What to Do When It Rains in Bali: Best Activities for Rainy Days
This what to do when it rains in Bali guide shows how to turn a rainy day into a delightful experience worth your time and money. It groups top indoor activities into four categories.
You can easily choose the ones that suit your mood. All these options keep you comfortable, dry, and connected to Bali’s unique spirit.
The rainy season in Bali has its own charm. A wet day on the island does not necessarily disrupt your getaway, especially if you try some of our highly recommended activities below.
Culinary Experiences and Classes
Join a Cocktail Masterclass
Why It Is Worth It: A cocktail masterclass is a hands-on experience perfect for spirits and cocktail lovers. You learn to create delicious drinks using fresh, local ingredients from expert bartenders. Besides, you discover new recipes, interact with bartenders, and listen to fascinating insider stories.
The Feeling: Fun
What To Do:
- Book a cocktail class at a known bar or resort.
- Learn to make Balinese and international cocktails.
- Use fresh local fruits, herbs, and spices.
- Taste your cocktails and enjoy them with others.
Experience Fine Dining at Apéritif Restaurant
Why It Is Worth It:
If you have ever wanted to try fine dining, a rainy day in Bali is the ideal time to experience it.
Apéritif Restaurant is an award-winning fine dining restaurant in Bali serving a borderless food concept coupled with the island’s largest selection of wines.
Apéritif uses high-quality ingredients, both locally sourced and imported to create their unique borderless cuisine. The chefs are skilled in blending flavours and do plating and garnishing with great care, ensuring the finest taste and texture in every dish.
The staff at Apéritif are well-trained and offer personalised service so you feel truly taken care of throughout the experience. They pay attention to guests’ dietary preferences. They explain the menu in detail and help guests understand the ingredients and how dishes are made.
The décor is inspired by the 1920s to give an authentic fine dining restaurant atmosphere. Soft lighting, antique chandeliers, and Art Deco touches set the mood for a dining experience to remember where you will forget all about the rain.
The Feeling: Refined and intimate
What To Do:
- Choose any of the fine dining tasting menus.
- Enjoy pre-dinner drinks and canapés served in the European tradition.
- Request a seat in the private dining room for an exclusive experience.
Take a Balinese Cooking Class
Why It Is Worth It:
A Balinese cooking class is a great way to experience local culture and familiarise yourself with Bali’s cooking traditions. It is carried out indoors making it an excellent activity for when there is rainfall.
The class is hands-on and focuses on authentic Balinese dishes. Beginners are welcome.
Many classes teach multi-generational family recipes. They give a taste of Balinese home cooking.
The Feeling: Fun and educational
What To Do:
- Go to the local market with the chef to buy ingredients.
- Learn about important ingredients, cooking methods, and the stories behind the dishes.
- Cook traditional Balinese meals step-by-step.
- Eat your food with family or your partner.
Shopping and Entertainment Options
Shop at Icon Bali Mall
Why It Is Worth It: The Icon Bali Mall in Sanur hosts a large range of international and local brands making it the perfect full day destination for when it is raining in Bali. A unique feature is the indoor floating market. Local vendors sell Balinese food, desserts, and trinkets from boats. The mall features Bali’s first IMAX with laser screen and an attractive architectural design.
The Feeling: Lively
What To Do:
- Browse fashion, accessories, and souvenirs from local and global brands, including Sephora, Tommy Hilfiger, Pandora, Hoka, Charles & Keith, Vans, Crocs, and Birkenstock.
- Enjoy several dining options, from casual eateries to swanky restaurants.
Watch a Movie at IMAX Cinema
Why It Is Worth It: Watching a movie at an IMAX cinema is an immersive rainy day experience. It has a larger-than-standard screen, enhanced sound systems, and plush seating. These features make watching a movie more exciting than usual. You feel as if you are part of the movie rather than simply watching it.
The Feeling: Immersive
What To Do:
- Check the latest movie schedules and book tickets in advance.
