Bali – 9 Underrated Activities Beyond Beach and Cafe Hopping

With the recent simplified travel framework between Singapore and Indonesia, we’re excited to explore our favourite adventure island once again! While most people might be excited about visiting the hipster cafes and chilling by the beach, we have a little more up our sleeves. 

 

From exploring hidden waterfalls to dining in an abandoned aeroplane, here are nine fun, unique experiences to add to your next Bali itinerary!

 

1) Catch the Sunrise on the Mount Agung Hike

Photo credit: TravelOnline

 

Sunrises are breathtaking in Bali but this hike will literally take your breath away. 

 

At 3,000m above sea level, Mount Agung is the tallest point of the island and the fifth tallest volcano in Indonesia. The hike takes an estimated time of four to six hours to the summit, so hikers often start before midnight to allow ample time to catch the sunrise from the top. 

 

It’s no easy feat but it’s definitely one to check off your bucket list!

 

2) Dine with Pirates on a Pirate-Themed Cruise 

Photo credit: Pirate Dinner Cruise

 

Aye, aye! If you’re looking to dine with Captain Jack Sparrow (or his look-alike), the Pirate Dinner Cruise in Bali offers a pirate-themed dinner. While onboard the Phinsi vessel, passengers can feast while marvelling at the sunset. Catch a glimpse of Bali’s culture and be entertained by traditional dance performances such as the belly and fire dance.  

 

All guests will also be given complimentary pirate accessories to complete their pirate look. Sessions are available for booking online, and must be made at least one day in advance.

 

Opening hours:  Session 1 (4PM – 7:30PM), Session 2 (7PM – 10PM) 

Starting point: Benoa Harbour

 

3) Make Your Own Chocolate Bar at Junglegold Chocolate Factory 

Photo credit: @junglegoldbali via Instagram

 

To all chocolate lovers, here’s where you can relive your childhood memories of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Formerly known as the Pod Chocolate Factory, it has since rebranded as the Junglegold Chocolate Factory which offers artisanal chocolates. 

 

From non-dairy to plant-based chocolate options, try your hand at fresh chocolate-making and take home a chocolate bar of your own — the perfect Bali souvenir! 

 

Opening hours: 9AM – 6PM

Address: Jl. Denpasar-Singaraja No.29, Werdi Bhuwana, Kec. Mengwi, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80351

 

 

4) Dine in an Abandoned Aeroplane 

Photo credit: @inflightrestaurant via Instagram 

 

Keramas Aero Park offers one of the most unique dining experiences in Bali — an inflight meal onboard an abandoned aeroplane. 

 

Housed in a refurbished Boeing 747-400 overlooking the sea, this restaurant has up to 29 mains on the menu such as bebek betutu (traditional roasted duck) and BBQ chicken pizza. Diners can choose to be seated inside the plane or in the garden, and explore the wing and cockpit after their meals.

 

Opening hours: 10AM – 10PM 

Address: Jl. By Pass Prof. Ida Bagus Mantra KM 28, Keramas, Gianyar, Bali

 

5) Have a Splashing Good Time at Waterbom Bali

Photo credit: The Travel Intern

 

Few know this but Bali is also home to one of Asia’s best water parks — Waterbom Bali! 

 

Perfect for fun-loving individuals, there are 15 water rides there, three of which are trap-door slides that plunge riders down at a near-vertical angle. Other thrilling rides include the Twin Racers where you can race down with a friend, and the Boomerang that launches you through an enclosed rainbow pipe before reaching a free-falling speed. 

 

Besides the water slides, there’s also the FlowRider that’s hugely popular among park goers. For only Rp125,000 (~S$12), you’ll get a 30-minute session with a professional instructor. And if you’re less of an adrenaline junkie, take the Lazy River which flows through Waterbom Bali’s lush tropical gardens.

