Unique Outdoor Activities in Bali Beyond the Beach

Unique Outdoor Activities in Bali Beyond the Beach - Bali beaches? Yeah, they’re legendary. But if you’ve already had your fill of sunbathing in Seminyak or surfing in Uluwatu, you might be wondering—what else is there? Turns out, a lot. Bali is packed with wild, off-the-beaten-path experiences that’ll make you forget the sand entirely. Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie, a nature lover, or just someone who wants to see a different side of the island, I’ve got you covered.

Let’s dive into some unique outdoor activities in Bali beyond the beach—stuff I wish I’d known about earlier.

Hiking to the Top of Mount Batur for a Sunrise You Won’t Forget

Alright, hear me out—waking up at 2 AM on vacation sounds like a bad idea. But trust me, this one’s worth it. Mount Batur is one of Bali’s active volcanoes, and the sunrise hike is something straight out of a dream. You’ll be trekking in the dark, flashlight in hand, feeling like some kind of explorer. And then—boom—sunrise hits, painting the sky in wild oranges and pinks over Lake Batur.

The hike itself is around 2 hours up, depending on your fitness level. It’s not the hardest trek in the world, but it ain’t a walk in the park either. Wear solid hiking shoes (those cheap flip-flops won’t cut it), bring a jacket (it’s shockingly cold up there), and pack some snacks. Local guides are available, and honestly? They make the trip way easier since they know the best routes. Some even bring eggs to cook over the volcanic steam at the summit. Breakfast cooked by a volcano? Yeah, it’s a thing.

Read also: A Look for Your Ideal Rental Luxury Vacation home in Bali

Chasing Waterfalls in the Jungles of North Bali

If you’re willing to venture away from the tourist-packed areas, Bali’s waterfalls will blow your mind. Most people know about Tegenungan, but that place is crowded. Skip it and head north instead.

One of my absolute favorites? Sekumpul Waterfall. It’s about a 2.5-hour drive from Ubud, but it feels like you’ve stepped into a scene from Jurassic Park (minus the dinosaurs, thankfully). The hike down takes around 30 minutes, and you’ll want to wear shoes with grip because the path gets real slippery. Once you get there, though? Pure magic. Towering waterfalls surrounded by lush jungle, misty air, and barely any crowds.

Other waterfalls worth checking out:

• Banyumala Twin Waterfalls – Less crowded, perfect for a swim.
• Aling-Aling – You can slide down the rocks like a natural waterslide. (Yes, really.)
• Gitgit – One of Bali’s tallest waterfalls, easy to access.

If you’re gonna do a waterfall day, bring a dry bag for your stuff and wear clothes you don’t mind getting wet. Also, be prepared for leeches—tiny ones, but still.

ATV Riding Through Rice Terraces & Jungle Trails

You’ve seen those perfect Instagram shots of people strolling through rice terraces, right? Now imagine blasting through them on an ATV instead. Way more fun.

Places like Ubud and Tabanan have solid ATV tours that take you through jungle trails, muddy paths, and even hidden waterfalls. Some routes cut through Tegalalang Rice Terraces, which, honestly, is one of the best ways to see it. You don’t need experience—guides will give you a quick lesson, and before you know it, you’ll be tearing through the mud like an action hero.

Things to know:

• Most tours provide helmets, goggles, and rain ponchos (you’ll need it in the rainy season).
• Wear clothes you don’t care about—Bali mud is no joke.
• Expect to get dirty. Like, really dirty.

Climbing Banyuwangi’s Ijen Crater (Yes, It’s Technically in Java, but Worth It)

Okay, so this one requires a short trip off Bali, but if you’re up for an adventure, Ijen Crater is next-level. You’ll take a ferry from Gilimanuk (West Bali) to Java, then do a night trek to see electric blue flames flickering from the crater. Sounds fake, right? It’s not. This is one of the only places on Earth where you can see this phenomenon, thanks to the sulfuric gases igniting in the dark.

