Bali Drama

Drama in Bali is usually derived from a local chronicle called Babad. Drama is estimated to first emerge in 1820. The art rose in the golden era of the Klungkung kingdom at the reign of I Dewa Agung Sakti. At that time, it is known in the form of Arja. Arja later developed into some drama forms in Bali, namely Prembon, Sendratari, and Drama Gong.

Arja
Arja is Bali’s oldest drama form, performed for the first time in 1820. The name was taken from Sanskrit, Reja, meaning ‘something beautiful’. This was due to the beautiful combination of dancing, singing, and traditional instruments used in this drama. Arja players usually don beautiful dresses decorated in gold, silver, and flowers.
Arja is performed not only for entertainment but also for education as there are many moral messages showed through this drama. Comedy, heroism, to the history of Bali can be expressed through Arja. The conversations among characters are done by using Macepat (traditional singing technique in Bali). There are three types of Arja according to the number of players and the traditional instruments used:

• Arja Doyong: performed by one person without instruments.
• Arja Gaguntangan: performed by two to ten persons with traditional instrument called Gaguntangan.
• Arja Gede: performed more than 10 persons with traditional instruments.

New type of Arja rose around the 20th Century called Arja Muani. Arja Muani is performed by males only, even for the female characters in the drama. Arja Muani is performed for entertainment because the story only regards comedy. This type of Arja is the favorite among the Balinese, usually performed in most social events in Bali.

Prembon
Development of Arja and mask dances in Bali created a form of Drama called Prembon in 1942. Similar to Arja, this drama also shows stories from the Babad. The differences between Prembon and Arja seem from the masks used by the players. Arja players do not use masks, but in Prembon all the players wears masks. The masks aim to more explicitly express the character in Prembon, such as a king, common people, priest, etc. Though wearing masks, the Prembon players converse among them.

Sendratari
Sendratari is one of the drama forms in Bali which emerged around 1960. Like the other drama forms, Sendratari is also a combination of traditional dancing, singing, and instruments but this drama is closely associated with modern drama forms. Every scene is managed to portray clearly the characters (main character, second, antagonist, etc).
Sendratari was created by Balinese artist I Wayan Beratha, categorized as large drama because it is performed by 10-150 players. For the first time, Sendratari in Bali only told stories from the Babad but in later developments, Sendratari took every classical story in the world like Ramayana and Mahabaratha. Now, this drama can be viewed at the annual Bali Arts Festival, around June-July in Bali.

Drama Gong
Drama Gong is the youngest form of drama in Bali, estimated to emerge 6 years after Sendratari, around 1966. Drama Gong mostly brings comedy and is usually performed for entertainment. Unlike Sendratari which needs many players in luxurious dresses, Drama Gong is necessarily less in players and some use funny clothes or accessories. Drama Gong also has fewer scenes than Sendratari.
Drama Gong is performed in many social events in Bali. It has been one of the favorite shows among the Balinese. The golden era of was reached in 1980. Even as the popularity of drama slightly decreased, many groups still exist, such as: Drama Gong Bintang Bali Timur, Drama Gong Duta Budaya Bali, Drama Gong Dewan Kesenian, Drama Gong Dwipa Sancaya, etc.

Tourist Object in Bali - Places

Denpasar Municipality

1. PEMECUTAN PALACE
Pemecutan palace was built in the 17th century in the era of Pemecutan Kingdom in Denpasar. It is one of the palaces which are opened for visitors. Managed by the modern, last king of Denpasar, Ida Cokorda Pemecutan, the royal house is completed with accommodation facilities, allowing the best way a visitor could get to get in touch with palatial atmosphere or and learn the long history of Denpasar.
Location: Pemecutan Palace is located at Jalan Thamrin No.2 Denpasar, nearby Kumbasari traditional market.
Facility: Simple tourist accommodation with an array of food stalls available just outside of the palace.

2. SATRIA PALACE
Satria Palace is located 2 km west of the Pemecutan Palace. Rebuilt in 1930, the palace boasts a big stage where Balinese dances are performed regularly and a collection of kris traditional daggers used in the 1906’s Puputan Badung War against the Dutch colonial army. A royal temple in palace area holds a regular ceremony every 210 days according Balinese calendar, featuring special dance only performed on the stage in this auspicious day.
Location: Satria Palace is located at Jalan Veteran Denpasar. Near the palace is a popular pet market Pasar Satria.

3. JRO KUTA PALACE
Jro Kuta Palace has the most complete buildings compared to Pemecutan or Satria, since it managed to escape from the Dutch invasion. It consists of nine buildings each has different function accordingly. The are Ancak Saji, Semanggen, Rangki, Pewaregan, Saren Raja, Saren Kangin, Paseban, Pemerajan Agung, and Pekandelan. Uniquely enough, there are several colonial statues portraying the Balinese warriors fighting against the Dutch occupants.
Location: Jro Kuta Palace is located in Jalan Kumbakarna, Denpasar. There is famous Maospahit Templenearby.

District of Klungkung

1. TAMAN GILI KERTA GOSA
Taman Gili Kerta Gosa is a wide garden consisting of several buildings. Until 1686 under King Dewa Agung administration, Klungkung Palace was the biggest in Bali. Unfortunately the massive building was almost totally destroyed by Dutch invasion in 1908, except the gate and Taman Gili Kerta Gosa. There are four buildings and a museum within this fortunate complex. On the southern side visitors still can observe the remnant of the palace gate called Pemedal Agung, over 10 meter high. To the north of this garden is a tall building called Bale Kul-kul, housing a big traditional Balinese alarm wooden bell called Kul-Kul. To the east is a building surrounded by a pool and water lilies, called Bale Kambang, designed as a summer house for the royal family members. The jurisdiction building is located on the north east side. Semarapura Museum is right west of this complex.
Location: Taman Gili Kerta Gosa is located on the heart of Semarapura, the capital of Klungkung, 40 km east of Denpasar.
Additional facility: Traditional art market selling souvenir, food, or drink is located just across the palace.

District of Karangasem

1. KARANGASEM GRAND PALACE
The uniquely designed Karangasem Grand Palace was built by the end of the 19th century by the first king of Karangasem, combining Balinese, Chinese and European architectural styles. Most of the buildings are set as if each floats above the pool water, with small bridges connecting one another, like a Chinese palace in general. The European influence can be seen from the design of main building, the guarding post at the front of the palace, and vast veranda called Maskerdam. The Balinese style can be seen from the entrance gate, built from red bricks with puppet, describing religious stories, as the ornaments. This combination has never been found in other palaces in Bali.
Location: Karangasem Grand Palace is located at the heart of Amlapura, the capital of District of Karangasem, 78 km from Denpasar. Accessible by public transport from Denpasar.

District of Buleleng

1. SINGARAJA PALACE
The historical Singaraja Palace is known among local as Puri Agung or Puri Gede. The old palatial library, Gedong Kirtya, is the most referred building, now designed as a literacy museum. It has the most complete collection of manuscripts about Buleleng and Bali history. This museum is located at the very front of the Palace.
Location: Singaraja Palace is located in Jalan Patih Jelantik, Singaraja, accessible by various kinds of public transports.

Tourist Object in Bali - Lakes & Volcanoes

Lakes

LAKE BUYAN

Description: Buyan is surrounded by evergreen forest and vegetation. Its fresh air gives pleasant and comfort to the visitors. Here, visitors usually rent a traditional yacht (Perahu in Balinese) to enjoy some activities, such as fishing or lake crossing. Other attractions include groups of tamed monkey in the forest around the main road.

