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Did you know that Bali belongs to Indonesia?
Did you know that Bali belongs to Indonesia?
Indonesia is an archipelago country that has 17.000+ islands and Bali is one of them. Bali is around 5.780 km2 which is home to about 4.4+ million people living on this tiny island in 2023 according to the Indonesian Central Bureau of Statistics.
Indonesia is an archipelago country that has 17.000+ islands and Bali is one of them. Bali is around 5.780 km2 which is home to about 4.4+ million people living on this tiny island in 2023 according to the Indonesian Central Bureau of Statistics.
According to our experience assisting international tourists, some thought Bali was a separate country from Indonesia.
According to our experience assisting international tourists, some thought Bali was a separate country from Indonesia.
Bali became part of Indonesia just two days after Indonesia declared its independence day. Indonesia officially declared the independence day on August 17th, 1945.
Bali became part of Indonesia just two days after Indonesia declared its independence day. Indonesia officially declared the independence day on August 17th, 1945.
Bali Province was born after the reunification of the territory of the State of East Indonesia (NIT) into the lap of the Republic of Indonesia. Formation confirmed by Law no. 64 of 1958 concerning the Establishment of the Level I Regions of Bali, West Nusa Tenggara (NTB), and East Nusa Tenggara (NTT). As a follow-up to the law's implementation, it began with the formation of the Bali Regional Provisional People's Representative Council (DPR). This legislative body was inaugurated in September 1950 at the Pendopo Bali Hotel in Denpasar.
Bali Province was born after the reunification of the territory of the State of East Indonesia (NIT) into the lap of the Republic of Indonesia. Formation confirmed by Law no. 64 of 1958 concerning the Establishment of the Level I Regions of Bali, West Nusa Tenggara (NTB), and East Nusa Tenggara (NTT). As a follow-up to the law's implementation, it began with the formation of the Bali Regional Provisional People's Representative Council (DPR). This legislative body was inaugurated in September 1950 at the Pendopo Bali Hotel in Denpasar.
Bali has its own language – one of 583 languages and dialects spoken in the Indonesian archipelago. Bahasa Indonesia is the national language; English is widely spoken in Bali’s main tourist areas.
Bali has its own language – one of 583 languages and dialects spoken in the Indonesian archipelago. Bahasa Indonesia is the national language; English is widely spoken in Bali’s main tourist areas.
You are supposed to learn a little bit of the language so the locals will give you a bigger smile.
You are supposed to learn a little bit of the language so the locals will give you a bigger smile.
"Matur Suksma or Suksma" is the polite way to say thank you. You might practice it with the locals once you visit this beautiful island.
"Matur Suksma or Suksma" is the polite way to say thank you. You might practice it with the locals once you visit this beautiful island.
The island is home to more than 20,000 temples, earning its nickname “the island of a thousand temples” or “the island of the gods.”
The island is home to more than 20,000 temples, earning its nickname “the island of a thousand temples” or “the island of the gods.”
Most of the Balinese people live in the compound houses. All the family members live on one piece of land which consists of some buildings. They share the same gate in Balinese style. In each compound house, there is at least one family temple.
Most of the Balinese people live in the compound houses. All the family members live on one piece of land which consists of some buildings. They share the same gate in Balinese style. In each compound house, there is at least one family temple.
Three small islands lie to the immediate southeast and all are administratively part of Bali: Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan, and Nusa Ceningan. Great for an extension to your stay on the mainland, or a day trip especially for excellent snorkeling and diving.
Three small islands lie to the immediate southeast and all are administratively part of Bali: Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan, and Nusa Ceningan. Great for an extension to your stay on the mainland, or a day trip especially for excellent snorkeling and diving.
Aksara Bali or Balinese script, also known as Hanacaraka, is one of the traditional Indonesian scripts that developed on the island of Bali.
Aksara Bali or Balinese script, also known as Hanacaraka, is one of the traditional Indonesian scripts that developed on the island of Bali.
This script is mainly used to write Balinese, Sanskrit, and Kawi, but in its development, it has also been used to write several other regional languages such as Sasak and Malay with additions and modifications.
