Bali is the official name. What a holiday in Bali, Indonesia is really like. Cultural capital of Bali
Located in the Malay archipelago, it is one of Indonesia's 27 provinces and the country's main tourist destination. The island belongs to the Indonesian waters and is washed by the Pacific Ocean in the south, the Java Strait in the west and the Lombok Strait in the east. The province is rich in attractions, has a developed tourist infrastructure and picturesque landscapes, which makes it different from other regions of Indonesia. More than 5 million tourists come to Bali every year, most of whom are Russian. This is one of the most popular tourist destinations South-East Asia. Bali is called the “Island of a Thousand Temples” or “Island of the Gods” thanks to a large number temples and cultural sites that are located here.
Where is the island
Bali (Indonian: Bali) belongs to the Lesser Sunda Islands. Bali is part of the Malay Archipelago and is a province of the same name in Indonesia. total area is 5.7 thousand km2. Length coastline 145 km. It forms the Wallace Line, which is the western limit of biogeographic diversity between the islands of Bali and Lombok.
Bali is the last island of the archipelago in the west of the Lesser Sunda Islands. It is located almost near the equator. Starting from , along Bali stretches mountain range, formed by volcanic eruptions. On the island there are two dormant volcanoes, Agung and Gunung Batur. The height of Agung is 3142 m above sea level and is the highest point of the island. Due to high volcanic activity, the island's soils are fertile. In 1963, several major volcanic eruptions occurred. As a result, many died local residents, and some of them were forced to emigrate from the eastern regions.
The highest Mountain peaks The islands are Batukau (2278 m) and Abang (2152 m). The mountain range is located in the south, forming a plateau of limestone and volcanic rocks. It is called "bukit" - the hills that divide Bali into 2 parts of the island. The north is characterized by a sharp rise from gently sloping beaches to mountain slopes. It has a dry climate, which is ideal for coffee plantations. There are 2 rivers Singaraji and Seririta flowing here, surrounded on both sides by rice fields and terraces. The southern part is completely dedicated to rice terraces. This part of the island is characterized by lush vegetation, due to the numerous rivers that flow through the gorges. The land here is well irrigated, so there are entire plantations of coconut palms, strawberry fields and rice terraces.
The geography and topography of the island are determined by the territorial location of Bali and its volcanic origin. Administrative center and the capital of Bali is the city of Denpasar. According to the latest census, the island's population is 5 million. The island is divided into provinces and cities. , Singaraja - industrial city in the north of the island, Kuta and Nusa Dua are popular resort towns, Ubud – Cultural Center, Semenyak, Sanur, Jimbaran are cities where mainly local residents live.
What province is it in?
Bali is one of the 27 provinces of the Indonesian Republic with its capital Denpasar. It's standalone administrative unit, which has its own national flag and coat of arms. Despite the fact that Bali is the province of Indonesia with the same name, the island's territory is divided into smaller provinces and coastal islands, which are also part of Bali. The province is part of an archipelago located in Southeast Asia. Bali is one of the largest and most developed provinces in Indonesia.
Climate zone
Bali is located in the west of the Lesser Sunda Islands, where. This is due to the territorial location of the island south of the equator. Officially, the climate on the island of Bali is called equatorial monsoon, so there are not 4 seasons, as in a subtropical climate, but only 2:. The dry season begins in June and lasts until November, while the wet season lasts from December to March. Maximum precipitation occurs in January-February. During this time, from 900 to 1200 mm falls, while in other months, only 600 mm can fall in 6-9 months. , but heavy tropical downpours. Usually, it rains at night or early in the morning, so it does not create much discomfort for tourists. The driest month is November.
The average annual temperature is +26 °C. The difference between temperatures in the dry and wet seasons is 2 °C. The temperature during the dry season during the day is +27.4 °C, and during the wet season +25.6 °C. Ocean water temperature is +28 °C in summer and +25 °C in winter. Temperature at night averages +22°C. The least amount of precipitation is in November, which is only 46 mm, and the maximum amount in January is 320 mm. The climate of the island of Bali is characterized by stable temperature indicators throughout the year, so the beach season is open all year round.
Population
The island of Bali is multinational, so different ethnic groups and peoples live here. According to the latest data from 2014, the population was 4.2 million. Based on the amount of population growth, about 5 million people now live on the island. Bali is a Hindu province, but is territorially part of a Muslim country. Despite this, both Balinese and Indonesian are spoken on the island, and English is also used to serve tourists.
