Here are things to do in Bali for the broken-hearted person in their healing era.
It was nine months ago when I had my first glimpse of Bali’s healing powers, microwave popcorn in hand — watching the 21st-century cinematic classic that is Eat, Pray, Love.
Ah, yes, cliché as it was, I wanted to be like Julia Roberts‘ character who had found some sort of enlightenment at the end of her stay in Bali.
To my surprise, my trip was filled with life lessons that I still carry with me to this day. With that, I wanted to share this list of things to do in Bali… all centred on self-love. If you’re travelling to heal yourself too, I hope this list comes in handy for your own journey 🤗
1) Facing your fears head-on
The Aling Aling Waterfall tour — where we trekked, slid, and jumped our way through five waterfalls of varying heights and charm — was an unforgettable adventure that smacked me in the face with an important life lesson.
“Don’t think, just do.”
That’s what my friend shouted as I peered over the edge of the 10m-high Kembar Waterfall. For some reason, I was letting my thoughts and the overpowering rush of the falls take over my body.
Which made me think: what’s stopping me from jumping? Why was I really afraid?
After 3 minutes of second-guessing myself, I finally shut off all the noise in my head and just… took the plunge.
The feeling of vanquishing those pesky little self-doubts was so satisfying!
Perhaps trying something that makes your palms sweaty could do you good because you’ll be able to practise mindfulness — a skill that when mastered, will help you overcome fear and anxiety.
Cost: From ~S$10/pax
Timing: 9AM
Meeting point: R4G3+XR Sambangan, Buleleng Regency, Bali, Indonesia
2) Reflecting on life in the mountains
Hiking Mount Batur at dusk — with only a few tourists in the area — was one of my favourite things to do in Bali. It was a fun workout, and an opportune time for self-evaluation.
Just 30 minutes in, my legs were already turning into gelatin. So instead, I redirected my focus towards reflecting on life, and admiring Mount Batur’s natural beauty.
Two rest stops and another half hour later, my thoughts had jumped from “why am I still single?”, to “if there’s a god out there, please help me not die”. Because Lord knows that an intense physical activity can turn anyone into a man of prayer!
But when we reached the peak, I was greeted by a view that I can only describe in one word: divine.
Thank God my friends and I opted for a guided tour, so we had help going down when it was already dark. Also, the free food they prepared for us at the peak didn’t hurt!
Cost: From ~S$55/pax
How to get there: Accommodation pick-up and drop-off included in tour
3) Healing your body through nature
If you’re looking for a relaxing activity, check out the Batur Natural Hot Spring. They pride themselves as the only “healing spa in Bali” because their mineral-dense waters are said to have healing properties.
I was surprised that the water was hot-hot (tbh, I don’t know why I expected otherwise). But once the shock wore off and my body had adjusted to the temperature, I felt relaxed.
Plus points for the view of Lake Batur and its surrounds!
After my hot spring experience, I asked my friend why my body was feeling super rejuvenated. And she said it was probably because of the “healing minerals”. Well, I’ll be damned — it actually works!
Entrance fee: From ~S$9/pax
Opening hours: 7AM – 7PM
Address: PCX2+G4 Songan B, Bangli Regency, Bali, Indonesia
4) Isolating yourself from the world is sometimes necessary
Float therapy was one of the most life-changing things I experienced in Bali because it forced me to shut off from reality. It’s synonymous with “sensory deprivation”; you enter a bathtub-esque pod filled with saltwater.
And when you shut the door, there is only one thing: total. darkness. It was here that I realised something important.
During the first half of the session, I had been thinking a lot about my own relationship trauma. Then I started to notice that my brain was feeling abnormally heavy.
That’s when I decided to stop my thoughts for five seconds. Then 10, 20, 30… gradually, my head felt more and more weightless. Until I didn’t feel anything anymore.
I felt free!
It hit me: overthinking doesn’t only affect me emotionally, but it really does take a toll on my physical body. Yes, it’s important to confront my traumas and fears, but just like everything else, it has to be done in moderation.
Cost: From ~S$52/pax
Opening hours: 7AM – 10:30PM
Address: 84PW+HF Tibubeneng, Badung Regency, Bali, Indonesia
5) Exploring lesser-known places for a moment of peace
Smoky Beach in Nusa Penida
Beach-hopping is one of the most popular things to do in Bali, and a visit to Nusa Penida will expose you to loads of gorgeous beaches!
While you can go to the more famous spots like Broken Beach & Angel’s Billabong, there are lesser-known beaches like Smoky Beach which is a cute place to watch the sunset.
Tembeling Beach and Forest was my favourite because of its crystal-clear natural pools and beautiful rock formations. I went right before sunset where there were little to no people, making the place feel like it was entirely mine.
For a moment, the world consisted of only me, the waters and the rocks. No hurt, no care, just pure euphoria — a feeling every broken-hearted person needs to experience.
