Bali, a tropical island in the Indonesian archipelago, is one of the most popular holiday destinations in the world today. Apart from having hundreds of pretty beaches, Bali in Indonesia is home to thousands of beautiful temples, scenic rice fields, bustling markets, and tons of cultural activities. In short, a holiday in Bali is a dream for many. Read on about our Bali Cultural Tour which covers some of the unusual things to do in Bali.
Whether you are a history addict, an art lover, a shopaholic, or an adventure freak, Bali won’t disappoint you. Families travelling to Bali with kids have an amazing time in Bali and so do couples and solo travellers. There is always something for everyone.
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Bali Cultural Tour – Unusual Things to Do in Bali, Indonesia
When we were visiting Bali with our 2-year-old, we picked an involved itinerary that was attractive to all of us. Apart from having many beach visits and seafood gorging sessions, we were determined to see more of the cultural destination that Bali was.
So, let’s go on a Bali cultural tour and see some of the unusual things to do in Bali, Indonesia.
Bali Cultural Tour – Visit the picturesque temple of Ulun Danu Bratan
Bali is the land of thousand temples. Hindu temples, called Puras, dot the island’s landscape. Therefore, it is impossible not to visit a temple when you are in Bali.
One of the most picturesque ones is the temple of Ulun Danu Bratan. It is located on the shores of Lake Bratan in Bedugul which is almost 1,200 meters above sea level. Very often, rising water levels give an impression that the temple is floating on the water making it even more photogenic.
Built in the typical Balinese architectural style, the Pura has 11 tiers and looks very pretty against a scenic backdrop of mountains and lakes. This makes Pura Ulun Danu Bratan perfectly Instagram-worthy.
Bali Cultural Tour – Tour the Ubud Royal Palace
One of the most prominent landmarks in Bali is Puri Saren Agung or the Ubud Royal Palace. It was built in the early 19th century by King Ida Tjokorda Putu Kandel who was a big patron of culture and arts.
The palace was the central palace of Ubud kings then and functioned as their official residence. Even today, descendants of the royal family live here.
Apart from checking out traditional Balinese architecture here, you can catch some lively dance and music performances in the palace courtyard every evening.
Bali Cultural Tour – Watch a Kecak Fire Dance in Ubud
Among the many dances and musical performances happening in Bali, a Kecak fire dance is a must-watch. And that is because it is an amazing way to take a deep dive into Balinese Hinduism and culture.
Kecak is a mesmerizing dance performance that is accompanied by the continuous chanting of the word “chak” by a chorus. And that is why the name Kecak.
Two dancers, dressed as Rama and Sita, depict the story of Ramayana from Hinduism. Various other characters also pop in. The drama ends with a performer walking over red-hot coconut shells. All in all, a Kecak is a very riveting performance that keeps you glued to your seats.
The Kecak fire dance at the temple of Uluwatu is very popular. However, if you are looking for more variety and fewer crowds, check out one of the many performances happening in downtown Ubud.
Bali Cultural Tour – Buy a souvenir at the Ubud Art Market
If you are at the Ubud Royal Palace, you cannot miss checking out the Ubud Traditional Art Market right in front of it.
The market is open daily and is stacked with shops selling apparel, handmade bags, baskets, Batik costumes, crochet, and many other traditional handicraft items. This is just the perfect place to get your Balinese souvenir from.
It is best to get here early because you can, then, avoid the crowds. Also, vendors are willing to sell you at lower prices in the morning because they are eager to make their first sale of the day.
Bali Cultural Tour – Catch a Hindu ritual at the Mother Temple of Besakih
When in Bali, do not forget to make a trip to the Mother Temple of Besakih, the largest and holiest of all temples in Bali. The temple is imposing and consists of 23 individual shrines.
If you are looking to click some nice shots of the Balinese Meru (the principal shrine), then this is the perfect place to do it. You can find lots of them here.
Worship is offered at the Besakih temple every day. Therefore, it is the venue for many celebrations and ceremonies of locals. It is not unusual to catch one during your visit here.
When there is a ceremony going on, take a moment, sit down, and experience a bit of the real Bali.