Most of local residents - native Balinese, as well as Indonesians. It is worth considering that the island’s demographics are constantly expanding due to its developed tourism infrastructure. 30% of the population are emigrants from different countries. This was reflected in the ethnic diversity of the island. Despite the fact that the island has long become civilized, the indigenous Balinese and local tribes, living in the provinces, are still divided into castes according to social class. This is due to historical events and the long-term occupation of the island, first by Japan, then by Holland.
The population of the cities is employed in the tourism industry, while the inhabitants of the provinces of the island are typical farmers. The main activity is the cultivation of multi-layered rice terraces, coffee, spices, etc. Bali has a multi-layered ethnic composition, which is reflected in the culture and religion of the island.
Culture
The Balinese culture is original and does not resemble the typical Indonesian national way of life. Due to the multitude historical events and long-term occupation by foreigners, local residents adopted some features from other cultures, while managing to preserve Muslim customs. The island has formed its own language, which is called “Bahasa Bali”. It is a mixture of Indonesian, Arabic, Chinese and many dialects. Bali has its own national flag and coat of arms reflecting the island's independence from Dutch occupation.
The culture of Bali is best reflected in handicrafts and wood carving. Typical Hindu and pagan wood cultures are a characteristic feature of the national culture. The most common art form on the island is batik. Hand-painted batik is a painstaking, but very exciting job. Such valuable fabrics are used for sewing national women's clothing and other textiles. You can buy batik in the markets of Denpasar.
Balinese dances are famous. These are mass theatrical performances with costumes and masks. They tell the story of Hindu culture. The most popular dances are kecak, barong, lenong, shanghuang kharan, hauk. Each dance has its own theatrical and ceremonial significance.
The Balinese culture is rich in various rituals and customs. The traditional ones are the birth ritual, the childhood ceremony, the marriage ritual, the death and cremation ceremony. Since it is typical for Balinese families to have several children, they are given certain names according to the order: Wayan, Kadek, Neman, Kutut, and so on in a circle.
The island celebrates religious and National holidays. Most of them are typical Indonesian and Muslim holidays, but there are also Hindu ceremonies, so Balinese holidays do not have fixed dates, but are counted from specific events. Bali is called the island of a thousand temples because of the numerous temples and monasteries located on the island.
Nature
The flora and fauna on the island are very diverse. Due to the peculiarities of the island's climate, favorable conditions are created here for tropical greenery. Bali is under the influence of the monsoon, so the abundant rainfall feeds the plants and they grow well. The island has several varieties of tropical forests. Most of the island is covered with evergreen forests, which are united in the Bali Barat Nature Reserve. It features rare plants and centuries-old trees. Mountain vegetation is almost never found higher than 1.5 km above sea level. Banana trees are considered sacred, so they are given special care. Palm leaves are used to make lontar paper for sacred scriptures, so palm trees also grow here for practical purposes. There are many rare species trees that are typical for the area. Bamboo grows very well on the island. which are used as a universal building material.
Bali has truly fertile soil. Everything that is not planted survives, so the gardening and farming industry is the main one among local residents. In addition to rice terraces, they grow different types colors. It is worth noting the variety of natural attractions, in particular waterfalls. The largest number of waterfalls are concentrated in the Ubud area. Also, Bali is famous for its mountain lakes, strawberry farms, coffee plantations, monkey forest, luxurious beaches and palm groves. The nature of the island is truly amazing, which explains the popularity of Bali among tourists.
Religion
More precisely, its variety is Agama Hindu Dharma. There are also Muslims on the island who live mainly in the capital. Christians and Buddhists meet. Since there are many foreigners on the island, there are also many other religious groups. Hinduism in Bali is a mixture of different religions that came from India. This is a modified teaching based on the teachings of Saivism and Buddhism, which is based on a modified representation of cults and ceremonies, more reminiscent of paganism. This is especially noticeable in cult rituals and offerings. The religion of Bali is distinguished by the presence of magical rituals, which is manifested in the culture (dancing, painting, crafts) of the local residents. Since the population of the island professes different religions, many temples have been built on the island. There are almost 20 thousand of them in total.
Bali is an ideal holiday destination. The island has long turned into a popular resort, and you can soak up the local beaches- everyone's dream. The tourism industry is developing rapidly and new hotels are constantly opening, attracting tourists from all over the world. In order to fully enjoy your vacation, you should definitely study the culture and religion of the local residents. I'm going to the island, you'll plunge into another world where it's incredible beautiful nature and colorful locals.
Today we will visit amazing island Bali in Indonesia and find out what kind of holiday it is like here.
