Bali beyond the beaches
A deep-dive into tradition and adventure should top your Bali list this year.
The Island of the Gods has bounced back in 2023 with a line-up of activities and experiences that will tempt even the most beachbound traveller away from the surf. Tap into local village culture, hike a volcano, lose your wits at a waterpark or all of the above.
Hike up Mt Batur volcano
Bali's magnificent volcanos form the background of many a rice paddy or jungle setting but nothing beats being on top of one for a real geothermal thrill. In Bali's north, Mount Batur, at 1717 metres, is an active volcano deemed safe for trekking. And it's worth it. From the top, the views stretch across a huge 'super-volcano' caldera wherein lies Bali's biggest lake, Lake Batur, a sacred headwater sprawling seven kilometres, and the popular highland area of Kintamani. In the distance are the lofty mountain peaks of Mount Penulisan, Mount Abang and, on the far-off island of Lombok, Mount Rinjani. The trek has a moderate gravelly incline suited to a slow but steady two-hour climb. Bali Sunrise Trekking's sunrise tours set out from as early as 3am (with headtorches on) or turn it up a notch with an overnight camping experience to catch both sunset and sunrise. From $75, balisunrisetrekkingandtour.com
Tap into village life
Ditch your poolside recliner to embark on an immersion into the rich culture of Balinese village life. Grassroots initiative the Togetherness Project has launched its community-based tours that take visitors into the heart of local Balinese villages to learn about the history, spirituality and practicalities of day-to-day life. Tours, facilitated by the head of the local Banjar and respected village members, aim to promote connectedness between the "real" Bali and the one that tourists are often met with. The day tours start early with a walk through the rice paddies, the lifeblood of many Balinese families, and end with a traditional home-cooked Balinese meal. In between, depending on the specialty of the village, visitors might delve into local sustainability initiatives such as organic farming, learn about local crafts including traditional ikat weaving, or spend time in a traditional family home. Eighty per cent of the cost of the tour goes back to the village. $120 for two, togethernessproject.net/community-based-tourism
Let it all out at a water blessing
One of Bali's most spiritual and traditional ceremonies is a water blessing known as melukat, where the worries, fears and preoccupations of everyday life are 'let go' emotionally and physically. Getting wet is part of the experience - and the fun. Ceremonies take place across the island at various locations: from the palatial baths of Tirta Empul temple, near Ubud, where you dip your head under spouts of holy water from a natural spring; to the natural waterways and waterfalls at places like Taman Beji Griya, in Kabupaten Badung, where snakes are carved into the rocky creek beds and visitors scream and then laugh into the roaring downpour. Melukat ceremonies are also held in the temple grounds at many resorts. Guests swathed in colourful sarongs and adorned with flowers are blessed with holy coconut water by a local priest or mangku. Walk away feeling refreshed and renewed in both body and soul.
Campervan around the island
What better way to spend a Covid lockdown than souping up a couple of vans so they're primed for campervanning expeditions around the island? Bali Campers did just that and the result is epic, with their two-person campers each kitted-out with a comfortable double mattress, solar-operated fridge, hot-water shower, camp chairs, cooking facilities and fairy lights. Storage hacks ensure there is plenty of room for packing up and going on an extended four-wheel vacation. Jared and the team from Bali Campers supply campsite maps and tips for finding secret scenic spots around the island. One of the best getaway locations is Amed in the northeast, known for its dreamy coastal road, wooden reef boats and excellent shipwreck dives. From $73 a day, balicampers.com
Have a rice paddy adventure
Regenerative rice growing is a movement gaining ground in Bali. It also offers a way to connect with the culture and traditions of rice farming families. At Subak Uma Lambing, near Sibang, an 87-hectare rice farming co-operative is supported by Astungkara Way, a social enterprise that combines rice farm regeneration with hands-on tourist experiences. Families keen on cultural connection can sign-up for a micro-adventure - an overnight farm stay where guests sleep on comfy mattresses (under mosquito nets) in an impressive hand-built bamboo pavilion surrounded by rice, the trickle of water and croak of frogs. Activities for kids include making banana leaf boats and crafting ketupat - little rice casings made from young coconut leaves. Host Ibu Tatki also shares her culinary skills, serving typically delicious Indonesian dishes made from fresh-plucked garden ingredients. From $117 per person, astungkaraway.com
Get wet and wild
Taking the family on a day-trip to Waterbom is one of Bali's holiday rituals. The famed waterslide park is the go-to for thrill-seeking kids looking to get wet and wild as well as parents in need of a poolside recliner. Set in a tropical landscaped garden, the park's 22 slides range from the dauntingly precipitous Climax and anxiety-inducing Boomerang, to the relaxing Lazy River, a tube-float around a circular waterway. This year, the park will celebrate its 30-year anniversary by expanding by 1.3 hectares - and a new lagoon pool, poolside gazebos and waterslides including a winding 20-metre slide tower with viewing platform. The park's sustainability mission includes solar panels, a rainwater harvesting system and energy and water saving initiatives as standard. $140 for a family, waterbom-bali.com