Eight authentic experiences to soak up the best of Balinese culture

Known as the ‘Island of the Gods’, Bali is so much more than a ‘flop and drop’ beach holiday destination, it’s an island steeped in fascinating heritage and rich in culture. For travellers keen to combine a luxury stay with an experience of Bali’s spirited culture, Bali’s premier integrated resort AYANA Bali embraces a profound respect for Balinese culture and offers a raft of authentic and immersive opportunities to explore and celebrate the region’s craftsmanship, creativity and culinary delights.

Cultural Cuisine at Kampoeng Bali

Set within a traditionally styled Balinese village within the 90-hectare AYANA Estate, Kampoeng Bali offers guests a unique glimpse into Balinese life through a buffet of local cuisine crafted in traditional outdoor kitchens complemented by a sunset ceremony, Kecak dance performance and fire dancing. More than just dinner and a show, this experience showcases authentic Balinese culture, food and dance – showcasing the cultural richness of the Balinese people.

Get Hands-on with Holistic Healing

Take part in an immersive workshop that brings to life the healing powers of Indonesia’s traditional herbal drink ‘jamu’. This time-honoured traditional practice rooted in Indonesian culture, takes a holistic approach to wellness and was cherished by the royal courts of Bali and Java. During this workshop, guests will learn from experts from the Jamu & Spice which was founded by descendants of one of Indonesian jamu’s most influential figures, Nyonya Meneer.

Beginning with a visit to the on-site AYANA Farm to harvest fresh medicinal herbs, guests craft their own jamu tailored to their specific needs, as well as skincare products including massage oil, lulur and boreh which can be taken home as a unique traditional souvenir.

See the State-of-the-Art SAKA Museum

AYANA Bali’s newly opened cultural and events centre, SAKA Museum, captures the island’s beauty, heritage and spirituality in a fascinating way, earning it a coveted place on TIME magazine’s prestigious World’s Greatest Places 2024 list.

Committed to preserving and promoting Bali’s vibrant legacy, the museum’s inaugural exhibition, Walking Among Giants includes a striking collection of giant ogoh-ogoh effigies which are paraded during Bali’s New Year Day of Silence celebration, Nyepi. Crafted by Balinese communities and artists, this collaborative display vividly portrays iconic figures from Balinese folklore. AYANA Bali guests can visit the museum free of charge.

Canang Making and Temple Visit

The act of creating and presenting Canang – a daily offering Balinese Hindus make to show gratitude to their supreme God – is a staple element of Balinese life, reflecting the balance between human existence and the divine. Participants will craft Canang from woven coconut leaves and flowers filled with ingredients reflecting the devotion and artistry of Balinese culture, then have an opportunity to don traditional temple attire to present their Canang at AYANA’s authentic Hindu Temple.

Ketupat Making Workshop

A staple cuisine in Balinese households, Ketupat is a traditional Javanese rice cake wrapped inside a container of coconut leaves, resulting in a unique texture and flavour. Participants can learn to weave these rice-filled coconut leaf containers into different shapes, such as a bird, a turtle or a gong.

Traditional Costume Experience

AYANA Bali guests are welcome to experience one of the most charming aspects of Balinese culture by dressing up in traditional costumes. This complimentary activity allows guests to immerse themselves in Balinese traditional clothing culture while learning about the significance of each component of the attire.

Sense of Place Treatment at AYANA Spa

Rest, rebalance, and renew with local healing therapies that have been created with beauty and wellness in mind at AYANA Spa. One of the must-try treatments is the Boreh Blessing, combining boreh body mask, herbal bath, and the famous Balinese Massage. Boreh, a traditional Indonesian healing paste is a mix of cinnamon, cloves, ginger, rice powder, and other aromatic spices that warms tired muscles, improves blood circulation, and soothers aching joints. The restorative herbal bath stimulates mental peace before a Balinese massage reawakens an inner wellspring of energy.

Balinese Cooking Class

For a hands-on experience in creating authentic Balinese dishes, AYANA Bali offers daily authentic Balinese cooking classes. Led by a skilled Balinese chef, guests learn the rich history behind each dish and the art of crafting perfectly balanced, herb-infused meals. The menu includes delicious dishes including Tum Bebek (spiced minced duck wrapped in banana leaves) and Sate Campur (a mixed skewer of grilled chicken, beef, and prawns served with peanut sauce), among many others.