Culture and spirituality is one of Bali’s strengths. Bali’s magic isn’t just in its sunsets: it thrives in ancient temples, daily rituals, and moments of quiet reflection. For mindful explorers, cultural connoisseurs, and conscious travelers, immersing yourself in Balinese traditions uncovers the island’s real soul. From sacred water blessings to hidden temple villages and serene yoga retreats, this mixed-format guide lets you dive straight into sections that match your journey, complete with thoughtful tips so you can travel respectfully and meaningfully.
Mindfulness & Spiritual Practices
Traditional Arts, Crafts & Dance
Village Life & Temple Ceremonies
© Giri Wijayanto, licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International license
Temples & Spiritual Landmarks
Perfect for cultural explorers and spiritual seekers. These sacred sites offer breathtaking architecture, rituals, and a window into Bali’s timeless traditions.
- Pura Besakih (“Mother Temple”)
Bali’s largest temple complex, nestled high on Mount Agung. Visitors can catch ongoing prayer ceremonies amidst elaborate stone courtyards.
Location: Besakih, East Bali
Admission Fee: 60k IDR
Time: 8 AM – 6 PM
Insider tip: Hire a local guide, knowing the do’s and don’ts (like how to walk during ceremonies) makes a huge difference. - Lempuyang Temple (“Gates of Heaven”)
Famous for the majestic gate framing Mount Agung—a peaceful, photogenic experience at sunrise.
Location: Lempuyang, East Bali
Admission Fee: 30k IDR
Time: 7 AM – 5 PM
Insider tip: Arrive by 8 AM to beat the clouds and the crowds. - Tirta Empul (Holy Water Temple)
Purification pools where locals and visitors alike immerse themselves in sacred springs.
Location: Tampaksiring, Central Bali
Admission Fee: 50k IDR (+sarong)
Time: 8 AM – 5 PM
Insider tip: Watch a full ritual before joining in. Silence and respect go a long way. - Goa Gajah (Elephant Cave)
A cave shrine carved into etched stone, surrounded by flowing fountains and jungle.
Location: Bedulu, near Ubud
Admission Fee: 15k IDR
Time: 8 AM – 6 PM
Insider tip: Visit right at opening. Soft morning light makes photography much better. - Pura Uluwatu
A dramatic cliff-top temple with mossy stone steps and ocean views.
Location: Uluwatu, Bukit Peninsula
Admission Fee: 50k IDR (+dance: 100k IDR)
Time: 9 AM – 7 PM
Insider tip: Stay after sunset and catch the legendary Kecak fire dance and enjoy temple lights on the cliffs.
Mindfulness & Spiritual Practices
For wellness seekers and spiritual travelers keen to connect inward. Discover yoga sanctuaries, healing retreats, and soul-nourishing rituals.
- The Yoga Barn (Ubud)
A globally known space offering daily yoga, meditation, and healing workshops.
Location: Jl. Sukma Kesuma, Ubud
Admission Fee: Drop-in classes ~165k IDR
Insider tip: Sign up for Friday Restorative Yoga. It’s soothing and less crowded. - Bali Silent Retreat
Experience days of silence, guided meditation, balanced meals, and Yoga in a forested haven.
Location: Jl. Banjar Mongan, Penatahan
Admission Fee: Packages from ~$250/night
Insider tip: Arrive a day early to ease into sacred silence. Your mind will thank you. - Melukat Purification Ceremony
Join a local priest for water-purifying ritual dipped in holy springs.
Location: villages near Tampaksiring (multiple locations, please ask at your hotel or locals in shops or restaurants)
Admission Fee: Negotiate for ~300k-500k IDR
Insider tip: Choose off-peak times and bring your own sarong for comfort. - Tjampuhan Healing Center
Offers massage, herbal baths, sound therapy in a tranquil river valley.
Location: Ubud (multiple locations)
Admission Fee: 200k-400k IDR/session
Insider tip: Try the evening sound bowl session – it calms sleep and body. - Prana Spa by LTS (Seminyak)
Yoga, Balinese spa, herbal cafés and rooftop sessions roll into one peaceful space.
Location: Jl. Kunti I No.118X, Seminyak
Admission Fee: 300k-4700k IDR (plus government tax and service charge)
Insider tip: Ask for the ayurvedic treatment packages they offer
🧵 Traditional Arts, Dance & Crafts
Ideal for cultural explorers and families—immerse in Balinese creativity through workshops and traditional performances.
