1.34 million international tourists visited Bali in March of 2024 alone. This Indonesian island is marked by emerald-green jungles, sky-high volcanoes, and stone temples—but these physical attractions are just the tip of the iceberg.
The Balinese way of life is multifaceted and undoubtedly compelling. From the spiritual philosophy of Tri Hita Karana to the herbal wellness customs of Jamu, the culture of modern-day Bali is heavily influenced by centuries-old traditions and ancient practices.
Jump To:
- Jamu: The Ancient Indonesian Wellness Rituals
- Ancient Temples & Spirituality
- Beaches & Outdoor Activities
- Wellness Resorts & Luxury Villas
- Rice Terraces
- Ubud Monkey Forest
- The Bali Art Festival & Cultural Connections
Keep reading to learn about seven things that Bali, Indonesia, is most known for.
See Related: 4 Wellness Shots To Boost Your Health (Lemon Ginger Turmeric Wellness Shots)
#1. Jamu: The Ancient Indonesian Wellness Rituals
You've likely heard awe-inspiring tales of the mystical forests and pristine beaches in Bali, but that's not all this vacation hotspot is famous for.
Indonesia is the birthplace of Jamu, an ancient wellness tradition that encourages healthy living through herbal traditions, self-care rituals, and community engagement.
For over 2,000 years, the people of Bali and all across the archipelago of Indonesia have turned to Jamu to nurture the mind, body, and spirit. Herbal-infused cuisine and Jamu tonics are a cornerstone of these healing rituals, often made using various roots, herbs, and spices to create flavorful, nutritious supplements.
Jamu recipes can vary from region to region, as the women who create these healing tonics use what local botanicals are readily available. In Bali, Jamu is made with more fruits and leaves, while in Java, it is root- and spice-heavy.
Passed down for generations, these traditional recipes embody a sense of "togetherness."
However, Jamu isn't just a stomach-soothing beverage - this term defines a way of life built on accessible wellness, self-care, and community engagement. Jamu believes that the path to happiness starts with feeling good, inside and out.
Jamu is the inspiration for JUARA, a wellness and skincare brand focused on empowering women to feel and look their best through natural beauty remedies.
At JUARA, the philosophy and principles of Jamu are infused in every product we craft, from luxurious body oils to purifying enzyme scrubs. Our skincare ingredients have been used in Jamu for centuries as natural beauty treatments.
Our co-founder, Metta Murdaya, penned the book Jamu Lifestyle: The Indonesian Herbal Wellness Tradition illustrating the everyday applications, deep cultural roots, and empowering stories of Jamu. Additionally, Jamu has been recently officially recognized by the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Convention Committee.
#2. Ancient Temples & Spirituality
Spirituality defines much of the daily life in Bali. Of Indonesia's 17,000 islands, Bali is known as the Island of the Gods. Balinese Hinduism and the Tri Hita Karana philosophy are deeply enshrined in the culture, standards, and customs here.
Balinese culture prioritizes balance and harmony within oneself, with nature, with others, and with God. This is reflected in the numerous festivals, rituals, and ceremonies that are regularly held.
Ancient temples can be found strewn across the island, from coastlines to highlands. From towering structures to humble shrines, the many places of worship in Bali serve as intriguing cultural attractions and physical representations of Balinese beliefs.
One of Bali's most iconic spiritual temples is the Tanah Lot Temple, a gorgeous cliff-perched structure surrounded by ocean waves.
This scenic location is frequented by locals and tourists alike, especially at sunset. Tanah Lot, which means Land in The Sea, pays homage to the guardians of the ocean and is said to have been created by Dang Hyang Nirartha, a 16th-century Balinese religious figure.
Like Tanah Lot, the Uluwatu Temple is positioned on a coastal cliff edge overlooking the sea. This picturesque place of worship is home to long-tailed macaques and internationally acclaimed surf spots. At sunset, Kecak fire dances are performed at a nearby open-air amphitheater.
Another well-known temple in Bali is the Besakih Temple, known as the "mother temple" of Bali. This impressive complex consists of 18 separate sanctuaries that each belong to a distinct caste group.
The central complex is comprised of three main structures that are each dedicated to a Hindu trinity - Shiva, Brahma, and Vishnu. Countless religious ceremonies are held at the Besakih Temple each year, and it was nominated as a World Heritage Site in 1995.
Bonus: Tri Hita Karana: The Balinese Philosophy of Life
#3. Beaches & Outdoor Activities
The turquoise waters and crystalline beaches in Bali are more than enough to draw thousands of visitors each year. But there's more to do than simply gaze at these picturesque shores.
Whether you want to spend your time leisurely lounging or actively adventuring, the Bali ocean coasts offer plenty to do.
Bali is famous for countless world-class surf spots, including Uluwatu, which has six different reef breaks.
Since the 1930s, the Balinese surfing scene has driven a substantial part of the Indonesian tourism industry. The World Surf Championships are hosted at Padang Padang in Uluwatu each year, and they draw highly skilled and widely recognized surfers from around the world.
If you're interested in what lies beneath Bali's sparkling shores, take a trip to Menjangan Island for amazing snorkeling and scuba diving. The many tropical fish species peacefully existing beneath the waves add to the allure of these mystic oceans.
There are also plenty of calm beaches, like Sanur Beach. These shores have waves gentle enough for swimming. Sanur Beach is home to vibrant street markets selling locally crafted goods, jukung fishing boats lining the shore, and limp waves that support various water sports.