This script is mainly used to write Balinese, Sanskrit, and Kawi, but in its development, it has also been used to write several other regional languages such as Sasak and Malay with additions and modifications.
The Balinese script is a derivative of the Indian Brahmi script through the intermediary Kawi script and is closely related to the Javanese script.
The Balinese script is a derivative of the Indian Brahmi script through the intermediary Kawi script and is closely related to the Javanese script.
Balinese script has been actively used in Balinese literature and daily writing since the mid-15th century until now and is still taught in Bali as part of the local subjects, although its application in everyday life has decreased.
Balinese script has been actively used in Balinese literature and daily writing since the mid-15th century until now and is still taught in Bali as part of the local subjects, although its application in everyday life has decreased.
The Balinese use a naming procedure that characterizes the order in which children are born. This is a characteristic of the culture of the Balinese Tribe which couldn't be found anywhere else.
The Balinese use a naming procedure that characterizes the order in which children are born. This is a characteristic of the culture of the Balinese Tribe which couldn't be found anywhere else.
The first child is given the first name Wayan, derived from the word wayahan which means "older". Apart from Wayan, the first names for the first child are also often used, namely Putu and Gede.
The first child is given the first name Wayan, derived from the word wayahan which means "older". Apart from Wayan, the first names for the first child are also often used, namely Putu and Gede.
The second child is given the first name Made (madé), derived from the word madya which means "middle". In some areas in Bali, the second child can also be given the first name Nengah which is also taken from the word "tengah (middle)". There is also the name Kade or Kadek, a variation of Made. There is a hypothesis that Kade or Kadek comes from the word Adi which means " Younger brother or sister".
The second child is given the first name Made (madé), derived from the word madya which means "middle". In some areas in Bali, the second child can also be given the first name Nengah which is also taken from the word "tengah (middle)". There is also the name Kade or Kadek, a variation of Made. There is a hypothesis that Kade or Kadek comes from the word Adi which means " Younger brother or sister".
The third child is given the first name Nyoman or Komang. The name Nyoman comes from the word anom which means "young" or "small"; the form of the variation is the name Komang.
The third child is given the first name Nyoman or Komang. The name Nyoman comes from the word anom which means "young" or "small"; the form of the variation is the name Komang.
The fourth child is given the first name "Ketut", derived from the word "ketuwut" which means "to follow" or "follow". Some associate it with the ancient word "kitut" which means a small banana at the outer end of a banana comb.
The fourth child is given the first name "Ketut", derived from the word "ketuwut" which means "to follow" or "follow". Some associate it with the ancient word "kitut" which means a small banana at the outer end of a banana comb.
The world's most expensive coffee in the world comes from Bali. It is called Kopi Luwak.
The world's most expensive coffee in the world comes from Bali. It is called Kopi Luwak.
Kopi luwak, also known as civet coffee, is a coffee that consists of partially digested coffee cherries, which have been eaten and defecated by the Asian palm civet ( Paradoxurus hermaphroditus).
Kopi luwak, also known as civet coffee, is a coffee that consists of partially digested coffee cherries, which have been eaten and defecated by the Asian palm civet ( Paradoxurus hermaphroditus).
The cherries are fermented as they pass through a civet's intestines, and after being defecated with other fecal matter, they are collected.
The cherries are fermented as they pass through a civet's intestines, and after being defecated with other fecal matter, they are collected.
There are many Luwak Coffee plantations spread around Bali but most of them are located around Ubud and Tegallalang area. It is one of the most visited places in Bali and most of them provide free tasting for the visitors.
There are many Luwak Coffee plantations spread around Bali but most of them are located around Ubud and Tegallalang area. It is one of the most visited places in Bali and most of them provide free tasting for the visitors.
A Unique Funeral in Trunyan or Terunyan Village - Bali
A Unique Funeral in Trunyan or Terunyan Village - Bali
In one of Bali’s most isolated corners, at the edge of Lake Batur, stands a village home to Bali’s ‘original’ people. Here, in Trunyan, skulls line the sides of the unique burial ground, where bodies and bones are left out in the open for all to see.
