How to combine culture and diving in Bali
Start your vacation among temples, rice terraces, and Balinese hospitality—and end it beneath the surface of the sea.
We have seen it time and time again: the best way to start your journey in Bali is to feel the soul of the island before embarking on your diving adventure.
Spending a few days in Ubud – Bali's cultural heart – provides a peaceful and mindful start to your vacation. Here you will learn about local customs, discover why there are small offerings in front of every house, and get a feel for the warm, smiling culture that makes Bali so special.
Small daily offerings – canang sari – lie in front of every home and shop in Ubud. A silent reminder of the respect and balance that permeates everyday life in Bali.
Later, when you stand at the water's edge at the diving resort and get ready for the day's dive, the island suddenly feels even more alive. You understand why the sea and nature play such an important role in the lives of the Balinese people – and the experiences below the surface take on an extra dimension.
Temple atmosphere in Ubud – where dance, art, and faith merge in the most beautiful details.
First stop: Ubud – culture, nature, and tranquility
In the middle of the lush highlands lies Ubud, a green oasis. Here you can slow down, enjoy fantastic Balinese food, and feel your pulse rate drop. It is a place where you quickly forget the time – where the day begins with birdsong and ends with the scent of incense from small offerings placed on the paths in front of each house.
Ubud is the cultural heart of Bali and embodies everything that makes the island so unique: colorful markets, artisans, dance, temples, and nature that almost feels alive. The narrow streets wind their way between cafés and galleries, and everywhere you go, you are greeted with smiles and curiosity.
Here you can visit traditional dance shows, go on yoga retreats, or simply let yourself be guided through the rice terraces, where farmers work in time with centuries-old rhythms. The food is an experience in itself – fresh, spicy, and full of local ingredients.
Ubud is the perfect place to land after your journey. The first few days here give you time to settle in, adjust your circadian rhythm, and feel the soul of the island before you head to the coast and further out into the blue.
Why start in Ubud?
Starting your journey in Ubud gives your vacation a very special balance. Here, you become part of Bali's pulse – seeing local everyday life, feeling the calm and understanding the respect for nature and life that characterizes everything on the island. When you later stand with your feet in the sand on the coast, getting ready for your first dive, you will already have a sense of the culture and spirituality that permeates Bali.
This makes the experiences under the sea even more powerful.
Suddenly, you understand why the Balinese place small offerings in the water and how the sea is seen as something sacred. It is as if diving becomes a natural extension of the peace and connectedness you have already experienced in Ubud.
By starting your vacation here, you will not only gain a cultural experience, but also insight into the philosophy of life that makes Bali so magical. And it will accompany you throughout your journey, whether you are sitting in a mountain restaurant surrounded by rice terraces or floating weightlessly beneath the surface of the ocean.
Balinese masks play an important role in the island's dance and mythology – colorful, dramatic, and full of symbolism.
Tours from Ubud
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Take a leisurely day trip through the green Tegalalang rice terraces. Perhaps combine your trip to the stunning rice terraces with a visit to a coffee/cocoa plantation – maybe a small coffee plantation where you can taste freshly roasted Balinese coffee and learn how each bean is hand-picked.
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Visit Tirta Empul, for example, and experience the Balinese purification ritual in the sacred spring water – or visit one of the countless other beautiful temples located in and around Ubud. Around Ubud are many small, charming villages where you can feel the spiritual tranquility that permeates the entire area.
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Ubud is Bali's creative center. Try a Balinese cooking class, make your own sambal and learn about local ingredients – or take part in a wonderful yoga class – all tailored to your wishes.
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A sure hit with children and adults alike. In the green Monkey Forest, monkeys swing through the trees, and afterwards you can explore Ubud's charming streets, markets, and cafés.
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Ubud is a paradise for those who love crafts, colors, and little finds. The markets are buzzing with life – here you can explore sarongs, wooden sculptures, and woven bags while practicing the Balinese way of bargaining, where a smile is always part of the deal.
Shopping in Ubud and the art of shopping locally
Ubud is a true mecca for those who love crafts, textiles, and unique finds. The colorful markets are brimming with stalls selling sarongs, wooden sculptures, woven rattan bags, and jewelry made by local artists.
You can easily spend a morning exploring here—and maybe even practice your Balinese haggling skills.
Everything takes place in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, where a smile often means as much as a number. The Balinese appreciate it when you show interest and ask curious questions about their craftsmanship before suggesting a price.
Consider it a game—a pleasant exchange rather than a negotiation—and enjoy the atmosphere amid the scent of incense, fresh flowers, and the sound of laughter from the surrounding stalls.
Many of the small shops and markets in Ubud support local families, so when you buy your souvenirs here, you are also contributing to the local life and craftsmanship that makes Bali so authentic.
The green rice terraces wind their way through the valley like a living work of art – one of those places where you can truly feel the tranquility and rhythm of nature.
From rice terraces to reefs
After a few days in the green embrace of Ubud, you are ready to move on – from the scent of incense and the sound of cicadas in the highlands to the salty breeze and calm waves of the coast.
The drive northeast takes you through small villages where life is lived at a leisurely pace and where you get a last glimpse of the lush jungle before the sea appears on the horizon.
When you arrive at your dive resort, you are met by a completely different kind of calm – the kind that arises when the world becomes silent underwater.
Here, crystal clear water, colorful corals, and the first small adventures beneath the sea's surface await you.
And precisely because you have already experienced the island's culture and energy in Ubud, it feels as if each dive tells a new part of the story of Bali – from the temples on land to life under the sea.
