It’s that time of year again. Drinks flow freely, waistlines expand rapidly, and things get a bit nuts and fire-crackers. Everyone is asking, “What are you doing for Christmas?” and you’re feeling a little bit smug at the moment, because this time, your reply is: “I’ll be in Bali”.
But now that you have your location determined, you are wondering what to expect and what to do.
Firstly, it is important to remember that you are on a tropical island, which means being prepared for tropical weather – and at this time of year the weather can be wet. Very wet. Have a look at our article on weather in Bali to see what we mean.
You may get some very heavy showers, which, like the winter snow, tends to bring people together indoors. Only tropical rain is a whole lot warmer! That is the beauty of Bali at this time of year. You are blessed to have many outdoor and indoor activities open to you for a range of interests and pursuits.
Have you ever been swimming while it is pouring with huge droplets of warm rain as the thunder storms over head?
If not, I suggest you give it a go. Pool or ocean, it is a truly invigorating experience. (Just don’t wear anything big and metal!) Nevertheless, unless you are planning on swimming in the rain, an umbrella can be a welcome sight if the skys open up and you are walking around on foot. Bring your favourite one with you or buy one there.
So now you are in Bali (or arriving soon), you know all the tips, it is the festive season and along with that your social calendar starts to get busy.
Families re-unite, friends call up out of the blue and ask you out for drinks. You find yourself thinking about others you love and creating some special moments– what might make a nice gift for mum? What could be a romantic Christmas lunch for my girlfriend? What will we do with the kids on Boxing Day? Where can I buy traditional Christmas-style food to host my own little party? Decisions, decisions…
While this article is in no way a definitive guide – read on to find a few new ideas – some even a little bit quirky, including some interesting thoughts from our other InBali contributors on what the heck to do in Bali over Christmas.
Christmas in Bali with the Family
For people holidaying with the family, Bali is a fantastic way to spend Christmas.
Waterbom is a must for the kids and a great day out for adults too. While the children can run themselves ragged, dashing from a variety of crazy waterslides, ranging from the moderate to extreme, such as the ‘Python’ and the ‘Boomerang’ you can chill back in the sunken pool bar followed by a massage with reflexology.
Or take in a game of water volleyball and meet some new friends. For the more adventurous (or insane), try out the Euro Bungy. Get catapulted 9 meters into the sky and dare a few flips to pump up your adrenalin.
If you are into horse riding, or your children would like to learn, the Bali Equestrian Centre, in Canggu (20 minutes from Seminyak) has been designed to accommodate the entire family. For ages 3 years and above, expect pony rides and day camps for the little ones, lessons, family village tours and beach rides.
After your ride, you can enjoy dining at the beautiful architecturally designed restaurant, pool area and playground with sweeping views over the main riding arena.
The sacred Monkey Forest in Ubud is a great way to spend part of your day.
Currently over 600 long-tailed macaques inhabit the forest. Kids, big and small, can enjoy the beautiful, lush forest walk and take in the cool shade as you wind your way around the stone path to the sacred temple. Expect to see entire monkey families, mothers with infants, siblings grooming each other and even the occasional dispute – just like home! Make sure you watch your bag and glasses. The term “thieving monkey” doesn’t just come from just anywhere!
Want to give the kids some time away from you? Let them spend some time in a place where adults are banned at Cubby House Kids Club for ages 2-12 years.
If it is raining, why not try your hand at some ten pin bowling, visit a cinema or bring the family together for some board games in your hotel or villa.
Festive Dining
Looking for something a little more grown-up? Many of Bali’s best restaurants, hotels and resorts will do something a little bit special for the Christmas period. This is a fabulous time to visit some of the top dining venues and experience the best culinary delights Bali has to offer.
Expect chefs stretch their imaginations to create something unique and tantilising to bring you that extra special-something to your Christmas/ Boxing Day menu.
Some venues will also have special entertainment booked. Treat your taste buds and your senses (depending upon your mood) and make sure you book ahead – in no particular order…
For those who want a little bit of jingle in their bells
Some of Bali’s high-end clubs are situated perfectly on the beach front, where you can enjoy a myriad of experiences. Enjoy a casual lunch by a beautiful pool, over looking the sea. Stay long enough to indulge in an evening meal of the highest standard and dance away the hours into the night to some of the worlds best DJ and live performers.
Potato Head, Seminyak
Potato Head Beach Club blends the daytime beach party, upscale restaurant, and sophisticated nightlife into an experience that transitions guests from day to night. For a real Xmas treat, don’t miss out on seeing De La Soul on Dec 18th. Very exciting!!!
Hu’u, Seminyak
Bali is home not only to enchanting tropical beaches, but a place where days and nights mesh together. Tens of thousands of partygoers from across the world have danced the night away with international DJs since hu’u opened in 2001.
Ku De Ta, Seminyak
Surrounded by the fresh ocean water, Ku De Ta’s elegantly designed spaces seamlessly transition into a lively backdrop for music, dancing, lounging, and dining as the sun sets into the evening.
