Bali: A Healer's Paradise

The "Island of the Gods" is calling

Beautiful Bali what a magnificent island you are ♡

Let's talk about this unique archipelago ⇣

Indonesia has the largest Muslim population in the world, but Bali is the only providence in the country that is majority Hindu.

Bali has 2 seasons: dry from May to September and wet from October to April.

Bali is the only region in Indonesia where the majority of locals practice Hinduism

Bali is well known for heavy traffic, especially during peak times in the morning after 6AM and afternoon after 3PM that can throw off apps such as Google Maps.

Speaking of transportation, you won't find Uber in Bali, most common rideshare apps are Grab and Gojek.

In 2022, the Indonesian government created a new law forbidding sex before marriage, being phased in by 2025 (for those visiting the governor has stated this law will apply to residents not tourists).

There is a daily tourist tax fee of 150,000 Indonesian Rupiah (which is approximately $9-10 USD)

There are 2 active volcanoes close to Bali, Mount Agung (the biggest active volcano) and Mount Batur.

Healing time

Bali is a haven for healers, spiritualists or anyone looking to get away from the daily grind and surround yourself in natural beauty. Here are some things you can do or visit that will enhance your holistic health

1. Participate in a Barong Dance Performance

The Barong Dance is a traditional Balinese performance depicting good versus evil

To immerse yourself in Bali culture and witness a captivating performance, attend a Barong Dance. This dance is performed by a Balinese Hindu religious leader and depicts the battle between good, Barong, and evil, Rangda. Tickets can be obtained to watch the performance at the Ubud Palace here, with prices starting at $10 USD.

2. Practice Yoga

There are many resorts and activities to practice yoga in Bali.

Yoga is an excellent exercise for the body, mind and soul. Many resorts offer yoga such as Dwaraka The Royal Villas. There are also yoga retreats that can be booked that include other activities including energy and sound healing, acupuncture and astrology readings. A highly recommended center is The Yoga Barn which includes classes, accommodations and 1- and 3-day retreats.

3. Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary

The Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary is home to over 1200 monkeys considered sacred by locals.

A must while visiting Bali is the Ubud Monkey Forest, also referred to as the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary. Considered more than a tourist hot spot, this place is considered sacred due to it being the home of spiritual forces and guardian spirits. Serving as a safe habitat and temple complex since the 14th century, conservation of this forest is based on Tri Hita Karana, an ancient Hindu philosophy that means "Three Causes of Prosperity" or "Three Sources of Happiness."

4. Take a Balinese Cooking Class

Taking a cooking class helps you learn more about Balinese living and how food plays a role in ceremonies and its religious significance.

Another way to get to know Balinese way of living is through taking a cooking class. Bali's cuisine has Chinese and Indian influences that impacts foods and beverages. Some of the most popular dishes including Babi Guling (whole roasted pig), Nasi Campur (mixed rice), Nasi Jinggo (banana-leaf wrapped spicy all-in-one meal) and Gado Gado (a mixture of vegetables, tofu, tempeh, eggs and spicy peanut sauce). Casa Luna Cooking School is located in Bali and offers cooking classes 7 days a week starting at 450,000 Indonesian Rupiah/person (approximately $27 USD).

5. Tegallalang Rice Terraces

The Tegallalang Rice Terraces has some of the most incredible views.

One of the most visited attractions in Bali is the Tegallalang Rice Terraces. A UNESCO World Heritage site, visiting the terraces during sunrise and sunset gives amazing photo opportunities. The rice terraces have gained significance as a cultural and spiritual symbol to honor the rice goddess Dewi Sri.

Tip: Conquer your fear of heights and go on a jungle swing to be rewarded with breathtaking landscapes ✩

6. Purify Yourself with Water at Tirta Empul

Melukat, a water purification ceremony, is a sacred ritual at the Tirta Empul Temple

One of Bali's most well-known temples is Tirta Empul, located in the village of Tampaksiring just north of Ubud. The temple was built to honor a battle that took place between Hindu god Indra and a former Balinese ruler Mayadenawa. The temple is open to visitors and locals 7 days a week except on Nyepi, the National Day of Silence that occurs every year at the beginning of the Hindu New Year (usually in March based on the Balinese calendar system). Participating in this ceremony is a wonderful healing experience.

7. Visit The Gates of Heaven (and any Bali Temple)

Pura Lempuyang Temple, also referred to as the Gates of Heaven

Being the Island of the Gods, Bali has many temples including Besakih Temple, the biggest temple on the island considered the "Mother Temple" of Bali, Tanah Lot Temple and the Pura Lempuyang Temple, famously known as the Gates of Heaven. This temple was founded in the 11th century and is dedicated to Hindu god Sang Hyang Widhi and is located on the eastern side of Bali and provides amazing views of active volcano Mount Agung.

8. Meet a Balinese Medicine Healer

Meeting a Balinese healer or medicine man is great for mind, body, soul healing

Bali has many therapeutic services including massages, facials, body scrubs. For those interested in traditional Balinese healing techniques, meeting a Balinese healer has shown to provide healing to people who specializing in medicine. Some well-known traditional Balinese healers include Pak Sirkus, considered locally as "The Balinese Magic Man," Sami, an ayurvedic physician who provides intuitive massages at Bali Chi Healing and Master Ketut Arsana, who founded the world famous Ubud Bodyworks Centre.