Visit the terraced rice fields of Jatiluwih
The terraced rice fields of Jatiluwih are another scenic destination that you must not miss when in Bali. The stunning landscape with mist-covered mountains in the background makes the rice fields extremely photogenic.
Jatiluwih’s rice terraces are lush green and cover more than 600 hectares of rice paddies. They are maintained by a traditional watering system from the 9th century known as “subak”.
Jatiluwih is more inaccessible than most other rice terraces in the area which means even fewer people make it here. They are pretty much off every tourist’s radar.
This makes the terraced rice fields of Jatiluwih incredibly offbeat and hence, provide you with a great opportunity to explore a bit of Bali, all on your own.
Take a trip to the Sacred Monkey Forest
The Sacred Monkey Forest in the heart of Ubud is a great destination for families and animal lovers. Even if you don’t fall in one of these two categories, it is a good experience to take a tour of this forest where more than 700 monkeys live but only if you are not scared of these animals.
Tourists often come in to view the monkeys in their natural habitat. Apart from monkeys, you will also find many exotic varieties of plants here.
The forest has some basic rules such as not hiding food/bananas (monkeys can smell them from far away), not touching the animals, or not hanging anything eye-catching from your bodies or bags. This ensures a hassle-free trip for everyone involved.
Take a tour of Setia Darma Puppet Museum
Did you know that Bali has a puppet museum? That too with free entry!!!
Deemed as one of the hidden treasures of Bali, the Setia Darma House of Masks and Puppets is located in Sukawati, a 15-minute drive from the Ubud city centre.
Nestled within never-ending rice fields and a beautiful tropical garden, the museum houses more than 1000 masks and 5000 puppets from all over the Indonesian archipelago.
Of special mention is the Wayang Kulit shadow puppets which have long been a part of the Indonesian social fabric. Even today, you can find puppet plays being held in a lot of places in Bali and Yogyakarta honouring this ancient art.
Bali Cultural Tour – Cleanse your sins at Tirta Empul
The famous temple of Tirta Empul is located in the town of Tampaksiring in Bali.
It has long been a pilgrimage destination for Hindu worshippers because of its holy springs that are believed to possess magical powers. The temple complex is huge and it can take about an hour to explore all of it.
The site of the purification pools is called the Jaba Tengah. Water gushes out of 30 sprouts pouring water from the sacred springs into the pools. Scores of believers, local and tourist, wait for their turn to take a dip.
It can be fascinating to just watch the ritual if you are in no mood for a bath. And then take a stroll through the complex to witness some beautiful Balinese architecture.
Visit a temple and pebbly beach at Pura Rambut Siwi
If you wish to avoid the crowds of Ubud for a while, head to the Rambut Siwi Temple on the northwestern coast of Bali. The location ensures that not many tourists visit this place and you will probably find the temple all to yourself.
There is an interesting story that says that temple was restored to its present condition in the 16th century by a priest’s lock of hair. Today, the temple is the go-to sanctuary for anyone who seeks protection from evil.
Pura Rambut Siwi is a combination of magnificent Balinese architecture and a beautiful ocean backdrop. You can walk down to the black pebble beach here and soak in the beauty of the scenery.
Catch a magical sunset at Tanah Lot
And last but not least is to watch a magical sunset at Tanah Lot. The temple of Tanah Lot, perched on a small hill, facing the ocean is the most visited and photographed temple in Bali.
This also means that Tanah Lot is on every Bali-goer’s itinerary and you will see huge crowds here.
That said, it is impossible to refute the beauty of the place. The strong ocean breeze and crashing waves alongside a hillside temple make the atmosphere extremely romantic.
Also, its strategic location on the west coast makes it one of the most preferred locations to watch a sunset on the island. And trust me, the experience is truly magical!
Getting To Bali
- Bali is an island in Indonesia known for its exotic beaches and ancient temples
- Bali is served by the Ngurah Rai International Airport located about 13 kilometres from Denpasar
- Major airlines fly to and from the Ngurah Rai International Airport
Bali in Indonesia is well connected by air and if you are planning a holiday in Bali then you can book cheap and best flights to Bali, and you can do it right here. You can book your ticket through either TripAdvisor or Agoda or CheapAir or Cleartrip or Makemytrip or Priceline and save big on flight bookings to reach Bali,
Are you now planning a trip to Bali? Wondering where to stay in Bali?
