1. Nusa Tenggara Archipelago = Nusa Tenggara is also known as the Lesser Sunda Islands and they are a chain of volcanic islands. Nusa Tenggara is not an old group of islands. The islands are from 1 to 15 million years old and one of the islands is Bali. There are approximately 23 islands and the islands are located in the middle–south part of Maritime Southeast Asia which is in the north of Australia. All the islands are distinct, with a number of islands having dry forests rather than the rainforest that covers much of Indonesia. All the islands have unique plants and animal, and there are some animals which are larger mammals like the Balinese Tiger. These islands have the driest climate in Indonesia. - Sely Park and Tamarind Cottew
2. Ring of Fire = a chain of volcanoes circling the Pacific Ocean that goes through Indonesia, Japan, Taiwan, New Zealand, Russia, Canada, United States, Mexico, Chile, and Antarctica. The Ring of fire is home to 75% of the world’s active volcanoes and has 452 volcanoes that roughly resemble the shape of a ring. There are 4 active volcanoes in Bali – Agung, Batur, Bratan & Merbuk. An eruption on Mt. Batur 30,000 years ago was one of the largest known volcanic events on Earth. The ring of fire was caused by subduction of plates. That basically means that the one earth plate went under another plate, which causes all of the other plates to do the same (think of it as the domino effect). About 90% of the world’s earthquakes occur along the Ring of Fire. - Arick Admadjaja & Lisa Krebelder
3. Wallace Line = The Wallace line is a boundary that splits the ecozones (plant & animal life) of Asia and Australia. It divides Indonesia into two different parts, one in which animals closely related to those of Australia are common, and one in which the species are largely of Asian origin. For example, Bali has over 300 animals while Lombok has only about 200 animals. The line is located between Bali and Lombok, and is named after Alfred Russel Wallace, who noted this dividing line during his travels through the East Indies in the 19th century. The full Wallace Line winds through Indonesia, between Borneo and Sulawesi (Celebes), and through the Lombok Strait between Bali in the west and Lombok in the east.
– Hwa Jin Cho & Andrew Choo
4. Bali Sea = The Bali Sea is divided into three areas of water, the North Bali Sea is about 3,168km2, the East is about 3.350km2, and the West is about 2,982km2. The Bali Sea has an area of 9,500km2.. There have been four tsunamis recorded in the Bali Sea in 1815, 1818, 1857 and 1917. In 1942 ABDA (American British Dutch Australian) fleets went to intercept a Japanese invasion convoy but were ambushed by Japanese bomber planes in the Bali Sea. In World War 2 when Australian ships brought supplies to the Australian armies in the pacific they had to go around Bali but were sunk because the Japanese had installed cannons on the shores of Bali to sink these ships. There are many shipwrecks in the Bali Sea and it is a very popular diving site. There are a lot of hotels along Bali’s beaches because huge amount of tourists are visiting Bali. The sand by the Bali Sea is black because of volcanoes erupting by the north shore. There are also popular fishing sites along the north beaches. - Aleksi Oksanen and Yoon Woo Yang
23 April 2010
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
5. Rice Terraces = a piece of land that has been carved out of a hill and made flat so crops can grow there. In Bali the rice terraces were made over 2,000 years ago. The rice terraces were made using simple hand tools, by farmers. They started building the terraces by making steps on steep hills. The rice terraces are made like this so that the water coming from the top of the terraces can flow all the way down. Year after year they extend the terraces more and more, but still kept its “step” shape. Rice is also the main food that Balinese families normally eat. – By Luigi Acevedo and Mohammed Husain
6. Bamboo = Bamboo is a type of long grass from the Poaceae family. There are over 100 species in Indonesia alone. It can grow in containers, outdoors, and indoors. Bamboo releases 35% more oxygen and can grow at 2 inches an hour to 1.5 meters a day. It also uses 12 tons of CO2 from the air. It is used for construction, furniture, medicine, transportation, textiles, paper, art, and food. In addition, baskets, water conduits, paint brushes, fish traps, rice steamers and musical instruments are made from bamboo. The young shoots provide an edible vegetable, but when harvested the plant dies. In Ubud there is an Environmental Bamboo Foundation that promotes the use of bamboo. – Richa Oberoi & Aarathi Prakasen
7. Bali Textiles = The Bali textile industry, as well as many other arts, have provided 300,000 jobs and are becoming the backbone of the economy. Exports have been increasing around 15% a year to over US $400million, textiles contributing about 45 %. The textiles are decretive clothes used to represent cultural identity and religious exclusivity. There are also three types worn by the Balinese. The Endek is a popular tie-dyed woven textile for most of the Balinese people. Endek is also a versatile clothe because it is worn by the Balinese for both daily and ceremonial purposes. The Songket is a brocaded silk cloth using interweaving patterns of gold and silver thread, because of the quality and thread work it is established as a wealthy man’s cloth. Batik is known as Prada cloth. Previously it was thought that certain cloth had powers to ward off ill fortune. During the process of Batik wax is drawn on over the design and then soaked in dye, traditionally in earthenware tubs. This art has been inspired by mythologies to every day encounters and spread through out the world. - Alex Driscoll and Michelle Salgado
