Surfing in Bali

Bali has year-long surf and has become famous as a surfer's paradise. Kuta is the place to start out, as you can rent or buy boards there while scouting out tips on sites and tides. Popular spots, in rough order of difficulty, are Kuta, Legian, Seminyak, Sanur, south of Kuta off the airport reef, Canggu, Lalang Linggih, Medewi, Uluwatu, Paclang-paclang, and Nusa Lembongan.
For protection from the harsh tropical sun be sure to wear sunscreen and a T-shirt. Tend to coral cuts on feet and fingers immediately and constantly. They take forever to heal.

Scuba-Diving and Snorkeling in Bali

Bali is a great place for snorkeling and scuba
diving. You can dive in the vicinity of Sanur and Nusa Dua, but the most exiting scuba-diving locations are in more remote places. Pulau Menjangan in the west is a favorite, as are Candidasa, Padangbai, Tulamben, and Amed in the east. Other spots are Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan, and Lovina. Inquire locally.
The calm waters of the Bali Sea make Singaraja a good site for snorkeling.
Contact, among others:

• Bali Marine Sport
  Jl. Bypass Ngurah Rai, Belanjong, Sanur,
  
  
• Baruna
  JI. Bypass Ngurah Rai 300B, Tuban,
  
  
• Dive & Dive's JI. Bypass Ngurah Rai 23, Sanur,
  
  
• Graha Santi
  JI. Danau Poso No 1, Sanur,
  
  
• Oceana
  JI. Bypass Ngurah Rai 78, Sanur,
  
  
• Also, contact Sail Sensations at Benoa Marina for day sailing to Nusa Lembongan with snorkeling, diving and surfing.

Other Water sport in Bali

Some companies have booths at the popular water sports; locations. Prices may vary according to the time of year and location. Typical prices:

Banana boat: $15 per person/round.
Diving: $50 per person, half a day.
Jet Ski: $25 for 15 mins. In Nusa Dua, Bedugul and Sanur.
Paddle canoe: $11 per person/hour.
Parasailing: $15/round. In Nusa Dua, Bedugul and Sanur.
Rafting. Rafting has become a popular way to discover the most unknown parts of Bali: its gorges. Try:

• Bali Adventure Rafting
  J1. Tanjung Mekar, Legian Kelod, Kuta
  
  
• Sobek
  JI. Tirta Ening No 9, Sanur,
  
  
• Bali Safari (Telaga Waja River)
  JI. Hayam Wuruk 88A, Denpasar,
  
  
• Ayung River Rafting (Ayung River)
  JI. Diponegoro 150B-29, Denpasar,

Sailing. You can also charter one of the many outriggers which line the beaches. They charge between $10 - $15/hour according to the beach. For fishing, diving or sailing trips, many companies now operate from Benoa Harbor. Try:

• Bali Camar Yacht Charter
• Beluga
• Up-market hotels also offer yachting trips to neighboring islands.

Snorkeling: $20 per trip.
Swimming. For the safest ocean swimming, go to Sanur, Nusa Dua, or Lovina Beach on the north coast. The currents all along the southwest coast (including Kuta and Legian) are extremely strong. Swimming there is at your own risk. Even at waist deep, you can get ripped under. There are no lifeguards on the beach.
The pools at most of the major hotels are open to non-guests for $155. Beluga in Nusa Dua has great pools. Other good public ones include Oongan in Denpasar and Penyu Dewata in Padang Galak near Sanur; all charge $3. Bukit Jati and Samplangan near Gianyar have large public pools which charge small fees.
Water skiing: $25 for 15 mins. In Nusa Dua, Bedugul and Sanur.
For a great day fishing trip in the deep waters around Nusa Penida, try Simone III. Sails from Benoa Marina.

Biking & Hiking in Bali

These are the best ways to get to know the hinterlands of Bali intimately. Beware of sunstroke: start off early in the morning, and avoid the heat of the day. Sunglasses, a hat, sarong and sash are useful, as are a map or a clear geographic notion of your destination. Bottled mineral water is available all over the island.
The best areas for biking and hiking are around Ubud, Kintamani, the back-country of Lovina and Candidasa. Mountain bikes usually cost $6.50-$2 a day, except in Nusa Dua and Sanur where prices are inflated. Always check the bike: brake failure half way down a volcano is no fun.

Bali Adventure JI. Tanjung Mekar, Legian, conducts bike tours. Hiking tour services are available in Kintamani, Candidasa (Tenganan) and Tirta Gangga. Bird watching tours of Ubud are organized by Victor Mason, publican of the Beggar's Bush in Ubud Call Sobek for details.

Bali Golf

Bali Handara Kosaido Country Club, village of Pancasari, Bedugul, nestled in an ancient calderas. An hour from Denpasar, it has an international hotel and restaurant.
Bali Golf and Country Club, Nusa Dua. Within walking distance of Nusa Dua's main hotels.
The Grand Bali Beach, Sanur (ex Bali Beach Hotel). Has a small 9-hole course, used mostly by hotel guests and Balinese. Also has mini-golf for $2 per hour.
Nirwana Bali Golf Club. Situated next to Le Meridian Hotel, this magnificent 18-hole ocean side course overlooks the famous Tanah Lot temple.