93 MAKING MEMORIES OF BALI
Eve Tedja checks out new and exciting ways to explore Bali for your next family adventure.
Fun for the whole family from the land to the sea
When was the last time you tried something for the first time with your family? School is out, the children are restless and as parents, you want to take them on a memorable holiday. Come to think of it, there are only 18 summer holidays before children become adults and embark on their own adventures.
Kids are easier to please, for the promise of pools and slides are enough to make them jump with joy. However, your teens might feel that they have outgrown water slides and the simple pleasures of white sandy beaches. They are eager for something more challenging and looking for a more social media-worthy jaunt to fill their feed during the next family vacation.
Rope in your teens to help plan the trip and involve them in decision-making. A relaxing day by the pool might be your idea of fun but a bout of stimulation will be required for them to stay away from their smartphones. The beauty of Bali lies in its versatility as a holiday destination. There are enough activities for sulky adolescents who also want more independence. This challenging parenting period is the very reason why a family holiday is a great opportunity to communicate, connect and strengthen family bonds.
We explore the bustling districts and far reaches of the island to find engaging pursuits to be experienced as a family. These adventures will take you and your loved ones to a hidden canyon, off-the-beaten-path bamboo forest, or even a mountain. Along the way, experience the natural wonders, art and cuisine of the Island of the Gods.
LAND
If gazing at terraced rice fields is too tranquil for your taste, how about cycling through it and experiencing rice-harvesting first-hand with farmers? Bali Eco (Jl. Raya Pengosekan, Peliatan, Ubud, Bali.
Tel: +62 361 975557) was founded in 1999 with the intention of creating trips for visitors to explore Bali that go beyond just sightseeing.
Starting from the quaint hill of Kintamani, the cycling route explores the secret village roads and rice field paths all the way to the countryside of Ubud. While on the road, knowledgeable local guides will share about the farmlands and its cash crops such as the legendary Kintamani coffee and cocoa. The oneday trip has numerous stops along the way, including a visit to a traditional Balinese house, a plantation where fruits thrive, a shaded rest stop under an enormous banyan tree near a village temple, and close encounters with gap-toothed farmers and cheerful kids with bright smiles who love to say hello and ask ‘where do you come from?’.
The company is also known for its Mount Batur trekking trips. With five different experiences to suit all levels, climbing to the peak of a mountain doesn’t need to be a daunting experience. The four-hour Lava and Ash Walk can be timed to catch the sunrise or the sunset. For a more rigorous experience, opt for the Sunrise & Swim, during which you can have a cup of coffee on the top of the mountain while witnessing a glorious sunrise, then soak in a hot spring pool afterwards.
Eighty kilometres away from Kintamani, the Waka Land Cruise (Jl. Imam Bonjol 467, Denpasar.
Tel: +62 361 484085) offers a trip to the heartlands of Bali. With its sand coloured all-terrain Land Rover, visitors will be whisked away to the UNESCO recognised ancient rice terraces of Jatiluwih and its sacred water irrigation system under the majestic presence of Mount Batukaru. A short stop will be made in a farm where mangosteen, pomelo and cacao trees are grown as crops. Sip a cup of freshly roasted coffee and ask the farmers your burning agricultural questions, then take lunch at the Bamboo Forest Restaurant, an al fresco oasis where trickling water and whispering leaves are constant company. Before calling it a day, pay a visit to the gods of air, water and plants who reside in the Batukaru Temple.
Canyoning is another outdoor endeavour that will excite the whole family. Move through a naturally formed gorge and overcome obstacles by using a variety of techniques such as abseiling, sliding, swimming, and ziplining. Adventure & Spirit (Jl. Raya Mas No. 62, Ubud. Tel: +62 361 971288) offers canyoning experiences accessible for everyone, be it a family with children above eight or individuals who are searching for adrenaline and extreme sport. With more than 10 years of experience and international certification, the little ones will be in safe hands as they slide and have a splashing good fun in hidden waterfalls and canyons. Discover volcanic rock formations, a natural warm spring basin and marvel at the natural forces that created the canyon over thousands of years.
SEA
Surfing, scuba diving, snorkelling, sea walking, and boat trips are some of the most popular water activities that have been around for a long time in Bali. However, some operators have put their own unique stamp on the pursuits – the result is a refreshing take on things to do in the sun, sand and sea.
Bali Hai Cruises (Jl. Wahana Tirta No.1, Benoa, Denpasar.
Tel: +62 361 720331) offers a full-day luxurious catamaran sailing experience to Bali’s neighbouring islands, Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan. Perfect for families with teenagers, the Aristocat Castaway Escape Cruise departs from Benoa Harbour and sets sail for the tranquil waters of Crystal Bay in Nusa Penida. Snorkel and marvel at the colourful marine life before sailing to the smaller Lembongan islands and feast on a barbecue lunch in the beachfront
restaurant. Join in the banana boat, semi-submersible coral viewer and snorkelling trips until the sun goes down, then head back to Benoa Harbour. For safety reasons, children under the age of 10 are not allowed on board.
For a more physically challenging activity, head down to Kuta Beach and join Odysseys Surf School (Mercure Kuta Hotel Arcade, Jl. Pantai Kuta, Bali. Tel: +62 817 550021). With a shallow sandy bottom, Kuta Beach is safe and suitable for beginners. The semi-private lesson is perfect for a family with children above 10 years old, while the kids’ private lesson is a one-on-one session for little ones from seven to nine years old. All instructors are certified by the Australian Academy of Surfing Instructors and have received training for life saving and first aid.
Scuba diving is a must-do on the Bali holiday agenda. Head to Menjangan National Park in the west and sign up for a scuba diving lesson in undoubtedly the best diving spot in Bali. With a 100 percent safety record, Bali Diving Academy (Jl. Danau Buyan No. 14B, Sanur. Tel: +62 361 270252) is one of the best choices to do so. One full day is all it takes to learn the basic principles of diving and dive into the ocean to see stunning coral reefs and vibrant marine life. For children above eight, try the PADI Bubblemaker course, during which they will be able to experience breathing underwater with diving equipment in a pool.
Take your family aboard the Black Pearl (Kelan Beach, Jimbaran. Tel: +62 813 3721 5879), a traditional Balinese fishing boat turned pirate ship. Be it a fishing trip or a sunset cruise, it is a novel way to enjoy the Indian Ocean. The boat is equipped with a sound system, shaded canopy, netted sundecks, life vests, GPS navigation, and of course, a waving Jolly Roger to make it official. Jump from the ship and enjoy the spectacular sunset while swimming in the ocean.