Although there are no artifacts or records dating back to the Stone Age, it is believed that the first settlers on Bali migrated from China around 2500 B.C. By the Bronze era, around 300 B.C.,a fairly evolved culture already existed on Bali. The complex system of irrigation and rice production, still in use today, was established around this time. It appears that the main religion around 500 A.D. was predominantly Buddhist in influence. In 670 A.D., a Chinese scholar (Yi-Tsing), on a trip to India, reported that he had visited a Buddhist country called Bali. It wasn’t until the 11th century that Bali received the first strong influx of Hindu and Javanese cultures. With the death of his father around AD 1011, the Balinese Prince, Airlanggha, moved to East Java and set about uniting it under one principality. Having succeeded, he then appointed his brother, Anak Wungsu, as ruler of Bali. During the ensuing period there was a reciprocation of political and artistic ideas. The old Javanese language, Kawi, became the language used by the aristocracy, one of the many Javanese traits and customs adopted by the cause.
With the death of Airlanggha, in the middle of the 11th century, Bali enjoyed a period of autonomy. However, this proved to be short-lived, as in 1284 the East Javanese King Kertanegara, conquered Bali and ruled over it from Java. In 1292, Kertanegara was murdered and Bali took the opportunity to liberate itself once again. However, in 1343, Bali was brought back under Javanese control by its defeat at the hands of Gajah Mada, a general in the last of great Hindu-Javanese empires, the Majapahit. With the spread of Islam throughout Sumatra and Java during the 16th century, the Majapahit empire began to collapse and a large exodus of aristocracy, priests, artists and artisans to Bali ensued. For awhile Bali flourished and the following centuries were considered the Golden Age of Bali’ cultural history.
Bali People
Life for the Balinese is very communal with the organisation of villages, farming and even the creative arts being decided by the community. The local government is responsible for schools, clinics, hospitals and roads, but all other aspects of life are placed in the hands of two traditional committees, whose roots in Balinese culture stretch back centuries. The first, Subak, concerns the production of rice and organizes the complex irrigation system. Everyone who owns a sawah, or padi field, must join their local Subak, which then ensures that every member gets his fair distribution of irrigation water. The other community organisation is the Banjar, which arranges all village festivals, marriage ceremonies and cremations. Most villages have at least one Banjar and all males have to join one when they marry. Banjars, on average, have a membership of between 50 to 100 families and each Banjar has its own meeting place called the Bale Banjar. As well as being used for regular meetings, the Bale (Pavilion) is where the local gamelan orchestras and drama groups practice.
Balinese grow up with speaking two related languages based on Malay. Balinese language is spoken in the homes and among the villages and the national language Bahasa Indonesia is used exclusively. The Balinese have been more exposed to international tourists and generally speak more English than people in other parts of the Indonesian archipelago. They have managed to preserve their culture despite overwhelming foreign influences brought to the region by an ever increasing number of tourists.
Culture
Art and culture are strongly bonded to Bali's unique form of Hinduism called "Hindu Darma". Classical dance dramas for example, are based on the old Hindu epics of the Ramayana and the Mahabarata, but contain an element of local folklore, perculiar to the island. The very soul of Bali is rooted in religion and is expressed in art forms that have been passionately preserved over the centuries. It seems that almost every person is an artist, spending free time applying skills and images which have been passed down from generation to generation and grasped from a very young age. Whether expressed through beautiful and intricate paintings and dances, extaordinary carvings, superb weaving or even in decorations made for myriad shrines which can be found in public area, on roads, in paddy field or in homes, the island is alive with art.
The Balinese have been more exposed to international tourists and generally speak more English than people in other parts of the Indonesian archipelago. They have managed to preserve their culture despite overwhelming foreign influences brought to the region by an ever increasing number of tourists.
Religion
Bali has approximately 3.5 million inhabitants of which probably 80% are Hindu Balinese. The remaining having come from neighbouring islands of Java, Lombok and Madura in search of employment. Outside of India, Bali is the largest Hindu outpost in the world - the furthest reaches of the Hindu empire. In Bali, Hinduism has developed along lines of its own. In fact, the manner in which the Balinese practise their frontier Hinduism is still their greatest art. Although the Balinese are Hindu and worship the Hindu trinity Brahma, Shiva and Vishnu, the Balinese religion is very different from the Indian variety.
The strong cultural identity of Bali is based on a combination of closely related elements such as the unique religion, the language, the castes, the community life, the land cultivation and the expression of its art. Of the four castes, Brahmana, Satria and Wesia represent 10% of the population whereas the Sudras (the farmers and craftsmen) represent the great majority. The caste system, still very much alive today, regulates, apart from their religious power, the different levels of the Balinese language.
The Balinese are an unusual island people in that they have never been sea faring people. They believe that good spirits dwell in the mountains and that the seas are home to demons. Most villages have at least three main temples: one of which is the Pura Puseh or ‘temple of origin’, is dedicated to the village founders and which faces to Mt Agung - home to Pura Besakih the mother temple on Bali. Together with the other two village temples each house may several temples and as well as rice fields, markets etc. etc. etc. Now you can see why Bali is often referred to as the Island of the Gods.
