Bali Information

Bali Information


Bali is called the Island of the Gods, and for centuries visitors have come to know its rich cultural traditions and spectacular scenery as a wonderful place to be. People come from all over the world to enjoy this paradise.

Bali's strong cultural history is based on closely related elements such as the unique Hindu religion, the language, the castes, the community life, the land cultivation and beautiful heart-felt expressions of art.

Of the four castes, Brahmana, Satria and Wesia represent 10% of the population, whereas the Sudras (the farmers and craftsmen) represent the great majority. The caste system is still very much alive today, and truly regulates the different levels of the Balinese language along with their religious beliefs.

The Island of the Gods is rich in mystery, beauty, enchantment and serenity with everyone falling under its irresistible Bali spell.

Fabulous rice fields and terraces, volcanoes, lakes, temples and with deeply spiritual and artistic roots make it one of the most often visited places in the world, with a deserving reputation of a true "Paradise on Earth."

Population
The population of Bali is nearly all Indonesian with 95% Balinese Hindu. The average Balinese who deals with tourists usually speaks one of the Balinese dialects in addition to Bahasa (the official language of Indonesia) and English.

Bali Time Zone is GMT + 8 hours.
Located 8° south of the equator, Bali is a tropical climate which is hot year-round. Average temperatures are 30°C (mid-80s°F) and the humidity can sometimes make the heat feel very oppressive.

Bali Weather
Bali has dry and wet seasons - From April to October is the normal dry season then October to March the wet season, but there can be rain any time of the year. The best months to visit Bali are from April to September for lower humidity and rains are light and infrequent.

During the day it is recommended light cotton clothes. For mountain excursions you should take along some warmer clothes.

Swimming in the Sea
Currents and undertows can be strong, so always be sure to swim between the red and yellow flags. Do not swim too far out, and do not leave your belongings unattended on the beach.

Bali Island Cultural and Religious Beliefs
Achieving peace and harmony, while balancing the spiritual and material world is the basic aim in Balinese life. The Balinese are amazing in their intricacy or surprisingly simple in their humility, their love of work and affection bestowed on children they live a life of love, given freely to everyone in a smile or a wave.

Currency in Bali
A unit of currency in Bali is the rupiah. Cash and travelers cheques are very easy to exchange in the major centers. Moneychangers are very competitive, but are warned to check your transaction as some operators can leave you shortchanged. Credit card transactions can take some time and American Express Travelers Checks are hard to cash because they are feared counterfeit. CITI Bank credit cards with a pin number can be used at any ATM. Global AMEX card (the green one with the Trojan head in the center) is the only one accepted. They new travelers checks in credit card form with a pin number are good.

Travel Visas
Visitors from USA, Canada, UK, Australia, New Zealand, and most of Western Europe don't need a visa to enter Indonesia provided you have a ticket out of the country and your passport has at least six months validity.

When you arrive you will be issued a tourist card that is valid for a 60-day stay. Keep the card with your passport, as you'll have to hand it back when you leave the country. It is not possible to get an extension on a tourist visa, unless there is a medical emergency or you have to answer legal charges.

There are visas, particularly a business visitor's visa, which may be valid for a longer period. The immigration office is in Denpasar. Always be respectful when dealing with officials.

Telecommunications systems
Telecommunications have improved a lot in recent years. Telephone offices (wartels) can easily be found and local, long distance or international calls can be made from these offices. Internet cafes are everywhere and cellular phone coverage is good. Bring your laptop and hook up for a small fee.

Transportation
Indonesia has left-hand traffic patterns so you are advised not to drive by yourself unless you already have experience with the Asian way of driving. Traffic conditions are completely different to what you know from home and traffic rules are not easily comprehensible for visitors.

Motorcycles and bicycles without lights are an additional hazard in the dark. In Bali always expect the unexpected, always keep your eyes open and your mind on driving.

It is easier, safer and more relaxing to rent a car with local driver to have a worry free trip. You can enjoy the views! Please Note: It is customary to provide your driver/guide with meals when you are out touring all day, but don't worry, food is very inexpensive here.

Food / Meals
With a multitude of restaurants specializing in many cuisines, Indonesian food is the most common and available food across the island. If you enjoy a certain type of food, you are sure to find here in Bali. Beer is popular and cheap so beer drinkers will feel right at home in Bali. The local beer is called Bintang.

Drinking Water
Do not drink water from any taps. Bottled or bottled mineral water is highly recommended for your health.

Sampling Balinese fruit can be a real treat because the variety and quality is extraordinary, is plentiful and quite inexpensive. Be sure to try a few local varieties like: Rambutan, Mangosteen, Salak, Nangka and Durian (smells strong, but tastes just wonderful).

Miscellaneous Customs and Traditions
Shorts and mini-skirts are not allowed in and around temples. It is a custom to take off the shoes in temples, on festival grounds and in private houses. It is strongly recommend following these custom to show your respect for the religious traditions.

You should not touch someone's head (including children), or point your finger at someone as it is considered impolite. For the same reason you should avoid standing with your head above someone you are talking to so when in doubt sit down.