The hike is around 3 km uphill, and the air gets pretty intense due to the sulfur. A gas mask is a must (some guides provide them). But once you get to the top and see the flames? Mind blown. As the sun rises, the crater lake turns this unreal shade of turquoise. It’s hands-down one of the craziest things I’ve ever seen.

If you’re doing this, book a Bali to Ijen tour in advance. The whole trip takes about 24 hours round-trip, so be ready for a long but unforgettable journey.

Paragliding Over the Cliffs of Uluwatu

Ever wanted to see Bali from the sky? Paragliding in Uluwatu lets you do just that. You’ll launch off a cliff and glide over the Indian Ocean, temples, and those dramatic limestone cliffs Bali is famous for.

Best time to go? Dry season (May-October) when the winds are stable. Flights last about 15 minutes, and you don’t need experience—just a good stomach for heights. Prices vary, but expect to pay around $60-$100 for a tandem flight with a pro.

If you time it right, you can catch sunset mid-air, which is something you’ll never forget. (Just don’t drop your phone trying to take a selfie—happens more than you’d think.)

Canyoning in the Hidden Gorges of Gitgit

If you love the idea of waterfalls but want something wilder, canyoning is the move. This isn’t just a hike—it’s rappelling down waterfalls, cliff-jumping, and swimming through narrow gorges. Gitgit and Sambangan have some of the best canyoning spots, and the scenery is unreal.

need to book with a certified guide since this involves ropes, harnesses, and some technical know-how. Most tours provide all the gear, and they’ll tailor the experience to your comfort level. If you’re a beginner, start with Kerenkali Canyon—it’s challenging but not terrifying. For the hardcore adventurers, Aling Gorge will push your limits.

Oh, and one more thing—prepare to get soaked. This is not a “stay dry” activity.

Cycling Through Rural Bali & Hidden Villages

Last but not least, if you want a real taste of authentic Bali, ditch the scooter and hop on a bike. Guided cycling tours take you through small villages, rice paddies, and local farms, giving you a totally different perspective of the island.

One of the best routes? Kintamani to Ubud—you’ll start at the rim of Mount Batur’s crater and coast downhill through villages, temples, and rice fields. It’s mostly easy riding, but some paths can get bumpy, so a decent mountain bike helps.

Expect to make stops at local warungs (small eateries), meet Balinese farmers, and maybe even try your hand at traditional rice planting. It’s one of the most peaceful, immersive ways to explore Bali beyond the tourist traps.

Exploring Bali’s Hidden Caves and Underground Temples

Most people don’t think of caves when they think of Bali, but this island has some seriously cool underground spots. If you’re even a little adventurous, this is a must-do.

One of the most fascinating places? Goa Gajah (Elephant Cave) near Ubud. Now, don’t expect a massive underground labyrinth—it’s more of an ancient temple built into a cave, with eerie stone carvings guarding the entrance. Inside, the dimly lit chamber smells like incense and history, and it’s believed to have been a meditation spot for monks centuries ago. It’s a quick visit but definitely worth seeing.

For a deeper (literally) cave adventure, head to Goa Lawah (Bat Cave Temple) on Bali’s east coast. This temple is built around a cave swarming with thousands of bats. Yeah, it’s a little creepy, but the spiritual energy is something else. The locals believe the cave actually connects all the way to Besakih Temple on Mount Agung. Nobody’s ever confirmed it, but the mystery just makes it cooler.

Want something even more off-the-radar? Check out Gianyar Hidden Cave—it’s lesser-known, filled with stalactites, and has an underground river running through it. You’ll need a local guide since it’s not a place you can just stumble into on your own.

Hot Air Balloon Rides Over Ubud’s Rice Fields

If you thought Ubud’s rice fields were beautiful from the ground, imagine floating above them in a hot air balloon. It’s not something people usually associate with Bali, but it’s one of the most peaceful (and ridiculously photogenic) experiences you can have.