In one of Bali’s most isolated corners, at the edge of Lake Batur, stands a village home to Bali’s ‘original’ people. Here, in Trunyan, skulls line the sides of the unique burial ground, where bodies and bones are left out in the open for all to see.
On entering Kintamani, the three-hour drive from Denpasar was quickly rewarded by dramatic views of Mount Batur, standing fiercely amongst clouds and fog. The sudden change in atmosphere and climate was enough to rub the sleep off our eyes. It’s so easy to get lost in the holiday-heavy south, that it took us more than a minute to pinch ourselves and register this little piece of Bali exists only a drive away.
On entering Kintamani, the three-hour drive from Denpasar was quickly rewarded by dramatic views of Mount Batur, standing fiercely amongst clouds and fog. The sudden change in atmosphere and climate was enough to rub the sleep off our eyes. It’s so easy to get lost in the holiday-heavy south, that it took us more than a minute to pinch ourselves and register this little piece of Bali exists only a drive away.
Trunyan – or Terunyan – is one village where the Bali Aga or Bali Mula (meaning initial or original) people reside. Its distant location on the eastern shore of Lake Batur almost conveniently secludes it from contemporary influences. Though it has attracted the attention of what has been termed ‘dark tourism’.
Trunyan – or Terunyan – is one village where the Bali Aga or Bali Mula (meaning initial or original) people reside. Its distant location on the eastern shore of Lake Batur almost conveniently secludes it from contemporary influences. Though it has attracted the attention of what has been termed ‘dark tourism’.
In Trunyan, the dead are sailed ceremoniously in canoes to be left decaying overground in an isolated place separate from the parent village. Trunyan cemetery rests on the shores of a vast caldera lake and is guarded by an ancient banyan tree that the village was named after. The grand Taru Menyan tree (some frankincense or olibanum type), locally nicknamed ‘fragrant tree’, as it bears the power to absorb the putrid smell of decomposing corpses. The cemetery is a 15-minute boat ride away from the village itself.
In Trunyan, the dead are sailed ceremoniously in canoes to be left decaying overground in an isolated place separate from the parent village. Trunyan cemetery rests on the shores of a vast caldera lake and is guarded by an ancient banyan tree that the village was named after. The grand Taru Menyan tree (some frankincense or olibanum type), locally nicknamed ‘fragrant tree’, as it bears the power to absorb the putrid smell of decomposing corpses. The cemetery is a 15-minute boat ride away from the village itself.
If you come to Bali to find unique traditions in Bali, we would love to take you out to the distinctive places in Bali!
If you come to Bali to find unique traditions in Bali, we would love to take you out to the distinctive places in Bali!
Visiting or living in Bali, tourists, migrants, and expatriates are supposed to respect some unwritten rules on this island that could offend Balinese people.
Visiting or living in Bali, tourists, migrants, and expatriates are supposed to respect some unwritten rules on this island that could offend Balinese people.
Balinese people are very friendly and always smiling at others although with strangers.
Balinese people are very friendly and always smiling at others although with strangers.
There are some unwritten rules about politeness in Bali that you should know before visiting Bali and one of them is giving and pointing at something with the right hand.
There are some unwritten rules about politeness in Bali that you should know before visiting Bali and one of them is giving and pointing at something with the right hand.
What happens if you are left-handed or forcefully you have to give or point at something with your left hand? You can say sorry while doing it by using the Balinese word "tabik" Which means sorry in a polite way.
What happens if you are left-handed or forcefully you have to give or point at something with your left hand? You can say sorry while doing it by using the Balinese word "tabik" Which means sorry in a polite way.
Why is the right hand considered polite and the left hand considered impolite? It is related to Balinese people's daily life by using both hands. Usually, people in Bali use the right hand for something clean or holy while the left hand is used for something dirty.
Why is the right hand considered polite and the left hand considered impolite? It is related to Balinese people's daily life by using both hands. Usually, people in Bali use the right hand for something clean or holy while the left hand is used for something dirty.
