Bali well known as a Thousnad Temple Island is become the famous island in the world, which located in Indonesia. The Balinese culture and Hinduism affects almost every aspect of life on the island. The unique mix between sacred Hindu-Dharma and sophisticated local customs has made Bali as special as it is today. Art masterpieces can easily be found in every corner of Bali. Bali’s culture is still felt everywhere; from museums to hotels, to sacred temples.
The traditional dance shows have also become one of the most attraction in Bali – for very good reasons. In all the ceremonies held during special days in Bali, local dances will be one of the most important element to get connected with Gods, deities, and ancestors as a way to honour their role in the cosmos.
1. TEMPLES
Some of The Big Temples in Bali :
• RAMBUT SIWI TEMPLE
Rambut Siwi Temple is a large Hindu temple located in South-West coast of Bali (Jembrana), situated on a cliff overlooking the Indian Ocean with Balinese gardens & a multi-tiered shrine. This temple is one of the biggest in West Bali and most sacred. Usually, local drivers passing through the road will stop by and pray; hoping to be blessed and protected during the journey.
• BESAKIH TEMPLE
Besakih Temple is known as the Mother Temple of Bali island and is simply the most important temple for the whole of the island. Besakih Temple is located in the North West of Bali, near Bali’s highest and most important mountain, Mount Agung.
• GOA GIRI PUTRI TEMPLE
Giri Putri Cave, This second-floor cave temple for both Hindu and Buddhist religion, is known as one of the holiest sites in Bali and also suitable for the tourist who is looking for a nice and quiet place for doing meditation. The temple is located in Pakraman village – Nusa Penida.
2. TRADITIONAL DANCE
These are 2 Famous Balinese Dances :
• KECAK DANCE
source : google
This dance is played or played mainly by men, although there are female characters in the show. The dancers sit in a circle wearing a white-black plaid cloth and shout the word "Cak!" which was repeated many times during the show. The Kecak dance is not accompanied by a musical instrument
• LEGONG DANCE
The Legong dance, which has become a Balinese cultural emblem to the outside world, is one of the most popular among a list of cultural dance performances native to this magical island. The dance performed by three young girl dancers. One of them acts as a maid, who dances the opening act and the other two dancers perform the main part.
3. BALINESE CEREMONY
• NGABEN
The Ngaben ceremony is a cremation procession for Balinese Hindus. The cremation ritual is intended as a symbol to purify the spirits of those who have died. The corpse is burned in a buffalo made using Styrofoam, then the remaining bones of the corpse will be flown into the sea.
• PENGERUPUKAN
Pengerupukan is a ceremony to cleanse nature from negative elements. This ritual is performed to create a balance with God, Mankind, and Nature. Most Balinese Hindu villages make Ogoh-ogoh, which are demonic statues made of bamboo, cloth, tinsel, and painted styrofoam that symbolize negative elements or evil spirits or even characters from Hindu mythology.
