17 Spiritual Things To Do In Bali: Sacred & Beautiful Experiences

Take Part in a Spiritual Retreat

Ubud, the spiritual heart of Bali, is renowned for its lush rice terraces and serene landscapes. Stroll through the emerald-green fields and find a quiet spot to meditate and centre yourself.

This area’s natural beauty and tranquillity make it the perfect place to escape the hustle of everyday life and embrace inner peace.

Check Out These Soulful RETREATS IN BALI Here!

Top Rated Retreat Places in Bali:

Bali is a haven for yoga and spiritual retreats, offering various options to suit different preferences and budgets. Spiritual things to do in Bali: Here are some of my top recommendations for retreats in Bali! 

Soulshine Bali, Ubud:

Co-founded by renowned musician Michael Franti, Soulshine Bali is a beautiful retreat centre that promotes wellness and spirituality. The retreat’s yoga pavilion overlooks breathtaking views of the jungle, creating a harmonious ambience for yoga and meditation sessions.

Fivelements Retreat Bali, Ubud:

Fivelements is a luxury wellness retreat known for its holistic healing and spiritual growth approach. The Ayung River surrounds the retreat, which offers traditional Balinese healing therapies, yoga, and meditation practices. The Sacred Arts program includes unique experiences like water blessings and fire ceremonies, providing a deep immersion into Balinese spirituality.

Komune Resort & Beach Club, Keramas:

For those seeking a beachside retreat, Komune Resort offers an ideal blend of yoga, surfing, and spirituality. Overlooking the black sand beach of Keramas, the resort hosts daily yoga classes and workshops, providing a perfect balance of relaxation and adventure.

Oneworld Retreats, Ubud:

Oneworld Retreats offers a variety of themed retreats, including yoga, detox, and meditation, set in the heart of Ubud. The retreats are designed to promote self-awareness, healing, and personal growth, complemented by excursions to explore the beauty and spirituality of Bali.

Bali Silent Retreat, North Bali:

For those seeking solitude and silence, the Bali Silent Retreat provides a unique opportunity to unplug, disconnect from life stresses and reconnect with oneself.

3-Day Purification Retreat

I highly recommend this 3-Day Purification Retreat in North Bali. Book it HERE!

Attend a Traditional Balinese Ceremony

Bali’s calendar is filled with vibrant religious ceremonies and festivals. If you can, attend a traditional Balinese ceremony to witness the locals’ devotion and spirituality. The colourful processions, enchanting dances, and soul-stirring chants will leave a lasting impression on your heart.

This is absolutely one of the most spiritual things to do in Bali. You cannot get more authentically spiritually connected to a place than through the locals and their age-old ceremony themselves!

Best Places to see a Traditional Ceremony:

• Pura Besakih Temple.
• Pura Tanah Lot Temple.
• Ulun Danu Beratan Temple.
• Pura Tirta Empul.
• Pura Saraswati.

Note: Balinese ceremonies don’t happen all the time! (But they do happen a lot!) Ask your local guesthouse to tell you what ceremonies are on and where.

Balinese Homestay Experience: 

Instead of staying in a regular hotel, consider opting for a Balinese homestay. Many locals open their homes to visitors, allowing them to experience daily Balinese life, traditions, and rituals firsthand.

You’ll have the chance to participate in family ceremonies, learn traditional crafts, and taste authentic Balinese cuisine, fostering a deeper understanding of the island’s spiritual customs and way of life.

This Local Homestay Herry Old House, North of Canggu is Highly Recommended. Contact Adi here on Whatsapp to book your homestay. You can help on their farm and immerse yourself into local balinese life!

Visit the MANY Sacred Temples!

Visiting temples in Bali is a perfect way to experience Bali’s unique and authentic culture and spiritual essence.

By visiting their sacred temples you get to witness their culture and rituals which cut help but light a spark inside of you. The Balinese show such devotion to their faith and nature it truely is humbling and inspiring.  

Book a PRIVATE BALI Temples Tours Here! (Bali Archaeology Tours)

Here are some of my favourite recommendations for sacred temples with breathtaking architecture and spiritual significance to visit in Bali!:

Uluwatu Temple (Pura Luhur Uluwatu): 

Perched on a cliff top overlooking the vast Indian Ocean, Uluwatu Temple is one of Bali’s most iconic and picturesque temples. The temple is devoted to the ‘Sang Hyang Widhi Wasa’, or the Supreme God.

It is believed to guard the island against malevolent spirits. As you explore the temple grounds, be prepared to encounter friendly monkeys that call Uluwatu their home. The temple offers breathtaking sunset views, making it a popular spot for cultural performances and traditional Kecak dances during the evenings.

Tanah Lot Temple (Pura Tanah Lot): 

One of Bali’s most famous landmarks, Tanah Lot Temple, stands majestically on a rocky offshore islet surrounded by crashing waves. Dedicated to the sea gods, this temple is renowned for its stunning sunsets.

Visitors can walk across to the temple during low tide, and at high tide, it appears to float on the water, creating a mystical and captivating sight.

Tanah Lot is another popular spiritual thing to do in Bali. However, a word of caution: there is an old folklore that if you go here as an unmarried couple, your relationship won’t last! So, if you are superstitious, visit with caution!

Besakih Temple (Pura Besakih): 

Known as the “Mother Temple of Bali,” Besakih is the largest and holiest temple on the island. Situated on the slopes of Mount Agung, the highest volcano in Bali, the temple complex is a collection of over 80 individual temples.

Each temple is dedicated to a different Hindu deity, and visiting Besakih is believed to bring blessings and protection. The grandeur of the temple and the panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes make it a must-visit destination.

Ulun Danu Beratan Temple (Pura Ulun Danu Bratan):

Located on the edge of Lake Bratan in the Bedugul region, this temple is a picturesque sight. Ulun Danu Beratan Temple is devoted to the goddess of the lake, Dewi Danu.

The temple’s unique architecture and reflection on the lake’s calm waters create a surreal and ethereal ambience, making it a favourite spot for photographers and nature enthusiasts.

Tirta Empul Temple (Pura Tirta Empul): 

This sacred water temple, situated in the village of Tampaksiring, is renowned for its holy spring water, which is believed to have healing and purifying properties.

Visitors can participate in a traditional ritual known as “meulkat,” where they bathe in the holy waters to cleanse their bodies and soul. The serene and spiritual atmosphere of Tirta Empul makes it a serene escape from the outside world. Having a balinese purification ceremony at Tirta Empul is one of the more touristy spiritual things to do in Bali, but none the less a worthwhile experience.

Goa Gajah Temple (Elephant Cave Temple): 

Going back to the 9th century, Goa Gajah is an intriguing archaeological site near Ubud. The entrance to the cave is carved with menacing faces, and the interior contains ancient stone idols and meditation chambers. This temple uniquely blends Hindu and Buddhist elements, making it a significant historical and spiritual site.

When visiting these sacred temples, remember to dress modestly and respect the Balinese customs and traditions. Whether you are a spiritual seeker or simply intrigued by Bali’s rich cultural heritage, exploring these temples will undoubtedly leave you with a profound appreciation for the island’s spiritual essence and deep-rooted connection to Hindu beliefs.