We uncover the 10 best Bali activities people don’t know about w/ our local guide, & review the New York Times 36 Hours in Bali tips are they any good? If you're planning a trip to Bali, you won't want to miss out on our top 10 unique and undertheradar activities. As a fivetime Bali visitor, I've gathered the insider tips to show you the best that this magical island has to offer.
First on the list is a hike through Bali's iconic rice fields. The Tegalalang rice terraces, located just 15 minutes from Ubud, offer great views and guided tours for a small fee. Love beautiful silver jewelry? Then the village of Celuk is the place to shop. With handmade designs ranging from traditional to modern, you won't want to miss out on bargaining for a unique piece at Bara Silver.
For a glimpse into Balinese culture, traditional temple ceremonies are a must. Ask your hotel or locals for recommendations to attend one of these magical events. If adventure is more your style, white water rafting down the Ayang River provides an exciting half or full day trip with stunning views.

Check out The Swank Guide's Bali Ebook (table of contents below), here's the link: https://swankguide.com/baliebook'>https://swankguide.com/baliebook

Here are 3 of the toprated tour operators:

White Water Rafting Ubud Bali With Hotel Transfer (Rukmana Bali Tour): https://www.viator.com/tours/Ubud/bal...

Bali White Water Rafting (Bali Sun Tours): https://www.viator.com/tours/Ubud/Hal...

Bali Rafting Ayung River Ubud White Water Rafting (Bali Ari Tours): https://www.viator.com/tours/Ubud/Bal...

Bali’s known for its handmade crafts, and volcanic pumice stone carvings are no exception. Drive through the island and witness the skilled work of these craftspeople or head to the nearby village of Mas for traditional wood carvings. Finally, no trip to Bali is complete without experiencing a massage. For an affordable option, head to the beach or roadside for a relaxing treatment.
The New York Times travel section is a great source, but we tried most of their suggestions and found them underwhelming. Skip the brunch at STARFISH BLOO AT THE W IN SEMINYAK, and avoid staying at the Blue Star hotel in East Bali. However, the KLUNGKUNG WATER PALACE is definitely worth a visit, and scuba diving on the Japanese shipwreck near the beach in East Bali is good.

OK enough of the NYT: we loved renting a boat with a local fisherman. It’s also a fun and affordable way to explore the coast.

I know this sounds weird, but if you're looking for a unique cultural experience, attending a cremation ceremony in Bali is a great way to witness Balinese Hinduism in action. Be sure to hire a local guide for the best experience.

And for a real taste of Balinese culture, spend three days in Ubud. This town is the cultural heart of Bali, drawing travelers and artists for decades. Explore the art galleries, go shopping, get your nails down and eat eat eat.
Enjoy.

Bali EBook Table of Contents:
+Intro
+A Really Brief History of Bali
+Culture, Customs and Behavior in Temples
+Bali by Region What Area’s Best for You?
+Bali’s Best Hotels, Resorts and Airbnbs, By Area
+Food and Drink
+The Best Activities That Most People Don't Know About
APPENDIX I: Planning Your Trip:
+Best time to visit
+Getting to Bali and getting around
+Safety and security
APPENDIX II: All the boring stuff: airport, customs, immigration, transportation (but you best read it).
APPENDIX III: Nyepi, Bali’s Silent Day

Swank Guide website: https://swankguide.com/

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