Bali Blue Lagoon Snorkel & Tenganan Village: A Detailed Review

So, if you’re thinking about a trip that mixes undersea fun with a good look at Balinese culture, the ‘Bali Blue Lagoon Snorkel Tenganan Village Trip with Lunch’ might be just what you need. It’s a pretty solid option. This trip tries to squeeze in a snorkeling experience at the well-known Blue Lagoon, as well as a visit to Tenganan, a customary Balinese village, all topped off with lunch. Now, I’m going to walk you through what the experience is actually like, covering the good stuff, the not-so-good bits, and whether it really gives value for your money.

What to Expect from the Blue Lagoon Snorkel

The Blue Lagoon is actually quite well-known, very famous for its easy-going currents and because there is plenty of sea life. That’s its claim to fame, anyway. Snorkeling here can be a lot like swimming in an aquarium; that’s how packed it sometimes gets, apparently. Expect to see vibrant coral reefs teeming with things such as parrotfish, angelfish, and even the occasional sea turtle if you are very lucky, so keep an eye out. Now, the visibility really depends on the time of year and the weather that day, yet most of the time it’s generally pretty good, so that helps a lot. It gets kind of crowded. It’s a popular spot, alright, so you might find yourself swimming alongside a number of other snorkelers. The tour will often include equipment, but it’s usually not that bad to just double-check its condition before hopping in.

You’ll have guides, or people that are supposed to be guides with you that can lead you to good spots and help if, for some reason, you’re having issues, which is also pretty decent, actually. So, if you aren’t super confident in the water, or are a bit on the newer side to snorkeling, their help can really come in handy. Be prepared for boats zipping around too, so you have to be aware of your surroundings, but it’s more or less okay. Also, the beach area around the Blue Lagoon can be quite packed, particularly during peak season, and it might be a bit difficult to find a spot to leave your stuff. Yet, overall, the Blue Lagoon usually offers a pretty memorable experience, even with all of those people around.

Exploring Tenganan Village: A Cultural Peek

Tenganan is a special place, really, because it’s one of Bali’s oldest villages, apparently holding on to its customs and traditions longer than the more, kind of touristy areas. Visiting it is really a step back in time, like going back many years. The people that live there, known as the Bali Aga, have their own set of rules and cultural practices that have more or less remained untouched by the modern lifestyle outside, to some degree anyway. As you go in, expect to see really unique architecture, similar to longhouses and communal halls, each showing the village’s aged background. Tenganan is super known for its “Gringsing” cloth, which is hand-woven using a special double ikat technique, it is said that it can only be found there, yet, personally, I haven’t really checked. The people make these textiles completely by hand, a process that can take months, or sometimes years, alright, for a single piece.

While visiting, people usually show the local crafts and sell things like handwoven textiles, basketry, and wood carvings to tourists. Just walking around and seeing the making process for the crafts really gives you a sense of what the local life is like and shows respect for their cultural heritage, to some degree. One thing, anyway, to remember is that Tenganan isn’t really a living museum; people live and work there. With that said, it’s generally alright to be really mindful when taking photos and be respectful of their privacy and customs, and that really should go without saying. Dress more towards the conservative side when you are visiting, too, because that would mean a great deal to the residents. Going to Tenganan gives you a richer, cultural depth to your visit to Bali, away from beaches and resorts, that really is nice.

Lunch: A Taste of Local Flavors

Most tours usually will say lunch is included, often at a restaurant located a bit on the nearer side to Tenganan. Honestly, it is probably okay. Meals are usually presented as buffets or sets that display common Balinese dishes, and hopefully not some prepackaged deal. Expect things like nasi goreng (fried rice), mie goreng (fried noodles), sate lilit (minced meat satay), and vegetable curries, or some slight deviation to this. The meals sometimes tend to be adapted with more subtle spicing to suit tourist palettes, alright, which might not sit well with you. Use it as a chance to try local ingredients and flavors, really. Drinks might be offered; although, usually, water is included, yet extra beverages such as juices or sodas might cost you more, which, personally, isn’t that great. The atmosphere in the restaurant could vary, but hopefully, it would offer calm views or blend in the greenery. I think it probably is decent. Look at this chance, so, not just to get lunch, but also to unwind, to take a little time and reflect after the day’s events.

The Good and the Not-So-Good

The great thing about this type of trip is that you get to experience two things—Balinese marine life and culture—in just one day, so you can get more done. Snorkeling in the Blue Lagoon is nice, especially for those who are a little newer to it, thanks to its clearer waters and heaps of fish. You’ll get to see coral and sea life without struggling too much against strong currents or very rough water, apparently. Getting to look at Tenganan offers a rare look at Balinese culture that you would be hard-pressed to find somewhere else on the island, even, in fact. Seeing their way of life is definitely insightful. The tours make getting around convenient, too, really handling all the transport from your accommodation. Having lunch provided does definitely help save a bit of the hassle that comes with finding somewhere good to eat, especially being near Tenganan.

However, be ready for crowds at the Blue Lagoon, really. That can take away some of the underwater peace. Tenganan can also feel a bit touristy, so sometimes it might come across as people are more interested in selling stuff more than anything, which can be, honestly, kind of off-putting. Also, keep in mind that the quality of the lunch is pretty standard, and probably isn’t going to win awards, and in fact it can vary. So, transport times could be long too, if you happen to be staying further away from the eastern side of Bali. Finally, I will also say that some of the tours feel kind of rushed, which means spending enough time really isn’t likely. Alright, this does depend on what tour group you are with, though, so it is also probably okay.

Is It Worth Your Money?

Okay, if what you’re really after is just the top-tier, very best snorkeling in Bali, there are maybe better spots than Blue Lagoon, where the crowds are thinner, and there isn’t much commotion from boat engines. Now, for a pure cultural experience that’s not ruined by tourism, maybe looking more toward community-based tourism initiatives might show you a much richer, deeper side of Balinese life. But when you think about this ‘Blue Lagoon Snorkel Tenganan Village Trip with Lunch’ thing, what you’re definitely paying for is just convenience, actually. If you just want to taste a fair bit of culture and fun in the water without arranging it all yourself, then maybe this choice is more on the ideal side, and in a way can really save time for people. If you adjust what you want to see and realize it’s just really a simple tour—not super specialized or particularly private—you will find some pretty great value here, even if it doesn’t look like a special option from first sight.