While Bali is best known for its beaches, culture, and spas and cheap Bintangs, it is also an island built for adventure. Volcanoes, jungle valleys, surf breaks, rivers, cliffs, and reefs create a natural playground for thrill seekers and active travellers. Whether you are into hiking, diving, mountain biking, or just looking for something out of the ordinary, Bali has something for you.
This guide covers the most popular adventure activities across the island, with something for every energy level.
CLIMB MT BATUR AT SUNRISE
One of Bali’s most iconic adventures is the Mount Batur sunrise trek. This active volcano near Kintamani rises to 1,717 meters and is considered a moderate climb, suitable for most fitness levels.
To do this activity you will need to start off around 2 or 3am, with most people choosing a pickup from either Ubud or Kintamani area. The guided hike to the summit takes around 2 hours and you will be rewarded with a sunrise and views stretching to Mount Agung and even Lombok on clear days.
Most tours will include a simple breakfast with eggs cooked over volcanic steam vents. Keep an eye out for the monkeys that inhabit this area as well.
Bring a jacket as it is cold before dawn. Sturdy shoes with decent grip for the loose volcanic rock are a good idea also.
WHITE WATER RAFTING
Rafting in Bali offers an adrenaline rush with a scenic twist. Two main rivers are popular:
Ayung River (Ubud) – Suitable for beginners and families, this route includes fun rapids, lush jungle views, waterfalls, and even carvings on the cliff walls.
Telaga Waja River (East Bali) – Faster, steeper, and more intense. Great for those wanting longer runs and more thrills.
Normally you can expect 2 to 3 hours on the river and the full experience takes a half day. Whilst rainy season, November to March, normally has higher water levels and more action, the rafting trips are available year round.
SURFING
Bali is one of the world’s top surfing destinations, with breaks for every level depending on conditions:
Beginners – Head to Kuta, Legian, or Batu Bolong (Canggu) for smaller waves and surf schools. You can also rent a board from many of the beach bars that dot the beach between Kuta and Seminyak.
Intermediate – Try Echo Beach, Berawa, or Padang Padang Right.
Advanced – Uluwatu, Impossibles, and Keramas offer powerful reef breaks and fast barrels.
Always be aware of tides and reef locations and know that some breaks are sharp and unforgiving! I can recommend Up2U Surf School in Legian for lessons tailored to all abilities – https://www.up2usurfschool.com/
SCUBA DIVING AND SNORKELLING
Bali’s underwater world is just as exciting as its land-based adventures. West Bali National Park, the Karangasem Regency, Amed and the Nusa islands are great places to dive and snorkel, with many areas also offering dive schools.
Tulamben – Home to the USAT Liberty shipwreck, one of the most accessible wreck dives in the world, suitable for beginners.
Menjangan Island (West Bali) – Calm conditions, dramatic walls, and vibrant coral reefs make this a top spot for snorkelling and diving. Check out my recommendations for Manjangan here – https://balisunsets.com/menjangan-island-all-you-need-to-know/
Nusa Penida – Known for its manta rays and the elusive mola mola (sunfish) during the right season (July to October). Currents can be strong, so it is best for confident swimmers and divers.
Snorkellers will also find great conditions in Amed, Blue Lagoon (Padangbai), and Nusa Lembongan.
ATV (QUAD BIKING) RIDES
ATV tours let you explore Bali’s countryside in a fun, muddy, and adrenaline-filled way. Most tours are based around Ubud, Tegalalang, or Gianyar.
Expect a mix of jungle trails, village paths, rice field tracks, and even river crossings. It is a great way to combine adventure with a bit of off-the-beaten-path scenery.
Tours normally run for up to a couple of hours and are suitable for everyone – solo riders, couples, and families (tandem rides available for younger or inexperienced people)
Remember to wear clothes you do not mind getting dirty as the mud is pretty much guaranteed.
