Bali has a long tradition of Balinese traditional healing. This practice uses natural herbs and spices, holistic therapies and ancient wisdom to cure physical and mental illness.

Some balian have learned their art from studying the ancient scriptures and apprenticing with a master. Others have received divine inspiration and heal from the heart. Both have an esteemed place in Balinese society. Many Balinese homes have basic healing herbs and trees. These are made into remedies such as an herbal drink (loloh – where leaves are crushed and mixed with water), poultice (boreh – ground up herbs and roots are smeared on the skin), or even a chewed up mixture which spits on the patient (sepuk). Yet healing is not only plant medicine, but energy healing as well.

The Balinese live in two worlds: the seen or conscious world called sekala and the unseen or psychic world called niskala. It is the balian's job to help the patient restore balance in both worlds. Often the problem lies with the ancestors, who can cause mischief or even real harm if not treated regularly to their favorite treats and offerings. The balian may go into a trance state to discover the root cause of the problem and either give the patient plant medicine, a massage or a list of offerings to be made.

Bali, often called the "Island of the Gods," is renowned for its rich cultural heritage and vibrant ceremonies. In 2025, the island's calendar is filled with events that offer visitors a deep dive into Balinese traditions. This guide highlights key ceremonies and festivals, providing insights to enhance your travel experience.

1. Nyepi: The Day of Silence

Date: March 29, 2025​

Nyepi marks the Balinese New Year and a day of complete silence, fasting, and meditation. From 6 a.m. on March 29 to 6 a.m. the following day, the island comes to a standstill:​

- No flights operate, and all businesses close.​
- Streets are empty as everyone stays indoors.​
- Even tourists are expected to observe the silence.​
 

This practice symbolizes self-reflection and spiritual cleansing. Travelers should prepare by stocking up on essentials beforehand. ​

2. Omed-Omedan: The Kissing Ritual

Date: March 30, 2025 (one day after Nyepi)

This lighthearted tradition takes place in Banjar Kaja, Sesetan, Denpasar. Also known as the “kissing ritual,” it involves unmarried youths being pushed together to kiss while villagers throw buckets of water on them.

- Symbolizes peace and unity.

- Great fun and highly photogenic for visitors

3. Ngusaba Goreng Festival

Date: Typically held in April in Karangasem Regency

A unique festival where villagers gather to offer and share fried dishes in a ceremony dedicated to Dewi Sri, the goddess of rice and fertility.

- Involves communal cooking and food-sharing rituals
- Celebrates abundance and community harmony

4. Galungan and Kuningan: Celebrating Good over Evil

Dates: April 23 – May 3, 2025, and November 19–29, 2025​

These twin festivals occur twice in 2025, celebrating the victory of dharma (good) over adharma (evil):​

• Galungan: Marks the time when ancestral spirits visit the Earth.​
   
• Kuningan: Concludes the festivities with offerings and prayers as the spirits return.​
   

During this period, streets are adorned with 'penjor'—decorative bamboo poles—and families make offerings at temples. 

5. Bali Arts Festival

Dates: June – July, 2025​

Held annually in Denpasar, this month-long festival showcases Balinese art, dance, and music:​

- Daily performances and exhibitions.​
- Participation from artists across the island.​
 

It's an excellent opportunity to experience Bali's artistic diversity. ​

6. Tenganan Pegringsingan Culture Festival

Dates: June 2025​

In the ancient village of Tenganan, this festival offers unique traditions:​

• Pandan Wars: Friendly duels using thorny pandan leaves.​
   
• Manyunan Swing Ceremony: A communal swinging ritual symbolizing harmony.
   

