Bali Information

Bali Temples & palaces

Bali is also known as "the island of the thousand temples". This is an understatement. There are probably over a million temples on the island. In fact, Bali has more temples than houses. Bali also has a large number of palaces of stunning beauty, a legacy of the eight ancient kingdoms that once ruled the island.

Temples - the meeting point of humans and gods.
Temples are the meeting points of humans and gods and are resting-place for the gods during their stay on the island. Temples come to life only on certain festival days or at temple anniversaries (odalan), when they are elaborately decorated to greet the gods with offerings. There are temples for almost all aspects of Balinese life. There are house temples, village temples, family temples, banjar temples, subak temples, cave temples, temples for ancestors, rice fields, and even for monkeys. For the entire island, Pura Besakih, also known as "the mother temple", is the most important of all temples.

Besakih : Location: Besakih
Pura Besakih, "the mother temple", is the greatest of all Balinese sanctuaries. The temple complex consists of 22 separate structures and is perched high on the slopes of Mount Agung. The temples were built between the 14th and 17th centuries, although in recent years new structures have been added. Prominently featured are the three seats in the lotus throne, in which shrines are dedicated to Brahma, Siwa and Wisnu.

Pura Luhur Batu Karu : Location: 10 km west of Bedugul
This is one of the six axial temples sacred to all Hindu Balinese and one of the most ancient sacred sites on the island. The inner courtyard is small and neat, with three merus (shrines) in honor of the deified kings of Tabanan. The lake below, to the east of the main temple, has a shrine in the center in honor of the goddess of Lake Tamblingan and the god of Mount Batu Karu.

Pura Kehen :
Pura Kehen is Bali's second largest temple. The temple has three courtyards, connected by steps, and decorated with carvings and statues. A large banyan tree shades the lowest and second courtyard.
Location: Bangli

Pura Taman Ayun :
Located in Mengwi, the temple consists of a forecourt, a central court and a spacious inner court. After a tall stone gateway, the inner court has rows of shines and carved stone pedestals. Along the basement of the pavilions are relief series an Arjuna.

Location: Mengwi

Gunungkawi :
In the center of this little town, a clearly signposted side street leads to the brink of the Pakerisan gorge at Gunung Kawi, where a daunting flight of steps leads down to the river itself. This is Bali's 'valley of the kings', fow hewn in the cliffs on both sides of the river appear massive commerorative monuments to 11th-century kings and queens. Although, strictly speaking, Gunungkawi is not a temple, it is considered a holy place. A visit to the valley is an unforgettable experience that you should not miss!
Location: Tampaksiring

Pura Ulun Danu Batur :
This is an imposing complex of nine temples, still undergoing renovation. It is dedicated to the goddess of the lake. The temple is worth visiting, if only for its beautiful surroundings.
Location: 5 km south of Kintamani

Pura Luhur Uluwatu :
The Pura Luru Uluwatu is located on the tip of the Badung peninsula, with a breathtaking view of the sea. The carvings which decorated the temple are very well preserved. It was built in the 11th century.
Location: Uluwatu

Pura Pakendungan
Sunset is the best time to visit this isolated temple on the west coast. Its distinctive silhouette is a photographer's dream and nightly they crowd the coastline awaiting the spectacle. Perhaps the answer is to arrive in the daytime to see the temple avoiding the crowds and to leave long after sunset. As in Besakih, and in Goa Lawah, commerce has spoilt much of this otherwise beautiful spot.
Location: Tanah Lot

Pura Tirta Empul :
This temple is a major pilgrimage point. The most striking feature of Tirta Empul is the bathing pools, which are considered sacred. According to legend, the army of the god Indra was revived here before defeating the evil king Maya Danawa.
Location: Tampaksiring

Pura Ulun Danu Bratan :
This highland destination is located just outside the small town of Bedugul. A beautiful temple is sited on the shores of Lake Bedugul and casts a neat reflection is its still waters. The temple takes on an ephemeral quality at dawn.
Location: Bedugul

Sangeh Monkey Sanctuary :
Said to have been built in the 17th century, there is a statue here of Garuda. The temple is surrounded by tall nutmeg trees. Many monkeys roam the surrounding forest (watch you purse and eyeglasses !).
Location: Sangeh

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Festivals and Event

purification, processions, dances, and dozens of other religious rites that Balinese devote their lives to. They believe that life on earth is one stage in the continuity of existence. The cycle begins at birth and it is a cherished event. The umbilical cord is preserved and kept for life, and the birth is attended by the entire family and a holy man who invokes spiritual powers to aid the delivery. Death is merely a rite of passage when the soul is freed. It will commence its great journey before being reborn into a future generation.

