Thursday, November 26, 2015

5 Things To Do In Bali



What to Do and See in Bali, Indonesia

Rafting on Ayung River, Bali

Bali is magical. As probably the most famous island in Indonesia, Bali blends spectacular mountain scenery and beautiful beaches with warm and friendly people, a vibrant culture and out of this world resorts.  It is highly recommended to visit Bali.


Bali adventure tour


The number of things to do in Bali will amaze new visitors and keep regular travellers coming back for more. Bali is the rare place that is both deeply spiritual and totally fun. Whatever your age or interest, whether you are travelling with your loved ones or alone, you are certain to find mental and physical satisfaction. Even during a short visit, you can let loose, stay fit, and explore the cultural and traditional roots of the island. In fact, with so many affordable options on offer, the only hard work in Bali is deciding what to do next.

Bali’s natural attractions include miles of sandy beaches (many are well-known amongst surfers), picturesque rice terraces, towering active volcanoes over 3,000 meters (10,000 ft.) high, fast flowing rivers, deep ravines, pristine crater lakes, sacred caves, and lush tropical forests full of exotic wildlife.

The island’s rich cultural heritage is visible everywhere – in over 20,000 temples and palaces, in many colourful festivals and ceremonies (including tooth filings and cremations), in drama, music, and dance.

You can experience Bali on many different excursions and guided tours by coach, private car or “Big Bike”, by boat or even by chartered plane and helicopter: seeing Bali’s beaches and rice terraces, the famous Besakih Temple on the slopes of holy Mount Agung, Lake Batur and its active volcano, Ubud, Legian, Kuta, Nusa Dua, and the temples of Tanah Lot and Ulu Watu or you can go on Bali adventure tours which offer many exciting activities for you to explore and experience the exciting moments.

A girl is practicing yoga


5 Things to do in Bali


1 Canyoning in Aling Gorges

You will marvel at the natural and spectacular beauty of Aling Gorges. 
This trip has lots of jumps, wonderful rappels (the height of which can reach up to 40m), plenty of swimming in natural pools of crystalline water in a wild and unique environment.

2 Mountain & Village Cycling at Mt. Batur

This breathtaking bicycle tour winds down through 26km of lush valleys, through Balinese villages, past century-old temples and rich green rice fields. Expert guides will explain the history of the land, culture, and people along this scenic cycling tour.

3 Raft the Ayung River

Grab your oars and get ready to rage with this exhilarating rafting adventure on the spectacular Ayung River with professionally trained and experienced guides who pilot safety-equipped Avon rafts through the best river runs, dramatic drops and spectacular waterfalls to make your Bali rafting ride a fun and awesome experience.

4 Culinary Bali

Discover the secrets of traditional Balinese food as you join a local guide in a shopping trip to a traditional market.  Experience how the locals shop for ingredients amidst the hustle and bustle of Bali’s market and learn a tip or two on how to select the best Balinese spices. 

5 Sunrise Trekking at Mt. Batur Summit

Mt Batur is an active volcano that draws travellers in with its beauty and promise of an unforgettable sunrise 1717m above sea levels. Be awed by the spectacular scenery and the gentle tremors of Mt Batur’s sacred earth as you are served a tasty breakfast cooked using the steam of the active volcano.

Come and be welcomed to the many attractions and activities that Bali adventure tours can offer for your vacations in Bali.



3 Adventures You Should Try Before Hitting 40!



Do you believe in the saying “Life begins at 40”? This statement is probably applicable in other aspects of life. But for adventure seekers, life is too short to wait until you reach the age of 40 before you will enjoy what life has to offer. There are numerous adventures in Indonesia that you should experience while you are young. Besides, it might no longer be safe to go on Mount Agung trekking or shark diving when you are at this age. During this time, you might just opt to stay home with your children and watch television together.

Go Mount Agung trekking before 40!
 

So before you hit 40, be sure to try the following activities to have something to look back and share with your kids and grandchildren.

