How to Experience Bali Like a Local – Hidden Secrets & Insider Tips

Bali is an island that effortlessly blends tourism with its rich local culture, but to truly experience the soul of Bali, you need to step away from the crowded tourist spots and immerse yourself in the daily life of the locals.

If you want to go beyond the usual beaches, resorts, and Instagram-famous cafés, this guide will show you how to experience Bali like a local from hidden villages and warungs to sacred traditions and community life.

1. Stay in a Traditional Balinese Homestay

Instead of booking a luxury resort or a Western style villa, try staying in a Balinese homestay, where you can experience authentic Balinese hospitality.

Why Stay in a Homestay?

• You’ll live with a local Balinese family, learning about their daily routines, traditions, and rituals.
• You can participate in morning offerings (Canang Sari), temple visits, and local ceremonies.
• It’s a great way to support the local economy while enjoying genuine Balinese culture.

Best Villages for Homestays:

• Sidemen – A peaceful rice terrace village, perfect for experiencing Bali’s countryside lifestyle.
• Munduk – Surrounded by misty mountains, coffee plantations, and waterfalls.
• Pemuteran – A quiet coastal village known for snorkeling and strong community traditions.

Local Tip: Many homestays offer home-cooked Balinese meals, so ask your host for a traditional dinner experience.

2. Eat at Local Warungs Instead of Tourist Restaurants

One of the best ways to experience Bali like a local is by eating where the locals eat. Instead of dining at Western-style cafés, visit traditional warungs, which serve authentic and affordable Balinese food.

Must-Try Local Dishes & Where to Find Them:

• Babi Guling (Suckling Pig) – Best at Warung Babi Guling Pak Malen (Seminyak) or Babi Guling Ibu Oka (Ubud).
• Nasi Campur (Mixed Rice with Various Side Dishes) – Try it at Warung Nasi Bali Men Weti (Sanur).
• Lawar (Minced Meat & Vegetables with Balinese Spices) – Authentic versions can be found at Warung Jero Kawan (Ubud).
• Sate Lilit (Minced Fish Satay) – Best at Warung Mak Beng (Sanur), known for its fish-based dishes.

Local Tip: Visit local night markets like Gianyar Night Market or Sindhu Night Market for an authentic street food experience.

3. Wake Up Early and Experience the Real Bali

Many tourists wake up late and miss out on the magic of Bali’s mornings. The island comes alive at dawn, when locals go to the markets, temples are filled with prayers, and the air is fresh and peaceful.

How to Experience Bali in the Morning Like a Local:

• Visit a traditional morning market such as Pasar Ubud or Pasar Badung to see locals buying fresh produce and making offerings.
• Take a sunrise walk along Sanur Beach, where Balinese fishermen prepare their boats for the day.
• Witness morning temple prayers at Tirta Empul Temple or Pura Luhur Batukaru.

Local Tip: Grab a strong Balinese Kopi Tubruk (traditional black coffee) at a roadside warung to start your day like a true local.

4. Explore Bali’s Hidden Villages

Beyond the busy streets of Ubud and Seminyak, there are hidden villages where Balinese traditions remain untouched. These villages offer a rare opportunity to see authentic Balinese life, from traditional weaving to ancient customs.

Best Hidden Villages to Visit:

• Tenganan Pegringsingan – One of the last Bali Aga (original Balinese) villages, known for its Geringsing double ikat weaving.
• Penglipuran Village – A beautifully preserved traditional village, famous for its unique architecture and clean environment.
• Trunyan Village – A mystical village on the shores of Lake Batur, known for its ancient burial rituals where bodies are laid in the open air.

Local Tip: Hire a local guide from the village to understand the deep spiritual meaning behind their customs.

5. Experience a Traditional Balinese Ceremony

Bali is known as the Island of a Thousand Temples, and there are ceremonies happening almost every day. Experiencing one is a powerful way to connect with Balinese spirituality.

Famous Balinese Ceremonies:

• Nyepi (Balinese New Year & Day of Silence) – The entire island shuts down for a day of silence and reflection.
• Odalan (Temple Anniversary Festival) – Happens at different times in every village temple. Expect offerings, dances, and gamelan music.
• Galungan & Kuningan – A major Balinese holiday celebrating good over evil, where streets are decorated with penjor (bamboo poles with offerings).

Local Tip: If invited to a ceremony, wear a sarong and sash, and observe the customs respectfully.

6. Travel Like a Local – Skip Private Cars & Ride a Scooter or Bemo

To truly experience Bali like a local, try using local transportation instead of hiring private cars.

Best Local Transport Options:

• Rent a scooter – The best way to explore hidden beaches, rice fields, and local villages.
• Take a Bemo (Local Minibus) – These cheap shared minibuses are mostly used by locals and run on fixed routes.
• Ride with GoJek or Grab – Bali’s version of Uber, where you can get a cheap ride or even order food like locals do.

Local Tip: Always negotiate the fare before getting into a Bemo, as they don’t have fixed prices.

7. Learn to Make Traditional Balinese Offerings

Every day in Bali, locals prepare Canang Sari (small floral offerings) and place them in front of homes, businesses, and temples. Learning how to make one helps you understand Balinese spirituality on a deeper level.

Where to Learn to Make Offerings:

• Join a Balinese homestay experience where families teach you the art of making Canang Sari.
• Take a Balinese cultural workshop in Ubud, where you’ll also learn about Balinese Hindu beliefs.

Local Tip: If placing an offering, don’t step over it always place it respectfully on the ground or a small altar.

Experience the Real Bali Beyond Tourism

To experience Bali like a local, you need to go beyond tourist attractions and dive into the island’s traditions, cuisine, and way of life. Whether it’s staying with a Balinese family, eating at warungs, or witnessing sacred ceremonies, these experiences will give you a deeper connection to the island and its people.

Quick Tips for a Local Bali Experience:

• Stay in a Balinese homestay instead of a hotel.
• Eat at local warungs and visit night markets.
• Explore hidden villages and join cultural workshops.
• Ride a scooter or take a Bemo instead of using private drivers.
• Participate in temple ceremonies and learn local customs.

For a truly authentic Balinese adventure, book a local-guided tour with Bali Gate Tours, ensuring insider knowledge and meaningful cultural experiences.