Promotion by the sea – ready for new adventures under the Balinese sun. At Boblerejser , the adventure Boblerejser right where the grass ends and the sea begins.
Next stop: Diving, marine life, and relaxation on the coast
After a few days surrounded by rice terraces and temple bells, a completely different adventure awaits – the sea.
On the northeast coast of Bali, you will find a quiet corner of the island where time seems to pass a little slower and where both children and adults quickly feel at home.
This is where your dive resort is located – surrounded by palm trees, a pool, and a sparkling blue sea that beckons you from the moment you arrive.
The first thing you notice is the silence. The waves roll gently toward the shore, the palm leaves rustle softly in the wind, and time suddenly feels as if it has stood still. Here, life moves at a pace that leaves room for both adventure and tranquility.
Experiences beneath the sea
Right off the beach is the house reef—a small underwater universe in itself. Here you can take your first snorkeling trip or try diving together as a family. The water is clear and warm, teeming with colorful fish, living corals, and perhaps a single sea turtle gliding by.
The more adventurous can take a real dive – perhaps at the legendary USAT Liberty wreck, located just a few meters from the coast. The ship, which sank during World War II, is now covered in coral and home to hundreds of fish species. It is one of the world's most accessible and fascinating wrecks – perfect for both beginners and experienced divers.
And for those who dream of something truly spectacular, another magical encounter awaits a little further out: the manta rays at Nusa Penida. These enormous, graceful creatures glide past in slow motion – one of those moments that stays with you forever.
Colors, fish, and weightlessness—diving in Bali is like stepping into a vibrant underwater world where life and colors abound, and every dive offers new discoveries.
Adventures on land
Although the sea is appealing, there is also plenty to experience on land.
Take a sunrise trip to Mount Batur, where you can watch the sun rise above the clouds, or enjoy a quiet afternoon with a massage and fresh coconut water by the pool.
You can visit local markets, take a boat trip along the coast, or simply stay at the resort and enjoy a day without plans—the possibilities are endless, and we are happy to help you with inspiration and advice.
It's not just about diving – it's about enjoying your vacation, feeling calm and relaxing.
Wake up to the sound of waves, dive into the warm water and end the day with a sunset and laughter around the dinner table.
Trips from the Diving Resort:
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Take a refreshing break from the heat and visit one of the beautiful exotic waterfalls. Here you can bathe in the clear water, feel the rush of nature, and enjoy a quiet moment surrounded by green jungle and birdsong.
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Discover the beautiful Tirta Ganga – a peaceful water temple surrounded by lotus ponds and stone sculptures. Walk along the small paths between the pools and feel the tranquility that makes this place one of Bali's most atmospheric havens.
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In the middle of Bali's lush landscape, with palm trees and rice terraces, lies Maha Ganga – a quiet and sacred place where water is used for purification and ceremonies. Here you can experience Balinese spirituality up close and feel how nature and faith merge.
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At the foot of Mount Agung lies Besakih, Bali's largest and most sacred temple complex. It is a place steeped in history and ceremonies, with a tranquility that can almost be felt in the air as incense drifts between the many temples.
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Get up early and watch the sun rise above the clouds from the top of Mount Batur volcano. An unforgettable trip where the reward is the view – and the feeling of standing in the middle of Bali's vibrant nature.
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Take a day away from the coast and drive to one of Bali's beautifully situated golf courses surrounded by jungle and volcanoes. A relaxing change from diving – where nature still plays the leading role.
Sunset over the sea – when the day slowly slips into evening, and Bali shows itself from its most magical side.
Calm, security, and presence
At Boblerejser , diving vacations are not just about the experiences underwater, but about the whole atmosphere surrounding them.
We know how important it is that everything feels safe – especially when children are involved. That's why we only work with experienced, family-friendly diving centers that we know personally.
Here you will be greeted by instructors who take their time, know the area, and are able to create a safe atmosphere that makes a big difference.
And when the day's adventures are over, it's all about enjoying life: perhaps with a Balinese dinner under the stars or a quiet moment on the terrace while the cicadas sing in the background.
What you need to know before traveling to Bali
Travel time:
Approximately 18 hours from Denmark (including stopovers).
Best time to travel:
April–October is the dry season with sunshine and stable conditions both above and below the water.
(November–February brings short rain showers, but the climate is still pleasant and diving conditions are fantastic.)
Combination suggestions:
• 3–4 days in Ubud for culture, nature, and relaxation.
• 8–10 days on the northeast coast for snorkeling, trial dives, and certification.
Who is it for:
Families , beginners, and adventurous travelers who want to combine culture, nature, and diving.
Special features of Bali:
• Over 4,000 species of marine life – from sea turtles to devil rays.
• Opportunities for snorkeling, trial dives, and certification directly from the beach.
• Unique culture with temples in almost every home and daily ceremonies that create a very special atmosphere.
Practical information:
We take care of everything – flights, transfers, accommodation, diving, and experiences – so you can enjoy your trip from the very first moment.
Ready to take the leap?
If the idea of combining culture, nature, and diving in Bali makes your stomach tingle just a little bit, we'll be happy to help you make your dream come true.
At Boblerejser , we make sure that everything fits together – from your first temple visit in Ubud to your last dive at the house reef. We know both the places and the people you will meet, and we know how to give you the best balance between security, adventure, and presence.
“One vacation. Two worlds. One Bali you will never forget.”
Read more about our fantastic destinations Gozo (Malta) and Bali or explore our other inspiring articles about diving and family adventures here.