Senin, 19 November 2007
Denpasar is located right in the south center side of the island, Badung on the west and Gianyar on the east. Denpasar became capital city of Bali in 1958. From just Denpasar is about 500,000 inclusing resident who was coming over from all over the archipelago or even around the world just soon after the boom or tourism. Denpasar is the center of administration offices as well as most universities and higher learning institutions, home to about 25,000 students. Denpasar is consisted of 70% Balinese and other 30% Non-Balinese mostly work in tourism and other at general business, bank and education.
Maospait temple. Located on the busy road in Denpasar dates back to 14th century showing marvel bricks of temple architecture.
Puputan Square. Located right in the centre of the capital city where we can find a memorial for those who lost their lives in the one-sided struggle with the Dutch called Puputan
Catur Muka stone statue. Located in the corner of Puputan square is a 5-metre stone statue dedicated to the "Great Teacher"-Shiva. The statue is have 4 faces facing to the east is Indra (Iswara), to the south it is Brahma, to the north Vishnu, and to the west Mahadewa.
Pura Jagatnatha, located in the heart of the city. It was built in the 1970's to be the "territorial temple" of Denpasar, an open monument to modern Balinese Hinduism. Its main padmasana shrine, or seat of the "supreme Ciwa", embodies the new importance given to the concept of the One God in Balinese religion.
Museum Bali. Located right next to Jagatnatha temple preserving the finest of collection of Balinese antiquities. Of particular interest is the stylistic simplicity of the items in its 1930's collection.
Taman Budaya, the Arts Centre located in the east of the city, is a complex dedicated to the preservation of Balinese culture. It contains the gigantic Ksirarnawa amphitheater and a museum with an important collection of paintings and sculptures from the period of Balinese renewal, but no contemporary art.
The Sanur area, the beach front of Denpasar now extending from Sanur westwards to the Suwung marshes and Serangan island, is steeped in history. The Blanjong, written in Sanskrit in 1913, is the oldest inscription of its kind in Bali. It tells of the founding of a Buddhist monastery. Other traces of contact with the outside world persists to this day. The villages of Renon, on the road to Denpasar, and Semawang, near Sanur Beach hotel, still host a Baris Cina dance, with warriors wearing Portuguese-like 16th century helmets, perhaps the sign of early European contact.
Other beautiful monuments include the temple and palace of Kesiman, Penambangan temple (near Pemecutan palace), and Satria temple, with its nearby bird market. Pemecutan, Kesiman and Badung (now the name of the nearby regency) were the three "united kingdoms" in the territory of Denpasar.
Karangasem Regency is located in the eastern side of the island which is dominated by the biggest Mount in the island Mt. Agung (3142 meters). Northside of the mountain is dry soil covered in cooled lava and volcanic soil were wiped out from the most disastrous volcanic eruption took place on 17 March 1963. White it is fertile land on the southern side by the water supply from the mountains.
Amed and Tulamben beach. These 2 beaches are very popular on last 20 years since having the magnificent under water view, supported by the ship wreck of USS Liberty during the World War II. The wave is calm and the water is crystal and good for snorkeling and scuba diving.
Tirtagangga water palace. Located about 40 minutes drive from Amed beach or about 15 minutes from the capital of Amlapura. This palace, built around 1947 by former Royal Family of Karangasem Kingdom who also built some water palace nearby villages. Tirta Gangga is a place of beauty and solitude contains of some pools (for swimming and holy water) fed by a natural spring.
Pura Besakih, the mother temple in Bali perched 1000 metres up the slope of Mt. Agung is the most important and probably best-kept temple, comprising about 30 separate temples in seven terraces going up the hill.
Padang Bai is the port for the ferry service to Lombok. The beach is picturesque and quaint with a long sweep of sand where colourful boats are drawn up on the beach as the main port to cross to Lombok island. Takes about 4 hours.
Village of Tenganan. Tenganan is a Bali Aga village, the first comers to the island before the current people nowdays, one of the few Balinese communities to resist the Majapahit invasion of 1343. It is a walled village consisting of two rows of identical houses. Tenganan village is wellknown for double-weaving ikat, Geringsing, lontar (palm leaf) sacred books.