Shaking hands is not customary, except on farewells or congratulations. Intimate touches or embraces are absolutely inappropriate.

Nude or topless swimming and sunbathing is forbidden. If you see Balinese taking a bath in the rivers along the streets you should discreetly overlook them and resist the appeal to take pictures.

When handing over or taking something from someone only the right hand is to be used. The left hand is considered unclean.

Bring books if you'd like to read because there aren't many in English here in Bali.

Shopping in Bali
Famous for its crafts in woodcarving and sculptures; silver and gold jewelry, woven cloth, sarongs, traditional and realist paintings, bone and coconut shell carvings, antiques, basket wares and masks. More recently garment manufacturing has increased making excellent designer garments inexpensively available with quick, reasonable tailoring.

Except in fixed-price stores or restaurants, typical shopping is done by bargaining, which is the national sport that can be a lot of fun! One rule is followed and that is that both buyer and seller should end up satisfied, and not lose face or become angry!

I will also assist YOU by preparing a hotel or villa RENTAL for you
or book rafting excursions and other activities!
If you have any questions you would like answered
please call or email me at the contact info above

About Bali

A B O U T B A L I
source: Wikipedia Indonesia



Bali is an island which is located in Indonesia, also a province of Indonesia. Bali is located between Java Island and Lombok Island. The capital of Bali is Denpasar, located on the south of the Island. In the whole world, Bali is famous by its art and cultural attraction, especially for tourist from Japan and Australia. Bali is also famous as Pulau Dewata.

There are some important places you should visit like Ubud as art centre, which is located at Gianyar; and then Kuta, Sanur, Seminyak, Jimbaran and Nusa Dua is few places that become main destination for tourist for its beach or the accommodation. But if you like to surf, we recommend you to stay at our bungalow, because its location very close to the favourite surf beach located in Tabanan and Soka area.


Masyarakat Bali

The population of Bali is about 4 million people, with 92,3% of the people are Hindu, and the rest is Moslem, Christian, Catholic, and Buddha.

Beside tourism sector, Balinese people also live from farm and fishing. Some of them also choose to be an artist. The language used in Bali is Indonesian language, Balinese language, and also English, especially for those who works in tourism.




In the Balinese Island, most inhabitants had the personal vehicle and chose to use him because the public transport route was not available well except the taxi. Between the Balinese Island and Java, there is available the crossing service of sea which goes through the Gilimanuk port towards Ketapang using the ferry that took time between 30 and 45 minutes. Even so with crossing between the Balinese Island and Lombok, crossing of sea went through the port Padang Bay headed the Lembar took time about 4 hours.

The air transport is served by Ngurah Rai International Airport. The runway and the air craft that come and go are able to be seen clearly from the coast.
Ngurah Rai International Airport



Bali is famous with art in Indonesia, even in the world, whether the dance or the music. Don't miss your trip to Bali without seeing the shows! Before you see it, you can have the sneak peak about the arts below.

Kecak

Kecak Dance

Kecak Dance is the Balinese art dance which was created in 1930s. This dance was shown by many male dancers who sits in circle in certain rhythm shouting "cak" and lifting both arms, which describes the story about Ramayana when the monkey army helped Rama against Rahwana. Kecak came from Sanghyang ritual, which is a dance tradition whose dancers will be in unconscious condition, doing communication with God or ancestors spirits and afterwards deliver their hopes to the society.

The in-circle dancers use square clothes like chess board around their waists. Apart from the dancers, there were also the other dancers who played Ramayana leading figures like Rhama, Shinta, Rahwana, Hanoman, and Sugriwa.

The Kecak dance song is taken from the Sanghyang dance ritual. Moreover, they do not use the musical instruments. The only istrumen used is krincingan (some kind of bells) which are put on by the dancers who play Ramayana leading figures.




Barong

Barong is a character in Balinese Myths . He is the king of spirits that symbolyze kindness. Barong in Bali Myth is the enemy of Rangda. Banas Pati Rajah is the spirit that accompany a child in its life.. Banas Pati Rajah believed as the spirit that make Barong moves. As a protector spirit, Barong sometimes form as a lion .Traditional dance in Bali that tells the battle between Barong and Rangda is very famous and sometimes exhibited as tourist attraction.

Lion Barong is one from the five form of Barong. In every part of Bali Island there are protector spirit for the land and forest. Each Barong that represents each region described as different animals.There are babi hutan, tiger, snake or dragon, and lion. Lion Barong is very popular and comes from Gianyar.
Barong sedang menggaruk seperti kucing
Barong
Hari Raya Nyepi

Nyepi Holiday

Nyepi Holiday is celebrated every Caka New Year (the change of Caka Year), that is on Tilem Kesanga (IX) which is the day of purification of the Gods in the ocean who brought the main core of life (Tirtha Amertha Kamandalu). The main aim of Nyepi Holiday is to come into The Almighty God to purify Bhuwana Alit (human nature) and Bhuwana Agung (the universe).