Location: Buyan Lake is located at the district of Sukasada, about 21 km south of Singaraja at an altitude of 1000 meters above the sea level, making it always fresh and cool.

Facility: parking area, traditional yachts for rent, some bungalows and restaurants.

LAKE BERATAN

Description: Beratan Lake is located on the eastern side of Buyan Lake. Here, visitors also can enjoy similar activities as in Buyan. There is a massive temple called Pura Ulun Danu in the west side of the lake. The local Hindus believe this temple is the realm of the God of Prosperity, Sang Hyang Dewi Danu.

Location: Beratan Lake is located in the edge of Catur Mountain, Candikuning Village, sub-district of Baturiti, Tabanan. The Bedugul Botanical Garden and Amusement Park is located nearby the lake.

Facility: private villas, bungalows, traditional market and restaurants.

LAKE TAMBLINGAN

Description: The view at Tamblingan Lake is breath-taking with Lesong Mountain (1860 m) at the background, creating the silhouette on the water looks like a big crystal. Here, there are many historical temples which record the development of Balinese culture.

Location: This Lake is located at Munduk Village, sub-district of Banjar, Singaraja. Lake Tamblingan is on the western side of Buyan Lake, separated by only few hundreds meter of green forest.

Facility: Lake Tamblingan is an appeal for nature lovers. There is no modern facility, only several traditional bungalows and restaurants.

LAKE BATUR

Description: Lake Batur must be formerly the caldera of Mt. Batur, before it rose to its current peak, just nearby the lake. This caldera was caused by the most terrifying eruption of Batur Mountain in 1926. There is a holy spring the water of which is believed to be able to rinse human soul, the location of which Hindu’s ceremony regularly is celebrated. Near the lake is Batur Temple, one of the six Hindu main temples in Bali (Sad Kahyangan).

Location: Batur Lake is located in the sub-district of Kintamani, Bangli, 65 km from Denpasar.

Facility: accommodations, traditional boats, souvenir market, restaurants.


Volcanoes

POHEN MOUNTAIN

Description: Pohen Mountain is one of the most beautiful mountains in Bali. On the slope of this mountain lies Bedugul Botanical Garden with a collection of original Indonesia plants and imported one. Visitors usually enjoy the beautiful view of Lake Beratan from this slope.

Location: Pohen Mountain is located in the sub-district of Baturiti, Tabanan.
Facility: accommodations, souvenir market, restaurants

Mt. CATUR

Description: Mt. Catur (2096 m) is located side-by-side with Pohen Mountain, a great place for nature-lovers and adventure seekers. Similarly, visitors can enjoy the beautiful view of Lake Beratan from this spot. No tourism facility is available here, so visitors must bring their own food and water. The popular Gitgit Waterfall is located on the northern side of the peak.

Location: Mt. Catur sits on the eastern side of Lake Bratan, sub-district of Baturiti, Tabanan, about a 2 hour-drive from Denpasar.
Facility: various tourist facilities can be found on the southern bank of the lake and also in Candi Kuning.

Mt. BATUKARU

Description: Mt. Batukaru (2,276 m) is the island’s second tallest, located on the last true section of jungle, south of Pohen Mountain. Here visitors usually hike in a group, enjoy the spectacular 360 degree of the whole Bali from atop the peak. Some people like to camp up there, which would be a wonderful experience.
On the edge of this mountain sits a wonderful temple named Pura Luhur Batukaru, one of the six main temples in Bali (Sad Kahyangan). The temple is crowded by thousands worshipers once a year when the Hindu’s ceremony is celebrated here because Balinese from across the island come here.

Location: Mt. Batukaru is located on northern area of Tabanan, three hours drive from Denpasar.

Mt. BATUR

Description: Mt. Batur (1,412 m) is the island’s most active volcano. It has one of the biggest calderas in the world (van Bemmelen, 1949), measuring 13.8 x 10 km in size, with Lake Batur dominating the eastern half. Visitors can see the liquid sulfur of various colors here. On the edge of this mountain lies a millennium aged Trunyan Village where the original Balinese people, called Bali Aga, live with their very unique tradition where the dead is neither cremated nor buried, rather laid down beneath the Trunyan tree. Nearby the lake there is Pura Batur Temple with a holy spring believed to have the power to clean the soul.

Location: Kintamani is located in the District of Bangli, 65 km from Denpasar.
Facility: Modern or traditional accommodations, transportation, souvenir markets and various restaurants.

Mt. ABANG

Description: Mt. Abang (2,153 m), or Mt. Red, offers a sweeping views of the surrounding landscape, heavily forested in one side and lightly barren on the other, with many beautiful flowers of various colors along the way. People may find this more enjoyable climbing during the light hours to get shade from the searing sunlight. Nearby the top of this peak lie old temples such as Pura Munggu, Pura Manu Kaya, Pura Puncak Tuluk Biu.

Location: Mt. Abang is located in the sub-district of Kintamani, Bangli. To get to the trailhead at Gunung Abang you should look for Penelokan on the way to Kintamani. About 4 km south of Penelokan is a right turn heading for Suter. Take this road and do not turn right off of this road. Follow the road until it becomes a dirt track that follows the crater rim; ask locals as often as you need.
Facility: Visitors must prepare their own requirements here. No facility is available.


SERAYA MOUNTAIN

Description: Opposite of the slope, on the edge of Seraya Mountain is Tirta Gangga or Gange Water, a 1930’s water park built by Prince Anak Agung Anglurah Ketut Karangasem, a respected statesman as well as self-educated architect. A temple inside the park provides a spring believed to be able to heal many diseases. Visitor can submerged, or swim in this spring.

Location: Seraya Mountain is located in the sub-district of Abang, Karangasem, 17 km from the capital Amlapura.
Facility: Accommodations, restaurants, souvenir shop


Mt. LEMPUYANG

Description: Mt. Lempuyang is the island’s easternmost peak located in the heavily forested area, with forest animals like monkey and various birds.
Balinese Hindu often set a regular pilgrimage (Tirta Yatra) to the Temple at the top of this mountainous peak. The temple has 1174 stairs. Balinese Hindu believes that once in their life they must pay a visit to this important temple.

Location: Mt. Lempuyang is located north-eastern of, not far from, the capital city Amlapura.
Facility: On the edge of this mountain, only traditional accommodations and shops are allowed, because the government set to maintain the holiness of the existing temple.


Mt. AGUNG

Description: Mt Agung (3,142) is an active volcano with an enormous and very deep crater that occasionally vents out smoke and steam. The highest point is on the southwest part of the rim, a barren and rocky hill of fine volcanic rock. The summit area is above the tree line, due to the high winds and sterilizing effects of recent volcanic activity. The surrounding rainforests is almost always cloudy, and the potentially awesome view of the entire island spread out beneath you is extremely beautiful.

On the edge of this island’s tallest peak is the biggest Hindu temple, Besakih. Thousands of Hindu followers from around the world made a pilgrimage here every year for praying. The unique, multi-layered architecture of the temple shows the traditional social structure of Balinese people.

Location: Mt. Agung is located in Rendang sub-district, Karangaesm, a three-hour drive from Denpasar.
Facility: Traditional or modern accommodation, restaurant, public transportation, local guides, and others tourist facilities can be found here.

