Bali is not just a tropical getaway, it is a living, breathing cultural experience. While the beaches, sunsets, and surf draw millions of visitors each year, what makes the island truly unique is its deep-rooted culture. From temple ceremonies to intricate dances, traditional crafts to sacred offerings, Balinese culture is woven into everyday life.
This is the guide to some of the most popular and meaningful cultural activities to explore while in Bali.
VISIT A BALINESE TEMPLE (PURA)
Temples are at the centre of Balinese life, and visiting one is a must for anyone wanting to understand the island’s spiritual heartbeat.
Uluwatu Temple (Pura Luhur Uluwatu) – Set atop a dramatic cliff on the Bukit Peninsula, this sea temple is famous for its sunset views and nightly kecak dance.
Tanah Lot – An iconic temple perched on a west-coast rocky outcrop, best visited at low tide and around sunset.
Besakih Temple – Known as Bali’s “Mother Temple,” located on the slopes of Mount Agung, it is the most important and grandest temple complex in Bali.
Tirta Empul – Near Ubud, this water temple is famous for its holy springs where locals and visitors take part in ritual purification.
Lempuyang Temple – Perched high on Mount Lempuyang, is one of Bali’s most sacred sites. Known for its “Gates of Heaven”, it offers breathtaking views of Mount Agung and serene surroundings.
WATCH A TRADITIONAL DANCE PERFORMANCE
Balinese dance is more than entertainment, it is a sacred art form that tells stories from Hindu lore, often performed in temples during ceremonies or public shows.
Kecak Dance – Known for its hypnotic chant and fire dance finale, this performance at Uluwatu is dramatic and unforgettable.
Barong Dance – A classic good versus evil tale featuring the mythical Barong creature, often shown in Batubulan near Ubud.
Legong Dance – Delicate and precise, the Legong dance showcases the skill and grace of young female dancers in ornate costume.
You can catch performances at temples, cultural centres, and evening shows in Ubud near the Royal Palace or at many hotel venues.
PARTICIPATE IN A COOKING CLASS
One of the best ways to connect with Balinese culture is through its food. A cooking class offers hands-on insight into local ingredients, cooking methods, and flavours.
Most classes begin with a visit to a traditional market, followed by instruction on preparing dishes like:
· Nasi goreng (fried rice)
· Pepes ikan (spiced fish in banana leaf)
· Satay lilit (minced meat skewers)
· Lawar (vegetable and coconut mix)
Classes are available all over Bali, however Ubud, Canggu, and Sidemen are known for their more traditional and garden-set classes. Definitely look for a class that is willing to provide take-home recipes with ingredients and measurements listed clearly. If wanting to buy a mortar and pestle (known as cobek and ulekan) look for one made from volcanic stone rather than cement – they will last longer.
MAKE AN OFFERING
Daily offerings are a key part of Balinese life. You will see these small, woven baskets of flowers, rice, and incense everywhere—from temples and shrines to sidewalks and storefronts. They are known as canang sari.
Several cultural centres and homestays offer workshops where you can learn how to make your own canang sari and understand their symbolic meanings. It is a quiet, meditative experience that offers insight into the island’s sense of gratitude and spiritual balance.
WATCH A TRADITIONAL CEREMONY OR FESTIVAL
With over 20,000 temples and a rich religious calendar, Bali always has a ceremony happening somewhere.
Galungan and Kuningan – Celebrating the victory of good over evil, these festivals involve elaborate offerings and towering bamboo poles (penjor) lining the streets.
Nyepi (Day of Silence) – The Balinese New Year is a day of total stillness—no flights, no traffic, no lights. The night before, colourful ogoh-ogoh (demon effigies) are paraded through villages and many main streets in southern Bali will give you a good chance to see them being carried.
Melasti Ceremony – Usually held before Nyepi, villagers carry sacred objects to the sea for purification. The Petitenget Temple and beach in front is a good area to observe this.
It is worth asking your accommodation staff, driver or local guides if any ceremonies are taking place nearby. Visitors are often welcome, just remember to dress appropriately and stay out of the way.
VISIT A TRADITIONAL BALINESE HOME COMPOUND
A Balinese home is more than just a place to live, it is a mini temple complex, designed with spiritual balance in mind.
Several families, especially around Ubud and Sidemen, open their homes to visitors, offering guided tours that explain the roles of different buildings: the family temple, the kitchen, the bale (open-air pavilions), and the shrine to ancestors. Ask at the Tourist centre in Ubud or it is also a common inclusion in the many cycling and walking tours on offer.