The only place currently offering hot air balloon rides is The Chedi Club in Ubud. It’s a bit of a luxury experience, but if you’re up for splurging, it’s worth every penny. The balloon only goes up about 50 meters, so you won’t be soaring over the whole island, but the view of Mount Agung in the background is insane, especially at sunrise or sunset.

If you’re celebrating something special—like a honeymoon, anniversary, or just treating yourself to something fancy—this is one of those once-in-a-lifetime activities.

Freediving with Manta Rays in Nusa Penida

Okay, technically this one involves water, but hear me out—this is not your average beach activity. Nusa Penida (a short boat ride from Bali) is home to Manta Point, one of the best places in the world to swim with giant manta rays. And when I say giant, I mean some of these creatures have a wingspan of over 4 meters.

Now, you can snorkel with them, sure—but if you really want to feel like part of the ocean, try freediving. No bulky scuba gear, no bubbles—just you, a single breath, and the surreal experience of gliding alongside these gentle giants.

A few things to know:

• The currents here can get strong, so go with a reputable guide.
• Mantas are totally harmless—don’t freak out if they swim right up to you.
• The best season to see them is April to October when the water is clearest.

If you’re lucky, you might even spot a mola mola (ocean sunfish), which looks like some prehistoric sea creature straight out of a sci-fi movie.

Camping Under the Stars in West Bali National Park

Most tourists never make it to West Bali National Park, which is exactly why you should. It’s one of the last untouched areas of the island—home to wild deer, monkeys, rare birds, and even the elusive Bali starling. If you want to trade crowded resorts for pure, unspoiled nature, this is where you go.

Camping here is next-level. Imagine falling asleep to the sound of the jungle and waking up to a sunrise over Menjangan Island. You can book guided camping trips where they set everything up for you (tents, food, the works) or go full DIY if you’re experienced.

During the day, you can go jungle trekking, birdwatching, or even snorkeling around Menjangan’s coral reefs. The water here is some of the clearest in Bali, and the marine life is unreal—think vibrant corals, reef sharks, and sea turtles.

If you’re up for a real adventure, ask a guide to take you to Bali’s secret savanna, an open grassland where you’ll feel like you’re in Africa instead of Indonesia.

White-Water Rafting Through Bali’s Untamed Rivers

Want to trade the beach for some adrenaline? Bali’s rivers have some wild white-water rafting spots that’ll get your heart pumping. The best part? You don’t need to be an expert—just hold on tight and go with the flow.

There are two main rafting rivers:

1. Ayung River (near Ubud) – The most popular option, with mostly Class II-III rapids (mild to moderate). Perfect for first-timers, with stunning jungle scenery and waterfalls along the way.
2. Telaga Waja River (East Bali) – This one’s more intense, with Class III-IV rapids and a 4-meter drop at one point. If you want a real thrill, this is the one to go for.

Both rivers run through deep tropical gorges, meaning you’ll be surrounded by lush rainforest while crashing through rapids. Honestly, it’s one of the most fun things you can do in Bali that doesn’t involve salt water.

Helicopter Tours for a Bird’s-Eye View of Bali

If you’ve ever wanted to see Bali from a completely different perspective, helicopter tours are the way to go. They’re not cheap (starting at around $250 per person), but if you’re looking for a bucket-list experience, this is it.

There are different routes depending on what you want to see:

• Mount Agung & Mount Batur – Soaring over Bali’s volcanoes is an unreal experience, especially if Mount Agung is smoking.
• Uluwatu & Bukit Peninsula – Fly over Bali’s most dramatic cliffs and hidden beaches.
• Tanah Lot & Jatiluwih Rice Terraces – Perfect for a mix of nature and culture from above.

The whole thing lasts about 30 minutes to an hour, and trust me—you’ll be glued to the window the entire time.

Bali is More Than Just Sand and Surf—Go Find the Adventure

There’s a whole different side of Bali waiting beyond the beach. Whether you’re chasing waterfalls, hiking volcanoes, or camping under the stars, the island is packed with adventures most people never take the time to find.

So, what’s on your Bali bucket list now? Let me know—I’m always on the lookout for more epic experiences!