The Balinese are extremely devout and no day goes by without making offerings to the gods. These daily offerings - called Banten are a major part of Balinese life. You will see these offerings nearly everywhere in Bali. Made of flowers, cigarettes, cookies, rice and even sometimes money (the actual items used are not as important as the process of making and offering it to the spirits) these offerings are given to the good spirits in hopes of continued prosperity as well as to the evil spirits as an appeasement.
Dance
The lifestyles of Balinese people is expressed in their dance. Not only do we learn about the Balinese religion from their dance creations but also we can come to understand the flow of cultural events and activities that belong to everyday life. The very essence of the Balinese culture is dance and drama, which is performed during temple festivals and in ceremonies.
Balinese dance goes as far back as Balinese written history with much of the heritage originating from Java. Ironically, as a result of the Islamisation of Java, the Javanese culture has disappeared but has still survived in Bali and has become part of classical Balinese culture.
Balinese dance cannot be separated from religion. Even the dances for the tourists are preceded by many dancers praying at their family shrine for taksu (inspiration) from the gods.
Dance fulfils a number of specific functions: It may be a channel for visiting gods or demons, the dancers acting as a sort of living repository. It may be as a welcome for visiting gods. It may be entertainment for visiting gods.
The following are brief descriptions of some of the better known dance-dreams that are performed regularly on Bali.
Baris
A male equivalent of the Legong, Baris is a warrior's dance. Executed with energetic and warlike martial spirit, the Baris dancer has to convey the thoughts and emotions of a warrior preparing for action as well as confronting an enemy in battle. This dance is performed solo and requires great energy, spirit and skill. The movements are dramatic.
It is hard to distinguish whether it is the dancer that follows the orchestra, or the other way around. You could say that they both go off into their own dimensions, yet at certain well-defined times meet to create an astounding tapestry. The dancers wear elaborate head decoration, from a gold-colored head band to leaves and strings of cempaka blossoms.
Barong & Rangda
This is basically a story about the struggle between good and evil. Good is personified by the Barong Keket, a strange, fun-loving creature in the shape of a shaggy semi-lion, and evil is represented by Rangda, a witch. Ultimately, the two characters engage in battle, at which point the Barong's keris bearing followers rush in to attack Rangda. The witch, however, uses her magical powers to turn the keris knives in upon their owner's, who fall into a trance and begin to stab themselves.
The Barong uses magic to protect his followers from the knives. In the end, the Barong triumphs and Rangda retreats to recuperate her strength for the next encounter. The Barong and Rangda dance is a very powerful performance and is not taken lightly by those involved, nor should it be by those in the audience.
Kecak
The Kecak, as a dance, developed in the 1930's, in the village of Bona, where it is still performed regularly. The theme is taken from the Ramayana and tells the story of Rama, who, with the help of the monkey army, tries to rescue his wife from the clutches of (the evil) King Rawana.
Kecak is a spectacular dance usually performed at night, surrounding a bonfire. The westerners called this dance The Monkey Dance, for the movements and chants may remind us of monkeys. There can literally be 100 or more performers wearing checked cloth around their waist and sitting down on the ground surrounding the bonfire, led by a priest in the middle. The only music to accompany them are the beats of their palms hitting their chests, their thighs, or other parts of their bodies, or their claps, rhythmically accompanied by shouting and percussive chanting of "cak" in complex interlocking patterns that are like the rhythmic patterns played on the gamelan. Its name is derived from the sound of "cak", pronounced as "chok".
Legong
This dance tells the story of Princess Rangkesari who is held captive against her will by King Lakesmi. Rangkesari's brother, Prince Daha, gathers an army together to rescue his sister. Princess Rangkesari then tries to persuade Lakesmi to let her go to avoid a war, but he denies her her freedom.
On his way to battle, Daha is attacked by a raven (a bad omen), and is later killed in battle. The dance only takes the story up to the point where the king departs for battle, and it is performed by three people, two 'Legongs' and their attendant, the 'Condong'. The Legong is a classical and graceful dance, and is always performed by prepubescent girls.
Sanghyang Trance Dance
This Sanghyang Trance Dance is normally performed to entertain the gods and the goddesses to appease them or to ask for their blessings. A bad harvest or an outburst of an illness may warrant such a dance.
The Sanghyang is the force that enters the bodies of the entranced dancer. There are a number of Sanghyang dances, but the most common are the Sanghyang Dedari and the Sanghyang Jaran. The Sanghyang Dedari is performed by two girls, and is very similar in style to the Legong; the main difference is that the Sanghyang Dedari girls are supposedly untrained and can keep in perfect time with each other, even though their eyes are firmly shut. The accompanying music is provided by a female choir and a male Kecak choir.
