the World's Best Elephant Park, a visit to Elephant Safarai Park is a must for any visitor to Bali. Ph. 0361 721 480
Bali Bird Park and Bali Reptile Park
See over 1000 birds in Bali's only bird park then go nextdoor to see a real Komodo Dragon!
Bali Bungy Co.
Don't fall for anything else - jump with Bali Bungy in Kuta.
Many freebies: Free second jump, free T-shirts and transfers. Ph. 0361 752 658
Helicopter Joy Flights
Temple Tour, Volcano Tour and Airport/Hotel transfers.
USD 990. / hour / 4 persons.
TEMPLES
Tanah Lot
Don't be put off by the huge variety of shops and hawkers BEFORE entering the temple grounds; this temple is worth the trip! Make sure to go when it is low tide and bring a small plastic bottle. This will allow you to cross the ocean to the temple's lower cave and natural spring to collect its sweet drinkable holy spring water.
Uluwatu
Stunning views down the cliffs from the temple and across the Indian Ocean. Hold on to your wallet and other loose items when the monkeys are close!
Pura Tirta Empul
Its 13 fountains (each fed from another main temple in Bali) are declared to be the holiest springs in Bali. Take some water home with you - it's believed to have magical healing and cleansing powers.
ONE-DAY TRIPS
Bedugul
Visit the sacred Lake Beratan and its holy temple inside the crater of a volcano in the mountains of Bedugul (water skiing and boats available). Stroll through the famous Bedugul market (this is Bali's center of agriculture). Have a picnic in the stunning Botanical Gardens (Kebun Raya) and enjoy the cool and fresh weather (take some warm clothing)!
Nusa Lembongan
Sail "Sail Sensations" or "Wakalauka" to Nusa Lembongan - Bali's small island neighbour and snorkel around its stunning coral reefs. Or just enjoy the white sandy gorgeous beaches and bays, the sail takes about two hours.