This Indonesian island is considered a paradise on Earth. Its landscapes marry beaches, mountains, forests, rice fields and temples. What more? That's not all! Bali is also rich in its cultural and religious heritage. Being a predominantly Buddhist island, the inhabitants of Bali worship many gods, to whom they are used to make offerings. Get ready to fall in love with Bali!
Geographic location
© Shutterstock
The island of the gods is located between the islands of Java and Lombok, Indonesia.
Climate
© Shutterstock
Located south of the equator, Bali has two distinct seasons: a dry season from May to October and a wet season from November to April. The average temperature on the island is 30ºC.
Religion
© Shutterstock
Although Indonesia is a country of Muslim culture in Bali, the vast majority of the population is Hindu.
Influences
© Shutterstock
There are also some Buddhist influences. The people of Bali believe in a supreme spirit.
Gods
© Shutterstock
In Bali, local people believe and worship many gods.
Offerings
© Shutterstock
It is common for tourists who visit Bali, to cross the path of offerings, arranged in the streets of the island. "Canang sari" are made of flowers and banana leaves, and sometimes even include sweets, money and cigarettes.
"Sarong"
© Shutterstock
To enter the temples, men and women must wear a "sarong", a traditional dress, as a sign of respect for the gods.
Beliefs
© Shutterstock
Balinese believe in life after death, and believe that cremation frees the mind and starts a new life.
Cremation
© Shutterstock
The cremation ceremony is called "Ngabem" which, as surprising as it may seem, is a joyous celebration accompanied by music and offerings.
Collective cremation
© Shutterstock
Because of its cost, it happens that cremations are collective.
Reincarnation
© Shutterstock
The Balinese are convinced that newborns are the reincarnation of their ancestors or other Balinese.
Housing
© Shutterstock
Balinese houses are like family villages, where whole families live.
The areas of the house
© Shutterstock
The rooms are divided into pavilions, such as the rooms, the family reunion room, the kitchen and the area where the rice is stored.
Mount Agung
© Shutterstock
The family temple must always face the sacred mountain, the Agung volcano, because the Balinese believe that the gods live at its summit.
The names of the children
© Shutterstock
Another Balinese tradition is that children receive their names according to their order of birth: Wayan, Putu, or Gede (the first), Made or Kadek (the second), Nyoman or Komang (the third), and Ketuk (the fourth).
Rice
© Shutterstock
Rice is sacred in Bali. Planting, cultivating and harvesting this cereal is an integral part of local culture and religion.
Religious holidays
© Shutterstock
The moment the rice is planted determines the dates of the religious festivities.
Meal
© Shutterstock
So it's no surprise that rice is present in all meals, including breakfast.
Gastronomy
© Shutterstock
Balinese cuisine is a blend of Malaysian, Indian and Chinese cuisine.
Sport
© Shutterstock
The most popular sport in Bali is the rooster fight.
New Year
© Shutterstock
The Balinese New Year is different from the one celebrated in the West. Bali celebrates the Lunar New Year, which is made up of 210 days.
Ogoh-Ogoh
© Shutterstock
During the Ogoh-Ogoh parade, huge and frightening images crisscross the streets, in order to repel the demons. It's a Balinese New Year ritual.
Nyepi and silence
© Shutterstock
"Nyepi", the day of silence, is also commemorated on the island. The Balinese do this to show the demons that the island is empty.
Language
© Shutterstock
The official language of the island is Indonesian. However, Balinese is also used. The different castes speak different Balinese variants.
For tourists
© Shutterstock
English is the language most used by tourists.
Visa
© Shutterstock
A visa is required upon arrival at Bali Airport. Your passport must be valid for at least six months and you must have proof of your return flight.
What you must not do in Bali
© Shutterstock
Do not enter a house or temple with your shoes. It would be considered bad manners and a lack of respect.
© Shutterstock
Do not enter a temple without wearing a sarong, the traditional Balinese skirt.
© Shutterstock
Do not touch the head of a Balinese. This is the holiest part of the body, and touching another person's head is perceived as an insult.
© Shutterstock
Finally, do not walk on the offerings made to the gods, which are scattered in the streets and temples of Bali.
Greetings! I am a minnow exclusive bot that gives a 5X upvote! I recommend this amazing guide on how to be a steemit rockstar! I was made by @EarthNation to make Steemit easier and more rewarding for minnows.