We love to experience new things in Bali and the Bali Buddies Village Tour was something that I was really looking forward to on our October 2019 Bali family holiday. My expectations were met and then exceeded with it becoming my favourite activity that I have ever done in Bali!

What happens on the Balinese Village Tour?

We were due to be picked up at 8:30am from our villa as we were staying in Canggu. Our driver had car trouble before he arrived to us so another driver was sent by the Bali Buddies team. We were picked up at 9:45am and the delay in starting didn’t effect our experience.

The drive to Pacung Sangeh Village took about 50 minutes and had beautiful rice paddy views on the way. The van was air-conditioned and the Bali Buddies team can organise car seats for the younger kids too.

On arrival to the village we were met by our host and tour guide Eric. He has a beautiful personality and was more than happy to answer any questions we had on the Balinese way of life. As we were slightly late we enjoyed a traditional morning tea on arrival and met the 2 other ladies on our tour, a mum and daughter from Australia. The morning tea had so many yummy things and Eric prepared a fresh coconut for us.

We then had a tour of the family compound and Eric explained how it was all set up. The kids thought the pigs were especially cute if not a bit smelly!

Next we had a go at making a Canang Sari. These are the offerings made each day by the Balinese Hindus. The girls loved learning the process and took great pride in placing their flowers to make the Canang Sari.

We were then driven a short distance to take in the beautiful views of the local rice fields. This was definitely the real Bali and not a tourist in sight!

We got back in the van and drove 5 minutes to a warung for lunch. The food was delicious and the drinks icy cold. Lots of space for the kids to run around here.

Next was the final stop of our trip, a beautiful waterfall and holy water site. What an amazing place! It was a short walk from the car park down a few stairs to the entrance of the waterfall. We changed into our bathers and placed our belongings into a locker.

We were dressed with a sarong and sash then walked the short distance to the entrance of the waterfall for the traditional blessing at the temple that sits near the top of the waterfall. Eric used incense to perform a ritual to cleanse our bodies and spirits. Our offerings were used that we made early in the day. This was nothing short of emotional as Eric took us through the ritual.

 

Please note: If women are mensturating they are unable to enter the temple area. You would need to wait at the entrance (there is plenty of places to sit and drinks to purchase for a cheap price)

We then walked down the steps past the waterfall to the hidden canyon where Eric showed us the process of the water purification ceremony. Such a beautiful place and the water nice and cool. Such a beautiful experience to share with Charlotte.

After we yelled at a wall in the waterfall, this helps to rid evil spirits, we walked to the top temple where rice was placed on our foreheads for good fortune and prosperity.

At the end of the ceremony, Eric tied a bracelet made of tricolor string called a benang tridatu around our wrist. It is believed that this string will protect us from bad energy as we are under the constant protection of the Gods.

Is it suitable for kids?

Yes! Charlotte loved the experience, she was 8 years old at the time, and younger kids are more than welcome. The family at the Balinese village are so lovely and there is room for the kids to move around.

We decided that Mason needed quiet time back at the villa as we had been very busy on our trip. He would have been fine but he may have got a bit hot and bothered. It was quite hot the day we went on the experience, even the Balinese were feeling the heat! The vans are air-conditioned and the water cleansing ceremony is perfect to cool down.

During the full cleansing ritual in the Holy Water, there are steps down to the river area. There isn’t a huge amount and Eric helps the kids walk down. Strollers can be used during the tour except during this part.

Things to take on the tour

Bali Buddies supply transport, morning tea, lunch guide and all the activities we did.

Things to take:

• Hat and sunscreen
• Towel and bathers
• Camera (I would recommend taking a water proof cover for the water purification ceremony)
• Small rupiah notes in case you want to buy a drink at the temple or to leave a donation
• We also gave Eric a small tip at the end
• The tour is suitable to wear sandals
• If you have young kids or a baby take a stroller or you could wear them in a sling

How much does it cost?

Price:

$92.50 AUD per adult

$50 AUD per child (3 – 12 years old)

Kids under 3 free

We highly recommend the Bali Buddies Balinese Village Tour Experience and will take the whole family next time! Put this on your list of things to do in Bali with kids. Contact Bali Buddies through their website if you would like to book too. You can also find them on Facebook and Instagram.

Kate xx

Pin It

 

We received a discount rate for our tour but all thoughts in this review are our own.