- Legong Dance Performance
Graceful dancers in ornate costumes tell ancient stories through movement and gamelan.
Location: Ubud Palace, Ubud
Admission Fee: 150k IDR
Time: 7 PM shows
Insider tip: Skip the front row. Kids in colorful seats add magic to the evening. - Oka Kartini Shadow Puppet Performance
Intricate leather puppets cast dramatic shadows against bamboo screens.
Location: Gg. Beji No.35, Ubud
Admission Fee: ~100k IDR
Insider tip: Visit before the show to meet the dalang (puppeteer), they love sharing folklore. - Batik or Silver Jewelry Workshop
Learn batik dyeing or handcrafted metalwork in a rural village studio.
Location: Celuk (jewelry) orutama, near Ubud
Admission Fee: ~150k-200k IDR
Insider tip: Smaller family-run venues offer more relaxed and personal instruction. - Balinese Cooking Class
Hands-on lessons include trips to the local market to gather spices, then cooking your own traditional meal.
Location: Ubud cooking schools
Admission Fee: ~300k-500k IDR
Insider tip: Choose lunchtime slots. The market is lively and spices are freshest. - Silver-Making in Celuk Village
Golden and silver-smiths show age-old techniques before letting you craft your own ring or pendant.
Location: Celuk, near Ubud
Admission Fee: Free to observe; workshops ~200k IDR
Insider tip: Arrive in the morning; afternoons are sizzling hot in the forges.
🧑🌾 Village Life & Temple Ceremonies
For conscious and immersive travelers. Wander in traditional villages, witness temple ceremonies, and experience Bali’s living culture.
- Penglipuran Traditional Village
Mid-century architecture and a perfectly maintained community where cars stay outside.
Location: Bali Aga Village, Bangli
Admission Fee: 30k IDR
Time: 8 AM-5 PM
Insider tip: Visit between 10 AM-12 PM to see villagers gathering at the temple entrance. - Tenganan Pegringsingan
One of Bali’s strictest archaic villages. Residents preserve ancient double-ikat weaving and strict kode santi.
Location: Karangasem Regency
Admission Fee: 20k IDR
Insider tip: Ask a local guide. There may be an unexpected festival or weaving demo. - Temple Ceremony Visit
Participate quietly and observe normal prayer rituals. No fee unless donating.
Location: Near Ubud, Tampaksiring, or villages around Bali
Insider tip: Satringi or Kuningan ceremonies are especially beautiful, but check dates in advance. - Angklung/Kecak Fire Dance
Jaw-dropping gamelan and fire chants in temple courtyards at dusk.
Location: Temples at Uluwatu, Ubud, Batubulan
Admission Fee: 100k-150k IDR
Time: 6-8 PM shows
Insider tip: Kecak dance at Batubulan feels more intimate and local than in tourist hubs. - Eco-Village Stays
Stay in bamboo eco-lodges, help plant trees, farm rice, or chat over community dinners.
Location: Near Ubud, Sidemen, or Munduk
Insider tip: Look for registers like ‘Bamboo Indah’ or ‘Udara Bali’, eco-luxury with purpose.
🧘 Spiritual Retreats & Ashrams
For solo and long-stay seekers—dedicated spaces for deep healing, detoxing, or reflection without distractions.
- Anand Ashram Ubud
Combine Ayurvedic cleansing, meditation, and yoga within a calm jungle setting.
Location: Sayan, Ubud
Admission Fee: Packages from ~$60/night
Insider tip: Ask about mid-stay treatments. They offer herbal baths and temple blessings. - Balila Beach Resort
Yoga sessions on the beach, silent walks, and open-air temples overlooking the sea.
Location: Laba Sari, Abang
Admission Fee: from ~$120/night
Insider tip: Bring your own yoga mat – they run out quickly in peak season. - Bali Silent Retreat
(listed above)
Insider tip: Early booking is essential. This retreat sells out months ahead.
Tips & Etiquette
- Dress Code for Temples: Sarong + sash for women, sarong + shirt for men. Often provided at the gate.
- Participation Etiquette: Always walk clockwise, stay respectful of priestly rituals.
- Ceremony Timings: Group prayers happen 6-8 PM, festival days vary, check with your hotel.
- Photography: Ask permission before photographing worshippers or rituals.
- Giving Back: Small donations (IDR 10-20k) at temples go toward grounds upkeep and local craftsmen.