Roland Lefevre
As Indonesia's favourite playground Bali is a beach and party capital with a few secrets of its own. From painting lessons to working out at Yoga Barn Bali's top offbeat activities are as follows.
Often regarded as one of the most rewarding experiences one could have on a Bali vacation, taking an art/painting class in the island ranks among the top offbeat activities available to tourists. As a global epicentre in art and craft Bali's Ubud region is teeming with local talent and the home of many of the island's most celebrated artists.
Occupying pride of place in Ubud, Yoga Barn is a veritable institution when it comes to Balinese recreational facilities. Offering visitors a range of dance lessons during Sunday mornings and Friday evenings the ecstatic dance sessions that celebrate the art of movement is another great way to spend a meaningful afternoon or morning in Bali. Tibetan signing bowl lessons and Sound Meditation classes are also available for those seeking inner tranquillity.
Lined with acre after acre of rice paddy fields Bali is prime cultivating hub for the Indonesian meal staple rice. Picturesque as well as pastoral exploring the lush paddy laden fields brimming with rice plants is another highlight for nature loving visitors touring Bali. Experience the life of local paddy farmers and customs associated with growing rice along some of the island's most verdant corners.
Although it may resemble an activity that is straight off the pages of Eat, Pray Love visiting a local healer to align one's mental and physical being is a popular practice among discerning travellers in Bali. Concentrated around Ubud, the traditional healers practice an ancient form of healing that cures not only physical aches and pains but emotional distress as well.
As a local beverage that is as refreshing as it is widely available the humble green coconut should be consumed cold on Bali's warm days. Sold by mobile vendors across the island sipping on the sweet nectar of the green fruit is a rite of passage for first time Bali vacationers.
Renowned for is home-based tailors and seamstresses Bali is the perfect place to have clothing custom made. Affordable and easily accessible the large number of seamstresses and the vibrant collection of fabrics on offer in the island makes having the bespoke items tailor made to one's own measurements an excersise that also garners a custom made souvenir of one's time in Bali.
Taking to the country roads of Bali at sunrise is another must-have experience for visitors. Walking along its alleyways as flowers bloom in the morning mist as local stores open their doors is a magical experience one would not easily forget. Explore real Bali away from the touristic trappings as the island comes to life at the dawn of a new day.
As another Indonesian food haven the culinary offerings available in Balinese restaurants is another reason to vacation in this dining hub for the masses. From street side cafes such as the Clear Cafe and Alchemy to fine dining venues in Bali surf resorts such as the Anantara Bali Uluwatu Resort & Spa the wide range of local specialties on offer are truly staggering.
