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Must-Do Activities in Bali for First-Time Visitors!
- kirti malik
- Apr 17
- 5 min read
So, you think Bali is just about chill beach days, infinity pools, and sipping coconuts under palm trees? Think again. If your idea of a perfect vacation includes a racing heartbeat, muddied clothes, and maybe a few near-death experiences (the fun kind), then welcome to the real Bali.
Here are 7 insanely thrilling activities in Bali and nearby islands that’ll have your friends saying, "You did WHAT on your vacation?!"
1. Mount Batur Sunrise Jeep Trekking
Not a fan of 2 a.m. hikes? Same. Luckily, there's a more thrilling (and engine-powered) way to conquer Mount Batur—by hopping into a 4WD jeep. Strap in as your driver navigates pitch-black, rocky volcanic trails, bouncing you up and around lava fields like a real-life rollercoaster.
By the time you reach the top, the darkness starts to fade and Bali reveals itself in golden hues. Watching the sunrise over a sea of clouds with Lake Batur glistening below? Unreal. You get all the views, minus the sore calves.
📍 Where: Mount Batur, Kintamani
💸 Cost: Around IDR 400K–600K ($25–$40 USD) per person, often includes breakfast
🎒 Bring: Jacket, camera, sturdy shoes, and motion sickness meds if you're not a fan of bumpy rides
⚠️ Pro Tip: Book a package that includes hot springs after—you’ll need the soak!
2. Paragliding Over Uluwatu Cliffs
Ready to fly without a plane (or wings)? Strap in for a tandem paragliding experience off the cliffs of Uluwatu, where you’ll glide 250 feet above the Indian Ocean. For 15–20 glorious minutes, you’ll float over hidden beaches, sea temples, and wave-battered cliffs—basically, a drone shot come to life.
No experience needed—your instructor handles the flying while you sit back, dangle your legs, and scream internally (or externally). It’s peaceful, surreal, and just the right amount of terrifying.
📍 Where: Uluwatu Cliffs, South Bali (take-off points vary by wind)
💸 Cost: Starts around IDR 900K–1.5M ($60–$100 USD)
🎒 Bring: Sunglasses, closed shoes, and a charged GoPro
⚠️ Pro Tip: Best done in dry season (May–October) when winds are stable—sunset flights are magic!
3. Rope Jumping – XPark Bali, Nusa Penida
Think bungee jumping, but on steroids. Rope jumping at XPark Bali is not for the faint-hearted—this 130-meter leap off a cliff offers a stomach-dropping free fall before you swing dramatically over the turquoise waters of Turtle Beach. No bounce, just pure fall and swing. Oh, and panoramic ocean views that’ll make you scream before you even jump.
Built by professionals (including a world record holder for the deepest rope jump), this setup is as safe as it is extreme. You’ll be strapped in with high-grade climbing gear and double rope systems, and the entire experience is filmed with action cams so your friends can relive your terror in HD.
📍 Where: XPark Bali, Turtle Beach cliff, Nusa Penida
💸 Cost: Around IDR 2,000,000 (~$130 USD) per jump
🎒 Bring: Comfortable clothes, closed shoes, and nerves of steel
⚠️ Pro Tip: Book in advance through @xparkbali on Instagram—they get busy during peak season
4. Dolphin Watching – Lovina Beach
Before the sun even peeks over the horizon, hop aboard a traditional jukung (Balinese wooden boat) and set sail into the calm waters of Lovina. As the golden morning light hits the sea, pods of dolphins start to appear—leaping, spinning, and putting on a natural show that feels like it was choreographed just for you.
Unlike the high-adrenaline activities, this one’s all about peace, wonder, and early-morning magic. It’s the perfect breather in between all the cliff-jumping and ATV madness, and a reminder that sometimes the best thrills come from nature itself.
📍 Where: Lovina Beach, North Bali
💸 Cost: Around IDR 150K–250K (~$10–$16 USD) per person
⏰ Best Time: Depart around 5:30 AM for peak sightings
🎒 Bring: A light jacket, camera, and some patience
⚠️ Pro Tip: Choose ethical tours that don’t chase or crowd the dolphins
5. Underwater Statues Snorkeling – Gili Meno
Just off the coast of Gili Meno lies “Nest”—a surreal underwater circle of life-size human statues created by artist Jason deCaires Taylor. Submerged in shallow water, this hauntingly beautiful site is slowly being taken over by coral, making it both an art piece and a growing reef.
A quick boat ride from Bali or Lombok gets you there, where you can snorkel through crystal-clear waters and float over this dreamlike installation. It’s peaceful, eerie, and absolutely perfect for your underwater Insta flex.
📍 Where: Gili Meno
💸 Tours from Bali: IDR 400K ($25 USD)
🎒 Don’t forget: Underwater camera + reef-safe sunscreen
⚠️ Pro Tip: Go early to beat the snorkel crowds!
6. Tandem ATV Ride – Ubud Jungle Trails
Think of it as Mario Kart, but in real life—and muddier. Riding an ATV through Ubud’s lush jungle trails is one of the most exhilarating ways to explore Bali’s wilder side. You’ll tear through rice paddies, bamboo forests, rocky streams, steep hills, and even spooky little caves that seem straight out of an Indiana Jones movie.
Tandem rides are a great choice for couples or besties—because what’s better than screaming together while sliding through mud at full throttle? You don’t need prior riding experience; professional guides are there to lead the way and stop you from accidentally launching into a rice terrace.
📍 Where: Ubud, Bali
💸 Cost: Around IDR 600K–900K per person (~$40–$60 USD)
⏳ Duration: 1.5 to 2 hours of pure chaos
🎒 What to Bring: Spare clothes, water shoes, and a serious sense of adventure
⚠️ Pro Tip: You will get muddy. And your clothes may never be the same again. Consider it a badge of honor
7. Flyboarding – Tanjung Benoa, Nusa Dua
Ever dreamed of flying like Iron Man, minus the billion-dollar suit? Welcome to flyboarding—where your feet are strapped to a water-powered hoverboard, and you’re blasted 30 feet into the air over the sea. Controlled by high-pressure jets beneath your board, you’ll soar, spin, and inevitably wipe out in the most dramatic fashion possible.
Sessions usually last 15–20 minutes, which is just enough time to feel like a Marvel hero and get dunked like a tea bag. Beginners get quick instruction and are closely guided by professionals, so you’re in safe hands—unless you try to freestyle too soon (please don’t).
📍 Where: Tanjung Benoa Beach, Nusa Dua
💸 Cost: Around IDR 800K–1.2M (~$50–$80 USD)
🕒 Best Time: Morning to early afternoon (calmer seas = better balance)
⚠️ Tip: Don’t skip the safety briefing. And yes, you will fall. Repeatedly. That’s half the fun
Final Word: Bali may be known for its zen vibes and honeymoon feels, but it’s also got a wild side. Whether you're jumping off cliffs, swimming with rays, or rappelling down waterfalls, this island doesn’t hold back. So pack that action cam, leave the white shoes at home, and get ready to scream your lungs out—in the best way possible.
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Tags: Bali adventure travel, things to do in Bali, adrenaline activities Bali, Bali itinerary, extreme sports Bali, adventure in Bali, outdoor Bali experiences
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