Balinese Village Experience

A great way to immerse yourself in Balinese culture.

Family and I had a great day. We learnt alot from our host Eric about his family, culture and religion. We ate well (don't have breakfast beforehand) and despite the heat found ourselves enjoying our time in the village and especially the water ceremony. A great way to immerse yourself in Balinese culture.

Great Bali experience!

Through the relation and wonderful support of Balibuddies we joined the day event of Bali village experience! It resulted in a unforgettable wonderful day where we were guided by our tour host Eric who showed us (4 persons) his own home and life style in their village. Followed by a visit to the rice paddy‘s and a lovely midday local Indonesian lunch. During the afternoon we visited a special side with caves and waterfalls and temples where the Bali rituals and religious cleaning and awareness is practiced! A wonderful experience which is very recommendable to everybody!

Great Experience!

We had a really great day from start to finish. It was great to see in what ways the Balinese people live and to take a look inside the doors of a large family. Best trip so far

A privilege to experience

From the very start when Made from Bali buddies picked us up to take us to meet Erik and his family we had a fantastic time. Made was an excellent driver and gave us lots of information as we drove along. Erik spoke fantastic English and we learnt so much about the Hindu religion and culture. The food was amazing and being cleansed in the holy waters was very special.

Uplifting and renewed spiritual!!

This is an amazing experience,and a wonderful tour. This was my favorite tour in Bali. Any time that I come back to Bali I would do it again. The host who house we visited was very kind and very informative. Omg I love this tour. I am not Hindu, but my faith felt renewed and I felt spiritually cleaned .

Bali Village Experience

The whole experience was great. Our driver Marnie was very friendly and courteous. When we arrived at the village we were met by Eric, who lived in this village. He was very informative and showed and explained their culture and what village life was like. At the cleansing celebration at the lake he made sure that we able to participate in all facets of the ceremony. The experience was not what we were expecting. It was much more. Recommend to anyone to do Bernie & Geoff

A Must Do

It was my first trip to bali with my 2 daughters 21 and 16. We wanted to see the Balinese way of life and wanted to do a cleanings whilst there. This tour was reccommended to us and it was AMAZING! It ticked all the boxes and did not disappoint, and we all walked away taking something different each with us. We were picked up from our accommodation and taken to a beautiful Balinese families home where our guide Eric lived. We met some family members and were warmly welcomed with a traditional morning tea - so much to try! Eric spoke about his home, family, culture, history and beleifs. We toured around the home before making some of our own blessings of which we later used at our spiritual cleansing ceremony. After leaving the home we visited the families farm and rice terrace and learnt about that. We then had lunch at a local warung where you could choose what ever you wanted all included in the tour price. After lunch we headed to Taman Beni Griya waterfall and participated in the spiritual cleansning. I have no words for this place, other then you must go and see and do this for yourself. The experience was like no other and it was the most beautiful place. The experience was truly extrodinary. The 3 of us highly reccommend this tour. Eric was full of information and a wonderful guide. A must do whilst in Bali!

Authentic Balinese experience

My wife booked this tour for us and the two children. I had no Idea what we were in for, I thought we were just going to a little village and wandering around with a guide. We were picked up by our wonderful driver from the hotel, driven through the beautiful countryside to our guide's home. We were warmly greeted by Eric who welcomed us to his home and introduced us to his family, we had traditional Balinese morning tea and Eric talked about Balinese history, his family home, his Hindu culture and why the homes are built like they are. I always had an interest to know more about the Balinese way of life and Eric answered all of these burning questions! we then were shown around the family temple and dwellings and Eric talked about the offerings, the gods and some of their beliefs, we even made some offerings for our spiritual cleansing ceremony. After this part of the tour we drove a small distance to tour the family rice terrace and farm, then onto lunch at a local Warung D’ala Desa which served the most amazing BBQ chicken! Eric also told some more stories of Bali. After lunch we went to the Taman Beni Griya waterfall and did the blessing/spiritual cleansing ceremony. The place was truly magical and beautiful. I highly recommend this tour, we learnt so much and had a fantastic time! Thank you Eric for the experience.

