Bali, Indonesia Hotels and City Guide

Bali - Going Out

Arts and Culture in Bali
Traditional Festivals and Celebrations
Annual Events
Bali After Dark

Arts and Culture in Bali

Bali has a rich culture of traditional arts, from drama and mask dances to age-old hand crafts which are still in practise today. There are many cultural centres on the island where tourists can watch these arts being performed, however visitng during on the the islands festivals is a great way to learn more about these local traditions in a more organic environment.

Traditional Festivals and Celebrations in Bali

There are a number of festivals on Bali, most involving music, dance, religion and art, and all of which are very close to the hearts of the people. Two of the major festivals are Galungan and Nyepi. Galungan is the major feast of the wuku calendar. For ten days the gods are said to visit the island and mythical lion dogs prance between temples and villages in celebration.

The eve of Nyepi involves the noisy banishment of lingering evil by using gongs, drums and flame torches. On Nyepi, the whole of Bali is quiet. People stay at home and do not cook, pretending they are not there in order to fool evil spirits into believing the island is uninhabited.

Annual Events in Bali

March/April

Bali Spirit Festival (Ubud) - Although only in its infancy, the BaliSpirit Festival has already been able to give a significant amount of aide to the local communities. The aim of the festival is to grow each person’s portential for positive change, thus leading to change in the community as well as their homes. It does this by combining yoga, dance, meditation and music workshops, and also offers a special programme for children. Tickets for the 5-day long event start at $450.

June/July

Bali Arts Festival (Denpasar) – This month-long festival of parades, music, art and dance is the Denpasar cultural event of the year, and draws together cultural offerings from every part of the island.

July/August

Tanah Lot Festival (Tabanan regency) – A week-long celebration of Balinese art and culture, this festival includes several art forms from painting and sculpture to dance and drums. It acts as a platform from the artists can express themselves, and from which to introduce Balinese arts to the international community.

August

Makepung Festival (Negara,, Jembara) - Makepung Festival is a years-old buffalo race, held three times a year (August, September and October). Drivers perched on brightly decorated wagons frantically drive their two even more brightly decorated buffalos through dust tracks lined with lush green jungle, in a bid to be crowned the winner.
Sanur Village Festival (Segara Ayu Beach and Inna Grand Bali Beach Sanur) - Each year, this beach resort becomes a hive of activity for the Sanur Village Festival. A host of activities are on the go, including yoga workshops, fishing competitions, sailing days, cycling excursions and music and cultural shows. A great communal festival, aimed at tourists and locals alike.

September

Makepung Festival (Negara, Jembara) – see August above.

October

Makepung Festival (Negara, Jembara) – see August above.
Ubud Writers Festival (Ubud) – The Ubus Writer’s Festival was initiated in 2004 as a ‘healing project’ in the wake of the first Bali bombing. It draws writers from around the globe, with the central aim being to “debate the issues that divide and unite us, in a celebration of stories and voices”.

Bali After Dark: Nightlife in Bali

If you are looking for lively nightlife, you will find the busiest clubs and bars in Kuta, Legian or Seminyak. In either of these resorts you'll be kept entertained by a mixture of venues, including some international club names such as Hard Rock Cafe, smaller local bars, and packed nightclubs. Kuta is the main resort town for backpackers and single travellers, and hence boasts the largest number of nighlife venues. Be warned though that nightlife in Bali doesn't start up until midnight.

While other resort areas such as Ubud, Nusa Dua and Candidasa do have a local bars and hotel bars, they are quite tame in comparison to the rowdy nightlife in the Kuta area. However this is usually preferable for those who a quieter environment in which to enjoy a cocktail and take in the surroundings.

Hotels in Bali, Indonesia