Welcome to your ultimate guide to finding the best Bali vacation packages and hotel deals – your ticket to the most seamless, valuable, and stress-free island holiday imaginable! While planning a trip to paradise is exciting, navigating the costs of accommodation, daily dining, and activities can sometimes feel complex. This is where a great package or special offer becomes a savvy traveler’s best friend.

A thoughtfully curated resort package is designed to bundle the best parts of a holiday into a single, convenient, and value-packed experience. This guide will walk you through the benefits of this approach and give you insider tips on how to find the perfect deal for your dream Bali escape.

What is a Resort Package? (It’s More Than Just a Discount)

Before you start your search, it helps to understand what a great resort package truly is. It’s not just about a lower price on a room; it’s about bundling a variety of desirable services and experiences together to create a more complete holiday. Common packages you might find include Stay & Dine deals, Family Fun packages with kids’ club access, or Romantic Escapes with spa treatments.

Tip #1: Look for Value Beyond the Room Rate

A savvy traveler knows that the real value of a package lies in the inclusions. A deal that includes dining credits, spa treatments, or airport transfers can save a significant amount of money and planning time, offering much more value than a simple room discount.

Tip #2: Consider Booking Directly with the Hotel

While online travel agents are popular, one of the best-kept secrets for savvy travelers is the benefit of exploring a hotel’s own website. Hotels often save their best, most creative, and most valuable packages exclusively for their own websites, including unique deals you won’t find anywhere else.

Tip #3: Match the Package to Your Travel Style

The “best” deal is always the one that is best for you. Think about how you plan to spend your holiday and choose a package that matches. If you’re a family, look for dining and kids’ club inclusions. If you’re a couple, prioritize romantic perks.

Experience True Peace of Mind with Merusaka’s All-Inclusive Style Packages

Here at Merusaka Nusa Dua, we specialize in creating these seamless experiences. For travelers seeking the ultimate in convenience and peace of mind, our All-Inclusive style package deals are the perfect choice. They are designed to take all the stress out of budgeting and planning, so you can focus on pure relaxation.

• What a Merusaka All-Inclusive Package Offers: While the specifics can vary, our all-inclusive options are built around providing a carefree culinary journey. Imagine your holiday where your meals are already taken care of. A typical package includes:
  • A lavish daily breakfast buffet at Gading Restaurant , with a huge variety of international and Asian options.
  • A delicious lunch at one of our selected venues, perhaps a casual pizza at Ja’jan by the Sea.
  • An exquisite dinner, allowing you to explore different culinary themes, from the authentic Indonesian heritage at Homaya Restaurant to other delightful options.
  • A selection of beverages included with your meals.
• The Ultimate Freedom: Choosing an all-inclusive style package means you can truly relax. The kids can have that extra juice by the pool, and you can enjoy your meals without ever thinking about the bill. It’s the closest feeling to having your own private, fully-catered sanctuary.

To explore our current, curated bali hotel specials deals, including our all-inclusive style packages and other offers, we invite you to visit our official offers page. It’s where you’ll find our most valuable and up-to-date promotions.

[Click Here to Explore Merusaka Nusa Dua’s Current Offers & Packages]

Conclusion: Your Smartest, Most Relaxing Holiday Awaits

Unlocking the best value on your Bali holiday is about looking beyond the nightly rate. By choosing a thoughtful resort package, especially an all-inclusive style deal, you gain budget predictability, incredible convenience, and the peace of mind that transforms a good trip into a fantastic, stress-free one. It’s the savvy traveler’s secret to a more relaxing and rewarding escape.

Halo! In a destination as beloved and beautiful as Bali, finding the best hotel resort in Bali means looking beyond star ratings. You want to discover what truly constitutes a “world-class” experience. This quality is felt as much as it is seen. It’s an alchemy of thoughtful design, heartfelt service, and an authentic sense of place. Ultimately, this transforms a great holiday into an unforgettable one.