Authentic and Engaging

My experience with Bali Buddies on the Village Experience tour was absolutely fantastic. Our guide, Eric, was incredibly knowledgeable about the local villages and their traditions, and he was also very personable and friendly, which made for a great day out. The tour itself was very well-planned and executed. We visited a family home and had the opportunity to learn about their way of life. We saw how they made their traditional crafts, learned about their religious practices, and even got to try some delicious local food. What I really appreciated about this tour was that it felt very authentic. It wasn't a tourist trap or a contrived experience - we were genuinely welcomed into a family home and treated with warmth and hospitality. Overall, I would highly recommend the Village Experience by Bali Buddies to anyone who wants to get a deeper understanding of Bali's culture and way of life. The tour was informative, engaging, and just plain fun. And of course, having Eric as our guide was the cherry on top - he was knowledgeable, friendly, and an all-around great guy. Thanks, Bali Buddies, for a memorable experience!

An experience not to be missed

This is the first review I have ever written so it shows how much I thought of the experience. As a family with two young children, the whole day was amazing. Everything was extremely well organised, from our driver picking us up to meeting our guide and experiencing an insight into Balinese life. Eric, our guide, was so friendly and clearly loves sharing his knowledge and he was really good with our two boys. The blessing ceremony after lunch was incredible and really insightful. We cannot recommend this trip enough.

Blown away by this authentic cultural experience

This must be good As first time I’ve bothered to do a review 😬 I am so glad I stumbled across this tour as a typical Aussie family having been to Bali multiple times, done the usual day trips to Ubud and other temples all great but was looking for something unique / authentic, plus to give the kids a real life education type experience. If I’m honest I was bit skeptical about how the morning would go visiting our guides home. (Would we be met with random family members popping in to try sell us stuff? Would we be met with staged Balinese dancers? ) Not at all, family came and went going about their every day lives. we got to learn about their house, eat local morning tea treats, local fruits and walk around the compound learning about Hinduism and how this plays into the every day lives of how they live. All those offerings you see with beautiful flowers placed at the front of places around Bali have so much meaning, from the colours of the flowers to what way they are positioned was so fascinating(slightly feel ignorant I’ve walked passed hundreds on my many visits in Bali and didn’t have a clue how much that gorgeous little square offering has so much symbolicalness and representation..) we then made our own offering to take to the sacred Hindu site.. a beautiful waterfall!! (Not many tourist at all go here which was great!) If you’re keen to learn about Hinduism and go through a beautiful spiritual cleansing and blessing at this insanely amazing waterfall ..please don’t miss out on this experience. I’ve been around the world and my husband and I felt blown away by this, Was good for the soul!) Along the way you take in incredible views of rice fields, pass monkey Forrest, and great lunch. No negatives to this tour! I will say if you have kids.. (ours are 9 and 12 and really enjoyed this) worth taking into consideration couple of the following..,Remember you won’t be anywere with aircon apart from car so long day for them, also with the steep steps right next to waterfall I wouldn’t recommend for young children. Also you are off beaten track so no western toilets..prep the kids of what the hole in the ground is for lol Eric the guide was engaging, easy to chat with (no question was off bounds) and genuine about wanting to show you his culture and give you traditional blessing. (Bonus was his amazing photo skills to capture all our moments ;) ) A massive well done to company that created this tour and have Eric guide this.. he made the experience. you have managed to create a very authentic ‘real’ experience that I am so so greatful to have done.

Fantastic experience

Fantastic experience. From first booking to the friendly helpful driver and then arriving to the village. The village experience was the real Bali and very informative with a brilliant host and his family. We were made to feel extremely welcome and the family had prepared beautiful Balinese foods for us. We visited his family’s rice fields and then an included lunch at a local warung with amazing views and food. Then onto a blessing at a beautiful waterfall. Gave our family special memories and one that we would all recommend. Thanks again.

