About:
Dr. Bharatkumar Bhate
is M.S. General Surgeon (Gold Medalist) by qualification with an experience of
30,000+ operations and is based at Rajkot, Gujarat. He is an avid reader and a
passionate writer. In this blog, he shares his travel experiences and creative
writings.
Connect on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrBhateRajkot
🌴 Blog 03 of 12 | Water Sports in Bali
By Dr. Bharatkumar
Bhate
Visited in August 2024
This is the third
blog in my 12-part Bali travel series, based on my visit to this enchanting
island in August 2024.
Water Sports at
Bali
There is no limit to
how much fun one can have when in the tropical paradise of Bali. Ideally, a
full week would allow you to enjoy the island at a relaxed pace, but most
travel packages offer only five days. Keeping this in mind, we planned our free
time slots efficiently — and our first adventure was the ever-popular
water sports at Tanjung Benoa, near Nusa Dua.
We maintained a
comfortable routine — waking up by 7:00 AM and finishing breakfast by 8:30 AM.
Our hotels served delightful multi-cuisine buffets, with a wide variety of
tropical fruits and both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. The hospitality
was commendable, and every day began with an energetic and satisfying meal.
In the evenings, we
would often step out for a stroll or explore the nearby markets. Most shops
stay open until 11:00 PM during summer, making evenings lively and relaxed.
🏝️ Tanjung Benoa Water Sports Zone
The beach at Tanjung
Benoa is a bustling hub for marine adventure sports. Several licensed
operators offer a variety of activities here. While each ride can be booked
individually, combo packages are more economical for those planning to
try multiple sports.
Some of the most
popular water sports available include:
- Banana Boat Ride – Rp 50,000 per person
- Donut Boat Ride – Rp 80,000 per person
- Parasailing – Rp 200,000 per person
- Jet Ski (with instructor) – Rp 130,000 per
person
- Jet Ski (solo) – Rp 300,000 per person
- Fly Fish – Rp 120,000 per person
- Scuba Diving – Rp 270,000 per person
- Snorkeling – Rp 115,000 per person
- Sea Walker – Rp 270,000 per person
- Fly Board – Rp 375,000 per person
- Glass Bottom Boat & Turtle Island – Rp
400,000 per person
We chose one of the
combo packages which allowed us to select any three activities — a great way to
get maximum thrill for a reasonable price. Our selections included Parasailing,
Jet Ski, and the Banana Boat Ride — each offering a unique view
and experience of the sea.
Safety measures were
in place and instructors were supportive, especially for us as senior
travellers. We were made to feel comfortable at every step, and I must say —
the joy of trying something new does not diminish with age.
(Parasailing video)
👓 Reflections
As a surgeon, I’ve
always worked in highly controlled environments — where precision, focus, and
safety are paramount. Interestingly, I found many parallels here in adventure
sports. The importance of clear instructions, proper technique, and trust in the
team is just as relevant.
These moments of
thrill, surrounded by nature’s beauty, reminded me of the need to seek joy and
vitality — even after retirement.
After our refreshing water sports session, we visited the iconic Tanah Lot Temple later that same day — a striking spiritual site perched dramatically by the sea.
But before sharing
that experience, the next blog (Blog 04) will offer an overview of several
important Balinese temples we visited during our trip — their cultural
significance, architecture, and emotional resonance.
Then, in Blog 05, we’ll dive deeper into the captivating story and sunset beauty of Tanah Lot itself.
Stay tuned for
Blog 04 of this Bali series – Temples in Bali – Where
Faith Meets Landscape!
Until then,
Dr. Bharatkumar Bhate