So, what are the essential features? What truly separates a great resort from an exceptional sanctuary? It is a harmonious blend of key pillars. These work together to create a seamless and immersive journey for every guest.

As your hosts at Merusaka Nusa Dua, we believe deeply in these principles. Therefore, here is our 5-point guide to what we believe defines a true world-class experience on the Island of the Gods.

1. Immersive Cultural Design: A Resort with a Soul

A world-class resort in Bali shouldn’t feel like it could be anywhere on earth. Instead, it should feel deeply and authentically of Bali. It should tell a story that connects you to the island’s unique spirit from the moment you arrive.

The Experience: This goes beyond just adding a few statues. It’s about a design philosophy woven into the resort’s very fabric. Furthermore, you feel that the architecture, layout, and art all have a purpose. They also share a story rooted in the local culture.

The Merusaka Illustration: Our entire resort was designed to be an immersive journey into Balinese heritage. It takes inspiration from the legendary Penglipuran Village. This story unfolds from our grand, open-air lobby, modeled after a traditional Lumbung (rice barn). Moreover, it extends to our unique “Seven Villages” accommodation concept. Each building here is named after an ancient Balinese village. This truly is design with a soul.

2. Diverse & Exceptional Dining: A Culinary Destination

Bali is famous for its food. Thus, a world-class resort must also be a culinary destination. It should offer a range of high-quality and diverse options. These should suit any mood or palate.

The Experience: This means having the freedom to choose your dining adventure each evening. It’s the ability to savor authentic, heritage cuisine one night. Then, enjoy a casual, delicious beachfront barbecue the next. All this is possible without leaving your sanctuary’s comfort.

The Merusaka Illustration: We celebrate this diversity with our collection of restaurants. Guests can explore the rich, authentic flavors of the archipelago at Homaya Restaurant. Also, enjoy international and Asian cuisine at Gading Restaurant. Or, savor fresh seafood from the grill at our Paradise Beach Club. This variety ensures that every meal offers a new and exciting experience.

3. World-Class Wellness & Spa Facilities: A True Sanctuary

True rejuvenation on holiday requires more than just a swimming pool. A world-class resort understands this. It recognizes the need for dedicated spaces and experiences. These are designed to soothe the mind, body, and spirit.

The Experience: This means having access to a true sanctuary of wellness. It’s a serene spa environment. Expertly trained therapists provide treatments. They use high-quality, natural ingredients. Therefore, the treatments are both relaxing and effective. It’s the opportunity to indulge in a full day of pampering. This can range from morning yoga to an evening flower bath.

The Merusaka Illustration: The Spa at Merusaka is our dedicated haven of tranquility. We take this experience further. Our unique Garden Spa with a Beachview allows guests to enjoy a massage. It takes place in a private, open-air pavilion. This combines the serenity of a spa with the natural beauty of the ocean breeze and view.

4. Seamless, Heartfelt Service: The Human Connection

This is the intangible element. It truly defines a 5-star experience. It also creates lasting loyalty. World-class service is not just efficient and robotic. Rather, it is intuitive, warm, genuine, and deeply human.

The Experience: It’s the feeling of being genuinely cared for. Consider the staff member who greets you with a sincere smile and remembers your name. Think of the concierge who takes personal pride in helping you plan a perfect day. Also, notice the quiet, background hum of a team working seamlessly. They make your stay effortless.

The Merusaka Illustration: Our entire service philosophy roots itself in the principles of authentic Balinese hospitality. For our team, providing warm and heartfelt service is more than just a job. Indeed, it is a cultural value. We strive to make our guests feel like cherished family. We welcome them into our home.

5. A Prime & Serene Location

Finally, a world-class experience demands a world-class setting. The location of a resort is fundamental. It impacts the overall feeling of peace, safety, and beauty.

The Experience: This involves the peace of mind that comes from being in a secure environment. It is clean and beautifully maintained. Furthermore, you enjoy direct access to a pristine, calm beach. You can relax there without worry.