Candi Dasa. The tourist place in the east of the island where you can find plenty of accommodation, restaurants, bars, souvenir shops, and some nightlife. There are fantastic views from the headland and on a clear day Mount Agung rises magnificently behind the range of coastal hills.
Klungkung Regency is the smallest regency in Bali with west border to Gianyar and east border to Karangasem regency including the separate 3 small islands of Nusa Lembongan, Nusa Ceningan and Nusa Penida.
Goa Lawah, the Bat Cave temple built on 11th century where you can see thousands of hanging fruit bats. They are considered to be sacred bats and so nobody will adare to catch. The cave is said to lead all the way to Besakih temple, a mother temple located on the slope of Mt. Agung.
Village of Kusamba. Kusamba is one of the embarkation points to the 3 sister islands of Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan, and Nusa Ceningan by traditional outrigger. Kusamba is also wellknow as the fisherman village salt making center. Lately you can easyly enjoy the seafood satay right on the main road.
Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan, Nusa Ceningan are 3 separated island reached for about one hour from Kusamba. Penida attracts a number of visitors for its seclusion, surf and snorkeling. For those looking for white sandy beaches and a laid-back atmosphere, Nusa Lembongan is paradise. The waters around Lembongan are crystal clear, the sand is white and the shallow coves are brimming with colourful coral and sea life, making it an ideal location for snorkeling.
Kertha Gosa, the former Court House of Justice. Surrounded by a moat, this is a superb example of Klungkung architecture, best known for its traditional Kamasan style ceiling paintings. Adjoining Kertha Gosa is the palace, with its beautiful Bale Kambang where you can find also painted ceilings telling stories of the sacrifice of the hero Sutasoma and of Pan and Men Brayut- the couple who had too many children.
Kamasan village is a few kilometres outside Klungkung. It has long been the bastion of traditional paintings. The themes are derived from Balinese variations on the ancient Hindu epics, the Ramayana and the Mahabharata. This style has also been adapted for large versions of the zodiac and lunar calendars. Kamasan paintings take their essential characteristics from the wayang tradition. To see a good collection of Kamasan classical paintings, visit the Gunarsa Museum at the crossroads to Tihingan, just before Klungkung.
The Regency of Gianyar perhaps the richest regency of Balinese culture, beautiful landscape and art and crafts. Located with Badung/Badung in the west, Klungkung in the east and Bangli in the north.
Ubud and the nearby area are perhaps the most wellknown artists villages in Bali.
Ubud regency. Consisted of some artist villages inclusing the village of Ubud is the home of the best art museum in Indonesia perhaps. The Puri Lukisan, a Museum of Fine Arts established in the 1950's, displays art from the 1930's and 1950's, as well as modern Balinese art. The Neka Museum is also another example for both local and foreigners artist works on display.
Ubud village is also wellknow for Balinese dance performance. You can see daily dance performance at the Ubud palace for sort of Balinese dance such as Legong, Ramayana, Baris, Kecak, and the Fire Dance every evening. Ubud is also provide beautiful landscape as a good place for leisurely strolls through rice paddies, lush forest, breathtaking gorges, and deserted swimming holes.
Monkey Forest located in the southern area of the village for about 10 minutes walk from the center of Ubud town. Walking down entering the forest is interesting experience to see the tamed monkeys waiting for feeding time from tourist or local care taker.
Ubud market. This is the most reasonable prices-shopping center of all kind of Balinese art and crafts. But make sure you have a bargaining skill to get the lowest price up to 75% off.
Village of Pejeng. Located about 4 kilo meter from Ubud eastward is wellknown for important archeological object. Here you can find a giant bronze drum, an ancient artifacts from Bronze Age similarly to Dongson, Vietnam style. Have a visit also to the beautiful ancient temples of the Pura Pusering Jagat and Pura Kebo Edan.