A Look for Your Ideal Rental Luxury Vacation home in Bali

The ‘island of the Gods' Bali, has actually kept remarkable as well as unremarkable interest amongst globe tourists till years. Countless traveler location exists, however why just Bali. Being actually a traveler, you can easily view this response right in to the folds up of luxury villas in Bali. An ideal traveler location as well as a location filled with lifestyle as well as society. Luxury villas Bali establishes an ideal instance the minute you view all of them. Exactly just what certainly not certainly there certainly you can not get as well as pay for varying coming from stylish mixed drink bars, bars, luxurious health day medical medhealth clubs, eating dining establishments, appealing pool, elegiac shops to personal as well as elegant resorts.

As a result of to its own unique, genuine as well as all-organic appearance, Bali end up being among one of the absolute most favored locations for coastline enthusiasts also. It is among the biggest traveler locations in the nation which is actually well-known for its own extremely industrialized arts, consist of paint, sculpture, metalworking, natural leather, contemporary & conventional dancing as well as songs. Bali has actually been actually a best traveler location for many years around the world. Society in addition to attributes is actually thought about as 2 very most significant elements of Indonesian tourist.

For urbanized individuals Bali exploring can easily end up to be actually a paradise. They obtain to view exactly just what typically they do not. This shock can easily get a brand-new elevation when you opt for luxury villas in Bali for lease. Luxury villas offer a finest household as well as friend's lodging particularly for those that like night life of Bali. If you have actually a crave conventional as well as continental meals, sundown mixed drinks, insane shopping center, as well as bars after that amazing luxury villas in Bali is actually perfect for you. Unforgettable point is actually that Bali's spectacular hills, fresh as well as rich yards as well as smooth waters of the oceans as well as seas create traveler much a lot extra pretentious, as well as money grubbing to exist permanently.

Countless travelers go to the heaven isle of Bali which unanimously produces interest amongst tourists to learn about all of variety of Bali villas, as well as if you are actually one amongst all of them after that do not miss out on the possibility to understand Rental Bali luxury vacation home through extensive.

SEMINYAK & KEROBAKAN (3-5 bed room villa):

Seminyak is actually extremely liked through each abundant as well as well-known that loves night life as well as preference dining establishments. It automatically attracts group of all of sects, particularly coming from Europe. Sometimes referred to as the "St. Tropez" of Australia or europe, as well as if you truly desire to view the incredible charm of Bali's this celebration property, after that you exist immediately.

CANGGU & UMALAS (2 bed room villa):

Canggu shows the conventional society of its own towns which incredibly pours the charm of rice areas bordered through durable browse coastlines. It is actually an ideal exploring location which has actually dealt with attributes right in to the arms of tranquility as well as like. This place is actually extremely favored for a few of one of the absolute most incredible villas in Bali.

NUSA DUA & JIMBARAN (3-4 bed room villa):

Individuals that such as to view spectacular high cliffs, attractive sundowns, as well as top quality browsing certainly will like to go to Nusa Dua & Jimbaran. This hilly location resting on the southerly suggestion of Bali has actually great deals to deal varying coming from 5 celebrity hotels in Nusa Dua to angling towns in Jimbaran, as well as golf links in Bukit to varied tourist destinations to globe tourists.

Bali Coastline Resorts

In Bali, all-organic heritage has actually distinct mixes of exotic environment, large archipelago of various islands (17,508 approx.) in addition to the 3rd biggest coastline in the globe (54,716 kilometres) after International as well as Canada. The coastlines in Bali have actually extremely unique as well as prominent beautiful locations like different national forests in Sumatra together with Install Rinjani, Bunaken in Lombak. It is the worlds' very most populated as well as biggest nation located just on islands. These all-organic as well as genuine tourist destinations are actually finished through an abundant social heritage which shows ethnic variety as well as vibrant background of Indonesia. Indonesian federal authorities particularly Ministry of Society as well as Tourist is accountable for tourist tasks as well as management. They mostly highlight on exotic locations along with blue skies, white colored sand coastlines as well as social tourist destinations.