Tourist Object in Bali - Traditional Villages

District of Badung

1. MENGWI VILLAGE
The Mengwi Kingdom administration born in 1634 grew to be among the island’s most powerful political power until 1891, where a disastrous war dissolved the palace, but the temple survives. Today visitors can observe the wonderful temple complex, Taman Ayun, built during the Mengwi heydays, with its massive garden and pool. A museum called Manusa Yadnya, human rites of passage, nearby has a collection of works depicting a complete set of Hindu ceremonies since a baby is carried in the mother womb until he dies.
Location: This village is located in North Badung, 15 km north of Denpasar.
Facility: traditional food stalls, souvenir shops, and public transports.

District of Gianyar

1. BATUBULAN VILLAGE
The term Batubulan, moon rock, was taken from a stone shaping like a moon, discovered by Dewa Agung Kalasan, an adopted son of a local king, when he cleared a jungle to build his palace. He decided to name this area Batubulan. Now the stone is well kept at the royal temple nearby the palace. Batubulan is worth noted for their dances and sculptures. The famous Kecak and Barong dances are performed daily.
Located: Batubulan belongs to the sub-district Sukawati, Gianyar, 10 km east of Denpasar.
Facility: Traditional food stall, painting and handicraft galleries.

2. MAS VILLAGE
In the thirteenth century Mas was governed by an evil king Sri Aji Astasura Ratna Bumi Banten, and so did his followers. The evil practice lasted in the following centuries until Java’s powerful army arrived. A new king, Manik Mas, was installed. To make the area free from the bad past habit, a purification ceremony was administered, Punyan Tangi tangi tree was planted. The tree still survives today in the inner court yard of Pulemas Temple Mas villagers are mostly sculptors, producing ones from stone, wood, and porcelain.
Location: Mas Village is located in Gianyar, 20 km east of Denpasar.
Facility: visitors can buy kinds of statue or the other handicraft in the art galleries around the village.

3. BELEGA AND BONA VILLAGES
Both Belega and Bona Villages are well known for their bamboo craftsmanship, including table, chair, wardrobe, musical instruments. Bona has a nightly Kecak dance performance for tourists.
Location: Belega and Bona Villages belong to sub-district of Blahbatuh, Gianyar, 30 km from Denpasar.
Facility: art galleries displaying bamboo handicrafts

4. SEBATU AND PUJUNG VILLAGES
The name of Sebatu, according Usada Bali manuscript, is taken from a legend called Mayadenawa. The self-proclaimed god, Mayadenawa made all the people to worship him until he was defeated by god Indra and ran away into a jungle, transforming himself into various kinds of creatures until he slipped on a stone and died. The location was then called Sauhbatu, or Sebatu as it is known today (sauh for slip and stone for batu).
Most Sebatu villagers are sculptors and farmers. Most sculptors work in their front yard and sell the statues directly to customers. Beautifully arranged rice fields dominate right and left side of the main road leading to a village temple with a bathing spring nearby.
Location: Sebatu and Pujung Villages are north of Ubud, 38 km from Denpasar.

5. PELIATAN VILLAGE
Another art village, the densely populated Peliatan is home to famous artists such as Wayan Gandra, Made Lebah and Rudolf Bonnet along with several painting museums and many art galleries. Traditional dance or gamelan orchestra classes are available. An afternoon walk along the pristine village is a good past time.
Location: Peliatan Village belongs to the sub-district of Ubud, Gianyar, 22 km from Denpasar.

6. CELUK VILLAGE
Celuk is the right destination for gold and silver lovers, where its main road is adorned with many gold or silver galleries in traditional or modern buildings. Good quality gold or silver accessories in unusual designs and fair pricing, some even made to your order, if you have your own design.
Location: Celuk village is located in main road five km East of Denpasar

District of Bangli

1. BATU KAANG VILAGE
The name of Batu Kaang, meaning hill of rock, refers to the location it was built. The village is perched 1,150 meters above the sea level on the rocky hill. Batukaang villagers keep their pre-Hindu megalithic rituals along with the modern Hindu’s culture, a cultural mix. A beautiful view from atop with mild temperature.
Location: Batukaang Village belongs to the sub-district of Kintamani, 35 km from Bangli.

2. TRUNYAN VILLAGE
The name of Trunyan, from Taru means tree and Menyan means substance of good smell, was taken from the sweet smelling Banyan tree occupying its cemetery. Trunyan village is squeezed tightly by the Batur Lake and the outer ridge of Mt. Batur. Trunyanese were indigenous Balinese who were “driven out” to this present location as modern Balinese arrived from Java’s Majapahit empire, themselves were driven out by the arrival of Islam.
Unlike modern Balinese who cremate a dead body, Trunyanese simply arrange them under the Banyan trees, the smell of which prevents the bad odor from the decomposing remains. After awhile, a certain ceremony follows and the skull of the dead is joined with others on the altar nearby.
Location: Trunyan village is located across of Lake Batur, sub-district of Kintamani, Bangli, 65 north of Denpasar. Visitors usually rent a boat or traditional yacht which can be found around Batur Lake

District of Klungkung

1. TIHINGAN VILLAGE
Tihingan Village is known as the producer of Gamelan, traditional music instruments made from bronze or copper, used for escorting Balinese dances and some ritual ceremonies. The villagers are descendant of Pande family, those experts in metal related business. Tihingan’s gamelan is a well-known brand nationwide, for its special tone and appearance. Visitors can learn to play it at Gamelan studio around nearby the village temple.
Location: Tihingan Village belongs to the sub-district of Banjarangkan, Klungkung, 3 km west of the capital Semarapura.

2. KAMASAN VILLAGE
Kamasan Village is known from its puppet paintings and silver and chopper handicrafts. The Balinese puppet, Wayang, is a media for religious education as well as mode of entertainment, through its epic stories. The Dutch colonials discover this painting technique as unique for its natural color and distinct style, never been found in any other art village on Bali. Egg paintings were first developed here. Kamasan also produce silver or chopper households engraved with puppet painting characters.
Location: Kamasan Village is located 1, 5 km south of Semarapura. Traditional horse-drawn chart Dokar is a popular transport in this village.

District of Karangasem

1. TENGANAN VILLAGE
Tenganan is one of two indigenous locally known as Bali Aga, the beginning of Bali, driven into the mountainous interiors when modern Balinese arrived from Java by the end of the fourteenth century. Tengananese developed their distinct culture, combining pre-Hindu megalithic tradition with the Hinduism. Most houses are made from concrete bricks roofed with dry grasses called Somi. Girls must marry a local boy. A married man carries Keris traditional dagger whenever he goes outside of their housing compound as a symbol a family guardian.
Tenganan is also known for the distinct double ikat weaving, kain grinsing, and the annual celebrated friendly yet bloody battle Perang Pandan, usually held in June.
Armed with a handful of pandanus thorny leaves, two fighters enter the ring with a singe aim, wounding his opponent body as much as it causes “blood to drops on the dance floor”. This dance prepares young lads to be strong guardians for their village, which they believe a sacred land compared to the rest of Bali. An elder man acting as a referee will only stop the fight when a fighter is wounded and blood runs down falling to the ground.
Located: Tenganan Village accessible from Candidasa, a popular destination in Karangasem, about 70 km east of Denpasar.

