Most lists of spiritual things to do in Bali name a few temples and stop there. They don’t tell you what actually happens when you arrive. After living in Ubud for more than a year and completing my 200-hour yoga teacher training here, I put this guide together to help you understand what these experiences are really like before you go.
The island’s spiritual reputation spread worldwide after Eat, Pray, Love introduced millions of travelers to Ubud’s healers, yoga studios, and slower way of life. Since then, Bali has become one of the top destinations for people looking to reconnect with themselves. But no two experiences are alike. A water purification ritual (melukat) feels completely different from a sound healing session, silent meditation, or a traditional Balinese ceremony. Each one has its own purpose, meaning, and etiquette.
For each of the 19 spiritual things to do in Bali below, you’ll find two things: what actually happens, step by step, and why the Balinese have practiced it for generations. That way, you can choose experiences that genuinely interest you instead of just visiting the most famous places.
Whether you have one free afternoon or two weeks, you will find something that fits. Most experiences are around Ubud, so if you want to explore and enjoy most of these activities, choose Ubud as your base.
Water Purification Rituals: Where to Do Melukat Without the Crowds
Experience Melukat at Gunung Kawi Sebatu
If you want to experience a traditional melukat water purification ritual without the crowds, skip Tirta Empul and head to Gunung Kawi Sebatu instead. You will follow the same ritual, but far fewer tour buses go there. That means you can move through the sacred springs at your own pace instead of waiting in long lines.
Melukat comes from the Balinese word lukat, meaning “to cleanse” or “to release.” For Balinese Hindus, this is not about washing away dirt. The holy spring water is believed to cleanse sebel, a kind of spiritual impurity that can build up through stress, grief, illness, bad luck, or everyday challenges. The ritual is meant to help you let go of negative energy and begin again with a clear mind and spirit.
Here is what you can expect. After putting on a sarong, you will usually make a small offering or prayer at the temple shrine before entering the water. Then you move from one water spout to the next in order. Each spout has its own meaning, so you are meant to visit them one by one. At each one, you bow your head under the flowing water, let it run over the top of your head, and pause to set an intention or say a prayer before moving on.
One important detail is that not every water spout is for visitors. Some are reserved for specific religious ceremonies, including funeral purification rituals. If you are unsure which ones to use, watch where local worshippers go or ask a temple attendant. They are usually happy to guide respectful visitors.
The timing of your visit also matters. Many Balinese choose to perform melukat on sacred days such as the full moon (Purnama) or Kajeng Kliwon, when the spiritual atmosphere is especially powerful. These days are busier, but they also give you a chance to see the ritual as local families have practiced it for generations.
And lastly, don’t forget the following:
- It is also worth carrying some cash for temple donations or offerings.
- Bring a change of clothes because you will leave soaked.
If you would rather not guess your way through it, book a guided melukat with transport and a local guide on GetYourGuide. They explain what each spout means before you go in, which makes a real difference the first time.
Taman Beji Griya Waterfall Purification
If you’re looking for a more guided experience, Taman Beji Griya offers a traditional melukat ceremony led by a Balinese priest. Instead of moving through a row of temple spouts, the ritual ends beneath a powerful natural waterfall, with each step explained along the way. It feels more like taking part in a sacred ceremony than visiting a tourist attraction.
The experience begins with blessings and a sarong before you’re guided through prayers, purification, and the waterfall ritual. Many visitors find it more emotional and immersive than a self-guided temple visit because every stage has meaning. At the final waterfall, you’re invited to release any negative energy by shouting or screaming, then finish by laughing out loud to welcome positive energy and a fresh start. Choose this experience if you want to understand the tradition, not just see it.
Traditional Balinese Ceremonies You Can Respectfully Join
These are living religious traditions, not tourist attractions. Some experiences can only be arranged through a local guide or temple, and all of them ask for respect. Follow local customs, dress appropriately, and let your guide or host lead the way.
Experience “Nyepi”, the Day of Silence for Balinese
island for 24 hours: no flights, no lights after dark, and no one leaving their accommodation, tourists included.
