About
Bali is an Indonesian island known for its forested volcanic mountains, iconic rice paddies, beaches and coral reefs. The island is home to religious sites such as cliffside Uluwatu Temple. To the south, the beachside city of Kuta has lively bars, while Seminyak, Sanur and Nusa Dua are popular resort towns. The island is also known for its yoga and meditation retreats.
Volcano Agung
This volcano is considered the most sacred place on the island, all of the temples of the island are turned into its party and all Balinese try to sleep their heads towards this volcano. The Balinese believe that Mount Agung is a replica of Mount Meru, the central axis of the universe. It last erupted in 1963-1964 and is still active, with a large and very deep crater which occasionally belches smoke and ash.
Dependence on tourism
80% of Bali's economy depends on tourism and is one of the most visited countries in the world.
Nyepi day
This is Balise day of silence, a unique festival celebrated only in Bali. The whole island shuts down, no work, no travelling and no noise is allowed - they take silence very seriously.
First names
The Balinese have one of four names: Wayan, Made, Nyonman or Ketut, which means first born, second born etc. and it doesn'tt matter what gender.
Babies
Prior to turning 3 months old, Balinese babies are carried everywhere. They have a tooth-filing ritual which symbolises the transition from adolescence to adulthood. It is believed that tooth-filing helps rid an individual of invisible forces of evil, thereby making him or her more beautiful - both spirituality and physically.
Language
There are over 580 different languages and dialects spoken in Indonesia. Bahasa Indonesia, the country's official language is similar to Malay and is now the dominant language in Bali.
Hinduism
When meeting someone for the first time, Balinese are wuick to ascertain th individual's caste. If the individual is from a high caste then they will automaticlly be treated with the respect that that caste has traditionally merited.
Religious offerings are made at prayers and ceremonies, of which are suggested by the Balinese Priest who write a record of what items should be used for each ceremony.
Temples
It is rude in a temple to ...
- have the soles of your feet pointing at the altar
- point at things, especially statues
- be improperly attired
- be loud or irrelevant
- stand higher than the priest
- have an uncovered wound
- be visibly pregnant
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