A tryst with Balinese heritage
Start with a tour of Bali’s many fascinating temples. The Tirta Empul, famous for its holy spring water, is one of the easier temples to visit that offers an unparalleled spiritual experience. While the purification ritual itself may involve steps and standing under flowing water, the surrounding complex is calm, scenic and well maintained, with plenty to explore on foot.
Ulun Danu Beratan is another beautiful temple built 400 years ago over Beratan Lake – and fittingly, dedicated to the goddess of lakes and rivers. Located in the cool Bedugul highlands, the temple is almost always enveloped in mist, giving it a mystical aura.
If you love exploring palaces, Ubud Palace offers a fine introduction to traditional Balinese architecture, with intricate stone carvings depicting flowers, animals and mythical figures on its walls and gateways. A short drive away, in Semarapura in East Bali, the Klungkung Royal Palace offers a contrasting yet equally memorable experience. It is best known for its richly decorated, gilded ceiling painted with scenes drawn from religious and epic tales.
Tip: Always wear footwear with good grip, as stone paths in temples can be slippery.
Nature without the need to hike
Yes, Tegalalang Rice Terrace is (notoriously) famous on Instagram for its huge swings, but no, you can’t skip a visit to the area. But you don’t need to actually queue up for a turn on the swing. You can enjoy the rice terraces from roadside viewpoints and cafés overlooking the fields. A cup of coffee here comes with sweeping green views, minus the waiting or walking.
If you love beaches, Bali will not disappoint. While the island’s white-sand beaches often steal the spotlight, Bali’s black-sand beaches offer a quieter, more relaxed alternative with far fewer crowds. Along the northeastern coast, beaches such as Amed, Keramas and Pemuteran are known for their shimmering black volcanic sand, formed by ancient lava flows and are believed to carry healing properties. Take a boat ride further north to Lovina Beach which offers a gentler coastal experience, with calm waters and the chance to watch dolphins glide through the sea at sunrise.
Tip: Private car hires with drivers are affordable in Bali and far more comfortable than taxis or scooters.
Culture that is readily available
One of Bali’s joys is that you don’t have to seek culture; it is all around you. The Kecak dance is a striking example of this, blending rhythmic chanting, song and expressive movement to narrate episodes from the Hindu epic Ramayana. The performance is especially captivating at Uluwatu, where it is scheduled around sunset, adding drama and atmosphere to an already powerful cultural experience.
Most hotel courtyards also often host Balinese dance performances, complete with seated viewing and commentary. Traditional Balinese dance, with its expressive hand movements and gentle rhythms, is easy to enjoy even for those unfamiliar with the stories.
Tip: Ask your hotel concierge about short cultural shows rather than full-length performances, which can be tiring.
Another great experience is learning about Keliki painting in the village of the same name, just outside Ubud. These intricate paintings depict scenes from daily Balinese life (in an earlier time, when the island was more pastoral) and of course, Hindu epics and religious texts. There are a couple of art schools in the main street of Keliki, where you can try your hand (literally) at Keliki art, and take back a frame or two as the perfect souvenir.
Food that comforts
Are you a foodie – but have heard terrible tales of Bali Belly? Fret not, for I can assure you that is a term made up by some random disgruntled tourist. Balinese food is flavourful but not overly spicy, making it perfect for everyone. Dishes like nasi campur, grilled fish and vegetable curries are widely available light on the tongue and the stomach.
If you are a vegetarian or vegan, Ubud has no shortage of cafés designed to suit a wide range of dietary preferences — from traditional Indonesian fare to familiar Western comfort dishes.
Therapy - both retail and wellness
Bali’s reputation as a wellness destination is fully deserved, making this an ideal destination for those seeking a respite for the feet and the soul. Gentle massages, reflexology and flower baths are offered in serene settings, often at very reasonable prices and with a pleasing level of customissation.
If retail therapy is on your mind, then you are in luck, since Bali is littered with curio shops offering local handicrafts, intricate wood carvings, traditional paintings, vibrant Batik fabrics and silver jewellery. Apart from Ubud’s art market, there are other shopping and art hubs across the island – for instance, in Kuta, Sukawati and Guwang.
Choosing the Right Base Matters
Where you stay in Bali can make all the difference. Areas like Ubud and Sanur are far more relaxed than the busier Kuta or Seminyak (where the partygoers congregate).
Ubud is ideal for travellers interested in culture, temples and nature, while Sanur, with its flat beachfront promenade, suits those who enjoy morning walks and sea views. Both areas have a good selection of boutique hotels and resorts with elevators, ground-floor rooms and attentive staff.
Tip: Choose hotels that offer in-house dining and spa services — this reduces the need to step out every evening.