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| Monday, September 29, 2008 |
| History |
Though no artifacts or records exist that would date Bali as far back as the Stone Age, it is thought that the very first settlers to Bali emigrated from China in 2500 BC, having created quite the evolved culture by the Bronze era, in around 300BC. This culture included a complex, effective irrigation system, as well as agriculture of rice, which is still used to this day.
Bali’s history remained vague for the first few centuries, though many Hindu artifacts have been found, which lead back to the first century, indicating a tie with that religion. Though it is strongly held that the first primary religion of Bali, discovered as far back as 500 AD, was Buddhism. Additionally, Yi-Tsing, a Chinese scholar who visited Bali in the year 670 AD stated that he had visited this place and seen Buddhism there.
By the 11th century, Hindu and Javanese influences became very important to Bali. In fact, when the Balinese Prince Airlanggha’s father died in about 1011 AD, he moved to East Java, uniting it under one principality and appointing his brother, Anak Wungsu, the ruler of all of Bali. Following this time, there were many reciprocal political and artistic ideas that formed. Javanese language, called Kawi, became the aristocracy’s preference, among other Javanese traits and customs that were worked into Bali life.
When Airlanggha died in the mid-11th century, Bali remained quite autonomous until 1284, when East Javanese king Kertanegara conquered Bali and ruled over it from his home in Java. Kertanegara was assassinated in 1292, and Bali was once again liberated, until 1343 when it was brought back into Javanese control by Hindu-Javanese general Gajah Mada, of the Majapahit empire.
At this time, the 16th century, Islam was spreading throughout Sumatra and Java, and the Majapahit Empire started to fall, creating a large exodus of aristocracy, priests, artists and artisans to Bali. This brought Bali great prosperity, becoming Bali’s golden age of cultural history for the following centuries. Bali soon became the major power of the region, taking control of its neighboring country, Lombok, as well as pieces of East Java.
In 1597, Dutch seamen were the first Europeans to land in Bali, though they had no true interest in Bali until the 1800’s. In 1846 the Dutch returned with colonization on their minds, having already had vast expanses of Indonesia under their control since the 1700’s. The Dutch sent troops into northern Bali, and by 1894, they had sided with the Sasak people of Lombok to defeat the Balinese. By 1911, all Balinese principalities were under Dutch control.
After World War I, a sense of Indonesian Nationalism began to grow, leading to the declaration of the national language in 1928, as Bahasa Indonesia. World War II brought the Japanese, who expelled the Dutch and occupied Indonesia from 1942 until 1945.
The Japanese were later defeated, and the Dutch returned to attempt to regain control of Bali and Indonesia. However, in 1945, Indonesia was declared independent by its very first president, Sukarno. The Dutch government ceded, and Indonesia was officially recognized as an independent country in 1949.Labels: bali history |
posted by Avans @ 8:25 AM   |
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| About Bali |
Even today, there is a certain magic about Bali. The longer one stays in the island, the more one is impressed by the many exquisite sights and the scores of talented and charming people one encounters. All the tourist hype aside, Bali truly is exceptional.The island of Bali indeed presents a modern paradox an ancient, traditional society that is still incredibly alive and vital. While the basic conservatism of the Balinese has enabled them to preserve many of their past achievement, it has never hindered the acceptance of new and innovative elements, whether home-grown or foreign.Bali is extraordinarily blessed by nature. Lying with narrow band of the tropics where wet and dry seasons fall roughly into balance. Geographically, Bali lies between the island of Java and Lombok. Bali is small, strethching approximately 140 km from east to west, and 80 km from north to south. The tallest of string of volcanic mountain that run from west to east Lying just 8-11 south of the equator, and a verage temperature annual 27 degres celcius. Bali is blessed with a wonderful climate , warm long the coast with white sand beaches, best game viewing with cool in mountain area. Bali has two season same like indonesia season, summer from April to October, Bali less rainfall on wet season from October to March. Mayority People In bali are Hindush The Balinese have strong spiritual roots and despite the large influx of tourist over the years, their culture is still very much live. The main religion is Hindu Dharma religion, and althought original from India, the Balinese religion in a unique blend of Hindu, Buddhist,Chinese, Javanese, and others religions make Balinese Universal Religions and different from the Hinduism practiced in India today. Laying between 8 and 9 degrees south the equator, Bali has a short, hot wet season and a longer cooler dry season. The mountains are wet year round, averaging 2500 to 3000 mm (100 to 120 inches) of rain annually with warm days and cool nights. The lowlands are hotter and drier, but fresh and persistent winds make the climate less oppressive than elsewhere in the equatorial zone.