Where is the island of Bali
Bali belongs to the Lesser Sunda Islands and is part of Indonesia. The Indian Ocean washes the island from the south, and the Pacific Ocean and the sea from the north.
Bali- one of the most popular resorts in Indonesia, designed for a luxurious holiday. Rainforests, marvelous landscapes, huge volcanoes, temples and, of course, milky creamy beaches endlessly attract tourists from all over the world.
The capital of the island is Denpasar, a major trading and tourist town in Indonesia. Denpasar is also a kind of “green paradise”: parks, gardens and beautiful streets are fragrant and blooming in full force. Everything here screams: “Come and relax.”
Bali is heavenly holiday without exaggeration.
The nature and beauty of this place is so welcoming that you don’t want to leave here at all.
What resorts are on the island of Bali in Indonesia
Let's now talk in detail about the resorts of Bali.
I suggest starting from the southern region of the island Nusa Dua, which is best place for relax. It is here that more than 15 five-star hotels are “collected”.
Southwestern region Jimbaran It opened for tourists quite recently. The good thing about the area is that it is an ideal place to relax and swim in the ocean waters. There are also chic restaurants that you will find right on the shore by the water.
Eastern Bank Sanur ideal for rest and relaxation, as the milky white beaches and incredible beauty of the lagoon evoke only pleasant thoughts.
And if you are a surfing enthusiast, then the coast in the west of the island will be ideal for you Kuta.
central District Ubud famous for its “untouched nature”. The beauty is so enchanting that all thoughts about the “everyday” fly away with a quiet breeze.
Beautiful blue ocean, black and white beaches - resort Candidasa it will be easy ideal place for relax.
For lovers of scuba diving the coast Tulamben will be the most suitable place.
Attractions on the island of Bali
Besakih Temple is a complex of 30 thirty temples. All of them are located in terraces and surround the sacred stone. This temple will surely be remembered by you for its architecture.
And the pearl of Indonesia - the Tanah Lot Temple will surprise you with an interesting combination of the sea, shiny sand and a temple with a multi-tiered roof. This place is the most sacred place islands.
Amusement park and Mount Gunung Katur, National Park Barat, Elephant Caves and Bat Cave will be remembered for their idea and beauty.
Crocodile Farm, Bird Park, Rice Terraces, Water Park, National marine park and the Monkey Forest will once again remind you that the nature of Indonesia is unique and beautiful.
Mesmerizing Balinese dance Kecak
Kecak is a unique Balinese dance. It is performed by more than 100 men who wear checkered sarongs and chant “chak-chak” while shaking their arms rhythmically.
For the Balinese, this dance has a deep religious meaning. Now these performances are specially staged for visiting tourists. And tourists, in turn, are eager to attend such a performance.
Bali is truly a heavenly place that you want to return to again and again!
That's all, travel and learn a lot of new, interesting and exciting things with us!
Where is the island of Bali located on the map
Watch the mesmerizing Balinese dance Kecak:
Useful information for tourists about the island of Bali in Indonesia - geographical position, tourist infrastructure, map, architectural features and attractions.
Enchanting Bali attracts hundreds of tourists every year with its splendor. The island is part of the Malay Archipelago and is part of the Lesser Sunda Islands. WITH different sides Bali is washed by the waters of the Indian Ocean and the Bali Sea.
Bali is considered an island and at the same time a province of Indonesia: the largest archipelago in the world, numbering more than 13,500 islands. At the same time, Bali is one of the least populated provinces of the country.
Bali is located near the island of Java, separated by the Bali Strait. The total area of the island is 5,700 square kilometers, the length of the coastline from west to east is 150 kilometers, and from north to south approximately 98 kilometers. Bali was formed by rocks of volcanic origin and this fact explains the features of the island's landscape. The most important volcano for local residents is Agung, which in Hinduism is personified with “mother”, “the center of the earth”.
The territory of Bali is abundantly covered with volcanic ash, which enriches the soil and allows the island's inhabitants to engage in farming. Also, lakes of volcanic origin play an important role in the development of agriculture on the island, thanks to which the rivers are fed.
The island began to be developed back in the Bronze Age, as evidenced by numerous archaeological finds. The first inhabitants of Bali were the ancestors of modern southern Chinese and Indians. Subsequently, the island more than once became the object of occupation by such states as Holland and Japan. However, in the middle of the 20th century it gained complete independence, which it still retains.
The island of Bali includes the following resorts: the capital of the island - , a resort for family vacation- , elite resort - , beautiful place for holidays with children - , youth resort- , original, miniature, cozy, educational and excursion resort, luxurious, a dream for surfers - and a relaxing holiday resort -.
