Don't let the rain ruin your Bali trip: explore indoor activities and attractions

Bali, known for its breathtaking beaches, lush rice paddies, and vibrant culture, can sometimes be hit with rainy weather. But don’t let a little rain dampen your spirits! There’s still plenty to see and do on the island, even when the weather isn’t ideal. From world-class museums and cultural performances to pampering spa treatments and delicious dining experiences, Bali has countless indoor activities and attractions. So, pack your rain gear and get ready to make the most of your trip, rain or shine!

Shopping

You can still have a great time in Bali when it’s raining outside. One of the most popular things to do is go shopping! Many of Bali’s stores and malls carry unique items you won’t find anywhere else. Plus, the prices are often much lower than you’d find in the western world.

From souvenirs to clothes to artisan crafts, you’re sure to find something you love in Bali’s shops:

• Souvenirs
• Clothes
• Artisan crafts

Visit local markets

Rainy days in Bali don’t have to mean a day indoors. Get out and explore the local markets! Bali has plenty of bustling markets that offer plenty of chances to soak up local flavor and culture.

From the vibrant Ubud Traditional Art Market, famed for its handmade crafts and batik clothing, to funky art markets like Sindu Street Art Market, you’ll find something unique and sure to capture your interest. These markets provide an excellent opportunity to buy souvenirs, sample local cuisine, or just meander and browse handmade goods created by Balinese artisans.

For a more traditional market experience, head to Sukawati Art Market, where you can find intricate carvings in every shade of wood imaginable. Here you’ll also find traditional clothing such as the sarong kamben (traditional wrap skirt). Other popular craft markets are Kerobokan’s Night Market or Ubud’s Pasar Bungan Village Evening Market for magnificent jewelry made from sterling silver and genuine stones—pieces you can bring home as reminders of your time in Bali.

Sanur Sunday Morning Walking Street is a must-visit for those always looking for a good bargain! Haggling is expected here – so practice your bartering skills and get lost in endless piles of clothes from blouses, bags, and sarongs everywhere – these are among the world’s cheapest finds! End your journey with delicious Indonesian street food served at affordable prices, which will certainly guarantee an unforgettable experience.

Explore shopping malls

While the tourist spots on Bali are all outdoors, the tropical showers don’t have to ruin your holiday. The shopping malls in Bali offer a great place to explore when it rains. From traditional Balinese garments to modern home decor, there are many stores, restaurants, and cafes in these malls. You can easily spend an entire day exploring each of them without getting wet!

Popular shopping malls in Bali include Plaza Renon, Paddy’s Palasad, Mal Kuta Bali Collection, Beachwalk mall for luxury fashion labels, and BCB (Bali Collection Bypass). These malls are located around different parts of the city, so you don’t have to worry about having too much distance to cover. Plus, they all have free parking lots with covered entrances, so you won’t get wet that easily!

The food courts at these malls also offer amazing options for Chinese cuisine and Japanese sushi and ramen dishes – perfect for a rainy day lunch or snack break! Don’t forget to save your appetite for dessert, too – you can find gelato ice cream stores serving some yummy flavors. Before you finish up your shopping spree, check out the cutout picture stalls – it’s impossible not to take one or two home with you!

Indoor Activities

Bali is known for its beautiful weather and stunning beaches, but what do you do when it rains? Fortunately, there are plenty of indoor activities to enjoy while in Bali. From visiting art galleries and shopping to trying different cuisines, you can make the most of your time inside.

Let’s take a look at some of the best indoor activities you can do in Bali when it rains:

Take cooking classes

Taking cooking classes is one of the many fun and educational activities with the family in Bali. You can learn how to make two or three delicious Indonesian recipes and enjoy a hands-on experience that will help you create flavorful dishes at home.

Most classes provide you with the ingredients and utensils, so all you need to bring is your enthusiasm and hunger. You’ll also get some useful tips from experienced chefs on how to store, prepare, and cook with local ingredients. You can also learn more about traditional Indonesian food culture from experienced instructors. It may even be a great opportunity for older kids to learn how to cook!