The wet season lasts from November to March, and thought there are only five or six hours of sunshine a day, this is also the hottest time of year (30-31 C by day, 24-25 C at night). The dry season is from April to October, when southeasterly winds blow up from the cool Australian interior (28-29 C by day, and a pleasant 23 C at night) with seven or height hours of sunshine daily. The electricity generally runs at 220V – 240V AC. In some rural areas, the system still runs on 110V, and some remote areas do not have electricity at all. Power supply may be unstable. You may need a plug adaptor with two-pronged, parallel pins.
Going to Bali,dress casually. Take light clothes, as the weather is warm thoughout the year. When dressing, while you encouraged to be casual, remember to be decent. Remember that this is a land where prayer and religious festivals take center stage. When visiting a temple, make it a point to respect local custom and traditions. The Balinese have their own language, but almost all Balinese speak Bahasa Indonesia. English also widely used throughout the island. But certainly helps to know a few words or phareses in Indonesian. Bali is natural island, It have good water, clean no polluted cause there are no factory in Bali and they have very good rain forest for water supply. Don’t drink water direct thought tap water. Drink only distilled or mineral water, or water that has been boiled.
Try to get used the local food its sometimes unusual flavour.Every region in bali have a trademark food or special resepies baliness food for example in gianyar there is babi guling, klungkung With serombotan, Denpasar with Nasi Jinggo, Karangasem with Sate Languan...and there are many tradisional food. Street hawker and warung are where the true “ Flavour ” of Balinese food you can found. There are of course, also plenty of excellent restaurants serving both local and international dishes!.Bali is tropical island sun can be very harsh, and sunscreen, sunblock,sun hat and sun glasess are essential. Do remember your binoculars if going on safari. To ensure that you take the correct anti malaria altought Bali not Malaria Zone
COMUNICATION
Mail
Indonesia's postal service is reliable, if not terribly fast. Kilat (express) service is only slightly more expensive and much faster. Kilat khusus (domestic special delivery) will get there overnight. International express mail gets postcards and letters to North America or Europe in about 7 days from most cities.
Kantor pos (post offices) are found in every little village in Bali, open 8 am-2 pm every day except Sunday. The main post office in Denpasar (JI. Raya Puputan, Renon) or in Legian remains open until 8 pm. Most close from noon to 1 pm for lunch.
Poste Restante service is usually reliable, but it is advisable to choose more important towns such as Kuta or Ubud. Some post offices ask for ID and may also charge a fee before handing over your letters.
Telephone, Fax and internet
Long distance phone calls, both within Indonesia and international, are handled by satellite. Domestic long distance calls can be dialed from most phones. To dial your own international calls, find an IDD (International Direct Dial) phone and dial "001" or "008” otherwise you must go via the operator, which is far more expensive.
A magnetic debit (kartu telpon) phone card can be purchased at hotels, post offices and many other outlets. This is used on card phones, which are increasing in popularity, eliminating the need for small change.
International calls via MCI, Sprint, ATF, and the like can be made from IDD phones using the access code for your calling card company. Recently, special telephones have been installed in some airports with pre-programmed buttons to connect you via these companies to various countries.
Faxes can be sent and received at wartel offices and most main post offices.
E-mail and internet services are available at many wartel, the main post office and cyber cafes. Most tourist areas are dotted with internet cafes and services. Some are open 24 hours a day, but most open from 10 am until 10 pm. Usage rates vary and are independent on type and length of computer use, but they rarely unreasonable.Be sure to check your passport before leaving for Indonesia. You must have at least one empty page to be stamped upon arrival and the passport must be valid for at least six months after the date of arrival.