How to get there
Distance between Bali and major Russian cities significant, so you should prepare for the trip in advance. The only option to get to the island is by plane. Harbour Air Ngurah Rai receives airlines operating direct flights several times a week. The travel time will be 11 hours. This is the shortest and most convenient way to get to the island.
As for flights with transfers, their duration can vary from 22 hours to 2 days. This directly depends on the carrier’s conditions, the number of transfers and their duration. Most often, aircraft changes occur in Shanghai, Seoul, Hong Kong, and Singapore.
Once in Bali, tourists go to their hotels, which can be located in different parts of the city. As a rule, a taxi is pre-ordered for this. Another way to get around the island is by bus. You can also go on a rented scooter, but this option is not suitable for everyone.
Attractions
The main value of Bali is its nature with numerous waterfalls, mountain rivers, volcanoes, and jungles. One of the holy places where tourists like to go is called Agung Volcano. You can climb it only with an experienced guide. Such an excursion requires careful preparation, since the climb is fraught with a number of difficulties.
Don't forget to visit the Balinese waterfalls, which form entire groups. To see the magnificence of the cascading waterfalls with your own eyes, you need to go on a jungle tour. Each of the waterfalls carries a sacred meaning for local residents, as they have worshiped since ancient times water element.
Among the architectural objects worth seeing is the Tirta Ganga Palace, located in the eastern part of the island. The palace is a large complex equipped with swimming pools, areas with green spaces, various sculptures, fountains and pavilions.
A visit to Bali's rice fields is included in most tourist excursions. The most famous are the Tegalallang rice terraces, which harmoniously combine pristine beauty with developed infrastructure. The tour of the terraces includes an introduction to the rice growing culture in Bali and a tasting of rice-based dishes.
Features of the hotel base
The choice of your place of residence depends primarily on individual preferences. Bali has a well-developed tourism infrastructure, so you won’t have any problems finding accommodation. Rooms in the most best hotels worth booking in advance as Bali is considered quite popular destination.
Most hotels are concentrated in the area of southern Bali, as well as in such resort areas as Kuta, Bukit, Canggu, Sanur, Ubud, Padang Bai, Amed, Lovina. If you wish, you can find a budget option or stay in a luxury hotel.
Another option for accommodation in Bali is a hostel. They are scattered along the entire coast and differ in their combination low prices with a good level of service. Some tourists prefer to stay in villas or bungalows. This option is suitable for large companies or married couples.
Beach holiday
The most common type of tourism in Bali is beach tourism. Picturesque nature and a coastline stretching for tens of kilometers make it possible to actively develop this type of tourism. Beaches differ from each other in terms of topography, the availability of amenities, nature, coastline and other parameters.
Sanur is located southeast of Denpasar. The beach is about five kilometers long. It was from this place that it began beach tourism on Bali. Today in this resort area couples and elderly people who prefer to live relaxing holiday. The advantage of the beach is Coral reefs, gentle entry into the water and the opportunity for children to swim.
Kuta is a busy resort center with developed infrastructure. Cheap hotels, cafes, restaurants, bars, clubs, bazaars - all this can be seen in the area of this beach. The territory has everything you need for a comfortable stay, including sun loungers, showers, and changing areas. It is worth noting that there are lifeguards on duty on the beach, ready to help at any moment.
Full Moon - a romantic beach with black sand. There are few people on it, but it is famous among amateurs unusual photo sessions. On the beach there are several statues of mythical deities guarding the area. It is best to swim on this beach during low tide, as high tide brings with it high ocean waves, which can be dangerous.
Balangan, or the Martian beach, is popular due to its interesting bottom: it is formed by depressions of volcanic rocks, forming peculiar “fonts” that are filled with water. They can be seen at low tide water surface. There is also a sandy area on the beach where food stations are located. Newlyweds and lovers of amazing sunsets often come to Balangan.
Bias Tugal is located near the village of Padang Bai. The beach itself is a miniature lagoon filled with white sand and turquoise water. Along the coastline there are numerous cafes offering dishes national cuisine. In addition, Bias Tugal is convenient for swimming with children, since the entrance to the water is gentle.
Seminyak is a beach that has gained fame thanks to the luxury hotels located along the coastline. The beach is popular with surfers and lovers of boat trips. The beach is famous for its excellent restaurants, where tourists are offered national dishes.
Leisure
Those who prefer to spend their holidays actively come to Bali. The most common leisure activities on the island are diving, snorkeling and surfing. Almost every beach has specialized training centers for surfers who want to master the basics of this water sport. After completing the course, a certificate is issued confirming the student’s qualifications.
