A Guide to Spiritual Healing in Bali

Travellers all around the world have varied perceptions of Bali. Some think of it as the ultimate party destination owing to its incredible nightlife. Others believe it to be the ideal place to have a romantic getaway with their new life partners.

Many go to this island expecting adventurous sports. But what often gets hidden beneath the glimmer of commercialized touristy spots in Bali is its calm, soothing spiritual side. You will not only gain faith in love and kindness being surrounded by the distinct Indonesian warmth but you will also feel your soul being replenished as you douse in the underlying spirituality of the island. It is not always easy to attain peace, but when you inevitably have those fleeting moments of tranquillity here, they are unquantifiably rewarding. Read on to bookmark the best spiritual destinations and experiences in Bali for your next trip.

Visit a Balinese Healer

Ubud is the centre of Indonesian spirituality, home to many Balinese healers. A few sessions with a healer is supposed to cleanse you spiritually, emotionally and physically, since all three are closely interlinked for your well-being. There are several options for the type of healing you are looking forward to having. It is important to note to be respectful of the healers and wearing an attire that is deemed culturally appropriate.

The environment during the Shamanic healing will be relaxing, often accompanied by a fragrance of incense and your healer’s quiet murmurs interspersed with silence. You should be prepared to feel overwhelmed by convalescent energy; many enter a contemplative state following their healing session.

It is recommended to make time to be blessed by the youngest high priestess of Bali, Ida Panditha Mpu Budha Maharsi Alit Parama Daksa. You can find her in her Ashram Griya Agung Buddha Salahin that is situated in Bangli Village. The melukat healing ritual there is especially well-known.

Immerse in Purity at Tirta Empul Temple

Situated in Manukaya, a quaint village near Ubud, Tirta Empul Temple is renowned for its holy pools of purification believed to be created by a Hindu deity. People stand in long lines to be able to experience its healing powers by taking a dip. Travellers looking to be spiritually energized make it a point to come here and soak in the devotees’ imbued faith. Even the Obamas added this destination to their itineraries during their visit to Bali! Behind the pools are the intricate shrines of Hindu Gods where people assemble to pray. The community’s collective devotion imperceptibly rubs off on you, making you feel involved in its prayers.

Relax at Gunung Kawi Sebatu

A temple settled at a hill amidst lush greenery, Gunung Kawi Sebatu should be one of your first stops on your spiritual journey. Holy water springs, ornate shrines and a vast temple complex – it is a calming and comforting space to spend your day. Its seclusion from the loud tourist spots is a much-needed contrast you would want on your Bali trip. From here, you can go to the Pura Dalem Pingit temple where people of faith plunge into a waterfall to purify their souls.

Face Death at Trunyan Village

It is generally epiphanies on death that become a catalyst to one’s spiritual rebirth. An interesting way to fast-track them is to visit Trunyan Village. It is an ancient settlement of the Bali Aga population that has a unique take on death.

They have two cemeteries – one for the unmarried, and another for the married. While unmarried individuals are buried, bodies of those who die in wedlock are put in a bamboo cage under a Taru Menyan tree to rot openly. These rituals have been followed since time immemorial, and its strange eccentricities such as women cannot attend be a part of the last rites as it would lead to the destruction of the village are strongly enforced.

The root of this tradition comes from a fear of cremation causing disturbance to the Mount Batur Volcano. Visiting the cemetery is chilling as well as eerily calming experience. There are 11 bamboo arches where corpses are placed in peace. Older remains are moved to an exposed ossuary. It is bizarre that you will not smell a stench you might expect from a cemetery where bodies are openly decomposing.\

The Taru Menyan tree is believed to overpower the corpses’ odour with its magical scent. The stark reminder of mortality and corporality here is not for the faint-hearted, but a noteworthy and idiosyncratic experience to have within a Balinese spiritual journey.

Calm Down with Yoga

Bali is one of the best places in the world for yoga. Here, yoga is a celebrated means to bring together mind, body and soul. Therefore, a variety of yoga excursions are organised on the island in peaceful natural settings. People from all over the world spend long periods of time in the yoga studios here. Attuning your body to the hum of your mind and soul in a meditative natural environment is a deeply enriching experience. Hence, practising yoga in Bali is a must to revive your spiritual health.

Undergo Hydrotherapy at Jembong Waterfall

You need not go far and wide to find the epicentre of spirituality. The best internal rejuvenation occurs in the midst of nature. One such scenic destination in Bali is Jembong Waterfall, a hidden gem near the popular GitGit Waterfall. It is a small fall with a gentle current, nestled between Cacao trees and remains largely untouched by tourism. Owing to its untainted natural beauty, it is believed to be among the best spots for spiritual healing in Bali by locals. Plan a trip here yourself to test the veracity of the legend.

Travel is a reflective experience on its own, but when you are visiting a destination with a rich spiritual heritage as Bali, it becomes imperative to surrender yourself to its sublime aura. This article only mentioned a few places and things to do in Bali to aid you on your spiritual path. Do not forget to explore and do a little soul-searching the next time you are at this magnificent Indonesian island.

Bio: Shruti has an obsessive relationship with travel, hence she spends the better part of her time writing travel guides and experiences on Tripoto. Tripoto eases the process of searching and discovering independent, authentic and personalized travel information on a single platform. Go on Tripoto to read more about Bali and book bali tour packages!

I am a travel enthusiast and a voracious reader. Spending time in nature is something I really enjoy! Also, you can read my articles on dubai tour pacakges.