Bali is an island located in the east of Java and west of Lombok islands of Indonesia. It is a province of Indonesia. Its capital city is Denpasar, where the Island’s airport is located. Bali covers an area of 5,780 km2 and its population in 2014 was 4.225 million. Over 83.5% of its population follow Hinduism. Other religions followed in Bali are Buddhism, Islam and Christianity.
The tourism industry contributes significantly to Bali’s economy. Tourism infrastructures such as hotels, restaurants, beaches, historical monuments and temples, cultural events, and transport facilities are well developed and cater for all types of visitors. Citizens of many countries, including Australia, can obtain their visa or an exemption, by presenting their passport at the airport.
Being an island, Bali has many beaches. Some of the popular among them are Kuta, Seminyak, Legian and Batu Balong beaches on the southwest side of the island, and Sanur and Pandawa beaches on the southeast side.
One of the most captivating tourist attractions in Bali is the abundance of Hindu temples. Over ten thousand temples are spread all across Bali. Almost every Hindu family has a temple in their home. Depending upon the wealth and status of the family, it may be a single room in the house or a large separate temple in the house complex. There are public temples in almost all localities, where the community’s religious celebrations are held. In addition, there are large temple complexes with more than one temple. They are also popular tourist attractions, as well as sacred sites where local worshippers perform rituals. Temples have intricate carvings on their entry gates and are typically multi-level towers, also known as pagodas. A priest known as Pandit with similar Balinese pronunciation leads the rituals. Tourists are not allowed entry into the area where local religious ceremonies are performed, but they can observe the religious proceedings from a distance.
Statues of Ganesh and other Hindu deities can be seen at the entrance of houses and businesses. A number of worshipping items such as flowers, leaves and fruits presented on leaf- plates can be seen in front of a house or business as offering to deities. Streets and roads named after Hindu deities and religious characters can be seen around the Island.
The Trimurti of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva are the main deities in Balinese Hinduism. In addition, Ganesh, Laxmi, Saraswati, Parvati and Durga are equally venerated. Statues of the characters of the Ramayan and the Mahabharat can be seen at roundabouts and road intersections throughout Denpasar and other towns. Cultural programs based on stories from the Ramayan and the Mahabharat are performed at many temples and cultural centres. Puppet shows describing stories from the Ramayan are also popular.
Om Swasti Astu, the Sanskrit blessing phase, is the welcome greeting in Balinese. Indonesian language Bahasa with Latin alphabet is used in Bali; however, the old Balinese script based on the Sanskrit language can be seen inscribed on temple walls and other structures. English is the language of communication with tourists.
It is believed that Hinduism became a practicing religion in Southeast Asia including Bali almost two millennia ago. Later, Buddhism replaced it in some countries. When Islam became dominant in the Indonesian archipelago, then Majapahit, the last Hindu king of Java, took shelter in Bali, which was a strong Hindu state.
Areas around Denpasar, and Kuta, Seminyak and Sanur beaches are centres of tourist activities. Tourists interested in understanding and familiarising themselves with Balinese art, culture and way of life prefer to stay in Ubud and surrounding areas, almost an hour’s drive north from Denpasar airport.
On the way to Ubud from the airport, one can see rows of shops and galleries displaying objects such as deities, demons, animals and articles of art carved out of wood. Similar objects made of stones and paintings showing natural beauties, deities and demons and animals can also be observed along the road. In some galleries, one can see artist carving beautiful figures out of wood.
Ubud is surrounded by fertile paddy fields. They border restaurants and hotels. Some isolated villas standing alone can be seen in the field, which are preferred by tourists interested in living surrounded by nature.
There are many sites of attraction that a tourist can choose to visit in Bali. Some of the sites that we visited during our recent trip include Saraswati temple, Ubud Palace and museum, all of which are major attractions in the Ubud central area. Ubud market is close to the Palace.
Wanar Wana or sacred monkey forest is a monkey sanctuary bordering the central area in Ubud. A large number of monkeys can be seen in the forest. They are fed and taken care of by the forest authority. Three temples, dedicated to Shiva family, Prajapati and Ganga, are located in the monkey forest.
Goa Gajah or Elephant Cave is a cave temple located south of Ubud. Entrance to the cave is through the cavernous mouth of a monster. Inside the cave are symbols of Shiva and Parvati on one end, and a statue of Ganesh on the other. In front of the cave are deep ponds. Outside the cave, a deep valley, a waterfall and a Shiva temple are other attractions.