The optimal time for surfing in Bali is from March to October, when wave heights can vary from 2 to 4 meters. In such conditions it is convenient not only to train, but also to start getting on the board for the first time.
A network of professional diving schools is the pride of Bali. They are located in different areas of the island and offer tourists a comprehensive training program. In addition to theoretical classes, it includes practice. When a tourist completes his training, he is issued a PADI certificate, allowing him to dive in any country in the world.
Kitchen
Balinese cuisine is replete with spices and flavor combinations that... Russian tourists may seem unusual. The island's cuisine is based on different types of meat and seafood, rice, legumes, vegetables, and coconut milk. Some of the most interesting dishes we recommend trying are:
- Bebek betutu - stuffed duck baked with sauce on banana leaves. The minced meat can be a mixture of greens with chili pepper, or any vegetables.
- Sate are small skewers on wooden skewers served with a sauce made from peanut butter and water. These kebabs are made from chicken, shrimp, octopus, cuttlefish, and fish fillet.
- Lavar is a festive dish for honored guests. In ancient times it was prepared on exceptional occasions, but today you can try lavar in any restaurant in Bali. The basis of the dish is vegetables, coconut, garlic, chicken or pork. Lavar is always served on a banana leaf with lime juice poured on top.
- Brem is a wine made from rice. This traditional drink is drunk on all holidays. The taste of the wine is sweet and the consistency is viscous. Breem is often added to cocktails and other alcoholic drinks.
Bali is one of the most mysterious and attractive places on our planet. Fabulous tropical nature combined with amazingly clean sandy beaches make this little corner truly heavenly. It is not surprising that many tourists want to personally check where the island of Bali is located.
Geography
Bali is located in the southeastern part of Asia. Its geographical coordinates are 8º S and 115º E. It belongs to the state of Indonesia and is part of the huge archipelago of the same name. The island of Bali is part of the Lesser Sunda Islands, located in its westernmost part. From the south its shores face the waters of the Indian Ocean, and from the north it is washed by the Bali Sea, which is part of the system Pacific Ocean. Adjacent to the western end big Island Java, separated by the narrow Bali Strait.
Proximity to the equator dictates the climate. Between June and September there is a dry season with little rainfall, although the humidity remains very high. The bulk of moisture falls from the sky during the calendar winter and in March, when the rainy season is observed here. At the same time, eternal summer reigns in Bali and the air temperature in the flat part never drops below +25º.
There is a fairly high population density here. With an area of over 5.7 thousand km², Bali is home to over 4 million inhabitants. The northern and central parts of the island are occupied by mountains, maximum height which exceeds 3 thousand meters, and plains predominate in the south. The main peaks are:
Batukaru
Abang
Agung
Batur
The remoteness of Bali from Russia
The island is very far from Russia and can only be reached by plane with a transfer in Singapore, Jakarta or Kuala Lumpur. The plane covers the distance of over 6000 km between Moscow and these megacities in 11-12 hours.Many people who have visited these places now know firsthand where the island of Bali is located. Many of them were able to appreciate the charms and beauty local nature, so they will definitely come back here again.
You can easily write a lengthy essay about the amazing Indonesian island of Bali. Moreover, both in an informational style, presenting dry facts without unnecessary emotions, and in an artistic style, at least remotely conveying the charm and beauty of Balinese nature, the uniqueness of the Balinese culture.
This article is something in between: on the one hand, it does not look like a faceless encyclopedic text, on the other, it will introduce you to the minimum amount of information that everyone who is going to Bali simply must have.
General information
Bali is part of the Lesser Sunda Islands group, which is part of the Malay Archipelago. Bali is located slightly south of the equator, its southwestern coast is washed by Indian Ocean, and just 5 kilometers to the northwest is the island of Java. The area of Bali is about 5600 square meters. km, its shape is similar to a mushroom like a chanterelle. Greatest length from east to west: approximately 145 km, from north to south: 80 km. The highest point is Agung Volcano, about 3050 m above sea level, located in the eastern part of the island.
Bali is part of province of the same name, which includes several other small nearby islands. The provincial capital is Denpasar, enough Big City(more than half a million inhabitants).
Population
The number of residents of Bali exceeds 4,250,000 people - given the area of land occupied by fields, the population density is very high.
Economy
A significant part of the economy is the cultivation of various crops. There are industrial enterprises and developed crafts, but their share is noticeably smaller. However, today tourism has become one of the most important sources of income for the islanders.