For those who are real foodies
Top class chefs from around the world bring you an abundance of gastronomic experiences over the Christmas period and all year round. Here’s a few suggestions to get your mouth watering…
Ginger Moon, Seminyak
A modern eatery inspired by the people of Bali and Indonesia, and the myriad tropical ingredients which make the island’s cuisine so exciting.
Five Elements, Mambal
Five Elements Sakti Dining RoomTM features epicurean vegan and raw living foods cuisine, sure to surprise and delight a wide range of palates.
Locavore, Ubud
Serving modern contemporary European cuisine using local, honest produce, the spacious open kitchen in this informal restaurant located in downtown Ubud is eye-catching and and a gourmet delight.
Sardine, Kerobokan
With glistening rice fields bordered by bananas, an airy pavilion with a sleek bar of polished bamboo and a menu starring fresh seafood and organic produce from Sardine’s own farm.
Cuca, Jimbaran
Set in the beautiful expanse of a coconut grove, this relaxed restaurant is helmed by 3* Michelin Chef Kevin Cherkas, to devotedly craft Signature cuisine made from the best and freshest local ingredients thoughtfully curated from artisanal producers in Indonesia.
For something a little bit romantic, why not try:
Mozaic, Ubud
Mozaic Restaurant is a fresh oasis of ingenuity in the world of gastronomy. It is the uniqueness of the experience that has become the hallmark of its reputation, encompassing the quality of the ingredients, a multitude of flavours and the quality of the service, all to be enjoyed in a lush tropical setting.
La View Restaurant at Kapu Kapu Barong
A charming split-level setting with outdoor terrace for intimate wining and dining with a menu of gourmet cuisine that transcends South East Asia with a distinct French infusion.
Rock Bar at Ayana Resort, Jimbaran Bay.
Taking the concept of “on the rocks” to a whole new level, this innovative open-top bar is perched on natural rock 14 meters above Jimbaran Bay and accessed via an inclinator that traverses the cliff-face.
Villa Mathis, Umalas
Ensconced in the heart of a vast and lush tropical garden planted with native and exotic species, the signature restaurant, Les Nuits Baroques, offers a gourmet cuisine where the scent of lemongrass and nutmeg are unrivaled.
You can choose to have a more intimate and romantic dinner at the pool or enjoy the ‘ restaurant’s ephemere’ concept where you can set a table anywhere in their one hectare metre size garden.
www.secret-retreats.com/mathis
Enjoy some smooth jazz on the beach in Sanur at Bali’s oldest boutique hotel, Tandjung Sari.
www.tandjungsarihotel.com
For a laid back drink and a great view over Canggu, go to the Seaduction Bar on the rooftop of Frii Hotel.
Home Dining
If you prefer a more intimate setting, why don’t you prepare your own Christmas feast in the privacy of your own villa. Head down to Carrefour, Bali Deli, Bintang or Coco Supermarket to stock up on various (hard-to-get) ingredients and recreate some traditional recipes. You could even request your villa chef to prepare a Christmas lunch especially for you and your friends.
Christmas Shopping
Now it’s gift time. Bali is a shopper’s paradise and there is something for everyone. A menagerie of shopping can be found, from one-off designer items to market gear. If you cant find it, have it made!
For some interesting shopping centres try:
Bali Beach Walk or Discovery Mall. For the youngsters, this year the Bali Zoo will come to Beach Walk, hosting a Petting Zoo between Dec 15 -Jan 15th. You can also find Christmas carols, visit with Santa Clause and even a Kids Fashion Show. Alternatively, explore the multitude of flea markets and see what you can haggle.
Entice yourself at a nice home deco and furnishing shop at the likes of Piment Rouge, Kemarin Hari Ini or Bagatelles. Chocolate lovers will be in heaven at Be Chocolat by Michel Clement.
Bali’s clubs and bars, as always, will be heaving, and expect this to be no different around Christmas. Indulge yourself with some mad, new yuletide cocktails and hit the dance-floor on Christmas eve. Nurse your hangover by the pool or enjoy a full-body massage and facial at a relaxing spa.
Soul Cleansing
To get away from it all, cleanse your body and your soul with a visit to Tampak Siring holy spring water temple in the Gianyar region, 30 minutes from Ubud. Offer some prayers as you look to start a new year, and say goodbye to 2014. Be prepared to get wet as you submerge yourself in the crystal clean waters bubbling up from the earth and breath in this very special place. A truly magical experience.
Try to get there early as it becomes very crowded by 11am.
If you are looking to experience either a traditional or non-traditional Christmas in an Indonesian setting, then Bali is the place to visit. As a tourist, you have the opportunity to experience the best of both worlds.
Although a predominantly Hindu island, Bali has communities of other religions.
During Christmas time, Christian Balinese gather in their masses to unique churches that blend traditional Balinese architectural features. Among the most notable Balinese Protestant and Catholic communities are located in the villages of Palasari and Blimbingsari in West Bali.
As seen on http://www.inbali.org/christmas-in-bali/
http://www.inbali.org/author/katjohnston/