Trekking

This activity is ideal for people who love to get close to nature and at the same time, enjoy outdoor views. Often, trekking involves hours of walking and climbing under the scorching heat of the sun or on a thick forest, and camping in designated sites during the night. One of the famous trekking destinations is the Mount Rinjani, also known as Gunung Rinjani, on the island of Lombok in Indonesia. It is the second highest peak in Indonesia and a deeply sacred volcano to Hindus and the Sasaks, who usually perform pilgrimages there. Thus, Rinjani trekking will surely become a memorable experience if you do this adventure before you reach 40.


Rinjani trekking is fun


If you wish to trek the popular summits, be sure to hire the best expedition team to ensure your safety and comfort. Another summit you may try is the Mount Agung in Bali, which is the highest point on the island.

Diving

Are you fond of water activities? Diving will undoubtedly get you on your feet and let you book a ticket to Manado in Indonesia. Manado diving is a favourite water adventure on this island due to the rich marine life waiting to be discovered underneath the pristine and clear water surrounding the island. Whether you are an experienced diver or a novice, there are various exciting and fun water activities you can experience.

Few of the popular diving destinations include North Sulawesi, Bunaken Marine Park, Bangka Island and Lembeh Straits. With astounding reef beds and fascinating sea creatures, it is unquestionable why Manado became a diver’s haven.


Beautiful creatures during Manado diving!


Surfing

Lombok is a sanctuary for people who love the beach due to its exhilarating beach and beautiful coastlines. However, it is little known that Lombok has likewise captured the interest of surfers from different parts of the world. It is noted for its best secret surf point called The Desert Point, which is situated in the South West coast.

Surfers can expect huge swells between 3-8 feet high, which will surely give you adrenaline rush. As compared to surfing point in Kuta beach in Bali, Lombok offers less hassle since it isn’t that much crowded.

People might say that age is just a number; however, there are certain activities that may no longer be feasible to perform when you hit 40, such as Rinjani trekking. There could be different reasons including change of priority, health issue or financial matter. Thus, it is highly advisable to enjoy life at young age and create loads of memories for you to cherish for the rest of your life.


Image sources:

www.crazy4nascar.com



Wednesday, November 11, 2015

Trail Food


So you’re trudging up the 3,726m tall peak of Mt Rinjani. Your breathing is hurried, your heart is thumping against your chest bones, and your muscles are screaming for you to stop. But you chant the familiar phrase in your head, “Mind over body. Mind over the body…” The athlete in you says calm down, breathe, and push on. You can do it. And you will do it.

A good Rinjani trekking guide would, at this point, whip out a handful of dried fruits, nuts, a can of thirst quenching isotonic drink, or energy supplement.... Life saviours!

Or not. While some would love to munch on handful of almonds, others can’t fathom the thought of pushing a dry nut down their throat while the body is yearning for more water.

Each person has their own preferences, and it’s important to prepare your own preferred treat, so that you have enough fuel to push yourself on to achieve your goals and perhaps distract yourself from bodily pains. For a moment.

TRAIL MIX

Making your own Trail Mix is easy and often healthier than buying a pre-mixed pack.

Here are some items commonly found in a trail mix, which you can mix and match to suit your taste buds! 

1)  Nuts
Nuts are packed with healthy unsaturated fats, protein, fibre, antioxidants, vitamin E and other essential vitamins and minerals. While some are higher in protein or fat content, each type of nuts generally provides a similar amount of calories per gram. Here are essential nuts for your Mount Agung Trekking Trail Mix! Add in other nuts for good taste.

Almonds, Cashews, Pistachios are high in protein and low in fats. These are the healthiest nuts for that extra energy boost on your trail!

Peanuts to regulate water level in the body and prevent cramps

Macadamias to assist in muscle building and boost energy levels 


The ultimate guide to nuts



2) Dried Fruits
Dried fruits provide a sweet tasty relief and are a great source of fiber, antioxidants, calcium, and vitamins A, C, and K.

