Overview of the Resort Island of Bali
Denise Nielsen Tackett & Larry Tackett
Bali, Island of the Gods, is a land of fiery volcanoes and fertile valleys shrouded in mist. Terraced rice paddies line deep gorges while resorts dot the shoreline. Fruits and vegetables are plentiful and sounds of the gamelan are never far away. The emphasis in Bali is on harmony and culture.
Bali, Island of the Gods, is a land of fiery volcanoes and fertile valleys shrouded in mist. Terraced rice paddies line deep gorges while resorts dot the shoreline. Fruits and vegetables are plentiful and sounds of the gamelan are never far away. The emphasis in Bali is on harmony and culture. This divine island has much to offer yet most visitors go no further than the southern beaches. There is much to see here and accommodation is available to fit every budget.
Bali is a small island across the strait at the eastern end of Java, the main island-it's a three-hour flight from Singapore. Bali has the Indian Ocean on the south and the Bali Sea on the north separated by mountains that rise over 2000m (6600ft). Gunung Agung, the active "mother" volcano rises to over 3100m (10300ft). Temples, flanked by walled courtyards, outnumber houses. Beautifully landscaped water gardens peer out invitingly from homes and businesses. It's hard to imagine a more picturesque island than Bali.
History
The first written accounts of Balinese culture date to around 900 AD when Javanese-Hindu writings first appeared, although Bali is believed to have been inhabited over a thousand years earlier. Bali was part of the Javanese kingdom of Majapahit and remained so until the 15th century when Islam came to Java. As Islam spread, many Javanese fled to Bali where the Balinese, Hindu and Buddhist pantheons merged into what is now modern day Balinese culture.
Europeans arrived in Bali in 1597. The Dutch occupied Indonesia in the 17th century, but ignored Bali until the mid-19th century when they wrested control of North Bali. Once established, the Dutch did little to upset daily Balinese life. In 1942 the Japanese replaced them as rulers. The Balinese opposed them both and regained their freedom in 1945 with Indonesian independence.
The People
The Balinese way of life is unique. Society is organized along the lines of the Hindu caste system but with a Balinese twist. Everyone is aware of where they fit and what place they occupy in society as a whole. This organization is reinforced by the language which is divided into low, medium and high Balinese.
Balinese life is complex and communal. Each person belongs to a family, clan, caste and village, and must act accordingly in all facets of life.
Balinese life is complex and communal. Each person belongs to a family, clan, caste and village, and must act accordingly in all facets of life. Villages are subject to the same organization model. Central to life is harmony with all things. If one aspect is out of kilter, the entire village and all other aspects will follow. Thus Balinese strive to do their part as responsible members of society.
Religion permeates every aspect of life in Bali. Temples are everywhere and rituals or celebrations are a part of life. Petite women dressed in white and gold carry babies in over their shoulders and balance tall temple offerings on their heads while the men hang around the temple entrances, smoking kretek, clove cigarettes. Foreigners are welcome at Balinese temples.
Arts and Crafts
Balinese artistic expression centers on religion. The gamelan orchestra plays at temples while skilled dancers act out stories of good and evil. Elsewhere wayang kulit, shadow puppets, portray the same battles. Elaborate paintings depict mythological themes and daily village life. Wood and stone carvings often portray Garuda and other symbolic protectors or demons. Songket, intricately woven fabric of silk and gold, is another specialty. Mass-produced and gaudily colored trinkets for the tourist trade are inexpensive and plentiful.
Attractions
Denpasar is the busy capital of Bali. Most visitors head south to the beach resorts. Kuta caters to a younger crowd. Sanur, and especially Nusa Dua, cater to those in search of quiet and relaxation. All have a variety of hotels, restaurants, warungs (eating stalls), and shops that cater to every taste and budget. Day trips are available to Nusa Penida, Tanah Lot, one of Bali's most picturesque temples, rice terraces, Ubud, and coastal towns.
Ubud, in the mountains north of Denpasar, is home to the famous Monkey Forest and Elephant Cave. The town is steeped in culture and temple mystique. On the way to Ubud you'll pass through towns specializing in silver work, woodcraft, stonework, etc. Fine art galleries, museums, temples, restaurants and shops line the streets of this hill town.
On the way to Ubud you'll pass through towns specializing in silver work, woodcraft, stonework, etc. Fine art galleries, museums, temples, restaurants and shops line the streets of this hill town.
The east coast features beautiful scenery and beaches. At Padang Bai you can catch a ferry to Lombok Island or a dive boat to Nusa Penida. From the ancient city of Klungkung you can visit rice terraces and Pura Besakih, the holiest temple in Bali. The crater of Gunung Agung dominates the landscape as you head north through the beach town of Candidasa and up to Amlapura. Further north you'll reach Tulamben, a small village with great diving.
Heading west along the north coast you'll pass through Singaraja, formerly Bali's main harbor, on the way to the Lovina beaches, Menjangan Island/Gilimanuk, and West Bali National Park. Central Bali is rugged and scenic. Small villages dot the roads along mountain ridges. You can climb a volcano, visit crater lakes, temples, ancient tombs and the magical spring at Tampaksiring. There is much to see and do in Bali but the overall atmosphere is one of relaxation and well-being. No matter what your destination in Indonesia, be sure to set aside some time in Bali. You'll be glad you did.
View The Island of Bali Indonesia in a larger map
About the Authors
Larry and Denise Tackett are the authors of all of our Indonesian dive site and regional descriptions. They are professional photographers specializing in underwater and terrestrial natural history and travel subjects. They are represented by stock photo agencies in the US and United Kingdom and their photographs have been widely published in books and magazines worldwide. Their work has appeared in magazines such as National Wildlife, Islands, BBC Wildlife, Ocean Realm, Asian Diver, Unterwasser, Tauchen, Canadian Wildlife, Popular Science, Sport Diver, National Geographic Kids, Geo, and many others.
|
|||
back
contact us
