Treking

THE best way to see Bali is to get out and walk. The Balinese themselves don't like to walk, but for Westerners, it's the best way to totally immerse yourself in the culture, because the roads are its culture.

Bali's roads are also its sidewalks, playgrounds, work areas, kitchens, living rooms, laundry rooms, and the principal village meeting places, though increasing traffic is discouraging these uses.

There are some absolutely astounding walks and treks around Bali. This is probably one of the most under realised tourist gems in paradise and some of the most inspiring are amongst the rice terraces (if you don't fancy travelling, there are a few isolated hotel walking centres as well). Walks through Bali's rice fields are usually much less tiring than volcano climbs, need no preparation and always offer spectacular views.

Lovers of Bali's environment can enjoy walking along rice terraces and feel the grass touch their skin and taste the tropical fruits whilst receiving warmest greetings from villagers and feel the heartbeat of real Balinese daily life. To really experience this, then trekking must be your choice. There is much on offer, hiking or mountain trekking, rice paddy trekking, jungle trekking and beach trekking.

Tips for trekkers:

• Price includes: hotel transfers, all necessary safety equipment and instruction to guests, lunch or afternoon meal, and insurance coverage.
• What to bring: Only wear comfortable shoes on the treks, sneakers, reef walker, hiking boots. The guides will supply plenty of bottled water for you. Long loose fitting trousers and cool clothing are recommended although the guides wear shorts. A hat or sunscreen is recommended for all outdoor activities in Bali.
• Sturdy strap sandals (Tevas) will protect your feet, allow you to ford streams without removing footwear, and walk along irrigation ditches and paths between rice fields. They can also be worn on semi-formal occasions.
• Using local guides is advisable, as it is easy to get lost trekking in Bali. One part of the jungle can look very much like another and many paths lead to nowhere.
• A number of adventure companies provide village and mountain treks and can also organize specialized group walks. Package include: all transfers, lunch, and insurance coverage.
• Always carry a compass and a good map of the area you are trekking
• Carry rain gear even if the weatherman predicts sunshine!
• Stop frequently when trekking to observe plants, animals, or views. If you don't stop to look around, you will find hiking and looking at the ground pretty boring.
• Rest frequently. Just waiting for your partners to catch up and then continuing does not allow time for rest
• If you go trekking with children, remember they have shorter legs and must take many more strides than you; let them lead and set their own place.
• If you intend to stay overnight, bring a sleeping bag, mosquito netting, and all food and beverages.
• People will correct you if you make a wrong turn. It's easier than you think finding your way through cultivated rice fields, which act like giant steps. Be careful to always remain on the narrow borders of the fields and not to tread in the paddies themselves.
• If you veer ever so slightly from the well-trod paths, it's just like walking into someone's living room. You may end up spending the night in places about as outlandish as you want to be in-no cold drinks, police, shops, or transport connections.
• Children pop up and yell out a singsong 'Hello,' and you could come across infants who start screaming, cattle that start stampeding in terror, and dogs that'll howl mercilessly at the sight of your white face.
• Take only two changes of clothes: a shirt and shorts, of decent length, which can be washed and dried in the sun, and a sash and 'sarung' for swimming or as a cover-up when entering temples.