Certainly there certainly are actually different coastline resorts as well as hotels in Bali as well as their varieties are actually enhancing constantly. The varieties of travelers are actually enhancing year smart. That is the primary factor for the advancement of coastline resorts as well as hotels certainly there certainly. Everybody can easily pay for coastline resort in Bali depending on to their particular requirements as well as demands within their monetary budget plan. If you desire to create trip getaways unforgettable, these unique coastlines as well as all-organic tourist destinations will be among the very best as well as supreme locations for you. Whether you're choosing associates, buddies or even relative, these places will certainly appropriate for you.

If you have actually no any type of previous info around tourist in Indonesia, you require certainly not to be actually concerned. Certainly there certainly are actually different travel bureau in Indonesia, which can easily direct as well as help you in exploring certainly there certainly. They likewise offer overviews for you in going to different historic locations according to your customized requirements as well as demands. Through getting solutions of a deemed travel bureau, you require certainly not to perform any type of type of fret for lodging as well. They will offer inexpensive resort & hotel offer for you depending on to your monetary budget plan to ensure that you might delight in your trip as well as create it unforgettable permanently.

Bali Travel - Family Holiday Ideas and Guidances

Setting up your family holiday besides the anxiety and also uneasiness will definitely primarily appear along with perhaps a defiance. This is actually the usual concern if you'll happening holiday along with your family participants. Entailing much more than someone along will definitely that it is very likely that each will definitely have actually various suggestions and also point of view approximately the areas of tasks and enthusiasm. To stay clear of you produced blunder of investing bunch of your cash money right in to a holiday which will definitely bring in no person completely contented, you could get several of these ideas right in to your point to consider.

Uncover The Picked Holiday Place

Make certain to have actually some alternatives just before you establish the most effective place of your family holiday. Learn each one of the team participants need approximately the place and also exactly just what each wish to carry out at the area. Bring in several of arrangement approximately togetherness in investing the holiday opportunities and also make certain to stay clear of to leave behind some one responsible for in the program. That will definitely offer every person the exact very same possibility to carry out exactly just what they wish. At that point, every person will definitely appeal onward to taking pleasure in the upcoming program.

Supply Good enough Room for Every person

Family members along with tiny children have actually far fewer troubles, for those that have actually adolescent participants, certainly there certainly are actually even more alternatives must be actually taken to lessen the variation. Supply every one good enough opportunity to carry out their prep work for each and every time. Make certain that every person is actually aware of the program of daily. Offer appreciation for everyone's personal privacy in performing exactly just what they wish to carry out without negligence their safety and security. Excellent prep work will definitely offer good enough intermission coming from one task to the upcoming. Through that method, no physical body will definitely hurrying coming from one place to the upcoming program.

Be actually Mindful to Exactly just what Taking place

In the amount of time you're getting here in your picked place and also you're learning the tourist destination, you can come to be disappointed and also start whining when the entire factors are actually certainly not as your program. Make an effort to present an excellent perspective. To stay clear of every person seems like the program is actually a reduction, make an effort to locate excellent choice tasks. This is actually the most effective suggestion to observe the state of minds of everyone and also to have actually a handful of opportunities to attend to worries as they take place. Don't permit your team participant resentful and also or even possessing a meltdown.

Carry out it slow-moving too. Primarily, younger children will definitely require to have actually a barge in the twelve noontime to get some remainder. Permit all of them to have actually it. Prepare your program in day-to-day manner to make sure that every person can actualy take pleasure in the holiday as opposed to dynamic coming from one place or even task to the various other.

It is actually fairly tough to prepare a family holiday. Often, a participant of your team will definitely make a decision to certainly not quadrate your program suddently along with some explanations. However, if you get a handful of added opportunity to go over every little thing out, all of participant can have actually a satisfying holiday. Coming from those that have actually really younger family participants to those that carry out their holiday along with grandparents, it is actually really important to bring in each participant as important aspect of the program.

