Tuesday, June 17, 2014

Bali Island Geographic and History

Bali Island

Bali is the name of one of the provinces in Indonesia and also the name of the largest island that is part of the province. In addition consists of the island of Bali, Bali Province region also consists of islands smaller in the vicinity, namely the island of Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan Island, Island and Island Ceningan attack.

Bali lies between Java and Lombok. Denpasar is the capital of the province which is located in the southern part of the island. The majority of the population of Bali is Hindu. In the world famous Bali as a tourist destination with a unique variety of art-culture, especially for the Japanese and Australian. Bali is also known as the Island of Gods and Island of Thousand Temples. Bali is mostly famous for it's beautiful scenery and the amazing culture of their people.

Bali's Geographic


The island of Bali is part of the Lesser Sunda Islands along the 153 km and 112 km wide approximately 3.2 km from the island of Java. Astronomically, Bali is located at 8 ° 25'23 "south latitude and 115 ° 14'55" East Longitude tropical climate that makes it like the rest of Indonesia.

Mount Agung is the highest point in Bali as high as 3,148 m. The volcano last erupted in March 1963. Gunung Batur is also one mountain in Bali. Around 30,000 years ago, Mount Batur erupted and produced a terrible disaster on earth. Unlike in the north, the southern part of Bali is irrigated lowland rivers.

Based on the relief and topography, in the middle of the island of Bali lies the mountains that extends from west to east and in between the mountains which are clusters of volcanic Mount Batur and Mount Agung and the mountains are not volcanoes, namely Mount Merbuk, Mount Patas, and Gunung Seraya. The existence of these mountains cause by Geographic Area Bali is divided into 2 (two) parts are not the same, namely North Bali with a narrow lowland and less sloping, and South Bali with a broad lowland and sloping. Bali slope consists of flat land (0-2%) covering an area of ​​122 652 hectares, undulating land (2-15%) covering an area of ​​118 339 ha, steep land (15-40%) and an area of ​​190 486 ha of land is very steep (40%) an area of ​​132 189 ha. Province of Bali has 4 (four) lakes located in mountainous areas, namely or Bedugul Lake Beratan, Buyan, Tamblingan, and Batur. Natural beautiful Balinese make the island famous as a tourist area.

The capital of Bali is Denpasar. Places Ubud Other important as the art center and resort, located in Gianyar regency. Nusa Lembongan is as one of the dive (diving), located in Klungkung regency. While Kuta, Seminyak, Jimbaran and Nusa Dua are some places that become major tourist destination, both tourist and beach resort, spa, etc., is located in Badung regency.

The total area of ​​Bali Province is 5636.66 km2 or 0.29% of the territory of the Republic of Indonesia. Administratively, the Province of Bali is divided into 8 districts, 1 municipality, 55 districts, and 701 villages / wards.

Bali's History


The first inhabitants of the island of Bali is expected to come in 3000-2500 BCE who migrated from Asia. Remains of the stone tools were found in the village Cekik located in the western part of the island. Prehistoric Period then ended with the arrival of Hinduism and written English Sanskrit of India in 100 BC.

Culture of Bali later gained strong influence of Indian culture that the process is getting faster after the 1st century AD. Name Balidwipa (island) began to be found in various inscriptions, including the inscription Blanjong issued by Sri Kesari Warmadewa in 913 AD and mentioning the word Walidwipa. It is estimated that around this time that Subak irrigation system for rice cultivation began to be developed. Some religious and cultural traditions also began to develop at that time. Majapahit Empire (1293-1500 AD) who are Hindus and centered on the island of Java, had founded the kingdom of subordinates in Bali around the year 1343 AD It was almost across the country are Hindus, but with the coming of Islam stood Islamic kingdoms in the archipelago which, among other cause the collapse of Majapahit. Many nobles, clergy, artists and other Hindu community when it withdrew from Java to Bali.