These experiences offer a deeper understanding of family, spirituality, and daily life in Bali beyond the tourist trail.
LEARN A BALINESE CRAFT
Bali is home to an array of traditional crafts, many of which are passed down through generations.
Wood Carving – The village of Mas near Ubud is famous for its intricate wooden sculptures and mask carving.
Batik and Ikat Textiles – Learn the dyeing and weaving techniques behind Bali’s colourful fabrics.
Silver Jewellery – Celuk village offers workshops where you can make your own ring or pendant under the guidance of a master silversmith.
Bamboo Weaving – Often used for architecture and daily tools, this craft showcases Bali’s sustainable traditions.
Most workshops include a history of the craft, live demonstrations, and a chance to create your own piece to take home. If doing a day tour with a private driver, just mention the craft you are interested in and they will often be able to take you to an appropriate village where it is possible to see the craft demonstrated.
ATTEND A BALINESE HEALING OR BLESSING CEREMONY
Traditional Balinese healers, known as balian, play a role in physical, emotional, and spiritual healing.
While not every visitor may feel drawn to a healing session, some resorts and spiritual centres offer gentle introductions, such as:
Melukat (Water Blessing) – A sacred cleansing ritual performed at holy springs or temples.
Tirta Empul Experience – Visitors are welcome to participate in the purification process alongside locals.
Chakra Balancing and Energy Healing – Often combined with yoga or meditation retreats.
Always go through a reputable organiser and be respectful of the process – it is a personal and spiritual practice.
EXPLORE TRADITIONAL MARKETS
Markets in Bali are bustling, colourful windows into everyday life. While tourist markets are great for souvenirs, traditional markets show you the raw, unfiltered side of Balinese trade.
Ubud Market – A mix of local goods and tourist items, best visited early in the morning before it turns into a souvenir hub.
Singaraja Morning Market – A northern Bali staple, rich with fresh produce, spices, and textiles.
Sukawati Art Market – Known for paintings, crafts, and performance masks at reasonable prices.
Sanur Night Market – Is a lively spot for authentic Balinese street food. Open nightly, it offers satay, nasi campur, fresh seafood and sweet treats in a casual, no-fuss setting.
A couple of other traditional markets (pasar traditional) worth a look if you are in the area include Seminyak and Sidemen. Just aim to wander through early, at least before 7am, for the best experience. Most major towns will have a similar kind of market. They are ideal for sampling local snacks, chatting with vendors, and discovering handmade crafts.
STAY IN A TRADITIONAL VILLAGE OR ECO LODGE
If you want to immerse yourself in Balinese culture, stay outside the main tourist hubs for a few nights.
Sidemen – A peaceful valley known for weaving, farming, and views of Mount Agung.
Munduk – A misty mountain area perfect for nature lovers, waterfalls, and traditional guesthouses.
Tenganan – One of Bali’s oldest villages, known for its preserved customs and double-ikat weaving.
Many eco-lodges and homestays in these areas offer guided village walks, cooking classes, and ceremonies as part of the stay.
EXPERIENCE A GAMELAN PERFORMANCE OR WORKSHOP
The hypnotic sound of gamelan, Bali’s traditional orchestra of metallophones, drums, and flutes, can be heard at most temple ceremonies and dances. Some cultural centres offer hands-on workshops, letting visitors try playing the instruments and understand their role in Balinese performance and ritual.
Gamelan is not background music, it is a complex, layered art form and a central part of Bali’s spiritual life.
Pro Tips for Experiencing Balinese Culture:
Dress modestly – When visiting temples or ceremonies, cover shoulders and knees. A sarong and sash are typically required.
Ask permission – Always check before taking photos during a ceremony or inside someone’s home.
Respect offerings – Do not step over or disturb canang sari placed on the ground.
Go local – Choose local guides, family-run guesthouses, and village-based experiences to support authentic cultural exchange.
Bali’s culture is not locked away in museums or hidden behind closed doors, it is lived out in the open, in daily rituals, family compounds, and community temples. Whether you are joining a ceremony, learning a new craft, or simply observing daily offerings, these cultural experiences connect you with the deeper spirit of the island. Slow down, be present, and let Bali’s traditions reveal themselves to you – one offering, one story, one moment at a time. Wander Beyond Ordinary!