Bali is so much more than merely beaches, bars, and bustling, busy streets. It has a tone to offer to families seeking out this island’s hidden treasures. Witness the majesty of sunrise over a sacred mountain, see one of the world’s largest copper statues, watch a traditional Balinese dance or wander through a local village! Take a look at our list of Top 10 culture rich activities to involve the whole family on your next trip to the Island of the Gods.
Visit the Ubud Royal Palace for your brush with Bali royalty! Located right in the center of town, entrance to many parts of the palace is free. It's advisable to hire a guide to fully understand the historical significance of this famous landmark built in the 1800s. The palace is the official residence of the Ubud Royal Family and is open daily from 8am but be sure to check out the cultural dance performances nightly at the palace from 7.30pm.
Ubud Palace, Jl. Raya Ubud No.8, Ubud, Gianyar Regency, Bali, www.ubudpalace.com
World famous Tegalalang takes terracing to new heights! A must see when in Bali, this spectacular valley of rice paddies and fantastic photo op is just a 20-minute drive North from Ubud. Not simply for happy snappers, a visit to Tegalalang features an incredible swing out over the valley, ample spots to stop for a bite to eat and hiking tracks into the valley. Beat the bus crowds and visit before 10am or late avo for that sensational sunset shot!
Tegalalang Terraces, Jl. Raya Tegallalang, Tegallalang, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali, diparda.gianyarkab.go.id
From frangipani adorned offerings to traffic-stopping ceremonies, visitors can't help but be immersed in Bali's fascinating culture from the moment they step off the plane. To truly experience the magic of Hinduism a visit to Pura Tanah Lot at sunset is a must for every tourist! One of the most photographed and magical temples on the island, ancient Tanah Lot is located atop a rocky outcrop on the South Western coast of Bali and provides an incredible silhouette come sunset. Be sure to bring the camera!
Tanah Lot Temple, Desa Beraban, Kecamatan Kediri, Beraban, Tabanan, Bali, +62 361 880 361, www.tanahlot.id
Get a glimpse of the wonders of the Indonesian Archipelago as this 90-minute stage show takes you on a tour of some of this country's most famous islands through the eyes of two young narrators. The Devdan Show show features fantastic costumes, floor acrobatics, aerial silk dancers, detailed props and pyrotechnics! Everything you want in a live performance, including a culture lesson to boot!
Devdan Theatre, Komplek ITDC Nusa Dua Kuta Selatan Benoa, Bali, +62 361 770197, www.devdanshow.com
One of the best ways to witness Balinese culture is to visit a traditional village where the locals get on with the business of living. Penglipuran Village is as pretty as a picture and located a cool 700m above sea level in the Bangli Regency! Despite embracing the creature comforts of the modern world, residents have retained the traditional structure and layout of the local village and are happy to welcome you into their compound. A nominal entry fee applies Little Tip: visit during Galungan to see the beautiful penjors!
Penglipuran Village, Kubu, Kec. Bangli, Bangli Regency, East Bali +62 822 6600 7575 www.desapenglipuran.com
28 years in the making and marking Bali's Bukit with the tallest statue in Southeast Asia, the Garuda Wisnu Kencana structure is certainly a man-made wonder! Crafted from copper and standing an impressive 121 meters tall and 64 meters wide it's hard not to miss from most of Bali's Southern coastline. Well worth a visit to learn about the story of its construction, the GWK statue is one of Bali's newest and most iconic landmarks!
GWK Park, Jl. Raya Uluwatu, Ungasan, Kuta Selatan, Bali, +62 3617 00808 www.gwkbali.com
Recreate your favorite Bali flavors even after you get home with an island cooking class! Whether it's Beef Rendang, Betutu or the famous Nasi Goreng you're craving, these cooking classes with Chef Mudana guarantee you'll get your hands dirty dicing, slicing and chopping up spices. The best part about it is you get to feast on the flavors once you're done! Yummy!
Cooking Class Sanur, Jln Betngandang 1, Number 25, Sanur, Bali, +62 896 59033433, www.cookingclasssanur.com
Eager art lovers in the family? Neka Art Museum was opened in 1982, and it’s named after the Balinese teacher, Suteja Neka, who collected paintings as a means of artistic documentation. Nowadays, the museum carries a great selection of works from various Balinese talents as well as expat artists who lived in Bali and influenced their local peers. A fascinating and educational array of artworks and building design, Neka Art Museum is open Monday - Sunday from 9am - 5pm.
Neka Art Museum, Jl. Raya Campuhan, Kedewatan Village, Ubud, Gianyar, Bali, Indonesia, +62 361 975 074, www.museumneka.com
Hear, see, smell and taste the island culture with a visit to a local market. They're much more exciting than sterile shopping malls with the benefit of being able to bargain too! Terrific places for procuring local arts, souvenirs, tasty treats and presents for home, get the kids involved in the bartering process and make shopping fun for the whole family! Try Sukawati Market for art and great gifts to take back home.
Sukawati Art Markets, Jalan Sukawati, Sukawati, Gianyar Regency, Bali. Open 9am - 6pm daily.
Take the trail less traveled and get on a bike with Bali Eco Cycling tours. Step away from the hustle and bustle of the tourist areas and learn about Bali culture as you cycle through the rice paddies! Ideal for all ages (they have even hosted four generations!) this downhill tour takes you onto to the back roads, through the villages and away from the traffic. Full day or half day tours available.
Bali Eco Cycling: Jln. Raya Pengosekan, Peliatan Ubud Bali +62 361 97 5557 www.baliecocycling.com
* Ulun Danu Beratan - Desa Candikuning, Kec. Baturiti, Kab. Tabanan Bali +62 368 203 3050
* Banjar Hot Springs - Jalan Banjar, Banjar, Buleleng Regency, Bali +62 362 92901
* Mount Batur - Jl. Raya Penelokan, Kintamani, Batur, Bangli, Kintamani, Bali, Indonesia????
* Saraswati Temple, Jl. Raya Ubud, Ubud, Bali, Indonesia????
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