Although modern-day Bali operates using the familiar Roman Calendar that most people are used to, with 365 days in a year, there are two other calendars that also play an important role in the lives of the Balinese. The most important calendar for the Balinese is one using a 210-day…
One of the handiest words to learn is ‘Selamat’, which by itself means ‘safe’, but is used in a multitude of greetings. For example: …
Officially, the name of Bali’s religion is Agama Hindu Dharma, which recognises the belief in one god manifested in a variety of forms. The basic foundation of the Hindu deity is the trinity of gods; God the Creator (Brahma), God the Preserver (Visnu) and God the Destroyer (Siva). Along with…
In making any trip outside of one’s own country, extra precautions to maintain good health should be taken. This, of course, is especially true when heading for a developing country such as Indonesia. By being conscious of a few extra hygiene rules, unnecessary upsets in health should be avoided, enabling…
As in most other areas of Southeast Asia, the majority of purchases made in everyday life are done through bargaining. There appears to be three distinct levels of pricing for the prospective buyer; one for the locals, one for any other Balinese, and one for tourists. Although some tourists may…
The economic crisis that descended upon Southeast Asia starting in August 1997, hit Indonesia’s economy very hard. Economic problems were the main catalyst for the political upheaval in Indonesia. The political turmoil found in some parts of Indonesia has not affected life in rural Bali. However when inflation soared in…
Being only 8° below the equator, the climate in Bali is tropical. The maximum temperature remains fairly constant at 28°C (83°F) throughout the year in inland Bali, and a few degrees warmer nearer the coast. (So if you look at weather.com for a forecast for Bali, please be aware that…
Although many of the younger people in the more ‘touristy’ areas of Bali know some degree of English, it being a compulsory subject in high school, a knowledge of bahasa Indonesia, the national language of the Indonesian Archipelago, is a definite asset in further communication with the Balinese. However, even…
Many people have visited the tropical island of Bali, one of the world’s better known tourist destinations. Bali is just one island in a long chain of islands known as the Indonesian Archipelago, the fourth largest nation in the world. Indonesia is made up of 13 677 islands, over 3000…
You may be surprised to notice the inclusion of two separate sections – RELIGION and TEMPLES – when discussing life in Bali. In a discussion of religion in Australia or the USA, for example, much of its practice would be centred around the church. However, in Bali the temple is…