Mass-market tourism has dimmed the lustre of one of Asia’s most beautiful
gems, but new recreational activities are adding a different kind of sparkle
As Bali’s small but fast-growing band of paragliding
enthusiasts know very well, it’s amazing the difference a simple change
of perspective can make to the most familiar surroundings.
Bali has been “discovered” for so long now, and has been changed so drastically by tourism, that for many of us the old “Island of the Gods” mystique is definitely fading. But take to the skies on a paraglider and you can experience a dramatic change in outlook. As you soar on the breeze high over cliffs and the glittering blue of the Indian Ocean, you look down on bright beaches, towns, shimmering green rice terraces and villages that nestle at the foot of a semi-active volcano. High above one of the most beautiful islands in the world, held aloft by powerful invisible forces, you really can start to feel slightly closer to the gods — and rediscover that magic that originally made Bali a magnet for visitors from around the world.
Ironically, as Bali becomes ever more mainstream and tourism erodes its traditional culture, its appeal as an adventure travel destination is actually increasing. Paragliding is just one of the most exciting in a whole range of new action-oriented activities — from bungy-jumping to jet-boating — that have either come on line in the last couple of years or are in the final stages of development. The growth has been rapid. These days getting an adrenalin fix is as easy as rolling out of bed in Kuta, strolling down the street to any of three bungy towers that have recently been erected in the area, and jumping. Alternatively, you can sign up just as effortlessly for a morning’s sea kayaking, a mountain biking trip or a jungle trek. You can even get picked up at your hotel and conveniently dropped off again afterwards. All this is in addition to long-established sports such as surfing and scuba diving that continue to offer conditions that are outstanding by any standards.
If you want magic, excitement and exotic beauty, Bali still has it in spades — you just have to look in different places.