Bali is the Indonesian island of romance, relaxation, partying, and serenity. Whether you’re here on a honeymoon or here with a group of friends, Bali boasts diverse aspects that are able to attract every type of traveller. Like most other resort destinations, people come to Bali to experience pretty much everything under the sun, from sunbathing and snorkelling to parasailing. However, in a tropical country like Indonesia, Bali isn’t all sunshine and fun all year round. For Bali, the rainy season normally occurs during the months of November to February. But what happens if you’ve already booked your tickets during this season? Don’t worry, here are a few backup plans for you:
1. Go on a museum tour (from USD 9.0)
Bali is home to a number of museums that feature interesting and historical artefacts and it would actually be a shame if you don’t visit at least one of them; there’s no better way to get to know the history and culture of the island than by visiting its museums. Most of Bali’s museums are located in Ubud, and each of them is interesting in its own way. From paintings and wood carvings to textiles and souvenirs, you’re sure to spend a good amount of time marvelling at museums such as the Agung Rai Museum of Art or the Puri Lukisan Museum.
One of the most interesting is Museum Gedong Kirtya, located in Sasana Budaya complex in Singaraja, in the north of Bali. It is a manuscript museum that features a vast collection of thousands of old Balinese manuscripts inscribed on lontar palm leaves. These lontar (palm leaf manuscripts) books range from literature, mythology, history, and even religious works. Some of these works are even thought to be some of the oldest works on the island.
Head over to this museum to know more about the older Balinese generations and about the Balinese activities, rituals, and art through these manuscripts. This museum is also the only lontar museum in the whole world.
Museum Gedong Kirtya
Address: Jalan Veteran No. 20, Singaraja, Bali
Price: 10,000 IDR (0.75 USD)
Opening Hours: Monday - Thursday: 7 am - 2.30 pm, Friday: 7 am - 12 noon
Contact: +62 (0)362 25 141
Website: Museum Gedong Kirtya
ARMA Museum Visit
Duration: 30 to 120 minutes
2. Attend a Balinese cooking class (from USD 66.0)
A great experience. The chef was pleasant and polite he did not just demonstrate but made us feel we achieved a lot with our own cooking. The recipe to take home will definitely be used. All the staff made us feel welcome we aim to repeat the experience with a different menu. Kevin
There are multiple tour packages for cooking classes all around the island, and most of these tours come with a private transfer. You can also choose between a full-day or a half-day course. Viator organises a tour that will enable you to attend a Balinese cooking class in Seminyak, one of the most popular destinations in Bali.
Conducted by an expert chef, you’ll learn to whip up a 3-course traditional Balinese meal consisting of a variety of spices and ingredients. You can opt for an early morning trip to Jimbaran fish market with the chef to shop for your ingredients as well. You can pick from a selection of 3 menus that include dishes such as dadar gulung (coconut pancake with palm sugar and coconut), sate lilit ayam (chicken satay on a lemongrass stick and served with steamed rice), gado-gado (vegetable salad with peanut dressing), and more. Vegetarian options are available.
Balinese Cooking Class in Seminyak
Departure Points: Hotel pick-up and drop-off available from Kuta, Legian, and Seminyak
Price: from 65 USD
Duration: around 3 hours required
Contact: +1(702) 648-5873
Website:
Balinese Cooking Class in Seminyak
Duration: 3 hours
3. Attend a jewellery workshop (from USD 95.0)
Take a trip around Bali and you’ll notice the multiple beautiful pieces of jewellery and silverware, whether in the temples, used during rituals, sold in stores, or worn by locals. These pieces of jewellery have been traditionally created in Bali by goldsmiths and silversmiths for centuries, and although the designs constantly evolve, these items have still managed to remain relevant, partly due to the one-of-a-kind craft techniques used in the making of this jewellery that has been passed down through generations.
You can join a workshop that will enable you to create a piece of jewellery with your own hands. These classes are conducted in Ubud and the expert and very friendly staff will guide you through the process. You can choose your choice of design from a selection of jewellery and, within three hours, you’ll have your very own jewellery piece that you can either keep as a treat for yourself or gift to someone special. The class will provide you with 5 grams (0.18 ounces) of silver, after which you can purchase more at about 1.40 USD per gram (0.04 ounces) upon request.
Present Someone you Care about with Handmade Jewelry
Address: Central Ubud, Bali
Price: from 40 USD
Duration: around 3 hours required
Contact: +65 3163 2067
Website:
Bali Silver Making Class (7 grams of Silver included)
Duration: 5 hours
4. Attend a theatre spectacle (from USD 33.0)
The play is dynamic, the music is hypnotizing, and I could say that it’s really a world-class play. The stage is beyond amazing and you won’t be able to guess what’s coming. In addition to that, the performers were so friendly when I took pictures with them! Anthony
Choose wisely and book a tour that will entitle you to 20% off Devdan show tickets. You will be able to book VIP seats that will provide you with a prime view of the stage at the Nusa Dua Theatre, known for providing the number one theatrical experience in Nusa Dua. Sit back and relax as this breathtaking performance, with close to 40 professional dancers, brings together the cultures of Sumatra, Java, Kalimantan, Bali, and Papua, all in just 90 magical minutes.
20% OFF Devdan Show Bali Tickets - Nusa Dua Theater
Price: from 32 USD
Duration: around 2 hours required
Contact: +65 3163 2067
Website:
Devdan Show at Bali Nusa Dua Theatre
Duration: 1 hour
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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
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
5. When all else fails, go shopping (from 13 USD per person (minimum group size of 5 people) not inclusive of shopping expenses)
Shopping is always a good idea, rain or shine! In Bali, expect a whole ton of antiques, fine art, handicrafts, paintings, traditional fabrics, and so much more. There are many stands and small shops located all over the island so you’ll probably bump into one shop of some sort every few steps. Also, many items sold on stalls are bargain-able! And, bargaining is possible in some stores too, especially when you’re looking to buy a large number of items. Although it highly depends on your bargaining skills, bargaining is considered a normal practice in Bali’s markets. Do note, however, that a lot of shops have fixed prices where bargaining is not acceptable. A top tip is that if something is marked with a price, pay it or leave it. If you must ask for a price and the vendor asks you what you would pay, bargaining is fair game.
Having cash is highly recommended, indeed, almost essential, in the markets. While many stores can accept cards, you might still stumble across some that can only take cash payments.
For those who are just clueless on where to shop and get the best deals in Bali, join a tour package with a local expert called Mully. In this tour, your trusted guide, who is incredibly fluent in English and has an amazing knowledge of shopping on the island, will take you to multiple shops, galleries, and retail outlets where you can buy a whole bunch of stuff at amazing prices. From antiques to clothing, and even furnishings, you’ll be spoilt for choice!
Shop till you Drop in Bali
Price: from 13 USD per person (minimum group size of 5 people) not inclusive of shopping expenses
Contact: +65 3163 2067
Website:
No sun, still fun!
From shopping to cooking classes, there are great activities that will be sure to keep you occupied during your trip and keep the rainy blues away! Not only will these activities be worth your while, you’ll also experience the best of Bali’s heritage and culture as well!
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