 

Opening hours: 10AM – 5PM

Address: Jl. Kartika Plaza, Tuban, Kec. Kuta, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361

 

6) Explore Ayung River on an ATV Quad Bike & River Rafting Adventure

Photo credit: trip.com

 

No trip to Bali is complete without a series of adventures among nature. While hikes and jungle trails are great, river rafting and ATV biking are definitely more exhilarating experiences to have!

 

Grab a couple of friends and speed through the spectacular Ayung River, feeling an adrenaline rush with each unsuspecting rapid. While you’re at it, also look out for beautiful stone carvings along the river bed. 

 

After the refreshing river rafting activity, visit some Balinese traditional villages and rice fields on an ATV quad bike, guided by a ride instructor. UOB Cardmembers can enjoy up to S$10 off with a S$100 minimum spend for bookings with Trip.com

 

Tour timing: 8AM (pick up from hotel).

Book here with Trip.com

 

7) Canyoneering at Hidden Canyon Beji Guwang

Photo credit: @phe_ye via Instagram

 

 Here’s a little secret among locals in Bali — the underrated Beji Guwang, a canyon hidden within tall canopies of trees and boulders reaching 30 metres in height. 

 

Canyoneering through Beji Guwang requires moderate fitness and a huge appetite for adventure as you’ll be climbing, jumping and lunging across strong currents that can go up to neck-high levels. But once you’ve conquered it, you’ll be rewarded with sights of magnificent and dramatic boulders as your photo backdrop.

 

Opening hours: 8AM – 5PM

Address: Jalan Sahadewa, Banjar Wangbung, Guwang, Sukawati, Guwang, Kec. Sukawati, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80582

 

8) Discover the Elusive Tukad Cepung Waterfall

Photo credit: @backpack.balitour via Instagram

 

Almost like a scene from a movie, the Tukad Cepung Waterfall is a cave waterfall that gives off a mysterious and magical feeling. Just an hour’s drive from central Ubud, this hidden gem is not known to many but will surely be a rewarding journey to those willing to visit.

 

And there’s a short window period to catch this natural beauty at its best. When the sun is shining at its brightest in the afternoon, the waterfall reflects the sunlight and starts sparkling like threaded diamonds.

 

Opening hours: 8AM – 6PM

Address: Jl. Tembuku, Dusun Penida Kelod, Tembuku, Bangli, Kabupaten Bangli, Bali 80671

 

9) Catch the Beautiful Sunset on a Campuhan Ridge Walk

Photo credit: The Travel Intern

 

Bali is nothing short of adventurous and high-adrenaline activities, but if you’re looking for something more chill to do at a leisurely pace, the Campuhan Ridge Walk could just be the activity for you.

 

A fairly short hike of about 2km for one-way, Campuhan Ridge is an easy paved walk that promises rewarding views. You’ll see rice paddy fields and Balinese architecture along the way, as well as being surrounded by tall grasses that make for great photo spots. 

 

Our favourite time to visit Campuhan Ridge would be just before the sun sets, as the skies turn into a dreamy paddlepop hue. Early morning hikes up Campuhan are great too as it gets a lot warmer in the afternoon.

 

Address: Kelusa, Payangan, Jl. Raya Campuhan, Sayan, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571

 

 

Plan Your Next Bali Adventure

Beyond beach and cafe-hopping, there’s so much to discover on this island than meets the eye. Offering one-of-a-kind experiences and thrilling adventures, who knows what other hidden gems you might chance upon in your next Bali getaway!

 

Speaking of gems, here are also some deals exclusive to UOB Cardmembers to make your trip even more convenient and enjoyable:

 

Accommodation: Get up to 10% cashback when you book on Booking.com or 15% off “Promo eligible” hotels on Agoda

Flights: S$50 off min. Spend of S$450 on Trip.com

Activities & transfers: Use promo code <UOBVTL50OFF> for S$50 off bookings on Klook with minimum spend of S$300

Travel Insurance: Get 40% off a single-trip plan and 20% off an annual plan here

 

*Pro-tip: Check out this page for more UOB Cards exclusive deals in Indonesia and find other travel inspirations on this site.

 

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