Enjoy spa treatments

Whether staying at a luxurious spa resort or just visiting for the day, Bali won’t disappoint when it comes to spa treatments. Relax, recharge, and restore during your visit to Bali with traditional Bhutanese massages, Balinese healing techniques, and body rituals created with local ingredients. No matter your motivation for visiting a spa, whether it be a special occasion, wellness holiday, or just some much-needed relaxation time, there’s a massage treatment that can be tailored to meet your needs.

Some of the more popular treatments available in Bali include Swedish massages, deep tissue massages, aromatherapy treatments, and foot refinement reflexology. To get the most out of a trip to one of Bali’s many luxurious spas, inquire about their special packages, which typically offer multiple treatments – from facials to body scrubs – for an economical price.

Watch a movie

Watching a movie is one of the best things to do when you’re stuck indoors due to rainy weather. Put on your comfy clothes and pop some popcorn for a fun indoor activity. You can pick an old favorite or discover something new.

If more than one person is looking for something to do, you can all settle for a movie night. Watching movies is an excellent way to spend time together or even enjoy some alone time, so search through the library or streaming services like Netflix and Hulu and get ready to relax!

Play board games

For a fun, wet-weather activity in Bali, head indoors and play board games with family and friends. Every participant can come up with their favorite board game they can share together – no matter their age. It’s guaranteed to get everyone laughing and having a great time, regardless of the rainy weather outside. This is also an important opportunity to be with your loved ones in a safe atmosphere as planning ahead is essential during travel or holidays.

Board games are a great way to have fun together while being stuck inside on rainy days!

Dining

Food is a great way to stay entertained and enjoy your time in Bali during a rainstorm. If you’re looking for a taste of Bali’s cuisine, there are plenty of top-notch restaurants to choose from with traditional dishes and international fare. Or you can also opt for a fun night out in a hopping bar or nightclub. Rainy days are no reason to stay in – dine like a local and get a taste of the best Bali has to offer.

Visit a cafe

Visiting a cafe can be a great way to enjoy a rainy day in Bali. Many cozy, unique cafes are located throughout the island, offering stunning views of the tropical landscape or hidden gems. Enjoy a hot cup of coffee or tea and curl up with a book or chat with your friends while watching the rain outside.

Balinese cafes often offer light meals and desserts, so you can satisfy your cravings while finding comfort in the warmth and scenery during those drizzly days.

Try traditional Balinese cuisine.

Dining in Bali can be an adventure. If you’re visiting the island of Bali, you definitely don’t want to miss out on trying some traditional Balinese cuisine. After all, what’s a visit to Bali without sampling some of its local gems?

There are many different dishes that you should try. Here’s a quick guide:

• Nasi Campur: Balinese mixed rice comprising vegetables, peanuts, and other toppings. Often served with fried chicken or tempeh (like tofu but made from soybeans).
• Lawar: A traditional Balinese salad made from shredded coconut meat and spices such as chili pepper and garlic. It often comes with ayam (chicken) or pork, giving it extra flavor.
• Bebek Betutu: This is a popular one – cooked duck wrapped in banana leaf that is then steamed before smoking over coconut husks for up to 24 hours! The result? It is a dish with amazing flavor, super tender duck meat, and gorgeous smokiness!
• Perkedel: These are mashed potatoes mixed with vegetables and herbs, then formed into patties before being shallow-fried in coconut oil. Great, either on its own or served with other dishes like Nasi Campur!

So why not head on out today and enjoy some delicious Balinese cuisine? You will surely not regret the experience – especially if it rains!

Enjoy a night out at a bar

When the weather is less than ideal, it can still be possible to enjoy your time in Bali, even if you’re not able to stay outdoors. Plenty of diverse and exciting nightlife options don’t require spending time in the rain.

For something low-key but still filled with an unforgettable atmosphere, hang out at some of Seminyak’s landmark bars and restaurants, such as La Favella or La Plancha, where you can listen to live music and have a few sundowner cocktails as the sun sets in this tropical paradise. For dance music, adorers try Mirror Club for great house music or visit renowned brands such as Finns Beach Club for great beach fun party vibes. Furthermore, countless bars offer shishas, pool tables, live sports broadcasts on big screens, water pipes, and endless conversations. So whatever you’re feeling and whatever type of experience you are looking for, Bali has it all!