AMAZING CULTURAL EXPERIENCE

We went on the Balinese village experience yesterday and let me just say this is a must do to include in your travel itinerary. I've been to Bali numerous times and this tour really taught me about the culture and way of life which we found incredibly interesting. To top this off the tour staff were extremely knowledgeable and professional. We couldn't reccomend this enough. Thank you BALI BUDDIES 💕

Great experience

We have been to Bali many times our entire group loved the entire experience. We would highly recommend to anyone travelling to Bali. The guides and drivers were fantastic

Bali Village Experience

The most magical experience. From start to finish. Would recommend 100 times over. A very special day we will always remember!

Bali Buddies - Bali's Best Tour Arrangements

I've been living in Bali for going on ten years and host regular visitors several times a year at our villa. All of our guests have different interests, some love culture, some love adventure, some have small kids, and some are elderly. I can always count on Bali Buddies to arrange the perfect airport pickup and fast track experience, a clean well air conditioned car, friendly driver, arrange an appropriate daily itinerary, and to charge us fairly and clearly. I've booked about ten different tours through Bali Buddies and this review is way overdue, Bali Buddies has always delived and my guests love what's been arranged. I highly recommend Bali Buddies website to plan a perfect visit too. Personally I've been on the Cultural Tour & Cleansing Tour, this is not some touristy thing, it's a very personal look into a lovely Bali Family's life and a special visit to a very lovely waterfal of significant spiritual meaning to the Balinese and those that partake in the blessing. Highly highly recommended!

Unbelievable Balinese Village Experience . Highly recommend

We had the privilege of attending the Balinese Village Experience . The tour was well thought out and captured another side to Bali that a lot of tourists don’t experience . Eric our guide was amazingly patient and kind throughout the day , always checking that we where ok , or if we needed anything. Yummiest lunch included . We have gained life long memories from attending and can’t thank-you enough 🙏🙏🙏🙏

Cleansing and blessing ceremony

I felt so privileged to have been able to participate in such a sacred experience. We were welcomed and guided every step of the way. This was the highlight of my trip.

Unforgettable cleansing and blessing ceremony

When Karlie recommended this experience I had no idea how many magical moments we were about to encounter. From the moment we met Eric we were welcomed into his world, he immersed us in his culture and made us feel such a strong connection. I can't recommend this experience enough. It was honestly one of the best things we did in Bali.

Amazing staff- Karlie

I would like to thank Karlie from Bali Buddies for her prompt and honest assistance whilst on our recent trip to Bali. Karlie went above an beyond to assist us with finding another villa after one we had already booked fell through. I contacted Bali Buddies online and from that moment on I had the most seamless experience. Recommend to us by Karlie was the amazing Villa Petra, it's owner and it's staff were outstanding from the very first communication until the day we left. Thank you Karlie, yet again you and your company have provided me with 10 out of 10 service. XX

Fantastic Cultural Tour

What a lovely tour. We were invited into Wayan Eric's Balinese family compound and learn all about Balinese lives, religion and family. This tour starts with being picked up from your hotel and includes a homemade morning tea, learning how to make offerings which we used at our blessing ceremony, a lovely lunch at a warung with a view and finally Prayers and a Hindu blessing. Wayan Eric our host explained all about his daily life. He answered all of our questions and is such a lovely young man. Thankyou Eric and Carly from Bali Buddies - booking and payment was a breeze. Highly recommend this day tour - we are left with beautiful memories.

Such a special experience

Honestly didn’t know what to expect but one of my best and most special days in Bali yet. I’ve been in Bali a while and ashamed that I didn’t know much about the culture of Bali. I learnt SO much from Eric & his family and have a new found respect for this beautiful culture. Eric has a huge heart and a genuine passion to share more about his culture and religion. The warung lunch had a beautiful view and was all included. The water ceremony was so unique, no other tourists, the most stunning secret location - that was a true highlight, and a really special memory. DO this tour it’s so unique.

Our insight to a Balinese family & holy ceremony

We were picked up promptly by Made, our driver , a very helpful & friendly man .This was an amazing day, Erik who was our host & grandson of this family spoke excellent English , he was truely a gentleman & made us feel so much at home, we met other members of his family , I find myself thinking often of him & the kindness he showed us, I would be so proud to have him as a son. After the village we had lunch , then onto the holy water ceremony , he explained each step of the way & what was to happen, we left this place with a great satisfaction & warm feelings. Truely a day I will take with me forever .