Tourist Object in Bali - Temple

T E M P L E S

DISTRICT OF BADUNG

ULUWATU TEMPLE
Uluwatu Temple is perched on a cliff of a rocky hill on the southernmost part of Bali. Balinese believe the shrine was the result of the metamorphosis of the God’s holy water. This temple was built and chosen by one of Hindu’s most respected priest, Danghyang Nirartha to unite with God Almighty, moksa. Uluwatu Temple is surrounded by trees and bushes occupied by tamed army of monkeys.
Location: Uluwatu is about 30 km south of Denpasar, about one hour driving from Kuta or Ngurah Rai International Airport
Facility: Souvenir shops, traditional food stalls and an amphitheater staging daily Kecak dance around sunset.

TAMAN AYUN TEMPLE
Taman Ayun Temple is a royal shrine built in 1634 at the height of the Mengwi Kingdom, one of the island’s most powerful political hubs disappearing by the end of the nineteenth century. It is about 300 meter east of the former palace of Mengwi . This temple is surrounded by many water lilies. The temple yard is always green and fresh with well cared flowers and grass. Across the temple is ‘Museum Manusa Yadnya’, the museum of human ceremony, housing collections describing human life cycles, especially the rituals that follows since one is carried in mother’s womb until he dies off.
Location: Taman Ayun Temple is located in Mengwi, Badung, about 19 km north of Denpasar.
Facility: On the west side of this temple is a descent restaurant inside a building called Wisata Mandala. Public transportation is available nearby the building.

PUCAK MANGU TEMPLE
Pucak Mangu Temple was built in 1633 by the first king of Mengwi at the very top Mt Mangu. Surrounded by massive green foliage, virgin rainforest, the temple is an ideal finish point for someone fond of hiking while enjoying spectacular vista above the Bratan Lake and the historical temple at the center of the peak.
Location: Puncak Mangu Temple is located in the sub-district of Petang, Badung, about 48 km north of Denpasar.

DENPASAR MUNICIPALITY

JAGATNATHA TEMPLE
The uniquely designed Jagatnatha Temple located at the very heart of Denapsar was built in 1968. The temple is especially observed for religious ceremony during full moon. Next to the temple is the mayor office of Denpasar and Puputan Badung Park, the site of a suicidal battle costing over 3,000 souls in September 20, 1906.
Location: Jagatnatha Temple is located at Jalan Mayor Wisnu, Denpasar

MAOSPAHIT TEMPLE
Maospahit is better known as an archaeological remain, often visited by the academic society for its terracotta statue which reminds one to the time of Java ‘s Majapahit Kingdom around the fourteenth century.
Location: Maospahit Temple is located at Dr. Sutomo Street, Denpasar, about 750 meters west of Jagatnatha Temple, next to traditional market Pasar Badung.

PETILAN PENGEREBONGAN TEMPLE
Petilan Pengerebongan is famous for its very unique ceremony ‘Ngerebong’, where the angel reflecting Barong fights against the evil Rangda and an army of male trance dancers, stab themselves with their dagger ‘Keris’. This ceremony is held every 210 days according to Balinese Calendar.
Location: Petilan Pengerebongan is located in Kesiman Petilan, East Denpasar, about five km east of the capital. Public transport is available from the main bus station. The temple is easily reached about three km north Sanur.

SAKENAN TEMPLE
Sakenan Temple was built in the sixteenth century by the last arriving Hindu prophet Dang Hyang Nirartha, when the last groups of Hindu-Buddhists arrived in Bali. Sakenan Temple is located in a small island south of Denpasar. Dubbed the Turtle Island, Serangan is heavily surrounded by mangrove forests. It has a very unique architecture, combining Hindu and Buddhist architectural design with coral stone as the foundation.
Location: Sakenan Temple is located in Serangan Island, south of Denpasar, 30 minute drive from Kuta.
Facility: souvenir shops and food stalls around the temple.

DISTRICT OF GIANYAR

PENATARAN SASIH TEMPLE
Penataran Sasih is one of the oldest temples in Bali, housing a collection of pre-Hindu objects. The famous one is Nekara, locally known as the Pejeng Moon, the Asia’s biggest bronze drum, measuring two meter long by 160cm of diameter. Special temple festivals are held in the 9th month of the Balinese calendar.
Location: Penataran Sasih Temple is located in Pejeng, Gianyar, eight km west of Gianyar, or 27 km west of Denpasar.
Facility: There are handicraft and painting galleries and traditional food stalls across the temple.

KEBO EDAN TEMPLE
Kebo Edan, literally means crazy buffalo, temple is believed as the shrine to worship the god of death, Siwa. There is a statue of the god dancing above dead bodies known as Ciwa Bhairawa. Kebo Edan statue, measuring 3.6 meter high, is believed as the representative of a giant who has six penises and is a hard-follower of God Ciwa. Beside him stand many horrified male effigies.
Location: Kebo Edan Temple is located in Pejeng, Gianyar, near Penataran Sasih Temple, about eight km west of Gianyar.

PUSERING JAGAT TEMPLE
Pusering Jagat Temple is located in north of Kebo Edan Temple, showing how god creates human being, depicting ‘Purusha and Pradana’, male and female sex organs. Another statue depicting a big basin called ‘Sangku Sudamala’ is believed as the water container to keep holly water falling from the house of gods.
Location: Pusering Jagat Temple is located in Pejeng, Gianyar, eight km west of Gianyar

MANGENING TEMPLE
Mangening Temple shows us the course of human creation, with sculptures portraying male and female sex organs yet in different shapes called Lingga-Yoni. The temple surroundings are full of green trees and various kinds of flowers.
Location: Mangening Temple is located in Tampaksiring, about 15 km from the capital Gianyar, 37 km west of Denpasar.

PENGULINGAN TEMPLE
This Hindu-Buddhist temple was discovered in 1983, with several Buddhist stupas. The biggest one is located in the center. Pengulingan Temple is observed by local Buddhist followers.
Location: Pengulingan temple is located in Manukaya Village, Tampaksiring sub-district, 16 km from Gianyar, 38 km from Denpasar.

GOA GAJAH (ELEPHANT CAVE) TEMPLE
The name Goa Gajah Elephan Cave is not definitely known derived from certain source of origin. It was said when the cave was first unearthed, its entrance’s upper part was mistakenly believed as an elephant trunk, so did the name stick. Goa Gajah is a temple inside a cave. This temple is believed as the center for yoga and meditation during Hindu-Buddhism era. A ganesha statue reflects a Buddhism side, while its Ciwa statue portrays the Hinduisms counterpart. On the west corner of this cave lays Buddha and Harito statues. Goa Gajah temple is surrounded by green rice fields along the River Petanu.
Location: Goa gajah Temple is located in Bedulu Village, sub-district of Blahbatuh, Gianyar, 26 km east of Denpasar.
Facility: An arrays of food stalls and souvenir shops.

DISTRICT OF BANGLI

KEHEN TEMPLE
Kehen Temple records the virtual history of Bangli from its ancient age. The word Kehen is
i derived from Keren flame. Formerly, it was known as Hyang Api fire god temple. Three small Nekara bronze drums suggest fire god Hyang Api was observed here in the past. The grand ceremony is held every three years on Buda Kliwon Shinta, the fifth full moon according Balinese calendar, or around November.
Location: Kehen Temple is located on the southern slope of Bangli hill, two km from the capital.

PUNCAK PENULISAN TEMPLE
Puncak Penulisan Temple is located on the top of Mt Penulisan, the peak which divides Bangli into two main parts, east and west. The temple houses various items from megalithic era. Its millennium-aged design is seen from the composition of the 11 terraces. These terraces reveal the continuation of the pyramidal styles from the Megalithic age, a unique look.
Location: Puncak Penulisan Temple is situated at 1,745 meter above the sea level, about three km from the sub-district of Kintamani, 30 km from Bangli.