Transport
The island has a well-equipped Ngurah Rai Airport, which receives international flights. Developed ferry service With neighboring islands. Public transport (buses and minibuses) is available, but poorly developed. It is better for tourists to travel by taxi or rent a car (motorbike). Driving in Indonesia is on the left.
Religion
According to various sources, from 80 to 90% of local residents profess a special type of Shaivism: Agama Hindu Dharma.
Currency
Indonesian rupiah. As of July 2018, its rate is $1/≈14,350 IDR.
Timezone
UTC/GMT +8, the difference with Moscow is +5 hours.
Language
Balinese (belongs to the group of Austronesian languages), includes two dialects, basa alus - the so-called. high, used in worship, and basa kasar - for communication. The name of the island comes from Sanskrit and loosely translated means “hero”.
Calendar
There are three of them. 210-day Pavukon; Saka - lunar, consisting of 12 months of 30 days; and conventional Gregorian.
Documentation
Citizens of the Russian Federation do not need a visa if their stay on the island does not exceed 30 days.
Little is known about the early history. It is believed that the first settlers, the Chinese and Malays, appeared on the island around 2500 BC. e. It is to them that researchers attribute the invention of a unique irrigation system for rice fields - Subak, which operates to this day and is included in the list World Heritage UNESCO.
The Hindus had a decisive influence on the spiritual development and culture of the Balinese, the earliest mention of whose presence dates back to the 20th century. n. e. It is believed that it was during this period that Hinduism (more precisely, Shaivism) penetrated into Bali, and in the 20th century. The first Hindu kingdom was formed. It should be noted that the island attracted many migrants, so modern residents carry in their genes a complex mix inherited from Chinese, Malay, Javanese, Polynesian and other peoples. The first historically documented mention of the island of Bali dates back to the beginning of the 20th century.
The Balinese have never been good sailors - according to local beliefs, the sea is a source of evil forces. But it would be strange if their culture were not influenced by Javanese - the distance between the islands is about 5 km. This can still be felt in everything: from everyday trifles to traditional dishes. The long period of “good neighborliness” with Java lasted almost until the end of the 20th century. In 1293, the last powerful Hindu empire within modern Indonesia was formed - the kingdom of Majapahit, which soon subjugated Bali. Despite the dependent position, this time was prosperous for the inhabitants of the island.
The empire was on the verge of collapse at the end of the 20th century, but the changes turned out to be much more serious than yet another redrawing of state borders: along with goods from the countries of the Middle East, a new religion was imported - Islam. The intellectually developed part of society - from important clergy to artists, together with the last king of the Vijaya dynasty, found refuge in Bali, which was not affected by Islamization. Of course, the influx of “best minds” had the most beneficial effect on the development of the culture of the islanders.
By the time the first Europeans appeared off the coast of the island - this controversial event occurred in 1597 - there were five separate states in Bali. The territory of present-day Indonesia fell into the sphere of interests of the newly formed Dutch East India Company. In the ⅩⅼⅩ century. The Dutch began to colonize the island - in a very harsh form. The island was conquered only at the beginning of the 20th century, and with the help of such draconian methods that Holland was condemned by the entire civilized world community.
This tragic era ended in 1942 due to the Japanese occupation. After the end of World War II, Japan was forced to abandon its claims, and the Dutch decided to restore power in Indonesia. But that was not the case: their troops met fierce resistance. On August 17, 1945, Indonesia became an independent state.
As mentioned above, the locals profess a special version of Shaivism, but this is not entirely true. Here we need to make a small clarification: among peoples who worship Shiva, Vishnu and Brahma in one form or another, there is no concept of “Hinduism”. What is commonly called Hinduism in European (and not only) countries is only a conventional term for the religions professed by the inhabitants of the Hindustan Peninsula and their followers. Although, to a cursory European glance, there is almost no difference between them.
In addition, by the time the first preachers of the new religion appeared on the island, the islanders already had a well-established system of ideas about the world, gods, soul, good and evil. It cannot be said that it was exclusively original: this is “classical” paganism, with the animation of all surrounding objects, the veneration of the spirits of ancestors, “in need” of regular offerings and various rituals.
It so happened that Shaivism organically merged with ancient beliefs. The Chinese who periodically migrated to the island also contributed - Buddhist ideas about the world - to the amazing religion that was taking shape. Currently, it is a unique fusion of Indian Shaivism, Chinese Buddhism and local paganism. Interestingly, there are fewer Buddhists on the island than representatives of any other religion.
