Gianyar covers a vast swathe of Bali and if you’re interested in the island’s rich cultural heritage and spiritual nature, along with its beautiful gardens, rice paddies, etc. then you will almost certainly enjoy visiting the regency.
Our guide to the regency will walk you through where it is, what there is to see, where to stay, where to eat and more. Then, you can plan your holiday in Bali more effectively.
About Gianyar Regency
The regency is one of the three richest regions in Bali and most of its wealth comes from tourists visiting for its rich cultural heritage.
It’s the second most densely populated regency on the island (after Badung Regency which is home to Seminyak, Kuta, etc.).
Roughly 500,000 people live in the regency, the overwhelming majority of whom are local Hindus.
Overall, it’s a sprawling regency that begins on the coast with black sand beaches and then moves into the heartland of the island through rice fields and rainforests.
While it may be a busy place, it still feels more like the “real” Bali and less like the heavily touristed areas of the South Coast.
The exception to this rule is Ubud. The arts and crafts town in the centre of the regency has become a major tourist draw in its own right.
The Administrative Districts Of Gianyar
There are seven administrative districts with the regency and they are Sukawati, Blahbatuh, Gianyar, Tampaksiring, Ubud, Tegallalang, and Payangan.
Oddly, Sukawati, Blahbutah, Ubud and Gianyar are also officially part of Greater Denpasar whereas the other three administrative districts are not.
What’s In Gianyar?
Gianyar is full of historic sites, areas of natural wonder, and artisans. If you’re an adventurous traveller, as at home on the beach as you are in a village as you are trekking through rainforest and canyons, you’re going to love this area.
It’s a great place to enjoy learning about the culture and traditions of the Balinese people.
Who Is Likely To Enjoy Gianyar?
Everyone can have fun in the regency. Romantic couples will love the secluded villas and gorgeous settings among the rice paddies.
Solo travellers will find it easy to meet other people in Ubud and there is a lot to explore and experience.
Groups will be happy too as there are activities such as white water rafting in the regency that are best enjoyed with a crowd.
What’s The Best Time Of Year To Enjoy Gianyar?
We always tell people that there’s never a bad time to visit anywhere in Bali and that’s true but you might want to take into account the following when you book your trip.
For Good Weather?
The best weather in the regency is during the dry season (that’s April to September/October).
However, we would note that if you want to see lush rice paddies and rainforests in their full glory, it’s better to come during the wet season.
The waterfalls dotted through the regency are also more impressive in the wet season.
Temperatures are pretty consistent and tend to stay between 25 and 26 degrees Celsius on average throughout the year.
For Fewer Crowds?
The low season (and rainy season) months from October to March are quiet and thus tend to see fewer tourists at most sites.
You can also get some bargains in May, June and September before and after the schools break up for the summer.
For The Best Events?
There are also some great festivals that take place in this corner of Bali and if you want to take part, it’s best to come when the festivals are running, right?
Ubud Food Festival
This originally took place in April but has been known to take place in May and June too.
We’d recommend checking their website to find out when the next food festival will take place.
If you can’t make it to the festival, there are often related events in the build-up months before it too.
Ubud Writers & Readers Festival
This takes place in October each year and brings together writers and their readers from around the world.
There are live performances of authors reading from their own works and it’s a really interesting time if you love the written word.
You can find their website here to learn about who’s performing this year.
Bali Spirit Festival
April or May sees the Bali Spirit Festival each year and it’s all about celebrating yoga and wellness.
It’s packed with local and overseas yogis and you will be able to learn more about the philosophy behind the practices as well as being able to take part in seminars, workshops and practical lessons.
Their website has more details here.
Things To Do In Gianyar
Once you’ve spent some time exploring the rice fields and taking in the stunning landscapes of the area, there are plenty of things to do with your time in the regency. These include cultural performances, traditional crafts, and much more.
Taro Village
The Taro Village is meant to be a cultural landmark where tourists can visit and enjoy learning about local arts and crafts in a traditional setting.
The most popular classes here are the silversmithing workshops where you can make your own ring (and yes, you get to keep the ring and it’s included in the price of the class).
It’s a relatively new setup and while it has some teething problems, we thought the overall experience was excellent and there’s no doubt that the rings are lovely.
If you want, you can take a longer course and make necklaces, bracelets, earrings, etc. too.
Where Is It? Elephant Park Rd, Taro, Tegallalang, Gianyar Reg, Bali 80561, Indonesia
Pulina Coffee Plantation
Agrotourism is really starting to take off in Bali now and the Pulina Coffee Plantation is a great example of this in action.