Ngaben Ceremony

The most interesting ceremony in Bali is a cremation ceremony that called Ngaben. For Balinesse the cremation ceremony is the most important ceremony. According to Bali people, someone who has been passed away should be burnt or diaben so the five components that forms the body can easily turns to its origin.. Ngaben Ceremonial in Bali is a joyfull moment especially for the grown up children. By conducting a ngaben ceremonial for their parents, they feel relieve because they have been succesfuly show gratefulness to their parents.
Ngaben
Anak-anak laki-laki mengenakan udeng, kemeja putih dan kain
Para penari cilik mengenakan gelung, songket dan kain prada

Traditional Costums

Bali traditional clothes are based on activity or ceremony, sex and ages, reflects someones social status and wealth through motives and jewelry ornament of their clothes .

Male:

* Udeng (ikat kepala)
* Kain kampuh
* Umpal (selendang pengikat)
* Kain wastra (kemben)
* Sabuk
* Keris
* Jewelries

Female:

* Gelung (sanggul)
* Sesenteng (kemben songket)
* Wastra clothes
* Sabuk prada (stagen),
* Selendang songket bahu ke bawah
* Tapih or Sinjang clothes (inside)
* Jewelries

Gunung Kawi

Gunung Kawi
Gunung Kawi is a Hindu Temple complex with old omission from the stone era located in Gianyar regency. Based on the inscription of Tengkulak A on 945 saka (Balinese calendar) which is released by Marakata King, the ancient omission complex is located at the Pekerisan River then it is called Katyangan Amarawati. Pekerisan River is also named by Jalu which is according to the inscription chiseled on the above of the biggest temple door sound ‘Haji Lumahing Jalu'. The name of Gunung Kawi is the name given on the omission which is related to the complex of temples because the temple on this area is like the symbol from the mount. There are 3 temples which so called the name as Gunung Kawi in Bali those are Gunung Kawi in Sebatu countryside, Gunung Kawi Temple in Keliki countryside and Gunung Kawi Temple in Babitra countryside. The ancient omission complex of Gunung Kawi is founded on 10 century. It is founded in the era of Udayana about 989 M. At the period of Marakata governance on 1023, the omission which is called Katyagan Amarawati is developed and continued by the governance of Anak Wungsu which is guess lead between the years of 1049 - 1077 M.

Gunung Kawi Temple, Places to Visit in Bali
The ancient omission complex
It is consisted of 2 types:

*
Temple Complex.
Gunung Kawi Temple, Places of Interest in BaliTemple complex is consisted of 2 consecutions. The consecution in eastside Pekerisan River is consisted of 5 units and the consecution at west side of river is 5 units, in the north is 4 units and 1 unit is located far in south side separate from the others. On the above of the temple consecution in particular to the Eastside River, there is an article of Kediri word type sounding ‘Haji Lumahing Jalu'. Haji means a king, the Lumah means a temple or Sidha Dewata means to return to the nature of deity and Ing Jalu means in Pekerisan. The Jalu mean the Keris literal. The entire words mean that king is made in temple form at Pekerisan.Gunung Kawi, Hindu Temple Complex, Tourist Destinations in Bali From this article is assumed that this temple is dedicated to Udayana King which is also called Marakata and Anak Wungsu. The temple which is located in the west side of river related to all king concubines. The temples are located far in the south side is attributed to prime minister because in these temple areas existing an article Rakyan which is namely perform for high functionary of empire.
* Buddhist Temple Complex
Buddhist Temple Complex is used as a residence and as place for meditation. It is consisted of some nooks and it is located in the cross east of Pakerisan River. Other nooks are located spread out and near the temple bunch.

Gunung Kawi is a famous tourist destination in Bali with its ancient omission so that this place is the right to visit during your vacation in the island.

Tip for travel

Tips for responsible travel
When we visit beautiful places it's natural to want our holidays to have a positive impact on local people and their environments.

Responsible travel is about more authentic holiday experiences that enable you to get a little bit more out of your travels, and give a little bit more back to destinations and local people.

All holidays have positive and negative impacts locally.

Responsible travel maximises the benefits, and minimises the negative effects of tourism.


Before you book your holiday

* Plan your route to minimise carbon emissions - travel by train and public transport where possible, and minimise internal flights. Try our 'I don't want to fly' holidays, or there are some great ideas for train travel almost anywhere in the world on this web site: http://www.seat61.com/
* Minimise flying time and stopovers - the worst carbon emissions are emitted during take off and landing. For the flights that you cannot avoid, offset the carbon emissions of your flight using our carbon calculator . That way the money is invested in carbon reducing initiatives around the world, offsetting the emissions caused by your flight. Read our view on flying here
* Ask to see the tour operator's policy for responsible tourism. All responsibletravel.com members have to have one. Make sure it explains how they minimise environmental impacts and support the local economy.
* Ask your hotel/accommodation our 10 simple questions to see if they really are eco!

