Travelling to Bali during the rainy season might be tricky, but it doesn’t have to ruin your holiday plans. The wet season opens up a different side of the island, with plenty of indoor and semi-outdoor activities.

A rainy day calls for a slow morning and staying in at our cozy resort. Take this as a sign to enjoy a treatment at our Sukha Spa. From traditional Balinese-style massages to refreshing facials and nourishing full-body scrubs — nothing gets better than a spa day and the sweet sound of rain.

Beyond the resort, January is a great time to explore Bali’s café and dining scene, visit shopping malls or discover local crafts. If you feel like being crafty, there are plenty of art workshops in the island; try out a pottery class at Mud House Pottery, a ceramic painting class at Jenggala or create your own jewelry at The Legend Jewelry. You can also go cafe hopping around Kuta, Seminyak or Uluwatu, where you can find popular yet cozy cafes and good coffee. If you don’t feel like travelling too far, grab a cup of coffee, dine by the ocean or shop for some souvenirs at Discovery Shopping Mall instead, located just five minutes away from our hotel. 

Odalan, or Piodalan, is a Balinese Hinduism ceremony that celebrates the spiritual “birth” of a temple through elaborate offerings, performances and prayers. This ritual is done in order to restore harmony between humans, nature and the Divine which aligns with the concept of Tri Hita Karana, a Balinese Hinduism philosophy meaning “the three causes of well-being”. Based on the Pawukon calendar, this ceremony is held every 210 days, but others who follow the Saka calendar hold it every year. 

At Risata Bali Resort & Spa, our temple holds a significant role within the hotel’s spiritual life. It is a sacred space that brings our team together throughout the year. Last September, we held our very own Odalan ceremony to express our gratitude and pray for blessings and prosperity. Of course, guests staying at our hotel are welcome to watch from a respectful distance. Odalan is more than just a ritual – it’s a celebration of community, art and the act of upholding the Balinese cultural heritage.

Experience Bali beyond its beaches through food, traditions and local artistry.

Just 1.9 km from our hotel, you can find the Kuta Art Market, offering a variety of handcrafted souvenirs ranging from batik textiles and wood carvings to jewelry and kitchenware. For a full cultural experience, take a 30-minutes car ride to GWK Cultural Park, where the towering Garuda Wisnu Kencana statue presides over daily art performances, including the iconic Tari Kecak fire dance and traditional Balinese gamelan music.

Back at the hotel, expand your tastebuds by learning how to prepare basic Balinese dishes through our Balinese Cooking Class, guided by our very own chef. Also visit our Pandan Restaurant for a taste of Indonesian flavors – try Sari Laut Panggang if you’re craving for some seafood, or Nasi Goreng, a must-try comfort meal loved across Indonesia. 

If you’re deciding on the perfect time for your next visit to Bali, plan your trip around one of Bali’s biggest religious ceremonies, Galungan and Kuningan (November 19 and 29). You’ll witness the island celebrating the victory of goodness over evil, with streets lined by tall penjor (handwoven bamboo poles), family temple offerings and an atmosphere of celebration.