ABOUT BALI

By.Prue S.W

HISTORY OF BALI

As one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, Bali for few years awarded as the world best island by The International Travel Magazine. There, however, are still many people who do not know in depth about the uniqueness of Balinese culture. Life in Bali is always related to "Tri Hita Karana" or a tripartite concept that include the spiritual relationship between human and God, and their environment.

The rapid growth of development in tourism has had a big impact and influences to Bali tradition and lifestyle. Interestingly, Balinese culture is still as what it was, growing along with the globalization. It is the Balinese civilization what makes the island different from other destination.

 

BALI IN OLD TIMES

When we talk about Bali, then we start with Bali in the old times. The history of Bali is the beginning of the life of Balinese in this island, we can find the evidence about the life style of the Bali society even not in writing (since most of Balinese were illiterate) but mostly all remaining around this island showed the real life of Balinese in the old times

Based on the findings the social life of Balinese in the old times separated into:

 

·         Balinese Period of hunting and collecting food I period

·         Balinese Period of hunting and collecting food II period

·         Balinese Period of planting and livestock

·         Balinese Period of blacksmith

 

PERIOD OF DUTCH
 
Many people mentioning that the Balinese became the darlings of the Dutch authorities. Indeed, the Dutch administration took a patronizing attitude toward the Bali people and their culture, allowing the Balinese to continue using their own language and practice their own 'Traditional custom'. Although the remaining pro-Dutch princes were deprived of political powers, they maintained much of their influence and importance as patrons of the Balinese arts.

RELIGION AND CULTURE

Bali is an island Magic which has been the favorite destination of a range of discerning travelers. Bali is an only Hindu province in Indonesia, and the rich blend of tradition and culture has had an incredible impact. In Bali, the gods and goddesses called the "Dewa-Dewi" -a God being a "Dewa" and a Goddess a "Dewi". The Balinese religion uses the Indian Hindu pantheon, though having adapted it to its own history, character and unique Balinese needs.

PEOPLE AND LIFE STYLE

Bali's population of over 3,000,000 souls spread over the whole island, including those in the smaller islands of Nusa Penida, Nusa Ceningan, Nusa Lembongan, Serangan and Menjangan Island. The overwhelming majority of Balinese are Hindus, with the increasing number on non-Hindu migrating from the closest neighboring islands of Java and Lombok. 


The coastal areas in the south are the most populous area with over 370,000 people living in various professions in the capital of Denpasar. Farming has been the primary way of living in Balinese life. Where else fishing, trading and craftsmanship are also in fashion from generation to generation. Yet with the fast growing of tourism since past few decades, young people start to build up a new touch in their living culture.
Life in Bali is very communal under the organization of villages. Temple ceremonies, marriage, cremation, farming and even the creative art festivals are decided by the local community institution called "Banjar". The responsibilities in the day-to-day life are normally administered by both the Banjar and the government. The local government mostly responsible for schools, health clinics, hospitals and roads, and Banjar is responsible for all other aspects of life. There is another association exists in the banjar named "Subak" that concerns to the production of rice and organizes the complex irrigation system. Every family who owns a rice field must be a member of their local Subak, which then ensures that every member gets his fair distribution of water. A banjar consists of an average of 50 to 150 family members, owning a meeting venue called the Bale Banjar, which is used for regular gatherings and a center for local gamelan orchestras and drama groups.

GEOGRAPHY

The Island of Bali is part of the Republic of Indonesia and is located 8 to 9 degrees south of the equator between Java in the West and Lombok also the rest of the Lesser Sunda Islands (Sumbawa, Flores, Sumba and Timor) in the East. Flying time to Jakarta is about 1.5 hours, to Singapore and Perth (Australia) 2.5 'till 3 hours, to Hong Kong about 4 hours. Bali has an area of 5620 sq. km, measures approximately 140 km by 80 km.

THE SURROUNDING

 

A friendly and remarkably artistic Balinese people, living amid breathtaking panoramas, have created dynamic society with unique Bali arts and ceremonies, making Bali an island almost unreal in today's hectic and changing world. Bali terrace rice fields dominate the landscape, with rivers and small irrigation streams dissecting a luscious green landscape, filling the air with enchanting sounds of running water.

The biggest of foreign exchange is Bali by the tourism which is mostly hotel & tourist industries. Tourists are so exciting to spend their vacation in Bali, as they wondering and or learning of Balinese culture, people & life style that interesting for tourist, domestic or foreigner. By properties which owned by Bali, makes Bali is so different island comparing others destination in the world.