ENCHANTING ISLAND
BALIGeographically, Bali is situated between the islands of java and lombok. Bali is small,stretching approximately 140km from east to west,and 80km from north to south. The tallest of a string of volcanic mountains that run from the east to the west is gunung agung,which last erupted in 1963. Located just 8 south of the equator,bali boasts a tropical climate with just two seasons ( wet and dry ) a year with an average temperature of around 28c. The wide and gently sloping southern regions play host to bali's famed rice terraces,which are among some of the most spectacular in the world. In the hilly,northern coastal regions,the main produce is coffee,copra,spices,vegetables,cattle and rice. The balinese have strong spiritual roots and despite the large influx of tourist over the year,their culture is still very much alive. The main religion is agama hindu darma,which,although originally from india,is comprised of unique blend of hindu,buddish,javanese and ancient indigenous beliefs. It is very different from the hinduism practiced in india today. Naturally creative, The balinese have traditionally used their talents for religious purposes and most of the beautiful work to be seen here has been inspired by stories from the ramayana and other hindu epics. The majority of bali's 3,000,000 people live,for the most part,in tight village communities with large extended families. The largest towns are denpasar ( the capital ) and singaraja in the north. The main tourist area stretches from kuta to seminyak. Kuta became a major attraction during the tourist boom of the 70's because of its famous white-send beaches,the surf and stunning sunsets. Today,the kuta to seminyak stretch is a major tourist destination,with hundreds of hotels,bars,restaurants and shops. Those in search of a little peace and quiet tend to head for the more sedate resorts of sanur and candidasa on the east coast,or lovina in the north. Nusa dua, on the southern-most peninsula of the island,houses many five-star hotels. The central village of ubud,in the hilly region of gianyar,has also blossomed as a tourist attraction and is now considered to be the artistic and cultural centre of bali.
CULTURE
The population in bali is almost all indonesia.90% are of balinese hindu descent and could be described as ethnic balinese. The remaining residents are mostly from other parts of the century,particularly java. Balinese have traditional caste divisions that resemble the indian hindu system,although there are no `untouchables`nor is there separation of labour based on caste,except belong to the common sudra caste,which now includes mani wealthy balinese. The main significance of caste is in religious roles and rituals,and its influence on balinese language. The traditional balinese society is intensely communal,the organisation of villages,the cultivation of farmlands and even the creative arts are communal efforts.A person belongs to their family,clan,caste and to the village as a whole.The roles of the sexes are fairly well delineated,with certain tasks handled by woman and others reserved for men.For instance,the running of the household is very much the woman's task,while caring for animals is mostly a male preserve. Balinese society is held together by collective responsibility. if a women enters a temple while menstruating,for instance,it is a kind of irreverence,an insult to the god's,and their displeasure falls not just on the transgressor but on the whole community.This collective responsibility produces considerable pressure on the individual to conform to adat-the traditional values and customs that form the core of society.
1. Have you ever hear about bali?...
2. Have you been there?... if yes, tell me what do you think.
( bad story/experience will help to fix scar on bali face).
Have a nice day
Regard
v-Bird Bali