Source: Icon photos
So it looks like you’re going to have some rainy days on your hands during your Bali trip. Bali is a mecca for beaches, nature and outdoor living but here are some activities to save for a rainy day.
Cooking Class: Balinese and Indonesian cuisine cooking classes are a great way to enjoy a meal. Bumbu Bali based in Nusa Dua takes you on an early morning visit to local vegetable and fish markets and the host Heinz reveals the answer to the chicken or egg question during the class. Transfers from some locations are included. Further North in Ubud there are plenty of cooking classes to choose from with many of the restaurants on the main streets advertising classes.
Yoga: Yoga is the perfect wet weather activity, with many yoga centres offering open air but undercover yoga shalas. Some of our favourites are Yoga Barn in Ubud, Desa Seni in Canggu and Seminyak Yoga. All studios offer beginner classes, so why not make a week of it.
Spas: Spa treatments at most spas are often more than half the price of what you might pay back at home. Even if you’re not usually a spa person, this is the perfect time to indulge in some guilt free pampering. We love Prana Spa in Seminyak, Cleopatra Spa on Batu Belig, Cozy Spa (multiple locations) and Taksu in Ubud. From body scrubs, hot stone, Balinese and slimming massages- you could easily busy yourself for an entire week.
Scuba: The weather can’t rain on your parade if you’re under the sea. Embrace your inner mermaid/merman and go where it’s wetter. Get in touch with La Manta Diving in Nusa Dua or Aqua Marine Diving in Seminyak. They are both Western run and will happily arrange everything from transport to equipment to first time dives. You will pay much less than at home, the water is warm and there is so much more to Bali than you ever knew.
Cinema: Beach Walk shopping center has a large movie theatre called Cinema XXI (http://www.balicineplex.com/2012/10/beachwalk-cinema-21-xxi-kuta-bali.html) showing the latest blockbusters (in English!). The also have a ‘Studio Premier’ theatre where you can watch films in luxury with seat service including food and drinks, blankets and seriously comfortable reclining chairs. All this for around $7USD per person, with the standard theatre costing around $4USD. At such great prices, it’s the perfect activity for the whole family. They even serve Choc Tops!
High Tea: A tower of beautifully presented finger food and cakes and pastries accompanies by tea or even a glass of bubbles. Has anyone ever finished the whole spread? High Teas can be great value for the amount of food you get. Our favourites include; the Métis Le Jardin High Tea, Caramel Patisserie in Ubud and at Biku there is also an option for a kids high tea.
Shopping Centers: For many, shopping is a huge draw card of a trip to Bali. Bali now has several shopping centers, Beach Walk and Discovery in Kuta with some great European chain stores, DFS Galleria offers luxury brands and duty free shopping, The Village Seminyak has many local designer boutiques for the best in resort wear. Equipped with shelter and air conditioning, it’s win/win.
Nail Salons: Not just for the ladies, many a male can be found in nail salons across Bali. We love Amo Spa in Seminyak and Think Pink Batu Belig. Lady Marmalade Nails in Seminyak also do High Tea packages including Biku High Tea and is perfect treat for kids.
Get photographed in traditional Balinese attire: For around $35USD you can be photographed in traditional Balinese costume, including make up. Most companies offer free pick up and drop off. It’s another fantastic way to embrace the local culture and have a laugh when you see yourself transformed into Balinese royalty.
Waterparks: In Bali there is currently Waterbom in Kuta and Splash at Canggu Club. Waterbom has just opened a number of new rides. You’ll be getting wet anyway so you might as well be plunging feet first into a pool from 16m at 70km an hour!
Sunday Brunch: Many of Bali’s top hotels now offer Sunday Brunches, where you can induldge in buffets of everything from fresh seafood, cuts of tender meat, antipastos and Willy Wonka worthy desserts. Don’t be fooled by the name, Brunches are a often a full day affair with most places offering free flow drinks packages including wine, champagne, beer and cocktails and use of their pool afterwards. Nikki Beach in Nusa Dua hosts a party following their Brunch every Sunday.
Canggu Club- Canggu Club is a great option for families, with Splash Waterpark, Bounce Trampolining and a Bowling Alley.
Café hoping- There are so many brilliant Western run cafes in Bali. Some serving great coffee, health foods or the latest craze, smoothie bowls. One can easily spend a day hopping from one café to another, with a book or a laptop to wait the rain out.
Fine Dinning- The ever increasing number of trendy fine dinging restaurants means you will be swamped for choice. Between Mamma San, Saigon St, Barbacoa, Merah Putih and many more you will fool like a true ‘foodie’. We’re excited for the Grand opening of the newest establishment on the must try list, Shanghai Baby. Grab your ‘bests’ out of your suitcase and order the iron from room service because these aren't flip flop and shorts type establishments.
Kecak Cultural Performances- If you want to feed on some culture, the traditional Kecak performances in Ubud, whilst touristy are still a wonderful snapshot of Balinese song and dance. Hotel Tugu in Canggu also does a more intimate performance every Thursday.
Shop for handicrafts- Ubud has a large handicraft market as well as many Art Galleries. The best way to visit these is to grab an experienced driver like our very own Agus (agus@thebalibible.com). Take an umbrella or poncho so you can stay dry when skipping from one shop’s awning to another.
Grab a cocktail- Potato Head or Sports Bar, watch the rain pass and be glad that you’re not one of the people that got caught out on a scooter!
Looking for something a bit more out of the box? Head to a Luwak Coffee plantation and try the famous ‘Luwak poo’ coffee. In Kerobokan there is ‘Escape Hunt’ real life escape game, Totem Challenge in Kuta, Trick Art gallery and a Timezone at Bali mall Galleria. Karaoke is also a brilliant group activity to get you all giggling.