Festivals in Bali You’ve Never Heard Of (But Should Absolutely Plan Around)

stephanie • September 1, 2025

Hidden in Bali’s vibrant traditions lies a collection of festivals untouched by mainstream travel guides. These celebrations open a rare doorway into authentic Balinese culture. For travelers who crave immersive experiences, planning around these events transforms a holiday into something extraordinary. Bali’s energy shifts during these festivals. You feel the rhythm of gamelan echoing through temples, the fragrance of offerings filling the air, and a sense of community unlike anywhere else. Festivals in Bali you’ve never heard of reveal the island’s beating heart, far from curated tourist routes.

Mekare-Kare: Ritual Combat in Tenganan Village

Every June, Tenganan village comes alive with the ancient Mekare-Kare festival. Men engage in friendly duels using thorny pandan leaves and woven shields. This rite honors the warrior spirit and preserves the traditions of Bali’s original inhabitants. Visitors witness a raw spectacle of courage and community. After the duels, locals share feasts and stories, welcoming you into their world. Attending this festival immerses you in a centuries-old narrative that most travelers miss.

Where to watch: Tenganan Pegringsingan Village, East Bali

Usaba Sambah: A Dance of Courtship

Karangasem hosts Usaba Sambah each May, where young villagers climb tall bamboo swings in a playful courtship ritual. The air fills with laughter, song, and ancestral blessings. Unlike any mainstream celebration, this event celebrates love, fertility, and community bonds. For guests seeking meaningful cultural encounters, Usaba Sambah offers a front-row seat to living traditions. It captures the softer, more intimate side of Balinese spirituality and social life.

Where to watch: Bungaya Village, Karangasem

Pagerwesi: A Spiritual Fortress

Pagerwesi, meaning “iron fence,” focuses on strengthening the mind and soul against negativity. Villagers gather at temples to pray, present offerings, and seek blessings for wisdom and protection. The festival usually occurs four days after Saraswati Day. The atmosphere feels deeply sacred yet warm. Guests who attend find themselves surrounded by chants, incense, and intricate ceremonies. This festival introduces travelers to Bali’s profound philosophy of spiritual balance.

Where to watch: Temples across Bali, especially Pura Luhur Uluwatu and Pura Besakih

Ngusaba Gede: Abundance and Gratitude in Besakih

Ngusaba Gede takes place at the iconic Besakih Temple, Bali’s Mother Temple. It celebrates fertility, prosperity, and harmony between humans, nature, and the divine. Hundreds of villagers carry towering offerings of rice, fruits, and flowers in vibrant processions. Attending Ngusaba Gede lets you experience Balinese devotion on a monumental scale. The temple complex transforms into a living tapestry of sound, color, and spiritual energy. It’s an unfiltered glimpse into the island’s sacred core.

Where to watch: Besakih Temple, Karangasem

Tumpek Landep: Honoring the Power of Metal

Tumpek Landep is a fascinating festival where Balinese people bless objects made of metal — from sacred kris daggers to modern motorbikes. Priests perform rituals to infuse these tools with positive energy and protective power. Visitors witness a rare intersection of ancient traditions and contemporary life. Seeing locals decorate vehicles with offerings and flowers is both humbling and unforgettable. This festival reveals how spirituality touches every aspect of Balinese living.

Where to watch: Everywhere in Bali, especially in villages and temples

Exploring these festivals in Bali you’ve never heard of brings your stay closer to the island’s soul. They reveal layers of tradition and artistry untouched by mass tourism. Each event offers travelers an authentic perspective on heritage, community, and devotion. Plan your journey around these celebrations to create memories beyond ordinary sightseeing. Let Bali’s rhythms guide you to experiences that connect heart, culture, and spirit.

Image from thebalibible.com

Top 5 Beaches in Bali for Swimming (Without the Waves or Rocks)

By stephanie • November 14, 2025
Some beaches in Bali look stunning in photos but leave you fighting waves or stepping on sharp rocks. If you’re after calm, crystal-clear water where you can actually swim, this list is for you. The ocean should refresh you, not test your balance. These are the Top 5 Beaches in Bali for Swimming, chosen for […] The post Top 5 Beaches in Bali for Swimming (Without the Waves or Rocks) appeared first on Luxury Villa Bali.

North Bali vs South Bali: Which Side Is Better for You?

