Bali is one of the islands in Indonesia that has become the main destination for local and foreign tourists. It’s not surprising that Bali island is visited by many tourists because it has a magical charm. The charm of Dewata Island includes natural beauty, religion, culture, and customs. So, let’s get to know 10 fun facts about Bali!
10 Interesting Facts About Bali You Should Know
Please read the following facts about Bali to get to know it more deeply and fall in love with its amazing charm:
1. Bali Has the Most Beautiful Village in Indonesia
source: amiedelisa.com
Penglipuran is one of the villages in Bali, precisely in the Bangli sub-district. It is called the most beautiful village in Indonesia. This village also won the award for being the cleanest village in the world, according to the Green Destination Foundation’s version.
When you visit Penglipuran village, you will feel the fresh air and beautiful green scenery. Penglipuran Village is also low in pollution because tourists are not allowed to use motorized vehicles. Apart from that, this village is also clean from the trash because every 30 meters, you will find a trash can.
2. Subak Is a UNESCO World Heritage Site
source: kebudayaan.kemdikbud.go.id
If you have ever visited Bali, you must have seen an amazing view of the rice fields because they look like terraces. This terraced rice field makes it easy for farmers to do irrigation.
Balinese farmers are very famous for their irrigation system, which is called Subak. What makes Subak interesting is that it is not just an irrigation system but a collaboration among nature, humans, and God.
Well, Subak combines these three elements to achieve harmonization. UNESCO has designated Subak as a cultural heritage because it has an important role in the livelihoods and survival of the Balinese.
3. Cockfighting
source: baliaround.com
The Balinese have a unique culture of cockfighting. However, there are three types of cockfighting, namely Tabuh Rah, Tajen Terang, and Tajen Branangan. Tabuh Rah is enhanced when the Balinese hold a Butha Yadnya religious event.
All Balinese Hindus will witness three cocks being fought until they bleed. The blood is an offering for Butha Yadnya in order not to disturb humans.
Tajen Terang is a cockfight containing gambling elements, and there is no religious element. Usually, the money from the cockfights will be used to build the village. Meanwhile, Tajen Branangan is an illegal cockfight and is identical to gambling.
Tajen Branangan is often held far from the village and needs the knowledge of the authorities. The third fact of the 10 fun facts about Bali is unique, right?
4. Balinese Hindus do not Eat Beef
source: safaribaliticket.com
In general, the majority of Indonesia’s population is Muslim. This is different from Bali because the majority of the population embraces Hinduism. Therefore, the majority of Hindus do not consume beef because this animal is considered sacred.
Apart from not eating beef, Balinese Hindus also do not slaughter cows, because they are believed to be an incarnation of Lord Shiva. They also consider cows to be a part of life because they produce milk, which can be processed into butter and cheese. Cow dung is also beneficial for agricultural fertilizer.
Read more: What is Bali Known for? Here are 15 Popular Things in Bali
5. Garuda Wisnu Kencana is The Second Highest Statue in the World
source: travel.kompas.com
Bali is an Indonesian Island that is rich in natural tourist landmarks. Nowadays, Bali also has a new landmark, namely the statue of Garuda Wisnu Kencana. This 112-meter-tall statue is the tallest in Indonesia and the second tallest in the world.
Tourists who visit Bali can witness the splendor of this towering statue. The GWK statue was designed by Balinese artist, I Nyoman Nuarta. The construction process of this statue took 28 years to complete.
6. Warung is Everywhere
source: kompas.com
One of the next 10 fun facts about Bali is warung everywhere. This may not be a common vocabulary for foreign tourists. Warung is a restaurant that generally provides local dishes at affordable prices and authentic flavors.
A fun fact about warung is that they are mostly run by moms. So if you want to eat delicious foods affordably, this place can be the best option.
7. Almost All Public Facilities Close on Silent Day
source: thehoneycombers.com
On normal days, Bali is always crowded with tourists from all over the world. If you want to see a different side of Bali, you can visit it during Silent Day. The atmosphere of silence is very powerful because Balinese Hindus do not light lamps or fire. They also do not work, travel, or even engage in entertainment activities.
They will celebrate Silent Day for 24 hours. The end of this Silent Day is known as Ngembak Geni. Balinese will visit close relatives to apologize to each other to celebrate this memorable hour.
8. Kissing Festival
source: kabarnusa.com
After celebrating Silent Day, Bali has a unique tradition, namely omed-omedan, or kissing festival. This festival is performed by two groups of young people, male, and female. People who want to take part in this kissing festival must be between 17-30 years old.
Each group will choose one person to be marched in the front position. The two of them will be pitted until they hug and kiss. Next, each group will pull two people into each other’s arms to separate them.
If they don’t separate, the organizers will pour water as a signal to separate. Since it is unique, this tradition sparks curiosity among tourists.
9. Three Months Baby Should Not Touch The Ground
source: visitbali.id
The Balinese still hold on to an ancient tradition of not letting babies less than three months old touch the ground. This is because babies come from the pure realm and the ground is an unclean place. If the baby’s age is 105 days after birth, then it is permissible for the baby to set his feet on the ground.
10. Coconut Leaf Decoration
source: pikiran-rakyat.com
You will find it easy to find outdoor decorations made from coconut leaves. These coconut leaf ornaments are usually found in temples, gates, or places that are considered sacred. The decoration of young coconut leaves has become the hallmark of Bali. Thus, don’t be surprised if you find it anywhere across the island.
What Do You Think About 10 Fun Facts About Bali?
Those are the 10 fun facts about Bali that you need to know. There are lots of other fun facts that will make you even more curious and fall in love with Bali. So if you want to know more, you can immediately go on vacation to Dewata Island now!
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