Bali is an extremely popular destination, especially amongst couples.
If the ideal vacation for you equals a good mix of leisure and sport, the island offers plenty of activities for adventure enthusiasts to indulge themselves.
There’s nothing quite like travel to put any relationship to the test, no matter whether you are adventure-seekers, lovers of luxury, or old-school romantics.
With its pristine beaches, paddy rice-fields, lush forests, lively river and an active volcano, the island is a haven for active couples in addition to being the perfect romantic getaway.
Here are the best adventure activities and tours you should check out when planning a trip to Bali.
1. Snorkeling
Bali is world-famous for its postcard-worthy beaches and stunning marine life.
Snorkeling is a great activity for couples who wish to enjoy the day at a leisurely pace and not miss out on Bali’s marine biodiversity.
Can you imagine a more romantic setting than floating in the crystal waters with your partner?
Lembongan Island, Tulamben, Amed, Gili, and Sanur are few of the top spots. Expect to find Parrot Fish, Angel Fish, Bat Fish, Moorish Idols, Snappers and so much more.
Recommended Bali Snorkelling Locations
Blue Lagoon and Tanjung Jepun
Snorkel at two beautiful spots, Blue lagoon and Tanjung Jepun to see different views of marine life. This is the best spot for beginners to explore a coral reef as the water is extremely calm. You will get a chance to see angelfish, cowfish, and moray eels.
Lembongan Island
Escape Bali for a day and spend it on the turquoise waters of Nusa Lembongan, a small, low, protected island about 7 miles (11 km) southeast of Bali, just across the Badung Strait. You can enjoy a variety of water activities, including a waterslide, banana boat rides, and snorkeling where you will see the bay’s exotic marine life and colorful corals.
Padang Bai
Enjoy snorkeling over the lively tropical coral reefs of Padang Bai with a local guide over a 4-hour session. You will snorkel at 2 different locations and get to see plenty of reef fish, clownfish, green turtles, and even white tip reef sharks.
2. Scuba Diving
Scuba diving locations are widespread throughout Bali and there are different points where you can see distinct marine life and wrecks.
Scuba diving isn’t a solo activity. It involves a great deal of responsibility and a certain awareness of your surroundings.
A good dive partner is essential and who better than your significant other.
There are several locations where you can take half-day or full-day trips or even multi-day certification courses.
Once you’ve developed a liking for diving and with proper training, you can make memories together, diving all over the world.
Recommended Tours
Gili Islands
Gili Tepekong and Gili Mimpang are among Indonesia’s top areas for scuba diving and have a reputation for being the ‘turtle capital of the world’. These tiny islands are often exposed to the current coming from the North and the visibility is often very good. You will see blacktip reef sharks, white tip reef sharks, barracudas, stingrays, and even at times the Mola mola, particularly between July and October.
USS Liberty Shipwreck
Shore-based dive designed for certified divers in Tulamben. It is among the most famous shipwreck sites in the world, being home to the American warship wreck, the USAT Liberty that torpedoed during WWII. With year-round visibility, the site is loved by photographers and is the perfect location for unique underwater imagery.
PADI Open Water Course
The PADI Open Water Diver course is the world’s most popular diving certification course. The PADI Open Water course will teach you the skills to dive safely and independently anywhere in the world. It includes class sessions, 5 pool sessions and 4 ocean dives over 4 days. The maximum depth will be 18 metres and you will receive certification at the end of your course.
Sanur
Sanur is the closest to the touristic sites if you don’t want to stray too far. There are 3 different sites, “Channel Point”, “Penjor Reef” and “Jeladi Wilis” which offer an ideal place to train and are extremely accessible for beginner divers. The macro marine life and coral formations make Sanur’s dive sites interesting.
3. White Water River Rafting & River Tubing
There’s plenty of adventure and river rafting against a picturesque backdrop of dense tropical jungles, towering gorges, and magnificent rice paddies.
Bali has two major rivers perfect for rafting.
One of them is the Ayung River in Gianyar while the other is the Telaga Waja River at the foothills of Mt.
Agung. Both rivers offer a different scenic journey. Ayung is more suited for beginners while Telaga Waja is for adrenaline junkies who prefer the next level up.
Tubing involves floating down a river in a doughnut-shaped inner tube, there are no paddles, just you trying to stay afloat! With the humid weather in Bali, this is a perfect activity for couples to cool down and have some fun.
White Water Rafting Tours Tubing Tours
Recommended Tours
Bali White Water River Rafting
8 kms of rafting through Ayung River while enjoying the scenic rainforest, waterfalls, and stone carving on the cliffs. Level of rapids is suitable for beginners with attention paid to safety, you will be accompanied by an expert.
Bali Telaga Waja Rafting Adventure with Buffet Lunch
In the foothills of the sacred Mount Agung, navigate through narrow gorges, tight turns, and torrents. The Telaga Waja river is apt for those who wish to be challenged by rapids and rush past steep banks, ancient hanging trees and take in breathtaking views of terraced rice fields.
