Imagine going egg hunting during Easter, on a tropical island. Sounds nice right? Although Easter is not a widely celebrated holiday in Bali, which is predominantly a Hindu island, there are Christian communities in Bali who observe Easter in their own way. From church services to Easter-themed activities, in this article, we will explore how and where Easter is celebrated in Bali.
The Christian community in Bali typically celebrates Easter Sunday with special church services, which include sunrise services held in open-air locations. These services start early in the morning, before the sun has risen, and involve singing hymns, prayers, and the reading of biblical passages related to the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The services are typically held in a peaceful and serene setting, with a beautiful view of the surrounding nature. The sunrise service symbolizes the hope and new beginning that Easter represents.
Apart from church services, some hotels and resorts in Bali may offer Easter-themed activities for guests. These activities can include Easter egg hunts or special meals. The hotels and resorts decorate their premises with Easter decorations, such as Easter eggs and bunnies. The Easter egg hunt is a fun activity for children, who search for eggs hidden throughout the hotel or resort. The special Easter meals are also a highlight, where guests can enjoy traditional Easter dishes such as roast lamb, hot cross buns, and chocolate Easter eggs.
In addition to hotels and resorts, some local restaurants may also offer special Easter-themed menus. These menus can include traditional Easter dishes or fusion dishes inspired by Easter. The restaurants also decorate their premises with Easter decorations, creating a festive atmosphere for guests.
While Easter is not a major holiday in Bali, it is still a time for the Christian community to come together and celebrate their faith. The Easter celebrations in Bali are unique, as they blend traditional Christian practices with the island’s Hindu culture. For example, some churches in Bali may use Balinese gamelan music in their Easter services, creating a fusion of Western and Balinese culture.
Where to Celebrate Easter
InterContinental Bali Resort
Spending time with family during Easter is a cherished tradition. The InterContinental Bali Resort is thrilled to announce two amazing Easter brunch options at its acclaimed restaurants, Bella Cucina and Jimbaran Gardens, taking place on Sunday, 9 April 2023. Bella Cucina is the ideal destination for guests looking for an upscale experience. Chef Romain Lefevre prepares a delectable Mediterranean-style Easter brunch buffet that includes a range of gourmet dishes, from appetizers to desserts, each expertly crafted to cater to different palettes. Live jazz entertainment will keep guests entertained throughout the afternoon, creating a sophisticated and unforgettable Easter celebration.
For a more relaxed brunch by the pool, Jimbaran Gardens offers the perfect setting. The restaurant catches the ocean breeze and offers views of the gardens where kids can play on the seaside lawn. Guests are invited to enjoy a selection of international and local delicacies, including fresh seafood, grilled meats, and vegetarian options. A DJ and saxophonist performance provides a memorable semi-outdoor dining experience.
To complete the Easter family experience, InterContinental Bali Resort prepares an exciting array of kids’ activities arranged by the Recreation Team. Fun Easter activities include an Easter egg hunt, marble rally, face painting, and a magician’s performance. Don’t miss out on this extraordinary Easter celebration at Bella Cucina and Jimbaran Gardens.
Karma Kandara
This resort promises to deliver a basketful of good wishes this joyful spring season with their annual Easter eggs-travaganza! As the time to renew, revive, restore, and rejuvenate is once again upon us, they invite you to celebrate (and eat some chocolate bunnies) at Karma with your family and loved ones. Easter Package for 3 days 2 nights starting from IDR 18,000,000 including a 2-night stay in their well-appointed 1-bedroom pool villa, Daily breakfast, One bottle of sparkling wine upon arrival, One dinner for 2 people, One 45-minute massage at Cliff Spa, Free entrance to Karma Beach Bali and Free Easter activities for the kids.
Mamaka by Ovolo
With Easter around the corner, Kuta’s vibrant urban resort – Mamaka by Ovolo has put together egg-citing offers for this year’s Easter festivities. Plan yourself and your loved ones a short getaway to the shores of Kuta, where Mamaka offers you an Easter Egg-scape, a room package offers with a lot of perks! The package starts from IDR 3,170,000 which includes a daily ala carte breakfast, free upgrade to a higher room category, free late checkout until 5PM, 60 minutes body treatments for two persons, Easter Sunday Brunch at Kuta Social Club – Bali’s premier rooftop pool club and exciting kid’s activities such as egg and face painting.
You can also spend your Easter Sunday feast by the sea and experience a feast both from Kuta Social Club’s Seafood and Grill Bar. Perched high above the palms where fun and flavour collide, satisfy your appetite on this social event for only IDR 650,000. Live entertainment and fun kid activities will be included in the festivities.
Six Senses Uluwatu
Six Senses Uluwatu is hosting a weekend of celebration, including a Good Friday Set Menu Dinner at Watu Steakhouse, Easter BBQ Night at Cliff Bar & Poolside and Easter Brunch at Watu Steakhouse, and tons of activities for kids. Children of all ages will delight in an Easter Egg Hunt, Nature Easter Eggs, arts and crafts, games, and Easter ornament making.
Enjoy a sublime dinner at Watu Steakhouse during Good Friday, Serving an array of cuisine with local produce from the land and the sea. Six Senses Uluwatu’s dining attraction emphasizes full–bodied tastes inspired by Balinese wisdom. This time, Watu Steakhouse is taking the guests to a greater height to experience Chef Made Indrawan’s 5 – course dinner with a modern and cosmopolitan twist.
A splendid way to heat up an Easter with family. They offer you an experience to enjoy BBQ with the Indian Ocean as a backdrop, their chefs will prepare a selection of fresh seafood and other Indonesian-inspired dishes. To complete your perfect night, take in the easy grooves of live entertainment.
Easter is traditionally a time for families to spend time together and what better way to treat your family to an Easter than to remember that a luxury escape to a cliffside resort. Specially crafted to indulge the taste buds, allow our passionate chefs to compete with your palate by presenting their best Sunday Brunch.
sixsenses.com/en/resorts/uluwatu-bali
W Bali – Seminyak
W Bali – Seminyak is delighted to collaborate again this Easter weekend with the world-renowned pastry chef and chocolatier from Singapore, Janice Wong. Held from 8 to 9 April 2023, this exciting collaboration will be filled with sweets as Janice Wong herself will be hosting fun activities, from an edible chocolate painting class and special T-Party to the extra sweet Easter brunch.
Chef Janice Wong’s never-ending passion for the culinary arts has propelled her forward to push the boundaries of dessert-making. She has won multiple awards, including being named “Asia’s Best Pastry Chef” for two years in a row by The World’s 50 Best Restaurants Awards. Set to inspire us all, Janice Wong will also be presenting an edible chocolate painting class at W Lounge on Saturday, 8 April 2023 from 3 PM to 5 PM followed by a special T Party with Janice, available from 5 PM to 7 PM. This art class features her edible chocolate crayon and paint – an artistic adventure in an explosion of colours and flavours that can be enjoyed afterwards.
To end the weekend, Bali’s best Sunday brunch is presented with a special edition to celebrate Easter Sunday – Sweet Easter Brunch with Janice Wong at Starfish Bloo and FIRE Restaurant on Sunday, 9 April 2023 from 12 PM – 3:30 PM. The Easter brunch offers a creative variety of savoury dishes including fresh seafood, an oyster bar, a Pan-Asian cuisine station, and many more.