Ubud-Bali Ranked Second Most Vegan-Friendly City in the World
Ubud-Bali Ranked Second Most Vegan-Friendly City in the World
Most Balinese people are non-vegan and even the most famous signature dish is "Babi Guling" Or suckling pig. However, a certain city in Bali named Ubud, is famous amongst spiritual enthusiasts from all over the world. You will find massive cultural and spiritual activities here easily.
Most Balinese people are non-vegan and even the most famous signature dish is "Babi Guling" Or suckling pig. However, a certain city in Bali named Ubud, is famous amongst spiritual enthusiasts from all over the world. You will find massive cultural and spiritual activities here easily.
A vegan website, The Vegan Word ranks Ubud, Bali as the second most vegan-friendly city in the world. Based on research conducted by The Vegan World, in Ubud there are 19 restaurants specifically for vegans per 100,000 residents.
A vegan website, The Vegan Word ranks Ubud, Bali as the second most vegan-friendly city in the world. Based on research conducted by The Vegan World, in Ubud there are 19 restaurants specifically for vegans per 100,000 residents.
This tourist destination, which is located in Gianyar Regency, has been known as a center of activity for tourists and digital nomads. According to The Vegan Word, its location in the tropical paradise of Bali means tropical fruits are abundant in the area, and one can find a variety of vegan-friendly restaurants.
This tourist destination, which is located in Gianyar Regency, has been known as a center of activity for tourists and digital nomads. According to The Vegan Word, its location in the tropical paradise of Bali means tropical fruits are abundant in the area, and one can find a variety of vegan-friendly restaurants.
While in the first rank of the world's most vegan-friendly city is Chiang Mai, Thailand. Based on research by The Vegan World, there are 30 restaurants specifically for vegans in Chiang Mai for every 100,000 residents. Then in third place is Phuket, Thailand, with the number of vegan restaurants as many as 13 restaurants per 100,000 residents.
While in the first rank of the world's most vegan-friendly city is Chiang Mai, Thailand. Based on research by The Vegan World, there are 30 restaurants specifically for vegans in Chiang Mai for every 100,000 residents. Then in third place is Phuket, Thailand, with the number of vegan restaurants as many as 13 restaurants per 100,000 residents.
The irrigation system is UNESCO World Heritage Listed
The irrigation system is UNESCO World Heritage Listed
Bali has an irrigation system called “subak” that is over 1000 years old and is UNESCO Heritage listed. This is the system that you will see in place around all the famous rice paddies across the island. It is not overly practical, but is very interesting when you see how it runs.
Bali has an irrigation system called “subak” that is over 1000 years old and is UNESCO Heritage listed. This is the system that you will see in place around all the famous rice paddies across the island. It is not overly practical, but is very interesting when you see how it runs.
All around the Balinese rice paddies, you will see temples. These small structures are set in place at nearly every juncture to bless the water as it continues along its way.
All around the Balinese rice paddies, you will see temples. These small structures are set in place at nearly every juncture to bless the water as it continues along its way.
YBE Balipedia - There is a "Day of Silence" in Bali
YBE Balipedia - There is a "Day of Silence" in Bali
The Balinese New Year, according to the Balinese calendar, falls usually in February, March, or April. If you are ever visiting Bali in those months, this is important to know.
The Balinese New Year, according to the Balinese calendar, falls usually in February, March, or April. If you are ever visiting Bali in those months, this is important to know.
Because to celebrate the New Year, the Balinese have a “day of silence” called Nyepi. The timing of the day is set by the moon and is typically right after the full moon.
Because to celebrate the New Year, the Balinese have a “day of silence” called Nyepi. The timing of the day is set by the moon and is typically right after the full moon.
On this day, you must adhere to the customs for Nyepi. All businesses are closed, as are the airport, restaurants and warungs (local restaurants). No vehicles are allowed on the streets, everyone stays at home, and at night time there are no lights turned on inside or outside of your house, hotel, or villa. It is an amazing thing to see and witness, and everyone on the island adheres to the rules.