Before you travel

* fishingRead up on local cultures and learn a few words of the local language - travelling with respect earns you respect
* Remove all excess packaging - waste disposal is difficult in remote places and developing countries
* Ask your tour operator for specific tips for responsible travel in your destination
* Ask your tour operator/hotel if there are useful gifts that you could pack for your hosts, local people or schools
* Ask your tour operator whether there are local conservation or social projects that you could visit on your trip, and if/how you could help
support them

fishingWhile on holiday

* Buy local produce in preference to imported goods
* Hire a local guide - you'll discover more about local culture and lives, and they will earn an income
* Do not buy products made from endangered species, hard woods or ancient artefacts
* Respect local cultures, traditions and holy places - if in doubt ask advice or don't visit
* Use public transport, hire a bike or walk when convenient - its a great way to meet local people on their terms and reduce pollution and carbon emissions
* Use water sparingly - its very precious in many countries and tourists tend to use far more than local people
* Remember that local people have different ways of thinking and concepts of time, this just makes them different not wrong - cultivate the habit of asking questions (rather than the Western habit of knowing the answers). For more ideas on deeper and more responsible travel see here.

When you get back

* Write to your tour operator or hotel with any comments or feedback about your holiday, and local peopleespecially include any suggestions on reducing environmental impacts and increasing benefits to local communities. You will find independent holiday reviews from travellers on many responsibletravel.com holidays.
* If you've promised to send pictures or gifts to local people remember to do so, many are promised and not all arrive!
* Enjoy the memories, reflect on your experience and start planning your next trip!

Bali Performance

Dance and Drama
Dance and Drama have played a historically important role in Balinese society.Through this medium,people learned about the tales of the Ramayana,Mahabrata and of other epic stories from Balinese history.The following are brief description of some of the more well-known dance-dramas that can be seen at regular perpormance throughout Bali.

Baris

This is warrior’s dance.It is usually performed by men,either solo or in a group of five or more.

Barong and Rangda

This is a story about the struggle between good and evil.Good is personified by the Barong Keket,a strange but fun-loving creature in the shape of a shaggy semi-lion.evil is represented by Rangda a witch.

Kecak

The most famous of the Balinese dances,originated from the Sanghyang dance choirs,holds its uniqueness in the entrancing ‘Kecak,Kecak’ chant.The Kecak as a dance developed in the 1930s,in the village of Bona

Legong

This dance tells story of princess Rangkesari being heldcaptive by King Lakessmi.Rangkesari’s brother,prince Daha,gather an army to rescure his sister.The Legong is a very classical and graceful dance,always performed by prequbescent girls,who can be as young as eight or nine years old.

Wayang Kulit

Wayang Kulit is one of the great story –telling traditionalof the Javanese and Balinese people.The Wayang Kulit show usually consist of a small four –piece orchestra,which provides the musical accompaniment ,around sixty ‘puppets’,carved out of flat pieces of water buffalo hide,and the dalang or puppet-master.The good characters speak in ancient “ Kawi”,whereas the evil or coarse ones speak Balinese

Karangasem

Karangasem
Karangasem has so much potential to support the development of its tourism industry.its rich natural settings with mountains,hills,rivers,lush rice fields and lovely beaches abound with the unique daily life of the people and their culture make Karangasem worth to visit.
The regency of Karangasem is one of nine regencies in Bali situated in the eastern part of Bali,coveringnan area of 839,54 sq.kilometers and bordered at the east by Lombok Strait and to the west by Klungkung,Bangli,and Buleleng Regencies.Karangasem itself consists of eight districts named : Karangasem,Manggis,Rendang,Selat,Sidemen,Bebandem,Abang,And Kubu district.Karangasem has an axtraordinary variety of scenic landscape.low and high mountain ranges intermingle with upland remains,and the traditional “Bali Aga” village with their way of life make Karangasem worth visiting.
It is very easy to reach all of the interesting places in Karangasem which are supported by fairly good road conditions,facilities the same at hotels,restaurant,money changers,souvenir shops and others which oen would expect in a tourist environment.
Precisely,Karangasem Regency is located between 80 00’00”-8041’37,8”southlatitude and 115035’9,’9”-115054’8,9” east longitude.The total land surface of this regency is 83.954 Hectare and covers 3 administrative villages,68 traditional villages,52 community groups,and 526 smaller community groups called “Dusun”
The population registration,taken place in 2003,reported that the total population of Karangasem Regency is approximately 388.320 people,consisting of 193.518 men and 194802 women.People of Karanasem make their living in various ways,some are farmer,fishermen,traders,crafsmen,and even active in the tourism field.People in majority are hindu followers who live a very religious life,thus ritual activities can be seen almost everyday in this area.
Karangasem regency is an area with tropical climate which experiences 2 different seasons of dry season ( April-October )and wet season ( Nopember-March).The largest rainfalls in on October,which is in 166 days,with the average rainfall of 182 mm.Its plantations and animal population are grouped in tropical species.

Lovina Tour

TOUR SINGARAJA LOVINA TOUR



It amazing trip to the north of Bali,by visiting Ulundanu Temple at the lake Bratan.Next to Gitgit waterfall while along your journey you will be witnessing clove and coffe plantation at the hill.Then drive down to Banjar Village famous for it’s hot spring water and Buddish Temple.You may take bath in warm spring water Lunch will be serve at Lovina Beach.after lunch we drive back via Pupuan Village for it’s beautiful rice terraces.

