Bali is heaven for massages

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Bali is world-famous for its massages and spa treatments, and visiting one is a highlight of any trip. Prices range from as little as $5 to luxury experiences costing up to $200, but some treatments are truly unique to Bali and Indonesia, and worth seeking out.

The indulgence of creambath

If you want something special, try a creambath, a treatment that exists only in Indonesia. It’s not a bath at all, but a deeply nourishing ritual for your hair and scalp.

First, your hair is washed while your scalp is massaged. Then a fresh mixture of coconut, avocado, or cream is applied to your hair. While the treatment soaks in, you’ll enjoy a long massage of the scalp, neck, upper back, and arms.

It’s pure bliss, relaxing, rejuvenating, and guaranteed to leave you smiling. For the best experience, look for spas that use natural ingredients rather than generic hair mask products.

The famous Balinese massage

A visit to Bali isn’t complete without experiencing the Balinese massage. This traditional technique uses a mix of finger pressure and palm strokes, alternating between firm and gentle, to relax muscles and restore energy flow.

Travelers often describe it as deeply relaxing yet energizing, the kind of massage that sends oxygen and warmth through your entire body. It’s the most iconic of Bali’s spa treatments.

Healing with boreh

For something more therapeutic, try Boreh, a traditional Balinese body scrub made of warming herbs and spices. The mixture is rubbed over the skin to create a heat sensation that helps improve circulation.

Boreh has long been used in villages as a remedy for headaches, chills, and sore muscles. Today, spas across the island offer it as both a cultural and healing experience.

Geothermal and hot spring spas

If you want to combine natural beauty with spa indulgence, head north to experience Bali’s geothermal hot springs.

A thermal spa is built around a natural hot spring, heated water from the earth’s crust rich in minerals that detoxify the body, improve metabolism, and boost circulation.

Banjar Hot Springs: Located about 5 km from the Lovina coast, these sulphuric pools spill from the mouths of stone-carved naga (dragon-like creatures) into three steaming pools at around 37°C. The water is believed to help cure skin conditions.
Banyuwedang Hot Springs: Found further west near Pemuteran, this natural hot spring is another favorite for healing and relaxation.

Both sites offer not just wellness, but a chance to soak in Bali’s stunning landscapes.

Why Bali’s spa culture is unforgettable

From a $5 street-side massage to a luxury retreat with herbal scrubs and hot springs, Bali offers spa experiences for every budget. What makes them unique is the blend of tradition, nature, and healing, treatments that don’t just pamper the body, but connect you with the island’s culture and energy.

Practical tips

Try local treatments: Don’t miss the creambath and boreh for truly Balinese experiences.

Go north for hot springs: Combine a trip to Lovina or Pemuteran with a healing soak.

Budget vs. luxury: Excellent massages can be found at every price point, from simple local parlors to high-end resorts.

Check products used: If you prefer natural ingredients, ask before your treatment.