The most important thing about temples, since they are the most interesting sights created by human hands
According to researchers, the importance of religion in society is enormous - so much so that residents European countries, where the church (let's be honest) is not worried better times, can hardly imagine. Any undertaking is preceded and ended by special rituals, even everyday life is full of conventions, and the decisions of the clergy are not discussed - a little more about this below.
All mountains are habitats of good spirits, gods and ancestors. The higher the mountain, the more powerful the spirits that live there. On the slope itself high mountain‒ Agung Volcano, the most important Balinese temple, Pura Besakih, was built. And it doesn’t matter that Agung is quite active volcano, which last showed signs of life in 2017.
Moreover, during the catastrophic eruption of 1963 - 64. (yes, it lasted more than a year), not only the clergy refused to leave the temple, but also ordinary residents came there in the hope of divine protection. No amount of persuasion from the authorities could convince them to leave the deadly dangerous place. Surprisingly, then the temple buildings were almost not damaged, as a result of which Pura Besakih became an even more revered place.
All rivers, lakes, waterfalls and other freshwater bodies are also habitats for spirits. In the caldera (a vast basin formed after a volcanic eruption) not far from the Batur volcano, a big lake, on the banks of which the temple of Pura Ulun Danu Batur was erected.
It doesn’t matter that the sanctuary is located practically in the crater of a volcano, and Batur constantly shows signs of life - nine times eruptions have completely destroyed buildings, and the devout islanders painstakingly restored them. This volcano is the second highest point of the island, so the temple of Pura Ulun Danu Batur is second in importance after the “mother of all temples,” as the above-described Besakih is also called.
This temple also plays a huge role in the everyday life of the Balinese. Its priest, chosen from the boys of a special community, undergoes special training, and after initiation is revered as a being more perfect than an ordinary person. Not a single activity related to the Subak system - field irrigation will be carried out without his consent.
These temples personify the masculine (mountain Besakih) and feminine principles (water Ulun Danu Batur), and maintain the balance of opposing forces necessary for universal harmony.
Of course, the sea is the habitat of spirits, only evil ones. Special temples are also erected to tame and appease them. The most revered of them is Pura Luhur Uluwatu, built on a steep 90-meter coastal cliff. The monks of this temple every night perform the stunning Kechak dance (based on the ancient Indian poem Ramayana), which tourists love so much.
As is already clear from the above, temples are divided into several groups:
- mountain ‒ kahyngan jagad,
- aquatic - tirta,
- sea ‒ segara,
- located in cities and villages - desa.
In Bali, according to various sources, there are up to 20,000 temples. All of them are oriented towards Pura Besakih.
A Balinese temple is a whole complex, sometimes similar to a park, and in some cases even a town of numerous buildings for various purposes, from pavilions for relaxation and preparations for prayer to sculptures depicting mythical creatures. Thus, the structures of the main temple of Bali stretch for almost 3 km. For the most part, temple buildings are not large in size.
The complex consists of three zones (courts) or mandalas, personifying three worlds: Nista - the “ordinary”, human world, Madya - the border between the world of people and higher powers, Utama - the world of the gods. From one “yard” to another, a staircase was erected or a path was laid (depending on the landscape). Considering the area of the temples, the ascent may require a lot of time and effort. Thus, in the Luhur Lempuyang temple there is a staircase of 1,700 steps - the climb takes from 2 to 3 hours, depending on physical fitness. It is not surprising that it is called “the road to the clouds” - in cloudy weather this is completely true.
The extremely interesting temple buildings are the Chandi Bentar, which precedes the entrance to the courtyard - a stylized gate symbolizing the split universal mountain of the universe - Meru (or Maha Meru). Often these are not gates at all, but two richly decorated stone steles, separated by an empty rectangular space, protecting the courtyard from evil forces. The most revered buildings are located in the third, upper (inner) courtyard.
The most important part of the temple’s interior is the altar dedicated to the Trimurti, the triune divine essence that unites Shiva, Vishnu and Brahma. However, Shiva is the main deity in this triad.
Non-believing tourists can only get into the first, “secular” courtyard. However, not only tourists: due to the class structure of Balinese society, each individual temple is intended for a certain class, or caste. And only the “mother of all temples” is open to all Balinese. True, with the help of a kind-hearted native - for a small reward, an inquisitive European can get into the second courtyard of Pura Besakih.
As for the caste division, it is quite simple:
- highest, brahmana (brahmins) - priests,
- highly respected, satria (kshatriyas) - rulers and generals,
- also not bad, wesia (vaishyas) - traders and “white collar” workers,
- the lowest, it includes the bearers of bad karma, sudras (sudras) - almost 90% of the total number of believers, who perform all the hard and low-paid jobs.
