Activities

Part gallery space, part cooperative. Each village specialises in unique Balinese artisanship by people dedicated to their craft. Immerse yourself in Balinese culture, where art is not just a pastime but a way of life.

There are dances for the people; there are dances for the gods. More than a display of skill, dances symbolise the ancient battle between the Ranga (evil) and the Barong (good). The musicians play gamelan music in white gelongs (traditional Balinese headscarves) on bamboo instruments. The dancers themselves wear an elaborate traditional headdress, clothed in a ceremonial cloth of gold with glints of crimson. As they dance, their hands carry flower offerings similar to those that are offered to the Gods all over Bali. A glimpse into the art and mystique of traditional Balinese skills passed on over generations.

Attain the art of healthy cooking under the careful guidance of our in-house chefs. Enjoy a day of pleasurable activities which includes breakfast with the Chef and a leisurely day of learning about fresh food & ingredients.

Day Diving Trip

• Tulamben wreck/wall
30 minutes by car from Spa Village Resort Tembok Bali, is Tulamben where beneath its waters lies the Liberty Shipwreck in depths from 9-30m. The wreck, a 120 metre long WWI cargo ship equipped with guns for WWII, was torpedoed by the Japanese in 1942 and now lies encrusted in anemone, gorgonia and coral amidst the stunningly diverse ecosystem that inhabit the waters of Tulamben. From the minute Anglerfish, neon nudibranches, Ghost Pipefish through to the areas of Garden Eels and multi-coloured clouds of anthias and damsels and on to the schools of Sweetlips, Batfish, fusiliers and Butterflyfish, the variety of marine life in the waters surrounding the wreck are amazing.

• Amed (coral garden)
Due to easy water conditions, Amed is suitable for both novice and experienced divers. In this area you will find many different kinds of sponges and gorgonians and the marine life includes everything from gobies and shrimp as well as anemones with attendant clownfish to schools of barracuda and Blue Spotted Ray. Many different kinds of parrotfish, angelfish, surgeonfish and moray eel can be found here and the fantastic coral formations, the density and variety of fish and the occasional Wobbegong Shark, makes this day excursion a highlight.

• Menjangan (national park)
Famous for wall-diving, the walls in the Menjangan dive sites offer the greatest diversity of gorgonian fans in Bali. They generally start at 10m with the flat coral reefs offering gentle conditions and lots of sunlight and are full of medium and small fish. The walls are full of small nooks and crannies, overhangs, and bigger cavelettes and crevasses, all covered with soft corals, gorgonian fans and sponges.

Jump start your day with a morning exercise conducted by our in house instructor. Conducted daily in the mornings at our gym, the fitness circuits encompasses simple stretching and toning exercises to built strength and stamina.

A traditional Balinese village with beautiful architecture and a strong feeling of community. Ancient Balinese stonework is an integral part of the entrance to all their homes. An insight into Old Bali, that shows how the people continue to find a balance between ancient craft and contemporary function.

Owing its roots to ancient Chinese Shaolin monasteries, Pencak Silat is a form of martial arts that is believed to have been introduced to the island from Java. It differs from other silat forms in a number of ways as the Balinese culture brought about new moves and techniques. Pencak silat classes are given to guests by a local expert. A session on the beach is guaranteed to raise the metabolism and uplift the mind.

A lone Jukong boat sways in the gentle breeze on the waves of a moonlit sea. A popular seasonal pastime for local fishermen, squid fishing takes place in the darkness of the new moon.

A traditional Balinese boat, the Jukong, bobs along the calm waves of the Bali Sea. There is a vibrant energy from this spot where the whole of Mount Agung can be seen. A rare and beautiful sight of schools of dolphins can be spotted given the right time and conditions. Embrace the energy and peace of the waves as the sun sets behind the island.

An innovative spa treatment, the starlight gazing session takes form under a sea of stars. At Spa Village Resort Tembok, Bali, when clear blue skies darken, they reveal a plethora of stars that appear almost close enough to touch. Guests lie weightless on a floating platform taking in the enormity of the universe above listening to a specially selected soundtrack. Starlight Gazing is a perfect blend of nature's simplicity with the hi-tech fusion of Ultra Meditation music and is a perfect way to end the night.