There is a myriad of festivals in Bali. Some are dedicated to the art of woodcarving, the birth of a goddess, and percussion instruments. Other festivals include temple festivals, fasting & retreat ceremonies, parades to the sea to cleanse villages, special prayers for the dead, nights of penance (sivaratri), harvest festivals (usaba), blood sacrifices, and house deity anniversaries (odalan sangguh).

Religious Festivals

Religious festivals include odalan, which signifies the anniversary of a temple's founding. These festivals last a couple of days to a week. Temples are beautifully bedecked with flowers, palm leaves, flags and bamboo towers, complete with noisy parades, food offerings, and prayers that add religious fervor to the festive ambience.

Melasti, another religiously inclined festival, is a purification festival held the day before Nyepi. On Melasti, villagers will dress in their finest and make their way to the sea or holy springs. They would carry umbrellas, offerings or flowers, and fruit and sacred statues. The statues are affectionately washed with water, and pigs would be sacrificed by holy men as offerings to their gods. This festival must be carried out amid the din of gamelan and drums and lots of merry shouting. All must then fall silent the following day on Nyepi.

Bali Religious FestivalsNyepi is a festival that marks the beginning of a new lunar year and usually falls during the spring equinox (late March or early April). On this day, everyone in Bali including tourists must remain silent. No one is allowed to work, travel or partake in any indulgences. Visitors are advised to observe this custom and to stay within their lodgings for the day. It may seem like a day is wasted, but the previous night's festivities would have sapped substantial energy and spirit to make up for the day of stillness. It is believed that evil spirits will leave the island, thinking that the place is uninhabited due to the complete stillness.

Galungan is another festival related to religion. It is observed in the eleventh week of the 210th day in the Balinese calendar and celebrates the creation of our world. Bali's most significant annual event, locals will spend the day visiting family, friends and neighbors decked in their finest and indulge in heavy feasting.

Ten days after Galungan is Kuningan. This festival commemorates the end of the holiday season. On this occasion, ancestors are worshipped and honored with celebrations held at the water temple Tampaksiring, along with other events at Bangli and Ubud.

The restoration of balance between good and evil is also commemorated. Eka Dasa Rudra is the island's most important festival and is originally held every hundred years. It is now being revised to hold the festival more frequently and the next one is yet to be announced.

Non-Religious Festivals and Holidays
If you are in Bali between July and October, you will have the opportunity to experience the Negara bull races. The pampered bulls are spruced up with accessories, hitched in pairs to makeshift chariots, and steered by jockeys who combine their riding skills and tail twisting to induce maximum performance.

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Religion

When you step your feet in Bali (Balinese people call it Gumi Bali) you feel religious atmosphere very much which is closely related with situation of Bali. It is hard to express the feeling in Bali, except by involving ourselves in it. The feeling flows strongly from the holy spring of Balinese with its estuary of Hindu Religion, as most of Balinese people adheres Hindu Religion.

Since beginning, Bali Island was created as an Island of God, the throne of Gods. Many people called God as Ida Bhatara. However, the essence known and inspired as the term NYA is Ida Sang Hyang Widhi Wasa. If there is any term of Dewa or Bhatara, it is the manifestation of the greatness of God or Atman in Hindu perspective.

In conducting the essence of life, Balinese adhere Hindu Religion are supported with three basic concepts, namely: tattwa, susila, and upacara.

Tattwa

Tattwa includes Panca Sraddha, the five belief adhered by Hindu religion, such as :

1. Widhi Tattwa, the ceremony to Sang Hyang Widhi with all His dimensions.

2. Atma Tattwa, the belief with the existence of Atma, the soul providing life all human being.

3. Karmaphala, the belief of the existence of causal law of the behaviors. It means that every behavior has causal dimension to the behavior itself.

4. Punarbawa, the belief of reincarnation.

5. Moksa, the belief of the eternal life of the end of human journey where atman unites with Sang Hyang Widhi (paramatman).