Visitors gain insight into the customs of Bali Aga, the island's indigenous people. ​

7. Bali Kite Festival

Dates: Mid-July 2025​

Taking advantage of favorable winds, this festival sees:​

- Teams from various villages are flying massive, colorful kites.​
- Competitions are judged on design, launch, and flight duration.​
 

It's a visual spectacle reflecting communal spirit and creativity. ​

8. Lovina Festival

Dates: August 2025​

Held in North Bali's Lovina Beach area, this festival celebrates:​

- Local culture and arts.​
- Natural attractions, including dolphin watching.​
 

Attendees can enjoy performances, exhibitions, and culinary delights. ​

9. Ubud Writers & Readers Festival

Dates: 29 October – 2 November, 2025​

A gathering of writers, readers, and thinkers from around the world, this festival features:​

- Panel discussions and workshops.
- Cultural performances and book launches.​
 

It's a platform for intellectual exchange set in the artistic hub of Ubud. ​

10. Denpasar Festival

Dates: December 22–25, 2025​

An annual event in Bali's capital showcasing:​

- Art exhibitions and traditional dance performances.​
- Music shows and fashion displays featuring local designers.​
 

It offers a comprehensive look into the island's contemporary and traditional culture. ​

11. Pengerebongan Ceremony

Dates: Scheduled every 8 days after Kuningan (May & November, 2025)

Held at Petilan Temple in Kesiman, Denpasar, this sacred ritual involves mass trance ceremonies. Devotees enter a trance state believed to be a form of divine connection, while priests bless them with holy water.

- A deeply spiritual and dramatic event
- Open to respectful observation by visitors
 

This ceremony is open to tourists who respect local customs.

Cultural Etiquette for Visitors

When attending these ceremonies:

• Dress Modestly: Wear clothing that covers shoulders and knees.​
• Respect Local Customs: Follow guidelines set by event organizers and local communities.​
• Observe Silence When Required: Especially during Nyepi, adhere to the rules to maintain harmony.​
   
•  

In 2025, Bali's cultural calendar offers a plethora of events that provide deep insights into the island's traditions and community life. Participating respectfully in these ceremonies enriches the travel experience and fosters a greater appreciation for Balinese heritage.​

Four Names in Bali: Balinese Naming Traditions

Yell “WAYAN!” on a crowded street and observe how many people are looking at you! Have you ever wondered why it seems like there are only four names in Bali? This article will shed some light on the naming customs of this unique island.

How Balinese Names Work

In Bali, a name isn't just a label, but has deep meaning, often reflecting a person's caste, birth order, and gender. In the past, castes were used to categorize people according to their role in society. Today, however, these castes are maintained mainly to preserve family lineage.

Balinese names are a combination of the person's ancestor's caste, gender, and birth order.

Caste-Based Names

Balinese society has traditionally been structured into four castes, each with its own set of names:

1. Brahmana: The highest caste, typically consisting of priests and scholars. Men often have names starting with "Ida Bagus," and women with "Ida Ayu."

2. Ksatria: The warrior caste, including royalty and nobility, often uses names like "Gusti Ngurah" for men and "Gusti Ayu" for women. In this caste, you might also encounter names like Cokorda, Anak Agung, Dewa, and Desak.

3. Waisya: This merchant and artisan caste traditionally employed names beginning with 'Ngakan,' 'Kompyang,' 'Sang,' and 'Si.' However, these names are becoming less common.

4. Sudra: The lowest caste, typically composed of laborers and farmers. Names for males start with “I,” and for females with “Ni,” followed by the order of birth. For instance, "Wayan" for the first-born, "Made" for the second, and so on. About 90% of the Balinese population falls into this category.

The significance of these caste classifications has dwindled in contemporary Balinese society as many traditional rules, such as assigning specific professions to particular castes, have become obsolete. For instance, it's no longer uncommon to find someone named "Ida Bagus" working in the hospitality industry or even "I Wayan" serving as Bali's provincial governor.

Birth Order-Based Names

Birth order plays a significant role in Balinese names, leading to a relatively small pool of names that are frequently recycled:

1. The first-born child can be named Wayan or Putu, which works for both sexes. Other variations include “Gede” (meaning "big" for males) and “Luh” for females.

2. The second child is often named Made, or "Madé." Variations include Nengah and Kadek.

3. The third child might be named Nyoman or Komang, derived from the word ‘Anom’ meaning young.

4. The fourth child is named Ketut.

5. For families with more than four children, the cycle repeats, with the fifth child receiving the same name as the first, followed by additional variations like “Alit” or “Balik.”

And that's how names work in Bali