BATUR / ULUN DANU TEMPLE
Batur temple is located 900 meter above sea level, known as one of the six main temples, Sad Kahyangan. Legend says Mt. Batur was brought by the God from the top of Mt. Mahameru in India. Sang Hyang Dewi Danu, the god of prosperity, is believed to reside here. Near the temple is the breath-taking Lake Batur, formed by the massive caldera of Mt. Batur.
Location: Batur Temple is located in Kintamani, about 23 km north of Bangli, 65 km north of Denpasar.

DISTRICT OF KLUNGKUNG

TAMAN SARI TEMPLE
Taman Sari is one among the beautifully-set temples with vast garden and surrounding pool. Various species of indigenous flowers and trees of Bali surround the beautifully arranged meru storey-roofed shrines, eleven and nine stories respectively. Each of the meru was built above two big turtle statues twisted by a dragon statue called Ananthaboga. It depicts a story of the gods fighting the devils while searching for holy water.
Location: Taman Sari Temple is located in Sengguan Village, Klungkung, 500 meter northeast of the capital Semarapura.

WATU KLOTOK TEMPLE
One of the six main temples in Bali, Watu Klotok Temple is located on a black sandy beach south of the capital Semarapura. Watu Klotok is believed as the shrine to purify human soul, the small world, and the entire universe, the big world. A special ceremony was administered here right after the blast in Kuta, aimed at cleansing the world from the evil spirit. Piodalan ceremony or Pujawali is held every Anggara Kliwon Julungwangi, once in seven month, and Ngusabha, once a year.
Location: Watu Klotok Temple is located on the shore of Klotok beach, five km south of the capital.Semarapura.

PANTI TIMBRAH TEMPLE
Panti Timbrah Temple has a very unique ritual called Perang Jempana the battle of deities, held every 210 days on Kuningan day. The sacred rite begins with a bathing ritual in the Unda River in the morning. The main event is held in late in the afternoon, involving dozens of young men carrying the deities’ effigies on jempana palanquins. Each palanquin is beautifully decorated with yellow and gold colored cloths, flower and leaves.
An army of young men in a trance carry each Jempana, running around the temple ground, chasing and crashing each other. The high spirited gamelan orchestra helps create a frenzied atmosphere. Often a group from a huge crowd of onlookers which gather on the temple ground fall into a collective trance, adding a timid shade to this rare ceremony. After several hours of fighting Perang Jempana is stopped by sprinkling holy water to the entranced bearers and the deities’ effigies are taken out from the palanquins and returned to the temple.
Location: Panti Timbrah Temple is located in Pasekbali Billage, sub-district of Dawan, three km north-east of the capital Semarapura.

GOA LAWAH TEMPLE
Goa Lawah Temple is located inside a cave occupied by bats, so as it gets its name, lawah, the nocturnal. This is the shrine to worship the god of sea Bhatara Tengahing Segara or Bhatara Baruna. This temple is a must observed temple especially by those fulfilling Ngaben cremation ceremony, as the ash of the cremated about to be drifted to the sea. Across the temple is Kusamba, a used-to-be port village now turning a into traditional salt making facility.
Location: Goa Lawah temple is located in the sub-district of Dawan, Klungkung, 49 km from Denpasar or 10 km east of the capital Semarapura.
Facility: Traditional food stalls, souvenir shops, public transports.

DISTRICT OF KARANGASEM

BESAKIH TEMPLE
Perched on the slope of the island’s highest peak of Mt. Agung, the mother temple of Bali, Besakih, is by size the biggest temple. Historical accounts say the temple was built by Maharesi Markandya in the eleventh century in a quest for god blessing upon a devastating disease striking the majority of Bali, including his faithful students. The word Besakih comes from Basukihan means safety and prosperity. Thousands of Balinese Hindus pay a pilgrimage to this temple thus thanking for their prosperous lives.
Location: Besakih Temple is located in Rendang sub-district, Karangasem, about two hours drive from Denpasar.
Facility: Accommodations, food stalls, public transportations, souvenir shops.

DISTRICT OF TABANAN

ALAS KEDATON TEMPLE
As it name suggests, Alas Kedaton, forest palace, the temple is located inside of a jungle. From the historical and archeological point of views, this temple can be classified into two main parts. The first shows the pre-Hindu or Megalithic age and the other one the initial era of Hindu influence. Tamed monkey and giant bats are the kings of the forest kingdom.
Location: Alas Kedaton Temple is located in the sub-istrict of Marga, Tabanan, 25km north-west of Denpasar.
Facility: Traditional food stalls, an array of souvenir shops

RAMBUT SIWI TEMPLE
The name Rambut Siwi is closely related to the holy journey of Hindu prophet Danghyang Nirartha in the sixteenth century. On his spiritual voyage from West to south Bali the spiritual leader gave his flock of hair to be worshiped by the people of the neighborhood, so the temple was called Rambut Siwi (rambut means hair). Rambut Siwi temple is located on the shore of black sand sea west of Tabanan. Visitors can see traditional salt making facilities not far from the shrine.
Location: Rambut Siwi Temple is located on the southwestern beach of Bali, sub-district of Mendoyo, Tabanan, 78 km west of Denpasar.

ULUN DANU / ULUN DANU BERATAN TEMPLE
Ulun Danu is a beautifully positioned temple built above small projecting land on Lake Beratan, thus it is known as Ulun Danu, a power or head of the lake. The power refers to goddess of prosperity, Sang Hyang Dewi Danu. Visitors can explore the temple from a distance by renting traditional yacht. Regular temple ceremony is executed every six months called Piodalan, on a day called Anggara Kliwon Julungwan, and the bigger one called Piodalan Agung every 12 months.
Location: Ulun Danu Temple is located in Lake Beratan, sub-district of Baturiti, Tabanan, a close distance from Bedugul Botanical Garden.
Facility: restaurants, souvenir shops. Accommodations can be found around the main road, about 500 meters from the temple.

DISTRICT OF BULELENG

BRAHMA VIHARA-ARAMA
Brahma Vihara-Arama is also known as Banjar Buddhist, the island’s biggest Buddhist monastery. The temple was built in 1969, occupying an area of 1,000 square meters of ocean facing hilly land. The building design and the ornaments reflect typical Balinese architecture, with big stupa on the center and a Buddha statue one side. People call this temple as the miniature of Java’s largest Buddhist temple of Borobudur.
Location: Brahma Vihara-Arama is located in Tegeha Village, sub-district of Banjar, Buleleng , about 22 km west of the capital Singaraja.

MEDUWE KARANG TEMPLE
Meduwe Karang Temple is one of the very unique temples in Bali—as its name suggests the material made for—sea coral. Additionally, there are a total of 34 coral statues depicting the characters from the Indian epic Ramayan. Uniquely, the temple is observed mostly by the surrounding farming community, for their green, prosperous rice fields.
Location: Meduwe Karang Temple is located in Kubutambahan Village, Buleleng, 12 km east of Singaraja.

BEJI TEMPLE
As the shrine of the god of rice, Dewi Sri, Beji Temple is observed most by the farming communities. Uniquely enough, each part of this temple is adorned with plants and flower. Beji temple is built within Majapahit Kingdom era, around the XV century. Beji Temple is the inspiration for the traditional agricultural system called Subak.
Location: Beji Temple is located in Sangsit Village, sub-district of Sawan, Buleleng, eight km east of Singaraja.

