Bali is much more than just a travel destination; it’s an experience like no other. With its rich blend of natural beauty, culture, spirituality, and modern luxuries that make it stand out in a world filled with tropical islands. For those planning to visit or revisit this Indonesian gem, here’s a look at some unique aspects of Bali that you won’t find anywhere else.
9 Unique and Special Things You’ll Find Only in Bali
1. The Iconic Balinese Hinduism
While Indonesia is predominantly a Muslim country, Bali is unique for its vibrant form of Hinduism. It combines Hindu teachings with ancient animistic beliefs, ancestor worship, and even elements of Buddhism. What makes it distinctive is the way it’s seamlessly integrated into daily life.
You’ll see offerings (canang sari) placed at doorways, temples, and even on cars. These small, intricately woven trays filled with flowers, rice, and incense are made daily to honor the gods and keep harmony between the physical and spiritual worlds. The island is peppered with temples (over 20,000!), each featuring stunning architecture and intricate carvings, from the magnificent Uluwatu
Temple, perched on a cliff, to the Tanah Lot Temple, which sits majestically on a rock formation in the sea. These temples are more than tourist attractions; they are central to the cultural and spiritual life of the Balinese people.
Read more: Pura Tanah Lot, One of Bali Most Iconic Temple
2. The Subak System – UNESCO World Heritage Rice Terraces
Bali’s agricultural landscape is a beautiful testament to sustainable farming. The Subak system, a traditional Balinese cooperative irrigation system, has shaped the island’s verdant rice terraces for over a thousand years. This water management system is not just about farming; it’s rooted in religious and communal values, where water is considered a gift from the gods and is shared equally among farmers.
The most famous example of the Subak system is the Tegalalang Rice Terrace near Ubud. The layered, emerald-green terraces create a breathtaking landscape that visitors can trek through. UNESCO recognized Bali’s Subak system as a World Heritage Site, highlighting the island’s commitment to both tradition and the environment.
3. Nyepi – The Day of Silence
Every year, Bali observes Nyepi, a day that’s unlike any other in the world. Nyepi is the Balinese Hindu New Year, but instead of fireworks and parties, the entire island shuts down for 24 hours of silence and self-reflection. No lights, no work, no travel, and no entertainment are allowed. Even the airport closes! The streets are empty, and visitors are expected to stay indoors.
Nyepi is a day of meditation and contemplation, but the silence serves another purpose. It is believed that evil spirits will pass over the island, unable to find anyone due to the lack of activity. The day before Nyepi, however, is a vibrant contrast with the Ogoh-Ogoh parade, where massive, demon-like effigies are marched through the streets and then burned, symbolizing the cleansing of negative energies.
4. The Magical Kecak Dance
Traditional Balinese dances are famous worldwide, but one that truly stands out is the Kecak dance. This mesmerizing performance involves a group of men sitting in a circle, chanting “chak” while narrating scenes from the Ramayana, an ancient Hindu epic. What makes the Kecak dance unique is that there are no musical instruments involved—the chanting and rhythm are entirely created by the human voice.
Performed against the backdrop of Bali’s stunning temples, such as the Uluwatu Temple, with the sunset as the stage lighting, the Kecak dance is both haunting and magical. It’s a performance that captivates tourists and locals alike, embodying the deep connection between art, spirituality, and nature that defines Bali.
Read more: 4 Best Places to See the Kecak Dance in Bali
5. The Balinese Healing Tradition
Bali is increasingly recognized as a wellness destination, offering a unique blend of traditional healing practices and modern wellness retreats. Balinese healing is rooted in Balian, traditional healers who use a combination of herbal remedies, energy healing, and spiritual practices to address both physical and emotional ailments. These healers are often consulted before visiting a doctor and are believed to have a divine gift for healing.
Modern spas in Bali have embraced these ancient traditions, offering unique treatments that combine massage, herbal baths, and energy healing techniques. The island is also known for its yoga retreats, with Ubud being the spiritual hub for those seeking inner peace and wellness.
6. The Incredible Black Sand Beaches
While Bali is famous for its white sandy beaches, it also offers something you might not expect—black sand beaches. These beaches, particularly in the northern and eastern parts of the island, owe their striking color to the island’s volcanic activity. The Lovina Beach in the north and Amed Beach in the east are perfect examples of these unique black sand shores.
Lovina, in particular, is also famous for its calm waters, making it ideal for dolphin-watching tours at sunrise. Meanwhile, Amed is a hidden gem for snorkeling and diving, offering vibrant coral reefs and an underwater Japanese shipwreck, a truly unique experience for divers.
