The traditional buffalo races
The traditional Mekepung buffalo races take place every year between September and October in Negara on the west coast, and in August in Lovina in northern Bali. The team is made up of two white buffaloes, with their hair and horns swaddled. These two beasts look great, and the two-kilometer-long race is met with delirious enthusiasm by the spectators. Teams are chosen according to their location in relation to the Ijo Gading river. Before the race proper, the kerbau (buffalo) parade before the crowd like majorettes. The carriage is made of wood and is driven by a driver. The winners score points for their team, but the style of driver and carriage is also noted. Speculation is rife, even though betting was banned in Bali in 1981.
A mythical surfing destination
Bali is Asia's surfing Mecca: from the beginners' spots on the famous Kuta beach to the breaks reserved for the most expert riders under the cliffs of Uluwatu, the Balinese waves attract surfers from all over the world every dry season (April to October, when the wind blows), who come to mingle with the locals. A major international surfing competition is usually held once a year. Little by little, Bali has gained a worldwide reputation as one of the most beautiful surf spots in Southeast Asia. All surf stores and specialized agencies are concentrated in the south of the island, in Kuta and Legian.
Beautiful diving spots
Despite the immense damage to the coral reefs around the coast, Bali still boasts some magnificent scuba diving and snorkeling sites. The panorama is a thousand times more beautiful than in a tropical aquarium. In turquoise water, you can swim with fish of all shapes and colors, above equally stunning coral.
The most famous dive sites are on the east coast, between Sanur and the northeast, near Tulamben and Amed. The islands of Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan are rich in flora and fauna. In the far west, the uninhabited and protected islet of Menjangan appears to be one of the most beautiful dive sites, while the 7,000 hectares of coral in Bali Barat National Park, not far from Gilimanuk and Menjangan, hold some wonderful surprises in store.
You'll need to get in touch with local diving organizations and don't forget your diving diplomas. Do this as soon as you arrive (or even before), or make a reservation specifying your skills and technical level. This will enable the organizers to form homogeneous groups. Major certifications such as PADI, SSI or CMAS are recognized. You'll find all the equipment you need on site, albeit sometimes in poor condition. You'll need to rent fairly thick wetsuits because of the water temperature below 20 meters.
Many of Bali's dive centers welcome certified divers, but few offer the technical possibility of certification. Several centers offer introductory courses that include theory and practice in shallow water. Introductory courses are mostly inexpensive, and should cost no more than US$50 for one dive.
On land, great possibilities
Hiking. The islands of Bali and Lombok offer great hiking opportunities for visitors. Climbing the Batur volcano (1,717 m) is, for many, one of the "highlights" of a stay in Bali. It can either be done with an agency from Ubud or the north of the island of Bali, or directly with a local guide in the lake region. For hikers, there's also the Batukaru volcano, Bali's second-highest peak (2,276 m), the volcanic lakes of Tamblingan and Buyan, the ascent of Mount Gunung Agung, Bali's roof (3,142 m), the rice fields of Sidemen or the ascent of Mount Rinjani in Lombok (a demanding three-day trek in general, but complicated to organize since the 2018 earthquake; find out more).
Downhill or mountain biking. Mountain biking sessions are mainly based in Ubud, but it's possible from all over the island. We drive you up and you bike back down, visiting villages or doing the whole ride on your mount. Cost between US$40 and US$80 (bike, equipment and lunch included).
Rafting and kayaking. If you're a thrill-seeker, we'll take you to the center of the island, in the mountainous areas of course. The best spots are on the Ayung river (sungai), near Ubud, and in the east on the Telagawaja sungai, near Muncan. On the south-west coast, Medewi and Balian are the best spots. As far as organization is concerned, we usually pick you up at your hotel and bring you back. And excursions include lunch. For sufficient water, the best time for rafting is the wet season, from November to March-April.
Golf. The island boasts four internationally renowned golf courses: the seaside Bali National Golf Club in Nusa Dua; the lakeside Bali Handara Kosaido Country Club, perched at an altitude of over 1,000 metres in Bedugul; the Bali Beach Golf Course, a small nine-hole course in the tourist resort of Sanur; and, finally, New Kuta Golf, overlooking the cliffs of Bukit.
Spas, yoga and massages
Spas are everywhere, where you can pamper yourself and try out therapies of all kinds. In top-of-the-range hotels, but not only. You can also learn or perfect your yoga skills, once again in hotels, spas or specialized centers. Ubud is Bali's yoga mecca. As for massages, you'll find them everywhere. In short, don't hesitate to pamper yourself!
