Beyond the beaches and rice paddies, Bali pulses with a vibrant cultural heart. Bali is one of the world’s favorite tourist destinations, rich in and famous for its unique traditions, art, and spirituality. Bali cultural attraction are a must-experience when you’re visiting the island.
Wondering what are the most recommended Bali cultural attractions? This article will guide you through the top Bali cultural attractions and experiences, offering a glimpse into the island’s captivating heritage, with a special highlight on the iconic BarAong Show at GWK.
The Essence of Balinese Culture: What Makes it Unique?
Balinese culture consists of key elements that makes it special: Hinduism, art, dance, music, ceremonies. Most of Balinese people are Hindus who are still wholeheartedly practicing religious rituals and ceremonies. Balinese people are also known for their love for arts and crafts, resulting in various kinds of Bali cultural arts, dances, and music.
Top Bali Cultural Attraction & Experiences
1. GWK Cultural Park: A Monument to Heritage
Garuda Wisnu Kencana (GWK) Cultural Park is a must-visit Bali cultural attraction. The park is home to the fourth highest statue in the world, the Garuda Wisnu Kencaa statue which stands at a jaw-dropping height of 121 m. Other interesting attractions in this park include cultural performances, spiritual experiences, Top of the Statue Tour, and many more.
If you visit GWK, you can’t miss our brand new BarAong Show. It showcases a modernized version of the regular barong performance with 5 barongs in one show. BarAong Show adapts the story of Prince Bara searching for Barong, the guardian spirit that maintains the balance of the world. You’ll be able to feel the show’s magical aura through its choreography, dance harmonization, musical, and hypnotic visuals for a full-30 minutes. This show can be watched every Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at 6 PM at the Amphitheater.
To watch this show, you should choose the tickets that include the BarAong Show. There are two types of these tickets:
1. REGULAR ENTRANCE + BARAONG PERFORMANCE (18:00 WITA) IDR 200,000/ticket.
This ticket includes:
- Regular Entrance Ticket to GWK Cultural Park
- BarAong performance at Amphitheater at 18:00 until 18:30
- Refreshment drink at Jendela Bali Restaurant
- Watch animation movie “Petualangan Garuda Cilik” at Garuda Sineloka Mini Cinema (30 minutes duration, start from 10:30 AM to 7:30 PM)
- Balinese Cultural Performances at Amphitheater stage (from 11AM to 3PM)
- Entrance to ASANA Artseum (The First Thematic Museum and Photo Studio in Bali)
- The ticket is valid for the whole day! Free entry and exit to the GWK area (by requesting a stamp at the exit gate)
2. BARAONG PERFORMANCE ONLY (18:00 WITA) IDR 100,000/ticket.
This ticket includes:
- BarAong performance at Amphitheater at 18:00 until 18:30
- Free entrance to the park after BarAong Show
2. Traditional Balinese Dance Performances
When you’re in Bali, don’t forget to witness various traditional Balinese dances. These traditional dances are special because they tell various local folklores through vibrant costumes, intricate movements, spiritual narratives, and enchanting gamelan music. Most of these traditional Balinese dances can be watched in one place, GWK Cultural Park. Here, various cultural performances are being performed daily at two areas, the Lotus Pond and the Amphitheater.
At the Amphitheater, you can watch 13 Balinese cultural performances from 11 AM to 4 PM everyday. These performances include Tari Sekar Jepun, Tari Sekar Nirwana, Tari Barong-Bojog, Tari Topeng Monyer, Tari Kebyar Terompong, Tari Oleg Tamulilingan, Tari Topeng Kenyum Manis, Tari Jauk Keras, Tari Jauk Manis and Tari Kebyar Duduk. As for Lotus Pond, you can watch the Kecak Dance and Joged Bumbung.
3. The Sacred Forest in Ubud
The Sacred Forest is a nature reserve and temple complex in Ubud, Bali. This forest is considered sacred by locals and is a sanctuary for Long-Tailed Monkeys (Macaca fascicularis). You can interact with the monkeys, explore the temples and beautiful tropical forest in this place.
4. Temple Hopping: Discovering Bali’s Spiritual Hubs
Source: Freepik
Make sure to pay a visit to some of Bali’s most popular temples such as Tanah Lot Temple, Besakih Temple, and Ulun Danu Beratan Temple. Other than being a place of worship, temples can be visited by tourists as well. When visiting the temples, keep in mind to follow temple etiquette:
- Dress modestly (covering shoulders and back)
- Wear a sarong and sash
- Avoid pointing your feet to the altars/shrines
- Respect ceremonies by remaining quiet
- Avoid touching offerings
- Women who are menstruating are traditionally not allowed to enter the inner temple areas.
5. Learning Balinese Arts & Crafts
If you’re into arts and crafts, it is recommended to take part in activities like batik workshops, silver crafting classes, or wood carving lessons. Through these activities, you’ll have the opportunity to create something and understand the local artistry.
6. Rice Terraces of Tegalalang or Jatiluwih: UNESCO Heritage and Local Life
The rice terraces in Jatiluwih, Tabanan Regency, are exceptional Bali cultural attractions to visit. Its subak irrigation system is a cultural heritage recognized by UNESCO. In this place, your eyes will be blessed with the lush and breathtaking greenery views.
7. Traditional Balinese Cooking Class
Give traditional Balinese cooking classes a try. There are various cooking classes where you can learn how to cook traditional Balinese foods using local fresh ingredients and spices. The teachers are also friendly and helpful, maintaining a welcoming and fun atmosphere.
8. Local Markets Exploration
Visit traditional markets such as Ubud and Denpasar Market to experience the vibrant atmosphere and the daily life of Balinese people. The goods sold at these traditional markets are all local produce and crafts which reflect the Balinese people’s values and creativity.
9. Learn How to Make Balinese Offerings
You can also learn how to make Balinese offerings (Canang Sari) in Bali. Canang Sari is a type of upakāra or equipment of Hindus in Bali for daily offerings. These offerings can be found everywhere in Bali. The experience of learning how to make Balinese offerings can be done at Plaza Kura-Kura, GWK Culture Park.
Read also: Find Your Inner Peace through Profound Spiritual Experience at GWK
10. Participating in a Balinese Ceremony
The last Bali cultural attraction recommendation is Balinese ceremonies. Ceremonies are important to Balinese people as they reflect the Hindu values. These ceremonies are traditionally performed by locals to celebrate life, give offerings to deities and ancestors, and express gratitude. However, tourists can also participate in certain ceremonies like Nyepi (Day of Silence), Galungan, Kuningan, Melasti, and the Ogoh-Ogoh parade nowadays. Before participating, observe how to engage in the ceremony respectfully such as looking up the etiquette.
Why Immerse Yourself in Bali’s Culture?
Bali is a place where the culture is well-preserved and alive. Immersing yourself in the Balinese culture is such a precious opportunity not to miss when you’re visiting this island. Through cultural experiences, you can get meaningful benefits such as deeper understanding and appreciation towards Balinese culture. These authentic experiences will make your Bali trip even more memorable, making it go beyond typical tourism.
Plan Your Cultural Journey at GWK: Book Your Tickets!
Bali offers rich and diverse cultural attractions, ranging from cultural performances to traditional cooking classes. Most of Bali’s cultural aspects can be experienced all in one place, GWK Cultural Park. So, what are you waiting for? Secure your GWK tickets now and experience Bali cultural attractions, especially GWK’s brand new Baraong Show firsthand!