Since the 1st February 2004, a tourist visa is required except for the citizen from Brunei, Chile, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Macao, Morocco, Peru, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Turkey. Meanwhile, for Australian, Canada, USA and most of the European country such as France, UK, Germany, Netherlands, Italy, Spain… it is possible to obtain a tourist visa upon arrival it costs 25 USD (up to 30 days) and 10 USD (up to 3 days).
With this new regulation, to get a visa on arrival at the airport it takes a little bite longer so it is preferable to ask in your own country the visa from an Indonesian consulate before having your trip in Bali.
Upon arrival you will be given a white embarkation/disembarkation card to fill out. Keep this card with your passport, as you must present it when leaving the country.Labels: about bali |
| posted by Avans @ 8:23 AM |
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| Galungan Day |
Bali has been recognized for its rich cultural heritage that has their roots of Hinduism (especially Hindu Balinese). One of the most celebrated ceremonies is Galungan and Kuningan Days. Galungan always falls on the Wednesday in the week of Dungulan in the Balinese Wuku calendar. Mean while, Kuningan falls on the Saturday, ten days later.
On the Monday prior to Galungan, the women are frying up the rice cakes that are used in the offerings. Then, on Tuesday before Galungan there is the most tradition that hindush people make a tradional food such as Lawar and sate in the afternoon after they mad traditional food they decorated penjor. Penjor is a tower that made of bamboo this is symbolies of way for pry to the god that live in mountain.
In 2007, Galungan falls on June, 27 and Kuningan, on July, 7. Philosophically Galungan celebrates the victory of dharma (justice or truth) over adharma (injustice or deception). According to the legend, there was once lived an arrogant king named Maya Denawa from Bedulu in Bali’s mountainous interior.
Maya Denawa believed that he was more powerful than the gods, which angered Shiva. And so the god Indra was sent down to earth to kill him. A battle between god Indra’s troops and Maya Denawa’s troops are unavoidable. God Indra and his troops won the battle. People commemorate this victory as Galungan. |
| posted by Avans @ 8:19 AM |
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| Transportation |
There are various ways you can explore the island:
Walk- Yes, the old, reliable feet. Recommended for, among other places, along the beaches, along the gardens of Nusa Dua, or along the shops of Legian, Kuta.
* Bicycles- There is a lot of places where you can rent bicycles.
* Motorcycles- Some hard-to-reach beach corners, hidden surfing sites, may not be reachable by car - motorcycles may be your best bet. Don't forget your international driver's license.
* Car Rentals/Hires- You can cover all of Bali comfortably with complete privacy and you set your own schedules. Rates start from around US$ 25 a day. Toyota Rent-A-Car can provide anything from a subcompact car to a luxurious Japanese sedan, with or without a driver. Don't forget your international driver's license if you want to drive.
* Taxis - are not expensive and you can hire by phone or find one almost everywhere.
Shopping in Bali is not simply walking into a shop, picking something from a shelf and paying for it. Shopping is an art. In every traditional market and art shop around Bali bargaining is a must. This traditional way makes shopping in Bali a fun time, where you can feel the warmth of human value in every transaction. Before you begin your shopping tour on this island, please obtain cash because most places do not accept credit cards.
Few places for shopping:
Batubulan, on the border of Denpasar and Gianyar, is the home of stone sculptures. You can find various kinds of style here, from traditional to modern, small to large. The craftsmen can make up your order and even arrange to ship it to your address back home.
This village of Bono is the home of bamboo. The villagers create furniture and mats from bamboo; they also make some articles from lontar leaf.
On the way to Ubud you'll pass Celuk, the place for gold and silver jewelry. The artisans in this area are well known for their quality and various designs. Huge art shops along the main road give you a chance to compare prices.