You can take a walk through the plantation itself and learn about how coffee is grown and also about Kopi Luwak.
This is a form of coffee where the coffee fruit is consumed by an Asian Palm Civet (a cat of sorts) and then the bean is *ahem* expelled from the other end of the cat and collected for use for roasting and grinding into coffee.
There is some debate over the ethics of this coffee and some see it as a form of animal exploitation, but the practice has been going on here for centuries and the cat’s digestive system is said to add complexity and acidity to the flavour.
It’s the “world’s most expensive” coffee but it’s cheaper on the plantations in this area than it is in fancy cafes on the other side of the world.
Where Is It? Jl. Raya Pujung Kaja No.Br, Sebatu, Kec. Tegallalang, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80561, Indonesia
Bali Theatre
This is one of the most impressive theatrical complexes anywhere in Aisa. It has a seating capacity of 1,200 people and has a world-class sound and lighting rig.
At the entrance, you will find an 8-meter-tall statue of Ganesha, which just happens to be the tallest Ganesha in Bali. The statue regales visitors with encouragement to enter the theatre.
The show is “Bali Agung – The Legends of The Balinese Goddess” and it features over 180 dancers and musicians.
It tells the story of the Prince, Jaya Pangus, and his wife Kang Chin Wei and their encounter with divine Princess Danu.
However, please note that it is only open on weekends and public holidays and the show is held from 2.30-3.30 p.m. and not in the evenings.
Where Is It? Jl. Profesor Doktor Ida Bagus Mantra, Km.19,8, Serongga, Gianyar, Gianyar Reg, Bali 80551, Indonesia
Gunung Sari Dance Performances
This is one of the best-recognized traditional dance performances on the island and while they don’t do the “kecak” fire dance, they do offer a wide range of the most traditional dances.
They include the Legong, Oleg Tambulilingan, Pendet, Gebyar Terompong, Gebyar Duduk, Barong, Randa and Keris Dances!
The dance troupe here came into being back in 1926 and it started as an informal presentation, which was so popular everyone decided to keep doing it!
In 1931, the troupe was invited to play in Paris by a man called John Cost. They accepted and had to travel to Paris by boat! The journey took 6 months in each direction and there was no show in Bali for a year.
However, they earned enough money to ensure that they had enough to provide for the group’s future and now, nearly 100 years later, they’re still going!
Where Is It? F7J9+VP4, Jl. Cok Gede Rai, Peliatan, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia
Ubud Sari Coffee Luwak Agrotourism
This is a family-owned coffee plantation and it’s very much in a similar vein to the Pulina Plantation.
You will get a guided tour of the fields and be introduced to the luwaks (the civets) on the site and have the whole process explained to you.
You’re not obliged to purchase the kopi luwak and once again, we will note that some people feel there are ethical problems with this form of farming.
However, on our visit, we even got to play with one of the luwaks and it seemed not in the remotest bit distressed.
You will also recieve a free sample of all the other teas and coffees they produce, so you will get some coffee even if you don’t want to touch the kopi luwak.
Where Is It? F777+4CW, Lodtunduh, Ubud, Gianyar Reg, Bali 80571, Indonesia
Sukawati Art Market
This is the longest-standing art market in the country and it’s a wonderful place to go shopping if you’re looking for souvenirs and gifts for people back home.
Haggling is absolutely mandatory at this market, and you should start your offer at about 10% of the original price, you’ll be surprised at how much closer to your offer you end up than you are to theirs!
It’s also a wholesale market, so if you really want to stack things up, you will get even better prices than you do on individual items.
It has recently been renovated and occupies a new and impressive set of shopping blocks, which does make it feel slightly less traditional than it once did, but the shopping experience is the same.
Where Is It? Sukawati Art Market, Jalan Raya Sukawati, Sukawati, Kec. Sukawati, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80582, Indonesia
Pasar Ubud (Ubud Market or Ubud Art Market)
This is just around the corner from Ubud Palace and we’d recommend that you visit Ubud Palace at the same time (Ubud Palace is a minor palace and it doesn’t take a long time to get around) as this market.
It specializes in Balinese art from the nearby villages of Payangan, Peliatain, Tegallalang and Pengosekan. So, it’s all locally made and highly authentic.
Ubud Art Market was featured in the movie Eat, Pray, Love and you could see Jila Roberts, the Oscar-winning superstar, wandering through the stalls flirting with a male character.
If you want silk scarves, light shirts, local kites, handicrafts, etc. this is an amazing place to be. Just be sure to haggle, it’s expected and the only way to get a decent deal. Ubud Market is used by locals, expats and tourists alike and it can get very busy.
