TripCanvas Editorial Team

Whether you’re on a gastronomical expedition to Bali or just happen to be there on a visit, you never know when a sweet tooth comes a-knockin’. That’s why we made this list of the top-rated Balinese desserts that you absolutely should not miss! Try one of these unique local desserts and treat your taste buds during your stay in Bali (and thank us later!):

1) Jaja Laklak

Rice and rice flour desserts are quite a specialty in this part of the world. The Jaja Laklak is a customary Balinese cake that looks and tastes almost like a pancake, but it is sweeter and a lot tastier. It is served with palm sugar and shredded coconut as toppings to give the confectionary its saccharine appeal. Savour it with a cup of tea to get instantly addicted!!

2) Klepon

Also called, Onde-onde, this dessert is not only delicious but quite fun to eat too! Soft, chewy balls of glutinous rice filled with molten palm sugar bursting in your mouth, that’s Klepon for you. From local street vendors to the traditional Balinese markets, you can find Klepon almost everywhere in Bali. But watch out, they are so addictive, you’ll lose count of how many you’ve had!

3) Pisang Goreng

For all those who love banana fritters, this one’s for you! The lip-smacking Pisang Goreng is a banana fritter variety that you can get anywhere in Bali. To give it a whole new dimension of taste, the Balinese serve the deep-fried Pisang Goreng with honey and ice cream toppings. Now, go, get your chompers ready!

During your trip to Bali, don’t forget to try these desserts either to end a meal or simply as snacks between meals! Your tour guide from Locaguide will be able to take you to the right places, only known to the locals, so you have the most authentic experience!

There are some things in Bali that attract not just our eyes but also our other senses like smell and touch. The sensual Balinese massage is one of them.

Almost similar to the other traditional southeast Asian massage techniques, the Balinese massage is also greatly influenced by the Ayurvedic and the traditional Chinese medicines.

However, since there are hundreds of spas in Bali, it is often hard to distinguish between an authentic Balinese massage centre and others. A local guide could be greatly helpful in such a scenario to take you to authentic massage centers. If you’re looking to get a Balinese massage during your trip, here are some things you should expect:

1. Know the difference between a hard vs a soft massage

As soon as you enter the spa, this is the first question that a Tukang Pijit (a Balinese masseuse) would ask you, almost always. And no, a hard massage does not mean they’ll take all their strength to break your ribs and bones. It just is an indication that they know their onions. If you opt for the soft massage, they will ensure that they use a more gentle pressure during the massage.

2. Aromatherapy is an integral part of Balinese Massage

Any Balinese masseuse would tell you that, in order to reach the stage of a complete relaxation, you need to sooth all of your senses with equal priority. That is why, unlike the Thai technique, the Balinese massage taps into the therapeutic power of the scented essential oils to soothe your mind and body alike. Do ask your personal tour guide from Locaguide to suggest the best aromatherapy centres in Bali!

3. Expect deeper pressure in a traditional Balinese Massage

You shouldn’t be surprised when your masseuse uses a deeper pressure during the massages, even if you opt for the ‘soft’ massage, as mentioned earlier. More pressure simply allows greater access to the deeper tissues and muscles in your body.

4. You’ll feel a lot lighter (in a positive way)

After an amazing hour-long session of the Balinese massage, you will feel revitalized, refreshed, and relieved from all the stress in your body and mind.

So, if you’re on a Southeast Asian adventure, an authentic Balinese massage would be the last thing you want to drop out of your list.