In the Sanghyang Jaran, a boy dances around and through a fire, riding a coconut palm hobbyhorse. This is frequently called the "Fire Dance", for the sake of tourists. In both dances, a priest is always on hand to help bring the dancers out of their trance-state at the end of the performance.
In Bali, masks are considered sacred objects and are revered as such. The best ones are traditionally carved on auspicious days and the dancers who wear them are believed to be possessed by the spirits of the masks.
Characters can be identified from the shape of the features; noble characters always wear full, refined masks; while evil is represented by bulging eyes and garish colours. The characters are silent, but communicate using complex gestures of the hand, head and body. The story lines usually follow popular myths, or episodes from history.
Wayang Kulit (Shadow Puppet)
Wayang kulit, or shadow puppets as they are more commonly known as in English, are part of an ancient heritage of pre-Hindu culture that still exists in many regions around Indonesia. The word wayang means puppet, while kulit means skin. Wayang puppets are cut from thin pieces of buffalo hide and intricately carved and decorated to symbolize different characters. The figures are braced with a single support stick and often have articulating arms and legs that can be manipulated to act out dramatic scenes.
In Bali a wayang kulit performance is a popular form of village entertainment that invariably accompanies a religious ceremony or rite. Performances are usually adaptations of epic legends and tales that are retold in story form against a white cloth screen that is lit with a shimmering oil lantern.
Wayang kulit is performed by a lone puppeteer called a dalang. The dalang is responsible for single-handedly working the puppets and simultaneously narrating the story by altering the tone of his voice to represent the various characters. Often a Balinese dalang is not only a performing artist, but also a religious leader or lay priest. He is able to initiate various purification ceremonies pertaining to the Hindu religion. A dalang must also be a master of language and have knowledge of ancient Javanese Kawi as well as being fluent in all levels of the Balinese dialect. The success of a wayang kulit performance relies entirely on the skill of the dalang and his ability to enthrall the audience by giving his puppets a sense of spirit.
Art
Artistically, Bali is and has always been a melting pot of cultures and traditions. The Balinese have a natural capacity for absorbing different cultural elements and blending them with their own, to produce dynamic new hybrids. Over the years, Bali has been the recipient of numerous foreign influences, namely Chinese, Buddhist, Indian, Hindu, Javanese, and most recently, Western. For centuries, artists and craftsmen in Bali worked under the patronage of the priests and the ruling classes, decorating palaces and temples. The artists themselves never signed their work and usually lived close together in artists "villages"
Generally the artists did not have much room for personal expression, as their designs followed strict aesthetic and religious guidelines, but with the arrival of European artists at the start of this century, things began to change, and Balinese artists began developing their own individual styles.
Painting
The place synonymous with the traditional form of Balinese painting, is the village of Kamasan, near Klungkung. Up until the beginning of this century, and under service of the king of Gelgel and Klungkung, it was only natural that the painters and illustrators, called "Sangging", should settle in this one area. As it was not uncommon for ruling families from other parts of Bali to acquire the use of a Sangging to decorate their own palaces or temples, the Kamasan style of painting quickly spread throughout the whole of Bali.
The style for which the artists of Kamasan are famous is based on the East Javanese "Wayang" art. These were basically two-dimensional, iconographic representations following strict rules and guidelines as to how the characters should be portrayed. For example, a person's characters and status can be seen from the colours used to portray them, a noble man's headdress, or even the direction in which he is facing. Noblemen always have had very refined faces, while coarse characters were depicted with large, bulging eyes and fangs. Today in Kamasan you can still find people who are dedicated to painting in the traditional "Wayang" style.
One of the most famous Kamasan artists is I Nyoman Mandra, who, aside from producing his own paintings and doing restoration work, started a school to try and keep the "Wayang" tradition alive.
It wasn't until the early 1900's, that western influence reached Bali . The use of Asian symbols in the works of, amongst others, Paul Gauguin, Toulouse Lautrec and Camille Pissaro, created a new trend for Asian-influenced art and European painters began to move to Bali. Ubud's fame for art can be traced to the arrival of the German painter, Walter Spies and the Dutch painter Rudolf Bonnet. Together, with Indonesian artists such as Gede Agung Sukawati, they established the Pitamaha Group, which encouraged Balinese artists to be more expressive and less bound by tradition.
Aside from the Kamasan school of painting, there now exists a wide range of different styles, the characteristics have been briefly listed below:
Stone Carving
Stone carvings were mainly used to decorate temples and palaces and the carvers had much more leeway in their use of subject matter than the artists and illustrators. There is little difference between the iconography decorating temples and that of private buildings. Gateways represent the dividing line between the inner and outer worlds. As well as portraying deities and demons, the carvers included many scenes from public life and there are many temple surfaces enriched with the antics of the Dutch colonists, including scenes of bicycles, drunken parties, car breakdowns and even airplanes.
Bali's modern day centre of stone carving is the village of Batubulan, situated along the route between Denpasar and Ubud.
