BALI CHEAP THRILLS
Scooters
At $4 a day to hire, this is the ultimate cheap thrill in Bali. Apart from being a novelty that doesn’t wear thin, it’s also the only smart way to get around, you’ll whiz straight past all of the cars sitting in bumper to bumper traffic.
Pineapples on the beach
The way this fruit is prepared is half of its purchase appeal. Plucked from a basket on top of a woman’s head, the pineapple is peeled and carved until the spiky fruit resembles a small work of art. Juicy, refreshing, and they only cost a dollar.
Villa massages and beauty treatments
Most spas offer home treatments, but it’s the lovely ladies at Dream Spa that you need to call. Nothing beats a one-hour deep tissue massage or facial by the pool or on your own bed for $12 a pop.
Chartered Boats
Hate crowds? Hate snorkeling in crowds? Charter a boat for less than $25 on the Gili islands, and snorkel hand in hand with your favourite person and no-one else for up to 4 hours, depending on your bargaining skills.
Market Junk
Yes, these poor items might provoke a “what was I thinking?” remark upon your return home, but as you shove them in the drawer try and remember how appealing they seemed for that fleeting moment at time of purchase.
Bungy Jumping at Double Six night club
Super trashy, super fun.
Escaping the police
Just ride on when the police try to pull you over for not wearing a helmet. They’re generally too lazy to chase you, or if they do, can be paid off for a small price.
Massages on the beach
This cheap thrill always seems like a great idea, and is for the first ten minutes, until the massage turns into a rough exfoliation with the combination of oil and sand. Keep it short and confined to a small area – shoulders, butt, etc.
Sunset
Ah, a glowing ball of flames plunging towards the deep blue sea. There is nothing like an ocean sunset, and with the spectacular billowing cloud formations on this Island of the Gods, Bali really shows how it’s done!
Ceremonies
For health, wealth, machinery, education, ancestors, life and death, on every corner, on the beach, in the temples, in the houses, Hindu ceremonies are abound. They are beautiful, peaceful, and hopeful to watch or participate in the giving of offerings and the saying of prayers. It’s about giving even more than asking.
La Plancha (on the beach south of Dhyana Pura)
The coolest, funnest, sandiest place for a sunset drink and on their party nights get sweaty and dance the night away.
Waterbom Park
Even if you haven’t got kids, this place is the ultimate stop for thrills while you’re in Bali.
Surfing
Whether you are a 12 year old grommet learning in the whitewash at Kuta, or purely coming to Bali to surf your life away, you can find it all here. Some of the best breaks in the world can be found in Bali.
Monkey Forest
If your idea of fun is running from crazy monkeys in a wet rainforest then head to Ubud. But be prepared to guard your possessions with your life as these little bastards hiss at you and steal anything they can get their hands on.