CANYONING IN NORTH BALI
For serious adventurers, canyoning in Bali offers heart-pounding fun as you rappel down waterfalls, jump into clear pools, and slide through narrow gorges.
Most trips take place in Sambangan or Gitgit near Singaraja in the north and you can choose from any or all of abseiling, rock slides, cliff jumps, and guided rope work.
A moderate to high level of fitness, good mobility and no fear of heights will definitely help you get the most out of these adventure activities.
Guided tours with proper equipment are a must for safety, so look to a do a tour with an established tour company – https://adventureandspirit.com/ is worth a look.
MOUNTAIN BIKING AND CYCLING
Bali’s hilly terrain is perfect for mountain biking, especially in the cooler central highlands. Popular routes include:
Kintamani to Ubud – Mostly downhill through villages, temples, and scenic countryside.
Jatiluwih – Ride through UNESCO-listed rice terraces with panoramic views and minimal traffic.
Go with a local guide, they will provide bikes, and cultural context along the way, and most importantly a support vehicle that will pick you up if tired and return you to your accommodation.
DO A WATERFALL HIKE
Often described as Bali’s most beautiful waterfall, Sekumpul in north-central Bali is worth the effort.
The trek involves a mix of stairs, river crossings, and jungle trails. Along the way, you will pass smaller waterfalls before reaching the towering main falls surrounded by mist and greenery.
The round trip walk takes roughly 2 hours and can be done with or without a guide.
If you like your waterfalls with a bit of thrill, Aling-Aling in north Bali is the place to go. A short hike leads to a set of waterfalls where you can:
· Slide down natural rock chutes
· Jump from platforms (up to 15m high)
· Swim in deep, clear pools
It’s fun, safe with a guide, and surprisingly uncrowded compared to more famous sites.
In central Bali, Tibumana Waterfall near Ubud is a peaceful, photo-worthy spot with a gentle pool. Tegenungan Waterfall is the most accessible but can be busy. For something off the beaten path, try Leke Leke or Nungnung, both offering quiet trails through tropical greenery. These hikes vary in difficulty, but all reward you with refreshing swims and striking scenery perfect for an adventure-filled escape.
EXPLORE NUSA LEMBONGAN AND PENIDA BY SCOOTER
Nusa Lembongan, and for that matter the other Nusa islands of Ceningan and Penida, offer some of Bali’s most rugged terrain, cliffs, and secret beaches. Exploring them by scooter is an adventure in itself, especially where the roads are narrow and unpaved in parts on Penida. The highlight places to visit on these islands are:
· Kelingking Beach – Famous for its cliff shape and steep descent
· Angel’s Billabong & Broken Beach – Stunning coastal formations
· Blue Lagoon (Ceningan) – Known for its surreal blue waters
For more adventure, boat trips also offer snorkelling with manta rays and cliff-jumping opportunities.
FREE DIVING
For something a little different, freediving is growing in popularity around Bali. Schools in Amed, Tulamben, and Pemuteran offer introductory courses and depth training.
The clear water, calm conditions, and minimal equipment make freediving both meditative and adventurous.
PRO TIPS:
· Safety first – Always go with reputable guides or companies, especially for high-risk activities like canyoning or scuba diving.
· Hydrate – Bali is hot and humid so carry water, especially for hikes and bike rides.
· Respect the environment – Stick to paths, avoid littering, and do not touch coral or wildlife.
· Timing matters – The dry season between April and October offers the best conditions for most outdoor activities.
Bali offers far more than beautiful beaches and temples. For those looking to explore, challenge themselves, and experience the island from a different angle, adventure is around every corner, whether it is soaring above cliffs, diving below the surface, or tearing through jungle trails on an ATV.
You do not have to be an adrenaline junkie to enjoy Bali’s adventurous side. There are options for all interests and fitness levels. Just bring a sense of curiosity and a willingness to get a little dirty. The island will do the rest. Wander Beyond Ordinary!
