Destination Guide
5 Cultural Experiences in Bali
Bali, Indonesia
Bali is not just about its lush rice terraces, towering waterfalls and tropical beaches—it’s also rich in culture and history.
From the famous temples to their traditional dances, there are many things that you should try when visiting Bali. Here are some of them:
1. Take a Balinese Cooking Class
Most Balinese cooking classes start by taking guests to a traditional market where you learn about Balinese spices, herbs, and traditional foods. Then you will be taken to a rice field where you learn the rice harvesting process.
The best cooking classes are held at a traditional Balinese compound where you learn more about how the locals live. You will learn to make delicious Balinese dishes and also how they create Balinese traditional medicine from herbs and spices.
A Balinese cooking class with Ubad Ubud is the best one to book.
Photo by: alikainwanderlust
2. Participate in the Holy Purification Ritual
Hinduism is the most dominant religion in Bali and the holy purification ritual has an important significance in Balinese Hindu culture.
Water temples are where the locals come to purify themselves by means of ritual bathing. The water in the holy springs is believed to have magical powers and any who bathe in it will be purified.
The holy springs have several water spouts. At the holy springs, everyone lines up and waits their turn. At the water spout, a prayer is made, the face is washed three times and the head is submerged in the holy spring water three times also. The ritual starts on the first water spout on the left side. This process is continued under each water spout.
There are many water temples in Bali but Tirta Empul Temple in Ubud is the most popular and busiest one among tourists.
Tourists are welcome to participate in the water cleansing ritual. Modest clothing is required to enter the temple (knees and shoulder should be covered). If you do not have suitable clothes, you can rent sarongs for a small donation.
Traditional green robes can be hired for the ritual. There are changing rooms and lockers where it’s safe to leave your belongings.
Participating in the holy purification ritual is the most cultural experience you can have in Bali!
Photo by: alikainwanderlust
3. Watch the Kecak Dance Performance
Traditional dancing is not only an expression of art but it’s a Hindu act to connect with gods.
Kecak Dance Performance is set in the most incredible location, on top of a cliff with a view of the ocean. The sun sets right behind the performance creating an epic backdrop!
The dance performance is held every day around sunset between 6 - 7 pm at Uluwatu Temple. It’s best to book tickets in advance, especially in the busier months!
What can you expect from the Kecak Dance Performance? A musical drama, a famous Balinese story, traditional dance, fire, beautiful costumes and lots of chanting!
Photo by: alikainwanderlust
4. Visit Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park
The Garuda Wisnu Kencana statue is 122 meters tall and is the third largest statue in the world. The statue is of the Hindu god Wisnu sitting on the Garuda a mythical bird creature.
At GWK Park you will learn about Balinese heritage, arts and legendary tales. Apart from the GWK statue, there are other statues, restaurants, gift shops, and art exhibitions.
Photo by: alikainwanderlust
5. Find Candi Gunung Kawi - Bali's hidden gem
Located deep in the forest is a collection of ancient shrines surrounded by water fountains.
Aside from Candi Gunung Kawi being an important sacred place for the locals, it’s one of the most unique archaeological sites. There are ten 7-meter funeral shrines carved into the cliff face and It’s one of the oldest ancient landmarks in Bali!
These funeral monuments are thought to be dedicated to King Anak Wings of the Udayana dynasty and his favourite queens.
Modest clothing is required to enter the sacred grounds. Sarongs are available for rental at the ticket purchase booth before descending down the stairs through the river valley.
Photo by: alikainwanderlust
The above 5 are not the only cultural experiences you can have in Bali but they are definitely the ones you should experience on your trip.
You’ll not only get to learn more about the local customs and traditions but also get a better understanding of what makes this island so special.