Ubud Tour

TOUR ( UBUD + MONKEY FOREST )

It’s half day tour offer you special knowledge of the famous art village.Batik painting at Tohpati.Batubulan the stone carving centre.Celuk for its gold & silver smith.Balinese paiting at Batuan.Mas for wood carving.Then visiting Tegallang for witnessing enchanting rice terraces.Let’s share time for going to rest Ubud Monkey fofor Fun.

JATILUWIH TOUR

TOUR 4 (JATILUWIH TOUR SPECTACULAR RICE TERRACES TOUR )

A full day tour exploring a number of the most beautiful sights of the island.,the first is we visit Batu Karu temple is one of the oldest temple in Bali.Next to Jatiluwih,one of the Bali’s most stuning scenery and spectacular rice field terraces.Having lunch at local restaurant meanwhile you can overlooking undulating rice terraces.Our last stop will be Mengwi temple,the royal temple.

People

People


Life in Bali is very communal with the organisation of villages, farming and even the creative arts being decided by the community. The local government is responsible for schools, clinics, hospitals and roads, but all other aspects of life are placed in the hands of two traditional committees, whose roots in Balinese culture stretch back centuries. The first, Subak, concerns the production of rice and organises the complex irrigation system. Everyone who owns a sawah,or padi field, must join their local Subak, which ensures that every member gets his fair share of irrigation water. The other community organisation is the Banjar, responsible for arranging all village festivals, marriage ceremonies and cremations. Most villages have at least one Banjar and all men have to join when they marry. Banjars, on average, give membership to 50 up to 100 families and all Banjars have their own meeting place called the Bale Banjar. As well as being used for regular meetings, the Bale (pavilion) is where the local gamelan orchestras and drama groups practice.

Full Day Tour

FULL DAY TOURS.

TOUR 1 ( KINTAMANI AND ART TOUR )

A full day tour wondering the beauty of this island visiting: Batubulan which is famous of it’s magic dance The Barong and Kris Dance.The place also reknown for it’s stone carving.Then you will visit the jewelry marking village of Celuk.Noted for it’s delicately detailed work and fillingree ornamentation;the village of mas,famous for it’s fine woodcarving,and the painters colon at Ubud.The ancient Elephant Cave Temple at Bedulu,set amongst scenic ricefield and natural garden atTegalalang Village.On to Tampak Siring side of Tirta Empul sacred spring and holy bathing pool Kintamani is one Bali’ popular tourist stop where we will get lunch wheli witnessing the fantastic scenery of Mounth batur with its lake.

TOUR 2 ( TRADITIONAL VILLAGE TOUR )

This tour special ofer the traditional village of Bali and how the activities of Balinese daily life.Featuring to visit Batuan Village for its Traditional Balinese house compound.Th following place to visit is Panglipuran,witnessing the traditional village where the entrance gate,size.condition and the lay out of a compound is nearly the same.Next we will visit Kehen Temple which is was built in 13th century.Lunch will be served at Kintamani witnessing the fantastic scenery of mount batur with lake.

HOLIDAY INFORMATION

Indonesia
The republic of Indonesia, independent since 1945, consists of more than 17,000 islands.
The islands are subdivided into several groups of islands. Sumatra, Java, Kalimantan (the Indonesian part of Borneo) and Sulawesi make up the Greater Sunda Islands. The Lesser Sunda Islands are comprised of Bali and the islands further to the east, Maluku and West Papua New Guinea. Indonesia is the world's largest insular State with a surface area of 1.9 Mio. km².
Measured by population, Indonesia is, with 210 Mio. Inhabitants, the fourth biggest country in the world (after China, Indian and USA).

Bali
Bali belongs to the Lesser Sunda Islands. With approx.5.500 km², Bali is twice as large as Saarland. The distance from East to West is 140km, from North to South 80km., with a population of approx. 3 Million.

The religion from most Indonesians is Sunnite Islam, making it the nation with the most Muslims.
Bali, however, is a Hindu enclave. This can be explained by the history of the islands. Following a large number of power struggles between the diverse Javanese rulers, who were followers of either Hinduism or Buddhism, and with the influence of Islam steadily increasing, many inhabitants of Java fled to the neighbouring island of Bali, where a large part of the natives were followers of a local religion, Bali Aga.. . This religion, mixed with the religions from India resulting in the local form of Hinduism which is mainly practised in Bali today.

This relatively self contained social and religious community life is one of the main characteristics of the Balinese which is of great interest to visitors. Furthermore may of the people of Bali are especially creative in arts and crafts. Dance, music, wood carving, painting, basketry, weaving are common skills.
Tourism has become the main economic factor in the otherwise agricultural country. Although the travel industry is concentrated into a few main tourist areas, the constant flow of visitors and the regular contact to foreign cultures influences the everyday life of the islanders to a large extent.
Meanwhile, the influences of the tourist boom are being evaluated and the direction in which tourism will take in the future is being considered. The tour operates are realising the necessity of conservation and protection to ensure that Bali will continue to be attractive to visitors in the future. Additionally the awareness of the importance of socially responsible tourism is becoming more obvious.
Usefull informations from A to Z

Accommodation
Accommodation is available for all requirements from luxury hotel to simple cabin or guesthouse. By package tours the accommodation is selected by booking and individual travellers will have no problem finding somewhere to stay.