At that point the variation will definitely be actually thawed right in to a satisfying holiday for every person.
If you determined Bali Isle as your family vacation's place, it is actually much a lot better if you rent out Bali rental properties to offer good enough rooms for every person. Carry out your comparation to have actually much a lot better cost in between rent out lodging areas or even rental property. Ideal alternatives will definitely offer you and also your family an unforgetable minute in the holiday.

Things to Recognize Before You Traveling to Bali

Traveling to Bali uses you along with a great deal terrific knowledge and exciting. For you that certainly never have actually a vacation within this particular Isle of Gods, you possessed much a lot better acquire some details approximately Bali trip assist. As a result, you may plan for the max satisfaction. Listed listed below are actually some factors that you must understand about Bali.

Weather
The weather in Bali is actually really pleasurable. It is actually bright and warm and comfortable. If you check out this isle in December up till March, you'll locate higher rainfalls and moisture. Nonetheless, the rainfalls normally join the behind time mid-day or even night. As a result, you may still take pleasure in the sunshine while you're discovering the isle in the daytime. If you wish to check out it in between June to September, you'll locate no storm in the isle. The weather is actually a little completely dry out and also amazing at night. Some components place in Bali obtain rainfalls at any time of the year. A few other places are actually drier and also usually bright. Certainly there certainly are actually additionally places that are actually cooler compared to some other places to make sure that you'll require to put on sweater at night.

Vacationer spots
While you're possessing a holiday in Bali, you may check out numerous vacationer places. Several of the popular vacationer places are actually:

Kuta
This coastline is actually best for searching. Certainly there certainly are actually lots of purchasing focuses around. You may have actually it listed listed below, if you enjoy a terrific evening lifestyle. This is actually the facility for lower-end events.

Seminyak
If you wish some area quieter and also even more elegant, Seminyak coastline is actually the area. Certainly there certainly are actually glamorous retreats, trendy bistros, dancing clubs, and bars.

Ubud
This lies in the foothills. You may outlet and also take pleasure in arts and also dancing due to the fact that it is actually the fine craft facility. Certainly there certainly are actually numerous galleries, craft stores, fine craft stores, and also the ape woodland.

Bukit Peninsula
You may check out Uluwatu Holy place around. It is actually a cliff-hanging holy place that you cannot skip. This is actually additionally a facility for top quality searching.

Certainly there certainly are actually still many vacationer places within this particular stunning isle. You may additionally carry out lots of enjoyable tasks including diving, snorkeling, bird enjoying, lots of others, and hiking.

Various other factors you must understand about Bali
The selections of lodgings and also rental properties in Bali are actually bountiful. Certainly there certainly are actually tiny lodgings up to first-class unique rental properties and lodgings. Some folks enjoy to keep in lodgings around Nusa Dua. Yet some people like to keep in terrific rental properties in Seminyak. Keeping in lodgings and also rental properties has actually its own very personal perks. Whichever you like will definitely definitely bring in your holiday remarkable.

The food items in Bali economicals reviewed to consuming in Australian criterion. Some food selections you could take pleasure in in Bali bistros are actually Indonesian food selections, Eastern food selections, Mexican Western side food selections, and food selections. Due to the fact that this is actually an Isle along with lots of sportfishing towns, you'll be actually capable to take pleasure in scrumptious fish and shellfish food selections within this particular isle.
 

When you check out this isle, do not forget to deliver pest repellant and also containers of sun block lotion. You'll vulnerable to acquire mosquito attacks at night to make sure that you require to administer the repellant. To secure your skin layer coming from sunshine scorched, you needs to administer the spf 30+ or even spf 50+ sun block.

Top 5 Reasons Why Bali Villas are Better Than Hotels

As one of the world’s most exotic tropical island destinations, it should come as no surprise that Bali is home to amazing hotels to suit all budgets and tastes. From family-run homestays to luxurious five star hotels, you’ll never go without somewhere to rest your head in Bali. However, what many people don’t know is that Bali is also awash in beautiful villas, most of which offer much better value than a hotel. Read on to find out why renting a Bali Villa can be cheaper, offer more intimacy and character and include more perks than staying in a hotel in Bali.

