What to do in Bali when it's not a beach day

The short answer

When it rains, build the day around one activity under a roof: a cooking class, a silver jewellery workshop or a massage. All three options in our selection are in and around Ubud, and you can also book a massage at your accommodation. Leave trips that depend on the sea, the river or the view for another day.

This is not a weather forecast or a promise of a dry day. The idea is simply to have a plan B ready when the beach doesn't suit the day.

Three kinds of day, depending on your mood

Pick one main activity and add no more than one short stop. In the rain, allow more time for getting around, and don't add places just because they look close on the map.

A cooking day

The Balinese cooking class on an organic farm suits a day you want to fill. The school says its kitchen is a fully covered open-air pavilion, so you cook in the dry. The farm walk and ingredient picking are outdoors, and the school lends umbrellas for the short walk around the farm.

The market visit is part of the morning class only. Transport from the meeting point in Ubud is included; check pickup elsewhere for your chosen option. You can cook the regular or the vegetarian menu. The class is not suitable for wheelchair users.

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A making day

On the make-your-own silver jewellery workshop, an instructor guides you through one design from start to finish. No experience is needed. It takes roughly one to three hours depending on the design, which leaves time to relax afterwards. The workshop describes an air-conditioned space in central Ubud on its website; the exact location is confirmed when you book.

Tools, instruction and a limited amount of silver are included. A larger piece and gemstones cost extra, so think about the size of your design beforehand. The class is for ages 6 and up.

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A resting day

If you don't want to go far, one massage is enough. Svaha Spa Bisma is in central Ubud, and you choose the length and type of treatment when booking. You arrange your own transport to the spa. It is for ages 12 and up and not suitable for pregnant women.

With a massage at your villa or hotel, the therapist comes to you for a one-hour Balinese massage. Your accommodation must allow the visit, and the therapist doesn't bring a massage table, so prepare a suitable space. The provider confirms whether your address is within its service area. We compare both options in detail in Balinese massage: spa or villa?

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Short hops instead of a long day trip

If you want to get out at least between showers, book a car with driver and plan short stops close to each other. The driver waits at every stop, so you can get back into the car quickly when a heavy shower starts. Agree the route in advance within the area covered by your booking. Parking and overtime are paid separately.

Ubud also has art museums and galleries, such as Museum Puri Lukisan, ARMA and Neka Art Museum. Check opening hours and admission on the spot. A stop like this combines easily with a class or a massage without a long drive.

What to avoid in the rain:

• swimming under a waterfall – after rain it may not be safe to swim, and steps are often slippery,
• rafting as a beach substitute – in the rainy season the rapids can be more demanding, and the operator decides whether trips go ahead,
• a long drive for a view – under a cloudy sky the view can't be guaranteed.

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How to rearrange a tour you've already booked

First, find out who makes the call. For boat trips, volcano trips and waterfall trips, the operator decides based on safety, and many tours run rain or shine. If the operator cancels because of the weather, you get a new date or a refund, depending on the terms of the offer.

If you want to change the date yourself, follow the terms of the option you booked. The cooking class and the car with driver in our selection list free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start – what counts is the policy shown for the option you choose. For the spa, the massage and the workshop, you'll find the terms with your chosen option.

Before a day that depends on the weather:

• keep your phone on and check your email, as the operator may contact you in advance,
• don't put a boat trip or a volcano trip on your last day before you fly home,
• keep one free day in your plans that a trip can be moved to,
• choose your under-a-roof plan in advance so you can decide quickly in the morning.

Ubud as a base for a rainy day

In and around Ubud you can do all three kinds of day without a long drive. If you're staying in the south of the island, allow for the drive to Ubud; on that kind of day, a massage at your accommodation is the simplest choice. For more about the area and other experiences, see our Ubud page. When Bali gets the most rain and how to plan around it is covered in the guide below.

Tags: BaliUbudrainy dayclasses & workshops