Goa Gajah. Means "The Elephant Cave" is carved into the rock face about 10 minutes drive from the center of Ubud town. It is a Hindu-Buddhist temple dates back to the 9-12th centuries, upon the golden era of the Bali-Java relationship. Although means Elephant Cave but it is no artifacts in relation with the elephant at all. Goa Gajah is derived from Lwa Gajah that much related to the name of the adjacent river passing through this area.
Yeh Pulu. An ancient rock carving dates back 14th century for about 1 kilometer from Goa Gajah passing through the rice paddies field. The carving depicts various scenes of everyday life and the figures of the elephant headed Ganesh indicate a close relationship between the two sites.
Batubulan, Celuk, and Mas village. Batubulan is famous for its stone carvings that exhibited all along the main road of Batubulan. Batubulan also wellknown of daily Barong dance performance. Celuk village isthe centres for the Balinese goldsmiths and silversmiths. Mas is famous for woodcarving.
Buleleng is covered half side of the island separated by the central volcanic ridge and forest with the capital city of Singaraja. The Buleleng regency stretches across almost the whole of the northern part of Bali. The area generally consists of steep mountain slopes plunging down into a narrow coastal plain. Ancient beads dating back 2000 years were recently discovered in Pacung, 40km east of Singaraja -the first sign of Indian trade with the Indonesian archipelago. Also small stupa effigies showing signs of Buddhist monks landing and settling who, eventually traveled south to where their culture blossomed 200 years later, were also found. These discoveries bear witness to the role of early sea routes in the history of Buleleng, the first region to be colonized by the Dutch. The city of Singaraja (100,000 inhabitants) was the capital of Bali during the Dutch times.
Lovina beach. Located on west of the capital town is a quiet black sandy beach resort with calm wave is a perfect place for swimming and snorkeling. Lovina also offers dolphin viewing from motored outrigger. It is the perfect base from which to explore northern Bali.
Banjar Budhist monastery and Hot spring. Located on the west of Lovina beach is the only buddhist monastery blend architecture of local and southeast Asia. You can also find hot springs which is popular for both locals and tourists.
Pemuteran village. Is beach area with its volcanic sand is an ideal place to plan an excursion to in west Bali National Park (Taman Nasional Bali Barat), comprising the nature reserve of Menjangan island and the uplands in the west. Pemuteran village is also a good base for those who interesting to enjoy the magnificent under water view. Here you can find sort of accommodation from budget class till a luxury hotels.
Menjangan Island. Menjangan has the most beautiful coral reefs in Bali. Along with the nearby Labuan Lalang, this is a wonderful place for diving and snorkeling. Basic accommodation is available at Labuan Lalang, but you are forbidden to spend the night on this unique island.
The area of Bedugul, Lake Tamblingan and Munduk. These areas are the up-land side with tropical plantation such as coffee, cocoa, clove, and any other tropical plantation. The are about 30 minutes drive from the capital city of Singaraja are mostly ecotourism hill resort with no less than six waterfalls as well as treks to the pristine Tamblingan lake and nearby mountain, rainforest and plantation areas.
To the eastward, we can find scenic Sawan village, Pura Meduwe Karang temple in Kubutambahan on the northern coast. The carvers here, besides making sculptures of classical heroes, have also integrated the Dutch presence in their reliefs. The most famous shows a Dutchman riding a bicycle with wheels made of flowers. This is said to represent Nieuwenkampf, a Dutch artist who first explored Bali at the beginning of the century. He traveled around the island by bike, stopping to make sketches of the temples and religious events he witnessed.
The regency of Badung is range from the fertile upland on the north till the southmost of linestone hill called Bukit Badung. Badung regency is considered to be the richest regency and having the most developed tourism area of Kuta, Seminyak and Nusa Dua and agro resources on the north side.
Taman Ayun Temple in the village of Mengwi, is one of the grandest temples of the island. Until the end of the last century, Mengwi was one of the main island kingdoms, and this temple was built around 1740. Pura Taman Ayun is a water garden temple, symbolizing the cosmic union of sea and mountain. The architectural structure has three courtyard symbolizing the order of the cosmos - nista (impure/demonic); madia (middle/human); and utama (godly), the most sacred (utama) is the inner court. The shrines are made and decorated in the finest traditions of Balinese carving.