When selecting dried fruits, it’s healthier to select fruits that are naturally sweet like figs or dates. Fruits that are normally sourish and bland in taste like cranberries are artificially sweetened as dried fruits. So look at the packaging labels for artificial sugar and preservative content.

Here are some good fruits to add to your trail mix:

Figs are high in potassium, an electrolyte which is an important component of cell and body fluids that help regulate heart rate and blood pressure.

Dates are an excellent source of Iron and Copper that are essential in the creation of red blood cells (an essential component to combating Acute Mountain Sickness, also known as Altitude Sickness). They are also excellent sources of Potassium.

Raisins are the most common type of trail food and deservedly so, because they pack a whole lot of Carbohydrates for energy in a small pack. They are also rich in Iron and Potassium.

Apricots are high in carbohydrate and low in fat, and provide a good amount of Vitamin A, Fiber and Potassium.

Plums are packed with Carbohydrates and contain no Fat. They’re also a good source of Fiber and Potassium.


3)  Chocolates
Cacao – the basic component of chocolates, is rich in arginine, an amino acid that reduces inflammation in blood vessels to keep your blood flowing to your heart and muscles.

It also triggers the release of endorphins that keep you happy and thinking positive. That’ll help you combat the challenges ahead!

When adding chocolates into your trail mix, do look out for fat and sugar content. Dark chocolates that contain 70 - 85% cocoa are a healthier and superior option than milk chocolate.


4)  Pretzels
Pretzels are a great low-calorie carbohydrate treat that will help you replace the sodium you lose through sweating. 


READY MADE FOOD FOR THE TRIAL

Putting together your own trail mix may require one to purchase each type to fruit or nut in bulk, and may make more sense to be shared amongst a group of trekkers. Or perhaps you’re just too busy to put it all together.

There are some great ready-made products that are great for the trail, and these are some of our favorite!

Clif Bar Trail Mix comes in various fruit flavors

 
1)  Clif Bars
Clif Bars are a favorite amongst outdoor adventurers! With flavours like Chocolate Brownie, Peanut Toffee Buzz, White Chocolate Macadamia Nut and Blueberry Crisp, you can imagine what a treat they are during the trails.

Made from 70% organic ingredients, including rolled oats, dried fruits, nuts and seeds, it’s healthy too!

Each bar contains around 250 calories and provides sustained energy over long periods with a mix of multiple carbohydrate sources, protein, fat and fiber that slows the rate of digestion and delivers energy over time.

You could also break up a bar into bite-sized pieces to be added into your trail mix.


GU Energy Chews have many flavors


2)  GU Energy Chews
GU Chews come in the form of a gummy that makes it easy and fun to consume along the trail. There are many flavours available like Salted Caramel Apple and Blueberry Pomegranate to cater to different taste buds.

GU Chews are designed to pack energy-dense calories to meet the energy demands of endurance activities. One packet of GU Chews contains 8 gummies, that will provide 90 calories in total  and other essential like:

ELECTROLYTES Maintain water balance and aid in optimum hydration.

CARBOHYDRATES Deliver ready-to-use energy and delay bonking by sparing glycogen.

AMINO ACIDS Reduce mental fatigue and decrease muscle damage.

CAFFEINE Enhances performance by increasing focus and concentration and decreasing perceived effort during exercise.


You need Endurolytes for your body


3)  Hammer Endurolytes
It very important to replenish electrolytes lost through perspiration.  So if you’re cramping, heed your body’s last warning, because a consistent supply of electrolytes such as sodium, potassium, calcium, chloride, magnesium and phosphorous is required to keep your muscular, digestive, nervous and cardiac systems firing on all cylinders.

In short, you need it for your body to function properly.

There are some products in the market like Hammer Endurolytes provide a balanced, full-spectrum of electrolytes designed for rapid absorption by the body. You can find them in capsule, tablets and powder forms.