Cycle the countryside

The Island of the Gods’ palm-fringed, white sand beaches are so idyllic – it feels impossible to tear yourself and your family away from the glittering coastlines and resort pools of Bali. But for adrenaline-seeking Aussie families who want to spice up their Balinese holiday and see more than just the surf and sea, there is an abundance of kid-friendly activities to ramp up the adventure factor. For both an adrenaline-inducing and culturally enlightening experience, take to two wheels and spend the day exploring the surrounding countryside of Ubud with Bali Eco Cycling. Choose from mountain bikes or tandem bikes, fitted out with Australian safety-standard baby seats for infants up to five years old, and cycle through small Balinese villages with peaceful rice-paddy panoramas. The ride is mostly downhill so you will have plenty of time and attention to spend admiring lush cocoa, coffee and vanilla plantations, charming village temples and even a traditional Balinese housing compound. If the kids are animal lovers, take advantage of the optional stop at Ubud Monkey Forest and feed bananas to the Balinese long-tailed monkeys. Venture off-road into rural Bali on quad bikes or buggies with Bali Quad Discovery Tours. Over two thrilling hours, explore rice fields, jungles and Balinese villages and soak up sweeping mountain views. Participants need to be 16 years or older to self- drive a quad or buggy, but the little ones from five years old can still join in on the tour as mum or dad’s co-pilot. If your family is keen for more adventure, extend your excursion with the ultimate combination of land and water and finish with two hours of getting wet and wild with some whitewater rafting, or float down the