Best Bali River Tubing with Hotel Pickup and Lunch
Enjoy River Tubing on the Penet River, located in Sangeh area. Set in a beautiful rural environment with unspoiled countryside views, you will experience an unforgettable fun and safe journey, drifting in the river for around 3.5 kms, taking 1.45 – 2 hours.
4. Surfing
The Bali surfing scene started along the island’s southern shores, where rolling waves and quiet, beautiful beaches evolved into the popular wave riders’ playgrounds we now see today.
Bali’s surfer crowd comprises experienced riders and beginners who want a piece of the action.
Pros can head to the outer reef breaks of the southern Bukit Peninsula, while newbies can opt for smaller waves in the lagoons.
Bali is a great place to pick up the sport. You can tap into Bali’s insatiable appetite for spectacular waves and laze at the beach seeing the picturesque sunset.
Private surfing lessons led by professional surf experts are widely offered.
5. Flyboarding
Invented by a former jet-ski champion, Franky Zapata, it combines a surfing board and a Jet Ski motor.
You’ll be wearing a boot attached to a surfing board with a hose connected to a motor, usually from a water vessel.
With high water pressure, you will be propelled into the air, with water ejecting from the nozzles – yes, very much like a superhero saving the day.
Everyone likes to show off a little, right?
Impress your partner with your bravery and skill and have a gala time doing it.
The basic flyboarding is done while standing upright, but if you’re more experienced and want to experiment, you can even dive into the water like a human dolphin!
6. Waterfall & Cliff Jumping
Cliff jumping is one of the easiest extreme sports to get into and people travel the world in the pursuit of searching out these coastal areas all for the fun of adventure.
There is something dangerously romantic about plunging yourself from an incredible height with your partner.
You can make a day out of it, reach the location tucked away in nature, enjoy the views and swim in the water below.
It’s best to check the tide and swell charts before jumping as the water is quite shallow and at low tide, it isn’t recommended to jump as serious injury can occur.
Lembongan and Ceningan have a rocky coastline which means several bays on the island are ideal to jump.
You can plunge from the Blue lagoon bay into the water from 14 metres. It is an incredible place to see the sunset.
Visit the Secret Garden in North Bali which is famous for its 7 waterfalls!
Slide through or jump from waterfalls of different heights. Aling-Aling is the highest one at around 30 metres.
7. Parasailing
Parasailing is a recreational activity where a person is towed behind a vehicle (usually a boat) while attached to a specially designed parachute, known as a parasailing.
The boat then drives off, carrying you into the air.
Parasailing allows you to watch the scenic views from above as you fly with your partner.
This is a great experience for couples looking to get away and enjoy a day above the waters of Bali.
Launch your wings and soon you will be soaring above the water, greeted with magnificent views of the sea and beaches!
8. Canyoning
The hills and valleys of the highlands are perfect for canyoning in Bali.
On a day-long Bali canyoning tour, you will abseil down waterfalls, jump from cliffs into deep pools and swim through rapids.
It is an extreme adventure – entailing hiking, trekking, and rappelling.
It’s an adventurous activity where you can step out of your comfort zone, get empowered, feel proud, marvel at the sights and having a heap of fun doing it together.
The Bali canyoning tours are led by experienced and trained professionals. You will receive your ICOpro (International Canyoning Organization for Professionals) Canyoneer initiation certificate (ICOpro card) after taking our recommended tours.
Recommended Tours
Canyoning Discovery in Bali: Kalimudah Canyon
Kalimudah is a canyon for everyone, if you want an introductory course, this is it! You can expect jumps, rappels, and slides. The ability to swim is desired but not a requirement. Approximately 2.5 hrs with 7 rappels up to 15m, 4 jumps (Optional) up to 8m, 2 slides (optional) up to 4 m, swim up to 20m. You will reach the end point of the canyon with 15m rappel and take a rest in a natural hot spring.
Canyoning Discovery in Bali: Kerenkali Canyon
Kerenkali is the most popular canyon in Bali, the ‘playground’ section offers fun slides and nice jumps, leading to 2 beautiful and challenging waterfalls. Lunch will be included and you’ll be picked up and dropped off at your hotel.
9. Submarine Experience
Odyssey Submarine is the only underwater adventure tour operator in Indonesia. Add some adrenaline and a new vigor to your romantic day by exploring the depths of the ocean in an amazing submarine ride.
You will be able to view the marvelous scenery of the underwater world of Amuk Bay during the unique 45-minute ride.
Indulge yourselves in this unique experience and absorb the beauty that surrounds you.
The submarine has a capacity of 36 people including air-conditioning and filtering system to cool you down from the humid Bali weather.
It’s one of the more expensive dates you could take your partner on but it’s definitely a once in a lifetime opportunity you won’t forget!
10. Cycling
Exploring Bali on a cycle with your loved one is an excellent way to see the vast terrain of the island and enjoy the landscape.