1. Space and Privacy

If you’re travelling with family or a group, you may want to consider a villa in Bali just for the extra space and privacy it can offer. Many Bali Villas have multiple bedrooms, living rooms, kitchens and spacious gardens and swimming pools, so you can spread out and get comfortable. In addition, you have the whole space to yourself, so you don’t have to share the swimming pool or the common areas with strangers. This is ideal for honeymooners, high profile individuals, families, friends, couples or those who simply want some peace and quiet.

2. Character

Hotels are a dime a dozen, and after you’ve seen and stayed in a few, they all seem to look alike. Not so with villas. Many villa owners build their villas from the ground up, using top architects and interior designers. Quite often the architect builds the space to integrate into the natural surroundings, whether it be the beach, jungle or on top of a stunning river gorge. In addition, the furniture and decor will most likely be one of a kind, creating a unique ambiance and a truly home away from home feel for a memorable holiday in Bali.

3. Cost 

At first glance, villas may seem more expensive than hotels, but not so! In the long run, the costs of a villa rental can work out to be the same if not much less than a hotel. A mid-range or luxury hotel room can range between $180 to $1,000+ a night, and that is usually just for one room. However, a Bali Villa can be anywhere from $250 to $1,800 per night, and that generally includes multiple bedrooms, a living area and kitchen, private pool and spacious grounds. If you split this cost with a group of people, it often works out to be far less than a hotel and much more bang for your buck.

Also, when you book a villa in Bali, you are dealing directly with the owner or a private booking company, so you know exactly what is included in the rate. Unlike hotels, there are no hidden fees for things like Internet, bottled water or extra guests, as these things are usually included in the villa rate. Most Bali villas also include things like complimentary breakfast, airport pick-up and drop-off, free shuttles into the nearest town center and luxurious bath and body products.

Moreover, with your own kitchen you can store your own snacks and drinks, prepare your own meals and have access to fresh clean water at any time. This means you don’t have to spend extra money on taxis and dining out every time you want to eat or drink something. If you don’t feel like cooking, the staff can shop for, prepare and serve all your meals for you, often at only the cost of the groceries and a small gratuity.

4. Personalized Service

Villas have fewer staff members than hotels, so the villa staff are always on hand to attend to your needs. In fact, at many villas the staff outnumber the guests, which is something you just won’t find in a hotel. Most villa staff in Bali are extensively trained to provide five-star service, including gourmet meals, meticulous housekeeping, and clear and comprehensive information about interesting sights around the island and Balinese culture, all without being intrusive. They can also arrange activities like in-house spa treatments, tours with a car, driver and guide, and music and dance performances. And with only a few highly trained staff on board, you will probably find that you get to know the staff on a personal level during your stay.

5. The Extras

One of the best things about Villas is that they really break out of the hotel cookie cutter model, meaning you can find some places with fantastic bonus features. We’ve seen villas in Bali that offer extras like gorgeous media rooms packed to the rafters with DVDs, CDs, books and even desktop computers, private spa pavilions for massage, yoga, and wellness treatments, petanque courts, walk-in dressing rooms and romantic gazebos.

Villas also offer the added bonus of allowing you to entertain guests in your own private space, so you can have dinner parties, poolside barbecues or simply enjoy the pool. Many Bali villas also offer the space and service for large events such as weddings, anniversaries, business functions and retreats.

Every Bali villa is unique, so if you shop around, you will find many that offer fabulous extras that go above and beyond a hotel. For example, some villas offer great complimentary perks that are included in the rate, including a traditional Balinese massage for each guest, aromatherapy oils to take home, the use of mountain bikes and yoga mats, or afternoon tea service with Balinese sweets every day.

With all of these advantages, it would be a shame not to consider a villa for your next holiday to Bali. You may even be surprised at just how reasonably priced many Bali villas are when compared to a hotel of the same caliber.