8. Balinese Pawukon Calendar = A calendar which is used in almost all Hindu religion ceremonies and has only 210 days and once its over it starts a new one. The calendar has 10-12 months. All Bali celebrations are on holy days marked on the calendar. In the 210 days, it is divided into 30 weeks which are called Wuku. The calendar shows good and bad days for the Balinese, good days are called Dewasa Wullung while the bad ones are called Dewasa Jelek. The calendar was created in 78 AD the calendar was used in the Bali Aga Village which is in the Klungkung regency. – Andrew Munsell and Benjamin Tan
6. Bamboo = Bamboo is a type of long grass from the Poaceae family. There are over 100 species in Indonesia alone. It can grow in containers, outdoors, and indoors. Bamboo releases 35% more oxygen and can grow at 2 inches an hour to 1.5 meters a day. It also uses 12 tons of CO2 from the air. It is used for construction, furniture, medicine, transportation, textiles, paper, art, and food. In addition, baskets, water conduits, paint brushes, fish traps, rice steamers and musical instruments are made from bamboo. The young shoots provide an edible vegetable, but when harvested the plant dies. In Ubud there is an Environmental Bamboo Foundation that promotes the use of bamboo. – Richa Oberoi & Aarathi Prakasen
7. Bali Textiles = The Bali textile industry, as well as many other arts, have provided 300,000 jobs and are becoming the backbone of the economy. Exports have been increasing around 15% a year to over US $400million, textiles contributing about 45 %. The textiles are decretive clothes used to represent cultural identity and religious exclusivity. There are also three types worn by the Balinese. The Endek is a popular tie-dyed woven textile for most of the Balinese people. Endek is also a versatile clothe because it is worn by the Balinese for both daily and ceremonial purposes. The Songket is a brocaded silk cloth using interweaving patterns of gold and silver thread, because of the quality and thread work it is established as a wealthy man’s cloth. Batik is known as Prada cloth. Previously it was thought that certain cloth had powers to ward off ill fortune. During the process of Batik wax is drawn on over the design and then soaked in dye, traditionally in earthenware tubs. This art has been inspired by mythologies to every day encounters and spread through out the world. - Alex Driscoll and Michelle Salgado
8. Balinese Pawukon Calendar = A calendar which is used in almost all Hindu religion ceremonies and has only 210 days and once its over it starts a new one. The calendar has 10-12 months. All Bali celebrations are on holy days marked on the calendar. In the 210 days, it is divided into 30 weeks which are called Wuku. The calendar shows good and bad days for the Balinese, good days are called Dewasa Wullung while the bad ones are called Dewasa Jelek. The calendar was created in 78 AD the calendar was used in the Bali Aga Village which is in the Klungkung regency. – Andrew Munsell and Benjamin Tan
BELIEFS, VALUES & CUSTOMS
9. Bali Creation Myth (Bedawang) = the ancient Balinese believed their island rests on the back of a turtle. The world serpent, Antaboga, created the world turtle Bedawang by meditating. Bedawang carries the world on its back. The active movements of the turtle are the cause of Bali’s common Earth quakes. The Balinese created the myth without understanding the real science behind the creation of earth. – Nicole Souders and Su-Jean Lam
10. Bali Spiritual Compass = the spiritual compass is a compass in Bali with directions linked to religious beliefs. Unlike most westerners, the Bali spiritual compass’ directions are based on culture, religion and geography. The most sacred position is kaja, this is the direction of the most sacred mountain, Mt. Agung, the tallest mountain in Bali. Everyone sleeps with their head towards kaja. The second most sacred direction is kangin; kangin is east, the direction of the sunrise. Kelod is the sacred direction towards the sea. The family temple is in the most sacred position, the Kaja-Kangin. All temples in Bali are pointed toward the mountains and seas. – Akib Shahjahan and Zubin Shah
11. Agama Hindu = famous Balinese religion that is made up of Hinduism, Buddhism, ancestor worship and Animism. Animism is a belief that in all people, creatures, and objects have souls. Hinduism in Bali did not take place until the 9th century even though Indian traders had started to trade with Bali since the 1st century. Agama Hindu Dharma is the Indonesian name for Hinduism in Indonesia. Agama Hindu’s make up 93% of Bali but only 3 % of Indonesians are officially Hindu. Agama Hindus are deeply connected to art and rituals. Offerings to the gods are made everywhere, in houses, community halls, hotels, and in front of shops. A small amount of the food an Agama Hindu eats may also be presented as an offering. Agama Hindus believe in reincarnation. - Mahika Narula