The Europeans who first discovered Bali is Cornelis de Houtman from the Netherlands in 1597, though a Portuguese ship had previously been stranded near the Bukit peninsula, Jimbaran, in 1585. Netherlands through the VOC also began to implement the occupation of the land of Bali, but continue to get resistance, so until end of the power of their position in Bali is not as solid as their position in the Java or the Moluccas. Starting from the northern region of Bali, since the 1840s the Netherlands has become a permanent presence which was originally done by pit-sheep of various rulers of Bali that mutual trust each other. Dutch major attack by sea and land against the Sanur area and was followed by the Denpasar area. Bali party who lost in numbers and armaments do not want to experience shame for surrender, thus causing the war to the death titk bellows or war involving all the people both men and women including the king. An estimated 4,000 people were killed in the incident, although the Netherlands has ordered them to surrender. Furthermore, the Dutch governors who ruled only a few gave its influence on the island, so that local control of religion and culture generally does not change.

Japan occupied Bali during World War II and then a military officer named I Gusti Ngurah Rai Bali forming forces 'freedom fighters'. Following the Japanese surrender in the Pacific in August 1945, the Dutch promptly returned to Indonesia (including Bali) to re-establish its colonial rule as a state before the war. This was opposed by the forces of resistance Bali who was using Japanese weapons.

On 20 November 1945, Bellows Margarana battles broke out happened in the village of Marga, Tabanan, Bali middle. Colonel I Gusti Ngurah Rai aged 29, led his troops from the eastern region of Bali to carry out attacks to death on the Dutch armed forces. All members of the battalion Bali killed everything and make it as a last Balinese military resistance.

In 1946 the Dutch made Bali as one of the 13 areas part of the State of East Indonesia was proclaimed, named as one of the rival state to the Republic of Indonesia which was proclaimed and headed by Sukarno and Hatta. Bali then also incorporated into the United States of Indonesia when the Netherlands recognized Indonesian independence on December 29, 1949. Years 1950, Bali officially leave the company with Dutch and legally became a province of the Republic of Indonesia.

Mount Agung eruption that occurred in 1963, had shaken the people's economy and led to many of the Balinese transmigrated to other areas in Indonesia.

In 1965, along with the failure by the G30S coup against the national government in Jakarta, Bali and many other areas there was a crackdown against members and sympathizers of the Indonesian Communist Party. In Bali, it is estimated that more than 100,000 people were killed or missing. Nevertheless, the events of the early days of the New Order until now has not succeeded disclosed by law.

Terrorist attacks have occurred on October 12, 2002, a bomb attack in the 2002 Bali Kuta Beach tourist area, causing as many as 202 people were killed and 209 others injured. Bali bomb attacks in 2005 also occurred three years later in Kuta and Jimbaran beach. These incidents received extensive international coverage because most of the victims were foreign tourists and causing Bali's tourism industry faces severe challenges in recent years.

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Monday, April 27, 2009

BALINESE CULINARY: Spicy and Full Taste Of Seasoning


Actual Balinese food is common on the island, but it has made few inroads in the rest of the country due to its emphasis on pork, which is anathema to the largely Muslim population in the rest of the country. Notable dishes include:
  • Babi Guling — Roast suckling pig, a large ceremonial dish that must usually be ordered several days in advance, but also often available at night market stalls and restaurants. It is served with rice. One of Bali's most well known babi guling outlets is Ibu Oka's in Ubud.
  • Bebek Betutu — Literally "darkened duck", topped with a herb paste and roasted in banana leaves. The same method can also be used for chicken, resulting in ayam betutu.
  • Lawar — Covers a range of Balinese salads, usually involving thinly chopped vegetables, minced meat, coconut and spices. Traditionally, blood is mixed into this dish, but it's often omitted for tourists' delicate constitutions. Green beans and chicken are a particularly common combination.
  • Sate Lilit — Minced seafood satay, served wrapped around a twig of lemongrass.
  • Urutan — Balinese spicy sausage, made from pork.
  • * Grilled Chicken with Sliced Shallot Chilie and Lime (Ayam Panggang bumbu bawang mentah)
  • * Grilled Chicken with Red Chili and Shrimp Paste Sauce (Ayam Panggang bumbu merah)
  • * Steam Chicken Cooked with Balinese Herb and Spicy (Ayam Tutu - Ala Kak Man Restaurant)
  • * Steam Duck Cooked with Balinese Herb and Spicy (Bebek Tutu - Ala Kak Man Restaurant)
  • * Minced Chicken with Shredded Rind combine with Spicy Sauce (Lawar Ayam, Klungah, Buah Kacang)
  • * Sliced Chicken mixed with Herbs and Spices Steam in Banana Leaf (Tum Ayam / Ketopot)
  • * Grilled Snapper (Ikan Bakar Bumbu Terasi)
  • * Special Balinese Salted Dry Fish (Sudang Lepet)
  • * Sliced Fish mixed with Herbs and Spices Wrap in Banana Leaf (Pepes Ikan Laut)
  • * Special Mixed Vegetables from Klungkung (Serombotan ala Klungkung)
  • * Water Convolvus with Shrimp Paste and Lime (Pelecing Kangkung)
  • * Fern Tip Vegetables with Shrimp Paste and Lime (Pelecing Paku)