DALEM JAGARAGA TEMPLE
Dalem Jagaraga Temple belongs to Pura Kahyangan Tiga, three of the main temples in a village. This is the shrine to worship the god of death Ciwa or Durga so that when someone dies, his/her soul will depart for the heaven, not meandering on the earth. No definite source as reference about when the temple was built, most people believe that it was built during the Dutch colonial era, as displayed here on the relief carve, showing the war between the local fighters against the Dutch in an epic called Perang Jagaraga, battle of Jagaraga.
Location: Dalem Jagaraga Temple is located in Jagaraga Village, sub-district of Sawan, Buleleng, 11 km east of Singaraja.

PULAKI TEMPLE
Pulaki Temple is one of the temples in Bali which was built on the cliff of coral hill. This temple is dedicated to worshiping one Hindu’s holy virgin girl Cri Patni Keniten. Pulaki is set on the beautiful view of Bali northwestern beach, with tamed army of monkeys guarding around.
Location: Pulaki Temple is located in Banyupoh village, sub-district of Grokgak, Buleleng, 53 km west of Singaraja.
Facility: Accommodation are available in Pemuteran village, few kilometers to the west.

PONJOK BATU TEMPLE
Ponjok Batu temple was built by King Cri Waturenggong (1460-1515). Ponjok Batu means Stoney Cape. This temple was in respect to the wandering priest Dang Hyang Nirartha, during his spiritual journey to teach Hinduism by the turn of the sixteenth century. From the temple vicinity, visitors can enjoy the beautiful view of Jawa Sea. A holy spring near the temple provide bathing facility and source of holy water for ceremonies.
Location: Ponjok Batu Temple is located in Pacung village, sub-district of Tejakula, Buleleng, 24 km east of Singaraja.
Facility: traditional food stalls on the parking area

DALEM SANGSIT TEMPLE
Something worth seeing from this temple is a stone relief describing the famous legend called Bima Swarga, the spiritual journey of Bima and to heaven after he departed his life, observing those who enjoyed their life for their good deeds and those punished for their wrongdoings, a “slide show” of heaven and torture.
Location: Dalem Sangsit Temple is located in Sangsit Village, eight km east of Singaraja.

Tourist Object in Bali - The Beach

BEACHES in BALI

BADUNG DISTRICT

KUTA BEACH Description: Kuta is the center of entertainments and has become the favorite destination of multinational visitors. It has everything a tourist looks for i.e. white-sandy beach, rows of excellent bars and restaurants, discotheques, and entertainment spots for an enjoyable nightlife. Rows of kiosks selling souvenirs and everything a tourist need such as garments or latest CDs and cassettes are available along the main road with reasonable prices. Location: 11 km south of Denpasar. Kuta can be easily reached by public transport from Tegal bemo station in 30 minutes. SULUBAN BEACH Description: Suluban Beach is one of the places of interest belonging to Badung regency. It is known for its beautiful beach along with amazing wave; best for surfing. The natural beauty of the southern tip of Bali’s highland with its hollowing waves and peaceful surroundings has attracted more and more visitors to enjoy its serenity and peacefulness. Location: Suluban beach is one of several frivolous beaches located at Pecatu village on the southern tip of Badung District, about three km from Uluwatu temple. The beach is about 32km south of Denpasar, and can be reached through Kuta, Ngurah Rai International Airport, and Jimbaran. The sloping and bending road around the hill offers a panoramic view. NUSA DUA BEACH Description: Nusa Dua enclave has the most complete tourist facilities in Bali, including luxurious hotels, sporting facilities, shopping center and international convention hall, to mention a few. The empty, arid land of Nusa Dua started to develop in 1974 and the government trusted the management to Bali Tourism Development Corporation (BTDC). Location: The distance between Nusa Dua and Denpasar is 30 km, through Kuta to the south, 12 km from the Ngurah Rai International Airport.

DENPASAR MUNICIPALITY

SANUR BEACH Description: Sanur has been known worldwide literally a century ago, when the deadly, horrendous battle of Puputan Badung took place on September 20, 1906 as the Dutch troops anchored here. This beach was first introduced into international community by a Belgian painter, A.T. Le Mayeur, who married a Balinese dancer Ni Polok, and stayed here since 1937 and often held painting exhibitions of his own. The main attraction of Sanur is its calm beach. In the south east, one can observe Nusa Penida Island across the sea and in the eastern side, the panoramic view of South Bali along with its range of mountains is a spectacular sight that should not be missed. In a bright afternoon the scenery is simply beautiful. Location: Sanur is six km from Denpasar, one can get to this beach by car, motorcycle or regular public transportation. BENOA HARBOUR Description: Benoa is the marine activity hub of the island, for both domestic and international. Boating races are regularly held here with overseas participants hosted by Royal Bali Yacht Club, RBYC. From this harbor visitors can extend their vacation to other destinations, including Nusa Lembongan, Nusa Penida and Lombok, on their own boats or on cruises available here such as Bali Hai Cruise, The Bounty, Nusa Lembongan, to mention a few. Location: This harbor is six km to the south from Denpasar.

KARANGASEM DISTRICT

PADANG BAI BEACH Description: Padang Bai is an harbor area naturally sheltered by cluster of hills and has for centuries been serving as the island’s important sea port. Over the eastern hill of Padang Bai beach lay The Silayukti temple, built by Mpu Kuturan, one of Hindu’s most respected prophets from Java, around the eleventh century. On the western side is another temple called Penataran Agung temple, built by another Hindu holy man from Java named Danghyang Nirartha around the sixteenth century. Location: Padang Bai is located in the sub-district of Manggis, Karangasem, 53 km from Denpasar or 30 km to west from the Eastern Bali capital of Amlapura. JEMELUK BEACH Decription: Jemeluk is a famous among underwater lovers. Crystal clear and steady water, beautiful coral layer on which various kinds of decorative tropical fish live. Other attraction include traditional salting ground along beach towards Amed, besides the breath-taking view with the towering Mt. Agung in the background, hills with valleys, the vast blue ocean adorned with rows of the fishermen’s traditional rowing boats. Location: Jemeluk is located on the coastal area of Purwakerti Village, sub-district of Abang, Karangasem. About 101 km from Denpasar or 21 km from Amlapura.

