Balian Healers in Bali: All You Need to Know Before Visiting one

There’s a side of Bali most tourists never see — one that goes far beyond beaches, sunsets, and smoothie bowls. It’s quieter, deeper, and rooted in centuries of ritual, belief, and energy work.

At the heart of it are the Balian healers — traditional spiritual guides who locals turn to when something feels off, emotionally, physically, or spiritually.

But what actually happens during a healing session? And should you try it while you’re in Bali? Let’s just say it’s not your average wellness treatment — and definitely not something to book lightly.

What is a Balian Healer?

A Balian is a traditional Balinese spiritual practitioner who serves as both a healer and a medium between the physical and spiritual realms.

Unlike a doctor trained in modern medicine, a Balian draws on ancient knowledge passed down through generations—often received through dreams, intuition, or mentorship from elders.

Balians are deeply respected in Balinese Hinduism. Locals often seek their help for everything from physical ailments and emotional distress to spiritual imbalances or unexplained misfortune.

A session with a Balian healer might include mantras, herbal remedies, symbolic offerings, or even trance states to communicate with spirits or ancestors.

It’s not unusual for Balinese people to visit both a doctor and a Balian—especially when something feels “off” in a way that Western medicine can’t explain.

For tourists, visiting a Balian can be a powerful cultural and personal experience—but only if approached with genuine curiosity and respect.

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Types of Balian Healers

The word Balian isn’t one-size-fits-all. There are several types of Balian healers in Bali, each with their own unique methods and spiritual roles.

Some focus on herbal medicine, others channel spirits, and a few are said to be born with supernatural gifts. Here’s a quick breakdown of the most common types of Balian you might encounter across the island.

• Balian Usada – Focus on traditional herbal medicine and healing techniques written in ancient lontar (palm-leaf) manuscripts. Remedies often include herbal drinks, oils, or compresses made from local plants.
• Balian Ketakson – Serve as spiritual mediums who communicate with spirits or ancestors. Healing sessions may involve entering a trance, reciting mantras, and interpreting messages from the spiritual realm.
• Balian Pica – Known for having supernatural abilities that are believed to be inherited or divinely granted. Their powers might emerge after a serious illness or spiritual awakening, and can include energy healing or psychic insight.
• Hybrid Practitioners – Some Balian healers blend multiple forms of healing, combining herbal remedies with spiritual readings or energy cleansing.

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Inside a Balian Healing Session

A session with a Balian healer is nothing like a spa treatment or a typical doctor’s visit — it’s a deeply spiritual experience rooted in Balinese Hindu beliefs. No two sessions are exactly alike, but here’s what you can generally expect:

• A sacred setting – Most Balians work from home shrines or simple outdoor pavilions. The atmosphere is quiet, respectful, and charged with spiritual energy.
• Offerings and prayers – Before anything begins, it’s common to present a small offering (called canang sari) and join in a brief prayer to ask for blessings and protection.
• Spiritual diagnosis – The Balian may ask your name, birthday, or personal concerns — or dive straight into chanting, feeling your energy, or entering a trance state to “read” your condition.
• Healing rituals – This can include energy cleansing (similar to reiki), herbal applications, symbolic gestures, or spoken messages said to come from spirits or ancestors.
• Unexpected moments – You might cry, shake, laugh, feel heat or tingling, or experience vivid mental images. Don’t overthink it — just go with the flow.
• Session length – Most sessions last 60 to 90 minutes, but the intensity can make them feel longer or shorter.

It’s not always gentle or soothing — some Balians are intense, direct, and emotionally confronting. Others are calming and peaceful. Either way, it’s best to approach the session with openness and respect.

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Book a Session with a Balian

If you’re serious about experiencing a genuine session with a Balian healer, it’s important to do it properly — with respect, authenticity, and a trusted connection.

The most reputable Balians don’t advertise themselves online, and the last thing you want is a tourist trap dressed up as spiritual healing.

That’s why I’ve partnered with a real Balian in Ubud who offers private sessions for visitors who genuinely want to experience this side of Balinese culture.

The healing session includes:

• A one-on-one consultation with a traditional Balinese healer
• Guided by a Jero (priestess)
• English-speaking guide or translator
• All ceremonial offerings provided
• Optional transportation from your accommodation

Whether you’re seeking clarity, healing, or just want to experience something uniquely Balinese, this is one of the most powerful and authentic things you can do while visiting the island.

