Do not miss our top 5 authentic Balinese adventures on your next visit to the Island of Gods!
1. Melukat or Purification Ceremony
One of the oldest Balinese Hindu rituals is Melukat or Purification Ceremony. This spiritual cleansing practice normally takes place at a sacred site where there is natural spring water either from the mountains or ground. Place your head under the moving stream of water and say your prayers to cleanse away all bad karma and misfortunes. This practice is believed to be most powerful during new and full moon. Tampak Siring and Tirta Gangga are two of the most famous sites for Melukat. But there are plenty of other Melukat places around Bali which can give you the same blessing without the queuing.
2. Barong Dance Experience
Traditional Balinese dances are aplenty. But one you must not miss is Barong Dance. This authentic and colorful dance narrates the story of man against monster, good triumphant over evil. Barong is a mythical creature of half-lion-half-dragon and usually danced by two people. The subtleties and the dramatics of this expressive dance is impressive. Barong dance is offered extensively around Bali, just ask our concierge where best to catch it.
3. Traditional Village Visit
Beyond Bali’s unrivalled natural beauty, the ancient Balinese way-of-life in their natural habitat is an inviting point-of-interest for those culturally-inclined. Thank goodness there are still many functioning traditional villages all around Bali. One of the more popular villages is Penglipuran, where traditional Balinese houses are preserved as they were and the residing villagers still go about their day like it was in the early 1900s. The best part is that you are welcomed to visit each house in this village and be up close and personal with the locals. How do you like that?
4. Eat Babi Guling and Shop Till You Drop at Traditional Markets
When in Bali, you must try Babi Guling or Suckling Pig! Revellers near and far have travelled to Bali just so that they can visit the famous warungs with reputation of serving the best suckling pig on the island. Marinated in a concoction of traditional spices and spit-roasted the old fashioned way, you are not alone if you are visiting your favourite warung 3 or 4 times during your stay. After a sumptuous meal, what better way to digest all that food by going shopping at traditional markets. There are plenty of such markets all around Bali. It’s a matter of how much self-control you have cause you always end up with buying more than what you planned for in the first place!
5. Nyepi Day Celebration
The most unique Balinese experience is Nyepi. Nyepi or Silent Day welcomes Balinese New Year by practicing the act of total silence where the island shuts down, airport closes, streets are off limits and residence must stay indoors with all electricity turned off and noises kept to an absolute minimum. The 24-hour curfew begins at 6am on Nyepi Day and ends at the same time the next day. The evening before Nyepi will see every Balinese resident taken to the streets for the parade of Ogoh Ogoh, where giant floats of Gods-and-Monsters are carried on the back of young men and paraded on the streets. The floats are then marched to the beach and later burned as a symbol of good triumphant over evil. Absolutely epic!
Finding Accommodation in Bali
Are you ready to experience one of these authentic Balinese adventures? Let us help you find the perfect holiday accommodation on the Island of Gods. From private luxury villas to independent boutique hotels, we have you covered on Nakula.com!