Read also: 5D Bali Itinerary Under S$500 incl. Nusa Penida and Lesser Known Things to Do
6) Nourishing your body with clean food
Fish tacos, smoothie bowl, and Buddha bowl in Sunny Cafe Penida
Energy healing teaches us that everything on earth radiates a certain “vibrational energy” that either helps or hurts your healing — physical or emotional. Raw, unprocessed food is high in vibrational energy, which means eating it increases your vitality.
That said, ordering healthy clean food is one of my highly-recommended things to do in Bali. Many restaurants offer vegetarian or vegan menus beyond your typical leafy, green salads.
For me, I indulged in a smoothie bowl, natural fruit juice (hold the sugar!), and a Buddha bowl every now and then as a way to “detox” from all the goreng goodness.
And that was how I put the “eat” in my Eat, Pray, Love journey 😉
Sunny Cafe Penida
Cost: From Rp40,000/main (~S$3.60)
Opening hours: 7AM – 10PM
Address: 8FCQ+9R Ped, Klungkung Regency, Bali, Indonesia
Read also: The Ultimate Bali Food Guide: 21 Things To Eat in Seminyak, Ubud and Nusa Dua
7) Getting a massage to exercise mindfulness
Going to the day spa for a massage is one of the best things to do in Bali, more so if you’re heartbroken.
We just talked about how things weighing on your mind and heart can harm the body. So please, give it the pampering that it deserves… after all, it’s the armour protecting your physical heart.
More than the feeling of muscle pain relief, I like a Balinese massage because it forces my mind to switch off. All I can think about in the moment is how good I feel — every stroke, every compression, every press of the finger.
No heartaches; just the here and now. It’s mindfulness in action.
While there are countless day spas in Bali, my friends and I decided to book our massage at Plataran Canggu because their spa package included a free dinner and cocktail!
Padma Spa at Plataran Canggu
Cost: From ~S$43/pax via Klook for a 60-min massage (dinner included)
Opening hours: 9AM – 8PM
Address: 85X8+MJX, Jl. Pengubugan, Kerobokan, Kec. Kuta Utara, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia
Read also: Where to Stay in Bali — Best Hotels, Villas, and Hostels in Ubud, Canggu, Seminyak and More
8) Washing away anxiety with a cleansing ritual
The next two activities were part of a half-day Eat, Pray, Love-inspired tour in Ubud.
When I travel, I skip temples and churches because none of them has ever piqued my interest. But like I said, this trip was about opening my heart, so I visited the Pura Mengening Water Temple for a cleansing ritual with a lot of enthusiasm.
And now, I can honestly say that it’s one of the best things to do in Bali if you want to deepen your spirituality.
Our local tour guide assisted us in the cleansing ritual. First, I was asked to meditate, where I was to silently state my name, where I came from, and my intention for visiting:
“I want to be happy. I want to heal from the hurt.”
It was weird. My heart was beating out of my chest while meditating… probably because I was scared it wouldn’t work?
Then from the running water of each fountain, I had to pour some on my face, drink from it, and wash my head before moving on to the next one. All this while repeating my intention: “I want to be happy. I want to heal from the hurt.”
Once I finished all the fountains, I felt so at ease, as if the water had actually washed away all the anxiety I had beforehand.
Crazy, huh?
9) Seeking wisdom from a stranger can give you clarity
Before setting foot in Ubud to see a traditional Balinese healer, my friends and I harboured doubts. But after the rejuvenating cleansing ritual, I decided to “open my heart” one last time.
When I visited the healer in Puri Pandawa, I was asked to colour a mandala that would help her read my character. And boy, did she read me. One thing she said really stuck: I don’t reach out when I have problems, I isolate 😦
She’s right.
I wonder if that’s why my healing journey has been so difficult.
Eventually, I pulled her aside to ask her a burning question: should I forgive the person who has caused me tremendous pain time and time again?
Instead of answering directly, she threw the question back to me.
“I think I want to forgive,” I sheepishly replied.
The healer gave a smile. According to her, I was a highly spiritual person who should trust my intuition instead of letting my mind dictate my actions. If forgiveness is where my intuition is nudging me, then that’s the “right” answer. In other words:
“Don’t think, just do.”
Bali Eat Pray Love Private Tour
Cost: From ~S$46/pax
Timing: 7AM
Meeting point: Hotel pickup
Can Bali really heal a broken heart?
There are so many things to do in Bali, but I came here specifically with the desire to have an Eat, Pray, Love moment of sorts. And yeah, I ate… I prayed… and surprisingly, I did leave the island with a lover… myself!
Bali paved the way for me to do things that make me realise self-love.
For example, since returning home, I’ve been more consistent in meditating. It has made me more self-aware of my thoughts, and patient when I catch myself overthinking.
And my trip to Bali has led to a surprising life plot twist: the healer also suggested I try reiki (the Japanese art of energy healing) to cultivate my spiritual side. So in the spirit of “don’t think, just do”, I decided to learn how to be a healer myself.
Guess who’s certified to do some healing now! 🤷♂️
I’m not saying Bali is this miraculous healing place — hey, my broken heart wasn’t totally healed — but it can lead to something positive in your life if you just open your heart.
What other things to do in Bali are you adding to your soul-searching journey? Let us know in the comments below! 😊