Where Is It? F7V7+43X, Jl. Raya Ubud, Ubud, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia
Hidden Canyon Trek
It is fair to say that while the “hidden canyon” is, indeed, hidden from plain sight when on the nearby road, it’s one of the better-known spits in the area and isn’t hidden from the tourist trade.
That means you may find quite a few others joining you on a trek out to this canyon. It’s worth doing anyway.
The canyon is great for Instagram shots and if you take your swimming clothes you can take a dip in the natural pools here.
We’d recommend you engage a local guide for this trek though as it’s quite challenging and getting to all three canyons can be very difficult if you opt to go alone.
Where Is It? 97QQ+XMM, Banjar Wangbung, Jl. Sahadewa, Guwang, Kec. Sukawati, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80582, Indonesia
Central Ubud
Ubud is the largest town in the regency and it’s worth visiting in its own right.
It’s become a much more popular place than it once was but that doesn’t detract from its slightly hippy appeal.
You can easily wander out of the town into lush greenery and rice paddies whenever you feel like a change from the hustle and bustle of the streets here.
We recommend staying in a place with an outdoor swimming pool so that you can cool off after a walk in the heat of the Bali day.
Where Is It? Ubud, Gianyar
Tjampuhan Sacred Hills Trek
If you visit Ubud during the rainy season, you will find that the rice paddies are green and full and it’s a great time for a walk in the hills.
Tjampuhan Sacred Hills are beautiful and exciting and they are a great place to witness the sunset from.
You can continue your trek to Jalan Lugsiakan Village and enjoy the company of local villagers in their lush gardens before moving on to Tjampuhan Temple with a lovely view of the River Oos below.
If you like natural beauty, you’re going to love the sacred hills.
Where Is It? Tjampuhan Ridge, Ubud
Surfing At Keramas Beach
Bali is often described by surfers as the “Land of the Lefts” as most of the best surf breaks on the island, such as the one at Uluwatu, break left.
Keramas, on the other hand, is all about breaking right and delivering delicious barrels to the more regular-footed surfer.
The take-off here is a very steep drop and then the wave moves along the reef creating hollow barrel sections for you to follow.
Be patient, trust your instincts and you can enjoy some of the most memorable waves on the island at Keramas Beach.
Where Is It? Keramas Beach, Gianyar
Things To See In Gianyar: Ancient Temples, Waterfalls and More
Agung Rai Museum of Art (ARMA)
Agung Rai was a local art connoisseur who dedicated their life to the preservation and conservation of Balinese art.
The ARMA museum was opened in 1996 and was dedicated to Agung Rai’s work.
Today, their mission involves more than curating local collections and they aim to help develop the Balinese arts to take them forward into the future as high art forms.
Where Is It?l. Raya Pengosekan Ubud, Ubud, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia
Batuan Temple Complex (Pura Puseh Desa Batuan)
Near the village of Batuan, you will find this excellent example of a HIndu temple that aims to exalt the gods of the Hindu Trinity.
There is a lovely split gate (similar to the famous Gates of Heaven) to the main courtyard where there is a focal shrine directly through the gap.
The temple is covered in intricate stone carvings and the temple complex dates back to 1020 AD!
It is built on an ancient archaeological site which would have been a megalithic meeting place! That makes it one of the oldest sites known to be in continuous use in Bali.
Where Is It? C79G+37, Jl. Raya Batuan, Batuan, Kec. Sukawati, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80582, Indonesia
Bali Bird Park
Bali is home to over 250 bird species and you can find them all at the Brid Park.
It’s part of the conservation efforts for the Bali Sparrow (Bali Myna) and thus one of the most important places for the fauna of the nation.
They also have some interesting attractions in addition to the beautiful birds including a 4D Cinema and a komodo dragon exhibit.
Where Is It? Jl. Serma Cok Ngurah Gambir Singapadu, Batubulan, Kec. Sukawati, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80582, Indonesia
Bali Zoo
With over 500 rare and exotic animals to see, you will never be bored at Bali Zoo.
In fact, you can start your day here by having breakfast with orangutans! That’s an experience you will never forget.
Unlike many zoos in Asia, this is focused on animal welfare and it’s part of many of the most important conservation efforts in Indonesia.
Where Is It? Jl. Raya Singapadu, Singapadu, Kec. Sukawati, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80582, Indonesia
Kanto Lampo Waterfall
The Kanto Lampo Waterfall is one of Bali’s most impressive falls as the water breaks into many separate layers over the rock formations here.
It’s a photographer’s dream destination (particularly if they’ve packed an ND filter) and an Instagram delight.
