Bali Adrenalin

Grace Under Pressure

Bali's adrenalin sports bring new meaning to Hemmingway's definition of 'guts' as grace under pressure, when visitors to the island experiment with the boundaries of their human body in style. Many people think Bali is the ideal island for relaxing by a pool, sipping cocktails at sunset and forgetting about the real world. While this is entirely true, Bali is also an excellent adventure destination for those addicted to the rush of adrenalin. From north to south you can experiment with unique stomach movements, twisting your face out of shape and the undeniable buzz of speed. Professional local and international operators offer a wide variety of action in this exotic location while observing necessary international safety regulations and standards.

Take the plunge

Bungy jumping is the original test of courage and southern Bali is just the spot if you are game enough to take the plunge on a rubber rope. Some adrenalin addicts may find the bungy to be old news so if you want to experience the rush a new way, try sky surfing. Let the sky be your oyster, and the earth become a mere smudge of colour as you shoot through the air at 120 km an hour. What about being a human stone in a slingshot? In central Kuta you can be strapped into a round rubber frame and flung 52 metres into the air in just over a second. You can even buy a video of your own facial contortions - the perfect home video to give to your folks.

Nothing but a wing and a prayer

Dive from a plane for a bird's eye view of the island as the wind rushes past leaving you looking like Mick Jagger on a bad hair day. Jumping off the Bukit Peninsula to paraglide the hot air currents along southern Bali's rugged coastline provides an insight into the graceful life of a sea eagle. If you are a beach loving soul give the Banana Boat a go. Speedboats fly through the water, dragging you behind then as you cling on to a giant plastic banana shaped torpedo. If you prefer to keep your life in your own hands, hire a jet ski and drive yourself into crashing waves or try out the new fad of kite surfing in Sanur.

Slippery slides

Those who like the action, but perhaps a little tamer, may be more interested in white water rafting down the spectacular Ayung River. Ride the rapids down deep gorges, through unspoilt rainforest, under plunging waterfalls and past verdant rice paddies. Rafting helps you work up an appetite and most of Bali's rafting operators reward your experience with a sumptuous Balinese banquet by the river. Many visitors like to head for the hills seeking respite from the tropical heat. Lake Bratan is one of three ancient volcanic lakes that lie high in the hills of central Bali where water skiing and jet skiing are options depending on the weather.

Inspiration

If you're not inspired by now, then adrenalin sports are not for you. If it the cash you are worried about then don't. Most of the adrenalin activites weight in at under US$100, except parachuting. Adrenalin aside, Bali has something to offer everyone, and if you feel more comfortable with two feet on solid ground, make the most of your holiday in your own style. It won't be hard.

Basking in Bali

The Bali Bug

So how does one island attract honeymooners, backpackers, superstars, and surfers from all around the globe? On the first of my five trips, it only took a glimpse of the lush island from an airplane window to understand why Bali's rice fields are visited by over 1.2 million tourists every year. As I stepped out of the airport into the blistering air, the spirit of the island hit me like a bug on a windshield.

Volcanic paradise

Bali lies just below the equator in Southeast Asia, part of the world's largest stretch of volcanoes. It is peppered with mountains, lakes, rivers and forests, like a painted backdrop coming to life. It is impossible not to like Bali. It's gorgeous. It's different. It's spiritual. It's comfortable. OK, it's a little humid, so you wear shorts, except in the temples - most of them Hindu - where you wear sarongs. Most of all, you'll be hard-pressed to find nicer people anywhere on the planet.

Ubud

If you're looking for culture, head towards Ubud. The hour-and-a-half car ride to Bali's cultural epicentre is sandwiched by electric green rice fields that look like a perfectly manicured quilt. The winding journey passes small charming villages, ancient temples, and amazing art and craft communities. When you're engulfed by artist's galleries on both sides of the narrowing road, you've arrived in Ubud. For more than a century, it has been the island's pre-eminent centre for fine arts, dance and music and it is a mecca for travellers who want to take home a little piece of Bali

Champagne backpacking

While it once was a haven for scruffy backpackers, cosmic seekers, artists and bohemians, Ubud is now a hot spot for the literati, glitterati, art collectors and connoisseurs. Elegant five star resorts discreetly line its exotic exterior, and none is as spectacular as my resort-of-choice, the Four Seasons Sayan. As soon as we pulled into the driveway of this modern oasis transplanted in the middle of a tropical forest, I knew it would be hard to leave.

Getting crafty

When I managed to pry myself away from my villa's private pool, I ventured around the batik boutiques, wood carving workshops, and gold and silversmith studios lining the way through Ubud's main streets. There are plenty of interesting shops on the main streets, but most of the magic is hidden away. I wondered for hours through the endless craft stores lining the back alleys and mastered the skill of bargaining. One little secret - if you're really interested in a wood or stone carving in a particular store, ask to be taken to the main workshop. There you won't just find a wider selection, but you will be able to negotiate for better prices.

Satay Splendour

In between my spending spree, I found the world's best satay. Bursting with flavour from the fresh ginger and spicy peanut sauce, I now have a new favourite dish. If you're not up for local food, there are plenty of modern cafes and restaurants lining Ubuds cracked streets. The service is always friendly, but less than swift, so don't expect to finish a meal in under an hour. After a few days of lounging in cafes sipping cool watermelon juice, perusing galleries and trekking through the lush rainforest, it was unfortunately time to return to the real world. After mabye a couple more days.