The absolute highlight of our Bali holiday

This trip was amazing. So informative and personal. It was so nice to be with a family and experience their culture without being surrounded by other tourists. We felt so welcome into their home. We had our 4 year old and 1.5 year old and they could not do enough to make sure the kids were looked after and involved in everything. Lunch was delightful and a beautiful setting. The holy waterfall and ritual was a truly magical and spiritual experience. Hopfully one day we will be able to return and do it again. Highly recommend if you want some real culture thats off the normal(crowded) beaten path.

Amazing, traditional experience - the highlight of our holiday

My 7 year old daughter and I had the pleasure of enjoying this amazing experience last Wednesday. Our guide Eric is a very friendly and knowledgeable young man, who opened up his family compound to show us about life with his family. We met a few of his family members, including his grandfather, aunt, cousin and little baby boy. We learned how to make the daily offerings and this was something my daughter enjoyed in particular. Following a trip to his family’s rice field and lunch in a local warung, Eric took us to experience a cleansing ritual and holy blessing at the nearby waterfall. My goodness, what an absolute amazing experience this was and I would recommend this for everybody. Just being in that environment and walking down to the waterfall and going through all the steps for the cleansing and blessing rituals felt surreal and like nothing we’ve ever done before. This trip was undoubtedly the highlight of our holiday and we’re still thinking about it now we’re back home. Thank you Eric and family for your wonderful hospitality. Simone and Tayla, Perth Australia

WOW! An amazing cultural experience!

I highly recommend this tour! If you want a real cultural experience and to live a day in the life of the Balinese, put this tour on your list. We were picked up by our friendly Bali Buddies guide in Ubud and enjoyed a scenic drive to a family village where we were welcomed with huge smiles in to their family compound. As it was school holidays in Bali, there were some adorable kids and 2 babies home. We couldn't get enough of them, they were gorgeous. We felt very special to be there. Family member Eric showed us around the compound and was very informative on the day to day life of their family, who lives there, the layout of their compound, their family temple and celebrations that take place there and so much more. We enjoyed a beautiful array or fruits and treats for morning tea, then were shown how to create a Balinese daily offering. We were then taken to the family land to see and learn about their community cemetery, their rice fields and animals. We had lunch in a lovely village warung which had beautiful views, then made our way to the Village Holy Water sacred site. Just walking through the entrance we knew this place was going to be special. We were dressed with a sarong and sash and walked to the waterfall. Wow this place was magical! While Eric was preparing our offerings we were lucky enough to witness a Balinese family receiving a traditional cleansing ritual in the Holy Water. We could feel the positive energy after their ceremony. We started making our way down in to the Hidden Canyon. I felt as though I was in a fairy tale, the surroundings were mystical and breathtaking. During this special time we immersed ourselves in to the waterfall of the Holy Water and experienced the full cleansing ritual for ourselves. We made our back up to the top through the waterfall. Using the offerings we made at the family compound we then received a traditional blessing at the temple. This whole cultural experience was like nothing I have ever done before. It was an experience my mum and I will never forget and we will cherish for the rest of our lives. This tour made me feel even closer to Bali, their people and their culture. Do yourself a favour and experience it for yourself! Well done to Karlie and her Bali Buddies team, a truly amazing experience. Thank you x

Fantastic cultural experience

We had a fantastic day yesterday with Eric and his family! He was a great host. So kind, patient, thoughtful and gentle. It was really special to see his families’ home and to be welcomed there with smiles and food and drink. I loved helping to make the offerings with his aunt and cousin. It was also pretty cool to go out to their rice fields and see his uncle climb the coconut tree in the traditional way. Can’t believe someone can do that! Visiting the holy water site was so amazing. Taking part in praying, the water purification, the rituals - it was really special. Hardly any other westerners there either so that was awesome :) Lunch was great too. Food and setting both really lovely. I think our kids ages 4 and 22 months were probably a bit young for it. They struggled in the heat and humidity and us doing lots of talking. But the older enjoyed taking lots of pics. Eric was really good with him. Overall, it’s a fantastic experience and I’m so glad we did it, and even though the kids were young, it’s given us heaps to talk about eg what’s different about us, what’s the same, what’s interesting etc. Definitely recommended!