Sangeh, the monkey forest is considered to be a sacred and the only primary forest in the south of Bali. Dwelling by hundred of monkeys and the forest is consisted of nutmeg (Phala in Indonesian)
Kuta Legian and Seminyak beach, stretched from Bali International airport, Tuban village until the northside of Canggu Beach. The beach was introduced to tourist on early of 1930's. And mass tourism was started on 1960's populared by Australian hippies and surfers. Kuta soon boomed. The traditional and simple bamboo beach bungalows were turned into homestay, then into hotels and Kuta has become one of the most dynamic places in Indonesia, a place to encounter new ideas and lifestyles and a place to experience all manner of pleasures. In here you will find array of world class brand fashion, International restaurants and hotels.
Jimbaran beach, located in the south of Bali International airport, just developed on early 80's when International hotels Four Seasons Resort hotel, Bali Intercontinental hotel and The Ritz Carlton Bali were built. Lately Jimbaran beach is much popular for the array of seafood beach front cafes where you can enjoy Balinese style grilled fresh fishes and seafood while enjoying the sunset or sound of waves. Jimbaran beach is also having a nice surfs for beginners.
Bukit Ungasan and Bukit Pecatu. Located on the south of Jimbaran on small limestone hill. The beached are white sandy and famous among surfers. The best surfing points are available at Suluban beach, Labuan sait and Bingin beach. Just 10 minutes after climbing up the hill you will find the most tallest statue (no finished yet) call Garuda Wisnu Kencana
Uluwatu temple. The 11th century temple built by powered Java priest Dang Hyang Nirarta. The temple is an architectural marvel situated on the headland at the western tip of the plateau.
Nusa Dua and northside village of Tanjung Benoa are beachside area sheltered by coral reef making them an ideal beach holiday for family. The southern area is the area specialy developed for tourism isulated from Balinese environment. Here you can find almost all world branded hotels such as Hilton, Hyatt, Club Med, Melia etc. While on the northside some smaller hotels were builts among local environment. Tanjung Benoa is also wellknow for the center of water sport facilities in Bali.
The district of Tabanan comprises two main regions, the mountains and the lower plains considered to be the most fertile field the the island. A famous name given to this regency is the "The Rice ban of the island" as in fact you will find greenery field for rice, peanuts and other tropical plantation. Eco tourism are being very popular to this regency but still cultural and historical sites are also not left behind. Lake Bratan. Located right in the center of the island where you can also visit the Pura Ulun Danu on the bank of the lake. In this lake you can hire motorboats and canoes. Parasailing and water skiing is also available. If you paddle across the lake you can see some caves used by the Japanese in World War II. From there you can also follow a path to the top of Mt. Catur, which has an old temple at the top.
The Botanical Gardens. Located near Bedugul encompassing 120 hectares the gardens established in 1959 as a branch of the Bogor National Botanical Gardens. There is a large collection of native plants and over 500 specimens of orchids and 650 species of trees.
Munduk village. The highland village where you can find tropical plantation such as coffee, cocoa, cloves etc. Here you can also find the magnificent view of greenery valley and mountain.
Tanah Lot Temple. Wellknow as the most photographed temple in Bali for sunset view. This temple was built on 11th century by highest price coming from Java on a superb setting of a small land south of Regency. Tanah means earth, and Lot means sea. The temple symbolizes the meeting point of natural and cosmic elements.
Pura Luhur Batukaru temple. Build on the foot of Mount Batukaru the southwest of Bedugul. The temple has a 2-metre meru to Maha Dewa, Mount Batukaru's guardian spirit. Grandly located among the lofty trees of the rain forest, this is a unique encounter between man and nature.
Jatiluwih. The most spectacular view of rice terraces in Bali perched on the slope of Mount Batur.
