5 Quirky Things to do in Bali

There’s a widespread misconception that Bali is just another tourist mecca full of beautiful clichés. Granted, there is a fair amount of mass tourism, but the island has so much more to offer. Finding authenticity is a walk in the park, and going off the beaten track is just as easy. Quirks are plentiful, and you don’t have to look far to find them. Beyond the cultural oddities, Bali is home to countless fun, offbeat activities. These are some of my favourite quirky things to do in Bali:

1. Mud wrestling under a full moon at the Green school

Tucked between rice fields and Balinese villages lies the greenest school on Earth. Built entirely out of bamboo, the Green School boasts an endangered bird rehabilitation program, an organic garden tended by students, a natural swimming pool, an enormous crystal said to radiate positive energy… and a mud pit.

Students, teachers, and visitors regularly engage in playful mud wrestling tournaments. Several times a year, the school hosts a “Mepantigan Full Moon Performance” on its grounds—a traditional Balinese show combining martial arts, fire dancing, drama, and music. If you don’t mind getting a little dirty, you’re welcome to join the muddy fun afterwards.

Even if you’re not in town during one of the performances, I highly recommend visiting the Green School. It’s a sustainable international school powered by solar energy, with “a vision of a natural, holistic, student-centered learning environment that empowers and inspires its students to be creative, innovative green leaders.” Honestly, it’s so cool you’ll wish you could enroll yourself. Visit their website to learn more or book a tour.

 

2. Party hard… and sober on a Sunday morning

Every Sunday, Ubud’s most popular yoga spot hosts a smashing Sunday Dance. Starting at 11 a.m., expats, locals, and visitors gather to party like there’s no tomorrow. People let go and move their bodies however they feel, expressing themselves freely through dance. There’s laughter, crying, screaming, sweaty hugs, glitter—anything goes.

There’s only one rule: no talking.

As the music intensifies, the energy rises, and dancers feed off one another’s vibes. It’s unbelievably powerful. I’ve included this on the list because if you’ve only ever danced in a crowd at a club or party—preferably slightly intoxicated—your first moments here might feel awkward or even bizarre. But as soon as you realise no one’s watching or judging, your inhibitions melt away. Smile, move, and float through the rest of your day on cloud nine.

 

3. Laugh your head off during a laughing yoga session

Laughter strengthens your immune system, boosts energy, reduces pain, and protects you from the effects of stress. This is the mantra behind the biweekly laughing yoga gatherings at Ambar Ashram.

Picture this: a grassy field filled with 100 Balinese people on yoga mats, laughing themselves silly. Doesn’t that sound like the place to be? Although the classes are in Indonesian, foreigners are more than welcome—laughter knows no language.

There’s more to the session than just laughter, but no spoilers here. Classes are free and last about an hour. Bring a mat if you have one, and leave with a relaxed mind and happy heart.

 

4. Sip on fancy ‘cat poop coffee’

Nope, I haven’t lost it. I meant what I said: cat poop coffee. More elegantly known as Kopi Luwak, this is the world’s most expensive coffee—and yes, it’s made from beans excreted by civet cats.

At night, wild civets roam coffee plantations to feast on the ripest beans. The partially digested beans are excreted, and farmers later collect, hand peel, and roast them. The result? A super-exclusive brew.

“But is it any good?” you ask. Well, I hear mixed reviews. Some say it’s exquisite; others find it underwhelming. Personally, I liked its smoothness—it definitely doesn’t taste as weird as the name suggests. That said, I’m not sure it’s worth €6 per 100 grams.

 

5. For women only: enjoy a steam sauna… for your most intimate organ

Originally a Javanese bridal and postnatal ritual, the ratus treatment is now available in Bali, too. Here’s how it works: wearing only a sarong, you sit on a chair with a hole in the middle. Beneath it, a clay pot of hot charcoal and herbs steams upward, gently cleansing your private parts.

You don’t need to be a bride to try this age-old beauty secret—these days, any adventurous woman can give it a go. The treatment takes about 45 minutes, and some modern spas even include a shoulder massage while you steam.

My own ratus experience at Midas Spa in Ubud was oddly delightful. Once I got past the awkwardness of sitting half-naked on a smoking chair, I melted into relaxation. I left feeling fresh and rejuvenated. Would I do it again? Absolutely.

These are just a few of the more unusual things to do in Bali—there’s a whole world of quirky, fascinating experiences to discover across the island and beyond.

So… which one would you try first?  

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