Vegetarian

There are plenty of options for vegetarians in Bali - from indigenous Indonesian fare to international cuisine. A word of caution: the Indonesian spice paste "Sambal" is a hot paste of ground red chillies, spices and shrimp paste. Always check to see if the Sambal being served to you contains shrimp paste. You can even get Sambal without the shrimp paste at a few places. Additionally, kerupuk crackers with a spongy appearance, including those always served with nasi goreng, contain shrimp or fish. (Those that resemble potato chips, on the other hand, are usually fine.)

Budget

A meal in a tourist-oriented restaurant will be around Rp. 20-40k per person. In a local restoran the same meal might be about Rp. 15k or less. On the road,and even in Kuta, simple warungs sell "nasi bungkus", a pyramid shaped parcel of about 400gm of rice with several tasty extras for as little as Rp. 3-5k. One very reliable option is nasi campur ( rice with several options, chosen by the purchaser) for about Rp. 10k or so. Note that rice is often served at ambient temperature.

Drink

Not being Muslim, the Balinese have nothing against a drink and alcohol is widely available.

Indonesia's most popular beer Bintang is ubiquitous, but local brand Bali Hai is nearly as popular. Bintang is a fairly highly regarded classic light Asian beer, but Bal Hai is a rather bland lager. Also available is the Bali-brewed microbrew Storm, available in several different flavors. Beer is, however, relatively expensive, though still cheap by Western standards: at Rp. 10,000 and up, a small bottle costs at least the same as a full meal in a “local” eatery. In tourist centres, happy hours are widely available before and after sunset, with regular bottles of beer going for Rp. 7,000 and the giant sizes for around Rp. 12,000.

Bali produces its own wines, with Hatten being the most popular brand, available in white, red, rose (most popular) and sparkling varieties. Quality can be inconsistent, but the red is usually OK and cheaper than imported wines, which can easily top Rp. 100,000 per bottle. Wine aficionados are better off bringing their own bottle in from Singapore or other countries from which they fly into Indonesia. Imported wines are readily available in Bali, but are very expensive relative to everything else. Nicer restaurants will let you bring your own bottle; some will charge a (very modest) corkage fee. Smaller establishments likely won't mind, but neither will they have a corkscrew!

Bali's traditional drinks are arak, a clear distilled spirit that packs a 40° punch, and brem, a fermented rice wine sold in gift shops in attractive clay bottles that are much nicer than the taste of the stuff inside.

Tap water on Bali is not drinkable, but bottled water is universally available and extremely inexpensive (Rp. 3000 or so per 1.5L bottle) and restaurants usually use purified water for cooking. "Filtered" water shops are also common, providing on-site treatment of the mains water to a potable standard. These shops are much cheaper than retail outlets, selling water for about Rp 5000 per 11-liter reusable container, and avoid the waste created by plastic bottles.

Very cheap (Rp. 10,000) are fresh juices or their mixes (it can be watermelon, melon, papaya, orange, lime, banana or any other possible juice). In Bali, avocado (alpukat) is used as a dessert fruit. Blended with sugar and ice — and sometimes chocolate — this is a beverage you can rarely get in any other locales!

If you do not consume alcohol, Bali's fresh juices and creative combinations of fruits will please you to no end. Almost all restaurant menus have a section devoted to various non alcoholic fruit based beverages.

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Saturday, April 18, 2009

Kuta Beach, The Most Famous Beach in Bali

Kuta is a town in southern Bali, Indonesia. A former fishing village, it was one of the first towns on Bali to see substantial tourist development, and as a beach resort remains one of Indonesia's major tourist destinations. It is known internationally for its long sandy beach, varied accommodation, many restaurants and bars, and many renowned surfers who visit from Australia. It is located near Bali's Ngurah Rai Airport.

