Beautiful Bali
Anand & Madhura Katti
White sand beaches with turquoise blue waters, simple and hospitable people immersed in the upkeep of their deeply cultivated culture and a healthy mix of natural and artistic attractions make Bali a great destination for a relaxed holiday. The Indonesian Government’s waiver of visa fee and a visa stamp on arrival is making it even more tempting for a visit to this charming culture coast.
Frangipani garland welcome at the upgraded traditional airport in capital Denpasar marks your entry into Bali, a predominantly Hindu island in the biggest Islamic country of Indonesia. Frangipani flowers and trees in different colours and shades is one of the beautiful traits of this popular culture coast in Asia. Subtle traits of religion here are limited to personal discipline, culture and art that combine with inherent hospitality that attracts millions of tourists from across the world.
A few minutes’ drive away from the airport is the beach of Kuta, popular with tourists and wind surfing enthusiasts. Lying on a rented beach bed watching the blue sky meeting the edge of the sea at the horizon is a soothing experience. Surfers, amateurs and experts add life to the vast, silent coast.
Sloped, red-tile roof houses in Bali are spacious and decorated with traditional wood-art. It’s fascinating to see every house having a temple in the front courtyard. A local guide will tell you that more than 90 per cent of people here are Hindus and they all follow three times a day prayer regime. There are four types of temples; family, functional, village and public temples. Functional temples are of two types — Supak is in the rice fields and Melanin Temple is at the centre of a traditional market. Village temple normally has Trimurtis — Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva, which together is called Ida, meaning one god.
Taman Ayun Temple in northern part of Denpasar is a big temple complex befitting its name Taman Ayun meaning ‘beautiful garden’. Ponds in the centuries old complex though have lost their royal patronage but add a rustic beauty with their moss-filled water. Imposing, multi-tiered shrines are in the innermost courtyard on the highest plinth. Courtyard at the entrance has a big open hall for communal gatherings. Second terrace has Dewata NawaSanga (Nava Graha) depicting the nine Hindu Gods that guard directions. Next terrace has a high bell tower with beautiful architecture. More than 400 festivals are celebrated throughout the year. The main gate of the inner shrine is open during festivals, for traditionally dressed devotees who come with offerings for the deities. Sight of squatted devotees to offer prayers at the tall, tapering shrines makes a beautiful picture.
Driving along the streets of Bali is fascinating. Huge statues of Rama, Arjuna, Ghatotkacha and other Hindu epic heroes are erected at street squares. Bali is known for its art and every village on the island has a specialty. Tens of workshops, along Batu Bulang village, have stone carvings on display. Mas as well as Batuan are known for their intricate wood carvings and painting. Ubud is the artistic region of the island and is a popular hangout place for tourists and locals alike. Its main shopping street in front of Puri Saran Palace has beautiful arts, paintings and artefacts.
A visit to the beautiful coastal temple of Uluwatu offers great views of sunset and amazing ridges bordering the sea. Monkeys abound the island and warning signs caution visitors to avoid wearing loose jewellery and to clutch on to their belongings. After you leave behind monkeys and finish visiting the temple, you can watch Kecak dance at the packed amphitheatre facing the coast with amazing sunset view. Kecak dance is an adaptation of the Ramayana presented as a love story between Rama and Sita. Tens of characters of monkeys, circle the main arena and make a continuous kecak sound throughout the play. Audience is also called-in to partake in the epic enactment.
Fact File
Visa
Indian nationals can get Indonesian visa upon arrival and that is given free of cost.
Getting there
One can fly on Air India, Malaysian Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Bangkok Airways or Thai Airways via Kuala Lumpur, Singapore or Bangkok to Bali.
What to eat
Rice is the staple. Seafood is fresh and plenty. Vegetarians will have to stick to Indian restaurants as most local dishes have seafood flavouring.
Where to shop
High value of Rupee makes Bali a good shopping destination. There are plenty of malls and exclusive shops selling different goods. Krishna Mall is where locals shop and offers variety at affordable price.
Useful websites
www.tourism.baliprov.go.id and www.indonesia-tourism.com