You can cycle through the lush rice fields and the mountainous region while you enjoy each other’s company.
There are various tours which range in intensity depending upon your preferences.
You may pick an easy trail with a tandem bike once you’ve explored the region during tours.
Recommended Tours
Half-Day Ubud Electric Bike Tour to Tirta Empul Water Temple
Explore local villages and temples in Ubud with experienced guides who will take you through beautiful sites and offer their insights into the local culture. End the 3-hour tour at one of Bali’s holiest sites, Tirta Empul Water Temple which is a UNESCO world heritage site.
Jatiluwih Bali Unesco Rice Terraces Cycling Tour
This tour takes you to the widest rice terraces in Bali. Jatiluwih village is a UNESCO world heritage site because of the biggest irrigation system in Bali. Take in expansive views of the rice fields during the two hour downhill cycling and learn about the irrigation system in Bali. Stop at a village to see the traditional house compounds and meet local people.
11. Hiking & Trekking
Hiking is the best way to explore hidden treasures in Bali which cannot be reached by any other mode of transport.
Like scuba diving, trekking is also an activity where your trekking partner plays an important role.
You definitely need a reliable and compatible partner while you are enjoying the scenery in the mountains looking for an adventure.
It is ideal for active couples on the lookout for new places to explore.
Tours to waterfalls and the sunset hike to Mt. Batur are extremely popular.
12. Obstacle Courses & Ziplining
Bali Treetop Adventure Park in Bedugul is accessible to all visitors whatever their level of agility.
With different circuits, everyone can find the right circuits suiting their level of fitness.
Obstacle course racing is a great way to have an immersive experience with your partner where you are simply focused on overcoming what lies ahead of you.
Working together as a team can give you perspective and make you forget about any disagreements you might have had on your vacation.
Ziplining is also a fun activity which offers a rush of adrenaline and great views.
Recommended Tours
Bali Treetop Adventure Park Tour
The full-day Bali Treetop Adventure is set in an open-air environment in the Bali Botanical Garden in Bedugul. The park comprises a series of rope-walking courses among trees. Varying levels of difficulty through the 7 courses make it ideal for all levels of fitness.
Flying Fox and White-Water Rafting Adventure in Bali
This half day tour combines ziplining and white-water rafting. The zip-line will send you zooming down to the riverside. After the zip-line, you will indulge in two hours of rafting. If you have the courage, this unique and thrilling ride is a one of a kind and the views make it worth it!
13. Quad Biking
Drive yourself to the heart of nature and challenge yourself by trying out various tracks all over Bali!
Spend time riding through the dense forest and traverse seemingly impossible slopes.
Get down and dirty with your partner riding through the jungle and enjoying many thrills and scenic attractions as you speed your way through the mangroves.
The two-seat quad bike is a perfect way to enjoy an afternoon. You can book many tours where a professional guide will accompany you.
14. Extreme Swing
This is fast becoming a worldwide trend for adrenaline junkies.
It is the best spot for couples as Bali’s scenic views provide the perfect background for your Instagram worthy photographs.
There are two swings in Ubud, one is a part of an Airbnb, Zen Hideaways.
The former one is a part of the packages recommended below.
They also have cute nests especially for couples to take adorable photos.
The photos you take here will surely be the highlight of your trip and permanent addition to your album!
Recommended Packages
Bali Swing Experience with Ayung River Rafting
This package combines whitewater river rafting on River Ayung with the swing in Ubud. You get to try multiple swings and there is no time limit on usage.
Monkey Forest and Swing
You will visit the monkey forest sanctuary in Ubud and then to the swing which looks over rice fields. After spending 1.5 hrs in the forest and the swing, you will also visit a coffee plantation and taste the famous Luwak coffee.
15. Wildlife Experience
Due to Bali’s ecological diversity, a visit to the Bali Safari & Marine Park is a must.
The Night Safari has become a signature offering here as you hop on a caged truck and get up close with animals.
It is an evening full of entertainment, seeing various live shows at the park and enjoying a romantic BBQ dinner.
When in Bali, you can also spend a leisurely afternoon horse riding with your partner through the beautiful rice fields.
Recommended Tours
Horse Riding Through Rice Field
Ride in the middle of rice fields inside of Bali, at Tegalalang village just a few minutes from Ubud. Start from a Balinese traditional house, and continue your 1-hour ride to Tegalalang village passing bamboo forest, river and scenic verdant rice fields.
Night Safari
See over 100 species of animals at Bali Safari Park. You will be inside a caged tram during the adventurous night safari and the animals will be free. You can hand feed them at a close range and see several special shows including a Fire show and enjoy a BBQ dinner.
Bali is a great place to visit for all, be it adventure seekers or leisure tourists.
The charming island with its nature and nightlife is an exciting destination, especially for couples.
Of course, these are just the activities and tours we’ve found most interesting. Do share your favorites with us, below!
