Lash from LashWorldTours shares her outdoor adventures on Bali, Indonesia, also known as the Island of the Gods. While Bali is famous for its beautiful beaches and surfing, it also offers some of the best reefs for diving in Asia, white water rafting, cycling through paddy fields, and hiking up volcanoes.

Of all the places I’ve visited in my 15 years of traveling, Bali is where I’d love to live long-term. When I first visited in 2001, I only knew it as a volcanic island with a rich artistic heritage and a large tourist industry. During my two-month trip, I immersed myself in Balinese arts, cycled across the island, climbed its major volcanoes, and enjoyed beach-side clubbing. I quickly fell in love with Bali and have returned many times, usually staying for 4-6 months to teach scuba diving and explore more.

Bali offers something unique to every type of visitor. Surfers find it a premier destination, young Australians see it as a party paradise, and luxury vacationers enjoy its world-class resorts. Spiritual seekers come for yoga, detox, and meditation, while scuba divers are drawn to its pristine reefs and rare marine life. Art lovers admire Bali’s unique painting styles, and musicians study its gamelan music. Creative entrepreneurs design and manufacture various products here.

However, many Americans and Europeans might only see Bali as an over-developed tourist spot, similar to Waikiki Beach. This perception can deter independent travelers and nature lovers, which is unfortunate because Bali is a paradise for nature enthusiasts. While the touristy areas do exist, they are confined to the southern shores. The rest of Bali, which makes up 80-90% of the island, is a lush, tropical paradise with unique cultural arts and outdoor adventures.

Bali is dominated by several high volcanic peaks considered sacred by the Balinese. The island features steep slopes, canyons, gorges, and winding mountain roads, all covered in dense tropical foliage. It also has miles of undeveloped beaches, fast-flowing rivers, terraced rice fields, sacred crater lakes, and pristine coral reefs. Over the past decade, Bali has been promoting itself as an eco-adventure destination, offering activities like white-water rafting, snorkeling, scuba diving, sailing, hiking, mountain climbing, cycling, and windsurfing.

Bali’s scuba diving industry has been established for over two decades, with world-class dive operators guiding divers year-round. The best dive areas are in Amed, Mengingan, and southeast Bali. Cycling has also gained popularity, with guided tours through rice fields and down Mt. Batur volcano. Independent cyclists can explore the island, immersing themselves in local culture and scenery. Bali’s roads are in good condition, and cyclists will find plenty of local food, places to stay, and friendly people.

Hiking and mountain climbing have been popular for at least two decades, with guided treks to the summits of Mt. Agung and Mt. Batur. Other hiking options include the 1700 steps of Pura Lempuyang Temple and the trails in Bali Barat National Park. Independent hikers can explore the seaside hills of Amed, offering spectacular views and glimpses of rural Balinese life.

I hope this post helps spread the word about the real Bali, beyond its touristy areas, and highlights its lush nature and eco-friendly outdoor adventures. For more information on diving, cycling, hiking, or other activities in Bali, feel free to email me at lash@lashworldtour.com, read my blog, or check out my guidebooks: Hiking in Bali and Cycling in Bali.