Backpackers seeking a therapeutic retreat have always found solace on the Island of the Gods, a tropical paradise famed for its traditional Balinese healers, cleansing rituals, and spiritual awakening. Peppered by yoga studios and wellness-centric cafes overlooking lush rice paddies or scenic beaches, Bali became my tonic for distress. My morning strolls were filled with the soothing aroma of incense sticks and heaps of canang sari (daily offerings to Hindu deities) on doorsteps and small shrines. I witnessed a mystical performance called Kecak Dance amid a dramatic sunset from a clifftop amphitheater. Being spontaneously invited by locals to their sacred festival on a nearby island and learning to cook Balinese dishes from scratch were also core memories for me.
Bali is indeed a rendezvous of culture and nature, leaving its visitors in awe. To have a blissful holiday experience, browse through these activities for a healing journey in Bali, Indonesia.
1. Be spellbound by the Kecak Dance
Imagine a group of bare-chested locals in checkered sarongs forming circles and chanting in an energetic, trance-like chorus. At the centerpiece is fire blazing, and a tale of love and bravery is told. Witnessing the Kecak Dance near Uluwatu Temple felt like peeking at a secret ritual of natives with the ethereal sunset providing a theatrical backdrop. Although I was part of a mammoth crowd, the experience was still electrifying and out-of-this-world.
This cultural masterpiece was believed to be derived from a Balinese exorcism ceremony known as Sanghyang, which is performed to drive away evil spirits. The timeless story of Ramayana, a beloved Hindu epic poem, was integrated into the fiery dance. It’s a must-see spectacle in Bali, so come to the show early to catch the best seats in the amphitheater.
Uluwatu Kecak Dance
Website: Uluwatu Kecak Dance
2. Hop on your mat at The Yoga Barn
Yoga is an age-old practice that can help bring balance to our mind and body. Stepping into my mat has always provided me with more mental clarity and made me feel good about my own body. When in Bali, there’s nothing like sharing your flow and beautiful energy with fellow yogis at The Yoga Barn, a famous wellness and yoga center in downtown Ubud.
My favorite class was a combination of yin yoga and sound healing because it allowed me to destress and relax. This tropical oasis also offers other classes such as salsa dance, vinyasa, and aerial yoga.
The Yoga Barn
Address: F7M8+PVG, Jl. Sukma Kesuma, Peliatan, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia
Website: The Yoga Barn
Opening hours: 7am - 9pm (daily)
3. Let your taste buds feast on healthy dishes
Bali is a haven for health-conscious foodies. There are plenty of food options that are not just nutritious but also easy on the wallet. I never expected that I could indulge in a vegan and gluten-free buffet for only 50,000 IDR (3.17 USD). Many hostels and guesthouses also offer free breakfasts with fresh fruits, which are abundant on the island.
After practicing yoga or working out at the gym, I would treat myself to veggie- and protein-rich meals and smoothie bowls that were almost too gorgeous to eat. One of my favorite dishes was a salad bowl that contained three amazing hummus flavors (beetroot, pumpkin, and edamame). It also had avocado and other healthy ingredients.
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4. Learn to make canang sari
While I was walking down the streets of Bali, it was impossible not to notice these little trays crafted from coconut leaves and filled with colorful blooms. Canang sari, the locals’ daily offerings to the Hindu gods, can be seen everywhere—on footpaths, in temples, or even outside the shops. Our lesson in making them started with crafting the palm-sized basket by folding and stitching the leaves together using thin bamboo sticks. Then, we topped it with vibrant flower petals. The whole process was a beautiful and reflective routine of showing gratitude.
Aside from offering flowers and incense, the Balinese people also include an assortment of other gifts such as rice and cigarettes.
Bali Tour Guide
Toni Kenpachi
Hello my name is Toni and I live in Jakarta- Indonesia, I've been working as a Tour Guide since 2008, I have licensed from Jakarta City Government Tourism Office, I choose to be a Tourist guide due to my background education because I graduated from Tourism Academy, I'll be glad to assist your trip in Indonesia especially in Jakarta and surrounding areas also if you would like to do overland t... Read more
Tours by Toni
Bali Tour Guide
Dori Januhari
I am a legal and licensed tourist guide from Indonesia. I have been guiding for 20 years. I live in Jakarta, Indonesia, but I have traveled to many places in the country. My guiding areas are Java, Bali, and Lombok Island. I obtained my license from the Indonesia Tourism Ministry. On days when there is no tour, I work as an English and German private teacher, teaching mathematics and science ph... Read more
Tours by Dori
5. Experience a purification ritual at Pura Tirta Empul
One of the unforgettable moments of my recent trip to the Island of the Gods was an immersion in a Balinese purification ritual called melukat at Pura Tirta Empul. The temple’s holy springs are believed to have curative elements, drawing devotees and visitors who need physical and spiritual cleansing as well as self-healing.
