Discover Bali This Winter: Unique Traditions, Festivals & Serenity at HOSHINOYA Bali

As the UK deepens into a cold, dark winter, Bali becomes a tropical haven for Brits seeking warmth, culture, adventure, and rejuvenation. With over 189,305 UK travellers* visiting in 2024, Britain ranked as the fifth-largest international tourism market (accounting for 4.8% of the total international arrivals), a clear sign of its growing appeal. From late autumn to early spring, the island comes alive with lush landscapes, vibrant festivals, and unforgettable experiences. 

HOSHINOYA Bali, a luxurious retreat tucked into the lush hills of Ubud, offers an idyllic base from which to explore the island’s magic. Guests can leave the everyday behind and immerse themselves in pure serenity, surrounded by the vibrant jungle, where the cheerful calls of forest birds mingle with the gentle hum of cicadas. The calming symphony continues with the soothing murmur of garden streams and traditional Subak irrigation channels, flowing gracefully through the property, complemented by the tranquil rush of the Pakerisan River just beyond. Every sound enhances the sense of peace, creating a truly blissful escape.

Beyond its natural beauty, Bali is famed for its distinctive traditions that weave Hindu rituals with local folklore, creating an island where the extraordinary and the everyday exist side by side. It’s this unique character that captivates visitors and keeps them returning. To give you a taste of the island’s magic, here are eight unusual facts about Bali—an island of wonder and intrigue:

1. Bali has only four first names – Most Balinese people are named Wayan, Made, Nyoman, or Ketut –  meaning first-born, second-born, third-born, and fourth-born. If parents have more than four kids, the naming cycle starts over again.
2. Every house is a temple – Each Balinese home has its own shrine complex, so daily offerings aren’t just for public temples – they happen in nearly every household!
3. Nyepi: the island that vanishes – On Nyepi (Balinese New Year), the entire island goes silent: no work, no travel, no electricity, no flights. Even tourists must stay indoors. Denpasar airport in Bali is possibly the only airport in the world that completely shuts down for a religious holiday. From space, satellites have recorded Bali going dark, disappearing completely off grid.
4. Ogoh-Ogoh demon parade – The night before Nyepi, massive demon effigies are paraded and then burned in a spectacular cleansing ritual.
5. No street names in Ubud’s centre – Instead of numbered addresses, directions are often given by landmarks and temples. ‘Next to the big banyan tree’ is totally normal!
6. Crying babies predict rain – Some villagers believe a baby crying nonstop without reason means a rainstorm is approaching.
7. Black and white cloth (Poleng) protects from evil – You’ll see statues wrapped in black-and-white checkered cloth – it symbolises balance between good and evil, keeping bad spirits away.
8. Newborns must not touch the ground for 105 days – Babies are considered pure and connected to the gods. For the first few months, relatives carry them constantly to prevent ‘contamination’ from the ground.

But if you’re seeking to truly enrich your trip, Bali during the winter season is packed with lively festivals that visitors won’t want to miss. From literature and food to spirituality and ancient traditions, there is something for everyone to enjoy. A few festival highlights to time your trip around include: 

• Ubud Writers & Readers Festival (29 October to 2 November): Southeast Asia’s biggest literary festival, attracting up to 170 writers from around the world. 
• Pemuteran Bay Festival (6 November to 8 November): A community-based eco- festival combining marine conservation with traditional arts, food, and music. 
• Makepung Lampit Festival (various dates till 23 November): A thrilling spectacle of traditional bull races through harvested rice fields, celebrating Balinese agricultural heritage. 
• Denpasar Festival (December, dates tbc): The year-end celebration of culture, food, fashion, and performance in the heart of Bali’s capital.

Whether you are searching for serenity, adventure or cultural discovery, Bali’s tropical warmth and vibrant spirit make it the perfect winter escape for every kind of traveller.   

Stay at HOSHINOYA Bali from £490 per room per person per night (room only, two sharing). Contact https://hoshinoresorts.com/en/hotels/hoshinoyabali/. Flights extra.

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