TABANAN DISTRICT

SOKA BEACH Description: Soka is one of the most beautiful beaches in western part of Bali. Panorama view with chains of hills forms natural walls on the west side through to Batukaru Mountain Range on the north. On the eastside, Agung Mountain is seen in the distance and Indonesian ocean is on the south with the eastern tip of east Java in the backdrop. Soka beach hides thousand of natural miracles and legends. One can find a massive coral stone with size of about 30 cubic meters surrounded by sand and sea water believed to be cooking pot of Balinese mighty man named Kebo Iwa. On the west side of the cooking pot, there is a another coral stone depicting a traditional stove about 10x20 meters in size believed as the stove on which the mighty Kebo Iwa cooked his meal. Location: Soka beach is in Antap Village, sub-district of Selamadeg, Tabanan, 45 km from Denpasar or 84 km from Gilimanuk

JEMBRANA DISTRICT

MEDEWI BEACH Description: Medewi is a rocky beach with fairly good waves for surfing. Its sloping part on the west with a bit receding to the south where a number of traditional rowing boats jukung tied up makes an amazing scene mainly at sunset. Location: Medewi Beach is located about 100 meters from the Denpasar-Gilimanuk main road. It can be easily reached within one and half hours drive from Denpasar, or about 72 km. DELOD BRAWAH BEACH Description: Delod Brawah beach is a sloping, black-sandy beach, an ideal location for recreation and swimming. The black color comes from a natural process, especially the swampy (called Berawah in Balinese) area nearby. So then, the people who live on the north side called the newly-formed village Delod Berawah, south of the swampy area. On the north side of Delod Brawah beach is a former rice field where traditional water buffalo race called Makepung is regularly held. This is such an attraction only to be found in Jembrana. Location: The beach can easily be reached from the sub-district of Mendoyo, Jembrana, about 88 km from Denpasar. It is about 1,5 km to the south from Tegalcangkring through extensive rice field often visited by flock of herons and storks. PERANCAK BEACH Description: Perancak or Purancak is located on the southwestern coastal area of Bali, at Purancak Village. At the west tip is the legendary Purancak Temple facing west towards a river with its calm water whereas wild coastal vegetations grow on both side of the river. The ocean is just about 250 meter to the south with its clear blue water while the eastern tip of East Java is seen in the distance. On the right side of estuary are rows of traditional houses under the coconut trees with leaves waving in the breeze Location: Purancak beach is located about 10 km south east of Tegal Cangkring village, Negara, 96 km from Denpasar following the main road to Gilimanuk.

BULELENG DISTRICT

LOVINA BEACH Description: Lovina, from Love Ina (Indonesia), is known for its fantastic beach, calm water, black sand, colorful coral and various kinds of tropical fish. Its calm water is an ideal location for various marine activities, such as fishing, swimming, diving, snorkeling, or just immersing in the water. Added to all these attractions is an army of dolphins in their original habitat. Visitors usually depart at dawn to watch hundreds of this friendly fish one km offshore. Lovina also has some other interesting places nearby, such as Banjar hot spring, Buddhist Vihara, Gitgit and Singsing waterfalls. Location: Lovina beach is also known as Kalibukbuk. It covers a total of five kilometer distance of two sub-districts of Buleleng and Banjar, consisting of six villages including Pemaron, Tukad Mungga, Anturan, and Kalibukbuk, Kaliasem and Temukus. The famous tourist resort is located 10 km to the west of the northern capital of Singaraja.

Bali And Tourism

Bali and Tourism

Ending the prehistoric era, Bali was intended to do a search and travel by the spiritual aspirant. Rsi Markandeya recorded as the spiritual leader of the Javanese who first set his trip in Bali. Travel searches inner purity and balance of nature and Hindu religious order placing the stake on the southern slopes of Mount Agung which is now known as the Pura Agung Besakih. Pura Basukian believed to be the first milestone with their followers ensure Rsi Markandeya Bali as a land of the purpose of building spiritual values.

How sustainable, the order of spiritual life with successive simultaneous governance in Bali. Warmadewa Dynasty reign is mentioned in various ancient texts strongly supports the survival of religion with culture and local customs that invite the arrival of the spiritual leaders and the land of Java. Arrival Kuturan professor at sektar 11th century in order to live must be able to glue the local community with Hinduism order brought from Java. Order traditional village with parhyangan concept as a personification of God in the functioning of Tri Murti is an effort to accommodate unification of local concepts with the concept of Hinduism.

Continuing spiritual journey undertaken by Hindu Religious leaders from the land of Java. Unification of the archipelago by the Majapahit is the culmination of the journey and transformation of religion and local culture with Hindu culture. In the course of time, Bali and its people then living their daily lives with the good life, religion, art, and unique culture. Uniqueness is then, in about 1579, to the attention of a Dutchman named Cornelis de Houtman who travel to Indonesia to search for spices. Fertile soil, agriculture and cultural uniqueness of the population in daily living was a major concern for the expedition de Houtman.

Together with Indonesia, known as the producer of spices, Bali is becoming known world from the cultural side. Mastery of the Netherlands to Indonesia was in about 17th and 18th centuries did not much influence on religious life and culture in Bali. Hinduism in Bali in those days even entering the heyday when the kingdom in Bali-based Gelgel and then moved to Smarapura (Klungkung). Early 20th century, then Bali is controlled by the Dutch marked by the fall of the Kingdom of Klungkung Klungkung Puputan War through 1908.
Facility Tours

Since its acquisition by the Dutch, as if Bali was opened wide to visit strangers. Bali is not just the arrival of foreigners as tourists but no less the observer and cultural aspirants who came to record the uniqueness of Balinese culture and art. From the aspirant culture consisting of a poet, writer, and this is the uniqueness of Balinese painters increasingly spread internationally. Submission of information through various media by a stranger was able to attract travelers to visit Bali. Bali land and admiration will arouse interest in the stranger gave the title to Bali. The Island of Gods, The Island of Paradise, The Island of Thousand Temples, The Morning of the World, and various other praise names.

In 1930, in the heart of Denpasar, built a hotel to accommodate the arrival of tourists at that time. Bali Hotel, a colonial architectural style buildings, a milestone in the history of Bali tourism, which until now the building is still sturdy in its original style. Not just received a visit from tourists, ambassadors from the village of Balinese art culture Peliatan made visits to several countries in Europe and America indirectly, these visits as well as introducing the existence of Bali as a tourist destination worth visiting.

Tourism activities, which began to blossom at that time, had been halted due to World War II between the years 1942-1945 and was followed by an increasingly fierce struggle for independence of Indonesia, including the struggle that occurred in Bali until 1949. Mid-decade of the 50s Bali tourism began reorganized and in 1963 built Hotel Bali Beach (The Grand Bali Beach Hotel) at Sanur Beach with ten-story building. This hotel is the only tour that shaped residential high-rise residential facilities while tourism (hotels, home stays, retired) who developed later only a one-story building. In the mid-'70s decade Bali local government issued a local regulation governing maximum building height of 15 meters. This determination is determined by considering the cultural factors and traditional spatial Bali so Bali still has a cultural value that can be tumupuan tourism sector.

To be sure, since the operation of Bali Beach Hotel in November 1966, construction of residential tourism is growing rapidly. In terms of quality, developing Sanur relatively better planned because of side by side with the Bali Beach Hotel Kuta Beach while the herd berkemabang naturally moves from the local residential model. Model homestay and retirement grow more dominant than the standard model of the hotel. Similar to Kuta, Ubud in Gianyar region develops naturally, growing in the homes of residents who stick with shades of the countryside.

Construction of international-class tourist residential finally began with the development of Nusa Dua area into an international tourist resorts. Managed by Bali Tourism Developmnet Corporation, a body of government formation, Nusa Dua area is developed to meet the needs of international tourism. Some hotel operators enter the Nusa Dua area as the investors that ultimately this kawsan able to boost the development of tourism in Bali.

Subsequent periods, residential facilities and tourism is growing very rapidly in the center of residential tourism, especially in the areas of Badung, Denpasar and Gianyar. Area Kuta Beach, Jimbaran, Ungasan into residential areas and tourism in Badung, Sanur, and Denpasar city center for the region. Ubud, Kedewatan, Chedi, and Tegalalang a residential development of tourism in the area of Herzliya.

