Other Activities

Bali Safari & Marine Park

Bali Safari & Marine Park is an easy 30 minute drive from the villa. I think this is probably our kid favourite place in the world, and with very good reason. Exceptionally well run, reasonably priced for what you get, which is a great safari experience, quality aquarium, fun park and so much more. You can also have (a rather expensive but worth it) lunch just metres from the lions who are on the other side of a glass wall, and the glass goes below the lake so the kids can see all the fish as well. We tend to go for the whole day and take swim stuff so the kids and relax and cool off in the kids pool area at the end of the day. Highly recommended for kids and adults alike. More details at http://www.balisafarimarinepark.com

Fishing & Boat Trips

Padang Bai (15 minutes drive from Villa Talia Vashti) is the jumping off point for ferries to Lombok, and boats across to the relaxed islands of Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Penida. There are also nice small beaches either side of the small town featuring good snorkelling and diving. Day trips for fishing, diving or just going to a nice beach can be arranged at reasonable prices from either Candidasa or Padang Bai.

Submarine Trips

Yes apparently only one of three places in the world where you can take a trip on a real submarine. Less than 10 minutes drive from Villa Talia Vashti, the tour operators will pick you up for free, and the submarine takes you down to 30m before steering along the same reef in Amuk Bay that lies in front of Villa Talia Vashti. Although it is expensive at US$80/person including a buffet lunch, it is great fun especially for kids, which is great as under 5s go free, and other kids are just more than half price. You can also dive with the submarine, something I have planned to do, but not got around to yet, but it looks like great fun, and being able to wave at your kids inside the submarine would make it even better for the little ones.

Trekking & Hiking

There are numerous opportunities for trekking and hiking around Bali and Candi Dasa in particular, from gentle walks to more challenging treks into the hills around Candi Dasa with great views of Gunung Agung. Most companies in Candi Dasa can arrange this for you if you want (including nearby Candi Beach Cottages). Alternatively just walk from the villa and see where your feet take you - which for us tends to be the pleasant 40 minute walk through the shady forests to the Alila hotel where we can reward ourselves with a Dark Chocolate Sorbet (highly recommended!). For the even more active amongst you the Bali Marathon is held every April in Candi Dasa.

Balinese Cooking Course

It is possible to experience either a two-day or a half-day course to learn Balinese cooking at Bali’s original and most famous cooking school the Alila Manggis, which is only a 5 minute drive from Villa Talia Vashti.

Spa Treatments

Organising your own personal massage at Villa Talia Vashti is great, but if you want a full on spa experience, then the Alila is just 5 minutes away and offers a full on pamper session for pretty reasonable prices – recommended for a splurge. 

Other Activities

Most of the agents in Candi Dasa can arrange a number of different activities including White Water Rafting; Mountain Biking; 4WD Excursions; day trips to Lombok or even Java as well as trips to other sights in Bali.