As Bali is located in a tropical region, the island doesn’t always promise clear skies and sun-kissed beaches. It experiences heavy downpour for a minimum of four months each year, but that doesn’t mean your trip has to stop when the sky turns grey.
This island offers a wide range of memorable experiences, from spa indulgences and cultural immersion to indoor adventures and delicious cuisine. Let’s explore the best rainy day activities and discover what to do in Bali when it rains.
Embrace the Rain: Cultural and Indoor Experiences
Even during the wettest month, like January, the island remains full of charm. The rainy season in Bali brings lush landscapes, fewer crowds, and lower accommodation rates.
This is the perfect time to explore unique indoor activities in the island and take a slower, more meaningful approach to your vacation. Here are some of the most recommended things to do in Bali when it rains.
1. Spa and Wellness Retreats
Wet weather offers the perfect excuse to unwind with a traditional Balinese massage and enjoy the soothing atmosphere of aromatherapy. Book a relaxing treatment at Svaha Spa, well-known for the best spa in Bali, with stunning garden or forest view rooms and authentic healing rituals.
With multiple locations in Ubud, Canggu, Seminyak, and Uluwatu, Svaha Spa offers more than just treatments; it also provides holistic therapies such as Sound Healing and the Boreh Body Wrap. It’s no surprise that this spa is featured in every top Bali travel guide as one of the best indoor activities in Bali during the rainy season.
2. Cooking Classes
Balinese cuisine has gained global recognition for its rich flavors, such as in dishes like sate lilit or babi guling. When the rain falls, take the opportunity to join a local cooking class and learn how to prepare these beloved island staples.
Most cooking experiences include tutorials on lawar, nasi campur, or even dadar gulung, a traditional green pancake. These rainy day activities are not only delicious but also enriching cultural experiences, making them perfect options for what to do in Bali when it rains.
3. Museum Visits
Museums are among the most recommended things to do in Bali when it rains, especially in Ubud, where cultural centers like Museum Puri Lukisan and the Blanco Renaissance Museum offer deep insight into local art and history.
Beyond viewing fine art, some museums host traditional performances such as traditional dance, and offer small shops to purchase artworks you admire. It’s the best thing to do in Ubud during the rainy season in Bali.
4. Art and Craft Workshops
Traditional crafts have earned fans around the world thanks to their unique ethnic charm. On a wet season, you can create your own Batik piece or take part in silver jewelry making, an experience that’s both hands-on and culturally meaningful.
Recently, more modern options have emerged, such as pottery classes, perfume making, and DIY skincare workshops available in tourist areas like Canggu, making it the most fun things to do in Canggu. These fun things to do allow you to express your creativity while staying dry, perfect for travelers searching for authentic rainy day activities in Bali.
Entertainment and Leisure Activities
The island offers a wide range of entertainment and leisure experiences that are perfect for spending time indoors when it rains. Don’t let the weather stop your holiday, here are some of the best things to do in Bali during the rainy season.
1. Cinema Experiences
This tropical island has many cozy local cinemas, such as XXI in popular malls like Galeria, Trans Studio Mall, Icon Mall, and Living World. If you’re staying in Ubud, visit Paradiso Ubud, a unique cinema where you can lounge on comfy sofas and enjoy organic, plant-based cuisine while watching a movie.
Beyond traditional cinemas, several restaurants and beach clubs also host movie nights, allowing you to enjoy films alongside a delicious dinner. Watching a film is one of the classic indoor activities in Bali, especially when the downpour won’t let up.
2. Indoor Playgrounds and Activities for Families
Traveling with kids during the wet season can be tricky, as humidity and chilly air might make them uncomfortable. One of the best family-friendly indoor activities in Bali is visiting a fun, weather-proof playground.
Head to Mai Main in Canggu, a colorful and interactive indoor playground. It’s a safe and enjoyable space that’s perfect for families and one of the most recommended things to do in Bali with kids when it rains.
3. Shopping Malls and Markets
The wet day is perfect for exploring stylish shopping malls like Seminyak Village, Beachwalk, Living World Denpasar, or Icon Mall. These malls offer a mix of local and international brands, great cafes, and plenty of covered space to explore comfortably.
You can also shop for local food ingredients and cook your meal in your villa. Mall-hopping is a relaxing way to spend a rainy day, making it one of the best indoor experiences in Bali.
Regional Recommendations
Even during heavy downpour or Bali’s rainiest months, these regions remain some of the best places to visit. Here’s a Bali guide to help you enjoy the island by area, rain or shine.
1. Seminyak
Seminyak is known for its stylish beachside vibe, but the wet season gives you the perfect reason to slow down. Enjoy Japanese teppanyaki at Shichirin Seminyak or a scenic lunch at Sanctuary Umalas, overlooking a serene pool.
You can also stay dry and cozy in your private villa, watching your favorite series on a smart TV. With so many options, Seminyak remains one of the best places to visit in Bali, even in the rain.
2. Ubud
Ubud is filled with indoor gems that shine during the rainy season in Bali. You can unwind with yoga or a rejuvenating treatment at a nearby spa for a wellness-focused escape.
Don’t miss the immersive dining at Ankhusa Restaurant, Habitat Bistro, or the interactive Seven Paintings Ubud experience. The peaceful ambiance of Ubud makes it a must in any travel guide for rainy days.
3. Nusa Dua
Nusa Dua is one of the calmest regions on the island, offering peaceful, upscale experiences. Although the beach is still swimmable during light rain, indoor options like spa treatments or visits to the nearby cultural park make for a relaxing day.
Known for its family-friendly resorts, Nusa Dua is ideal for parents seeking indoor activities in Bali without compromising comfort or luxury.
4. Canggu
Canggu remains vibrant, even when it rains, with many cozy cafés and indoor restaurants lining the streets, offering hearty food and great ambiance throughout the day. Spicy dishes are a great choice during chilly, rainy weather, and Paed Thai is the best option.
It delivers bold flavors with a modern twist on Thai cuisine. For something heartier, Seabird Canggu offers a range of Western comfort food, from gnocchi to burgers and steak frites.
With its vibrant dining scene, Canggu remains a standout in every guide for the best indoor activities in Bali. For more family-friendly activities, you can visit some of the popular playgrounds in Bali that are situated in the Canggu region.
Tips for Enjoying Bali During the Rainy Season
- Plan Indoor Activities in Advance
Make a list of indoor activities, like spa treatments, art workshops, cooking classes, or museum visits. These ensure your itinerary stays exciting with no boring even if it’s raining. - Plan a Flexible Itinerary
This island’s rain is often unpredictable. Downpours usually last between 30 minutes to 3 hours and come in the morning or afternoon. Stay flexible so you can adjust your plans accordingly, this is key to enjoying your holiday during the rainy season in Bali. - Dress Light and Stay Comfortable
Choose light clothing like cotton pants and t-shirts. Pack a waterproof jacket or poncho, rubber sandals, and a compact umbrella to stay dry and mobile when exploring.
Conclusion
There’s no need to dread the clouds, what to do in Bali when it rains becomes an opportunity to slow down, explore, and experience the island from a different perspective For more curated insights and helpful tips, visit The Wonderspace, your go-to resource for the best in Bali’s hospitality and lifestyle scene.
