Outdoor Activities

As well as its amazing culture and people, the area around Ubud is blessed with some of the best scenery in Bali, with lush green vegetation, spectacular jungle gorges, beautiful rice paddy views meaning that there are a huge number of outdoor activities that can be done in and around Ubud. The location of Villa Kalisha is perfect for exploring, with the picturesque traditional villages of Kebon and Tangkup close by and as we are a bit higher than Ubud, the cooler temperatures make it ideal of walks in the area.

Walking

Just go! There are many wonderful walks in every direction from Villa Kalisha and yet more in and around Ubud. Don't be afraid. Just strike out in any direction and follow your instinct through villages, rice terraces, jungle gorges, and grassy hilltops. You can walk anywhere you like, without "trespassing." Don't be shy, just be courteous. Often the best discoveries are purely coincidental and can't be found in any guidebook. If you prefer to follow a good leader, then Nyos (manager at Villa Kalisha) would be more than happy to show you around locally, or alternatively day treks are offered by various adventure guides like Sobek (Tel - 287059), Ayung (Tel - 238759) and Adventure Products (tel - Vayatours 285555).

Bali Eco Adventure

One of the best attractions in the Ubud area in our view, is just a few minutes drive from Villa Kalisha, or alternatively a pleasant 20 minutes walk down the quiet back road. While Bali Eco Adventure has really nice and interesting hikes through its own tropical forest and spice and herb gardens, the real attraction is an amazingly atmostpheric 1.5km underground labyrinth which you can explore with torches, and find hidden temples, colonies of bats and so much more. Really interesting for adults and great for kids. Check it out at www.baliecoadventure.com. Alternatively there are also Bali Herb Walks organised by tour operators such as Vayatours (t - 974865) where you can similarly learn about the many fragrant, edible and medicinal plants that surround you, focusing on historic Pejeng, and the hills and villages North of Campuan

Cycling

Cycling is a great way to see the Ubud area, and to stay fit. The early morning hours are best, when it's still cool. You can peddle sedately along backroads, or take a mountain bike and bash your way down precipitous gorges, along slippery rice terrace dikes, or through rough village byways pocked with craters. A truly glorious ride is to slog all the way up to Kintamani on the crater of Mt. Batur then glide effortlessly back downhill to Ubud through a chain of traditional villages dotted with craft studios and cafes. For the lazy, you can find a car and driver in the middle of Ubud, put your bikes in and just do the downhill bit. Rent a bike in Monkey Forest Road, grab a Bali map, then find a driver in front of the tourist information office at Ubud Corner, and you're on your way. Another way to go is to call adventure guides like Sobek (Tel 287059) or Ayung (Tel 238759) who lead biking tours suitable for the whole family, with every little detail provided.

Rental Bikes are available for about 5,000 rupiah per day from many places in Monkey Forest Road and elsewhere. Once you're on your way, try hard to avoid the main roads because traffic is horrendous, except at the crack of dawn. All of the back roads are negotiable by bicycle and are only steep where they cross a river gorge (east to west). Otherwise, they generally run uphill gently from south to north. We recommend you ride north first, until you've had enough, then coast back downhill, and eat bigtime. Adventure guides like Sobek (287059) and Ayung (238759) also offer day trips.

Rafting

The rivers around Ubud provide pleasant rafting conditions year round with enough rapids to make the ride fun, but still mild enough for those who tend to be timid when it comes to whitewater. Rafting also provides an unrivalled way to check out the natural scenery, wildlife and exotic plants of Bali, while sitting happily on your rear end! And it's a good way to cool off if the tropical heat gets oppressive. Call Sobek (Tel - 287059) , Ayung (Tel - 238759) or Bali Adventure Rafting (Tel - 721480) and they will take care of everything for you, including transportation, equipment and food. The staff can book rafting for you, if you don't feel like phoning. Prices for a half day river trip are about US$60.

Kayaking

Ayung (Tel - 238759) offers kayaking in easy to handle inflatable boats on the scenic Ayung River. No prior experience required, just a healthy body and a willing attitude.

Bird Watching

Sobek now organises the famous "Bali Bird Walks", which are light-hearted explorations of the Ubud area, seeking ornithological oddities. The program was started by Victor Mason, a famous local character and the former publican at the Beggar's Bush in Campuan. (Tel - 287059).

Elephant Trekking

Elephant Trekking is now available in the village of Taro, twenty minutes north of Ubud. You can ride an elephant, then feed it and give it a bath. Open 9 to 4 every day, no reservations necessary, just show up in Taro with $27 and choose your mount.