Controlling a very rapid development, the Government then appoints 15 district of Bali in Bali as a tourist residential area following its supporting facilities such as restaurants and shopping centers. Up to now, Bali has has more than 35,000 hotel rooms consist of class Pondok Wisata, Jasmine, up to 5 Star. Facility hotels are appearing in various forms ranging from a model home, standard hotel, villas, bungalows, and boutique hotels with price variation. This diversity gives more value to Bali because it offers many options to travelers.

As a result of the development of tourist visits, various support facilities such as restaurants, art shops, art market, entertainment, and recreation is growing rapidly in residential centers or tourist attractions in the region. The travelers who visited Bali, finally had little choice in enjoying their holiday in Bali, finally tourism organizations such as PHRI (IHRA), ASITA, and other tourism organizations in Bali, which are professionally managed and provide tourism services, as if to give assurance to comfort tour in Bali.

Culture In Bali ( BELIEFS, CEREMONIES, CYCLES OF LIFE AND RITES OF PASSAGES )

BELIEFS, CEREMONIES, CYCLES OF LIFE AND RITES OF PASSAGES

(Source: Bali A Traveler’s Companion and Bali Tourism Information Book 2008)

Balinese beliefs & its history

Balinese Hinduism, a combination of Indian Shivaistic, Buddhist traditions and local customs dominates the daily lives of Balinese. Those many aspects involved during its one-millennium long evolution from the fifth till the sixteenth century make Hinduism of Bali tremendously different from that of India. Hinduism and Buddhism are believed to arrive in Indonesia from India around the 4th century, known from a Yupa stone ancient inscription found in Kalimantan. Both faiths bonded with local culture to form what it is known today as Hindu-Dharma.

Hinduism-Buddhism flourished all across the archipelago in the eighth century especially under the patronage of the Sriwijaya Kingdom in South Sumatra. The golden age continued until the Java’s Majapahit Empire sovereign from the beginning of the fourteenth century till the turn of the sixteenth century when Islam arrived and pushed the Hindu aristocrat family to migrate to Bali. Thus, current Hindu Dharma is a well-balanced mixture of the Indian values and the Java’s tradition well preserved on the island of Bali.

Cycles of Life in Balinese Belief

Existence, according Balinese Hinduism, is a continuous cycle of birth, life, death, and rebirth until one’s soul is purified and thus unified with the God. You won’t be surprised to hear a Balinese says “My nephew is my grand mother reborn” and et cetera. Rebirth or incarnation, called Punarbhawa/Samsara, is one of the five chief principles of Hinduism, aiming to get Moksa the perfection and holiness of the soul so that it can be accepted in the realm of the God.

Balinese believe Moksa can be reached through four corridors, Brahmacari, Grehasta, Wanaprehasta, and Bhiksuka. Those steps have their own purposes. Brahmacari is the period for gaining knowledge as much as one can, then continued by Grehasta; period for building a good marriage without leaving knowledge, Wanaprehasta is the period for starting to leave the secular world, and finally Bhiksuka is time when one has succeed in leaving secular world and using his knowledge to help others. Before someone reaches the fourth step, s/he won’t be able to reach the perfection and holiness, and instead would go through the first step again.
Balinese people believe in the paternal system. When a woman delivers a baby, most Balinese believe that it is the reincarnation of the male ancestral. Some also believe that the baby can be from an reincarnation of the female line or even an animal. Because when an animal is sacrificed for a ritual ceremony, its soul is uplifted to be a human’s.

Ceremonies and Rites of Passages Reflects the Island of the God

In Bali, there is no single day without a ceremony. It is an obligation for human to promote balance relations among human, gods and nature. Those principles are materialized through a whole-heartily sacrifice, called Yadnya. Yadnya can be a very simple thing like giving a slice of one’s sausage to a wandering dog, or just cleaning up plastic rubbish in a temple area. Yadnya, or giving away, is the root of most ceremonies in Bali.
There are five obligations, or Panca Yadnya. Dewa Yadnya aims at thanking to the God, Pitra Yadnya to respect the ancestors’ souls, Manusa Yadnya aims at cleaning human souls, Rsi Yadnya is held when someone want to be a priest and Bhuta Yadnya aims for thanking to nature and balancing their positive and negative powers. Those Yadnya are reflected through ceremonies, but Dewa Yadnya is reflected through ceremonies more than the others.
Those hundreds of ceremonies regularly held anywhere on the island each is based on one of the Panca Yadnya. Different traditions from one village to another create more variations among places in Bali. Following are some of the most important:

MELASTI
Melasti, a Dewa Yadnya ceremony, aims at clearing some temple equipments and keeping their holy spirit. Melasti is usually held one day before Nyepi/ silent day one of Hindu’s holy day in Bali. Balinese people do a small parade from their temple to the sea, carrying the temple equipments to be cleansed in the waters and return them to the temple for a prayer.

NGABEN
A Pitra Yadnya ceremony, ngaben cremation has been a famous tourist attraction for a long time. This ceremony is held by the family members when they lost one of their relative, aiming at cleansing one’s soul so that it will be unified with the God. Ngaben is a very significant, month-long prepared ceremony. In Bali, each cremation take all the village members to work together to help the family administering the whole processes of the ceremony, and therefore such a ceremony often turns into a very big happening. Tourists often are attracted when the body is put in big chest and carried by 15-50 healthy men from the house through to the grave yard. The chests take several shapes such as Lembu (Balinese ox), Gajah Mina (a big fish with elephant head), or Singa Mangaraja (a lion with two wings). Those imitated animals are believed as God’s holy animals. At the grave yard, the dead body and the chest is set on fire. This process symbolizes the return of the souls to the holy state to the God. Ngaben procession ended with the ash of dead body thrown to the nearby seawaters.

MECARU
Mecaru is one of interesting ceremony belonging to Bhuta Yadnya ritual. It aims at balancing the nature’s positive and negative energies. In Bali, the accepted concept is that there should be a balanced relationship among the negative and positive powers to maintain a harmonious world. Mecaru can be divided into some levels, and the higher one is called Tawur Agung. For more detail about where, when ritual ceremonies are held in Bali, you may click on Village Ceremony in this website.

There are three main instruments Balinese apply in a prayer, Bunga (flower), Dupa (incense), and Tirtha (holy water).

Bunga
Bunga, flower, is the symbol of respect to the almighty. There are some restrictions of flowers allowed to be used. (1) Such a flower should not grow up in grave yard. (2) It must be fresh. (3) Such a flower is not stayed by bugs or another small insects. (4) No Coconut flower or meduri may be used. A coconut is instead widely used in other ceremony because it has been filled with holy water.

Dupa
Dupa, incense, is the second main tool in Balinese ceremony which has function as witness of a ceremony. Besides, Dupa is symbol of Agni, the God of fire. Unlike Chinese, Balinese incense has smaller size and it is only in stick shape.

Tirtha
Tirtha is holy water which is sprinkled before and after ceremony. The name and function of this holy water is depending the ceremony itself, so that is why there are many name and function of Tirtha. There are two types of Tirtha which is always found in a ceremony. The first one is Tirtha Pelukatan. This holy water is applied as soul cleanser before one enter a temple or start ceremony. Tirta Pelukatan is sprinkled by the temple priest to all people before starting a ceremony. In some place in Bali when the temple ceremony held Tirtha Pelukatan is put inside big earthenware in front of entrance door and stained by the people themselves. The second Tirtha is called Tirtha Wangsuh Pada. This holy water is sprinkled after a ceremony is finished as a symbol of God blessing to human.