The Merusaka Illustration: Our prime location within the prestigious and secure ITDC complex in Nusa Dua provides this foundation of serenity. With direct access to the calm, swimmable, and immaculately kept Mengiat Beach, our resort offers a beautiful and peaceful sanctuary away from the crowds. Consequently, it stands as one of the most desirable locations for top hotels in Bali.

Conclusion: The Definition of Paradise

The best hotel resort in Bali harmoniously blends these five pillars of excellence. It is a place where immersive design, exceptional dining, world-class wellness, heartfelt service, and a perfect location come together. This creates an experience far greater than the sum of its parts. Indeed, this thoughtful, holistic approach truly defines paradise.

Halo! As your friendly hosts at Merusaka Nusa Dua, we want to share the magic of the Ubud Village Jazz Festival. Each August, Ubud’s lush heart sways to a sophisticated rhythm. This festival brings world-class music to a stunning tropical stage. This year, on Friday, August 1st, and Saturday, August 2nd, 2025, this beloved event returns. It truly offers one of Southeast Asia’s most intimate and enchanting musical experiences.

This is not a massive, loud party. Instead, it’s a refined celebration of music, created by musicians for true music lovers. For visitors with a passion for jazz or simply an appreciation for high-quality live music in a beautiful setting, this festival is an absolute must. Ultimately, it showcases another vibrant facet of the island’s diverse arts scene.

We love helping our guests discover Bali’s full spectrum of cultural offerings. Therefore, let us be your guide to experiencing this special event.

More Than a Music Festival: The Spirit of UVJF

What makes the Ubud Village Jazz Festival so special? It’s its unique, community-driven atmosphere.

The Experience

Unlike massive commercial festivals, UVJF is renowned for its friendly, intimate scale. Indeed, it’s a passion project founded by musicians, and that spirit is truly felt throughout the event. Consequently, the atmosphere remains relaxed and welcoming. This allows for genuine connection between the artists, the audience, and the music itself, all in a beautiful, open-air setting.

The Music

The festival features highly curated music. It focuses on a diverse range of high-quality jazz. The lineup always presents an eclectic and exciting mix. You can hear everything from classic swing and bebop to contemporary fusion, Latin jazz, and funk. Both international and Indonesian artists perform.

The Venue: Music Amongst the Trees

A key part of the festival’s magic is its enchanting venue. For 2025, the festival will be held within the beautiful grounds of the Sthala Ubud Bali, A Tribute Portfolio Hotel.

The Setting

This location perfectly embodies the “Jazz in the Jungle” theme. Imagine listening to a smooth saxophone solo or an intricate piano improvisation. Stages are set amidst lush tropical greenery. Views overlook the Wos River valley. Clearly, the combination of world-class music and a stunning natural backdrop makes the experience so unforgettable.

Planning Your Jazz Escape from Nusa Dua

A trip to the Ubud Village Jazz Festival from your sanctuary in Nusa Dua is a wonderful way to combine a relaxing beach holiday with a world-class cultural event. Here’s how to plan it.

The Dates

The festival takes place on Friday, August 1st, and Saturday, August 2nd, 2025.

Tickets

Tickets are usually available as 1-Day or 2-Day Passes. We highly recommend purchasing your tickets in advance. Do so directly from the official festival website to ensure entry. The event maintains a limited capacity to preserve its intimate feel.

The Journey to Ubud

The drive from Nusa Dua to Ubud takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours. This depends on traffic. For an evening event like this, we recommend arranging a private driver. This allows you to travel in comfort. It also ensures you have a safe and reliable ride back to the resort late at night. Our concierge team can easily arrange this for you.

Making it a Day Trip

A great plan involves leaving Nusa Dua in the early afternoon. This gives you time to arrive in Ubud. Perhaps take a short walk through the town center. Or enjoy an early dinner at one of Ubud’s famous restaurants. Afterward, head to the festival grounds for the evening’s first performances. These usually start around sunset.

