AmyHuang
Bali - Culture and Crafts
In my last Bali post I mentioned that Shopping is a big thing, just like every other major Asian destinations. Besides that, those who venture outside the tourist trail will find that culture and crafts also play a big part in Bali's attractions.
There are lots to experience, from Balinese dancing, to visitng Batik and silver workshops in the country towns as well as visit temples and villages to admire the achitecture and cultural activities of Balinese's daily lives, it's all an interesting mix.
When I was there, it happened to be Nyepi Day (Hindu annual New Year Day of Silence) - tourists were asked not to leave their resort grounds and the entire Bali stayed at home, and no entertainment system was to be used. It was a day of self-reflection and meditation and we all did just that.
Days prior, people were preparing already. Families brought fruit and flowers to their local temples to offer to the gods and prayed with their fellow worshippers with hands clasped. On the streets rows and rows of bamboo poles decorated with flowers and ornaments are also a form of offering and walking on the streets you'd be stepping over a few small baskets of offerings at the door steps of shops and residences. Balinese people are said to be extremely spiritual, and this was an evidence.
Those into arts and crafts will also enjoy the villages of Bali dedicaing their lives to the particular craft of the region. Towns outside Denpasar each have their own specialty, from Batubulan (specialising in Batiks) to Celuk (specialising in Silver) to Mas (specialising in wood/stone work) there is a place for every interest. It is good to come to these areas to buy arts and craft from the makers instead of buying them from highly priced stores in Kuta, however make sure you organise a driver to drive you to these areas as a taxi fare could be expensive.
After you have seen all these, and still have a bit of time, you can choose to experience Bali by doing. Next post: Cooking School in Bali.
There are lots to experience, from Balinese dancing, to visitng Batik and silver workshops in the country towns as well as visit temples and villages to admire the achitecture and cultural activities of Balinese's daily lives, it's all an interesting mix.
A show of Balinese dance
When I was there, it happened to be Nyepi Day (Hindu annual New Year Day of Silence) - tourists were asked not to leave their resort grounds and the entire Bali stayed at home, and no entertainment system was to be used. It was a day of self-reflection and meditation and we all did just that.
Offerings at the temple alter
Days prior, people were preparing already. Families brought fruit and flowers to their local temples to offer to the gods and prayed with their fellow worshippers with hands clasped. On the streets rows and rows of bamboo poles decorated with flowers and ornaments are also a form of offering and walking on the streets you'd be stepping over a few small baskets of offerings at the door steps of shops and residences. Balinese people are said to be extremely spiritual, and this was an evidence.
Garden flags are Tannah Temple
Those into arts and crafts will also enjoy the villages of Bali dedicaing their lives to the particular craft of the region. Towns outside Denpasar each have their own specialty, from Batubulan (specialising in Batiks) to Celuk (specialising in Silver) to Mas (specialising in wood/stone work) there is a place for every interest. It is good to come to these areas to buy arts and craft from the makers instead of buying them from highly priced stores in Kuta, however make sure you organise a driver to drive you to these areas as a taxi fare could be expensive.
Beautifully painted Batik at Batubulan
After you have seen all these, and still have a bit of time, you can choose to experience Bali by doing. Next post: Cooking School in Bali.