This is one of the few waterfalls where you can stand directly in the water as it falls from the cliffs above.
Where Is It? Jl. Kaliasem lingk.kelod kangin, Beng, Kec. Gianyar, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80513, Indonesia
Taman Nusa
This awesome cultural park aims to let you “see Indonesia in a single afternoon”!
It is set on 10 hectares of land with over 60 traditional houses in all the styles of Indonesian villages across the land.
They also host crafts and live performances from all over Indonesia such as Kolintang from North Sulawesi and the West Javanese Angklung.
Where Is It? Banjar Blahpane Kelod, Jl. Taman Bali – Banjarangkan, Sidan, Kec. Gianyar, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80582, Indonesia
Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary
The Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary or Ubud Monkey Forest is one of the most popular destinations on the island.
That’s because it has a fine blend of ancient temples, lush greenery and monkeys. Lots of monkeys.
The monkeys are fine sharing the rich cultural heritage around them with visitors, but they are also prone to stealing from visitors and it’s a good idea to keep your phones, cameras and snacks away from them.
Don’t get into a fight with the monkeys over anything, they don’t fight fair and will bring their friends with them. They do bite and because monkeys can carry rabies, you’ll need very expensive treatment if you get bitten.
You can ask a local guide for help if you need something back from a monkey, but there’s no guarantee that you will get it.
So, before you follow the moss-covered stones through the forest, make sure everything is put away and zipped up tight.
Where Is It? Jl. Monkey Forest, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia
Lebih Beach
This quiet black sand beach is a lovely place to sit and soak in a Balinese sunset.
They have a delightful selection of warungs along the beach road which means you can find some great food and cocktails for refreshment too.
There are also some excellent local clothes shops nearby which sell at authentically local prices.
We like to watch the fishing boats go out to sea in the mornings from this beach sometimes too.
Where Is It? Lebih Beach, Gianyar
Giant Baby Statue (Patung Bayi)
This is one of the oddest sights in Bali and it’s found in Sukawati. It was built in 1989 and it towers above the local road.
What makes it more fascinating is that many locals claim that it can be heard to cry at night!
It’s meant to symbolize birth and new beginnings but it’s possible that it has magical properties and some claim it can help cure infertility!
Where Is It? Simpang Tiga Jalan Raya Sakah, Desa Batuan Kaler, Kecamatan Sukawati
Blangsinga Waterfall
This is a very dramatic waterfall that doesn’t get as many visitors as it deserves, though this is changing as it has become a popular place for locals to “pop the question” and get some awesome engagement photos.
One thing we like about this fall is how easy it is to get to and it’s a short easy walk down some stairs.
Where Is It? Banjar Blangsinga, Jl. Raya Blangsinga, Saba, Kec. Blahbatuh, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80581, Indonesia
Goa Gajah Temple (Elephant Cave)
There are no elephants at the elephant cave but that’s OK, this is a very interesting temple complex with a vague history and some real mystery about it.
The carved cave mouth is one of the most amazing sights in Bali.
Where Is It? Bedulu, Blahbatuh, Gianyar Reg, Bali, Indonesia
Gunung Kawi
This temple contains ten rock-cut shrines which represent tombs of local royalty.
It’s one of the most interesting cultural attractions in the area and the Hindu Temple on site was built after the shrines were installed.
Where Is It? Sebatu, Tegallalang, Gianyar Reg, Bali 80511, Indonesia
Tegallalang Rice Terraces
The rice terraces of this region are famous and the Tegallalang rice terraces are considered to be the most dramatic of them all.
Don’t miss this beautiful natural attraction if you’re in the area.
Where Is It? Jl. Raya Tegallalang, Tegallalang, Kec. Tegallalang, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80561, Indonesia
Where To Eat In Gianyar: Much More Than Traditional Indonesian Cuisine
Gianyar Night Market (Pasar Senggol Gianyar)
The best street food market in Bali. It’s cheap and the food is amazing, just visit each stall in turn and try what you fancy.
Where Is It? Jl. Ngurah Rai-Gianyar No.38, Gianyar, Kec. Gianyar, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80361, Indonesia
Warong Legong
This family-run warung cooks delicious Balinese and Indonesian cuisine as well as some amazing wood-fired pizzas!
Where Is It? Jalan Professor Doktor Ida Bagus Mantra No. 300A Keramas, Medahan, Kec. Blahbatuh, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali, Indonesia
Yeh Pulu Cafe
If you want organic and vegan foods with the freshest fruit juices, don’t miss out on this cafe.