Truly amazing experience of Balinese culture!

My family and i loved the experience of mixing with Eric and his family, and learning about their ways of life, their culture, and their beautiful connection to each other and community. The making of the offerings was informative and interesting, along with tasteings of some of the local foods and fruits. The trip to his family farm plot was very interesting. Our lunch experience at a local Warung was delicious, and beautifully scenic! The afternoon blessing and cleansing ceremony, was fantastic!! Beautifully orchestrated and told by Eric, such a lovely peaceful man. A beautiful family experience! We did get wet from head to toe, so do come prepared. Bring sarongs or towels to dry. Be prepared to have your senses awakened. Eric and his family r friendly, welcoming and warm. He is a very clever creative craftsman...his handy works with kite making and motor bike mechanicals, are truly amazing. Enjoy!

Perfect

Wow.... The Balinese Village Experience would have to be one of the best cultural experiences I have encountered in the last 25 years of coming to Bali. Such a genuine tour that doesn't try to on sell anything else to you like so many other tours have done in the past. If you want to experience some of the real Bali then look no further than this tour, you won't be disappointed.

A Humbling Cultural Experience

Whenever we travel overseas, my husband and I like to experience local culture and customs. This was our first trip to Bali and while we had heard much about the beautiful beaches, monuments and other things to see, we did not expect to discover this Balinese Village experience. Our tour guide, Ketut took us to the main house in his villiage and through sharing his knowledge and expertise we had a taste of villiage life. We enjoyed local fruit, tasty palm sugar treats and learned how to prepare our "offerings" to be placed at the sacred waterfall later in the day. Our tour took us through the rice fields, stopping for lunch at a traditional Balinese roadside cafe even drove past one of Bali's Monkey Forests where the cheeky monkeys seem to be laughing with us. However, it was the sacred waterfall that proved to be our most beautiful and humbling experience of the whole day. The Balinese Villiage Experience is a must for the whole family - we highly recommend that this be included in your Bali holiday.

Amazing see the real Bali

Bali is a great holiday destination, but adding in a Cultural experience is a must. We had such a wonderful day experiencing Village life,tasting traditional foods and fruits, toured the local area and rice fields but discovering the existence of a sacred waterfall was the final highlight. Learning about and experiencing the Hindu blessings and cleansing was enlightening. Our host ketut was fabulous, knowledgeable and respectful taking us down deep under the special waterfall to a cave that you have to experience to understand the overwhelming spiritual effect of the whole day. Highly recommend adding this to your Bali holiday.

Bali Bucketlist - MUST

We really enjoyed our village tour! We wanted to experience the beautiful baliense culture while on the island. This was a well organised day, it was made as easy as possible with a really lovely tour guide. You can't get better than that. This should be on your Bali bucketlist!!

An amazing authentic experience

I took my Aunts, Uncle and Mum on this experience and it was just lovely. We loved learning about the Balinese and Hindu culture and traditions and meeting the villagers. The making of the offerings was a great experience. Morning tea and lunch were delicious - we especially loved the fresh seasonal fruits! The Holy Water Site is one of the most beautiful spots we've seen in Bali. Experiencing the blessing and the cleansing ritual was very special. I highly recommend this tour to anyone wanting to see the real Balinese Villas life. It's a very personal tour and an experience I'm sure you'll always remember. Thanks Ketut and team!

Unique authentic experience!

I’ve been to Bali so much and this time I was looking for a tour that was a little bit different and showed ‘real’ tradition Bali culture. Our tour guide Ketut was really amazing! I really loved the fact that you were not hassled to buy anything like a lot of tours in bali. I highly recommend this tour for anyone of all ages!