The other side of Bali
The other side of Bali
The other side of Bali
Experience a Bali shaped by heritage, culture, and the rhythms of daily life.
Experience a Bali shaped by heritage, culture, and the rhythms of daily life.
More to Bali than you know
Created in partnership with UNESCO, this guide opens the door to Bali’s cultural richness, taking you beyond the familiar paths into its living heritage. A new way of connecting with the Island of the Gods, rooted in tradition and shaped by its people.
A journey through Bali
Rooted in rituals and deep reverence for nature, Balinese life offers profound meaning for the mindful and responsible traveller. Go beyond the beaches and step into the island’s heart to experience Bali as the locals do.
Eat
Taste the island’s soul in every dish. From the smoky spice of Ayam Betutu in Bangli to freshly harvested produce in Sidemen’s villages, eating like a local means sharing stories over sumptuous food made from seasonal local ingredients.
Live
To live like the Balinese is to live with intention. Join a weaving class in Karangasem or attend a local temple festival. Everyday life here is deeply spiritual and communal and there’s always room for guests willing to listen and learn.
Wander
Trade busy roads for quiet trails. Walk through rice terraces of Jatiluwih, cycle past sacred temples in Subak, or breathe in the cool morning air of Munduk. Revel in these lesser-known places and move at the island’s pace.
Meet your hosts
Ngurah & Ayu
For over 11 years, Ngurah and Ayu have opened the doors of their traditional Balinese home in Denpasar to travelers from around the world. To them, hosting isn’t just a job. It’s a sincere way for them to share the beauty of Balinese traditions and everyday life, whether through curated cultural experiences or simply by welcoming guests into their family compound.Living in harmony is everything to us. It’s rooted in the Balinese philosophy of Tri Hita Karana: the belief in maintaining a balanced relationship between humans and the divine, humans and nature, and among one another. Bali shows the world that spirituality, art, community, and nature don’t have to compete. They can thrive together, as long as we live with respect and balance.
Putu Buderiasa & Ni Putu Eka
Putu Buderiasa & Ni Putu Eka
Putu and Eka have transformed their peaceful homestay into a bridge between cultures. Their home offers guests more than a place to rest. It offers a way of life. Their deep respect for tradition shines through in everything they share. Reflecting on their time at the UNESCO Cultural Ambassador Workshop, Putu shared:“What surprised me most was how powerful storytelling can be. I realised that even our everyday rituals like farming, preparing offerings, and gathering as a family, can deeply move our guests when shared with intention.”Their message to the world is simple but profound:“Step away from the tourist hotspots and come explore the hidden side of Bali. When you live among the people and take part in our way of life, you’ll find the true heart of our island.”
The real Bali begins here
The real Bali begins here
Bali is home to vibrant villages, sacred landscapes, and intangible cultural heritage far from the usual crowds. Choosing to stay in these lesser-visited areas supports local families and helps preserve the island’s cultural heartbeat.
📍 Buleleng Regency
Songket Jinengdalem
Songket Jinengdalem is a unique handwoven textile from Buleleng Regency, featuring classic patterns that hold spiritual significance.
📍 Bangli Regency
Pura Ulun Danu Batur & Lake Batur
Pura Ulun Danu Batur & Lake Batur
Nestled in a vast volcanic caldera, Lake Batur is a natural wonder and sacred reservoir. On its shore stands Pura Ulun Danu Batur, dedicated to Dewi Danu, goddess of the lake. One of Bali’s most sacred temples, it is believed to safeguard water flow from mountain to field, blessing the entire subak network.
UNESCO’s Bali Cultural Ambassadors
In partnership with UNESCO, Airbnb supported an initiative to empower Balinese homestay owners and local entrepreneurs as champions of culture and sustainable tourism.Through a series of workshops, 75 homestay hosts and 50 entrepreneurs came together to share knowledge, build skills, and celebrate the island’s cultural heritage, all while learning how to welcome guests in a way that supports communities and protects traditions.
Conservation of Balinese heritage
Homestay owners explored how daily traditions can support cultural preservation. This workshop empowered them to weave heritage conservation into guest experiences while promoting respectful, sustainable tourism.
Storytelling for cultural promotion
Learning to share Bali’s rich heritage through powerful storytelling, this workshop helped hosts craft meaningful narratives that deepen guest connections and elevate cultural appreciation.
Discovering Bali’s heritage potential
Participants uncovered and learned more about the unique cultural gems in their communities — from traditions to sacred spaces — to create immersive and locally rooted stays.
In partnership with UNESCO
UNESCO is the United Nations organization that promotes cooperation in education, science, culture and communication to foster peace worldwide. The Organization provides key services for its Member States, setting global norms and standards, developing tools for international cooperation, producing knowledge for public policies and building global networks of sites and institutions inscribed on its lists.Our partnership with UNESCO in Bali focuses on dispersing tourism to local communities beyond traditional destinations, alongside capacity building for homestay owners and cultural stewards to ensure sustainable, community-led benefits.