The belief is that by making the island appear empty and lifeless, evil spirits passing overhead will assume nobody lives here and move on. So the day follows Catur Brata Penyepian, four rules observed from 6 AM to 6 AM: no fire or light, no work, no travel, and no entertainment. Village security officers, called pecalang, patrol the streets to keep the silence.
The celebrations begin several days earlier. During the Melasti ceremony, villages carry sacred temple objects to the sea for purification. On the afternoon before Nyepi, families gather to pray, make offerings, and prepare for the New Year. After sunset, the island comes alive with Ngrupuk, when communities parade giant Ogoh-Ogoh demon statues through the streets to draw out negative spirits before burning them at the end of the night.
Then everything stops, and you notice it right away. In Bali, the silence feels unlike anything else you will experience. There is no traffic, no scooters, and no music, and the night sky is so clear you may not see it like this at any other time of year.
| BGB TIP: Stock up on snacks and water the day before, and book a place with a pool or garden. You will feel much more comfortable if you can move around freely on your own property than if you stay in a windowless room. Many hotels also offer great Nyepi packages with all-inclusive meals during the day, so make sure to check the dates before you book anything. |
Celebrate Galungan and Kuningan
If Nyepi is Bali at its quietest, Galungan is Bali at its most vibrant. It is the island’s biggest religious celebration, and you will notice it right away. As you travel, roads are lined with tall penjor, bamboo poles decorated with palm leaves, fruit, and rice that arch gracefully over the streets.
Galungan celebrates the victory of dharma, or good, over adharma, or evil, and it is also believed to be the time when ancestral spirits return to visit their families. During this time, homes and temples are cleaned, offerings are prepared, and families come together to welcome loved ones who have passed on. Ten days later comes Kuningan, when the spirits return to heaven. If you want to witness the ceremonies, go early, because most Kuningan rituals finish before noon, as tradition says the spirits depart at midday.
| BGB TIP: Galungan is a family holiday, so plenty of warungs, shops, and studios close for several days and staff head back to their home villages. Lovely to witness, but check opening hours before you count on anything being open. |
Spiritual Healing from a Balian
A Balian is Bali’s traditional healer, but not all healers do the same work. You may find some who focus on herbal medicine from old palm-leaf manuscripts, while others act as spiritual healers and seek guidance from ancestors. Some also treat physical injuries like broken bones. In Balinese belief, illness can come not only from physical causes, but also from emotional, spiritual, or family imbalance.
A session is often very different from visiting a doctor. Usually, you bring a small offering and sit quietly while the healer prays or works. Then, you may be asked about your family or personal life before any treatment begins. If you want to visit a Balinese healer, it is best to arrange it through a trusted local guide or someone you know. Also, the most famous healers can be crowded with tourists, while respected local Balians often depend on word of mouth.
Receive a Blessing from a Balinese Priest
Bali has two kinds of priests, and it helps to know which one you are meeting. If you meet a pedanda, you are talking to a high priest from the Brahmin caste, and he prepares holy water for major ceremonies. If you meet a pemangku, you are talking to the priest who serves one temple and leads the daily rites, so this is usually the person who will bless you.
The process is the same each time. First, the priest sprinkles tirta, or holy water, over your head. Then you cup your hands, sip water from your palm three times, and wash your face with what is left. After that, he places uncooked rice grains on your forehead, throat, and chest.
Each of these steps has a meaning. Your forehead is for clear thoughts, your throat is for honest speech, and your chest is for a calm heart. Finally, leave the rice where it lands instead of brushing it off, because Balinese people often keep it there all day.
Witness “Ngaben” a Balinese Cremation Ceremony
A ngaben is a Balinese cremation ceremony that releases the soul from the body so it can move on toward reincarnation and returns the body’s five elements to nature. When you understand that, the mood makes sense: it is loud, colorful, and celebratory rather than heavy. Since grief is thought to hold the soul back, crying is discouraged.
Since cremation can be expensive, you may see families wait for years. In the meantime, bodies are buried temporarily until the family can afford the ceremony, or until the village holds a ngaben massal. This group cremation helps spread the cost across many households at once.
If you see one, look for the bade, the tall, multi-tiered tower that carries the body, and the lembu, a bull-shaped sarcophagus. As the procession moves, the tower is often spun and shaken at crossroads so the soul cannot find its way back home.