Alternative Tourism
The conservation movement of the industrial countries on the one hand and the difficulties of constant expansion on the other have led to a different approach to tourism. Tourism which is gentle, ecological, socially correct and with regard to the future is the answer to the development of the mass tourism, which was a product of the last century. This means to travel keeping in mind that you are a visitor in a strange country.
Prudent travellers can offer a constructive contribution by travelling in such a way as to do the least damage possible to the environment. Most Tour Operators are open to suggestions.

Climate/Weather
Indonesia has a tropical climate with high humidity.
The average yearly temperature in Indonesia is between 25-30°C (77-86°F) Nights are not much cooler.
The seasons are defined by the monsoons and consist of dry season and rainy or wet season.
The rain falls in short, heavy showers, after which the sun shines again. The climate throughout Indonesia varies considerable depending of the area.

Currency
The Indonesian currency is the Rupiah (Stand November 2008: 1 Euro = ca. 15.286 Rupiah, 10.000 IDR = 6,64 EUR), with the smallest denomination of 500 Rp being a coin and all other denominations from 1000 to 200,000 being notes.
Travellers cheques in US$ and credit cards are widely accepted but it is advisable to always have enough cash with you. It is possible to change traveller cheques or your home currency into local currency. It is often worthwhile comparing the exchange rates of the banks and money changers.
NOTE: When paying with credit cards a charge will sometimes be added. Prices are often written in US$

Departure
By the departure from Indonesia, an airport tax of 150.000 Rupiah will be charged. This can only be paid in local currency directly at the airport.

Electricity
220 Volt, an international adapter is necessary!

Fauna
The fauna consists of a variety of tropical animals including monkeys, water buffalos, snakes, lizards and numerous birds and insects, but also oxen, pigs and dogs.
Recently conservation has also become an official matter, for although the Balinese farmers use ecological and economical methods, conditions are changing due to influences such as tourism.

Festivals and public Holidays
Although the official calendar the same is as in Europe, Bali also has its own traditional calendars, which is essential to the everyday life of the Balinese.
The Balinese Year or Wuku calendar consists of 210 days with 30 weeks of 7 days.
The saka calendar is based on another calculation and is approx. 80 years behind the western Gregorian calendar, so that 1925 is the equivalent of 2003.
Beside the specific Balinese time calculations the Muslim-Arabian, the old Javanese and the Chinese calendar also apply. Although this sounds very complicated, the traveller is not affected.
Because of the various calendar in use, there are a large number of public holidays and festivals in Bali, having information about the Balinese calendar is helpful when planning to visit one of these festivals.. Independent of the official public holidays following local festivals are celebrated almost daily: funerals/cremations, temple festivals, tooth-filing ceremonies, temple offerings and prayer ceremonies.
Contrary to European habits, travellers are always welcome to take part in these festivals and ceremonies (including cremations) but the proper respect and behaviour is expected.

Flora
Bali lies in the tropics south of the equator and the climate is influenced by the monsoons. The main agricultural product is rice and large areas of land are rice fields.
To the west is a rainforest national park, to the southwest large areas of palm trees combined with mangrove swamps, to the east there are mountains right up the coast and in the north it is mainly flat with numerous lakes. This region is dominated by the volcanoes, along whose slopes little grows.
The Banyan- or Waringin tree is a conspicuous characteristic of each village.
The flora is dominated by useful plants, either as food: fruit, vegetables, coffee, cacao or tobacco, bamboo and palm trees. Flowers such as the bougainvilla are used as offerings or decoration by certain festivals. Grapes are also grown in north Bali and used in the production of wine.

Getting there
A variety of direct flights to Bali are available from Europe.
For those who prefer to take a more indirect route it is also possible to fly to Medan in North Sumatra or to Jakarta in Java and take the overland route. Another possibility is with the shipping traffic between the islands.
Alternatively it is also possible to arrive by travelling over Singapore of Surabaya. From there it is possible to fly to Mataram on the neighbouring island of Lombok, and then travel on to Bali.
When planning your trip it is important to consider your main interest while visiting Bali - culture, water sports or just relaxing. In any case it is relatively simple to spend several interesting and varied weeks on the island. For those wishing to experience the diversity of Indonesia, a tour including visits to other islands is recommended. Because of the long distances within Indonesia it is advisable to make use of the well developed network of national airlines. There is also a train service operating on Java, for example from Jakarta to Surabaya. Otherwise there are also the hoards of buses available from Sumatra to Bali.