- Pick premium seats for extra comfort.
- Buy snacks and drinks at the cinema’s concession stand.
Indoor Relaxation For Rainy Days
Relax in Your Resort or Villa
Why It Is Worth It: Staying in a Bali resort or villa is an experience in itself so there should be no guilt in spending a day inside if it is raining. Opt for booking a luxurious resort that offers multiple in-room services like room service, in-room massages and private yoga. Recharge as the rain falls over the jungle from the cosiness inside your villa while you read a book, watch a movie or get pampered.
The Feeling: Calm, exclusive and cosy
What To Do:
- Order gourmet meals as per your preferences via room service.
- Book a massage or spa treatment with trained therapists in your villa.
- Practice yoga or meditation with a virtual or private instructor.
- Watch a movie through the villa’s entertainment system.
- Journal, read, sketch, or play board games with family or your partner
Enjoy Spa and Massage Treatments
Why It Is Worth It: Rainy weather makes treatments like Balinese massages, bath rituals and steam treatments especially soothing and relaxing.
The Feeling: Comforted and refreshed
What To Do:
- Book a traditional Balinese massage or deep tissue therapy.
- Book a spa package at a high end resort that combines luxurious treatments, bath rituals, and relaxation time.
Try the new indulgent trend of face massage by visiting a face spa like SERA Ubud, The FACES in Sanur and Gold Dust in Canggu. They have lush and cosy indoor spaces perfect for relaxing with the sound of Bali rain.
Visit a Hair Salon or Barber
Why It Is Worth It: Getting a haircut is like a fresh start; it is another form of self-pampering. It signals newness that matches the refreshing atmosphere of the rains. It can uplift your mood if you are one of those whose mood is dampened due to the rain and gloominess outside.
Bali’s salons have skilled stylists. They know local and international styles. They offer personalised care in comfortable, welcoming spaces.
The Feeling: Contentment and relaxation
What To Do:
- Book a haircut, styling, or hair treatment tailored to your preferences.
- Try traditional Balinese hair treatments using natural ingredients.
- Opt for beard trims or grooming services.
Creative and Active Rainy Day Activities
Try a Batik Workshop
Why It Is Worth It: Batik is an Indonesian fabric art. It is made by applying wax before dyeing.
In the workshop, you learn to make batik yourself. Experts guide the workshop. Even beginners can join.
You might find batik making effortful. But you get to express your creativity and connect with Bali’s culture. It makes you feel relaxed while it is raining outside. The process makes it worthwhile.
The Feeling: Meditative
What To Do:
- Join a batik workshop at a local studio or cultural centre.
- Create your design or follow traditional patterns.
- Take home a one-of-a-kind piece of art as a souvenir.
Visit a Museum
Why It Is Worth It: Visiting a museum in Bali on a rainy day is a great way to experience the island’s culture and art while staying dry and comfortable.
On rainy days, you can expect fewer crowds, making your museum visit more peaceful and personal.
The Feeling: Inspiring
What To Do:
Visit
- Agung Rai Museum of Art (ARMA) in Ubud for Balinese, Indonesian and international art, performances, and cultural activities.
- Museum Pasifika in Nusa Dua for artistic works from Indonesia, the Pacific Islands, Indochina, and Europe.
- Le Mayeur Museum in Sanur for paintings depicting Balinese life and culture.
- Neka Art Museum in Ubud for Balinese and Indonesian art, and beautiful grounds
- Bali Museum in Denpasar for a comprehensive overview of Balinese history and culture.
Book a Luxury Stay at Viceroy Bali Resort
Viceroy Bali is a luxury resort in Ubud’s jungle. It offers a refined holiday experience for families and couples.
This family-run resort has 40 spacious private pool villas. Guests enjoy luxurious facilities, degustation dinners, and highly personalised service. The resort has earned international recognition winning numerous awards and accolades. Book now.
