Tristan Tanaya
Aug 12, 2026
At Alaya Resort Ubud, every guest journey is designed to offer more than a luxurious escape. It is an invitation to discover the heart and soul of Indonesia. As one of Ubud's leading boutique resorts, Alaya has long embraced the belief that authentic luxury is created through meaningful connections with people, culture, and place.
Rooted in the cultural heart of Ubud, the resort continues to celebrate Indonesia's rich heritage by collaborating with local communities, artisans, culinary experts, farmers, and wellness practitioners to curate experiences that honour the nation's traditions while supporting the people who keep them alive. From locally inspired wellness rituals and authentic Indonesian flavours to cultural workshops and community partnerships, every experience reflects Alaya's commitment to preserving Indonesia's living heritage for generations to come.
For Alaya Resort Ubud, Indonesia's Independence Day is more than a national celebration, it is a meaningful opportunity to share the country's identity, traditions, and spirit of togetherness with guests from around the world.
Every year on 17 August, communities across Indonesia come together to celebrate with traditional games, local delicacies, music, laughter, and shared moments that have become treasured childhood memories for generations. Inspired by this joyful tradition, Alaya Resort Ubud warmly invites guests to experience an authentic Indonesian Independence Day through a thoughtfully curated afternoon of cultural activities, interactive workshops, and culinary discoveries that celebrate the richness of Indonesia beyond its beautiful landscapes.
The celebration begins with a series of traditional Independence Day games, recreating the festive atmosphere found in villages and neighbourhoods throughout the country. Guests of all ages are invited to join the excitement of the Sack Race and the Rolling Egg Challenge, two beloved games that have long become symbols of Indonesia's Independence Day festivities. Filled with laughter, friendly competition, and togetherness, these timeless traditions offer international travellers a genuine glimpse into how Indonesians celebrate one of the nation's most meaningful occasions.
Families and young travellers can also participate in the Paint Your Own Merah Putih Kite Workshop, where creativity meets cultural heritage. Inspired by Indonesia's vibrant kite-making traditions and the iconic red-and-white national flag, the activity allows guests to design their own keepsake while discovering another expression of Indonesia's rich artistic traditions.
Beyond the festivities, guests are invited to continue their cultural journey through Taste of Indonesia, an immersive culinary experience celebrating the country's diverse flavours and age-old wellness traditions.
Throughout the afternoon, guests are free to explore three interactive stations, each offering a unique opportunity to experience Indonesia through taste, craftsmanship, and storytelling.
The journey begins with Mix Your Own Es Campur or Es Cendol, where guests create one of Indonesia's most beloved traditional refreshments by selecting their favourite toppings while learning about the history and regional variations behind these refreshing desserts.
Guests can then join an Indonesian Snack Workshop, discovering the artistry behind Dadar Gulung, one of Indonesia's most iconic traditional delicacies. Guided by the resort's culinary team, guests will learn traditional preparation techniques before crafting, rolling, and enjoying their own freshly made creation.
Completing the experience is Jamu Exploration, introducing guests to Indonesia's centuries-old herbal wellness tradition. Guests will sample signature blends including Kunyit Asam, Beras Kencur, and Wedang Jahe, while learning about their natural ingredients, cultural significance, and wellness benefits. Recipe cards will also be available, allowing guests to recreate these authentic Indonesian beverages long after returning home.
"At Alaya Resort Ubud, we believe luxury becomes truly meaningful when it creates a genuine connection with the place and its people," said Dewi Mas, CHA, CHT, Chief Operating Officer of Alaya Hotels & Resorts. "As a proudly Indonesian hospitality brand, celebrating Indonesia's Independence Day is a natural expression of who we are. Every cultural activity, culinary experience, and community collaboration reflects our commitment to preserving Indonesia's heritage while sharing its beauty with travellers from around the world. Through this celebration, we hope our guests experience not only the flavours and traditions of Indonesia, but also the warmth, joy, and togetherness that define our people."
As a proudly Indonesian hospitality brand, Alaya Resort Ubud believes travel should create meaningful cultural connections. By working hand in hand with local communities and embracing authentic Indonesian traditions, the resort continues to offer experiences that go beyond sightseeing, inviting guests to understand the stories, values, and people behind every destination.
This philosophy is reflected throughout every guest journey, from authentic dining experiences and traditional wellness rituals to seasonal celebrations and cultural workshops inspired by Indonesia's remarkable diversity. Rather than simply preserving traditions, Alaya Resort Ubud strives to keep them alive by sharing them in ways that are engaging, memorable, and meaningful for today's travellers.
More than a one-day celebration, Discover Indonesia Through Authentic Traditions reflects Alaya Resort Ubud's ongoing commitment to creating hospitality experiences rooted in authenticity, cultural preservation, and community collaboration. As one of Ubud's leading boutique resorts, Alaya continues to invite travellers to discover Indonesia not only through its breathtaking landscapes, but through its people, traditions, flavours, and stories, creating memories that remain long after the journey ends.
Alaya Resort Ubud
Jl. Hanoman, Gianyar, Bali
Phone: +62 361 972200
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