Health
The strain a trip to the tropics put on your health should not be under estimated.
Alone the flight from central Europe takes up to 20 hours and the change in climate is extreme.
The average yearly temperature in Indonesia is between 25-30°C (77-86°F) and humidity is high.
In general special vaccinations and precautions are not necessary but tetanus, polio and Hepatitis A are recommended. The decision to take Malaria prophylaxis should be made individually, but it is important to protect against the mosquitoes with sprays and appropriate clothing. The risk of HIV-Aids In Bali is the same as everywhere else in the world.
Although medical care is easily available in Denpasar and other large tourist areas, further inland and in more remote areas western medicine is not so common. It is also possible to be treated by the traditional healer (Balian), the massages are especially beneficial by sprains or broken bones. The traditional medicine in Bali is passed on though generations and is, in many cases, officially supported.
There are no special travel facilities for handicapped people or people in wheelchairs. More information can be obtained from special tour operators for handicapped people.
A personal first aid kit should be included in your luggage and you should check the terms and conditions of your health insurance before leaving home. If necessary take out an additional travel health insurance, including transport back home in medical emergencies.

Insurance
We recommend that all travellers take out insurance to cover cancellation, lost or stolen luggage and medical or hospital costs.
Divers are advised to join DAN or a similar organisation.

Language
Bahasa Indonesia, a Malaysian language, is the language spoken in Indonesia and the official language in Bali is Indonesian.
English is common enough in the main tourist areas, that communication is possible.
However, the mother tongue of the inhabitants is Balinese, which is rooted in Sanskrit, with a separate written language. Tourists are most likely to encounter this language during ritual festivals.
As small tip:
Bahasa Indonesia is the easiest language in the world to learn , and it is possible to learn a couple of words within a short time with the help of a travel dictionary.

Measurement
The official measurement system is metric, although traditional measurement are also still in use.

Passport / Visa
European tourists require a passport which is valid for at least 6 months.
As from 01.02.2004 all tourist require a visa, which is valid for 30days and costs 25,- US$ by arrival in Bali. This must be paid in new bank notes.
Passports must be valid for at least 6 months after leaving Indonesia.
All details given here are for information only and we take no liability for changes in the requirements. Please inform yourself by the consulate of the latest requirements.

Telephone
Apart from the possibility of telephoning from the larger hotels, there is also a reliable telephone service from public telephones and fax machines: WARTEL. To use mobile telephones it is advisable to buy a local SIM card

Time difference
There are three time zones in Indonesia. Depending on if we have winter or summer time, the time difference to west Indonesian time is +6 or +7 hours. Between Java and Bali there is a time difference of 1 hour (middle Indonesian time) meaning there is an additional hour difference to England. (+7 or +8 hours).

Tradition/Adat
The Balinese society follows strong rules collectively known as „adat". These include general rules of behaviour and daily life according to the Hindu religion. Although the Indian caste system is not practised on Bali, differences can be seen in the names.
The Brahmins (Ida Bagus / Ida Ayu) belong to the priests, the Satrias (Ratu/Anak Agung/Cokorde) are the aristocracy and the Wesia (Gusti / Si Luh) are the warriors and traders, the Sudras - the majority of the population - do not belong to any caste. By the children of the Sundra caste, their names also indicate the order in which they were born, the first born is called Wayan, followed by Made, then Nyoman and Ketut. By the fifth child the sequence begins again with Wayan, etc.
Ritual regulations determine the daily routine and the religious and social duties of the Balinese.

Useful addresses


Indonesian Embassy
38 Grosvenor Square
London W1K 2HW
Tel. (020) 7499 7661
Fax. (020) 7491 4993
Internet: http://www.indonesianembassy.org.uk/


British Embassy
Jl. M.H. Thamrin No. 75
Jakarta 10310
Indonesia
Tel. 00 (62) (21) 315 6264
Fax 00 (62) (21) 315 4061
Internet: http://www.britain-in-indonesia.or.id/


British Consulate
Deutsche Bank Building , 19th Floor
Jl. Imam Bonjol 80
Jakarta 10310
Indonesia
Tel. 00 (62) (21) 390 7484
Fax 00 (62) (21) 316 0858
E-MAIL: britemb@attglobal.net


Indonesian Tourist Office
Kanwil X Depparpostel
Kompleks Niti Mandala
Jl. Raya Puputan
Denpasar 80235 Indonesia
Tel. 00 62 (3 61) 22 56 49
Fax 00 62 (3 61) 23 34 75

Vaccinations
When arriving from Europe no special vaccinations or precautions are necessary.
Bali is free from malaria but in Irian Jaya, on the small Sunda islands and in the rainforests of Kalimantan malaria is widespread.
Consult your local doctor, vaccinations against tetanus, polio, hepatitis A and B are recommended.

Wining & Dining
Western, or international cuisine is more widespread than local food in the tourist areas.
Various international specialities are available, not only in the large hotels, but also in numerous restaurants. Even sausage and mash or Black forest Gateaux are available - although it seems a shame to go all the way to Bali for such things. Even fast-food-chains are represented, although it should not be necessary to take quick meals whilst on holiday.
Balinese food includes Roast Pork (babi guling) or rice wine (brem balik). Balinese specialities such as fried banana (pisang goreng) or Fish ball-soup (Bakso) are offered at the snack bars and on the beach. Fresh fruit juices (jus) give a impression of the variety of fruits available and a young coconut, direct from the tree, is a refreshment unlike anything obtainable in Europe.