Our local guide ran us through the process of the sacred ceremony before we bathed in the purification pools. The ritual involved placing our offerings on the altar and sprinkling them with holy water, meditating, and saying our prayers. We patiently lined up and submerged our heads under each water fountain, just skipping two spouts that were there for cleansing the dead. This rejuvenating experience was said to purge the soul from negativity and purify oneself for fresh starts.
Pura Tirta Empul
Address: Tampaksiring, Gianyar Regency, Bali 80552, Indonesia
Opening hours: 8am - 6pm (daily)
6. Go temple-hopping
A local guide told me that in Bali, there are more temples than houses. It isn’t hard to believe as the island has more than 10,000 temples, and traditional Balinese family compounds even have household temples and small shrines. Some of the iconic centuries-old temples that I visited are Pura Taman Ayun, Pura Lempuyang Luhur, and Pura Tanah Lot. These sacred sites left me fascinated by their historic and religious significance as well as architectural grandeur.
I also loved spending a slow afternoon in a serene Hindu temple called Pura Kehen. It is said to be a smaller version of Pura Besakih, the island’s most revered temple.
When visiting these holy places, people are expected to dress modestly or use a sarong to cover their legs. You may also encounter signs outside Balinese temples saying that women on their period are not permitted to enter.
7. Connect with travelers around the world
The island is a melting pot of different cultures and a popular holiday destination, so making new friends on the road is a cakewalk. Staying in hostels and joining group tours will allow you to meet people and build connections, especially if you’re a solo traveler. As an introvert, I used to be anxious about socializing with strangers but traveling has taught me to be comfortable with both solitude and chance encounters.
In Bali, I randomly met fellow backpackers in the local guesthouse’s common area. Sometimes, our personalities would click and we would decide to plan activities together or share a lovely meal. That’s the magic of travel friendships—they’re fleeting yet meaningful, and your shared experiences will always bind you in a special way.
8. Join a tea- and coffee-tasting tour
This activity is not to be missed by coffee and tea lovers. It usually starts with a short tour of the plantation with the guide explaining the traditional process of making Balinese coffee. Kopi luwak, also called civet coffee, is the most famous one but has ethical implications too.
The best part was sampling the different flavors of coffee and tea, as well as Bali cocoa. A variety of hot blends were served in shots, and we could take our time to savor each glass. My top picks for coffee are ginseng and avocado, as both are rich with health benefits. I also love the tangy and refreshing taste of mangosteen tea. After the tasting, you can drop by the specialty shop to buy your personal favorites.
9. Indulge in authentic Indonesian cuisine
Indonesian cuisine is a feast for the taste buds. As much as possible, I prefer to eat in warungs (small family-run Indonesian eateries) for a more authentic dining experience. As an indecisive food enthusiast, my go-to dish was nasi campur, which was like a mini-buffet of meats and various side dishes served with rice. This flavorful medley of bites could be unpredictable but often included small portions of curries, fried food, and an assortment of peanuts, eggs, and veggies.
Gado-gado, a steamed vegetable salad served with spicy peanut dressing, also reminded me of a Filipino-style stew called kare-kare because of its savory peanut sauce. And of course, a typical Indonesian meal won’t be complete without sambal (spicy relish).
10. Savor a festive dinner for a cause
My recent visit to Bali was during the Christmas season, so I wanted to make it memorable. Although Hinduism is the predominant religion here, having a holly jolly celebration is not far-fetched. If you happen to be on this island during the festive season, you can experience a delightful gastronomic feast with holiday-themed buffet brunches and sumptuous beachfront dinners.
My friend and I chose to reserve a Christmas Eve dinner in Iwa Restaurant at Hotel Tugu Bali. The charity dinner was for the benefit of Bali Street Mums, a foundation aiding poverty-stricken children and women in Denpasar, Bali. The stars of the night were the lovely kids from the orphanage who showcased their talent by serenading us with Christmas carols.
Iwa Restaurant at Hotel Tugu Bali
Address: Jl. Pantai Batu Bolong, Canggu, Kec. Kuta Utara, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia
Website: Iwa Restaurant at Hotel Tugu Bali
Opening hours: 7am - 10:30pm (daily)
11. Get into the party scene
In the mood to explore Bali’s vibrant nightlife scene? Bust out some dance moves in beach clubs and lively nightclubs! My hostel in Canggu hosted a bar crawl, which put the whole crew on the guestlist of an underground nightclub called Vault. Motel Mexicola in Seminyak is also a fantastic place to do the New Year’s Eve countdown with hours of unlimited booze and tacos.
