What to do

Water Sports

Swimming, snorkeling, banana boat rides, water ski, parasailing, etc. are arranged by most hotels and at the Beluga Marina in Tanjung Benoa. There are also small sail boats, catamarans, and boards for wind surfing for rent along Jimbaran Beach. The most challenging of Bali's famous surfing spots are near Ulu Watu (only for experts in top physical condition who are comfortable surfing over coral reefs on large, powerful waves that break in shallow water) and along Bali's West coast North of Canggu; the best time is during the dry season from June to September.

Scuba Diving in Bali

A number of PADI certified companies offer diving tours (no spear fishing in Bali) with experienced guides and equipment from one day to several days. The best Bali diving sites (some with ship wrecks) are along Bali's East cost near Candi Dasa, Amed and Tulamben and near Nusa Penida. The area around Menjangan Island near Gilimanuk (ferry to Java) is regarded by many experts as over-rated, and do not try diving near Nusa Dua and around the Southern peninsula - it's a waste of time and money.

Spa & Beauty Treatments

A wide range of treatments is offered in the RITZ CARLON SPA . Other famous spas in the upper price category are at the NUSA DUA BEACH RESORT, at THE LEGIAN in Seminyak, and the KIRANA in Ubud features a spectacular setting. Numerous other spas in all tourist areas offer treatments at lower prices, and when you stay at many of Balivillas.com's villas you enjoy free massages and spa treatments including the famous Mandi Lulur at substantially reduced rates.

Scuba Diving in Bali

A number of PADI certified companies offer diving tours (no spear fishing in Bali) with experienced guides and equipment from one day to several days. The best Bali diving sites (some with ship wrecks) are along Bali's East cost near Candi Dasa, Amed and Tulamben and near Nusa Penida. The area around Menjangan Island near Gilimanuk (ferry to Java) is regarded by many experts as over-rated, and do not try diving near Nusa Dua and around the Southern peninsula - it's a waste of time and money.

Game Fishing

A number of companies offer yachts and fishing boats with guides for charter. The catch includes Tuna, Wahoo, Mai-Mai, Mackerel, or Marlin - and Snapper, Cod and Coral Trout to be caught reef fishing should you so desire.

Day Cruises

There are daily cruises to nearby Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan islands off the South-East coast of Bali. Guests spend the day either at one of the cruise companies' beach clubs (with restaurant, swimming pool, water sports equipment) or on a floating pontoon, and you can go snorkeling, scuba diving, take Banana Boat rides, or view the underwater world from a semi-submersible vessel.

Playing Golf in Bali

The "Bali Handara Kosaido Country Club" near Bedugul in the mountains is probably Bali's most attractive golf course. There is also a 18-hole course at the "Bali Golf & Country Club" in Nusa Dua near the Bali Hilton, a 9-hole course at the Grand Bali Beach Hotel in Sanur, and the new "Nirwana Bali Golf Club" with a 18-hole course near Tanah Lot.

Balinese Dance & Music Classes

The YAYASAN POLOS SENI (Foundation for Pure Art) in Banjar Teges Kanginan, Peliatan, Ubud, e-mail polos@goarchi.com, offers Balinese dance and music classes for students who wish to become fully involved with the dance & music culture of Bali. Enrolling in one of these classes (one-to-one tuition and participation in group rehearsals and performances) means becoming a member of the family of students and teachers and an in-depth experience of the world of performers and performances in the Ubud area. There are also 2-week courses to learn playing the Gamelan at the MUSEUM SENI KLASSIK in Klungkung (e-mail anggie@gggamelan.com) which are open for all levels of experience. Beginners as well as "non-musicians" are welcome.

Meditation Classes

Free Raya Yoga Meditation classes and regular sessions in Ubud and Denpasar, tel. 976-206. There are also free lessons every Monday 19.00 at the Denpasar Meditation Shop, tel. 237-260. Information on daily meetings, classes, books, tapes and videos from Bali Osho Information Centre, telephone 423-595.

Balinese Cooking Classes

Discover the secrets of Balinese cuisine by joining one of the 1-Day Cooking Classes held by Heinz von Holzen, the author of the book "The Food Of Bali" and former food guru of the Grand Hyatt and Ritz Carlton hotels in Bali. You can visit Heinz in his beautiful BUMBU BALI restaurant in Tanjung Benoa next to Nusa Dua and enjoy their fabulous dishes at any time.