BALI ARCHITECTURE

Bali Architecture

Balinese architecture is not only aesthetically impressive with wood carvings, majestic stone gates and ornate Indian influence engravings, Balinese architecture also has strong spiritual symbolism. Many temples, rice barns and other structures are built according to traditional Balinese rules, called Asta Kosala Kosali, which traditionally were written down in lontar palm books and interpreted by traditional architects called Undagi. This leads to very distinctive designs and architectural congruence throughout Bali’s villages, which all delicately interwoven with the natural surroundings.

In Balinese building, one of the most common features is the Bale, which is an open pavilion with a thatched roof and no walls. The Bale represents the Hindu-Balinese universe. The roof is the 'gods' section, the body is the 'human' section, and the base is the 'demons' section

Other impressively symbolic architectural sites in Bali are its palaces. Since in classical 19th century Bali, the Balinese believes their king was divine, his residence was the puri - a replica of the cosmos and thus a sacred symbol. Balinese palaces are always square, walled, and courts within courts.

In Bali, all buildings have to be brought to life and ceremonially purified in a ceremony called Melaspas before they can be lived in. It is important that all materials – such as the wood, stone and thatch, which have been cut down and killed for the construction, are, as it were, re-incarnated. During this ceremony, many offerings and gifts are made, including animal sacrifices.

Bali-Hindu Temples

Temples

The Hindu-Balinese faith touches every aspect of the people’s life.That’s why,every community has at least a temple.The Balinese word for temple is pura,which is a Sanskrit word meaning ‘a space surrounded by wall’

For much of the year Balinese temples are deserted,but on holy days the deities and ancestral spirits descend from heaven to visit their devotees,and the temples come alive with days of frenetic activity and nights of drama and dance.Temple festival come at least once every Balinese year ( 210 days).

The architecture of Balinese temples reflects the connection of mankind to God,but also to the nature,as reflected in the Tri Hita Karana philosophy.The Balinese temples is open to its environment,with three courtyards in ascending levels of sanctity,replicating the tripartite structure of the cosmos.More than in the actual architecture,the genius of the tempels’builders are found in exquisite carving inspired by the Ramayana and Mahabharata epics,and sometimes from more modern events,like the sculptures from Dutch colonization in the temples near Sangsit in north Bali.

Temples ate often located on impressive hills,mountain flanks,seashore,or even caves,with a felt energy from their surroundings.In most cases,the structures and sculptures date from the 20th century,but hve been appropriated from old sites of worship,usually animist,that may date centuries back.

The largest and holiest temple in Bali is Besakih,located on the slopes of Mount Agung,well over a thousand years old.Steps ascend through split gates to Besakih’s main courtyard where the Trinity shrines are wrapped in cloth and decorated with flower offerings.

The ancient temple of Tirta Empul is built around the sacred spring of Tampaksiring.The temple and its two bathing spots have been used by the Balinese for over a thousand years.Tanah Lot is an important sea temple dedicated to the guardian spirits of the sea.Ancient rituals pay homage to the guardian spirits of the sea.Poisonous sea snakes found in the caves at the base of the rocky island are believed to be guardians of the temple.

On the shore of lake Beratan,Ulun Danu is often shrouded in mist and hauntingly beautifu.Uluwatu temple’s real attraction is its location,which is where sheer clifts drop precipitously into the clear blue sea.

Not far the faint-hearted,Goa Lawah temple is located in a cave filled with thousands of bats and is said to lead all the way to Besakih.In mengwi,Taman Ayun temple has its own distinctive pagodas that symbolize the sacred mountain Mahameru,residence of the Supreme God.There’s also Kehen,the sate temple of the Bangli kingdom,one of the finest temples in east Bali.


Last but not least,the Balinese believe that spirits dwell in every element of nature and many places are considered sacred,such as the nutmeg forest of Sangeh.

TEMPLES OF THE VILLAGE

A full-fledged village has to have at least three temples:

• Pura puseh,where the founders of the village are worshipped,always lies in the Kaja sphere,toward th mountains,so it lies on the highest spot in the village.

• Pura Desa,the village temple is built in the center of the village,where Lord Brahma the creator,is worshipped.

• Pura Dalem is considered as the temple for the dead.Lord Siwa,the Destroyer is worshipped here.



VISITING TEMPLE

When entering a temple,you are expected to be politely dressed.You normally need to wear a temple scarf-a sash tied loosely around your waist-and a sarong,long dress,or pants.Priests should be shown respect,particularly at festival.They’re the most important people and should therefore,be on the highest plane,Don’t put yourself higher than them by climbing up on a wall to take photographs.

Constantine from Canada

Constantine from Canada: “Thanks Gede for your efficient and informative tour of East Bali. We had a great day snorkeling and learning about the local culture, something we wouldn’t have seen or done on a regular tour.”