Mums are our guardian angels and deserve all the best the world has to offer. If your Bali trip falls on May’s celebration of Mother’s Day, why not pamper and spoil your mum with amazing hair and body treatments, tours, tasting experiences, and some wine?
Explore 10 fun and thoughtful ways to celebrate Mother’s Day in Bali, from cultural day trips to relaxing retreats with our inspirational guide. Our moms especially loved number 4 on the list!
When Is Mother’s Day In Bali?
Mother’s Day in Bali and Indonesia is on 22 December, while International Mother’s Day abroad usually happens in March or the second Sunday in May.
Indonesian Mother’s Day is also called Hari Ibu and has historical meaning. The date is not arbitrary – it is the anniversary of the first Indonesian Women’s Congress, which happened on December 22nd, 1928 and put women’s rights forward.
Indonesia’s first President Soekarno made Mother’s Day a national holiday in 1953.
How Do Indonesians Celebrate Mother’s Day?
For Indonesians, Mother’s Day is not only about celebrating mothers but also about remembering the contribution of all women to society (Mothers of the Nation) and the strong spirit of every Indonesian woman, especially during colonial rule.
The 1000 banknote of Indonesian Rupiahs portrays Teuku Cik Tunong, who in 1899 was a leader of an attack against the Dutch. She was killed and became the National Hero and the symbol of women’s pride.
Unlike Father’s Day, it is a big day, yet you won’t see many events in Bali. The celebration is intimate – with flowers, gifts, and sometimes the ritual of washing mother’s feet (North Sumatra) and fun contests for children that moms get to judge (Sragen region).
Men often take on more household chores to help women with daily tasks around the house and let them relax.
On the official level, that day the flag ceremonies at government institutions are performed by female officers only.
In Balinese Hindu culture, there is no special celebration for Mother’s day.
Gift Ideas & Best Activities For Mother’s Day In Bali
This year let’s go one step further a festive card, flowers, and a box of her favorite chocolates or a delicious cake.
Despite the fact that Indonesian National Mother’s Day is in December, many international hotels and restaurants will still have special offers during May.
Save this list to get ideas on what to get your mom on Mothers day in Bali or, to be fair, at any day you feel like spending more quality time with her.
Day Trips
Explore the island by car, jeep, bicycle, or foot with a group or just with your family. Local tour guides have an amazing diverse choice of all sorts of short and extended day trips from temple visits, Balinese rituals, postcard-worthy rice paddies and volcanoes to adventure trips.
Some of the must-do things for Mother’s Day, even if you’re in Bali just for a short time are Tanah lot temple, Uluwatu Temple and Kecak dance performance, Jatiluwih Rice Paddies & UNESCO Heritage site, Ubud Monkey Forest and Teggalalang rice terraces, closest islands (Nusa Lembongan or Penida).
Craft Workshops
Painting, pottery, flower crown, jewellery making, perfume making, natural soap or skin care products, chocolate making classes – Bali has tons of small businesses and talented artisans who will be happy to organize a private workshop for you and your mom.
There are, of course, the classic paint-and-sip events too, where you are creating an artwork while enjoying a glass of wine or a cocktail.
Duration is usually 2-3 hours so after the class, you can pick a nice restaurant to dine in to have a great ending for the day.
Mother’s Day Brunch & Fine Dining Tasting Menu
On Mother’s Day, you can be late for breakfast, especially when so many restaurants will offer Sunday Brunches with a spread of treats, tea, coffee, and seasonal fruit.
Many resorts offer brunch options, for ex., Jumeirah Bali and its Afternoon Tea, Champagne Brunch at St Regis Bali Resort, Mother’s Day Special Brunch at Kuta Sheraton, Festive Brunch at Segaran Dining Terrace, and many more.
If you want to have a nice dinner, Bali restaurants have that too. From Michelin-star-worthy Aperitif restaurant in Ubud to Italian-style cuisine at Mauri or a 3-course dinner with a view at AKASA in Uluwatu, you can pick an amazing tasting menu with wine or cocktail pairing that will definitely be one of the best memories in your life.
And if your mother has a sweet tooth, Room 4 Dessert will be just the right place for you. Here you can indulge in a multi-course tasting menu that is made entirely of desserts!
