6 Amazing Ways to Soak in the Rich Culture of Bali

Art, music, spirituality and festivals – Bali, the “Island of the Gods” is a treasure trove of unmatched cultural experiences. The warm and welcoming people here are plus, making it a much-loved destination among #CultureChasers.

Are you one of them? Then here goes our list of the 6 amazing things you can do in Bali, to soak in its rich culture.

Enjoy the Traditional Balinese Dance Performances

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Storytelling through drama and dance has always been one of the highlights of Balinese culture, and therefore when you visit this beautiful island, make sure you witness the traditional Balinese dancing.

There are three type of dance forms in Bali i.e. Bebali dances, Wali dances and Balih-balihan dances. Out of the many sub-genres under these, make sure you witness the Barong Dance, Legong Dance and Kecak Dance. Venues like Uluwatu Temple, Uluwatu Temple and Ubud Palace are some of the prominent places where you can catch hold of the magic.

Participate in the Messy Mud Games

When in Bali, make it a point to participate in the famous mud games. A cultural tradition that comes with a lot of fun, Mepantigan is a form of Balinese martial arts where you can get a chance to get up-close and personal with the locals.

Put on the traditional “Katos Barong Mask” before you step in to the muddy field and show your skills with games like muddy tug-of-war, muddy pillow fights, muddy horse racing and muddy massage. Drag your buddies too into the mud and take this cultural experience in Bali to the next level.

The mud games here are followed by a traditional fire dance, music, drama and Balinese martial arts demonstrations.

Treat Your Palate with Authentic Balinese Delicacies

balinese-delicacies

Yes! Dig into the scrumptious Balinese food to know more about the culture here. Chinese and Indian dishes have a big influence here. Rice is a staple food item in Bali accompanied with vegetables, seafood and meat. Some highly recommended dishes include Guling, Pisang Goreng, Sate (Or Satay), Lawar, Sambal Matah, Nasi Campur and Pork Ribs.

Soak in the Colourful Vibes of Nyepi Festival

Balinese residents certainly know how to celebrate life! If looking forward to soak in the culture of Bali, then you must attend the vibrant Nyepi Festival here. Usually celebrated in the month of March, these celebrations go on for a week. The festival is also known as the Day of Silence or the Balinese New Year and is one of Bali’s most coveted festivals. Get allured by the colourful Ogoh-Ogoh dolls during the parade, interact with the locals about the customs, click insta-worthy pictures and binge on lip-smacking treats.

Note: The entire Island shuts down on the day of Nyepi including transport.

Get Mesmerised by the Stunning Architecture of Tanah Lot Temple

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Temples hold utmost importance in Balinese culture and therefore, if you really want have an authentic experience of the island, then do visit the magnificent temples here.

Visit the majestic temple of Tanah Lot, overlooking the beautiful ocean. This ancient Hindu pilgrimage temple is built on a rock and is famous for its offshore setting and ancient architecture. When visiting the temple, do not miss the sunset backdrops and panoramic views to make the most of your visit.

Lose Yourself in the Beauty of Ubud Palace

One of the iconic landmarks in Bali, Ubud Palace will charm you with its architecture and intricate designs. Add a royal touch to your vacation and soak in the culture-soaked ambience here. Even though Ubud Palace is located very close to a busy intersection, the serenity and calmness will engulf you here. The popular Ubud Monkey Forest is also a few minutes from here. The former residence of the royals of Ubud, it also regularly hosts cultural performances to make sure you take home some good memories.

Read More: Top Free Things to Do in Bali

Eager to tick off these delightful experiences?

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