In the temples in North Bali there would appear to be more creative works in stone (with the exception of Pura Puseh in Batubulan). If touring in the north of Bali, it is worth taking the time to visit Pura Meduwe Karang in Kubutambahan, Pura Dalem in Jagaraga and Pura Beji near Singaraja.
At Pura Sagen Agung in Ubud works by Bali's most famous stone carver, I Gusti Nyoman Lempad, and other accomplished artists, are to be found.
Wood Carving
Wood carving, like stone carving, has traditionally featured largely in the temples and palaces on Bali, with little free standing 'sculpture' work produced commercially. Immaculately carved "demons" and "mythical beings" decorate pillars, door panels, lintels and window shutters with the aim of protecting the building/s from evil intruders. With the arrival of European influences, wood carving started to develop along more innovative and commercial lines.
Although there have been noteworthy carvers in the past, for example, I Nyoman Cokot, Ida Bagus Nyana and Ketut Nongos, artistic integrity has suffered as a result of the commercial boom in the tourist industry.
These days whole villages specialize in producing certain styles of work . The village of Mas, near Ubud, is probably the best known for its carvings of female figures, Buddhas, characters from Hindu epics and the traditional Topeng and Wayang Wong masks.
Textiles
One of the most striking things about Bali is the rich variety of cloths and materials that are to be found in the thousands of shops across the island. However, in actual fact, very few originate here! The myriad of batik clothing and sarongs available across the island are mainly imported from Java, and most of the woven cloth (Ikat) found in and around the Kuta /Legian areas, are imported from the nearby islands of Sumba and Flores.
Bali does however, have a very rich textile industry of its own. The beautiful "Songket" fabrics worn by performers of traditional dance are a fine example. In Songket, gold and silver threads are woven into the cloth to create complex motifs of birds, butterflies and flowers, & sometimes they use so much gold and silver that the underlying cloth is barely visible.
"Endek", or "weft ikat" is another commonly used weaving method in Bali. In "weft" weaving, the "weft" threads are dyed to create the design and then are woven with plain warp threads. These pieces of cloth are recognizable by their abstract designs and bright colours.
The last common form of weaving to be seen in Bali is the "Geringsing", or double-ikat and it is perhaps the most sought after. A creation when both the "warp" and "weft" threads are dyed to their final designs before being woven together. With the exception of certain areas in India and Japan, this weaving technique can only be found in the small Bali Aga village of Tenganan, in East Bali.
Place of Interest
Kuta
Kuta is now the tourist mecca of Bali. Touted for its spectacular sunsets, superb surf breaks and a vibrant nightlife, it is popular mainly among the young and adventurous. Chockablock with shops, restaurants, pubs and discotheques, Kuta forms a centre for the young to congregate and dance until dawn. Coconut trees line the sand beach as far as the eyes can see towards the north stopped by the runway of Denpasar's airport far in the west. Accommodations in Kuta range from a modest homestay for a few dollars a night to luxurious, 5-star International hotels costing several hundred to several thousand dollars a night.
The most famous beach in Bali is Kuta Beach where most travelers end up on their first day. Along Kuta beach you'll see an assortment of nationalities ranging from Europeans, Australians and Asians on vacation, shopping for Balinese carvings and other artwork. The beach scene is busy with the foreigners doing their best to get as much sun as they can and the locals doing their best to keep out of the sun under trees. Kuta Beach is a haven for surfers.
The street of Kuta/Legian, situated directly behind the row of hotels that face the beach, is lined with shops for every need and taste. The streets that run perpendicular to the sea and those that run parallel to Jl Legian, have a number of smaller market-style shops where you can bargain hard for better prices for items ranging from sarongs, sandals, wooden art and silver jewelry.
Legian
Legian stretches between Jalan Melasti and Jalan Double Six and is what may be described as the cosmopolitan area of Bali. The beauty of Legian is the range of accommodation that is on offer virtually there is something for everyone. The beachfront hotels are really beachfront and most have their pools towards the beach areas or large lawn areas covered by trees overlooking the beach. It is usually not necessary to be a patron of the Hotel to use these facilities - just ask.
The restaurants are many and varied and some of Bali’s best can be found here. The shopping is more boutique style. It is best to wander the side streets and browse for many items including casual wear and beach fashions, antiques, handicrafts and souvenirs. There are still hawkers here but unlike Kuta, Legian is a much more relaxed atmosphere.
The nightclubs and bars in this area come alive on particular nights and it is the best place to go if you want to catch some of the excellent local bands or if you are into 90’s dance music.
The beach is wide in Legian but it is not white. Like most beaches in Bali it has a greyish color caused by volcanic silica. It is not dirty, just not white - a walk along Legian beach is one of the most colourful and vibrant beach walks in Bali. A typical day on the beach will include vendors, masseuses, beach boys, high waves and strong currents.
If you are looking for a relaxed atmosphere with beachfront restaurants which are perfect to sit back, have a drink and watch some of the best sunsets and then go to a great local restaurant for dinner - this is the place.
