Some basics on Bali and its Culture

Bali Culture

By Eddie Tobey

Bali is an Indonesian island that is rich in indigenous culture. A lot pf people say that Bali culture is unique and that the people of Bali have always been contented with the "now." If you ask a Balinese person what heaven is like, the probable answer will be "just like Bali". This only goes to show that most Balinese people are happy to be where they are and never worry.

One factor that contributes to this laidback lifestyle is the culture of close family ties in Bali. In the Balinese culture, support is always available. Balinese extended families are so tightly knit that all members usually reside in the same complex.

Hinduism is one of the main religions in Bali. The Bali culture is based on a form of this religion, which is called "Hindu Darma". This religion reached the island during the eleventh century. Most of the family customs and traditions as well as community lifestyles of the Balinese people are influenced by this. The religious influence even expands widely into the arts, which makes Bali distinct from the rest of Indonesia.

In spite of the influx of tourists to the island, Balinese people have managed to preserve their culture. Almost every native of Bali is an artist in some form or another. Parents and villagers have passed on their skills to their children, who all seem to have inclinations either to music, dance, painting, and decor.

Another remarkable mark of the Bali culture is the series of ceremonies and rituals known as the Manusa Yadnya. This marks the different stages of Balinese life. Cremation is very popular on this island - and unlike in the West, death is a joyous and colorful event for the Balinese.

Indeed, Bali has a rich culture, making it distinctive from the rest of the islands in Indonesia.

Update on the Indonesian sex tape scandal

We have reported on this in the past and here is the latest...

Jail term sought in Indonesian sex tape scandal

From The Associated Press
 

JAKARTA, Indonesia -- Prosecutors are seeking a five-year prison term for an Indonesian pop star accused of making sex tapes with two celebrity girlfriends.  Singer Nazril "Ariel" Irham of the group Peterpan has been charged with violating a strict anti-pornography law that carries a maximum of 12 years behind bars and a fine of $600,000.  Prosecutors said Thursday that they would also seek a fine of $27,800.  The 29-year-old was arrested in June after the videos were allegedly stolen from his home and posted online.

The case is Indonesia's first celebrity sex tape scandal and has grabbed national headlines.



Why a Bali vacation is like no other

Balifornian Tours handles everything for you so there is no stress or hassles for you.  We will discuss your passions, priorities and desres and work with you to create the exact tour you want.  We have decades of experience, close personal contacts that can arrange special outings that other groups can not, and all the tools needed to make the best possible trip for you.  The article below highlights some aspects but when you travel with us, you we will take care of every tiny detail so all you need to do is enjoy.

Nothing Beats A Bali Vacation   by Sofia Deluca

in Travel 

For many tourists visiting Bali, images of palm-fringed beaches are uppermost in their mind and probably the biggest single reason for purchasing that ticket to paradise. Learning about Balinese culture is a wonderful thing, life changing experience. Bali has one of the most unique and fascinating cultures in the world. This amazing island is known by many evocative names; "The Island of the Gods". There are more than twenty thousand temples in Bali. It is also one of the world's most popular tourist destinations.

LUXURY HOTELS

If the sky is the limit, the luxury hotels are unsurpassable and there are more then 20 deluxe hotels in Bali. On the south part of the island such as Nusa Dua, Jimbaran and Kuta, you can find many 5 stars hotels in Bali.

When planning your Bali trip, discover all you can about the different Bali Vacation Packages.You can find a Bali vacation package just right for you if you work out exactly what it is that you are looking for.

Travel Bali Vacation Packages:
These are sometimes called classic packages that will take you traveling, circling the island from Bali's famous resort area to secluded and untouched parts of Bali.

Some bali vacation packages are more flexible and just includes hotel accommodation, daily breakfast and airport transfers or you may want to add the Airfare into the package as well.

Bali offers every standard of accommodation ranging from charming yet modest bungalow style hotels in lush tropical gardens; to the most exclusive and sophisticated hotels and villas in Asia. Bali is the perfect holiday destination. This tropical paradise has a unique blend of modern tourist facilities combined with wonderful shopping and a rich cultural heritage of colorful ceremonies and magnificent temples. Some of the best surfing beaches in the world can be found in Bali as well as beautiful white sand beaches with gentle seas. These pages are regularly up-dated with links to Bali's best web sites including hotel accommodation, villa rental, travel information, tours, restaurants, night life, holiday activities and business information about the island of Bali.

Bali is an artists dream come true. It has hundreds of renowned artists, musicians, dancers, wood carvers and sculturers. Ubud is also a magical town full of art and Balinese culture and should not be missed when you spend a vacation in Bali.

Photo of the Day ~ Balifornian Tours and Travel Blog

The cougar (Puma concolor), also known as puma or panther. These guys were seen on our tour to Java.

Copyright © 2010 Mikaku ~ Michael Doliveck Balifornian Tours and Travel Blog

The cougar is the largest of the small cats. It is placed in the subfamily Felinae, although its bulk characteristics are similar to those of the big cats in the subfamily Pantherinae.  The family Felidae is believed to have originated in Asia approximately 11 million years ago (wiki).
Bogor, Java. Bali, Indonesia 2010. Balifornian Tours
http://www.balifornian.com

Want to submit your photo for the Bali Tour Photo of the Day?  Please send your JPEG and description to photo@balifornian.com  Files must be under 500 kb.

You can help save the Sumatran Rainforest

Balifornian Tours and Travel Blog supports the following... Save Last Remaining Natural Rainforest In Sumatra from Barito Pacific Group

Published by AusOrangutan on Nov 30, 2010

 

Category: Environment

Region: GLOBAL

Target: Barito Pacific Group

Web site: http://www.orangutan.org.au

Background (Preamble):

We need your help to stop a logging company destroying Lestari Asri Jaya Concession in the West (Block II and IV on the Map), forming a critical part of the Bukit Tigapuluh Ecosystem. 

We desperately need the Lestari Asri Jaya Concession under threat protected, to ensure the survival of remaining valuable ecosystems in the world, and save the 140 strong critically endangered Sumatran elephant population. 

The Bukit Tigapuluh (“Thirty Hills”) ecosystem is located in Central Sumatra, Indonesia. This globally important ecosystem provides a safe haven for many species which are threatened by extinction or are extremely rare - including the critically endangered Sumatran orangutan, tiger and elephant.

Between 1985 and 2007, Sumatra island lost 12 million hectares of natural forest, a 48 percent loss in 22 years. By 2007, the island had only 30 percent natural forest cover (around 13 million hectares).

We respectfully urge Barito Pacific not to undertake any land clearing activities in the Lestari Asri Jayan concession and allow the concession to be placed under permanent protection for the sake of the critically endangered Sumatran elephant, tiger and orangutan populations.

You can sign the petition here--  http://www.gopetition.com/petition/41050.html