Conclusion: A Sophisticated Night of Soulful Music

The Ubud Village Jazz Festival is truly unique. It is an intimate and sophisticated event that stands out on Bali’s busy festival calendar. Any music lover seeking a high-quality artistic experience in an unforgettable setting must visit. It’s a perfect addition to a Bali holiday. It offers a chance to relax, be inspired, and listen to incredible music from around the world in the magical heart of Ubud.

Halo! As the Bali sun begins to set, the Sanur Village Festival comes to life. It transforms the tranquil shores of Sanur. This beloved annual event becomes a vibrant, week-long celebration. It showcases community, culture, music, and food. Typically held in late August, it’s one of the island’s most anticipated festivals. It draws locals and visitors together for a truly special beachside party.

This is a modern celebration with a huge heart. It differs from more ancient temple ceremonies. The Sanur Village Festival (SVF) showcases creativity and community spirit. It’s all set against the relaxed, charming backdrop of Sanur. This is one of Bali’s original tourist destinations. As your friendly hosts here at Merusaka Nusa Dua, we highly recommend a visit. It perfectly captures modern Bali’s fun, friendly, and creative soul.

The Spirit of Sanur: What is the Festival All About?

Before you dive into the festivities, it’s wonderful to understand the event’s purpose.

A Celebration of Community & Creativity

The Sanur Development Foundation (YPS) started this festival. It celebrates and promotes Sanur’s incredible creative energy. It brings together local artists, musicians, restaurateurs, and businesses. They join in a single, vibrant showcase.

A Festival with a Heart

A key theme runs through SVF every year. It focuses strongly on environmental conservation and social empowerment. The festival often includes various activities. These include beach clean-ups, coral reef planting, and releasing baby turtle hatchlings. This blends fun with a meaningful purpose.

A Feast for the Senses: What to See, Do, and Eat!

The Sanur Village Festival offers incredible diversity. It provides something for everyone. Foodies, music lovers, families, and sports enthusiasts will all find enjoyment.

1. The Legendary Food Bazaar

This is often the main attraction! They set up a huge culinary area. Dozens of stalls feature here. You can find everything. This includes delicious, authentic street food and local warung specialties. Pop-up booths from some of Sanur’s best hotel restaurants also participate. It’s a fantastic opportunity for a culinary tour. Sample a huge variety of Indonesian and international flavors.

2. Live Music on the Beach

As evening falls, the main stage on the beach becomes the festival’s heart. Each night features performances. Well-known Indonesian musicians and bands play. They cover genres from pop and rock to jazz and reggae. Enjoying great live music with your feet in the sand is magical. The sea breeze fills the air. It’s a truly special Bali experience.

3. Cultural Performances & Art

The festival also serves as a platform for Balinese culture. You can expect showcases of traditional dance. Gamelan music performances also occur. Contemporary art exhibitions are common. Photography competitions and other creative displays often celebrate the island’s beauty.

4. Fun on the Water (and Land)

The festival often includes various fun sporting events. This reflects Sanur’s seaside setting. In the past, this has included marathons and cycling tours. Water sports competitions also feature. These include traditional jukung boat races, surfing, or windsurfing.

5. Environmental Action

Do not miss the chance to witness or even participate in the festival’s environmental activities. The ceremonial release of baby turtle hatchlings into the ocean is heartwarming. It is a popular event. It’s perfect for families and nature lovers.

Planning Your Visit from Nusa Dua

Getting to the festival from your sanctuary in Nusa Dua is a simple and enjoyable trip.

The Journey

The drive to the Sanur area from Nusa Dua is quite easy. It typically takes about 30 to 40 minutes. This depends on traffic. The festival usually centers around the Maisonette area of Segara Ayu Beach.

Transport Options

A private driver or a ride-hailing app like Gojek or Grab offer convenient transport. Use them to get there and back.