Batubulan is a town located south of Ubud. The Barong Dance Show displaying the victory of good over evil is a one-hour drama performed in an undercover theatre in Batubulan every day, starting at 9:30 am. The main characters of the drama are Kunti and Sahadeo from the Mahabharata. Lord Shiva, a monkey and demons also play roles.
Tirtha Empul, a holy spring north of Ubud, is believed to have magical power to cure illness. Tourists, local as well as foreigners, line up to take a dip in the holy water. Water from the spring is used in religious ceremonies all over Bali. A large temple is located in the complex where worshippers perform religious rituals.
In the central mountains area of Bali, Gunung Batur is one of the two volcanic craters. Gunung Batur can be seen from a hill top restaurant at Chintamani on the other side of the valley that separates the crater hill and Chintamani. Terraced paddy fields can be seen along the way to Chintamani as well as in areas around Ubud.
Ulun Danu Bratan temple, also in the central mountains area, is located on the banks of the Danau Bratan Lake. The temple complex is spread over a large area. The mountains and lake surrounding it are enchantingly beautiful. The Bali Botanical Garden is on the way to Bratan temple from Ubud.
Taman Ayun and Tanah Lot are large temples in western Bali. Taman Ayun is surrounded by a moat with water flowing from a river. Tanah Lot, a large temple complex famous for sunset viewing, is on the bank of Bali Sea. A number of temples constitute the Tanah Lot complex. One temple is in the sea, which can be accessed during low tide by crossing the water on foot. Fresh water drips from the hill where the temple is located. This water is considered sacred. All tourists who venture to cross the water are welcomed by priests on the island temple and blessed with sacred water. Indian tourists chanting Ganapti Bappa Morya and Har Har Mahadev were present in large numbers during our visit to the temple.
Luhur Ulu Watu is a popular temple located on a steep cliff facing the sea in the southwest tip of South Bali. It contains a forested area where a large number of monkeys reside. In the forest, there is a large statue of Ravan, the kidnapper of Devi Sita. According to local legends, monkeys, who are considered soldiers of lord Ram, surround the statue and continue to harass him even in the present day, for his shameful act.
An impressive monument known as Garuda Wisnu Kanchana (GWK), placed in a park, is a major attraction in South Bali. The park is spread over sixty hectares and is located at an altitude of 263 meters above sea level. The monument displaying Vishnu and his mount Garuda is the tallest statue in Indonesia.
Bajrasandhi is a well-known monument in Denpasar. It celebrates the Balinese struggle for independence and eventual victory over colonial powers. Parks surround the monument and a museum displays historical and cultural items. Shree Jagannath temple, near another park in Denpasar, is also a popular attraction.
Besakih temple and traditional Balinese village are located in the northeast region of the Island. Besakih temple is also known as Mother temple. Besakih is the Balinese pronunciation of Vasuki, the mythological serpent in Hinduism. The complex comprises a number of temples, which are located on the hills. From the temple complex, one can see a panoramic view of surrounding areas.
The traditional Balinese village consists of well-organised community dwellings. Houses are built in a row with access from Main Street to each house. Each house has a shop inside near the entrance that sells locally produced goods.
One has to wear Sarong to enter sacred sites. Sarongs are available for use at the entry gates. Entry fees apply to visit most temples and tourist sites.
Balinese Hindus cremate their dead. They lead an elaborate procession through the town or village during the cremation, followed by religious rituals. Prayer and religious rituals are also held to mark the birth of a baby and wedding ceremonies.
Rice, which requires a lot of water to grow, is the main crop, and a variety of them are grown in Bali. Fruits, herbs and spices are also grown in Bali. Rice is the staple food of the Balinese.
Luwah coffee, which is produced from seeds eaten by Luwah, a mongoose like animal and excreted in whole, is a popular export item in Bali. The Luwah coffee factory that we visited in the central mountains region demonstrate the process of coffee making as well as production of tea and other spices and herbs, from cultivation to the final product.
Massage parlours and Balinese cooking classes are popular among tourists. During the cooking class, students are led to a market to identify items used in the cooking. At the school, instructors help them to cook meals, which they enjoy at the end of the class.
Puppet show art is popular in Bali and one can see how these puppets are made of skin or timber in local workshops.
During our trip to Bali, the Hindu religious traditions followed in Bali, and impressive temple complexes throughout the island, were amongst the most fascinating attractions for us. They reminded us of the important influence of the ancient Indian civilisation in Southeast Asian countries, the effects of which remain strong and visible even today.