In Hindu perspective, God is known as a term of Ida Sang Hyang Widhi Wasa, which means God, Almighty. The God is only one, though He has various names. From the various names of God, there are three which are well known by the adherers of Hindu in Bali, namely, Brahma, Visnu and Siva, which are called as Tri Murti.
Brahma is the Dimension of Sang Hyang Widhi Wasa as the creator (utpatti), Visnu is the manifestation of Sang Hyang Widhi Wasa as the caretaker (sthiti) and Siwa is the manifestation of Sang Hyang Widhi Wasa as the destroyer (praline). That's why Balinese believe that all the creation of Sang Hyang Widhi Wasa will face the cycle of birth, life and death.
The essence of power of Sang Hyang Widhi Wasa is expressed by every family of Hindu in Bali in Pemrajan, Sangah or the place of worshipping in every house, dadya, village as well as Jagad Bali.

Susila

Susila is the aspect of Hindu religion implementation organizing good and right behavior. The basic of Susila learning is Tattwam Asi. By applying the good and right instruction will produce harmonious and suitable interaction among the people. Even, in Hindu it is not only known the interaction among the people but also interaction between mankind and God and between mankind and nature as understood in the concept of Tri Hita Karana.

Tattwam Asi is meant as I is You, You is I. Thus, if we hurt other people, it means we also hurt ourselves. As in the Tattwam Asi concept, every human being is the same, as it is derived from the only paramatman.

The operational concept of susila with Tattwam Asi philosophy is expressed in Tri Kaya Parisuddha, or three good and right behavior, such as :
1. Manacika Parisuddha
2. Wacika Parisuddha
3. Kayika Parisuddha

Manacika is having a holy and right thinking. Wacika is having a good and right word. Kayika is having a good and right behavior. Thus, the concept of Tri kaya Parisuddha is having the right thinking, words and behavior.

Upacara
Upacara (Ceremony) in Hindu perspective is a kind yadnya (sacrifice) expressed in Panca Yadnya which consists of:

1. Dewa Yadnya is a holy sacrifice to Sang Hyang Widhi held in the form of ceremony in jagad, sad kahyangan and village temples.
2. Rsi Yadnya is a holy sacrifice to priests or holy persons by learning the holy books of Hindu and disseminates it.
3. Manusia Yadnya is a ceremony for people since their birth to adult. Visually, the implementation of manusia yadnya ceremony is also expressed by conducting myadnya for poor people, isfortune people and so forth.
4. Pitra Ydnya is a holy sacrifice for ancestors from funeral ceremony, cremation to the ceremony of ngasti and so forth.
5. Bhuta Yadnya is a holy sacrifice for evil spirit called bhuta. This ceremony is often expressed to somya the evil spirit immaterially. Materially, Bhuta Yadnya ceremony is also for the animals and plants by taking care of them.

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About Bali

BALI ISLAND OF GODS AND DEMONS.

Both magical and mythical, this land of volcanic lakes, spectacular rice terraces, stunning tropical beaches, ancient temples and palaces is and exotic melting pot of cultures and peoples. Renowned of its unsurpassed architecture, traditional theatre, dance and elaborate religious festivals, the colorful Balinese culture is a dynamic force that is constantly synthesizing the old and the new, the traditional and the innovative.

LOCATION
Bali is one of more than 18 thousands island in Indonesia. It is located between the two islands Java & Nusa Tenggara, between 8 03 40 8 degree South latitude and 114 25 & 115 42 40 degree East longitude.
Bali has 5.632,86 square kilometers of land. The total population is approximately 3.2 million people.
Standard time zone is UTC/GMT + 8 hours.

REGENCIES
As a part of 30 provinces in the Republic of Indonesia, Bali is divided into 8 regencies ( Badung, Gianyar , Tabanan , Bangli , Karangasem , Jembrana , Buleleng and Klungkung, 1 municipal city (Denpasar), 51 districts and 666 administrative villages.
Denpasar is the capital city of Bali province.

Mount Agung is used as orientation and considered North (Kaja) while the sea is considered South (Kelod). This is the reason why "south" in Buleleng is the opposite of "south" in Badung. In Hindu perspective, north direction (mount) is a holy place while on the southern part is the insulted place.

In the division of area, it is analogized the anatomy of the body: head, body and legs as utama (main), madya (medium) and nista (insult). Therefore, the holy place is located in north edge, in the middle as a place of residence and in the south as place of cemetery. Even, for sleeping, head is faced to north or east and legs are directed to south or west.