Best Time to Go

We highly recommend visiting in the late afternoon. Stay into the evening. This allows you to browse the art and activity stalls in daylight. Then, settle in. Enjoy the sunset, the buzzing food bazaar, and the main music performances on the beach at night.

What to Bring

Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) cash is essential. Use it for the food bazaar and any small vendors. Some larger stalls may accept cards, but cash is far more convenient. It can get a little breezy by the ocean at night. So, a light jacket or wrap is a good idea.

Conclusion: Experience Bali’s Community Spirit

The Sanur Village Festival is a must-visit event for anyone in Bali during late August. It offers a fun, safe, and incredibly welcoming atmosphere. This makes it a perfect evening out for couples, families, and solo travelers alike. It’s a chance to taste delicious food. Listen to great music. Celebrate alongside the local community. All this happens in one of Bali’s most charming seaside towns.

Halo! While Bali’s savory, spice-rich dishes are famous, a delicious new adventure awaits you. Discover the island’s incredible variety of Balinese desserts and traditional sweets. This journey explores the gentler, sweeter side of Balinese cuisine. It builds on the foundational flavors of coconut, palm sugar, and fragrant pandan leaf.

These treats are essential to daily life and celebration in Bali. They range from warm, comforting puddings to colorful, bite-sized market cakes, known as jajan pasar. For visitors, they offer a delightful way to connect with local culture. As your friendly hosts here at Merusaka Nusa Dua, we’ve created this guide. It will help you discover some of the most popular and unmissable sweet treats the island offers.

The Heart of Balinese Sweets: Key Ingredients

Before your first bite, appreciate the beautiful, natural ingredients. They give Balinese desserts their unique soul.

• Coconut (Kelapa): Coconut is the undisputed king of Balinese sweets. People use it in every form imaginable. Rich, creamy coconut milk (santan) forms the base of puddings and sauces. Freshly grated coconut serves as a delicious coating. Toasted coconut also adds a fragrant crunch.
• Palm Sugar (Gula Merah): Forget plain white sugar! Balinese desserts sweeten with gula merah. This deep, dark sugar comes from coconut or lontar palm tree sap. It has a rich, complex, and smoky caramel flavor. It is incredibly delicious.
• Pandan Leaf: This long, green leaf is Southeast Asia’s vanilla. People use it to infuse desserts with a unique, sweet, and fragrant aroma. Often, it gives them a natural, vibrant green color.
• Glutinous Rice (Ketan): The foundation of many traditional cakes is glutinous rice, also known as sticky rice. Both white (ketan putih) and black (ketan hitam) varieties are used. It provides a satisfyingly chewy and dense texture.

Warm & Comforting: Puddings and Pancakes

These desserts offer pure Balinese soul food. They are perfect for a comforting treat. Enjoy them after dinner or on a cooler evening.

1. Bubur Injin (Black Rice Pudding)

This is a truly classic Balinese dessert. Bubur Injin, also known as Bubur Ketan Hitam, is a rich, creamy pudding. It’s made from black glutinous rice, sweetened with palm sugar, and often flavored with pandan leaves. People serve it warm. They generously drizzle it with thick, slightly salty coconut milk. This perfectly balances the pudding’s sweetness. It’s a wonderfully hearty and satisfying treat.

2. Dadar Gulung (Sweet Coconut Pandan Crepes)

These beautiful, bright green rolls delight the eye. They are even better to eat. A soft, thin crepe flavors and colors with fragrant pandan leaf juice. It wraps around a generous filling of unti. This is a moist, sweet mixture of grated coconut and melted palm sugar. They offer a perfect, light, and fragrant snack.