Because these ceremonies are not open to tourists, you should only watch one if you are invited or clearly welcome. If you do go, wear a sarong, stay at the back, and follow your host’s lead closely.
Celebrate a Full Moon (Purnama) in a Local Village
Bali follows two calendars at the same time: the 210-day pawukon cycle and the lunar saka calendar. In the lunar calendar, Purnama is the full moon. Because of this, you may see many people treat it as a powerful time for prayer, melukat, and temple ceremonies.
On Purnama, you may see villages dressed in white as people walk to the temple. You may also see women carrying tall offerings on their heads, while gamelan music plays late into the night. If you are staying somewhere when a full moon comes, ask your host if you may join them. Most people are happy to let you come along.
Consult a Palm Reader or Fortune Teller in Bali
Consulting a reader is ordinary here rather than a novelty. Because the Balinese calendar gives different qualities to different days, you and your family usually check the timing before a wedding, a house build, or a ceremony, and a reader helps you choose. Some readers work with palms, while others use your birth date on the pawukon calendar.
Sessions usually last 30 to 60 minutes and use a translator. Readers also tend to be direct, not overly flattering.
Book a Balinese palm reading session on GetYourGuide
Sound Healing, Cacao Ceremonies, and Meditation in Ubud
TThis is the modern side of spiritual Bali, where you can find practices shaped by Balinese and wider Asian traditions, all welcoming both local people and visitors. It is also just a few minutes from central Ubud.
Listened to Sound Bath in Bali
AA sound bath is one of the most relaxing experiences you can have in Bali. For about an hour, you lie down and let the sounds of crystal singing bowls, gongs, chimes, and other instruments wash over you. There are no poses to follow, no lessons to learn, and nothing to achieve. Your only job is to relax and listen.
You begin with a mat, blanket, and often an eye pillow to help you switch off from the outside world. As the facilitator moves around the room, the sounds come from different directions, creating an immersive experience that feels almost three-dimensional. Soon, you may drift into a dream-like state somewhere between being awake and asleep, and you can lose track of time without even noticing.
The idea behind sound healing is that different frequencies may help calm your nervous system and support deep relaxation. Even if you are unsure about the science, the physical feeling is easy to notice. When the larger gongs are played, you can often feel the vibrations moving through your chest and body.
Two of the best places that facilitate amazing sound bath experiences in Bali are the following
- Pyramids of Chi It is the most famous sound healing venue in Bali. Here, sessions take place inside specially designed pyramids that help amplify and carry the sound in a unique way, making it a great first experience.
- The Istana offers a floating sound bath, where you relax in warm water while the instruments play around you. Because sound travels through water more efficiently than air, you may feel the vibrations more deeply, making the experience feel more immersive than a traditional sound bath.
| BGB TIP: Don’t plan anything too stimulating after that. A sound bath can leave you feeling deeply relaxed and a little dreamy, so it’s best to give yourself some time to enjoy the calm before you jump back into a busy day. |
Meditate with Monks at The Istana
The Istana also offers meditation sessions led by monks, which gives you a very different experience from a guided meditation app or a studio class. You can join this once a month, and it is donation-based.
Monk-led sessions usually follow a simple, calm flow. You will often hear chanting first, which helps settle the room and gives you something to focus on. Then comes a stretch of quiet sitting, followed by a short teaching or blessing at the end. No one talks you through each breath, and the silences are longer than most visitors expect.
The thinking behind it is that stillness is a skill, not a mood. You are not trying to force calm or empty your head; you are learning to sit with whatever comes up, which is why the sessions stay calm and simple. Sit on a cushion with your back unsupported if you can, wear clothes that let you fold your legs in, and arrive early instead of walking in halfway through.
Explore Breathwork and Ice Bath
Breathing Cold Bali combines guided breathwork with an ice bath using the Wim Hof Method, and it is where you can complete your Breathwork and Ice Bath Teacher Training over two immersive days. Along with the breathing and the cold, you also spend time in group circles, sharing experiences and learning how different breathing techniques affect the body and nervous system. There are many places to try breathwork around Ubud, but only a few offer guided ice baths in the same experience.
