What to do in Bali: Beaches, Temples and Spiritual Experiences
Follow One Planet Journey’s Claudia Pino on a spiritual journey across Bali, going beyond the famous beaches, and partaking in ancient rituals. Exploring Bali’s stunning sea temples like Tanah Lot and Uluwatu, and experiencing cultural traditions in Ubud, sets the stage for an inner journey of wellness, self-discovery and reflection.
I stood in line, barefoot, clad in a sarong, a traditional piece of cloth wrapped around my body. I looked at my friend; she seemed relatively calm and focused on the entire experience.
There were about fifteen people before me and hundreds around us, talking and watching the scene as if it were a show. Yet their voices blended with the sound of the water cascading from the fountains. I fixed my eyes on the first of the three pools as I realised my turn had come.
I proceeded with a mix of anticipation and curiosity. The cold touch of the sacred water sent shivers down my spine, but nevertheless, I moved forward on the slippery bottom. Everyone in the pool followed almost the same choreography. As I walked, tentatively at first, I picked up the rhythm pretty fast and danced along with them.
The purification ritual is one of the many Balinese traditions accessible to locals and visitors alike.
BALI’S TIMELESS ALLURE
Over the years, Bali has attracted sunseekers, adventurous surfers and cultural enthusiasts, all captivated by the island’s charisma. The island’s fascinating appeal lies in its ability to be both a natural paradise and a spiritual sanctuary.
Its popularity skyrocketed following the release of the book and movie Eat, Pray, Love. Social media solidified its status as a preferred travel destination. Yet, under the surface of luxurious beach clubs and lush landscapes, Bali is a treasure trove for those seeking something more profound, such as wellness, healing, peace, and a sense of direction.
With over 20,000 temples scattered across the island, spirituality is at the core of Balinese society. Bali offers excellent opportunities to indulge in meditative and healing practices while connecting to local cultures through temple visits and rituals.
This is also likely why Bali has, over time, become a haven for those seeking deeper and more spiritual experiences.
BEYOND BEACHES: AN EXPLORATION OF BALI’S SPIRITUALITY
Bali, known as the Island of Gods, is Indonesia’s most captivating destination – and for good reason.
As soon as I arrived, the warm tropical air embraced me, welcoming me into the island’s unique atmosphere. As the driver took me to my first stop, I quickly realised Bali does more than catch the eye.
From the beginning, you immediately notice how the rich tapestry of rituals and traditions permeates everyday life.
Every day, locals place little woven baskets in front of streets, shops, temples (and sometimes even taxis). As I later learned, these offerings go by the name canang sari and form a fundamental part of local traditions. They are more than simple decorations. In fact, they symbolise a deep commitment to maintaining a cosmic balance while honouring the divine.
MORE BALINESE TRADITIONS
The island’s breathtaking and serene scenery offers a breeding ground for personal discovery and introspection to those willing to accept the invitation. However, the best part of Bali is the warmth of its people. They are often eager to share their stories and traditions, inviting you to experience their world and learn about their rich culture.
That is how I learned about Nyepi Day, the National Day of Silence. During this time, all activities stop, allowing the island to focus on stillness and reflection. With use of technology discouraged, and as the streets empty, an unparalleled atmosphere of peace takes hold, inviting everyone to look inward.
There are countless temples in Bali, from public ones to those reserved for families. They allow people to engage in their sacred practices as a reminder that spirituality goes deeper than observation. Instead, it’s a lived experience on a daily basis.
Whether walking down the street or observing the rituals, you cannot help but feel a sense of connection to Bali’s spiritual roots and something greater than yourself.
One of the most popular rituals in Bali is the melukat, a water purification ceremony used for healing and cleansing. In Bali’s Hinduism, the element of water is a powerful symbol, as proven by its traditional name, “Agama Tirtha,” which means “religion of holy water (Tirtha).”
During my trip to Bali, I learned how these practices remind you to slow down, be present, and find peace in the rhythm of daily life.
