{"id":80,"date":"2014-12-18T05:57:10","date_gmt":"2014-12-18T05:57:10","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.secret-retreats.com\/blog\/?p=80"},"modified":"2025-05-13T10:57:48","modified_gmt":"2025-05-13T10:57:48","slug":"christmas-bali-finding-best-worlds-festive-season","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.secret-retreats.com\/blog\/events\/christmas-bali-finding-best-worlds-festive-season.html","title":{"rendered":"Christmas in Bali: Finding the best of both worlds during the festive season"},"content":{"rendered":"

It\u2019s that time of year again. Drinks flow freely, waistlines expand rapidly, and things get a bit nuts and fire-crackers. Everyone is asking,\u00a0\u201cWhat are you doing for Christmas?\u201d\u00a0<\/strong>and you\u2019re feeling a little bit smug at the moment, because this time, your reply is:\u00a0\u201c<\/strong>I\u2019ll be in Bali\u201d<\/em>.<\/p>\n

\"Surfing<\/p>\n

But now that you have your location determined, you are wondering what to expect and what to do.<\/p>\n

Firstly, it is important to remember that you are on a tropical island, which means being prepared for tropical weather \u2013 and at this time of year the weather can be wet. Very wet. Have a look at our article on\u00a0weather in Bali\u00a0to see what we mean.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Have you ever been swimming while it is pouring with huge droplets of warm rain as the thunder storms over head?<\/strong><\/p>\n

If not, I suggest you give it a go. Pool or ocean, it is a truly invigorating experience. (Just don\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n

So now you are in Bali (or arriving soon), you know all the\u00a0tips, it is the festive season and along with that your social calendar starts to get busy.<\/p>\n

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\u2013 what might make a nice gift for mum? What could be a\u00a0romantic Christmas lunch<\/strong>\u00a0for 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…<\/p>\n

While this article is in no way a definitive guide – read on to find a few new ideas \u2013 some even a little bit quirky, including some interesting thoughts from our other\u00a0InBali contributors\u00a0on what the heck\u00a0to do in Bali over Christmas<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Christmas in Bali with the Family<\/h2>\n

For people holidaying with the family, Bali is a fantastic way to spend Christmas.<\/p>\n

Waterbom<\/a>\u00a0is 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 \u2018Python\u2019 and the \u2018Boomerang\u2019 you can chill back in the sunken pool bar followed by a massage with reflexology.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

If you are into horse riding, or your children would like to learn, the\u00a0Bali Equestrian Centre<\/a>,\u00a0\u00a0in 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.<\/p>\n

After\u00a0your ride, you can enjoy dining at the beautiful architecturally designed restaurant, pool area and playground with sweeping views over the main riding arena.<\/p>\n

The\u00a0sacred Monkey Forest\u00a0<\/a>in Ubud is a great way to spend part of your day.<\/p>\n

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 \u2013 just like home! Make sure you watch your bag and glasses. The term \u201cthieving monkey\u201d doesn\u2019t just come from just anywhere!<\/p>\n

Want to give the kids some time away from you? Let them spend some time in a place where adults are banned at\u00a0Cubby House Kids Club<\/a>\u00a0for ages 2-12 years.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Festive Dining<\/h2>\n

Looking for something a little more grown-up? Many of Bali\u2019s 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\u00a0best culinary delights Bali has to offer.<\/p>\n

Expect chefs stretch their imaginations to create something unique and tantilising to bring you that extra special-something to your Christmas\/ Boxing Day menu.<\/p>\n

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 \u2013 in no particular order\u2026<\/p>\n

For those who want\u00a0a little bit of jingle in their bells<\/h2>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Potato Head,\u00a0Seminyak<\/p>\n

Potato Head Beach Club\u00a0blends 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\u00a0De La Soul on Dec 18th<\/strong>. Very exciting!!!<\/p>\n

Hu\u2019u, Seminyak<\/p>\n

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\u2019u opened in 2001.
\nKu De Ta,\u00a0Seminyak<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

For those who are real foodies<\/h2>\n

Top class chefs from around the world bring you an abundance of gastronomic experiences\u00a0over the Christmas period and all year round. Here’s a few suggestions to get your mouth watering…<\/p>\n

Ginger Moon,\u00a0Seminyak<\/p>\n

A\u00a0modern eatery inspired by the people of Bali and Indonesia, and the myriad tropical ingredients which make the island’s cuisine so exciting.
\nFive Elements,\u00a0\u00a0Mambal<\/p>\n

Five Elements Sakti Dining RoomTM<\/sup>\u00a0features epicurean vegan and raw living foods cuisine, sure to surprise and delight a wide range of palates.
\nLocavore,\u00a0<\/strong>Ubud<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Locavore NXT<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n