About Us
Mason Adventures is one of Bali’s longest-established and most highly regarded adventure-tour operators, formerly known as Bali Adventure Tours. They began operations in the late 1980s, and have since expanded to include a wide range of adventure-and-nature experiences across the island.
Located in Bali, their headquarters is at Adventure House, Jl. Bypass Ngurah Rai, Pesanggaran, Denpasar Selatan.
History & Credibility
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The company was founded by Australian-Balinese couple Nigel and Yanie Mason.
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In 1997 they established the Mason Elephant Park in Taro, which is a dedicated elephant rescue and care facility. Their materials emphasise that they own and operate all tours, transport, and facilities, aiming for “5-Star” quality, safety, and reliability.
What They Offer
Here are some of the key experiences you can book with Mason Adventures:
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White-Water Rafting & Kayaking on the Ayung River near Ubud: Longest rafting stretch in Bali, class 2–3 rapids, scenic jungle and waterfall environment.
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Mountain Cycling / Tropical Trekking: For example, mountain bikes from the crater rim of Mount Batur overlooking Lake Batur, or jungle village treks.
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Jungle Buggies (ATV): Off-road tracks added in 2017, for guests wanting a more rugged dirt-bike/buggy style ride.
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Mason Elephant Park & Lodge: Rescued Sumatran elephants in a dedicated facility. Opportunities for encounters, educational programmes, safari rides, and lodge stays.
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Helicopter Sky Tours through their subsidiary Mason Sky Tours: scenic flights around Bali’s volcanoes, coastlines, or island-hopping.
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Combination Tours & Premium Facilities: Their package tours often combine activities (e.g., rafting plus elephant park), and include full-service logistics: hotel pick-up, meals, changing rooms, insurance.
Why Choose Them
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They emphasise high-standard safety, full insurance cover, modern facilities.
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They own and control their transport fleet and operations directly, which means better consistency.
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They highlight eco-friendly practices and rescue/conservation programmes (particularly via their elephant park). They provide detailed advice about avoiding “copycat” operators with inferior standards.
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Location: Many of their main activities are centred in central Bali (Ubud / Taro / Gianyar area). Example: Mason Elephant Park & Lodge is in Taro village, Tegallalang area.
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What’s included (for rafting): Transfers, door-to-door pick up, use of locker/shower/towel, buffet lunch, insurance.
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Age/Health Considerations: For example rafting session advises ages between about 5–65 years.
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Gear/Clothing: For some activities (e.g., jungle buggies, cycling) closed footwear is advised, change of clothes for rafting etc. Booking & Transfers: They provide air-conditioned transport, hotel pickups, etc.
Highlights & Unique Selling Points
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Experience rafting on a relatively untouched stretch of Ayung River, with 30+ rapids and natural jungle setting.
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Visit a purpose-built elephant rescue and care centre, with ethical practices and educational content.
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“All in one” adventure provider: you can pick from high-adrenaline (rafting, buggies) to more relaxed but scenic (cycling, treks) to premium experiences (helicopter).
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Premium facilities: e.g., for rafting they mention “deluxe changing rooms, hot showers, free towels and bags for wet clothes” as part of the experience.
Things to Keep in Mind / Tips
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Even though they emphasise premium service, it’s wise to check the current status and reviews of specific activities (some users on forums note concerns about captive-animal tours).
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Arrive early and ensure you meet pick-up times (some tours include hotel pickup at specific hours).
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Bring suitable clothing: for rafting you’ll get wet, for cycling/trekking you’ll need good shoes; bring a change of clothes.
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Make sure you understand what is included (e.g., transport, meals, insurance) to compare value.
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If you are sensitive about animal welfare, research the elephant park activity thoroughly: although Mason emphasises rescue and welfare, some visitors view captive-elephant tourism skeptically.
Summary
If you’re looking for a reliable, full-service adventure tourism operator in Bali offering everything from white water rafting to jungle buggies, mountain biking, helicopter flights and an elephant rescue experience, Mason Adventures ticks a lot of boxes. Their long history, claims of high-quality facilities, and breadth of activity options make them a strong choice — particularly if you want to combine a few different adventure experiences in one place with all logistics handled.
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In 1997 they established the Mason Elephant Park in Taro, which is a dedicated elephant rescue and care facility. Their materials emphasise that they own and operate all tours, transport, and facilities, aiming for “5-Star” quality, safety, and reliability.