FROM CANGGU TO TANAH LOT
As many travellers do, I began my exploration in Canggu, a beach town on the southern coast of Bali. It is often referred to as one of the most chaotic destinations on the island. However, Canggu, with its hippie bohemian vibes, attracts not only seasonal travellers but also digital nomads who decide to settle there.
Canggu’s unique setting, dotted with many yoga studios, meditation and wellness centres, encourages people to reconnect their body, mind and spirit.
Its special ambience makes it a haven for leisure and personal discovery and a favoured starting point for exploring Bali’s spiritual side.
After a few days of enjoying Canggu’s laid-back atmosphere, I finally made my way to Tanah Lot. Not only is this temple one of Bali’s most iconic landmarks, but it is also a place I had longed to visit even before setting foot on the island.
The drive was part of the experience, too. As we moved towards the temple, I absorbed the change of scenery as the hustle and bustle of the town gave way to a more verdant landscape.
TANAH LOT: BALI’S SPIRITUAL GATEWAY AT THE EDGE OF THE SEA
Tanah Lot is a sea temple perched on a rocky islet surrounded by crashing waves. The stunning location makes visiting absolutely worth it.
Shrouded in ancient myths, the temple is said to be protected by curses and venomous sea snakes guarding it against evil energies. One legend involves a princess, who was supposed to marry a prince, but he suddenly broke off the engagement. Therefore, the princess cursed the place. It is said that if you visit the temple as an unmarried couple, your relationship will not last.
As I approached, I took in the astounding and evocative scenery. Visiting at low tide allowed me to get up close, and I imagined how beautiful it must be at high tide, seemingly hanging between sky and sea.
With the inner part of the temple restricted to devotees, non-Hindus are free to visit the surroundings.
However, it is possible to climb a small staircase on the side. To access it, I participated in a Balinese water purification ceremony. The short ritual involved a monk singing prayers while sacred water splashed over my skin. Another monk instructed me to finish the rite with seawater from a nearby fountain until they let me go with a blessing.
This event, albeit brief and simple, marked my first genuine encounter with Balinese spirituality, deepening my connection to the island and its soul.
EXPLORING ULUWATU: MONKEYS, LEGENDS, AND NATURE
My friend and I spent a few days in Uluwatu, on Bali’s southernmost tip, mainly to visit its famous temple.
Pura Luhur Uluwatu, perched on the top of a spectacular cliff, is another sea temple that enchants visitors with its breathtaking vistas and rich cultural legacy.
Entering the temple, my thoughts immediately went to its dwellers. Knowing that monkeys roamed freely, my pulse raced with anticipation. People highly value their presence, as they consider them sacred protectors of the holy place. While they may appear lovely from a distance, do not let their appearance fool you. They can steal from visitors (especially sunglasses and hats) if bothered.
The marvellous location radiated a mesmerising energy. The stones told a silent story dating back a century. As we explored the temple grounds, we remained in absolute awe.
As the sun set, the sky transformed into a colourful palette of warm oranges, golden yellows, and delicate pinks, creating an almost otherworldly ambience.
THE TRADITIONAL KECAK DANCE
Right after our visit, the Kecak dance came next. It’s a traditional Balinese show that attracts tourists from all over the world. Referred to as the “monkey chant”, it tells the Ramayana, a Hindu epic story. The men performing it, without musical instruments, made the sound cak. The dancing and the chanting create an intense atmosphere, encouraging visitors to connect with Bali’s ancient spiritual roots.
UBUD: THE SPIRITUAL SOUL OF BALI
The atmosphere in Ubud is quite distinctive. If Uluwatu impressed with its stunning cliffs and temple, Ubud struck straight into the heart.
Despite the large number of tourists and the usual traffic, the city exudes a sense of calm that suggests its connection with more metaphysical experiences. In particular, Ubud’s appeal stems from its magnificent landscapes and its blend of art, culture, and spirituality.