Jembrana regency is located in the westside of the island with capital city Negara to be ethnically heterogeneous regency in Bali. The population in consisted of Bugis people resident on the shore side. Balinese Catholicism and Protestantism and the rest plenty of traditional Balinese communities. Half of the regency is contains of mountanious area with West Bali National Park on the northwest side. Visit this place if you're looking for pristine tropical nature. The park is the last natural habitat of the endangered jalak putih-fewer than fifty are believed to be left in the wild. The park is also home to banteng and the deer-like menjangan. The National Park contains a broad range of natural environments, from mangrove coastal forests to savanna and rainforests.
Perancak. Is interesting crocodile farm for Perancak crocodile. Indeed, a small zoo houses crocodiles, tigers, jalak putih, the phoenix bird of paradise, and many more.
Delodbrawah Beach is a black sand beach, believed to be a favorite crocodile haunt.
Rambutsiwi Temple was built by Dang Hyang Nirartha, which literally means "Hair Worship"! The temple is built on a cliff overlooking a breathtaking panorama of paddy fields on one side and the black sandy beach on the other.
Medewi beach is a beach side resort in the southeast of Jembrana about midway between Gilimanuk and Denpasar providing a cheap accommodation, restaurant and small warung offer you drink and food. The beach is good for surfing.
The regency of Bangli is located in the center of the island with no beach line. But this regency is having the lagest lake in the island call Lake Batur. The area of Bangli covers two part of areas. First, the volcanic uplands of the Batur and Kintamani area, stretching down towards the sea near Tianyar and Tejakula on north and east side (the area of Buleleng Regency and Karangasem). Second, and the upper part of the rice growing area in the south part, overlooking Gianyar Regency and Klungkung. See the map in here
Pura Kehen, is the most beautiful carving temple in Bangli, or perhaps in the whole of Bali. The temple is located on the north of the Bangli town dated back to the 9th century. It owes much of its appeal to its unique ambience, set majestically on a number of levels against the background of a hill forest, with large trees shading the shrines and gates of its courtyards. There is a magnificent shrine with eleven roofs dedicated to the god of fire, the resident temple god.
Penglipuran village. A small traditional village about two kilometres from Pura Kehen to represent a typical Balinese village in the island. The village itself was used by former royal family of Bangli kingdom to relax and refresh their mind from the daily life.
Mount Batur is small volcano setting in the heart of a huge crater 14-km in diameter. The volcano is still active today with the last great eruption in 1917. It claimed thousands of lives and destroyed hundreds of temples. Other eruptions have taken place since, forcing the local population to be relocated
Lake Batur. Located adjacent to the volcano is the large crescent-shaped Batur lake, all surrounded by the high walls of the crater rim. Nothing in the surrounding grey landscape of bushes and garden plots suggest the presence of a volcano. But over one more small ridge a dizzying view awaits the eyes, encompassing the crater and beyond. From Panelokan, the main road runs right round the rim towards Kintamani, the panorama shifting as you circle around the crater.
Toya Bungkah and Songan Village. Small Balinese village on the bank of the lake is the point to find boats crossing the lake to Trunyan. There are also hot springs and lodging in Toya Bungkah. From Songan there is a beautiful trek to Tianyar to the north coast of the island. The adventurous traveler may even wish to climb Mount Batur itself.
Trunyan village, the ancient Balinese village is up nowday preserving the unique tradition. Instead of cremating the dead, as Balinese do throughout most of the island, the Trunyan community leave the bodies to decompose naturally in a special cemetery.