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Is It Safe to Visit a Balian?

For the most part, yes — visiting a Balian healer is safe, especially if you go through a trusted source. Most Balians are deeply spiritual, respected by their communities, and genuinely devoted to helping people.

That said, not all of them are suitable for tourists, and a few opportunists do take advantage of the growing interest from foreigners.

Here’s what to keep in mind:

• Avoid street-side healers or sketchy online ads – If it feels like a tourist trap, it probably is. A real Balian won’t overpromise miracle cures or ask for large amounts of money upfront.
• Sessions can be intense – Some people walk away feeling calm and refreshed, while others find the experience emotionally or physically confronting. That doesn’t make it dangerous — just different.
• Language matters – Miscommunication can lead to misunderstandings. Our Balian session bookings include a guide who speaks fluent English.
• It’s not a replacement for medical care – If you’re sick or injured, go to a doctor. Balians deal more with spiritual, emotional, or energetic imbalances — not broken bones or serious infections.
• Respect is non-negotiable – This isn’t entertainment. You’re stepping into a sacred cultural space, so approach with humility and an open mind.

Stick to a trusted source and you’re in safe hands – both spiritually and physically.

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Balinese Healing vs Western Medicine

Balinese healing and Western medicine come from two very different worlds — and they serve different purposes. In Bali, it’s completely normal for locals to see a doctor and a Balian, depending on the situation.

Here’s how they compare:

• Western medicine relies on science, tests, and proven treatments. It’s excellent for diagnosing diseases, treating infections, setting broken bones, or performing surgery.
• Balinese healing is rooted in spiritual energy, ancestral wisdom, and cultural rituals. It’s aimed at restoring balance when something feels “off” — emotionally, energetically, or spiritually.
• Think of it this way: Western medicine treats symptoms. Balinese healing looks at causes from a spiritual point of view — like unresolved trauma, negative energy, or karmic imbalance.
• They’re not mutually exclusive. Many Balinese people will see both a doctor and a Balian, depending on what they’re dealing with. A good Balian will even tell you if your problem is beyond their scope and needs medical attention.
• One works on the body, the other on the soul. If you’ve got a physical injury or serious illness, see a doctor. But if you’re feeling lost, stuck, or weighed down by emotional stress, Balinese healing might offer a different kind of clarity.

In the end, it’s not about choosing one over the other — it’s about understanding what each has to offer.

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Etiquette for Visiting a Balian

Visiting a Balian healer is a powerful cultural experience, but it’s also a sacred one — so it’s important to approach it with the right attitude. Here’s what you need to know before your first session with a healer:

• Dress modestly – Wear clothing that covers your shoulders and knees. If a sarong and sash are required, they’re usually provided for you.
• Offerings are handled for you – You don’t need to bring anything. A proper canang sari offering is usually prepared in advance by the guide or healer.
• Photos are okay — with respect – It’s generally fine to take a photo before or after the session, but never during the ritual unless you’re given explicit permission. Be discreet and avoid flash.
• Remove your shoes – You’ll likely enter a sacred space or family temple. Shoes off at the entrance, always.
• Stay quiet and present – Let the Balian lead the session. Don’t interrupt or try to guide the experience. If you have questions, save them for the end.
• No joking or giggling – It might feel unfamiliar or intense, but try to remain calm and respectful throughout.
• Avoid attending during menstruation – Women on their period are traditionally not allowed to participate in spiritual ceremonies, including Balian sessions. If needed, reschedule respectfully.

The more open, grounded, and respectful you are, the more meaningful your session is likely to be.

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Should You Visit a Balian Healer?

Visiting a Balian healer isn’t for everyone — but if you’re curious about Balinese culture, open to spiritual experiences, or simply feel like something inside you needs a reset, it can be one of the most memorable things you do in Bali.

You won’t get a medical diagnosis or a massage. What you might get is a deeper sense of clarity, emotional release, or insight into something you’ve been carrying around for too long.

At the very least, you’ll walk away with a better understanding of how deeply spirituality is woven into everyday life here.

Just remember: the experience is only as meaningful as your attitude going in. If you treat it like a tourist show, that’s all it will be. But if you come with genuine respect and curiosity, a session with a Balian can be surprisingly powerful.

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FAQs about Balian Healers

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Comments

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