As the capital of Bali, Denpasar is the center of "market" activity for local people. The biggest traditional market stands near Badung's river, Kumbasari market. It can give you an insight into the traditional Indonesia market where local people do their daily shopping. Fruit, vegetables and meat can be found in the basement; on the second level is the place for spices and dried goods; while household wares, clothing, art and craft is on the third level. Here you can get a very good price if you're smart in bargaining. In the northern part is Gajahmada Street, where you can find handicrafts and some shoe shops and restaurants. In the eastern part is Sulawesi Street, the place for all kind of fabrics on its both sides with some shops providing household ware in between. The area here is very colorful with all types of material from the traditional 'songket' (cloth woven with strands of gold or silver) to modern day stretchy and shiny material. Why not buy your cloth by the meter and have a suit or dress made up by a local tailor. In the southern part is Hasanudin Street where you can see gold shops, selling jewelry to local people but, of course, the visitor is welcome to buy but please bargain. On the west Side of the market is the place for people to buy coconut leaf and ceremony supplies.
Kamasan, this village in Klungkung is popular with its own style of painting called Kamasan where a drawing is made in black ink then colored by natural pigments
Kuta as an international village almost all of the shops and restaurants here are for tourist market. You can find handicrafts, clothing, jewelry, CDs, furniture and leather crafts on each side of the road. But you can also see many street hawkers with their various offerings along the road. If you do not want to buy anything from them, do not make eye contact and do not ever look at their products, for if you do, they will follow you along the street and pester you to buy something
The shopping center in Sanur is on Jalan Danau Tamblingan where the situation is almost the same as Kuta but with very few hawkers. Many products are on offer in the shops and nice restaurants.
Sukawati, this area is popular because for its Art Market. If you ask Balinese where to find art and craft with the cheapest price, they will recommend Sukawati. Here you can find cloth, paintings and statue, jewelry and also Balinese ceremonial items.
Tegalalang: various woodcarvings can be found in this village and its neighbors. Very colorful carvings of flowers, animals and other designs are displayed along the road.
Ubud, this well-known village offers you fine arts with an international standard. Respected galleries such as Agung Rai, Sumertha, Rudana, Sika and Neka are recommended visiting as well as the big names of Hans Snel and Antonio Blanco |
| posted by Avans @ 8:15 AM |
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| BALI |
Once a small, sleepy, hard scrabble fishing village Kuta woke up and smelled the money. This is Bali's premier beach area. You will either love the excitement of this unique and dynamic area where East meets West or not because of the noise and ever present street hawkers. Kuta today often refers to the entire area of what is really three separate villages (Kuta, Legian and Tuban) and is the main entertainment area for tourists - especially famous (and justly so) for its nightlife.
Kuta started to develop after it was "discovered" by Western surfers and backpackers some 40 years ago. As such Kuta still has a lot of inexpensive - but good - accommodation. Same goes for the restaurants and shops. However that being said, Kuta also has it share of fine, family oriented 3, 4 & 5 star hotels with many establishments being renovated and moving upscale. FYI, in order to remain objective, hotels are listed in alphabetical order. We don't Bali Handycraft provides many types of handicraft such as: natural leaves photo album, photo frame, address book, note book, wind chimes, drums in carving, full carving, painting, full painting, plain, airbrush and special alpine, abstract carving, Lombok handicrafts and many others.
We invite you to come to Bali-the major tourist destination. We will give our best products and services. We are willing to cooperate with importers, wholesalers, and distributor from all around the world. Bali is a place where arts, culture, religion, and people blend together to form harmony. This unique blend serves as a root for the creation of what has developed and grown into a truly wonderful arts and crafts industry.Indonesian handicrafts have continued to gain in popularity over the years. They have earned a dominant place in the highly competitive international giftware and furnishings market place. Millions of dollars of handicrafts are now being exported all over the globe annually to gift shops, supermarkets, department stores, wholesalers, importers and distributors. Bali handicraft industry has thrived and it now provides employment and business opportunities for quite literally thousands of people. In addition to providing a livelihood for those in the handicraft industry, it has given a big boost to the economy. To appreciate how the handicraft industry functions and provides a living for so many people, you have to go off into the hills, far off the beaten track. You will find Balinese communities who are working hard turning bits of wood, bamboo, metal, leaves, and clay into truly amazing and marketable products.favor any hotel for any reason. |
| posted by Avans @ 8:11 AM |
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