Jimbaran
Acknowledged by many as Bali's finest beach resort area, Jimbaran is an unspoilt fishing village which encompasses the area south of Bali’s International airport. In the late afternoon the beautiful sunsets make Jimbaran a popular destination for world class spas and beach side weddings. Jimbaran has attracted world renowned hotels like Bali InterContinental and Four Seasons, yet the beach is surprisingly uncrowded.
At night, Jimbaran Bay prides itself for its seafood-on-the-beach eateries, attracting large crowds seeking the inexpensive seafood on offer. It is, in fact, famous for its delicious seafood with Jimbaran’s “secret sauce”. You’ve got to taste it to believe it. There’s mainly seafood, particularly its typical grilled seafood.
Early morning visitors to Jimbaran’s traditional fish market can observe the island’s chefs, restaurant owners and local housewives purchasing the night’s catch straight off Jimbaran’s fleet of colourful jukung fishing boats. At sunset early diners gather on the sand to enjoy the day’s catch barbecued over coconut husks, or lazily sit in hillside restaurants and beachfront cafés sipping cocktails.
Nusa Dua
Nusa Dua literally means "two islands" in Bahasa Indonesia, is known internationally as the premier resort area of Bali. Situated on the Southern Peninsula of the island, it seems a world away from the hustle & bustle but is only 20 minutes drive from the airport, Kuta beach, shops and nightlife.
Some of the most sumptuous and luxurious hotels in the world, managed by some of the world’s most respected hotel chains, find their home in Nusa Dua. Offering more than 4,000 rooms the resort’s properties also boast excellent sporting facilities, large swimming pools, award-winning tropical gardens, glittering and urbane entertainment venues, and a five star selection of food and beverage facilities.
A peaceful and secure area where families and participants can relax and enjoy a tropical paradise and the warmth of Balinese hospitality without having to venture far from their luxurious rooms, Nusa Dua’s location also provides easy access all of Bali’s attractions and tourist sites. If you are after a place to stay in style then Nusa Dua is as good as it gets! If the purpose of your stay on Bali is just laying and on the beach, recieving a first class service and not have the hassle of bargaining with the local traders, Nusa Dua may be the place for you.
Nusa Dua boasts a number of popular attractions including the Bali Golf & Country Club voted by (Fortune Magazine - U.S.A.) as "One of Asia's 5 Best Golf Courses", an immaculately landscaped 18-hole ocean view course. It is located next to Bali’s new shopping magnet the Bali Collection Lifestyle & Entertainment Complex.
Tanjong Benoa
Once solely the preserve of coconut groves and fishermen, the scenic 5 km long peninsula of Tanjung Benoa has over the years been transformed into a charming resort area. The peninsula is connected by a narrow, meandering road populated by luxury hotels, private villas, fine restaurants, open-air cafes and a plethora of water-sport facilities.
This area is an extension of Nusa Dua Resort, with easy access to its luxurious hotels and other tourism facilities. In fact, Tanjung Benoa exudes a worldly air with the hotels, upscale shops, innovative restaurants and dive centres of the peninsula affording guests no shortage of quality recreational, shopping and dining options.
Acclaimed for its seafood restaurants with unimpeded views of the Nusa Penida cliffs across the Badung Strait, the whole coastal strip is dotted with premier hotels offering deluxe ocean-view suites and convention and meeting facilities complete with audio-visual function rooms.
Those into marine sports will delight in the dozens of dive stores which offer dive-trips and sell and rent equipment. Visitors can also try their hand at windsurfing, water-skiing, jet-skiing and reef fishing, as well as experiencing exciting glass-bottom boat, power-boat and banana-boat rides.
Sanur
Sanur is on the eastern side of Bali and is a relaxing and slightly more sophisticated alternative to Kuta, it comprises of a reef beach that is a lot calmer and noted for water sports, paragliding, canoeing, jet skiing. Fishermen still wander the beach and the colourful outrigger canoes can be hired for sailing trips along the coast and to outlying islands. It is good for swimming at high tide and even at low tide there are parts suitable for a dip in the ocean or snorkelling, there are also several places offering big game fishing.
Characterised by its unique charm and unhurried pace, Sanur has long been a popular destination for guests seeking a stylish, laid-back beachside getaway. Visitors and meeting participants delight in the romantic beachfront - a picturesque, unbroken seaside promenade that stretches the length of ocean-front hotels, luxury villas and exuberant gardens, affording a pleasant stroll in the cool early mornings and late afternoons.
A paved walkway runs the length of Sanur Beach for that relaxing walk with many places to stop for that refreshing drink or some shopping. Sanur is a place where ancient Balinese customs and modern amenities exist in unison. Sanur is the ideal spot for that relaxing holiday lounging by the pool or on the beach, there are markets to explore and also many good quality shops and restaurants. Denpasar with its department stores and Kuta with it’s shops, beach and night life are a short taxi ride away.