3. Pisang Goreng (Fried Bananas)

Simple, classic, and beloved by everyone! Pisang Goreng is the ultimate Indonesian comfort food. Sweet, ripe bananas are coated in a light, crispy batter. Then, they are deep-fried to golden perfection. You’ll find them everywhere. Look for them at street-side carts and on restaurant menus. They can be served simply on their own. Alternatively, elevate them with a drizzle of honey, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

A Colorful Assortment: Jaje Bali (Traditional Balinese Cakes)

One great way to sample various sweets is to order a plate of Jaje Bali. This isn’t one specific cake. Instead, it’s a delightful mixed plate of different traditional cakes, or jajan pasar (market snacks).

The Experience: It’s a fun, colorful assortment. You’ll find different textures and flavors. It is almost always served with fresh grated coconut. A drizzle of thick palm sugar syrup also accompanies it. Common components you might find include:

• Klepon: These are small, chewy green rice flour balls. They hold a surprise inside! When you bite into one, liquid palm sugar bursts in your mouth. They are then rolled in grated coconut. An absolute must-try!
• Laklak: These look like small, fluffy green pancakes. People make them from rice flour. They have a light, airy texture. This provides the perfect vehicle for sweet syrup and coconut topping.
• Cenil: These little sweets are colorful, chewy, and fun to eat. People make them from tapioca starch. Their primary role is to add a wonderful chewy texture to the mix.

Cool & Refreshing: Icy Delights

On a hot Bali day, nothing satisfies more than a sweet, icy dessert.

Es Campur (“Mixed Ice”)

This is the ultimate refreshing treat! Es Campur literally means “mixed ice.” That’s exactly what it is. A bowl is filled with shaved ice. A wild, colorful assortment of delicious toppings accompanies it. These can include grass jelly, jackfruit, avocado, tapioca pearls, sweet red beans, and nata de coco. They then generously drizzle the whole creation with condensed milk and brightly colored fruit syrups. It’s a fun, chaotic, and incredibly refreshing dessert.

Where to Find These Sweet Treats

Now that you’re craving these delights, good news! They are everywhere!

• Traditional Markets (Pasar): The best place to find fresh jajan pasar is at a local morning market. You’ll see vendors with beautiful trays of colorful, freshly made cakes.
• Night Markets (Pasar Malam): These are great spots for finding warm treats. Examples include martabak manis (a thick sweet pancake) and pisang goreng.
• Local Restaurants & Cafes: Many local restaurants and even specialty coffee shops feature selections of these traditional desserts on their menus.
• Your Resort Buffet: Often, the easiest way to try a variety is at your hotel’s breakfast or dinner buffet. Venues like our Gading Restaurant at Merusaka often feature a beautiful selection of local sweets. This allows you to sample them in a comfortable setting.

Conclusion: Discover Bali’s Sweet Side

Be adventurous on your culinary journey through Bali. Be sure to save room for dessert! Exploring the island’s unique and delicious sweets is a simple and fun way to connect with the local culture. It also connects you with the island’s natural bounty. From the comforting warmth of black rice pudding to the delightful surprise of a klepon, a sweet ending is always just around the corner.

Experiencing Indonesian Independence Day in Bali on August 17th offers a wonderful glimpse into the nation’s spirit. You will see patriotism and a deep love for community fun. As August approaches, the island transforms. Streets line with proud red and white flags. Decorative banners adorn village entrances. A palpable sense of excitement fills the air.

This is Indonesia’s most important national holiday. Witnessing the celebrations is a fantastic opportunity. You can connect with the local culture beyond temples and beaches. It’s a day filled with history and pride. Most of all, it brings a lot of laughter. As your friendly hosts here at Merusaka Nusa Dua, we’d love to share a guide. This will help you understand and enjoy the festivities.

The Spirit of Merdeka: What is Indonesian Independence Day?

Before diving into the fun, it’s lovely to understand the day’s meaning.

The Historical Significance

August 17th, known as Hari Kemerdekaan, celebrates a special day. In 1945, Indonesia formally proclaimed its independence. This day brings immense national pride. It commemorates the country’s sovereignty. It also honors the heroes who fought for it. One powerful word captures the spirit of this day: Merdeka, which means “Freedom.”