12. Reincarnation (Samsara) = Balinese Hindus believe that when you die you are cremated then reborn into another body. The Balinese call this cycle of reincarnation “samsara.” Their body is temporarily buried for 5 Balinese years which is 2100 days. When their spirits are released they change into another living thing. The spirits go back to the same family and they will always stay in the same island. Their spirits are again in the Hinduism cycle that continues until the spirit is free from desire. If they forget after the 5 years, the reincarnation is cut off. Hindus believe that all forms of life contain a soul, and all souls have the chance to experience life in different forms. - Kate Molinero & Amanda Su
13. Sakti = Sakti is a magic energy that every Balinese is said to have. This magic energy makes it possible for the person to resist the attack of all evil powers which want to weaken the family’s luck, safety and physical health. Though every Balinese has sakti, it is not evenly distributed, some Balinese are born with a higher amount of sakti and some are born with a lower amount. This magic energy can be controlled with more ease the more you know about it. Sakti is not only given out to people, but also to objects. Balinese use the term “sakti” as a way of saying “holy” or “sacred”. – By Ayla Masrin and Ceria Kurtz
14. Pengiwa/Penengen = Balinese believe in pengiwa and penengen; Pengiwa is BLACK magic. Penengen is WHITE magic. Pengiwa is another form of adharma (chaos and disorder of the world), Penengen is the goodness of the world. Leyaks, or spirits, use black magic and are able to transform into evil spirits, and they also usually go after the sick and wounded or their own family members, who are the easiest to attack. Witch doctors, Balians and priests use Penengen to ward off the Leyaks, using charms and ingredients like yellow coconut, dadap leaves, onions, and salt, flowers, rubbings of gold, rain water that collected in plants, twin bananas, or twin coconuts. All of the magic is used anywhere in Bali. Belief in Pengiwa & Penengen started when the Balinese religion was first created, and are believed even now. Pengiwa helps explain the bad things that happen in Bali, Leyaks are a great part of the Balinese mythology and tradition with black magic in it. Penengen is important because it is the neutralizing force in life; they use chants of white magic like ‘ong’, ‘ang’, ‘mang’, to ward of the evil Pengiwa, used by witch doctors and priests. Penengen is also a great part of the Balinese stories and myths. The amulets usually have monsters or deities, drawn on a piece of new cloth or thin pieces of silver or copper. The pictures could also represent weapons of gods. Sakti fuels white magic, used to withstand evil powers. Balinese use the word sakti like we use the word ‘holy’ or ‘sacred’. - By Russell Sim and Andrej Grupkovic
15. Leyak = a Leyak is an ordinary human who is transformed by black magic. This occurs when a spirit enters a human body, usually someone who is sick or injured. When the victim is possessed, they are shape shifters and can change into a variety of forms such as animals (pig, monkey, tiger, etc). They also appear in a form of a flying head with entrails (heart, lung, liver, etc) still attached. There are some kinds of Leyaks like Leyak Poleng, Leyak Mata Besik and Leyak Barak used in mask performances. Leyaks fly around trying to find a pregnant mother to suck her baby’s blood because they need human entrails or baby’s blood in order to sustain themselves and make magic. They are active at night, and mostly attack their family members out of jealousy or revenge. It’s known that there is no practical use of their magic, so it is still a mystery why people want to learn it. Nowadays, Leyak statues are used for house decoration or hung on the wall. - Emmanuel Perez, Seung-Hee Jun
16. BALIAN = a type of doctor that the Balinese would go to if they are ill or in need of help. They can also be called Shaman or Witch Doctors. Some Balians are healers while others have different skills and abilities. When a baby is born the Balinese people believe that the Balian must find out what reincarnated soul is inside the baby’s new body. It is very common for most Balians to carry a magical substances that when touched by the ill with heal them. Balians can be found all around Bali they also can be found in Temples such as Gunung Kawi Temple. Traditional Balinese healers, or Balians, have been the focal point of healing in Bali for centuries. – Moriah Stuart, Eko Hirota
17. Rituals = Balinese people perform rituals that are an established or prescribed procedure for a religious rite, such as the cremation ceremony. Ritual ceremonies mark a person’s journey to a new phase in life. They let the community know that a person is taking on a new role, position or responsibility in society. There are 5 types of Bali rituals: Exorcism, Rites for Gods, Rites for Priests, Life Rituals or Rites of Passage, and Rites of the Dead. For example, when you have the tooth filing ceremony, it’s a 3 month ritual. It occurs when a child becomes an adult, signaling that the person should behave like an adult and control his animalistic emotions. On the day of the cremation, the family (or if several families cannot afford the cremation ceremony and rituals, a group cremation will occur), will build a cremation tower, prepare elaborate offerings, and sponsor a shadow puppet play or masked dance. These rituals are done for religious purposes. The Balinese believe that deities will protect and watch over them if they behave correctly and make the appropriate offerings at rituals. By Aga Widjojo & Katherine Kuncewicz