Where Is It? Br. Batulumbang, Jl. Yeh Pulu, Bedulu, Blahbatuh, Gianyar Regency, Bali 80581, Indonesia
Genius Cafe Gianyar
Live music, great food and awesome views. You really can’t go wrong and the price is a bargain too!
Where Is It? Jl. Pantai Masceti, Medahan, Kec. Blahbatuh, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80581, Indonesia
Kepitu Restaurant & The Kayon Jungle Resort
This luxury resort will be happy to discuss any dietary requirements you may have and they will be able to accommodate most of them easily.
Where Is It? Banjar Bresela Desa Bresela, Payangan, Kecamatan Ubud, Bali 80572, Indonesia
Best Places To Stay In Gianyar
There are some great resorts and places to stay in this region too and they include:
Inara Alas Harum – this stunning resort in Ubud is luxurious and comfortable. The rooms have direct pool access and a private terrace.
Kastara Resort & Spa – if you want to be alone in the mountains, this is the place for you, the infinity pool is amazing.
Chapung Sebali – Indonesian decor meets Scandi styling and the fusion is delicious.
Mara River Safari Lodge – if you want wildlife on your doorstep in the shadow of Mount Agung, you just can’t go wrong here.
Swan Paradise, A Pramana Experience – they say they’re trying to capture the “soul of paradise” at this resort, and they’re getting very good at it too.
Mason Elephant Park & Lodge – if you love elephants, you’re going to love this resort where you can interact with Sumatran elephants all day long.
Rumah Luwih – this lovely beach resort has plush rooms with cool stone floors, the views from the balconies are amazing.
Govinda Villas – if you want a villa in the jungle with all the mod cons, you will be very happy at Govinda Villas.
Vision Villa Resort – an interesting resort built with the needs of digital nomads and entrepreneurs in mind.
Puri Bayu Guest House – a simple comfortable guest house for a very reasonable price.
The Ban On Condotels & Apartments
Given that this area is a popular tourist destination, it might come as a surprise to learn that the local government placed a ban on building condotels and apartments in this regency in 2012.
They reasoned that many popular tourist destinations can become overwhelmed with visitors and that new developments would take money away from existing developments.
Thus, while it is reasonably inexpensive to visit the cultural attractions of this regency, it’s not as cheap as it might have been if there had been greater levels of development.
On the bright side, it does mean that the area retains much of its charm and aesthetic appeal.
FAQS
What Is Gianyar Known For?
Gianyar is considered the centre of traditional Balinese arts and Balinese culture.
It’s home to many of the most famous artists on the island and has many art galleries and art markets displaying traditional arts, local artwork and local handicrafts.
It’s also home to the towns and villages of Ubud, Bona, Celuk, Singapadu, and Mas all of which are well-known for Balinese art.
The area is also home to many excellent art museums which feature many of the best painters, sculptors and craftspeople that the region has known.
It is also a center of natural beauty and you’ll find that the lush green agricultural heartland is very attractive and ideal for hiking and trekking.
Gianyar has many of the island’s most important temples too and some people consider it to be of great spiritual significance.
Is Gianyar A City?
No, Gianyar is not a city. It’s a regency. In fact, the name “Gianyar” is a contraction of the words “Geriya Anyar” which was the name of the royal castle in the regency.
A regency is a kingdom. However, there is no king of Gianyar (though there are surviving members of the royal family – they did not take up the title of ruler).
Bali had 9 kingdoms of which Gianyar was just one, but today, royalty plays a ceremonial role only on the island and Bali is part of the Republic of Indonesia.
Which Regency Is Ubud In?
Ubud is in the regency of Gianyar. It’s in Central Bali and is considered to be the artistic, spiritual and natural heart of the country.
How To Book A Holiday In Gianyar?
We always recommend that you book a holiday in Bali through the amazing people at Bali Res Centre.
They are a locally based travel agency that focuses on Balinese travel, which means they’re experts at finding you the right travel, accomodation and tour options to get the most out of your holiday.
Better still, because they’re local when you shop with the Bali Res Centre, you keep your money within the local economy and don’t send it overseas.
You can always be assured of a competitive deal when you use the Bali Res Centre, because of their local relationships.
Final Thoughts On The Cultural And Spiritual Significance Of Gianyar
There’s no doubt that the regency is one of the most exciting parts of the island and if you love Balinese culture, traditional Balinese architecture, traditional dance performances, traditional arts, lush greenery, exciting rice terraces, international cuisine, etc. you will love this part of Bali.
We often recommend stopping in the cultural hub of Ubud in the area before or after you visit Canggu and enjoy some time partying at FINNS, the best beach club in the world.
After all, there’s room to have fun in so many different ways on this paradise island, why not try them all?
