There are few certainties in life, one of them is death. Every religion has a set ritual for how to handle death. But the Balinese have two different ways to deal with their dead. You may see a funeral procession from the window of your hotel room or Bali villa. The Balinese people are friendly and have no problem with tourists viewing their rituals but make sure to be respectful. The Balinese practice Hinduism for the most part but their Hinduism is a mixture of Hinduism, Buddhism and remnants of the animistic traditions. Continue reading
Marriage Rites and Rituals of the Bali Aga
May 27, 2011
Anyone who has either been to or researched Bali knows that the Balinese people rely on rituals and ceremonies. It is the biggest part of their lives because it is part of their religion, Hinduism. There are rituals for every part of life’s cycle. From rituals that are performed before birth to ease the labor to rituals that sends their spirit to the heavens, there is a ritual for everything. But the ones set aside for marriage are interesting by themselves. You may have even seen one of their ceremonies online or in person while staying in villas Bali or other accommodations available all over the island. Continue reading
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Rice Terraces of Bali
May 27, 2011
For many who are knowledgeable in agriculture, so may take interest in the rice terraces of Bali. Known for their beauty and the way that the resemble gardens rather than farms and crops, the rice terraces of Bali have been the subject of numerous pictures that grace the walls of private owners and museums around the world. You may even have seen a painting or even framed photo of the rice terraces in your hotel room or in many Bali villas for rent. Here are some interesting facts that enable the rice terraces to grow so wonderfully in Bali. Continue reading
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The Sights and Sounds of Northern Bali: Singaraja
May 27, 2011
If you are looking for a relatively quiet tropical location to spend some quality time exploring, try out Singaraja, Bali. This town was the colonial capitol of Bali when it was part of the Dutch East Indies. It still holds the appeal of the old colonial capitol with the more grand streets as well as old houses that are set in a fairy-tale garden paradise. This town is known to be multicultural as well as having a touch of the past on almost everything in the town. The Kampung Arab is a predominantly Muslim area located by the old docks. Singaraja also has the largest Chinese temple in all of Bali. You can find accommodations ranging from motels to Bali villas for rent. Continue reading
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The Do’s and Don’ts of Bali Part 1
May 5, 2011
It is easy to be in Bali. The sun is shining, the waves breaking easily on the shore and the food is delicious. What else do you need to know to enjoy your stay in Bali? Well, the first thing to remember is that although you are in a developing country many of the Indonesian people you meet will have far more money than you. There are a lot of very wealthy people in Bali; many have made a serious chunk of cash in the tourist industry, perhaps through Bali villas rental or perhaps from supplying the building trade or manufacturing products for export. Continue reading
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Dealing with the Balinese Beach Sellers
May 5, 2011
Many of the visitors to Bali gain a negative impression of the people who make their living selling sarongs and other goods on the beach. However, with a few simple tips and the right attitude, these people can add colour to your holiday or be kept at bay with a few simple phrases and an averted gaze. Simply put, Indonesians who live from selling woodcarvings or hair ties on the beach are harmless and usually they are amongst the lowest level of retail experience you’ll ever encounter. Continue reading
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Considering Life at the Sea Side
April 13, 2011
One of the defining characteristics of island life is that one is constantly surrounded by water. Azure oceans in bright sunlight, moody greys under lowering skies and all shades in between. The ocean is magnificent, above and below the waterline. Magnificent diving is to be had at Bali’s many inshore and offshore dive sites with schools of fish tens of thousands in number, linked by some yet to be understood telepathy and moving as one organism. Feeding these on bananas is a joyous experience with an instant set of new friends all desperate to get as close to you or more accurately, your banana, as possible. Continue reading
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Ibu Oka Babi Guling
April 13, 2011
Half way up the mountains in Bali lies the sprawling town of Ubud which has developed over the last few years to become the “Artist’s Colony” of the island; and more recently was the setting for the Balinese portion of the novel and Hollywood movie, Eat Pray Love. Twenty years ago Ubud was a tiny village and lived up to its image as a mountain hideaway. Today it is almost a metropolis from which to visit other villages which retain their traditional form and community. Continue reading
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The Bali Space Program Part 1
April 13, 2011
It is highly unlikely that the Balinese will put anyone into orbit in the near future but there are instances when it seems as if they almost might! Herein will be discussed some of the more ‘difficult’ aspects of living here and what to do about them. (Mostly the advice is to remain calm, never shout and hope that mankind’s ineffable tenacity will win the day!)