If you are planning a trip to Bali and considering accommodation options that it has to offer, you are in the right place. Find here the best hotels in Bali or the best place to stay in Bali, on our favourite booking sites here. We have always used these sites to book our stay when we travel. Bali hotel booking can be done through TripAdvisor or Cleartrip or Agoda or Makemytrip or Priceline to avail big discounts on your stay in Bali.
| Click here to book the best hotel/resort in Bali |
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Bali is extraordinarily beautiful. It is blessed with lots and lots of beautiful beaches and natural wonders. It is culturally vibrant and is home to thousands of attractive temples, many dance forms, music, and art.
Best Bali Tours
You can plan and book online Bali sightseeing tours that are available for the most recommended Bali tours. You can now book tours in Bali as well as activities in Bali, right here!
| Click here to know more and book Best Attractions and Activities in Bali |
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No doubt, Bali is a destination for every traveller. We had an amazing time in Bali soaking in all the beauty and the warmth. The island is filled with friendly people and you are bound to get smiles wherever you go. Our trip here was a deep dive into Balinese culture, history, and art and a true experience of Bali itself. Hope you liked our travel blog post – Bali Cultural Tour which covers some of the unusual things to do in Bali.
You might be interested in reading our other posts on Indonesia:
10 Awesome Bali Beach Activities for Summer Holiday
The 4 Best Beaches of Bali, Indonesia
5 Reasons Why Indonesia is a Dream Come True
6 Tips for Planning a Honeymoon in South-East Asia
Top 3 Water Sports and 5 Best Places for Water Sports Activities
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I’ve been to Bali few years ago. But i missed the terraced rice fields. Yeah, enjoyed my sunset view at Tanah Lot!
Rice field looks such refreshing place to visit and enjoy with mother nature.. Thanks for sharing such detailed post!! Loving this!!
Bali looks like such a paradise! I haven’t visited it yet I often daydream of living there (especially when Canadian cold becomes too much to bear ;)) Hope to vacation there soon at least.
Wow you have covered almost everything. It’s such a helpful post especially who’s planning to visit Bali. We LL plan this trip when our baby will turn 2.
Bali is one place that has been in my bucket list forever. Thanks for sharing this post. Now I know exactly what to do in Bali.
I have heard great things about Bali and it is on my travel wishlist too. Thanks for sharing your experience in detail. Super helpful for other travellers or anyone planning their trip to Bali.
Bali is my dream destination and I always wanted to visit it. Probably my first on the bucket list. The details shared here, only emphasises my attraction to this place. What an awesome mix of culture, nature, art, and affection.
My my, I’m somewhere between envying you and wanting to get my travelling shoes on! This goes to my wishlist, Bali is a beautiful place
Wow! I thoroughly enjoyed this mini trip to Bali through your post. Certainly an amazing place to be. Loved how you have covered almost every detail about this beautiful dream destination.
I never knew there’s so much to see in Bali! Wow! I have a special place for all temples in my heart but even other than that the dance, the lush green fields and the monkeys… I would love to visit!
My brother recently went to Bali and shared some ahh…mazing pictures and it has been in my bucket list and your post came right at time. I so look forward to plan a vacation there soon
This is one of my favorite vacation destinations. Your post is so elaborate giving insights to all. 5 star content like always..
Utpal khot
What wonderful photographs and article. You have me wishing I could pack up my bags and go away on holiday right away 🙂
Wow… I have never been to bali .. Will bookmark this page for my future reference .
This is a nice guide for a person who is visiting Bali. I would surely keep this in mind for my Bali trip
Thanks for the comprehensive guide to Bali. I have been meaning to plan a trip there and this post is definitely going to be a great itenary for me.
Bali is one of the best places for Indian tourists because there are lots of Hindu religious temples. I have read your article and I’m impressed with your article and you give full information for Bali. I also written an article about the famous temples of bali.