Bali Buddies Review – EBC Experience Bali Culture
The team from Bali Buddies, a well-known Bali travel review group, recently visited EBC Experience Bali Culture in Kuta and shared their thoughts on this unique cultural workshop.
Unlocking Bali’s Secrets – Enjoy A Fun Cultural Workshop With Experience Bali Culture
You’d think that after living in Bali for years, we would know the local culture inside out, but one of the many things we love about living here is that there is always something new to learn. That’s why we jumped at the chance to join Experience Bali Culture for a deep dive into Balinese life, helping to explain the traditions and rituals we’ve seen every day, but never fully understood. We couldn’t wait to see what new insights and hands-on fun this cultural experience would bring!
With its convenient Kuta location and wheelchair-friendly access, Experience Bali Culture (EBC) is a great choice for those looking to understand and explore Balinese traditions in a laid-back and welcoming setting. The air-conditioned centre has been designed with families in mind, with a dedicated children’s play area, high chairs and thoughtful touches throughout the running of the day, to ensure all activities are accessible to visitors both young and old.
We started off our experience with a warm welcome from Komang and her husband Kris, who originally come from a village in northern Bali. Straight away, we were gifted a traditional Balinese Tridatu bracelet, with the three colours chosen to symbolise divine protection from the Hindu gods Brahma (red), Wisnu (black) and Siwa (white). Continuing the authentic touches, we were then treated to a refreshing shot of Jamu – a traditional Indonesian herbal drink made from fresh turmeric, ginger and honey, used to promote health and wellbeing with its immune-boosting properties.
Komang and Kris then treated us to a firsthand look at Balinese life, using a captivating collection of videos filmed in their villages, intertwined with personal stories from their own childhood and family life growing up. Questions are encouraged, and Komang and Kris’ detailed information and openness made this a fascinating and valuable glimpse into local day-to-day life. All topics are covered, from learning basic Indonesian phrases, to ceremonies and traditional clothing, even ghosts and black magic folklore makes an appearance (although Komang makes sure that if kids are present, that the content is more child-friendly!). Although we’ve lived in Bali for years, the talk left us with heaps of new information about this wondrous island that we call home.
Our next activity was to make a Canang Sari offering – used by the Balinese daily and something that visitors will have certainly seen placed in small temples, outside shops and even along the pathways. Depending on your level of skill, there are two different varieties of offerings to make, with one more complex than the other. Under the watchful eye of Komang (a canang sari making master!) you’ll be guided through the process to make your own from banana leaves and fresh colourful flowers. Komang makes sure to explain the process every step of the way, giving you a real insight into the meaning and symbolism behind each aspect of these beautiful creations. For younger members, there are paper arts and crafts versions available, if the real thing proves to be too challenging.
Next, we were given the opportunity to dress in traditional Balinese clothing for a fun photo opportunity in front of various backdrops. Komang guided us through a huge range of gorgeous Kebaya (female tops), sarongs, sashes and headpieces, making sure we found our perfect outfit. Not only do they have a huge array of colours and designs, but also a generous selection of sizes, from babies and toddlers, up to plus-size, ensuring everyone can get involved and channel their inner Wayan, Ketut or Putu. We had lots of fun taking snaps and attempting to pose like traditional dancers, as well as with towering fruit offerings on our heads – definitely not as graceful as our Balinese hosts, but lots of laughs along the way!
Before we knew it, our wonderful Balinese experience had come to an end. But what an enjoyable and fun-packed time we’d had – all without leaving Kuta! Those looking to gain some insight into the ‘real Bali’ will love this authentic, family-friendly day out. We loved how the entire experience had been thoughtfully designed for little kids, as well as those with limited mobility, and with its low numbers you can be sure that you’re getting a real personal touch! The workshop lasts around 2-hours, making it the perfect amount of time for those looking for a quick cultural fix or a rainy-day activity to keep the family entertained.
We couldn’t believe how much we had learnt thanks to Komang and Kris, who were the perfect hosts with an abundance of patience and smiles. If you’re wanting to find out more about Bali’s rich heritage in a welcoming family-friendly setting, Experience Bali Culture showcases the very best of Bali in one big cultural bow!
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