The Balinese are one of the 250 ethnic groups in the Indonesian archipelago. Most of them (95%) are Hindus, a religion which came from India, passing through Sumatera and Java. After the fall of Majapahit empire all the Hindu aristocrats and the common people fled to Bali, bringing along their religion, traditions, literature and arts. Other religions like Christianity or Moslem, Buddhism are also in Bali. But all live in peace, there is no conflict of religion or conflict of ethnics. The population of Bali are three million people. Most of them live in the southern part of the island. Here the tourist resorts are located such as Sanur, Kuta and Nusa Dua. The Balinese people are very creative. They have created and are still creating various kinds of artistic creativities such as wood carving (statues), paintings, gold and silver smith, handicrafts, dances and religious offerings. Nearly everyday there are religious ceremonies in the temples spread all over the island. There are the so called "Bali Aga"; people, the original Balinese communities in several places like in Tenganan or Trunyan. It is worthwhile to visit them there.

CLIMATE
Bali has tropical climate all year with two different seasons namely dry season from April to October and wet season from November to March. The average temperature hovers around 30 degrees Celsius year-round. The average yearly rainfall between 893,4 mm till 2702,6 mm with average humidity is 79%.
Bali Weather

POPULATION
Bali has 5.632,86 square kilometers of land.
The total population is approximately 3.021.247 people.

IMMIGRATION & CUSTOMS
Immigration Offices:
Jl. D. I. Panjaitan, Niti Mandala, Complex Renon - Denpasar
Phone : (62 361) 238 168
Ngurah Rai Airport Complex, Tuban, Kuta
Phone : (62 361) 751 038
Customs regulations allow, per adult, a maximum of one litter of alcoholic beverages, 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars or 100 gram of tobacco and a reasonable amount of perfume. Photographic, video and filming equipments, radio, typewriter and car are admitted as they are recorded in you passport on entry and taken out on departure. Narcotics, arms and ammunition TV, sets and Chinese medicines are items that strictly prohibited while fresh fruit, plant and animals must be passed by the Quarantine Office.

BANK & MONEY EXCHANGE
Most foreign currencies are easily changed at banks, hotels or money changers. Banking hours are from 8.00am to 14.00 noon Mondays to Fridays, and from 8.00am to 11.00am on Saturdays. Bank in Hotels usually stay open longer hours while Money Changers are generally open till evening. ATM is available in many places, provides VISA, MASTER, ALTO and more.

MEDICAL SERVICES & HOSPITAL
Hospitals and Health Centers staffed by well trained doctors and medical-assistants are available in major tourist resort and the Provincial Capital. Public Health Centre is also available at every Sub district unit.

Sanglah Hospital Jl. Diponegoro, Denpasar Ph. (62 361) 227 911 SOS Jl. Bypass Ngurah Rai 505x, Kuta Ph. (62 361) 710 505 Bali Medical Center Jl. Bypass Ngurah Rai 100x, Kuta Ph. (62 361) 761 263

CONTACT NUMBERS
Police : 110 Ambulance : 118 Fire Department : 113 SAR : 115/151/111

TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES
Bali is linked via satellite to all major countries in the world and to make an International call can be made from any private house, business center, hotel telephone, or "Wartel" (Telecommunication Counter). Internet is also can be reached at many "Warnet" (Internet Counter). For local and international phone and fax service look out for a sign like this: Int'l Direct Dialing 001 or 008 + country code + area code + local telephone number. Int'l Direct Inquiries : 102, 101
Local Inquiries : 147
Operator Assisted : 110/104

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The "Kecak Dance"

Painting, woodcarving and dancing reflect the soul of the Balinese. Traditional dances are performed especially on Hindus holiday and also to welcome visitors. The one you see below is ‘Kecak Dance’ which was performed on Galungan, the biggest Hindus holiday, at Pura (temple) Luhur Ulu Watu, up on a cliff at the most southern part of the island.

The Kecak Dance tells the Indian story of Ramayana. Rama, a warrior and rightful hier to the throne of Ayodya, is exiled with his wife Sita to a faraway desert. There, an evil king spies Sita, falls in love with her, and sends a golden deer to lure Rama away. Sita is captured, and Rama rounds up his armies to defeat those of the evil king and rescue her. Rama is the man in green dancing in the center of the circle, the golden deer is in yellow in the back.

