Bali is more than crystal beaches and soaring mountains. This island offers a glimpse into the vibrant cultural practices and ancient customs of Indonesia, beginning with sacred Hindu temples and ending with Balinese Jamu health tonics.
Our Favorite Five
- Drink Jamu Tonics
- Tegalalang Rice Terraces
- Jatiluwih Rice Terraces
- Pura Tirta Empul
- Nyang Nyang Beach
Whether you're a seasoned traveler or a wellness devotee, a retreat to Bali can give you the perfect opportunity to explore long-standing cultural treasures in a tropical setting. All you need to do is fill your time with rice paddies and ocean views, and you'll enjoy a truly fulfilling experience.
Keep reading, and we'll share the thirteen best things to do in Bali, Indonesia.
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#1. Drink Jamu Tonics
Though Bali's proximity to Mother Nature is enough to call thousands of tourists to it each year, that's not all this Indonesian gem has to offer. Indonesia is the birthplace of Jamu, an ancient wellness tradition regularly practiced by locals for over 2,000 years.
The term Jamu refers to the Indonesian herbal tonics often infused with healing ingredients like ginger or turmeric. Ginger is also often used in traditional Indonesian ginger tea, known as Wedang Jahe. These Jamu tonics, which were once solely prepared by female family members and community healers, are used to promote good health.
When you visit Bali, drink some traditional Jamu juice to renew your mind and body. And for a truly restorative and tranquil trip, spend the night at the nature-inspired hotel Homm Saranam Baturiti.
Jamu Is About The Wellness And Beauty Rituals That Renew Your Sense Of Health
Over the years, the term Jamu has evolved into much more. Now, Jamu is a lifestyle practice that focuses on holistic healing rituals and botanical-based medicine to support good health, inside and out.
Jamu tonic recipes often vary from region to region in Indonesia. For example, Bali Jamu tonics are often made with plenty of fresh fruits and leaves.
Jamu recipes are often adapted for a specific purpose - for example, kunyit asam Jamu can be used to alleviate period cramps, as it's made with anti-inflammatory turmeric and tamarind.
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Self-Care And Skincare Inspired By The Long-Time Traditions Of Jamu
Jamu is a self-healing practice that goes beyond herbal tonics. A cornerstone of the Jamu lifestyle is ritualistic self-care that treats your mind and body right.
Skincare and wellness company JUARA fully understands this core principle. As a long-time advocate for the Jamu way of life, JUARA incorporates the botanicals, herbs, and roots of traditional Jamu recipes into their skincare formulas. Whether you indulge in a skin-refining hand lotion or a purifying, natural body wash, each product is designed to support skin health and nurture your natural beauty.
At the core of JUARA's skincare line is the Candlenut Body Creme, an ultra-moisturizing lotion full of natural ingredients like candlenut oil, rice bran oil, and illipe butter.
This best-selling product is also featured in our Bali Spa-liday Gift Set, a five-piece set that contains our award-winning Candlenut Body Creme in addition to our Candlenut Bar Soap, Candlenut Body Polish, tropically-scented Hope Candle, and a 30-day self-care calendar.
So, even if you can't make the trip to Bali quite yet, this set is enough to transport your senses there. It also works as the perfect gift for the skincare fanatic or wellness advocate in your life!
#2. Tegalalang Rice Terraces
Tourists around the world flock to Bali year-round to experience cultural treasures and an immersive tropical getaway. From towering volcanic peaks to beautiful rice fields, there's no shortage of adventures to experience in Bali.
When you wander through the Tegalalang Rice Terraces, you'll be greeted with a picturesque sight that is both tranquil and lively at the same time. Nestled within the Ubud region, these rice fields are the perfect place to go for a calming stroll while gazing upon an emerald-green treasures.
These enchanting hills are covered in layers of rice paddies, which are kept hydrated via innovative irrigation systems that farmers have utilized since ancient times. You may also be able to spot the Indonesian farmers hard at work in their fields - if you want to get closer to these layered fields, be sure to check with the farmers first.
#3. Jatiluwih Rice Terraces
If the Tegalalang Rice Terraces are a little too crowded for your taste (and they might be, because these lush hills are a tourist hot-spot), you can also venture to the Jatiluwih Rice Terraces instead. These far-reaching rice fields are situated in front of some of Bali's largest volcanoes, making for a serenely scenic location.
#4. Pura Tirta Empul
Bali is well-known for its water temples. These Hindu places of worship are used by locals to spiritually purify themselves.
Pura Tirta Empul is a popular water temple that is near Tampaksiring, Bali, and is also easy to reach from Ubud. Titra Empul, which means Holy Spring in Balinese, is a Balinese Hindu temple dedicated to the Hindu god of creation, Vishnu.
The center of this temple is a petirtaan, or bathing structure, that offers a source of "holy" water for ritualistic bathing. It's a long-standing Indonesian tradition that many tourists come to observe and experience.