Jembrana with Negara as the capital city
Tabanan, capital city Tabanan (same name)
Badung
Denpasar
Gianyar
Klungkung, capital city Semarapura
Karangasem, capital city Amlapura
Bangli
Temple Celebrations: 09 November, Aci-aci penaung at Pura Batu Madeg - Besakih.Saraswati day: 10 November, The day devoted to Sanghyang Aji Saraswati, Goddes symbolizing knowledges and arts and when blessing ceremony is given to holy scriptures, literatures of sciences and arts held at every family compound.Temple Celebrations: 10 November, at Pura Pemaksan - Banyuning - Buleleng, Pura Taman Alit - Ds. Banyusari - Buleleng.Temple Celebrations: 12 November, at Pura Jati Jembrana, Pura Pemaksan - Ds. Pesedahan - Manggis - Karangasem.Temple Celebrations: 14 November, at Pura Kehen Bangli, Pura Laban Sindujiwa - Kedewatan - Ubud, Pura Siwa/Pasek tohjiwa - Penebel - Tabanan, Pura Padang Sakti Tangtu - Kesiman, Pura Luhur Puncak Bukit Sangkur - Ds. Kembangmerta, Kec. Baturiti - Tabanan.Temple Celebrations: 24 November, at Pura Ida Ratu Besakih, Pura Kertha Bnyuning - Buleleng, Pura Arya Bang Pinatih - Br. Peguyangan - Buleleng, Meru Pasek Gelgel - Ds. Selat - Buleleng, Meru Pasek Tatar Bale Agung - Buleleng, Pura Taman - Ds. Bubunan - Buleleng, Pura Pasek Gelgel - Pedungan - Badung, Pura Pasek Tangkas - Kediri - Tabanan, Pura Toya Katipat - Ds. Wanegiri - Buleleng, Pura Pasupati Wongaya - Ds. Sangsit - Buleleng Temple Celebrations: 24 November, at Pura Desa Bubunan - Buleleng, Aci Panyeeb Brahma at Pura Kiduling Ktreteg Besakih, Pura Dalem - Ds. Bondalem - Buleleng. Temple Celebrations: 28 November, at Pura Puseh , Pura Desa - Bebalang Bangli, Pura Dalem Purancak - Badung, Pura Pasek Bendesa Hyang - Selat - Krobokan - Badung
Bali History
A Short HistoryBali was first settled by Chinese immigrants sometime around 2500 BC and after working on it for 2,000 years the complex irrigation system that is still the focal point of Balinese agriculture and way of life today was established. Things remained pretty much unchanged until the 11th century. Around 1010 AD a Balinese Prince named Airlangha took over East Java intending to unite it with Bali under his rule. Successful, he subsequently appointed his brother, Anak Wungsu, to rule Bali. As such there was a great deal of commerce between Bali and Java bringing with it an exchange of politics and arts. It was at this time the Bali adopted the Javanese language, Kawi that is still used today. Airlangha's death brought on several wars waged by Javanese Kings to continue the Javanese control of Bali. Finally in 1343 Bali succumbed to Javanese control when it was defeated by a General by the name of Gajah Mada from the Majapahit Empire, the last Hindu Javanese empire. When Islam began spreading south from Sumatra into Java in the 16th century, the Majapahit empire collapsed and a large number of aristocrats, priests, and artists fled to Bali. From then until the Dutch arrived in 1597 little changed except the culture continued to be refined - which is where we pick up the story.
Custom
The People of BaliThe Balinese were not able to develop and sustain their extremely complex agricultural economy for centuries on end without a very organized community structure. The basis of this community structure is the Subak and the Banjar. Everyone who owns a rice paddy must join the Subak in their village. The Subak controls who will plant rice and when (plantings are staggered so that pestilence is minimized). As well and more importantly the Subak ensures that all farmers receive their fair share of irrigation water since traditionally the head the Subak was the farmer whose field was at the bottom of the hill and water first had to pass through everybody else's field before it was allowed to irrigate his. The other important community structure, the Banjar, organizes all other aspects of Balinese life (i.e. marriages, cremations, community service, festivals and the like). When a man marries he is expected to join the village Banjar and must participate in community affairs. Meetings are held at a large open air building called the Bale Banjar.
Religion
Religion Although the Balinese are Hindu and worship the Hindu trinity Brahma, Shiva and Vishnu, the Balinese religion is very different from the Indian variety. The Balinese do have a caste system but there are no untouchables. The caste system is most evident in the language which has three levels: a low level for commoners, a mid level to address strangers and a high level only used when addressing aristocracy. The Balinese are an unusual island people in that they have never been sea faring people. They believe that good spirits dwell in the mountains and that the seas are home to demons. Most villages have at least three main temples: one of which is the Pura Puseh or ‘temple of origin’, is dedicated to the village founders and which faces to Mt Agung - home to Pura Besakih the mother temple on Bali. Together with the other two village temples each house may several temples and as well as rice fields, markets etc. etc. etc. Now you can see why Bali is often referred to as the Island of the Gods. The Balinese are extremely devout and no day goes by without making offerings to the gods. These daily offerings - called Banten are a major part of Balinese life. You will see these offerings nearly everywhere in Bali. Made of flowers, cigarettes, cookies, rice and even sometimes money (the actual items used are not as important as the process of making and offering it to the spirits) these offerings are given to the good spirits in hopes of continued prosperity as well as to the evil spirits as an appeasement.