18. Bali Religious Festivals = Most Bali festivals are connected to their religion and beliefs. Three famous festivals are Galungan, Nyepi, and Eka Dasa Rudra. Galungan is the most important feast for Balinese Hindus. It is celebrated once in 210 days of the Balinese calendar. Galungan is a celebration to honor the creator of the universe and the spirits. It symbolizes the victory of good over evil. Nyepi is when people lock themselves in their house and turn off all the light and become quiet. Nyepi means dead silence, it is celebrated because Balinese think the evil spirits rise up and roams in earth on that day so they become quite and nobody can go outside. Nyepi is celebrated in March 12 in Bali and or the tenth full moon. The last Eka Dasa Rudra preparation occurred in 1963 after president Sukarno proposed shortly after a massive eruption of Mt. Agung. The celebration worships and gives offerings every 100 years and the celebration lasts for 7 weeks. – Karl Sjlobad & Dylan Lubis Furler
19. Canang Sari = is the daily offering given to the gods by the followers of Agama Hindu, a branch of Hinduism practiced in Bali. Canang Sari is made from coconut leaves that are woven to form a box, inside they place flowers and food for the gods and demons alike. Canang Saris are often placed in home shrines, temples, and even on the floor in order to balance the spirits. The Balinese give offerings to the gods AND demons so that they do not disrupt the harmony in the universe. About 93% of the people on Bali are Hindu. - Kush Shah & Ian Stuart
20. Penjors = A penjor is a Balinese religion instrument that is especially used in Galungan, a religious festival that lasts for 10 days. A penjor is made up of curved bamboo pole, decorated with yellow coconut leaves, fruits, vegetables, plawa (leaves), traditional cakes, 11 Chinese coins and a small shrine with some offerings. Men make penjors and put it outside the family compound. A penjor is made up of a straight bamboo pole which represents the “straight honest way”, a curved upper part in a bowing position which represents “respect” and a sampian (a clump of leaves) which represents the tail of Barong which is a symbol of good. The Balinese believe that a penjor represents the mother mountain, Agung, because most of the materials that are needed to make a penjor are found on Agung. – Lucas Gramm & Shruti Chandrasekharan
21. Bali Economy & Cultural Tourism = The majority of Balinese are still employed in farming, followed by tourism, and then the textiles industry. Farming employs the highest number of workers but it is declining. Each village focuses on making one type of product so a village doesn’t focus on a lot of different products. The average minimum wage in Bali is around Rp.730, 000 per month. Tourism makes 80% of the total money made in Bali although agriculture still employs the most people. Cultural Tourism is the term used to Balinese arts such dance, painting, sculpture, etc. that earn money. Examples of the traditional dances that now earn money include Kecak Dance and the Topeng “mask” Dance. Bali’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is 4.44 billion US$. Most tourism in Bali occurs in the southern part of the Bali Island because most of the hotels and the best beaches are in southern part of the Bali. - By Ziyad Al-Yafi and Ben Clark
10. Bali Spiritual Compass = the spiritual compass is a compass in Bali with directions linked to religious beliefs. Unlike most westerners, the Bali spiritual compass’ directions are based on culture, religion and geography. The most sacred position is kaja, this is the direction of the most sacred mountain, Mt. Agung, the tallest mountain in Bali. Everyone sleeps with their head towards kaja. The second most sacred direction is kangin; kangin is east, the direction of the sunrise. Kelod is the sacred direction towards the sea. The family temple is in the most sacred position, the Kaja-Kangin. All temples in Bali are pointed toward the mountains and seas. – Akib Shahjahan and Zubin Shah
11. Agama Hindu = famous Balinese religion that is made up of Hinduism, Buddhism, ancestor worship and Animism. Animism is a belief that in all people, creatures, and objects have souls. Hinduism in Bali did not take place until the 9th century even though Indian traders had started to trade with Bali since the 1st century. Agama Hindu Dharma is the Indonesian name for Hinduism in Indonesia. Agama Hindu’s make up 93% of Bali but only 3 % of Indonesians are officially Hindu. Agama Hindus are deeply connected to art and rituals. Offerings to the gods are made everywhere, in houses, community halls, hotels, and in front of shops. A small amount of the food an Agama Hindu eats may also be presented as an offering. Agama Hindus believe in reincarnation. - Mahika Narula
