Overview of the Resort Island of Bali
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Rice Paddies of Bali |
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Balinese Dancers |
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Balinese Temple |
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Menjangan Waterfall |
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Nusa Pendida |
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Balinese Costumes |
©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. 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. 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 silverwork, 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.
By Denise Nielsen Tackett & Larry Tackett
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