If you prefer a laid-back evening with live bands, you can grab a glass of cold beer at Laughing Buddha Bar or L.O.L Bar & Restaurant in Ubud. Meanwhile, CP Lounge Ubud is a great spot to drink and dance to Latin music. There are pool tables too if you’re feeling extra competitive.
12. Sign up for an immersive cooking class
Unravel the secrets of the island’s culinary culture by joining the hands-on Canting Bali Cooking Class. In a traditional Balinese-style kitchen overlooking the rice paddies, a local guide taught our group how to whip up authentic dishes and sauces from scratch. Some of the dishes on the menu are sate lilit (minced fish skewer), tempe lalah manis (spiced and sweet fried tempe), and lawar Bali (mixed vegetables with Balinese spices). The sweetness of dadar gulung (rolled cake with coconut and palm sugar) balanced out the spicy flavor of the other fares.
The traditional method of preparing Balinese cuisine resembled that of a divine ritual—slow and intricate. Although there were just three students in our class, we cooked up a feast and savored our homemade dishes for lunch.
13. Hit the malls and bazaars for retail therapy
After a few days of temple-hopping and doing yoga in the countryside, you may want to treat yourself to some urban comforts at Beachwalk Shopping Center in Kuta. It comprises a variety of international fashion brands, lifestyle shops, and dining options.
Buying local brands is also a great way to support small business owners in Bali, so you can visit Atlas Beach Fest in Canggu for its weekend market filled with food, crafts, and clothing. When I went to its one-stop bazaar, I even saw interesting stalls offering karaoke and tarot card reading.
14. Take a weekend side trip to Gili Trawangan
Gili Trawangan, one of the three main Gili Islands, is easily accessible from Bali via a fast boat in Padangbai Harbor. This laidback slice of heaven off the northwest coast of Lombok is well-loved for its splendid marine life, dreamy sunsets, and fun nightlife scene. From live bands playing Oasis songs and reggae music in bars to acoustic nights on the beach, Gili T offers awesome entertainment for everyone.
The absence of cars and motorbikes on this island also means that there are no motorized traffic jams to endure. People here travel by walking and riding a bicycle or horse-drawn carriage. Whenever I wanted to unwind, I could simply lounge on the white-sand beach with a smoothie or bottle of Bintang while admiring its turquoise water.
15. Explore the nearby Nusa islands
The unfavorable weather conditions in Nusa Penida, a small island off the coast of mainland Bali, made me consider cutting my stay short. However, I ended up exploring this gem along with its two neighboring islands, which were not part of my travel plans.
Nusa Penida has its share of stunning beaches that attract tourists, including the picturesque Kelingking Beach and its distinctive dinosaur-shaped cliffs. Diamond Beach and Broken Beach are also a feast for the eyes. But the real beauty of this island lies in its rustic charm – the town’s night market selling tasty local delicacies, live bands rocking the night away on the street, and carefree motorbike rides through the countryside.
For those extending their trip to Nusa Lembongan, Devil’s Tears is a hauntingly beautiful natural marvel with ferocious waves crashing against the rocky coves.
16. Discover the underwater world of neighboring islands
If you’re planning to hop on a ferry to explore Bali’s neighboring islands, don’t miss out on joining adventure-packed snorkeling or diving excursions. The Gili Islands’ enchanting aquatic garden is teeming with diverse marine life and coral reefs. Aside from swimming with schools of fish and sea turtles, exploring the otherworldly underwater statues off the coast of Gili Meno was also a surreal experience for me.
I also went snorkeling in Nusa Penida to see the giant manta rays. Due to unpleasant weather, our boat was not allowed to go further but our group could still discover the underwater treasures of Crystal Bay and Gamat Bay.
17. Witness the beauty of Galungan Festival
Galungan is an important religious festival where the Balinese Hindus celebrate the triumph of virtue over evil (dharma over adharma). From a distance, my companion and I observed the locals rehearsing their music and choreography in a small temple in Nusa Penida. They invited us to come inside for a cup of tea and a front-row view of their preparations. One of the staff also told us to come back and witness the actual ceremony.
On the day of the rituals and festivities, the temple was filled with devotees clad in their traditional white attires, bringing offerings such as baskets of fruits. It was indeed a joyous celebration with elaborate costumes, melodic sounds, and cultural dance performances.
18. Boost your creativity with a calming view
Though I prefer working in isolation to avoid any distractions, the WFH setup made me feel a bit suffocated and lonely. I wanted a change of environment to boost my creative juices and productivity, so I tried to recalibrate my goals and ideas in Bali for a couple of days.