Seminyak
Seminyak is only just coming of age, it is only approximately 15-20 mins walk along the beach from the shopping of Legian and Kuta. For couples, it is a perfect place to stay. Until recently these areas were entirely rural, mostly residential. Recommended for visitors who wish to be somewhat away from the tourist crowds but appreciate easy access to the restaurants and shops of Seminyak, Legian, and Kuta. Access to other parts of the island is as equally easy and you don't have to pass through crowded Kuta.
A recent extension of Seminyak towards the north, Kerobokan has some good, middle-to-up market accommodations. Its long, grey-sand beaches are rather quiet, but the strong surf makes swimming perilous.
A bit less dense than Kuta, this area has good accommodations on the roads than run between Jl. Seminyak (the main north-south axis) and the beach, most of them in the middle to high-end price range.
Up market Seminyak, north of Legian, is quiet and pleasant, attracting return visitors seeking more peace and seclusion second time around. Many expats with businesses in Bali choose to live here, so the shops and restaurants tend to cater for these more discerning tastes. Its luxurious villas, up-scale hotels and restaurants serve great food such as New Age cuisine, Greek cuisine, Italian cuisine, Asian cuisine, French cuisine, Mediterranean cuisine and Gourmet delis. Pubs and bars with live music or house music are open till dawn. Nice white sand lies along Seminyak Beach with a spectacular view of the Indian Ocean and rice paddies.
Denpasar
Most tourists to Bali don’t visit Denpasar. To be honest its not set up as a tourist resort and is home to the Balinese and many people from Java. The best was to get around Denpasar is either in a car with a driver, or in a taxi. The one-way system and volume of traffic can be frustrating if you don’t know your way around.
Denpasar is the main retail area of Bali where locals can get the cheapest things in bulk and they’ll say Denpasar.
Bali Museaum. Denpasar has a selection of hospitals, clinics, banks (including CitiBank on Jl. Teuku Umar) and other handy stuff. There are hardly any bars or nightclubs and you won’t find large groups of foreigners here.
Ubud
It is said that, in Bali, every farmer is an artist and every artist is a farmer. Nowhere is this more evident than in Ubud - the artistic and cultural capital of Bali. This rambling country town is located just one hour’s drive north of the airport. Ubud is 300m higher and thus cooler than the south.
Apart from being home to a gazillion chic art galleries, craft shop and studios, this charming conglomerate of villages is also the “royal centre” of Bali with numerous palaces and temples to be visited. If you’re more of an outdoors type, try biking, walking, trekking, bird watching, herb gathering, kayaking, and/or rafting amid the phosphorescent rice paddies, lush tropical gorges and palm waving rivers so characteristic of Ubud.
The air is pungent, smelling of earth, river and forests. In Ubud, you can live as the Balinese do; high among tropical gardens and terraced paddy fields in traditional-style bungalows. Ubud is both a rare and precious experience for those seeking something beyond the sun, sand and surf. A popular tourist destination, traditional culture remains vital despite the influx of large numbers of visitors.
In Ubud, visitors can capture the real essence of Bali in the galleries and workshops which dot the area. Here you'll find world class wood and stone carvings, paintings and silverwork. It boasts scores of fine art galleries. Signs point the way to studios where works by old veterans as well as brash young artists are well represented. With hundreds of shops selling antiques, woodcarvings, woven crafts, textiles and originally designed jewellery, Ubud is also an agreeable place to shop, offering more affordable prices than Bali’s other tourist centres.
Ubud boasts some of Bali’s most stunning resorts, spas and sophisticated stand–alone restaurants serving the best of Asian and Western cuisines. It also offers some of Bali’s best dining experiences where you can savour such delicacies as dirty duck (bebek bengil) or the famed spit-roasted and mouth-watering suckling pig (babi guling).
There is an endless choice of accommodations in Ubud, most of it very good value. You can start with simple, US$5-a-night bungalows at the back of family compounds, and climb up the price range to hedonistic hotels/villas and spas at US$100-a-night - or much more.
While Ubud is the perfect place to relax and watch traditional Balinese dances, active types will find many opportunities for fun discoveries. Nature lovers may spend hours trekking through deep valleys and rice paddies, water rafting in the Ayung River, biking, or bird-watching.
Uluwatu & The Bukit
Overlooking Jimbaran is the craggy Bukit Peninsula - home to the legendary surf breaks of Padang-Padang, Uluwatu, Balangan and Bingin which boast massive breakers, dwarfing those of Kuta and Legian. Considered among the top 10 surfing locales in the world, the Bukit is also a prized destination for beachcombers, sunbathers and seekers of solitude. A feature is the dramatic backdrop of sheer cliffs overlooking the Indian Ocean, as well as spectacular views overall of southern Bali.
Perched ceremoniously on the tip of the peninsula face is the celebrated Luhur Uluwatu Temple – home to powerful guardian spirits of the sea and mischievous monkeys. One of the most important spiritual pilgrimages in Bali, this magical temple, hewn from glistening limestone is a must-visit architectural marvel.