7. Endless Adventure Activities
Adventure seekers will find no shortage of unique experiences in Bali. The island’s diverse landscape allows for a variety of activities that are often only found in Bali. You can try white water rafting in the Ayung River, ride quad bikes through rice paddies, or trek up Mount Batur for a breathtaking sunrise. For surfers, Bali offers world-class waves, especially at spots like Uluwatu and Padang Padang.
But perhaps the most iconic Balinese adventure is a visit to the Sacred Monkey Forest in Ubud. Here, long-tailed macaques roam freely through ancient temples and lush forest paths, providing a playful and immersive wildlife experience.
8. The Legendary Luwak Coffee
If you’re a coffee lover, Bali offers a taste experience that’s truly one-of-a-kind—kopi luwak or civet coffee. This coffee is made from beans that have been eaten, digested, and excreted by a luwak (civet cat). The fermentation process in the animal’s digestive tract is said to give the coffee its distinctive, smooth flavor. Kopi uwak is one of the most expensive and rarest coffees in the world, and Bali offers an authentic taste of this unique brew.
Many coffee plantations in Bali, especially in the Ubud and Kintamani regions, offer tours where visitors can learn about the production process and sample various coffee and tea blends, including the famous kopi luwak.
Read more: Dine in Style : 7 Best Themed Restaurants Cafe in Bali
9. Balinese Art and Crafts
Bali is a haven for art lovers, offering unique art forms that are deeply connected to its culture. From traditional paintings, wood carvings, and stone sculptures to handmade silver jewelry and intricate batik fabrics, Balinese craftsmanship is known for its meticulous detail and spiritual significance.
The village of Ubud is the heart of Bali’s art scene, where you’ll find numerous galleries, workshops, and local artisans selling their crafts. The Ubud Art Market is particularly famous for its selection of handmade goods, and every item seems to tell a story of Bali’s rich culture and history.
Bali is a world of its own, where the spiritual and natural worlds coexist in harmony. From its unique form of Hinduism to its dramatic landscapes and ancient traditions, Bali offers experiences and sights that can’t be found anywhere else. Bali is right for you if you’re looking for adventure, relaxation, or spiritual enlightenment, Bali’s distinctive offerings are sure to leave an unforgettable impression.
Five Frequently Asked questions (FAQs) about unique things you will only find in Bali
1. What is the significance of the traditional Balinese dress that locals wear during ceremonies
Balinese traditional dress is an important part of religious and cultural identity. During ceremonies, men and women wear kain, a type of sarong, and a sash (selendang) tied around the waist, symbolizing self-control. Men often wear a udeng (traditional headscarf) to show respect, while women adorn themselves with intricately wrapped kebayas. Each color and style of the dress can have a specific meaning, tied to the occasion, the individual’s status, and their role in the ceremony. Wearing traditional dress is not only a sign of respect but also a way to maintain spiritual balance.
2. Why do Balinese homes have family temples, and how are they used?
Balinese family homes traditionally have their own family temples (sanggah or merajan). These small temples are dedicated to ancestral worship and house the spirits of the family’s ancestors. Daily offerings and prayers are made here to maintain harmony between the living and the spiritual world. Each family temple is a central part of Balinese Hindu life, as it strengthens familial bonds and provides a sacred space to honor the gods and spirits, ensuring balance and prosperity for the household.
3. Why are Balinese ceremonies so elaborate and frequent?
Balinese culture is deeply tied to its religion, and ceremonies are a key expression of this connection. There are numerous ceremonies and rituals throughout the year—celebrating everything from temple anniversaries (odalan) to milestones in a person’s life. The ceremonies are elaborate because they serve multiple purposes: they honor the gods, cleanse the community, and strengthen social bonds. Even daily rituals, such as offering canang sari, are seen as necessary to maintain cosmic harmony between the physical and spiritual worlds.
4. What makes Balinese gamelan music unique, and why is it important?
Gamelan music is a traditional ensemble music form in Bali, using instruments such as metallophones, drums, gongs, and bamboo flutes. What makes Balinese gamelan unique is its complex, interlocking rhythms and fast tempos, which differ from the more subdued Javanese gamelan. The music is integral to Balinese culture, played during temple ceremonies, dances, and festivals. It’s also closely linked to religious practice, as it’s believed to invite divine spirits and create a spiritual atmosphere during rituals and celebrations.
5. Why are there so many stray dogs in Bali, and how are they perceived by locals?
Stray dogs are common in Bali, and they hold a complex place in local culture. Balinese people generally believe in karma, and as a result, they often feed and care for stray animals rather than euthanizing them. Dogs are considered sacred in some Balinese Hindu stories, symbolizing loyalty and serving as guardians. However, managing the large population of stray dogs has been challenging, and efforts by local organizations to sterilize and vaccinate them have been implemented to promote both animal welfare and public health.