On this day, you must adhere to the customs for Nyepi. All businesses are closed, as are the airport, restaurants and warungs (local restaurants). No vehicles are allowed on the streets, everyone stays at home, and at night time there are no lights turned on inside or outside of your house, hotel, or villa. It is an amazing thing to see and witness, and everyone on the island adheres to the rules.
YBE Balipedia - In Bali, North doesn’t always mean North
YBE Balipedia - In Bali, North doesn’t always mean North
This is one of the unique facts about Bali that is surprisingly true. North sometimes doesn’t mean North.
This is one of the unique facts about Bali that is surprisingly true. North sometimes doesn’t mean North.
Why?
Why?
It depends upon where you are on the island. If you are in the South, then North means North. Anywhere else, though, it could mean something different!
It depends upon where you are on the island. If you are in the South, then North means North. Anywhere else, though, it could mean something different!
The reason for this is that the Balinese see “North” as “up”. Then, combine that with the fact that so much of their culture revolves around Mount Agung, the Holy Mountain, and that it is the literal center of all of their beliefs. Agung is the high point of the island, and therefore, “North” and “Up” pretty much refer to Mount Agung. Once you are North of Mount Agung, and it is in the South, a Balinese will tell you that “South” is actually “North”.
The reason for this is that the Balinese see “North” as “up”. Then, combine that with the fact that so much of their culture revolves around Mount Agung, the Holy Mountain, and that it is the literal center of all of their beliefs. Agung is the high point of the island, and therefore, “North” and “Up” pretty much refer to Mount Agung. Once you are North of Mount Agung, and it is in the South, a Balinese will tell you that “South” is actually “North”.
The best way to get directions in Bali is to use the old-fashioned way. Point!
The best way to get directions in Bali is to use the old-fashioned way. Point!
With a long history of silver- and goldsmithing, Bali is home to numerous artisans who can custom make you a piece of silver or gold jewelry. You can often find them at galleries and boutiques in Ubud and Sanur. If you're looking for a one-of-a-kind souvenir from Bali, why not get some personalized jewelry?
With a long history of silver- and goldsmithing, Bali is home to numerous artisans who can custom make you a piece of silver or gold jewelry. You can often find them at galleries and boutiques in Ubud and Sanur. If you're looking for a one-of-a-kind souvenir from Bali, why not get some personalized jewelry?
Celuk Village is famous for producing high-grade gold and silver handicrafts, particularly jewelry. Located in Sukawati District, Gianyar Regency, Bali.
Celuk Village is famous for producing high-grade gold and silver handicrafts, particularly jewelry. Located in Sukawati District, Gianyar Regency, Bali.
The silver and gold shops line the roads approximately 10km northeast of Denpasar. While these items are found in stores throughout the island, a visit to Celuk Village gives travelers a chance to see goldsmiths and silversmiths in action.
The silver and gold shops line the roads approximately 10km northeast of Denpasar. While these items are found in stores throughout the island, a visit to Celuk Village gives travelers a chance to see goldsmiths and silversmiths in action.
Almost all the families and villagers are Balinese who are professional, skilled, and art souls to develop creative designs and a variety of products related to gold and silvers. This craft village with a long history has been producing gold and silvers that penetrate the local, national, and international markets.
Almost all the families and villagers are Balinese who are professional, skilled, and art souls to develop creative designs and a variety of products related to gold and silvers. This craft village with a long history has been producing gold and silvers that penetrate the local, national, and international markets.
Tumpek Landep is a unique Balinese ceremony dedicated to Sang Hyang Pasupati, the deity believed to govern all metal objects and tools. "Tumpek" signifies the 35th week in the Balinese calendar, which occurs every 210 days. "Landep" translates to sharpness, highlighting the focus on sharpening and honoring metal tools during this ceremony.
Tumpek Landep is a unique Balinese ceremony dedicated to Sang Hyang Pasupati, the deity believed to govern all metal objects and tools. "Tumpek" signifies the 35th week in the Balinese calendar, which occurs every 210 days. "Landep" translates to sharpness, highlighting the focus on sharpening and honoring metal tools during this ceremony.