'Made to order' is the watchword in Tegalalang, an area that weaves through several rows of shops that sell ironwork, mosaic, Balinese versions of Venetian mirrors, woodcarvings, and a variety of other, largely handmade, arts and crafts. The warehouses of Tegalalang supply the shops in Ubud and under the skilled hands of artisans all things can be made to suit your needs. If the winding roads through the Balinese mountains leave you with a need to stretch your legs, a beautiful view can be seen at Kintamani where the panorama of the still smoking Mount Batur, next to Batur Lake within a huge volcanic crater basin, takes your breath away.

Once a rest villa for the king, large koi now swim in the waters of the nine fresh water springs that fill the vast ponds that run through the Tirtagangga Water Palace. Life size statues play out the epic legend of the Mahabrata depicting the ancient struggle between good and evil. The ancient pools that were previously used only by royalty are now open to the public as swimming pools with views of lush green paddy fields that stretch to the mountains.

The gentle spirituality that weaves through Bali is clearly marked in the plethora of temples. Temples to honour Saraswati, the goddess of wisdom, are generally found near schools or places of learning. Pura Gunung Kawi, is one such temple, built around a spring, the public village meeting hall lies outside the holy sanctum. School children play in the gardens. Like many temples, intricate stonework and statues guard the gardens and protect the holy shrine.

Ubud, Bali's cultural centre, sharply contrasts the ancient traditions and architecture of Bali with contemporary global styles. The famous Ubud market is a courtyard surrounded by narrowed cobblestone streets. If you get past the outside throng of pushy vendors you will find a meandering labyrinth of wares. Venture further and find yourself in a sea of trendy bars and stylish shops that fit perfectly in the fashion capitals of the world.

A mere 45 minutes bicycle ride away from the resort, lies the Les Waterfalls. The bicylce ride meanders through a few quaint Balinese villages. The hike up towards the waterfall from the base is rather moderate and takes about half an hour. On the way, there is a shrine to honour Dewi Sri (the goddess of fertility and growth, wife to Vishnu, the sustainer).A picnic basket is laid out at the foot of the waterfall where you can enjoy a simple lovingly prepared meal surrounded by the peaceful sounds of nature.

A natural part of every day life in the villages of Bali, discover the deft skill that transforms dry leaves into mystical animals. Beneath the shelter of Taman Gili, villagers from Tembok, teach others this delicate art in the afternoons.

Taught by Devi Ratih to the Balinese, textiles are said to protect the Balinese against evil with their magical powers. The tradition of hand weaving is not merely a creation of art but an act of magic. The Bebali cloth is said to be the holiest and most magical in Balinese culture. The Surya Indigo group weaves Bebali using traditional cagcag instruments.

Maneuvering through the rapids of the Telaga Waja River is not for the faint hearted but what is life without a little risk? Set out on a raft, paddle in hand and navigate the clear waters with the help of your expert guide as drops of cold clear spring water fall through towering trees and vine above you. Between the thrill of the speeding rapids, visions of Balinese daily life play before your eyes; an intricate web of lush paddy fields, children bathing in the river with birds sweeping overhead.

Traditionally featured in temple and palace architecture, immaculately carved demons and mythical beings decorate pillars, door panels and window shutters to protect the buildings from evil intruders. Under the shade of Taman Gili, a skilled artisan resides in the afternoons hoping to pass some of his skills to others.

Using a swing is a great addition to your regular yoga routine. It allows you the choice of suspending forward or backwards during an inversion. It will also give you the ability to rotate your trunk or flex while being inverted. These types of stretches will strengthen your muscles, and increase your joint mobility in your spine.

A yoga swing can be a great way to get the most out of your yoga routine but it can also be a great source of recreation, enhancing creativity in its users. The Yoga Swing classes are taught daily at the gym and has a scenic Ocean view to enhance your workout.