Winery Visit
Sababay wine tours on the East Coast of Bali is a complete delight for anyone who love wine, good food and laid-back vibes. They offer multiple options on how to spend your time with them, but the classic one is the wine tour + tasting and lunch.
The experience includes a brief wine production tour and history of winemaking in Bali, tasting of a few selected bottles, and an Indonesian food lunch right in a magical garden. It is available strictly at certain times of the day, so you should book via their website.
They also have a wine store where you can buy a bottle (or two) to take home.
Cooking Class
Learn the culinary magic of traditional Balinese and Indonesian cooking at one of the workshops in Canggu or Ubud. In Canggu, we highly recommend the cooking classes at Hotel Tugu, by Ibu Soelastria, who cooked and fed Indonesian presidents.
You can pick traditional Balinese or Indonesian tasting menu or join the class to make Javanese healing drink – Jamu.
Read more: Best Cooking Classes In Canggu
Spa Day
Surprise your mum with a spa day when she will be pampered from head to toe! Spa services in Bali are some of the finest in Southeast Asia and based on your and your mom preferences, you can pick a package.
For ex., usually Talise Spa has a special package for moms including an aromatherapy massage and a jade roller facial. Goldust Spa is always a great choice for girls spa days, as they have decadent pure gold face masks and treat you like a queen.
When in Canggu, Body Temple is the spa to go, a massage session there will rejuvenate, restore, relax, and is a perfect way to celebrate mother’s day. In Uluwatu, try Spring Spa – they have several amazing promos for Mother’s day for both you and your mom.
If you’re organizing the day for your wife, let day care take of the kids for at least half of the day so she can enjoy her spa journey in peace.
Cubby House at FINNS Recreation Club guarantees your kids will have loads of fun and the security of the club is top-notch so you can be sure your children are safe and taken care of.
Photoshoot With Mum
Photos hold memories, especially if taken with a jaw-dropping backdrop of Bali waterfalls, volcanoes, swings over rice paddies, or simply white sand beaches.
Rob Peetoom Hair Spa usually offers the Mother’s Day makeover program which would be perfect to get prepared for taking some amazing pictures!
The best time for photos will be early morning to avoid crowds at popular view points and around sunset golden hour to capture the best warm natural light. You can also rent beautiful traditional Balinese outfits called kebaya to dress up.
Stay In A Resort
To express your gratitude you can also treat your most important woman with a luxurious stay in a 5-star resort far from the crowds and traffic.
Breathtaking views, top service, deluxe spa treatments, and amazing food will be exactly what your mother needs on this special day.
Best areas for beachfront resorts that are suitable for families: Nusa Dua, Uluwatu, and Menjangan (remote and secluded, with private hot springs). The price range is definitely very wide so you will be able to find an affordable yet premium option or splurge.
Party
If your mom’s soul is young and needs to show some dance moves, the nightlife in South Bali, especially around Canggu, is fantastic.
To combine it with world-class dining and have comfy beds to chill, book a spot at FINNS – the world’s best beach club with local and international DJs setting up the rhythm of the night.
Where to party and chill by the pool: Jl. Pantai Berawa No.99, Canggu, Kec. Kuta Utara, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia
Authentic Gifts From The Island
You can pick a nice gift handmade in Bali, like Batik clothing, handmade leather goods, silver jewellery, art, woven items, wood carvings, or even furniture if you can organize the shipping.
It will not only be a great memory to cherish but a truly unique present of high quality that your mom can enjoy for years to come.
Final Thoughts On Bali Mother’s Day
Mother’s Day is just another great opportunity to take a moment to say thank you to our mothers and show them how much we love and care for them and appreciate everything they teach us throughout our life.
To make sure she won’t forget it, sprinkle the day with some extra activities and gifts, moms deserve to feel special!
More Bali holidays:
Public Holidays Bali: All The Holidays In Indonesia You Need To Know
Xmas Day In Bali: Where To Celebrate Christmas, Find A Christmas Brunch or Christmas Dinner And More
Bali New Year’s Eve – The Biggest & Best Party is at FINNS!
Chinese New Year, Bali – Everything You Need To Know
Valentine’s Day Bali: All The Best Ways To Celebrate Valentine’s Day On The Island