Hence, Tumpek Landep serves as a tribute to the skills and craftsmanship of artisans, seeking blessings for their tools, and expressing gratitude for the role these objects play in daily life.
Hence, Tumpek Landep serves as a tribute to the skills and craftsmanship of artisans, seeking blessings for their tools, and expressing gratitude for the role these objects play in daily life.
In Balinese society, craftsmanship is considered sacred, as it involves transforming raw materials into objects that carry spiritual energy. As we shared in a previous post about the silversmiths we work with Balinese craftsmanship is deeply revered, full of historical meaning, and passed on from generation to generation.
In Balinese society, craftsmanship is considered sacred, as it involves transforming raw materials into objects that carry spiritual energy. As we shared in a previous post about the silversmiths we work with Balinese craftsmanship is deeply revered, full of historical meaning, and passed on from generation to generation.
The tools used by artisans are believed to possess a divine essence, and Tumpek Landep acts as a way to honor and rejuvenate them. The ceremony also serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness between humans and their tools, recognizing the critical role these instruments play in supporting livelihoods, creativity, and spiritual growth. In today’s Bali, it is not only the actual tools that are being honored, it also involves our motorbikes, cars, computers, and any other ‘tool’ that supports us in our endeavors of creation and work and that consists of the element of metal.
The tools used by artisans are believed to possess a divine essence, and Tumpek Landep acts as a way to honor and rejuvenate them. The ceremony also serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness between humans and their tools, recognizing the critical role these instruments play in supporting livelihoods, creativity, and spiritual growth. In today’s Bali, it is not only the actual tools that are being honored, it also involves our motorbikes, cars, computers, and any other ‘tool’ that supports us in our endeavors of creation and work and that consists of the element of metal.
Tumpek Uduh is also called Tumpek Wariga, Tumpek Bubuh, or Pengatag, celebrated every 6 months (according to the Balinese calendar) on Saniscara (Saturday) Kliwon, wuku Wariga, exactly 25 days before Galungan celebration.
Tumpek Uduh is also called Tumpek Wariga, Tumpek Bubuh, or Pengatag, celebrated every 6 months (according to the Balinese calendar) on Saniscara (Saturday) Kliwon, wuku Wariga, exactly 25 days before Galungan celebration.
Tumpek Uduh is an offering to the manifestation of God as the god Sangkara, the Lord of plants. This is the best momentum for humans because of the importance of plants and nature in a very broad sense so that they become harmonious in this life.
Tumpek Uduh is an offering to the manifestation of God as the god Sangkara, the Lord of plants. This is the best momentum for humans because of the importance of plants and nature in a very broad sense so that they become harmonious in this life.
It is also called Tumpek Bubuh, because at that time Bubur Sumsum or Sumsum Porridge made from flour was served. It is called Tumpek Pangatag, because the spell used to ceremonize plants is accompanied by a ngatag procession, tapping the stems of the plants being ceremonized.
It is also called Tumpek Bubuh, because at that time Bubur Sumsum or Sumsum Porridge made from flour was served. It is called Tumpek Pangatag, because the spell used to ceremonize plants is accompanied by a ngatag procession, tapping the stems of the plants being ceremonized.
The implementation of Tumpek Uduh is a form of implementation of the teachings of Tri Hita Karana (three harmonious relationships that cause happiness), namely the harmonious relationship between humans and nature (plants).
The implementation of Tumpek Uduh is a form of implementation of the teachings of Tri Hita Karana (three harmonious relationships that cause happiness), namely the harmonious relationship between humans and nature (plants).
The most important meaning and essence of the Tumpek Uduh celebration is a very deep feeling of gratitude for the abundant natural riches. All the puja and praise sung by priests, officials, or ceremony leaders are full of the essence of gratitude towards nature.
The most important meaning and essence of the Tumpek Uduh celebration is a very deep feeling of gratitude for the abundant natural riches. All the puja and praise sung by priests, officials, or ceremony leaders are full of the essence of gratitude towards nature.
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