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November 7, 2025

The Muslim Heritage of Bali: Villages, Food, and Harmony Across the Island

When most people think of Bali, they picture temples rising against rice terraces and incense drifting through the air. But here is the part that often gets missed: Bali is also home to thriving Muslim communities that have lived here for centuries. Their presence is not just in history books. It shows up in today’s food markets, in coastal fishing villages, in the way neighbours celebrate side by side. 

If you have ever wanted to peel back the layers and see a Bali that feels even more real, this is where the story begins.

Masjid Al Hikmah

Masjid Al Hikmah

Masjid Muhammad

Masjid Muhammad

Building Together: Mosques and Tolerance

Mosques across Bali are not just places of prayer. They are a living testament to Indonesia’s diversity and Bali’s spirit of harmony. By law, any community of 20 family heads or more can build a house of worship, but in Bali it goes deeper than regulations. It’s about respect. 

In some areas you will even spot multiple mosques close together, not because of division, but because of the vibrancy of the people who call them home. That is Bali. A place where acceptance has always been part of the rhythm of daily life. 

Authentic Balinese Village

Authentic Balinese Village

Authentic East Bali Village

Authentic East Bali Village

East Bali Beach

East Bali Beach

East Bali Halal Resto

East Bali Halal Resto

East Bali: Sasak Roots and Royal Ties

Head east, and you will find Muslim heritage woven into villages tucked between mountains and sea.

● Buitan Village near Candidasa still reflects Sasak fishing and farming traditions. Just  minutes away from luxury resorts. 

 Budakeling (Saren Muslim community) a powerful picture of tolerance in action. 

● In Amlapura, you will even find cemeteries of Muslim saints, honoring the earliest 

figures who first arrived on these shores. 

Here, heritage is not just remembered. It is lived.

North Bali Dolphin

North Bali Dolphin

North Bali: Bugis Heritage and Pasar Candikuning

In the north, Singaraja tells the story of Bugis traders and fishermen, while Bedugul has become a hub for Muslim farmers. 

● Pasar Candikuning, Bedugul: If you have ever tasted fresh vegetables or tofu in Bali’s  hotels and restaurants, there is a good chance it came through here. Many of the  vendors are Muslim families, some with roots in Sidemen Village who moved north generations ago. 

● Near Singaraja, the Gambur Anglayang Temple Complex holds something 

Extraordinary, the Temple of Bhatara Mekah, dedicated to a Middle Eastern merchant. Its 

ceremonies forbid pork offerings. A quiet, beautiful act of respect inside a Hindu temple

West Bali National Park

West Bali National Park

West Bali National Park

West Bali National Park

West Bali: Kampung Loloan and Malay Traditions

In West Bali, Kampung Loloan in Jembrana keeps alive the spirit of Malay (the race of people who inhabit the Malay Peninsula which is today Peninsular Malaysia) Muslim culture. Strolling through the streets, you will still hear Malay spoken, see customs passed down, and meet families whose names carry both Balinese and Muslim roots. Think I Made Muhammad or Ni Luh Nur Hayati. 

It is living proof that identities don’t have to clash. They can blend, and in Bali, they often do.

Authentic Halal Balinese Menu
Authentic Halal Balinese Menu

The Food Connection: Muslim Farmers and Halal Supply

Here is something most travelers never realize, so much of the halal food supply chain in Bali is sustained by Muslim communities. 

● Poultry & Meat: Many chickens and livestock are raised and slaughtered by Muslims, 

ensuring halal standards from the start. 

● Tempeh & Tofu: Staples of Indonesian tables, often produced by Muslim families. 

● Vegetables: From highland farms in Bedugul to coastal fields, Muslim farmers are key 

players in feeding the island.

Black sand beach

Black sand beach

Black sand beach (1)

Family Experiences in Bali

For families with children, Bali offers countless ways to play, learn, and connect all in a  Muslim friendly setting. Spend the day at Waterbom Bali for world-class slides and nearby  prayer facilities, or meet animals up close at Bali Safari Park and Bali Bird Park. 

Slow down with cycling trips through quiet villages in East, North or West Bali, where kids can greet locals and discover daily life, or join gamelan, and craft lessons for a hands on cultural experience. 

For sea lovers, snorkeling in East Bali or Nusa Lembongan is calm, safe, and unforgettable. 

With halal dining and prayer spaces widely available, Muslim families can travel with comfort and peace of mind.

Mosque in Pemuteran Bali

Mosque in Pemuteran Bali

Mosque Agung Asasuttaqwa

Mosque Agung Asasuttaqwa

Where to Stay Near Muslim Villages

Want to feel this harmony up close? Consider these places: 

● Sidemen (East Bali): Rice terraces, Sasak roots, and quiet valley charm. 

● Candidasa (East Bali): A coastal escape near Muslim fishing villages. 

● Bedugul (North Bali): Lakes, markets, and farming life. 

● Lovina (North Bali): Black-sand beaches with deep history in Muslim settlements. 

● Pemuteran (West Bali): A serene coastal base near Kampung Loloan.

A Living Bond of Tolerance

The deeper you go, the clearer it becomes: Bali’s story is not about separation. It is about 

shared life.Muslim farmers shape the island’s food systems. Muslim fishermen work the seas. Muslim villagers have existed side by side with Hindu kingdoms for centuries. From the Saren Muslims of East Bali, to the Bhatara Mekah Temple honoring a Muslim merchant, to Malay descendants in West Bali all of it reflects harmony in action.

Extending Your Bali Trip: Lombok and Labuan Bajo at a Glance

Gili Islands-Lombok

Gili Islands-Lombok

And if you are already here, why not keep going? 

● Lombok: Just 30–40 minutes away by fast boat, Lombok is rich in Muslim heritage. 

Think mosques, halal food everywhere, the Gili Islands (Trawangan, Meno, Air)Mount 

Rinjani treks, waterfalls, and endless beaches. A short 3–4 day trip can feel 

transformative, but many stay longer to soak in its rhythm. 

Komodo National Park Labuan Bajo

Komodo National Park Labuan Bajo

Labuan Bajo

Labuan Bajo

Labuan Bajo

Labuan Bajo

Liveaboard Labuan Bajo

Liveaboard Labuan Bajo

 Labuan Bajo: About an hour’s flight from Bali, this little port town opens the door to 

Komodo National Park, liveaboard adventures, pristine islands, and world-class diving. 

And when hunger calls? Whether it is street-side stalls or cozy restaurants, halal food is 

never far. Stay at least 4–5 days, and you will soak in the best of both land and sea, 

without ever feeling rushed

Dee Gorra, the writer and founder of Adimelali Bali, is a proud Balinese dedicated to preserving the island’s soul through meaningful travel. With an innate understanding of Bali’s culture, crafts, and hidden corners, he designs journeys that feel less like tours and more like heartfelt connections. Alongside his Malaysian wife, Azira, an experienced event manager and creative travel strategist, they blend Balinese authenticity with modern storytelling.

Together, they craft immersive, purpose-driven experiences that celebrate community, sustainability, and slow travel.

(Sponsored)


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