Belonging to a certain caste does not provide a significant advantage in career, but is indicated in the name.
The Balinese believe in the relocation of the soul to a new body after death, and a new body, like a new position in society, directly depends on behavior in the current life. In order not to spoil the future - karma, you need to carefully follow all religious instructions, since literally every sneeze has its own ritual. The highest goal of a believer is to live such a righteous life that after death he leaves the endless series of rebirths (samsara), never again incarnates in a physical body and moves into the spiritual world.
The climate of the island is equatorial, monsoon, which is characterized by two seasons: wet and dry. The local summer begins in November and lasts until April, accompanied by downpours, high humidity and unbearable heat. Fortunately, rain is much more common at night. “Experienced” Europeans call March the hottest month; January is considered the rainiest. The dry season, and with it the tourist season, starts in May and lasts until the end of October. The most favorable month for a visit is August, which is the driest and coolest (by local standards).
Annual, as well as daily, temperature fluctuations are small and do not exceed 3 – 4 degrees. During the wet season, during the day the air warms up to +29⁰ ... +31⁰, during the dry season: +27⁰ ... +29⁰. The water temperature in the sea throughout the year fluctuates within even smaller limits and is +27⁰ ... +29⁰. However, during the rainy season, the west coast is not suitable not only for swimming, but also for any water activities in general: the sea is often stormy, and all sorts of garbage is thrown ashore.
It should be noted that the diversity of relief causes some differences weather conditions in different parts of the island. In the northern part there is noticeably less rainfall - this is favorable for the cultivation of coffee; the more humid south is occupied by rice terraces. IN mountainous areas noticeably cooler, especially at night.
The splendor of Bali's flora and fauna will amaze anyone's imagination. Which is not surprising, since the soils regularly “fertilized” by volcanoes are unusually fertile. The island contains savannas, tropical rainforests, deciduous and mountain forests. Animal world It is also incredibly diverse, both on land and underwater: Bali is extremely popular with divers.
In general, the island is much more suitable for surfing, diving and educational excursions than for serene splashing in warm and clear water. However, you can find places that are quite suitable for ordinary swimmers who are indifferent to sea life and stable waves.
Beaches with light sand are located in the south, beaches with black sand in the east and north. This is due to the peculiarities of geology different parts islands and location of volcanoes.
The most popular beaches, more or less suitable for swimming: Padang Padang, Karma Kandara, Pandawa, Legian, Kuta, Double Six (southwest and west). The best swimming beaches include Nusa Dua, Geger, Savangan, Sanur, Karang, White beach, Dzhemeluk (southeast, east), Lovina (north).
Tourism
An unprecedented sphere of the economy called “tourism” began to develop in the 70s of the 20th century. In order for the island to become the way today’s tourists see it, a grandiose program was developed and implemented with the support of the UN. Currently, the island can offer decent service to absolutely everyone who comes to Bali.
Most popular resorts with well-developed infrastructure are Kuta (including Legian and the status of Seminyak), Sanur ( oldest resort Bali), perfectly maintained and closed to Nusa Dua locals.
For fans of diving and snorkeling, we recommend Amed, Candidasa, Lovina and located at east coast islands of the small Gili archipelago. Best places for surfing are located in the south of the island: in the dry season on west coast, during the rainy season - in the east. Countless schools are open for beginner divers and surfers, some with Russian-speaking instructors.
The island has many massage and spa salons, fitness clubs, studios and yoga centers. Those who want to save themselves from the worries associated with organizing a vacation can easily find a guide - English or Russian.
As for educational excursions, in addition to the undisputed leaders - temples, the city of Ubud is worthy of attention. It is an attraction through and through, from its stunning scenery to its range of cultural events and art exhibitions. Also worth a visit: beautiful place for walks and entertainment GWK park and Waterboom water park in the south, rice fields and waterfalls in the center, botanical garden and thermal springs in the north, the water palaces of Tirta Ganga and Tirta Yujung in the east.
In conclusion, it is worth saying a few words about the fantastic, luxurious Balinese rituals and holidays - the last more than 200 days of the year. The main holiday of the Balinese is Galungan (symbolizes the triumph of dharma, that is, justice), which is celebrated every 210 days. It lasts 10 days and ends with another important holiday‒Kuningan (as if summing up numerous previous events). An incredibly colorful spectacle will certainly give you a lot of positive emotions and leave a lasting impression. But - in holidays Believing Balinese do not work.