I stayed in guesthouses with relaxing amenities such as a nice little terrace overlooking the rice fields, a refreshing pool, or a lovely garden. These nooks became my cozy hideaway where I could write, read, and be alone with my thoughts.
Thinking of working remotely from Bali? As someone who loves libraries and coffee shops, I recommend taking your laptop to cafes or co-working spaces on the island if you like to do your online tasks in public. Bali is a playground for digital nomads, so it won’t be hard to find a workspace that caters to your needs, especially in places such as Canggu or Ubud.
19. Ride a swing amid the rice paddies
One of the unmissable postcard-worthy attractions in Bali is the Tegalalang Rice Terrace situated north of Ubud. Many tourists include this UNESCO World Heritage Site on their bucket list to have a photo op while riding the famous swing amid palm trees and rice paddies. This thrilling experience is definitely not for the faint of heart, but the jaw-dropping view of the green landscape made it worth it for me. Adrenaline junkies can also try the sky bike adventure or zipline.
I highly recommend going for a stroll around the rice terrace and soaking up the calming atmosphere while sipping fresh coconut juice in one of the cafes.
20. Do some cardio at Campuhan Ridge Walk
If you enjoy nature strolls, take your hiking shoes (or even flip-flops) to Campuhan Ridge Walk and marvel at the surrounding grassland and rolling hills. I got my dose of vitamin D by trekking the wonderful paved path amid lush greeneries. The temperature can be very hot and humid, so try to schedule your walk at sunrise or before sunset. Aside from bringing a water bottle, don’t forget to pack your sun protection as it can be hard to find shade in the area.
Nestled in the heart of Ubud, this attraction is only a 10-minute walk from Ubud Palace and 850 meters (2788.71 feet) away from Ubud Art Market.
Campuhan Ridge Walk
Address: Kelusa, Payangan, Jl. Raya Campuhan, Sayan, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia
Opening hours: Open 24 hours
21. Stroll around Tirta Gangga water palace
Tirta Gangga is a 1.2-hectare (2.97-acre) former royal palace built by the last raja of Karangasem in 1948. This charming water garden in eastern Bali exudes a fairytale-like allure, featuring tiered fountains, ponds with an abundance of koi fish and lotus flowers, and mythical statues. It’s a dreamy oasis where I walked on stepping stones around a pond and fed the carp. I also recommend elevating your experience by enjoying a dip in the stone spring water pool.
The eruption of Mount Agung in 1963 had left it in ruins but its restoration, which started in 1979, eventually brought it back to its beautiful state.
Tirta Gangga
Address: HHQQ+836, Jalan Raya Abang Desa Adat Jl. Raya Tirta Gangga, Ababi, Kec. Abang, Kabupaten Karangasem, Bali 80852, Indonesia
Opening hours: 6am - 7pm (daily)
22. Visit Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary
Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary is a 12.5-hectare (30.89-acre) nature reserve and temple complex that draws visitors of all ages. You’ll be up close and personal with 1260 long-tailed macaque monkeys in this family-friendly attraction. These adorable and playful primates are regarded as sacred creatures by the locals.
Remember not to bring your valuables as well as food and drinks to the forest. I personally saw a monkey grab someone’s passport in the sanctuary. Feeding or touching the monkeys and looking them straight in the eyes are also prohibited.
Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary
Address: Jalan Monkey Forest, Padangtegal Ubud, 80571, Bali
Website: Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary
Opening hours: 9am - 6pm (daily)
Price: weekdays: 5.15 USD for adults, 3.86 USD for children; weekends: 6.44 USD for adults, 5.15 USD for children
23. Hunt for artsy souvenirs
Take Bali to your own home by purchasing keepsakes that will make you remember this enchanting island and small gifts for your loved ones. Ubud Art Market is a bustling hub where local craftsmen sell handmade products and Balinese souvenirs. From the eye-catching Barong masks to wooden Buddha carvings, this marketplace is a treasure trove of artistry and handicrafts. Bring your haggling skills and score good bargains on colorful sarongs, Bohemian-style decor, and famous rattan woven bags.
Aside from the vibrant market, other artisanal shops in the area are also worth checking out. One of my most prized finds here in Bali is an intricately made painting that shows the natives’ rich culture and tradition.
Ubud Art Market
Address: Jl. Raya Ubud No.35, Ubud, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia
Opening hours: 10am - 5pm (daily)
Fall in love with the Island of the Gods
Whether you’re looking for a healing nature retreat or a cultural extravaganza, Bali is a perennial favorite holiday destination. For ideal weather, I recommend visiting the Island of the Gods during its dry season between April and October. However, festivities in December and January are not to be missed either. Check out some of the amazing activities I have listed above for a memorable stay in Bali.
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