Renowned as Bali’s spiritual soul, it definitely lives up to its reputation. Like Canggu, the city thrives with wellness and meditation centres, attracting individuals seeking introspection and healing. In addition, the surrounding area—filled with waterfalls, rice terraces, and nearby forests—offers spectacular vistas and peaceful retreats for reflection.
However, my most significant experience in Ubud occurred when visiting the Tirta Empul, a temple known for its holy spring water and traditional melukat.
Near the entrance, the distinctive aroma of incense filled the air, signalling our entry into sacred ground. Once inside, we received a traditional sarong, mandatory attire for paying respect in the temples. After taking in the architectural beauty and atmosphere, with statues and ancient stone carvings, we headed towards the ritual site.
THE TIRTA EMPUL’S PURIFICATION RITUAL
To partake, there are specific guidelines to adhere to: making an offering, meditating before the start of the ritual, and wearing a different sarong to enter the pool (possible to rent along with a locker at a desk nearby the pools).
The ceremony consists of walking through the three pools containing 13, 2 and 6 fountains respectively. They all represent various aspects of spiritual cleansing, with the final pool dedicated to healing. They warned us to avoid fountains 1, 11 and 12, all reserved for death rites.
Despite the number of people around us performing the ritual, I moved in my own bubble, almost unbothered.
As I emerged from the waters of Tirta Empul, I felt lighter and more connected to the island and myself. The process ended with a moment of gratitude before I changed clothes again. When I decided to visit Bali, this was the kind of experience I had been looking forward to.
Ubud had already captured my heart with its tranquil beauty and creative spirit. Still, the experience at Tirta Empul genuinely moved me. It reminded me that beyond Bali’s stunning landscapes, a sacred essence reaches out to visitors, encouraging them to pause, contemplate, and reconnect with themselves.
VISITING BALI IS CALL FOR INNER EXPLORATION
After leaving Bali, I could not help but think about how the island gave me more than memories of spectacular scenery and sunsets. The island’s true allure goes beyond beaches and nightlife; it is rooted in its spiritual core, from Tanah Lot’s legends to the Tirta Empul’s holy waters.
In the Island of Gods, spirituality pervades all aspects of life. Bali itself encourages everyone to slow down and be present. It invites us to quietly observe and take in the deep-rooted traditions, from morning prayers to sacred rites.
Every moment in Bali reaffirmed within me that travelling is more than new locations; it’s also about discovering new aspects of oneself. It became an opportunity to step back from the chaos of daily life and engage in soul-nourishing practices.
For anyone considering a visit, I encourage you to go deep into Bali’s soul. Immersing yourself in a place’s culture and traditions transforms travel into a meaningful and transformative journey.
Bali’s greatest gifts are not its luxurious beach clubs and vibrant nightlife, but the ability to connect with the environment around you and, thus, with yourself.
PRACTICAL TIPS for Bali
Best Time to Visit: The dry season (April to October) offers prime conditions, even if occasional rain storms can occur. Be mindful of major religious festivals, like Galungan or Nyepi.
How to get around Bali: In Bali, either rent your own means of transportation or use apps such as Grab or Gojek to book a ride (popular and work like Uber).
Tanah Lot: The entry fee is IDR 75,000 for adults and IDR 35,000 for children.
Uluwatu: You may visit the temple throughout the day, but the Kecak dance only takes place during two evening slots after sunset. The entrance fee is IDR 50,000 for adults and IDR 20,000 for children. Purchase tickets to attend the dance online or on site for IDR 150,000 per person.
Tirta Empul: Fees are IDR 50,000 for adults and IDR 25,000 for children. They provide a free sarong for visiting the temple at the entrance. However, if you want to take part in the ritual, budget IDR 10,000 to rent the additional sarong (if you don’t have your own).
Respecting Traditions: Remember to dress appropriately in the temples.
Have you been to Bali? Did you experience its temples and spiritual side? Let us know in the comment section! Subscribe to our newsletter and benefit from travel guides, sustainable tourism and luxury travel tips, insightful interviews, and inspirational places to visit. One Planet Journey – The World’s First Deep Travel Magazine.