12. Reincarnation (Samsara) = Balinese Hindus believe that when you die you are cremated then reborn into another body. The Balinese call this cycle of reincarnation “samsara.” Their body is temporarily buried for 5 Balinese years which is 2100 days. When their spirits are released they change into another living thing. The spirits go back to the same family and they will always stay in the same island. Their spirits are again in the Hinduism cycle that continues until the spirit is free from desire. If they forget after the 5 years, the reincarnation is cut off. Hindus believe that all forms of life contain a soul, and all souls have the chance to experience life in different forms. - Kate Molinero & Amanda Su
13. Sakti = Sakti is a magic energy that every Balinese is said to have. This magic energy makes it possible for the person to resist the attack of all evil powers which want to weaken the family’s luck, safety and physical health. Though every Balinese has sakti, it is not evenly distributed, some Balinese are born with a higher amount of sakti and some are born with a lower amount. This magic energy can be controlled with more ease the more you know about it. Sakti is not only given out to people, but also to objects. Balinese use the term “sakti” as a way of saying “holy” or “sacred”. – By Ayla Masrin and Ceria Kurtz
14. Pengiwa/Penengen = Balinese believe in pengiwa and penengen; Pengiwa is BLACK magic. Penengen is WHITE magic. Pengiwa is another form of adharma (chaos and disorder of the world), Penengen is the goodness of the world. Leyaks, or spirits, use black magic and are able to transform into evil spirits, and they also usually go after the sick and wounded or their own family members, who are the easiest to attack. Witch doctors, Balians and priests use Penengen to ward off the Leyaks, using charms and ingredients like yellow coconut, dadap leaves, onions, and salt, flowers, rubbings of gold, rain water that collected in plants, twin bananas, or twin coconuts. All of the magic is used anywhere in Bali. Belief in Pengiwa & Penengen started when the Balinese religion was first created, and are believed even now. Pengiwa helps explain the bad things that happen in Bali, Leyaks are a great part of the Balinese mythology and tradition with black magic in it. Penengen is important because it is the neutralizing force in life; they use chants of white magic like ‘ong’, ‘ang’, ‘mang’, to ward of the evil Pengiwa, used by witch doctors and priests. Penengen is also a great part of the Balinese stories and myths. The amulets usually have monsters or deities, drawn on a piece of new cloth or thin pieces of silver or copper. The pictures could also represent weapons of gods. Sakti fuels white magic, used to withstand evil powers. Balinese use the word sakti like we use the word ‘holy’ or ‘sacred’. - By Russell Sim and Andrej Grupkovic
15. Leyak = a Leyak is an ordinary human who is transformed by black magic. This occurs when a spirit enters a human body, usually someone who is sick or injured. When the victim is possessed, they are shape shifters and can change into a variety of forms such as animals (pig, monkey, tiger, etc). They also appear in a form of a flying head with entrails (heart, lung, liver, etc) still attached. There are some kinds of Leyaks like Leyak Poleng, Leyak Mata Besik and Leyak Barak used in mask performances. Leyaks fly around trying to find a pregnant mother to suck her baby’s blood because they need human entrails or baby’s blood in order to sustain themselves and make magic. They are active at night, and mostly attack their family members out of jealousy or revenge. It’s known that there is no practical use of their magic, so it is still a mystery why people want to learn it. Nowadays, Leyak statues are used for house decoration or hung on the wall. - Emmanuel Perez, Seung-Hee Jun
16. BALIAN = a type of doctor that the Balinese would go to if they are ill or in need of help. They can also be called Shaman or Witch Doctors. Some Balians are healers while others have different skills and abilities. When a baby is born the Balinese people believe that the Balian must find out what reincarnated soul is inside the baby’s new body. It is very common for most Balians to carry a magical substances that when touched by the ill with heal them. Balians can be found all around Bali they also can be found in Temples such as Gunung Kawi Temple. Traditional Balinese healers, or Balians, have been the focal point of healing in Bali for centuries. – Moriah Stuart, Eko Hirota
17. Rituals = Balinese people perform rituals that are an established or prescribed procedure for a religious rite, such as the cremation ceremony. Ritual ceremonies mark a person’s journey to a new phase in life. They let the community know that a person is taking on a new role, position or responsibility in society. There are 5 types of Bali rituals: Exorcism, Rites for Gods, Rites for Priests, Life Rituals or Rites of Passage, and Rites of the Dead. For example, when you have the tooth filing ceremony, it’s a 3 month ritual. It occurs when a child becomes an adult, signaling that the person should behave like an adult and control his animalistic emotions. On the day of the cremation, the family (or if several families cannot afford the cremation ceremony and rituals, a group cremation will occur), will build a cremation tower, prepare elaborate offerings, and sponsor a shadow puppet play or masked dance. These rituals are done for religious purposes. The Balinese believe that deities will protect and watch over them if they behave correctly and make the appropriate offerings at rituals. By Aga Widjojo & Katherine Kuncewicz