Northern Bali
North of Ubud, an almost straight road takes you through magnificent lower rice field plains, before becoming a narrow winding road through tropical forests, which are slowly transforming themselves in a very different, colder climate vegetation. You reach Kintamani, from where you can view the panorama of Mount Batur and a huge volcanic crater basin. There are also several large Hindu temples, right on the crater rim. After Kintamani, the road keeps climbing, often through the clouds, through dense forests with many hidden Hindu temples and shrines.
The downhill approach to the coast is very scenic and one has a panoramic view of the nearby ocean. The hills are full of orchards of mandarins, mangoes, durian, cloves, coffee, vanilla, ylang-ylang, cocoa and tobacco. The road goes down very steep nd then reaches, after a series of hairpins bends, the northern coast. The whole trip is about 100 km from the Kuta-Nusa Dua area.
Once you reach the coastal area, you are in the Buleleng Regency which sprawls over the full length of Bali's North Coast. It's hot, dry and fringed with black sand beaches and coconut palms. Its capital is Singaraja, which in 1882 became the Dutch capital of Bali and the Eastern Islands (Nusa Tenggara). It is right on the beach and has since its early days been a bustling centre of commerce. It is Bali's second largest city and it is cleaner, less polluted, less congested and more attractive and relaxing than Denpasar or Kuta. The influence of non-Balinese - Chinese, Javanese, Malays, Indians, Arabs and Dutch - is more noticeable in Singaraja than in other parts of Bali, as the city has been a marketplace for the Java sea trade for over a thousand years. This has resulted in many imposing buildings, many of European design, especially in the densely packed merchant's quarter south of the harbour. A large Chinese quarter in the eastern part of town houses priceless vases and tapestries.
To the west is Lovina, a more budget-oriented tourist town. It is rural with relaxing scenic beaches, ideal for swimming and diving, but not surfing. Lovina is not known as a cultural place, but there are sometimes performances at the tourist hotels.
More to the East, at the junction to Kintamani, is the renowned village of Tejakula with its ancient temple, Pura Ponjok Batu, surrounded by fresh water springs. There are also communal open-air baths here in front of a temple. From there you can walk uphill to a very high, idyllic and little known waterfall, with abundant water, even during the dry season. An ideal place for a picnic and a waterfall-massage. The hike takes you through small rural communities, orchards - mainly rambutan - and dense jungle. This mountainous region is one of the few truly undiscovered regions of Bali. Enjoy scenic village life on a bicycle tour or go on an early morning canoe trip with a local fisherman and you may find yourself surrounded by dolphins, while getting a superb view of the first sunrays on Mount Agung against the background of the island of Lombok.
The North of Bali should not be explored in single day trip from Kuta, Nusa Dua or Ubud, but to fully enjoy its richness, its unspoilt and quiet beaches and the ocean, its unique traditional Balinese culture, character and charm, to explore its wealthy and sumptuous nature and meet its friendly people, not affected by mass-tourism, a few days is highly recommended.
Tips
AIRPORT TAX
Domestic Airport Tax is Rp30,000 while International Airport Tax is Rp100,000 per person.
BUSINESS HOURS
Operating hours for Government offices are from 08.00 a.m. until 05.00 p.m. Monday to Friday and half days on Saturdays. Most retailers like supermarkets, department stores and shops maintain longer opening hours for their customer's convenience.
CREDIT CARDS
Most major credit card and traveler's checks are accepted in big stores and hotels/villas in Bali along with American dollar traveler's cheques. Be cautious when paying with credit cards as most merchant will add 3% against the total amount of your transaction.
CURRENCY EXCHANGE
In Bali, there are more than 10 foreign currencies that can be converted or exchanged. The Indonesian Rupiah offers very favorable rates of exchange and buying power against most foreign currencies. Hotels, moneychangers, and banks provide foreign exchange services. Moneychangers in major tourist areas such as Kuta, Sanur and Ubud often offer better rates than banks. For those bringing foreign currency to Indonesia should note that many banks and moneychangers refuse to accept foreign bank notes that are soiled, torn or generally poor condition. Please be sure to check the current exchange rate and commission (if any) before you changing money at local money changer. You may use our currency converter to get an indicative exchange rate. Most importantly, always count your money before you leave the premises. Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) notes are 1,000; 5,000; 10,000; 20,000; 50,000 and100,000.
ELECTRICAL CURRENT
Electrical current in Bali is 220 volts at 50 cycles. Most electrical plugs are set to take a two-pin plug. Purchase an international adapter or ask your hotel to lend you one.
GETTING AROUND
You will find a range of chauffeur driven limousines, self-drive cars, taxis and hotel courtesy cars. Many taxis are not metered so it's wise to negotiate the fare before you climb aboard. Bemos are a unique form of transport. They are a mini-van masquerading as a communal bus. You simply hail the driver and negotiate the fare that suits you both. Motorcycles can also be hired in many places but special care should be exercised at all times as road and traffic conditions can be somewhat hazardous in certain locations. Traveling around Bali is made all the easier because everywhere you go you'll find friendly people only too happy to give you advice and directions on how to get where you want to go.
