There is so much more to Bali than glitzy beach clubs, surfing, sun baking and sunset cocktails!
The majority of travellers going to Bali are there for other cultural events.
If you’re planning a trip to Bali there’s a lot more to consider than just beaches. Bali has a cultural richness that often gets overlooked. There are many amazing festivals, world-famous events and celebrations to consider when planning your holiday. Make sure you time it so it coincides with a few of them below.
Nyepi
If you’re travelling to Bali On this day you need to know the airport is completely shut and people are asked to stay inside, ceasing all daily activities. Leading up to Nyepi the locals create paper effigies marking the beginning of Balinese Saka New Year and various processions through the streets of Bali take place.
“Bali Villa Escapes Tip: if you travelling on these dates be warned the airport is closed. Also, stock up on your villa supplies ( all food and alcohol ) as you are not allowed to leave the villa, even to make a quick trip to the supermarket. No one is allowed on the roads or to be out in public. There are big fines and issues if you are caught. Take this very seriously!“
Also read: Nyepi, Day of Silence in Bali
Bali Spirit Festival
Appealing to many, one of the biggest festivals in Bali is the Bali Spirit Festival, running this year from March 29 – April 5, 2020, in Ubud. People travel from around the world to celebrate music, health, yoga and dance. The energy, passion and excitement are not to be missed and it’s a chance to be part of something life-changing and inspiring.
Yoga, dance, meditation at the Yoga Spirit Festival in Ubud. Photo Credit: @ florasimonne – Instagram
Bali Spirit Festival, Ph +62 361 970992
Ubud Food Festival
Held between the 17-19 April 2020, the Ubud Food Festival in their words is “cooking up something good”. The festival is a three-day “culinary adventure” for your taste buds, with both local and international chefs creating mouth-watering dishes. Indonesian food is definitely the jewel in the crown of this Festival.
Taste exotic dishes & meet international chefs at the Ubud Food Festival. Photo Credit: @ ubudfoodfest – Instagram
Ubud Food Festival, Jalan Raya Sanggingan No. 88X Kedewatan Ubud. Ph +62 361 977408
Bali Kite Festival July 2020
The Bali Kites Festival (now in its 40th year) is held in July at the start of the windy season. The Festival takes place just north of Sanur, where kite enthusiasts from around the globe gather to fly specially crafted kites of all sizes, shapes and colours alongside more modern versions. The sky is filled with colour as the kites dance on the wind. Music is played to accompany the kites – some kites are even fitted with sound instruments in the form of vibrating bows which create a humming sound. A perfect festival to enjoy with the kids!
Kites of all descriptions are seem at the Bali Kites Festival. Photo Credit: @ balikitefestival’s profile picture balikitefestival – Instagram
Ubud Village Jazz Festival
Local and global jazz artists will be playing at the Ubud Village Jazz Festival to be held on the 7th and 8th of August. To be held at the Arma Museum – Ubud, some of the artists slated to perform include Koko Harsoe, Balawan & Batuan Ethnic Fusion, Joe Rosenberg and Dwiki Darmawan. Dates: 14-15th August 2020
Enjoy jazz from various artists at the Ubud Jazz Festival. Photo Credit: Ubud Jazz Festival website
See the new lineup on the Ubud Village Jazz Festival’s website. PT Ubud Vista Jafesindo Jl. Waribang No. 32 Ph +62 361 285 196
Ubud Writers & Readers Festival
Running from 28 October–1 November 2020, the Ubud Writers Festival is one of Southeast Asia’s most renowned after literary and cultural festivals, bringing together writers, thinkers, artists and performers to just from Indonesia but also all around the globe. It was first conceived of by Janet DeNeefe, co-founder of the Foundation, as a healing project in response to the first Bali bombing. In its 16th year, it is a celebration of knowledge and arts, education, wisdom and science.
The website says: ‘ Bringing together some of the world’s most powerful voices in a melting pot of artists, authors, thinkers and performers, the Festival is a platform for meaningful exchange and cross-cultural dialogue”. It’s definitely worth visiting if you love your reading, conversation and engaging with literary types.
Enjoy meeting creative, literary minds at the festival. Photo Credit: Ubud Writers & Readers Festival website
Ubud Writers & Readers Festival, Taman Baca Jl. Raya Sanggingan Ubud. Ph +62 361 977 408
Don’t forget your going to need some accommodation when staying in Bali. Have you thought about a holiday villa?
Steven is a die-hard Bali island addict and committed surfie. When he's not writing or taking videos of the latest restaurants or cool places, he's at Echo Beach surfing or riding his scooter around Seminyak, Berawa or Canggu. Steve is part of the Bali Villa Escapes marketing team and has been living in and out of Bali for the last 15 years.