18. Bali Religious Festivals = Most Bali festivals are connected to their religion and beliefs. Three famous festivals are Galungan, Nyepi, and Eka Dasa Rudra. Galungan is the most important feast for Balinese Hindus. It is celebrated once in 210 days of the Balinese calendar. Galungan is a celebration to honor the creator of the universe and the spirits. It symbolizes the victory of good over evil. Nyepi is when people lock themselves in their house and turn off all the light and become quiet. Nyepi means dead silence, it is celebrated because Balinese think the evil spirits rise up and roams in earth on that day so they become quite and nobody can go outside. Nyepi is celebrated in March 12 in Bali and or the tenth full moon. The last Eka Dasa Rudra preparation occurred in 1963 after president Sukarno proposed shortly after a massive eruption of Mt. Agung. The celebration worships and gives offerings every 100 years and the celebration lasts for 7 weeks. – Karl Sjlobad & Dylan Lubis Furler
19. Canang Sari = is the daily offering given to the gods by the followers of Agama Hindu, a branch of Hinduism practiced in Bali. Canang Sari is made from coconut leaves that are woven to form a box, inside they place flowers and food for the gods and demons alike. Canang Saris are often placed in home shrines, temples, and even on the floor in order to balance the spirits. The Balinese give offerings to the gods AND demons so that they do not disrupt the harmony in the universe. About 93% of the people on Bali are Hindu. - Kush Shah & Ian Stuart
20. Penjors = A penjor is a Balinese religion instrument that is especially used in Galungan, a religious festival that lasts for 10 days. A penjor is made up of curved bamboo pole, decorated with yellow coconut leaves, fruits, vegetables, plawa (leaves), traditional cakes, 11 Chinese coins and a small shrine with some offerings. Men make penjors and put it outside the family compound. A penjor is made up of a straight bamboo pole which represents the “straight honest way”, a curved upper part in a bowing position which represents “respect” and a sampian (a clump of leaves) which represents the tail of Barong which is a symbol of good. The Balinese believe that a penjor represents the mother mountain, Agung, because most of the materials that are needed to make a penjor are found on Agung. – Lucas Gramm & Shruti Chandrasekharan
21. Bali Economy & Cultural Tourism = The majority of Balinese are still employed in farming, followed by tourism, and then the textiles industry. Farming employs the highest number of workers but it is declining. Each village focuses on making one type of product so a village doesn’t focus on a lot of different products. The average minimum wage in Bali is around Rp.730, 000 per month. Tourism makes 80% of the total money made in Bali although agriculture still employs the most people. Cultural Tourism is the term used to Balinese arts such dance, painting, sculpture, etc. that earn money. Examples of the traditional dances that now earn money include Kecak Dance and the Topeng “mask” Dance. Bali’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is 4.44 billion US$. Most tourism in Bali occurs in the southern part of the Bali Island because most of the hotels and the best beaches are in southern part of the Bali. - By Ziyad Al-Yafi and Ben Clark
COMMUNICATION
22. Gamelan = is an Indonesian instrument ensemble, mainly from Java although Gamelan was brought to Bali. In a Balinese gamelan, there can be as many as 60 different instruments. Gamelan is made of tuned percussion instruments such as xylophones, metallophones, and chimes. Usually played by men, gamelan was created to keep away bad spirits and bless people. Today it is used to play music to accompany Wayang Kulit shadow puppets and dance performances such as the Barong Dance. Balinese Gamelan is different from Javanese gamelan; it is faster than the Javanese gamelan with a more up-tempo beat. In mythology, gamelan instruments were created by Sand Hyang Guru in 167 BC – 230 AD. Gamelan existed in Bali even prior to the Hindu-Buddhist culture. – Armand Pranatajaya & Chae Won Lim
23. Balinese Dances = dancing in Bali is an ancient tradition, and the dances performed usually follow famous Hindu epics like the Mahabharata and Ramayana. Children learn to dance from their parents as early as age 10. In Bali there are many categories of dance, including Baris, Kecak, Legong, and Topeng. Kecak is a form of Balinese music drama, originated in the 1930s and is performed primarily by men. Kecak can be performed by a circle of 50 to100 performers wearing checked cloth around their waists, chanting "cak" continuously and throwing up their arms. Topeng is an Indonesian form of dance drama in which one or more dancers wear masks and perform ancient stories, often about mythical kings and heroes. It first originated in the 17th century. Legong dance is considered to be the heavenly dance of a young maiden. Girls from the age of five aspire to be selected to be a Legong dancer. Baris is a traditional Balinese dance about war, also accompanied by the gamelan. The Baris dancers sometimes used spears, swords, and bows. The Baris dance is only done by men. – Ah Reum Jeong & Zinny Newton