HEALTH
Travelers coming from infected areas are recommended to obtain International health certificates of vaccination against smallpox, cholera, yellow fever, typhoid and paratyphoid. For those who intended to stay for a longer period of time in Bali, it is recommended to have gammaglobulin injections.
Good advice for visitors is to drink a strong, hot tea and avoid all fruits and spicy foods at the first sign of discomfort (diarrhea and cramping). It will help to lessen the cramping if you do have charcoal tablets (the brand name is Norit). To stop from dehydration, Oralite (mineral replacement salts) is a good choice and is available at nearly every store or local pharmacy. In the worst cases caused by viral infection, get a doctor for an antibiotics prescription.
To avoid Malaria, visitors should consult their doctor for a supply of malaria-repressant tablets. Chloroquine is available widely in Bali and much cheaper than abroad.
Drinking bottled mineral water is the safest – avoid drinking tap water. Be cautious of the sun as it can become very intense in the afternoon, especially in dry season.
Bali has a several well-equipped hospitals providing emergency and outpatient services. There are also several very modern and efficient medical service centres on the island that have been established to cater to the needs of foreign visitors, namley SOS and BIMC.
PASSPORT & VISA
All arrivals from international visitors to Indonesia after February 1, 2004, are subject to new visa regulations.
Please check the latest visa requirements by contacting the Embassy / Consulate in your country of origin before commencing your vacation.
PRACTICAL INFO
Slap on loads of High Factor Waterproof Sun Cream (especially if you intend to spend a lots of time in the water). Tap water is generally not potable in Indonesia. Bottled drinks including a wide range of bottled mineral waters are readily available. Drink lots of bottled water and eat a lot of fresh fruit – do your body a favour.
Be careful with your belongings at all the time. Cases of handbag snatching have been reported so please leave important documents like your passport in your hotel safe (carry photo-copies).
SOCIAL ETIQUETTE
If you do find yourself stuck in traffic for no apparent reason you may have come up on a Balinese procession on the way to temple. Be patient. No amount of honking the car's horn is going to speed things up and it's rude to try and pass. If you are on foot, try not to step on offerings in the street; walk around them.
Do drugs and that could lead to death penalty! Enough foreigners reside in Bali courtesy of the Govt. Prison service! Waist sashes should be worn when visiting temples and ceremonies. Women are not allowed to enter the temples during menstruation. Do not walk in front of people praying. Do not to use flash camera or push your camera into the priest's face. Do not touch peoples’ heads as it is very offensive to Hindus.
TELECOMMUNICATIONS
Indonesian telecommunications are of a high standard and generally available. Most hotels offer international direct dialing, facsimile and often internet connections.
The government has also established a nationwide network of small business people operating "WARTEL" or telecommunication kiosks offering international and domestic telephone communication at competitive rates.
Bali has several mobile telephone servers that, depending on agreements in place with your home service supplier, should provide roaming support for your hand phone brought from home. There are also prepaid cards which you can purchase from small kiosks.
TIPPING
Most major hotels and some restaurants include a 10% service charge in your bill. When this is the case, no additional gratuity is required or expected. If the service has been good, a token of Rp.10.000 - Rp.20.000 would be appreciated. Tax and service charge amount to 21% on top of all bills.
Info Contact
EMERGENCY
Ambulance 118
Fire Department 113
Police 110
Car Tow 762060
Search & Rescue 51111
Red Cross 26465
OPERATOR ASSISTED CALLS
Within Indonesia 100
International 101
DIRECTORY INFORMATION
Bali 108
Indonesia 106
AIRLINES
Airport Info 751011
Adam Air 761104
Air Asia 760116
Batavia 254953
Bouraq 241393
Cathay Pacific 766931
China Airlines 757298
Continental 768353
Eva Air 751011
Garuda Indonesia 270535
Japan Air 756123
Lion Air 234492
LTU Int’l Airways 286441
Malaysia Airlines 757294
Mandala 499403
Merpati 235358
Royal Brunei 757292
Qantas 288331
Singapore Airlines 768388
Thai Airways 288141
CARD CARD COMPANIES
American Express 288511
Mastercard 222652
Visa Card 226578
HOSPITALS
UGD Sanglah 227911
Surya Husadha 766154
Kasih Ibu 223036
Graha Asih 764860
Dharma Usadha 227560
A.D. Udayana 228061
Nusa Dua Clinic 778098
Bali 911 Dental Clinic 249749
BIMC 761263
Jimbaran Clinic 701467
SOS 710505
CONSULATES
Australia, Canada &
New Zealand 241118
Brazil 757775
Britain 270601
Czech 286465
Chile 756781
France 285485
Germany 288535
Hungary 287701
Italy 701005
Japan 227628
Mexico 223266
Netherlands 751517
Norway & Denmark 701070
Spain 769286
Sweden & Finland 282223
Swiss & Austria 751735
Thailand 263310
United States 233605
Source: http://gobalitravel.com/
24th January 2000: the festival moves to the Sanur coast for a beautiful morning ceremony