By stephanie • November 7, 2025
Bali holds two souls. One whispers peace through jungle trails and hidden waterfalls. The other pulses with music, surfboards, and city lights. The contrast is captivating. Both sides promise something different, and your choice will shape the story you take home. This is not about which one is better. It’s about which one feels more […] The post North Bali vs South Bali: Which Side Is Better for You? appeared first on Luxury Villa Bali.

Best Halloween Bali 2025 Parties & Events You Don’t Want to Miss

By stephanie • October 24, 2025
The night feels electric. A chill in the air doesn’t exist—just warm tropical dusk. On October 31, Bali changed its tone. Clubs glow in neon. Costumes roam the streets. You sense magic gathering. This year’s Best Halloween Bali 2025 will deliver nights of dance, theatrical flair, and unforgettable energy across Bali’s hotspots. Here are 10 […] The post Best Halloween Bali 2025 Parties & Events You Don’t Want to Miss appeared first on Luxury Villa Bali.

Best Free Activities in Bali to Make Lifelong Vacation Memories

By stephanie • October 17, 2025
Crystal blue waves crash in the distance. Lush jungles whisper secrets through the wind. And golden sunlight kisses your skin. These are the moments that travelers seek. But unforgettable doesn’t need to mean unaffordable. Every traveler deserves stories worth telling. A trip filled with connection, adventure, and beauty. And the best part? You don’t have […] The post Best Free Activities in Bali to Make Lifelong Vacation Memories appeared first on Luxury Villa Bali.

Bali Quirky Photo Ops Locations: 10 Scavenger Hunt Spots Tourists Miss

By stephanie • October 10, 2025
Most travelers chase rice fields, waterfalls, and sunset temples. The real magic often lies in alleyways, street corners, and random sagging gates. If you want memories that don’t look like everyone else’s, join the ultimate Bali scavenger hunt using quirky photo ops locations. You’ll leave with a gallery of secrets tourists rarely spot. This feels […] The post Bali Quirky Photo Ops Locations: 10 Scavenger Hunt Spots Tourists Miss appeared first on Luxury Villa Bali.

Seminyak or Canggu for First-Time Visitors: Which One Is the Better Choice?

By stephanie • October 3, 2025
Stylish villas, world-class food, and ocean views—both areas promise this. But the experience? Very different. If you’re comparing Seminyak or Canggu for first-time visitors, the choice shapes your trip. The wrong vibe leads to discomfort. The right one makes everything click. Whether you love wellness, waves, parties, or peace, one place speaks your language more […] The post Seminyak or Canggu for First-Time Visitors: Which One Is the Better Choice? appeared first on Luxury Villa Bali.

Chasing Waterfalls in Bali: Which Ones Are Worth the Drive

By stephanie • September 26, 2025
Some waterfalls demand steep hikes. Others hide behind villages or require dirt roads. And some? They wait just around the corner with perfect light, dramatic cascades, and easy parking. That’s where this guide helps. You’ve got limited time. You don’t want to waste a day sweating through a trek only to find a dried-out stream. […] The post Chasing Waterfalls in Bali: Which Ones Are Worth the Drive appeared first on Luxury Villa Bali.

The Best Areas to Stay in Bali: Where to Book Based on Travel Style

By stephanie • September 15, 2025
The salty wind might call to surfers. The quiet rice paddies might whisper to writers. The beach clubs may pulse to the rhythm of night owls. No matter your reason for stepping onto Bali’s legendary soil, there’s a spot on the island that fits you like a second skin. Choosing where to stay isn’t just […] The post The Best Areas to Stay in Bali: Where to Book Based on Travel Style appeared first on Luxury Villa Bali.

Things You Need to Prepare Before Arriving in Bali

By stephanie • September 8, 2025
Every great journey starts with preparation, and traveling to Bali is no exception. Missing a single document can delay your entry or cause unnecessary stress. Knowing exactly what to arrange helps you move through immigration smoothly and focus on enjoying your trip. Understanding things you need to prepare before arriving in Bali keeps you ahead. […] The post Things You Need to Prepare Before Arriving in Bali appeared first on Luxury Villa Bali.

The Most Instagrammable Experiences in Bali

By stephanie • August 25, 2025
Some places speak in colors. Others speak in light. But few places give you both like this island does. You don’t need to search hard to find scenes that feel designed for your feed. But real magic happens when the photo captures more than beauty. It captures a moment you actually felt. That’s the secret. […] The post The Most Instagrammable Experiences in Bali appeared first on Luxury Villa Bali.