Simple Etiquette The Balinese are inclusive by nature and take great pride in their heritage and therefore do not mind visitors observing ceremonies and traditional dances, just as long as you follow a few simple, basic points of etiquette. (After all, how would you like a group of foreign speaking tourists invading your wedding or funeral of a close relative to snap a few photos?). First, dress appropriately - smart casual is appropriate - swim wear is not appropriate. Two, be quiet and respectful. Cameras and camcorders are ok - but do be unobtrusive. Also do not step in front of anyone to snap a photo and do not sit higher than the local priest presiding over the ceremony. As well, Do Not touch or pat anyone (including children) on the head.When visiting temples be aware that you should wear long pants or a sarong with a selendang tied around the waist (men and women). Whilst you can take your own every major temple has selendangs to borrow for a small donation. It is extremely bad form (in fact it’s taboo) for women who are menstruating to enter a temple. Lastly a word about being stuck in traffic. If you do find yourself stuck in traffic for no apparent reason you may have come up on a Balinese procession on the way to temple. Be patient. No amount of honking the car's horn is going to speed things up and it's rude to try and pass.
Selasa, 30 Oktober 2007
Bali, a beautiful island paradise in the Indonesian archipelago made international news when the island was rocked by suicide bombings in 2002 and 2005. However, the island is better known as an excellent vacation holiday destination and a major tourist attraction.
Tourists who have visited this South East Asian island will tell you that Bali exudes a certain magical charm and that is why, some people call Bali, the Island of Gods. After all, gods live in paradise don't they?
You will be pleasantly impressed by the many stunningly beautiful tourist attractions and the charming local people. If you are a scuba diver, you will be pleased to know that Bali is one of the top scuba diving destinations in the world.
Bali presents itself as a modern paradox because its ancient and traditional culture is still very much alive amidst modern living. While the basic conservatism of the Balinese people has enabled them to preserve many of their ancient customs, culture and religion, it has never hindered the acceptance of the new and innovative modern technological advancement.
The island is indeed a feast for the eye for tourists on holiday vacation in Indonesia. As the island is situated near the equator, it has almost equal amount of time for rain and sunshine making its environment very suitable for human inhabitation and as a result, Bali has been inhabited and civilized since ancient times.
Bali is also the only island in "middle Indonesia" that has more or less uninterrupted cultural continuity for hundreds of years. It is of this reason, Bali is the only part of Indonesia that remains "Hindu" and is still retaining elements of fusion of ethnic and Hindu cultures of more than a thousand years of cultural tradition.
When the island was colonized by the Dutch at the beginning of last century, the Dutch colonial masters were so impressed by the traditions of the Balinese that a concerted effort was made to preserve the island's mystical culture.
The Balinese society is a strong and cohesive one because the local people promote communal and family values. Feelings of alienation from parents and friends which are common in the western world are almost unheard of in Bali.
Children are carried everywhere or strapped to their mother's back until they are at least three months old. Religious rituals are performed regularly to keep the children safe, healthy and to protect them from harmful spirits. Every aspect of village life is organized in such detail that the individual's responsibilities and rights are meticulously defined by the Balinese tradition.
The Balinese are emotionally strong people and take the unfortunate incidents in their stride. The people are eternal optimists and believe that their Island of Gods enjoys a special place in the grander scheme of things. This is another reason why the local population can bounce back from the tragic terrorist attacks so quickly. Want to visit paradise? Then include Bali as your next holiday vacation destination for its many tourists attractions.
by Chris Chew