Do you prefer to stay dry? Feel free to sunbathe across the island of Bali, whether you lie on black volcanic beaches or glass-like, white-sand shores.
Once the sun starts to set, you can view breathtaking sunsets that light up the sky on Kuta Beach or Lovina Beach.
There are also numerous beach clubs, villas, and restaurants spread across the coastlines that offer an enticing way to enjoy Bali's beaches. From Angel's Billabong natural infinity pool to mysterious black sand beaches, Bali's waters remain a cornerstone of the island's intrigue.
#4. Wellness Resorts & Luxury Villas
Bali's healing nature and spirituality entice visitors who seek an enlightening experience. Recently, accommodations have increased for digital nomads, wellness wanderers, and international holidaymakers, from world-class five-star hotels to luxury private villas. There are an estimated 18,000 private villas located across Bali.
Bali is frequented by individuals seeking spiritual healing and mental relaxation. Many wellness retreats are hosted on this enchanting island. The best way to enhance your self-care journey, whether it be sitting on the sun-soaked shores of Bali or comfortably nestled in your bedroom, is with a transformative skincare ritual.
To enjoy the essence of Bali wherever and whenever indulge in our two-piece Bali Escape Set. This skincare set features our anti-aging Coconut Illipe Hand and Nail Balm and mood-boosting Candlenut Perfume Oil. These on-the-go travel products are infused with our signature scent, transporting you to the serene shores of Bali in an instant.
#5. Rice Terraces
Bali's hills are layered with natural rice paddies. These beautiful rice fields have been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site and attract thousands of tourists each year.
There are a few well-known locations that are worth visiting if you ever make the lengthy flight to Bali. The Tegallalang rice fields are located in Ubud's verdant valley and are situated north of the main city center. The Jalan Raya Tegallalang road leading to the rice paddies is lined with roadside stalls and art shops selling handcrafted goods and other items.
Once you arrive at the rice fields, you'll be greeted by a sun-soaked view of emerald-green valleys littered with local farmers at work. Feel free to snap a couple of photos for an Instagram-worthy travel picture!
One of Bali's most famous rice fields is the Jatiluwih rice terraces. This sea of green stretches for miles and offers a tranquil escape from crowded beach resorts.
These rice fields are maintained via a traditional water management system known as subak, a natural irrigation system dating back to the 9th century. This watering system is fed by the hundreds of rivers and streams located around Bali.
There are countless rice fields across the island, including the Sidemen rice terraces along the Klungkung and Besakih Temple route and the mountainous Rendang rice fields.
#6. Ubud Monkey Forest
Ubud is regarded as the arts and cultural center of Bali. This gem is tucked away between the rice fields of Gianyar. In addition to countless museums and galleries, Ubud is also home to the famous Udub Monkey Forest.
This tranquil sanctuary contains hundreds of gray Balinese long-tailed monkeys. Visitors can curiously gaze upon hundreds of macaques swinging through the canopies, lazily feeding on bananas, and thriving in their natural habitat. This sacred monkey forest sanctuary is a popular tourist destination in Bali.
#7. The Bali Art Festival & Cultural Connections
Galleries, markets, and festivals showcasing the artistic creations of Bali can be found all across the island. Painting, sculpture, music, and dance are all integral components of Balinese art and culture.
Between the months of June and July, you can observe the annual Bali Art Festival, a celebration of Bali's traditional culture and lifestyle.
Also known as Pesta Kesenian Bali, this event demonstrates the creativity and passion of Balinese people through art. It encourages people to explore and discover the artistic contributions of the community.
The Bali Art Festival of 2024 recently wrapped up on July 13 and adopted the theme of "Jana Kerthi Pramaguna Wikrama," which means "Uplifting Human Dignity and Excellence."
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Is Bali So Famous?
There are a multitude of reasons why tourists flock to this picturesque island each year. From prime scuba diving to ancient wellness traditions to white sand beaches, there is plenty to do and see.
Whether you stay at a luxurious private villa or a budget hotel, a trip to beautiful Bali is well worth it.
Why Do Tourists Love Bali?
Though miles of sunny, spectacular beaches are enough to firmly establish Bali as a vacation hotspot, that's not all this island has to offer. It also has a myriad of tourist attractions, including delicious restaurants, world-class surfing, wellness massages, and friendly locals.
What's not to love?
Is $100 a Day Enough for Bali?
Your budget for your upcoming trip to Bali will depend largely on your lifestyle and itinerary. In most cases, $100 a day is enough for Bali, Indonesia.
However, if you plan on living lavishly, you might need to set aside a bit more cash.
Which Is the Best Month to Visit Bali?
The best time to visit Bali is in the dry season, which is between April and October. This yields the best weather conditions for travelers, though many days still end up being humid and hot.
The mid-season months can also be considered ideal traveling times, as many shops, restaurants, and hotels offer off-season discounts and sales.
Keep Reading: Top 5 Wellness Tips For A Healthier Lifestyle
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Juara Skincare incorporates ancient rituals with Western skincare science, creating the ultimate beauty experience. We aim to transport you from the mundane to the extraordinary with our exotic ingredients, intoxicating scents, and powerful, skin-improving formulas. All of our products are nutrient-rich and botanically based. We are proud to be certified cruelty-free. Get the latest skin care tips and info on Juara products by following us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Pinterest.