What makes the Kecak such a fascinating dance to watch are the fifty or so men in the checkered pants. They are both the choir and the props, providing the music for the story in a series of constant vocal chants that change with the mood of the actors. They don't sit still, either, they wave their arms to simulate fire, and reposition themselves around the stage to represent wind and fire, prison cells, and unseen hand of protection from the gods.

The dance is played in five acts and lasts roughly 45 minutes. Weekly (in some places daily) performances of the Kecak abound around the island, but the most well-known Kecak theater is in the town of Batubulan just north of the Balinese capital of Denpasar. The dance company provides transportation for a nominal fee to and from the resort.

Attending a Kecak recital is a must for any visitor to Bali. It is a wondrous experience, and a window into the musical and artistic culture that make the Balinese a special people.

Pendet Dance

Pendet is a traditional Balinese dance, in which offerings are made to purify the temple or theater as a prelude to ceremonies or other dances. Pendet is typically performed by young girls, carrying bowls of flower petals, handfuls of which are cast into the air at various times in the dance. Pendet can be thought of as a dance of greeting, to welcome the audience and invite spirits to enjoy a performance.

Traditional Balinese dances are the oldest form of performing arts in Bali. Traditional dances can be divided into two types, sacred dance called Wali and entertainment dance called Bebalihan. Wali (sacred dance) is usually performed in some ritual ceremonies only because it has strong magical powers and only can be performed by specific dancers. Bebalihan are usually performed in social events. In addition to entertain, Bebalihan also has other purposes such as: welcoming guests, celebration of harvests, or gathering crowds. Bebalihan has more variations than Wali.

Pendet is the presentation of an offering in the form of a ritual dance. Unlike the exhibition dances that demand arduous training, Pendet may be danced by anyone. It is taught simply by imitation.

Younger girls follow the movements of the elder women, who recognize their responsibility in setting a good example. Proficiency comes with age. As a religious dance, Pendet is usually performed during temple ceremonies.

All dancers carry in their right hand a small offering of incense, cakes, water vessels, or flower formations. With these they dance from shrine to shrine within the temple. Pendet may be performed intermittently throughout the day and late into the night during temple feasts.

The original Pendet dance is performed by 4-5 young girls (before their puberty) in temple yards. Pendet dancers bring flowers in small Bokor (silver bowls for keeping flowers in a ceremony). They spread the flowers around the temple. This dance is a symbol of welcoming God in some ritual ceremonies in Bali. Pendet actually has simple dance movements. These movements are the basic dance movements of Balinese dance. Pendet has undergone later development with variations and now is not only performed in ritual ceremonies but also in some social events. Pendet since has been known as a welcoming dance.

Legong truna jaya

The Trunajaya dance describes the emotions of a young man through love and passion. The dance movements reflect the theme of courtship and love.

Truna meaning 'single' and jaya meaning 'to win' immediately gives an understanding of the dance. Ironically, the dancer are young women who take on the role of young men. The women wear a 'destar' normally worn by men and an unusual loin-cloth called a 'kancut'. The Trunajaya is normally danced by a single female but sometimes two, dancing together in synchronous movements and to the mesmorotic sounds of the 'Gong Kebyar', a fast, rhythmic beat which goes in harmony to the dance. The dance was created by Wayan Wandres, from Singaraja, Northern Bali.

The War Dance - Gebug Ende

The Gebug Ende is a combination of dance and trial of prowess. It is usually performed by two to sixty male dancers who dance and fight on stage in pairs. Each dancer/fighter carries a one and a half metre long rattan stick as as a weapon and a shield called an ende. During the performance the two men try to beat one another with the stick while using the ende to protect themselves. The dance is called Gebug Ende as it literally means beating the ende or shield. One cannot afford to make mistakes in this dance as otherwise injury results.

The Gebug Ende is quite unique as it has certain rules that have to be

followed by the participants. Led by a jury, this dance starts with two dancers, while the rest sit in a circle, cracking jokes and singing, while waiting their turn. The jury decide which of the two contestants loses the game and has to leave the stage. Then they will call the next men to the stage. This continues until all have had a turn. Sometimes the fight becomes very fierce and the dancers get thrown of the stage from the blows of the rattan stick. Bruises and wounds are common in this ritual.