VI
EN
Besides its spectacular natural landscapes, often described as a paradise on earth, the diversity and richness of its culture and religion are also incredibly attractive to tourists visiting Bali. Although the majority of the population (nearly 87%) follows Hinduism, it is this multifaceted spiritual atmosphere that creates a mysterious and enchanting Bali in the eyes of tourists from all over the world.
A peaceful corner in Ubud, Bali
Although the administrative capital of Bali is Denpasar, the heart of Bali's tourism is the town of Ubud. Ubud boasts not only spectacular rice terraces and winding mountain passes, but also idyllic forests and shady parks, perfect for those who love and want to reconnect with nature.
The image of local houses nestled among terraced rice fields has become an iconic symbol of Ubud and Bali.
Despite welcoming millions of tourists to Bali every year, its people have preserved their traditions from millennia ago. The people of Bali mostly follow a distinct branch of Hinduism – known as Agama Hindu Dharma.
Local houses in Bali are built like typical temples in their respective religions, with intricately carved Hindu gates adorned with countless ancient religious motifs. If inattentive, tourists could easily mistake a local's home for a temple because the exterior structure closely resembles an ancient shrine.
Most local homes in Bali have gates. They believe these gates will protect them from misfortune, bringing good luck and peace into their lives.
If not careful, tourists might mistakenly enter a local's house because the exterior structure looks exactly like an ancient temple.
The Balinese believe in the power of nature, that all things are governed by spirits. Spirits and ancestors are highly respected and worshipped with solemnity, which is why you will see the Balinese performing daily rituals. Every morning from dawn, they offer Canang Sari and light incense at almost every location in their home: temples, cars, motorcycles, gates, and walls that separate different living spaces.
Balinese women and the trays of offerings they prepare each day.
If Indonesia is known as the land of a thousand islands, then Bali is called the land of a thousand temples, with over 20,000 temples scattered across the island. The strong development of Hinduism in Bali has transformed this land into an island of gods.
Images of the exterior and interior of a Hindu temple in Bali.
In Balinese culture, Candi Bentar gates are a bridge between reality and the spiritual world, between life and death. When you visit a temple in Bali, Indonesia, the first thing you see are the split gates, also known as Candi Bentar.
To explain the meaning of Candi Bentar, the Balinese have a legend about the splitting of Mount Meru, the mythical golden mountain located at the center of the universe, the link between heaven and the earth's core. The Balinese believe that the mythical Mount Meru actually existed in the Indian subcontinent, and was then brought to Bali by the god Shiva and split in two.
The candi bentar (Bali gate) symbol can be found almost everywhere in Bali.
Inside a local market in the town of Ubud
Street corners in Ubud town
Unique aspects of local culture in Bali
Bali is a beautiful island well worth a visit. The island embodies the beauty of time, from ancient temples and houses to the traditional sarongs worn by its people. For travelers who love to explore and immerse themselves in cultural and religious stories, while simultaneously venturing into mysterious lands of cultural exchange, Bali is the place to go.
About the author: Thinh, a writer specializing in geopolitics and culture, currently lives and works in Ho Chi Minh City. Thinh is a visual storyteller in a documentary style. The author's stories are very personal reflections from his experiences and perceptions during his travels.