Kuta is now the center of an extensive tourist-oriented urban area that merges into the neighboring towns. Legian, to the north, is the commercial hub of Kuta and the site of many restaurants and entertainment spots. Most of the area's big beachfront hotels are in the southern section of Tuban.

Legian and Seminyak are northern extensions of Kuta along Jl. Legian and Jl. Basangkasa. They are somewhat quieter suburbs with cottage-style accommodations, where many of the expat crowd live. Also to the north are Petitenget, Berawa, Canggu, and Seseh - new and quieter continuations of Kuta's beach. They are easy to reach through Abian Timbul or Denpasar and Kerobokan. Several large hotels are located in this area: the Oberoi Bali, Hard Rock Hotel Bali, the Intan Bali Village, the Legian in Petitenget, the Dewata Beach and the Bali Sani Suites in Berawa.

To the south, Kuta Beach extends beyond the airport into Jimbaran. Other nearby towns and villages include Seseh (6.4 nm), Denpasar (4.5 nm), Ujung (1.8 nm), Pesanggaran (2.0 nm), Kedunganan (2.9 nm) and Tuban (1.0 nm).

The Balinese Provincial Government have taken the view that the preservation of the Balinese culture, natural resources and wildlife are of primary importance in the development of the island. To this end they have limited tourist development to the peninsula on the extreme southern aspect of the island; Kuta beach is on the western side of this peninsula and Sanur is on the east. To the north of the peninsula no new tourist development is supposedly permitted.


BALI BOMBING MEMORIAL

1st Bali Bombing in 2002 at Kuta: A permanent memorial was built on the site of the destroyed Paddy's Pub on Legian Street. (A new bar, named "Paddy's: Reloaded", was reopened further along Legian Street). The memorial is made of intricately carved stone, set with a large marble plaque, which bears the names and nationalities of each of those killed. It is flanked by the national flags of the victims. The monument is well-maintained and illuminated at night.

The memorial was dedicated on 12 October 2004, the second anniversary of the attack. The dedication included a Balinese Hindu ceremony and the opportunity for mourners to lay flowers and other offerings. The Australian ambassador and Indonesian officials attended the ceremony as most the victims were Australians.

The Balinese mark their commitment in a nine-day long event. After major cleansing ceremonies, establishing a memorial for the lost lives, and paying respect to those who left loved ones behind, the people of Kuta look forward to restoring Bali’s image through an event named "Kuta Karnival - A Celebration of Life”. The community event consists of traditional art performances such as Balinese Sunset Dances, sports on the beach as well as in the water for young and old plus rows and rows of culinary displays along the one kilometre of sandy beach.

In line with the return of tourism to Kuta, Kuta Karnival has grown into a tourism promotional event with major coverage from television and newspapers from across the globe. Companies, embassies, Non-Government Organizations, associations and even individuals come forth to get involved in the various events such as a Balinese dance competition presented by a surf-wear company, an environment exhibition presented by an embassy, a fun cycle presented by a group of individuals, a seminar presented by an association and a parade on the streets presented by an NGO. Tourists and locals alike, more than ninety thousand people participates in the numerous events, year after year.

A repeated tragedy in Bali in 2005 did not reduce the Kuta community’s determination to carry out this annual event. Kuta Karnival is conducted to commemorate and give respect to the victims of human violence and show the world the true spirit of local community survival despite terrorism attacks.

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Friday, April 17, 2009

Denpasar City, The Capital Of Bali Province Of Indonesia


Denpasar is the capital city of Bali Province, Indonesia. This city is the center of Bali Island's economy. Here we can found mixed culture between Balinese traditional and western culture. A long time ago this city was called "Badung City", where the "Puputan War" (the war between Balinese combatant with the Dutch collonists) happened in 1906. The name of "Denpasar" means "Pasar Baru" or "The New Market", which explain the stature of the city as the center of governance, economic trade, education, industry, and tourism of Bali Island.


Place Of Interest:

Kuta Beach
Sanur Beach
Jimbaran
Bali's Museum
Badung Traditional Market
Gajah Mada Street
Sulawesi Street
Puputan Park
Catur Muka Statue
Jagatnatha Temple
Bird Market
Pemecutan Royal Fort
Pasar Senggol
Bali Art Center

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Friday, March 27, 2009

Balinese Religion: HINDU, The Way Of Life fo Balinese

The majority of Balinese believes Hindu as their spiritual religion and it has become their main identity until now.