The session starts with a few rounds of deep breathing and breath holds before you step into the ice. At first, your body may want to panic, but the idea is to keep your breath slow and steady instead of fighting the cold. In a minute or two, your body starts to settle. That is the main point. You are training yourself to stay calm under pressure, and many people leave feeling clearer, calmer, and more energized than when they came in.
Join an Ecstatic Dance in Bali
Ecstatic dance is all about expressive movement. You do not follow choreography, and there is no instructor guiding you. You simply move in your own way, with no right or wrong way to dance.
Most ecstatic dance sessions follow two simple rules: no talking and no alcohol. You will also usually find a no-phones-or-filming policy, which creates a space where you can move freely without worrying about being recorded.
That is what makes the experience feel so different. With no conversations and no cameras, you quickly stop caring what everyone else is doing. Whether you are dancing wildly, swaying gently, or simply standing with your eyes closed, no one is judging you. The music moves from slow, grounding rhythms to a burst of energy before easing into a peaceful finish, making it easy for you to get lost in the moment.
Three famous venues in Bali run it on a set weekly schedule:
- Yoga Barn — Fridays and Sundays. See the schedule
- Alchemy — RISE ecstatic dance. See details
- Udara — Sunday dance. See details
Go once, and you will understand why some people build their whole week around it.
Experience a Cacao Ceremony
Cacao ceremonies have become a regular part of Ubud’s wellness scene, especially around the full moon, when many studios and retreat centers host special gatherings. Even though the tradition comes from Central America rather than Bali, it fits naturally with the island’s focus on mindfulness, healing, and community.
You usually begin by sitting in a circle and drinking a cup of ceremonial-grade cacao after setting a personal intention. From there, the facilitator may guide meditation, gentle movement, breathwork, or group sharing..
Ceremonial cacao is often believed to help you open up emotionally, so you may notice the experience feels more powerful than expected. Tears, laughter, and heartfelt conversations can all be a normal part of the journey.
Sing in a Kirtan Ceremony
Kirtan is a form of devotional chanting that is part of bhakti yoga, the yoga of devotion. A musician sings a simple mantra, and you sing it back, with the same words repeating over and over. If you do not know the lyrics or what they mean, do not worry. You can simply close your eyes, listen to the music, and join in whenever you feel comfortable.
It might feel a little awkward at first, but that feeling quickly fades. As the music builds, you may find yourself relaxing into the rhythm and forgetting about everyone around you. The repetition is part of the practice, helping quiet the constant chatter of the mind and creating a deep sense of calm and connection.
Kirtan nights move around rather than running to a fixed weekly slot, so check the events page for whichever venue you are near or fits your schedule:
- Alchemy Ubud — Check their events calendar
- Yoga Barn — Check their events calendar
- Sayuri Healing Food — Check their events calendar
Yoga Studios and Festivals in Ubud
Learn and Practice Differnent Types Yoga in Ubud
Ubud is one of the world’s best places to explore yoga. You can try Ashtanga, Vinyasa, Yin, Hatha, or Kundalini, and each studio brings its own style and energy. Some classes also mix yoga with breathwork, meditation, chanting, or sound healing, so every experience feels a little different. If you are new to yoga, you do not need to choose the “right” style right away. Try a few classes and see what feels best for you.
Many people come to Ubud not just for a holiday, but to deepen their practice. Here, you can join casual drop-in classes, attend workshops, or even complete a yoga teacher training. With so many studios to choose from, the best approach is to stay curious and explore the practices that speak to you.
Our guide to the best yoga studios in Ubud breaks them down into our favorites. Beyond drop-in classes, if you want to explore other spiritual modalities at any time of the day, visit Yoga Barn they runs master classes and multi-day workshops if you want to go deeper on one thing.
Attend the Bali Spirit Festival
The BaliSpirit Festival is the island’s biggest wellness event, bringing you five days of yoga, music, dance, breathwork, meditation, and healing. You can buy a day pass if you want to join a few classes, or choose full festival access to enjoy the whole program.
Every year, world-renowned yoga teachers, wellness facilitators, musicians, and inspirational speakers come to Bali to lead workshops and performances, drawing thousands of visitors from around the world. Whether you are new to wellness or already have a practice, it is one of the best ways to experience Bali’s international wellness community in one place.