24. Wayang Kulit = Wayang Kulit is probably the most famous and imaginative form of Bali puppet show. It is carved and painted on thin leather puppets that move behind a white linen screen so that the audience on the other side of the screen only sees the shadows. Wayang means puppet, Kulit means leather. The leather is from Water Buffalo and it is specially treated. It is painted with amazing detail by hand. The puppet is made with moveable limbs that are joined with leather bolts and the handles are made from the long horns of the Water Buffalo. A standard collection consists of 100 puppets. Wayang Kulit in middle Java is most likely one of the oldest long-term customs of storytelling in the world, coming to Bali in the 11th century. Performances are a community tradition in Bali, and have been Bali’s cinema for centuries. The puppeteer, called a dalang, is treated with great respect. - Alicia Jacobs and Jacqueline Bradfield
25. Balinese Painting = Balinese Painting mostly came from the Majapahit Kingdom, in the 13th century. Most paintings are two-dimensional drawings that are commonly drawn on cloth or bark paper with natural dyes. In addition, the drawing of figures must follow strict rules, since they are mostly made for religious pieces and temple hangings. Ubud painting has been the center of art in Bali for centuries. In the 1920s Balinese art started to be influenced by western artists. Batuan artists are talented dancers, sculptors, and painters. The Batuan paintings were often crowded portraits of either legendary scenes or themes from every day life. Sanur paintings represent playful scenery, with no religious themes. It is lighter than the paintings of Batuan and Ubud with sea creatures, adult scenery and wild animals drawn in re-occurring patterns. Most pieces were done with black and white ink wash, on paper, but later works included light pastel colors often added by other artists specializing in coloring black and white drawings. – Blake Cooper and Carlee Peterson
26. Trance = is a way to communicate with spirits. When a person is in trance, they are not threatening or dangerous, but in a magical spell. The person in trance starts to moan, scream, shake, and sometimes tries to stab themselves. People who get in trance have no sickness, they’re just perfectly normal. This happens in dance ceremonies. For example, Jimbaran sekan barong trancers get in trance, and the person tries to stab themselves with Kris (a short dagger). Group trancers were always men, and they are mostly under 30 years old. They do trance to close a ceremony in the barong season, a part of a dance, or at a religious ceremony or dance. - EoJin Kim and Dionis Gomez Mendes (Dani)
23. Balinese Dances = dancing in Bali is an ancient tradition, and the dances performed usually follow famous Hindu epics like the Mahabharata and Ramayana. Children learn to dance from their parents as early as age 10. In Bali there are many categories of dance, including Baris, Kecak, Legong, and Topeng. Kecak is a form of Balinese music drama, originated in the 1930s and is performed primarily by men. Kecak can be performed by a circle of 50 to100 performers wearing checked cloth around their waists, chanting "cak" continuously and throwing up their arms. Topeng is an Indonesian form of dance drama in which one or more dancers wear masks and perform ancient stories, often about mythical kings and heroes. It first originated in the 17th century. Legong dance is considered to be the heavenly dance of a young maiden. Girls from the age of five aspire to be selected to be a Legong dancer. Baris is a traditional Balinese dance about war, also accompanied by the gamelan. The Baris dancers sometimes used spears, swords, and bows. The Baris dance is only done by men. – Ah Reum Jeong & Zinny Newton
24. Wayang Kulit = Wayang Kulit is probably the most famous and imaginative form of Bali puppet show. It is carved and painted on thin leather puppets that move behind a white linen screen so that the audience on the other side of the screen only sees the shadows. Wayang means puppet, Kulit means leather. The leather is from Water Buffalo and it is specially treated. It is painted with amazing detail by hand. The puppet is made with moveable limbs that are joined with leather bolts and the handles are made from the long horns of the Water Buffalo. A standard collection consists of 100 puppets. Wayang Kulit in middle Java is most likely one of the oldest long-term customs of storytelling in the world, coming to Bali in the 11th century. Performances are a community tradition in Bali, and have been Bali’s cinema for centuries. The puppeteer, called a dalang, is treated with great respect. - Alicia Jacobs and Jacqueline Bradfield