Balinese Hinduism is deeply interwoven with art and ritual, and is less closely preoccupied with scripture, law, and belief than Islam in Indonesia. Balinese Hinduism lacks the traditional Hindu emphasis on cycles of rebirth and reincarnation, but instead is concerned with a myriad of local and ancestral spirits. As with kebatinan, these deities are thought to be capable of harm. Balinese place great emphasis on dramatic and aesthetically satisfying acts of ritual propitiation of these spirits at temple sites scattered throughout villages and in the countryside. Each of these temples has a more or less fixed membership; every Balinese belongs to a temple by virtue of descent, residence, or some mystical revelation of affiliation. Some temples are associated with the family house compound (also called banjar in Bali), others are associated with rice fields, and still others with key geographic sites. Ritualized states of self-control (or lack thereof) are a notable feature of religious expression among the people, who for this reason have become famous for their graceful and decorous behavior. One key ceremony at a village temple, for instance, features a special performance of a dance-drama (a battle between the mythical characters Rangda the witch (representing evil) and Barong the lion or dragon (representing good)), in which performers fall into a trance and attempt to stab themselves with sharp knives.

Rituals of the life cycle are also important occasions for religious expression and artistic display. Ceremonies at puberty, marriage, and, most notably, cremation at death provide opportunities for Balinese to communicate their ideas about community, status, and the afterlife. (The tourist industry has not only supported spectacular cremation ceremonies among Balinese of modest means, but also has created a greater demand for them.)

A priest is not affiliated with any temple but acts as a spiritual leader and adviser to individual families in various villages scattered over the island. These priests are consulted when ceremonies requiring holy water are conducted. On other occasions, folk healers or curers may be hired.











Balinese Priest

NYEPI: BALINESE RELIGIOUS CEREMONY

Nyepi is a Balinese "Day of Silence" that falls on Bali's Lunar New Year (March 26, 2009). It is a day of silence, fasting, and meditation. The day following Nyepi is also celebrated as New year Gudi Padva in Maharashtra and Ugadi in Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka in India

Observed from 6 a.m. until 6 a.m. the next morning, Nyepi is a day reserved for self-reflection and as such, anyt
hing that might interfere with that purpose is restricted. The main restrictions are: no lighting fires (and lights must be kept low); no working; no entertainment or pleasure; no traveling; and for some, no talking or eating at all. The effect of these prohibitions is that Bali’s usually bustling streets and roads are empty, there is little or no noise from TVs and radios, and few signs of activity are seen even inside homes. The only people to be seen outdoors are the Pecalang, traditional security men who patrol the streets to ensure the prohibitions are being followed.

Although Nyepi is primarily a Hindu holiday, non-Hindu residents of Bali observe the day of silence as well, out of respect for their fellow citizens. Even tourists are not exempt; although free to do as they wish inside their hotels, no one is allowed onto the beaches or streets, and the only airport in Bali remains closed for the entire day. The only exceptions granted are for emergency vehicles carrying those with life-threatening conditions and women about to give birth.

On the day after Nyepi, known as Ngembak Geni, social activity picks up again quickly, as families and friends gather to ask forgiveness from one another, and to perform certain religious rituals together.

* First, The Melasti Ritual is performed at the 3-4 previous day. It is dedicated to Sanghyang Widhi/Vishnu-Devas-Bataras and is performed at the beach to respect them as the owner of The Land and Sea.
* Second, The Bhuta Yajna Ritual is performed in order to vanquish the negative elements and create balance with God, Mankind, and Nature.
* Third, The Nyepi Rituals is performed with the following conditions:
o Amati Geni: No fire/light
o Amati Karya: No working
o
Amati Lelunganan: No traveling
o Amati Lelanguan: Fasting and no revelry/self-entertainment
* Fourth, The Yoga/Brata Ritual starts at 6:00 AM March 26 and continues to 6:00 AM March 27 (24 hours, dates provided are for 2009).
* Fifth, The Ngebak Agni/Labuh Brata Ritual is performed for all Hindu's to forgive each other and to welcome the new days to come.
* Sixth and finally, The Dharma Shanti Rituals is performed as the Nyepi Day or "Day of Silence."

Balinese Ceremony in Temple (Pura)


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