A magnificent Asian archipelago brimming with culture and history, Bali is steeped in rich tradition and spirituality that centers around art and religion. Many Balinese people are an artist of some kind and enjoy spending their time working on arts and crafts using techniques that have been passed down through families over many generations. Many public areas, homes, and rice paddy fields are decorated with detailed paintings, intricate carvings, fine weaving, extraordinary rice decorations and artworks that pay religious homage. Religion is an important practice of Balinese culture, with many rituals and traditions occurring from the moment of birth, through puberty, into marriage, childbirth and eventually death. The Balinese also believe in the afterlife and celebrate this through national festivals including Kuningan, Galungan and Nyepi, the national day of silence.
Language
The official languages of the region are Indonesian and Balinese. Because of the tourism requirements, a lot of the people speak some level of English. The main restaurants, spas, hotels, and tourist attractions have staff and guides that speak English.
In Bali, the most authentic and friendly interactions with locals are away from the tourist destinations and deeper into the island. The local Balinese often enjoy sharing information about their culture, such as their art, crafting, and food. With a smile, they are always willing to lend a hand. The warm smiles of the locals are contagious, making the trip out of the popular areas worth the effort.
Religion
Though Bali is multi-religious, consisting of Christian, Muslim, and Buddhist minorities, the predominant religion is Hinduism. Balinese Hinduism, called Agama Hindu Dharma, originated from Java and is a blend of Shaivism and Buddhism. The theological foundation for the religion comes from Indian philosophy while indigenous beliefs form the backbone of the rituals. This blending is perfectly acceptable in Bali as the saying goes "The truth is one; the interpretation, multiple."
Bali is home to over 20,000 temples, and no trip to Bali is complete without visiting at least one. The holiest of all temples is Pura Besakih in east Bali. It dates back to the 10th century and is located near the top of Mount Agung. Another sacred spot is Pura Luhur Lempuyang, where the tall, massive temple gate overlooks a beautiful view of Mount Agung. The royal temple of Pura Taman Ayun is surrounded by a moat that gives the illusion that it is floating on water. For the ultimate experience, plan your trip to any temple during an odalan, or temple festival.
As Hindus, the Balinese people partake in a daily ritual called canang sari. They carefully construct an origami-like hand-sized box made with palm or banana leaves and fill it with colorful flowers. These offerings can be found anywhere from sidewalks to stairwells to temples all over the island and are a symbol of gratitude to the Hindu gods. The time and effort it takes to create these beautiful offerings, sometimes daily, may be what makes the Balinese people always smile and exude peace and joy.
Dancing
Dancing is an important part of Balinese culture as it is used for both religious and artistic expression. Sacred dances are usually reserved for performances in Hindu temples, but Balinese dancers have created variants that can be performed for tourists. Some of the famous Balinese dances for entertainment include costumed and masked dancers depicting the stories of fabled heroes and myths. Children begin to learn to dance with their hands before they can walk, and official training as a Balinese dancer can start as early as age 7.
Festivals
Bali is host to many festivals, both religious and secular. The Balinese new year, Nyepi, takes place on March 25th and is preceded by a celebration in the streets before a day of silence and fasting. The Bali Spirit Festival lasts for seven days and includes concerts, markets, and workshops for yoga and dancing. To enjoy the vast Balinese cuisine, attend the Ubud Food Festival, where local and international chefs share the culinary culture of Indonesia. Kite lovers will enjoy the Padang Galak Kite Festival, where Balinese kite-flyers show off their colorful designs.
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Bali