The Red and White Flag

You will see the Indonesian flag, the Bendera Merah Putih, flying everywhere. Its symbolism is simple, yet profound. The red stripe represents courage and the blood of the nation’s heroes. Meanwhile, the white stripe represents purity and the human spirit.

The Sights of the Day: Solemn Ceremonies & Festive Decorations

The day itself tells a tale of two halves. A formal morning transitions into a fun-filled afternoon.

A Sea of Red and White

In the weeks leading up to August 17th, Bali becomes beautifully decorated. You’ll see flags on homes, shops, and nearly every motorbike. Many local communities (banjar) also build elaborate red and white decorative arches (gapura). These appear at their village entrances.

Formal Ceremonies

In the morning, you will hear sounds of formal flag-raising ceremonies (upacara bendera). These take place at schools, government offices, and institutions. They occur across the island. While primarily official events for locals, they are a key part of the day’s patriotic observances.

The Fun & Games: The Joy of the Community Lomba!

The morning marks solemnity. However, the afternoon is all about fun, laughter, and community games! These traditional, often hilarious, competitions are known as lomba. They form the true heart of the celebration for most people. If you explore local neighborhoods, you are very likely to stumble upon these joyful gatherings.

Here are some classic games to look out for:

A group of smiling children participating in a sack race (balap karung), a traditional game for Indonesian Independence Day in Bali.

• Panjat Pinang (Pole Climbing): This is perhaps the most entertaining spectacle. They erect a tall, straight pole, often from an areca palm tree. It is thoroughly coated in oil or grease. At the very top, a variety of prizes hang. Teams of young men must work together. They climb on each other’s shoulders. This is a slippery, comical, and determined effort. They aim to reach the prizes at the top. It’s a hilarious and impressive display of teamwork!
• Lomba Makan Kerupuk (Cracker-Eating Contest): This is a simple but classic game. Children and adults alike love it. They hang a large, flat cassava cracker (kerupuk) from a string. Participants try to eat the entire cracker. Their hands are tied behind their backs. It’s harder than it looks. It always results in lots of laughter.
• Balap Karung (Sack Race): This game is familiar around the world! Participants step into a large rice sack. They hop their way to the finish line.
• Lomba Bakiak (Tandem Sandal Race): This is a fantastic team game. A group of 3 to 5 people stand on a single pair of long wooden sandals (bakiak). They must coordinate their steps to walk or run towards the finish line. It requires perfect timing and communication. It is incredibly fun to watch.

How to Respectfully Enjoy the Celebration

As a visitor, you are very welcome to enjoy the festive atmosphere! These community celebrations offer a joyful and authentic cultural experience.

Where to See the Games

The lomba are grassroots events. They happen in local village squares. You can also find them on community sports fields. Sometimes, they even occur on side streets in the afternoon of August 17th. Ask your local driver or our concierge team if they know of any community celebrations nearby. They can confirm if these would be appropriate for visitors to respectfully observe.

Be a Great Spectator

The day’s spirit is fun and inclusive. Feel free to watch, smile, and cheer for the participants! Your positive energy will be welcomed.

Ask Before Participating

In some very friendly community settings, you might even receive an invitation. You could join in a game like the sack race. If you are invited, do so with good humor. Enjoy the moment!

Respectful Photography

Always be mindful when taking photos. The games are public and fun. However, it’s polite to ask permission before taking a close-up photo of a person. Please remember this is their national day. Observe all festivities with respect.

Conclusion: A Joyful Display of Community Spirit

Being in Bali for Indonesian Independence Day in Bali offers a unique and wonderful opportunity. You will witness the nation’s patriotic spirit. You will also see its incredible sense of community on full display. The joy, laughter, and camaraderie of the afternoon lomba are infectious. They offer a truly authentic glimpse into the heart of Indonesian culture.

We hope you have a wonderful time enjoying the festive red and white atmosphere during your August stay!