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1 October, 2024

AYANA Bali offers eight authentic and immersive Balinese experiences

By Jose Antonio

AYANA Bali has embraced a profound respect for Balinese culture and offers a raft of authentic and immersive opportunities to explore and celebrate the region’s craftsmanship, creativity and culture.

Cultural cuisine at Kampoeng Bali

Set within a traditionally styled Balinese village within the 90-hectare AYANA Estate, Kampoeng Bali offers guests a unique glimpse into Balinese life through a buffet of local cuisine crafted in traditional outdoor kitchens complemented by a sunset ceremony, Kecak dance performance and fire dancing. The experience showcases authentic Balinese culture and cuisine.

Get hands-on with Holistic Healing

Travellers can take part in an immersive workshop that brings to life the healing powers of Indonesia’s traditional “jamu” herbal drink. This time-honoured traditional practice rooted in Indonesian culture takes a holistic approach to wellness and was cherished by the royal courts of Bali and Java. During the workshop, guests will learn from expert from the Jamu & Spice, founded by Nyonya Meneer, one of Indonesian jamu’s most influential figures.

SAKA Museum at AYANA Bali.

See the SAKA Museum

AYANA Bali’s newly opened state-of-the-art cultural and events centre, SAKA Museum, captures the island’s beauty, heritage and spirituality in a fascinating way, earning it a coveted place on TIME magazine’s prestigious World’s Greatest Places 2024 list.

Committed to preserving and promoting Bali’s vibrant legacy, the museum’s inaugural exhibition, Walking Among Giants includes a striking collection of giant ogoh-ogoh effigies which are paraded during Bali’s New Year Day of Silence celebration, Nyepi. Crafted by Balinese communities and artists, this collaborative display vividly portrays iconic figures from Balinese folklore. AYANA Bali guests can visit the museum free of charge.

Canang making and temple visit

The act of creating and presenting Canang, a daily offering Balinese Hindus make to show gratitude to their supreme God, is a staple element of Balinese life. It reflects the balance between human existence and the divine.

Participants will craft Canang from woven coconut leaves and flowers filled with ingredients reflecting the devotion and artistry of Balinese culture, then have an opportunity to don traditional temple attire to present their Canang at AYANA’s authentic Hindu Temple.

Ketupat making workshop

Ketupat is a staple cuisine in Balinese households. It is a traditional Javanese rice cake wrapped inside a container of coconut leaves, resulting in a unique texture and flavour. Participants can learn to weave these rice-filled coconut leaf containers into different shapes, such as a bird, a turtle or a gong.

Traditional costume experience

AYANA Bali guests are welcome to experience one of the most charming aspects of Balinese culture by dressing up in traditional costumes. This complimentary activity allows guests to immerse themselves in Balinese traditional clothing culture while learning about the significance of each component of the attire.

Traditional Herbal Remedies Workshop at AYANA Farm.

Treatment at AYANA Spa

Guests can rest, rebalance, and renew with local healing therapies that were created with beauty and wellness in mind at AYANA Spa. One of the must-try treatments is the Boreh Blessing, combining boreh body mask, herbal bath, and the famous Balinese Massage. Boreh, a traditional Indonesian healing paste is a mix of cinnamon, cloves, ginger, rice powder, and other aromatic spices that warms tired muscles, improves blood circulation, and soothers aching joints. The restorative herbal bath stimulates mental peace before a Balinese massage reawakens an inner wellspring of energy.

Balinese cooking class

For a hands-on experience in creating authentic Balinese dishes, AYANA Bali offers daily authentic Balinese cooking classes. Led by a skilled Balinese chef, guests learn the rich history behind each dish and the art of crafting perfectly balanced, herb-infused meals.

The menu includes delicious dishes including Tum Bebek (spiced minced duck wrapped in banana leaves) and Sate Campur (a mixed skewer of grilled chicken, beef, and prawns served with peanut sauce), among many others.

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