Silent Retreats and Ayurvedic Healing in Bali
Do a Silent Retreat
🌐 balisilentretreat.com 📷 balisilentretreat
If Ubud’s busy wellness scene starts to feel overwhelming, Bali Silent Retreat offers a peaceful change of pace. Located in the middle of the rice fields near Tabanan, it gives you a chance to step away from conversations, phones, and constant distractions. Your days are spent in silence, with meditation, mindful walking, simple vegetarian meals, and plenty of quiet time to simply be.
The first day can feel surprisingly challenging because you have nothing to distract you from your own thoughts. But that is part of the purpose of the retreat. As the silence settles in, you may notice your mind becoming calmer and clearer. If you can stay for at least two or three days, you will get much more from the experience than from a quick overnight visit.
Get an Ayurvedic Consultation
🌐 ayurvedagrambali.com 📷 ayurvedagrambali
Ayurveda is a traditional system of medicine from India, not Bali, but it fits naturally into the island’s wellness scene. If you are curious to try it, centers like Ayurvedagram Bali offer consultations with trained practitioners.
Ayurveda is based on the belief that your body is guided by three energies, or doshas: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. You are born with a unique balance of these doshas, and good health comes from keeping that balance. When one or more doshas fall out of balance, Ayurveda believes illness can develop. That is why two people with the same symptoms may get very different advice.
An Ayurvedic consultation feels very different from a typical doctor’s appointment. Instead of focusing on just one concern, the practitioner looks at your whole body and lifestyle. You may have your pulse checked and your tongue and eyes examined, along with questions about digestion, sleep, energy, emotions, and whether you feel better in warm or cold weather. These questions may feel personal, but they help show patterns that Ayurveda believes can affect your long-term health.
Rather than getting one set treatment, you will leave with a plan made for you. It may include herbs, foods to eat and avoid, and a daily routine called dinacharya. This covers when you wake up and eat, how you exercise, and how you wind down at night. The real work starts after you leave, because Ayurveda is meant to become part of your everyday life, not just something you do during your time in Bali.
Spiritual Things To Do In Bali Indonesia FAQ
What is the most spiritual place in Bali?
Ubud is Bali’s spiritual center, with the highest concentration of water temples, yoga studios, sound healing venues, and ceremonies. You will find that most experiences on this list are within 40 minutes of it.
What is a melukat ceremony?
Melukat is a Balinese water purification ritual where you move through sacred spring spouts to wash away spiritual impurity. You begin at the first spout and move along the row without skipping any, setting an intention under each stream.
Can tourists take part in Balinese spiritual ceremonies?
Yes, you can join melukat, sound healing, yoga, and cacao ceremonies, which all welcome visitors. For private religious events like ngaben cremations, only watch if you are invited, and always wear a sarong.
What is the difference between Galungan and Kuningan?
Galungan celebrates the victory of good over chaos and welcomes ancestral spirits back to your family home. Ten days later, Kuningan marks their return to heaven, with the ceremonies finished before noon.
What should I wear to a Balinese temple?
At every temple, you should wear a sarong and sash, and most sacred sites provide them at the entrance. Be sure to cover your shoulders, and by local custom, you should stay outside if you are bleeding.
Planning Your Spiritual Activiaties for Your Bali Trip
Spiritual Bali is about much more than temples. It gives you a chance to experience traditions that have shaped daily life on the island for centuries. From water purification rituals and temple blessings to yoga, meditation, breathwork, ecstatic dance, and ancient healing practices, each experience brings something different. Whether you are looking for peace, personal growth, or a deeper understanding of Balinese culture, there is something here for you.
Base yourself in Ubud, where you can reach most of these experiences easily, and set aside a day to explore East Bali, including Lempuyang and its quieter temples. If your visit lines up with Nyepi or Galungan, plan your trip around these festivals instead of avoiding them. You will get a rare chance to see Bali at its most spiritual.
If you only have time for two experiences, choose one melukat water purification ceremony and one meditation, sound healing, or breathwork session. These two activities give you a great first look at Bali’s spiritual traditions and help show why so many travelers leave feeling like they have experienced something much deeper than a typical holiday.