#5. Nyang Nyang Beach
When you think of Bali, it's normal for your mind to jump to beaches with crystal-clear waters and soft white sands. Many of Bali's beaches are surrounded by high-reaching cliffs covered in lush greenery, which only adds to the innate allure of these shores.
Nyang Nyang Beach is in Uluwatu and is one of Bali's more secluded beaches. It's a great place to go if you don't want to spend your limited time in Bali fending off other tourists. As soon as you step foot onto this stunning beach, you'll be greeted by crashing waves and serene seclusion.
#6. Sukawati Art Market
Bali is as close to Mother Nature as you can get, but that's only part of the experience this picturesque island has to offer. Indonesia as a whole is well-known for its colorful culture and rich history, which is often showcased through the arts.
The Sukawati Art Market, which is near the bustling Ubud Market, is a cheap and quiet alternative to many other chaotic marketplaces. Here, you can find countless pieces of handmade art, including Hindu wooden sculptures, marine life paintings, and colorful patterned dresses. Whether you want to hone your bargaining skills or simply window shop, this art market should be on your Bali bucket list.
#7. Ubud Monkey Forest
If you venture to Bali, you should expect to see more than just like-minded tourists looking to indulge in the vibrancy of Indonesia. When you go to the Ubud Monkey Forest, you'll see hundreds of long-tailed Balinese macaques all kicking back and relaxing in their natural environment.
Also known as the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, this protected nature reserve is home to over one thousand of these macaque monkeys, which are considered sacred creatures by the Balinese people.
As you wander through the forest, you'll be able to spot plenty of these animals swinging from trees and hopping along paths. Just be sure to hold onto your purse tight, as these mischievous monkeys have a habit of snatching up loose belongings.
If you're looking for a more well-rounded monkey-inspired experience, feel free to also explore the many temples or watch a Balinese dance show.
#8. Uluwatu Temple
Bali is home to more than 20,000 Hindu puras, or temples. Spirituality is an integral part of Balinese culture and Indonesian traditions and is a fundamental aspect of local day-to-day life.
Even if you're not particularly religious, it's worth it to take a pilgrimage to any number of Bali's ancient spiritual sites. Many are over hundreds of years old, offering a colorful glimpse into the rich history of this island.
In the southernmost part of Bali in Pecatu Village is the Uluwatu Temple, a Hindu temple that has stood strong since the year 900 AD. It's carefully perched 230 feet in the air on the edge of a precarious cliff, overlooking the waves of Uluwatu Beach.
For a truly enlightening experience, try to visit this ancient temple at sunset. If you come during the day, you can watch a daily kecak dance performance, complete with powerful chants, colorful costumes, and blazing rings of fire.
#9. Banyumala Twin Waterfalls
It would be nearly impossible to count the many waterfalls that are spread across the island of Bali. But for a majestic sight to see, it would be worthwhile to venture deep into the heart of the North Bali Highlands in order to gaze upon the Banyumala Twin Waterfalls.
This cascading duo perfectly represents the stunning nature of Bali. The waterfalls collect into a natural pool that is great for taking a refreshing dip. And you might need one after the two-hour drive from the main cities of Ubud and Seminyak to reach this secluded location.
The top of the waterfalls reach an impressive 26 meters, but the real kick comes from the lack of tourists that come to these far-off waterfalls.
#10. Beach Clubs
Bali is home to many world-class beach clubs that can help you experience the bright and bubbly side of Indonesia. All you need to do is kick back on the beach soaking in the sun and surf, enjoying a designer cocktail or culinary dish.
Especially if you're a social butterfly looking to connect with other world travelers, it's worth it to pop into one of Bali's many iconic beach clubs.
#11. Finns Beach Club
There are countless beach clubs in Bali, so let us share with you one of the best. The Finns Beach Club is located in Seminyak and is often recognized for its iconic bamboo structures. There are multiple pools to dip your toes in and it's in a prime location for a truly picturesque sunset.
#12. West Bali National Park
If you want to experience the peak of Bali's natural beauty, it's worth it to take a trip to the West Bali National Park. This park spans 73 square miles, which accounts for 3% of Bali's total land area. The West Bali National Park is home to over 160 different species of animals, including the banteng, leopard cat, and crested serpent-eagle.
#13. Bali Swing
The Bali swing is a popular tourist attraction for influencers and daredevils alike. You've likely seen one or two iconic pictures of people on these coveted swings on Instagram, and now it's time to get your own bird nest shot!
Many of the large-scale swings might be overpriced with a long line, but there are also plenty of more secluded locations that are better for a private swing experience. Even if you don't care much about getting such an Insta-worthy shot, it's fun enough just to be suspended on one of these huge swings.
Final Thoughts
If you're wondering what to do in Bali, you won't need to stay curious for long. With this bucket list in hand, once you step foot on those majestic shores, time will undoubtedly fly!
For a truly rejuvenating experience, don’t miss out on exploring the Wellness Retreat Bali for the ultimate self-care journey in paradise
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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.