Cultural Experiences

Bali is still a great place to explore and appreciate its culture despite the rain. There are many cultural experiences to enjoy and explore indoors, such as museums, cooking classes, and traditional arts and crafts. Additionally, Balinese culture is deeply rooted in spirituality which can be explored through temple hopping, treehouse meditation, and more.

Read on to find out more about the cultural experiences that Bali has to offer, even on a rainy day.

Visit a traditional village

A great way to experience Balinese culture and escape from the rain while in Bali is to visit one of the island’s traditional villages. Many of these traditional village homestays have warm and hospitable host families who welcome you to their homes to experience their culture, cuisine, and customs.

While in a village, you can explore Balinese arts and crafts, visit local temples, and watch traditional Balinese dances. Visiting a traditional village also gives you a chance to learn about the island’s social structure, which is based on the notion of a collective whole rather than personal power or wealth.

During your visit, you may be able to participate in activities such as making offerings at local temples or engaging in spiritual meditations with priests. You’ll also get the opportunity to sample locally grown fruits, vegetables, and coffee while meeting other friendly locals along the way!

Due to its tropical climate, Bali experiences periods of heavy downpours that can damper any holiday plans. But don’t let that stop you from exploring all this beautiful island has to offer – visiting a traditional village is a great way for travelers in Bali to enjoy some unique cultural experiences when it rains.

Go Bowling

Rainy days in Bali don’t have to be a total wash. Instead, head to the bowling alley for a fantastic time that the whole family can enjoy. Whether you’re a seasoned bowler looking for an afternoon of competition or a novice learning the ropes, there’s something to keep everyone entertained.

Bali is home to an air-conditioned state-of-the-art bowling alley featuring computerized scoring and slick lanes: Strike Bowling in Canggu. You also don’t need special gear – rental equipment, including bowling bags, shoes, and balls, is available on-site. They even provide drinks and snacks at Strike Bowling, so you can refuel between frames!

Give your one-day rain retreat an upgrade in Bali by booking a lane today!

Hit the gym

If you don’t mind getting sweaty, why not head to the gym when it rains in Bali? Gyms are a great way to stay fit and healthy while on vacation. Plus, they offer an escape from the rain when you need it most!

Most gyms in Bali offer amazing amenities such as air-conditioning, high-end equipment, group classes, and personal training sessions. The best part is you can access all of this without breaking the bank.

Finns Recreation Club has just renovated its Canggu gym, which is now the most modern and complete on the island. With a range of cardio, resistance, weight machines, and free weights, there is something for everyone. They also have regular classes like yoga to keep you motivated.

Take an indoor cycling class

While it’s unfortunate when Bali’s tropical monsoon rains prevent us from indulging in outdoor activities, there is no need to let the downpour get the better of you. Why not use a bit of your valuable time to focus on your well-being and physical health?

One fun option that can be enjoyed during a Bali rainstorm is an indoor cycling class. You can reap many benefits at home or at a dedicated cycling studio while burning off any excess energy.

An indoor cycling class can be intense and exhilarating even in just twenty minutes, burning over 600 calories an hour! During each workout session, a coach will guide you through proper technique and create an immersive virtual environment with videos and music to keep you motivated. Cycling also helps strengthen muscles and increase cardiovascular health while toning the body with minimal joint impact. Lastly, this exercise lifts spirits thanks to endorphin release, which helps combat stress!

Visit an animal sanctuary

If the weather isn’t playing ball and you can’t spend all day on the beach, why not visit one of the many animal sanctuaries in Bali. Bali is home to various sanctuaries where injured or elderly animals are cared for. This is your best option if you want to interact with animals and do something helpful.

At Animal Sanctuary Bali, located in Ubud, you can volunteer with rescued monkeys and spend time helping them find a safe home. If you don’t want to be hands-on but still want to experience nature know that this sanctuary offers trail tours for visitors (including a wheelchair-accessible trail) where you can observe native wildlife like macaques, gibbons, and more.

You can also go to Bali Safari & Marine Park, where you get up close with elephants, tigers, and more. Tickets include entrance fees, access to the waterpark, and some meals throughout the day.

Activities like these will make your time in Bali more meaningful, even when it rains outside!