Adventures In Paradise

Adventures In Paradise

On an island where the word ‘rush’ is contrary to the relaxed lifestyle, Bali can still provide an adrenalin rush for thrill-seeking Kiwi tourists

From surfing to snorkelling, sailing to sliding, Bali is as action-packed as you want to make it. And with the strength of the Kiwi Dollar and some great travel incentives from Garuda Indonesia, this beautiful island is better value now than ever.

In its definitive travel guide, “Bali on ANY budget”, Garuda Indonesia provides a raft (literally) of adventure and sporting packages tailored to diverse tastes and incomes.

Available free through travel agents, the guide comprises 100 pages of activities, interests, advice, accommodation and costings.

Among the many options for action in Bali are:

Mountain cycling Jungle trekking White water rafting Surfing safaris Deep sea diving Adventure cruising Watersliding

Those into cycling have the opportunity to ride down the side of the 1,700-metre-high Mt Batur, past traditional temples and through the scenic countryside to the outskirts of Ubud. If you want to cycle further off the beaten track, the ‘Batukaru Trail’ takes you deeper into the interior, through rainforests and paddy fields. A guide, mountain bikes, helmets and lunch are included, and an air-conditioned support vehicle accompanies both trips.

There are at two organised treks, with expert guides and lunch part of each package. The ‘Jungle Trek’ provides an insight into the flora and fauna of Bali’s wilderness. Starting high above the twin lakes of Tamblingan and Buyan, you’ll descend through vine-clad forests and majestic grottos. The ‘Interior Trek’ steps back in time as you traverse unspoilt wilderness in a region of hot springs on the flanks of Mt Batukaru.

Accompanied by expert river guides in modern Avon rafts and wearing full safety equipment you’ll descend a series of exciting rapids over several hours of white-knuckle fun where a hearty lunch or dinner awaits. There are two white water rafting courses, on the Ayung River near Ubud and the Telaga Waja River in East Bali, with both morning and afternoon options.

There is a myriad of fantastic surfing breaks off the coastlines of Indonesia’s 17,000 islands, many of which are accessible only by boat. ‘Bali on ANY’ budget’ details a range of surfing packages that cover a variety of time spans to some of the most memorable and challenging surfing locations in the world. As a bonus, Garuda Indonesia will carry surfboards free of charge.

Bali is fortunate that its cool, clean, oxygen-enriched water has protected the coral reef ecosystem from bleaching, providing an array of stunning dive sites. Australia’s Bali Hai Diving Adventures offer a choice of packages, ranging from two to six days, and tailored to suit beginners to the most experienced divers.

There are many options for full and part-day cruises, dolphin cruises, island cruises, sunset dinner cruises and adventure sailing cruises on a range of pleasure craft, including jetcats, catamarans, ocean rafts, luxury launches and schooners. You can spend the day on a large pontoon moored off Nusa Lembongan where swimming, snorkelling, semi-submersible boat rides and a lavish buffet lunch are included, or travel ashore to the intimate island for fun activities at the Bali Hai Beach Club and a tour of the village. There also are adventure cruises over 5, 6, 7 and 8-days that explore a secluded string of islands, coral cays, crater lakes and volcanos where you will encounter the Dragons of Komodo.

At the Waterbom Park and Spa there are 11 waterslides to master, including the thrilling ‘Race Track’, ‘Boogie Ride’, ‘River Raft’ ‘Marconi Tube’ and ‘Jungle Ride’. The park includes a supervised area for under 5s where local staff will amuse your youngsters while you try the adrenalin-pumping slides.

In Bali you are spoiled for choices. Of course, one of them is choosing to relax, soak up the sun and enjoy the friendly hospitality.

Garuda Indonesia flies to Bali from Auckland twice a week.

“Bali on ANY budget” brochures are available from all good travel agents and Garuda Orient Holidays offices in Auckland at Level 9, Westpactrust Tower, 120 Albert St, email gohakl@goh.co.nz

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