When you’re visiting Bali, it’s easy to spend all your time hopping between beach clubs and pool villas—but if you’re curious about Bali village life, the Balinese Village Experience by Bali Buddies offers a rare and insightful look into daily traditions. We join the full-day tour with our two young kids (aged 2 and 4), and while it is incredibly enriching, we’d probably recommend it for slightly older children who can take in more of the cultural elements and rituals.
That said, our day is packed with memorable moments—from sampling sweet Balinese treats to receiving a traditional blessing at a sacred water temple. If you’re keen to experience Bali in a more authentic way, this tour is a great place to start.
Practical Advice for Parents: Bali Village Tours
Warm Welcomes and Morning Tea in a Balinese Village
The day starts bright and early with a prompt 8.00 am pick-up by our friendly driver, who takes us out to the quiet village of Pacung Sangeh. This is one of those hidden villages in Bali that tourists rarely see. The journey alone gave us a sense of how much more there is to the island than the main resort areas.
We meet our guide Erik—who is fantastic. Calm, informative, and wonderful with kids. Erik grew up in the Balinese village and is clearly passionate about sharing his home and culture. Our first stop is his family compound, where we get a behind-the-scenes look at what Bali village life is really like. We learn that 34 people live in the compound, and that the village itself is home to more than 2,000 residents.
The strong sense of community is immediately evident. Erik explains the importance of the family temple, the roles of different generations, and how deeply the local Hindu practices are woven into daily life.
Morning tea is served in the courtyard—an assortment of traditional Balinese sweets, fresh fruit, coconuts, and strong, earthy Bali kopi (coffee). It is a treat to try things we wouldn’t have known to order for ourselves. Our kids nibble here and there, but are more interested in exploring. This is the first moment we realised the experience might be better suited to slightly older children who can focus longer.
Crafting Canang Sari Offerings
After tea, we join the women in the compound to learn how to make canang sari—the daily offerings made by Balinese Hindus. These little palm-leaf trays, filled with flowers and incense, are placed at temples, shrines, and even doorsteps. Some women make hundreds every day.
The kids help place petals and leaves with much enthusiasm. For us adults, though, this was one of the most eye-opening parts of the tour. It gives us a real insight into the devotion that underpins everyday Bali village life.
We keep the offerings to be used later during a water blessing ceremony.
A Peaceful Lunch Among the Rice Fields
Next, we travel to a small warung (local eatery) set among stunning rice fields. The view is classic Bali villages scenery—endless green paddies stretching out in every direction. The food is fresh, tasty and tailored to your spice preference. We each choose two dishes from the menu and a drink of our choice.
There is even a small patch of play equipment, giving our kids a chance to burn off some energy after a more structured morning. If you’re on the lookout for Bali villages to visit with children, this one has a gentle, welcoming pace that families will appreciate.
Blessings and Waterfalls at the Holy Site
After lunch, we visit a nearby Holy Water site—this one is unique because it has a natural waterfall and a hidden canyon. The setting is serene and spiritual, and we change into sarongs and sashes before heading down to the water temple.
We use the canang sari offerings we made earlier, and Erik guides us through a traditional blessing. The crashing sound of the waterfall was powerful—and a little intimidating for our little ones. Our youngest is scared and doesn’t want to go under the water. We participate in parts of the ritual, but skip the full immersion due to the slippery rocks and our children’s discomfort.
Still, it is a beautiful moment. For adults and older children, this sacred water ritual would be an unforgettable way to experience Bali beyond the beaches and resorts. Erik is patient, understanding, and makes sure we feel supported at every step.
Tips for Families Doing Bali Village Tours
Would we recommend this Bali Village tour for other families? Yes—but with a few things to consider. If your children are under five or easily distracted, be prepared for a slower-paced, reflective day. There’s less hands-on action than at a traditional kids’ attraction, but plenty of gentle learning and connection if you’re open to it.
One big bonus? It’s a private tour, which meant we could move at our own pace, adjust where needed, and take breaks without worrying about a group schedule—making the experience much more manageable with little ones.
Here are our top tips:
- Bring your own car seats if you’re travelling with toddlers or preschoolers—transfers don’t come with them by default.
- Wear clothes that can get wet, and pack swimwear, a towel, and a change of clothes.
- There is no air-conditioning, apart from in the taxi transfer. Sunscreen and hats are a must—it gets hot!
- Bring snacks and water, especially for little ones who might not love every part of the lunch.
- Be ready to carry kids during the water temple portion—it can be slippery.
Reflecting on Our Day: What This Bali Village Tour Meant to Us
Our day with Bali Buddies gave us a deeper appreciation for the traditions, rituals, and rhythms of Bali village life. Even though our kids were probably a bit young to absorb the cultural significance, they were immersed in an authentic environment that many tourists never get to see.
This tour is a perfect fit for families who want to go beyond the typical tourist experience and explore Balinese villages with the guidance of a knowledgeable local. It’s one of the most enriching Bali village tours available and a wonderful way to connect with real people, real stories, and real moments.If you’re looking to experience in Bali something meaningful, the Balinese Village Tour is a heartfelt way to do just that.
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We were guests of Bali Buddies for the Balinese Village Tour. All opinions are the writers’ own.