25. Balinese Painting = Balinese Painting mostly came from the Majapahit Kingdom, in the 13th century. Most paintings are two-dimensional drawings that are commonly drawn on cloth or bark paper with natural dyes. In addition, the drawing of figures must follow strict rules, since they are mostly made for religious pieces and temple hangings. Ubud painting has been the center of art in Bali for centuries. In the 1920s Balinese art started to be influenced by western artists. Batuan artists are talented dancers, sculptors, and painters. The Batuan paintings were often crowded portraits of either legendary scenes or themes from every day life. Sanur paintings represent playful scenery, with no religious themes. It is lighter than the paintings of Batuan and Ubud with sea creatures, adult scenery and wild animals drawn in re-occurring patterns. Most pieces were done with black and white ink wash, on paper, but later works included light pastel colors often added by other artists specializing in coloring black and white drawings. – Blake Cooper and Carlee Peterson
26. Trance = is a way to communicate with spirits. When a person is in trance, they are not threatening or dangerous, but in a magical spell. The person in trance starts to moan, scream, shake, and sometimes tries to stab themselves. People who get in trance have no sickness, they’re just perfectly normal. This happens in dance ceremonies. For example, Jimbaran sekan barong trancers get in trance, and the person tries to stab themselves with Kris (a short dagger). Group trancers were always men, and they are mostly under 30 years old. They do trance to close a ceremony in the barong season, a part of a dance, or at a religious ceremony or dance. - EoJin Kim and Dionis Gomez Mendes (Dani)
21 April 2010
SOCIAL ORGANIZATIONS
27. Subak = the name for a water management irrigation system in Bali. This system was made to help irrigate fields efficiently, and manage water shortage and water drainage in rice terrains. Water flows from one farmer’s rice terraces to another, and each get an even amount of water. Dozens of farming families belong to each subak. About 1300 subaks exist in Bali. Irrigation allows 3 growing seasons per year. Rice is the most grown and eaten food in all of Bali, and the fertile volcanic soil has let that happen. Work is done through manual labor using water buffalo. The Subak method of irrigation dates back at least 1,000 years. In 1987 computer models were built to show how effective an ecosystem Subak was. - Jason Sorensen & Mia Spare
28. Banjar = is an organization with family members that have jobs such as religious, political, social, and educational. It’s also where people plan social activities and ceremonies. Each Bali village has many Banjars. Banjars have been in place for centuries. Family members and relatives are in the organization. Balinese believe the responsibility of everyone in the Banjar is to help one another. The people in the Banjar organization also do many important community tasks. The word Banjar means “ward”, or “neighborhood”. Each Banjar has its own property, such as a meeting hall and gamelan instruments. If a person in the Banjar doesn’t help out with the Banjar duties, such as preparing for funerals or religious holiday, the person is fined. It’s also a term to describe “the traditional local organization of the Balinese”. - Jeremy Liando and Austin Bettencourt
29. Bali Aga = Bali Aga means “Old Bali”, and this is what the native Balinese people call a small group of villagers that do not follow the Hindu culture. “Aga” originates from an Old Javanese word meaning “mountain”. The Bali Aga are considered the original inhabitants of Bali before the Hindu-Java migration. There are two major Bali Aga villages in the eastern side of Bali known as Trunyan and Tenganan. The Trunyan village is across Lake Kintamani, it is a small Bali Aga village that is known for its huge, centuries-old banyan trees. These banyan trees are sacred, and are used to lay down dead corpses. Unlike the rest of Bali, Bali Aga people don’t believe in cremation, so as an alternative they just lay the dead corpses under the village’s banyan tree. The Bali Aga rarely communicate with outsiders, speaking their own dialect of Bahasa Bali. This makes the Bali Aga people and their culture very different to other Balinese areas. - Caitlynne Vassella & Michelle Cheung
30. Balinese Castes and Names = Balinese caste system is a system of social organization into 4 different social classes called castes. The system depends on what family you’re born into and also depends on your occupation, culture, and your political power. The 4 different Bali castes are Sudras, Wesias, Satrias, and Brahmans. Sudras were traditionally peasants making up more than 90% of Bali's population. Wesias were the caste of merchants, Satrias the warrior caste (it also included some nobility and kings) and Brahmans - holy men and priests. Balinese castes were brought to Bali by Princess Mahendradatta from east java. Each cast speaks and knows different levels of Bahasa Bali or Balinese language. Balinese names depend on what number child you are. The first born would be called Wayan, the second would be Made, the third would be Nyoman or Komang, the fourth would be Ketut and if there is a fifth child, it would be called Wayan Balik, or in other words, Wayan again. And if you didn’t have a last name, then your last name would be replaced by the name of your caste. - Ravina Shankar and Andrea Yanez
28. Banjar = is an organization with family members that have jobs such as religious, political, social, and educational. It’s also where people plan social activities and ceremonies. Each Bali village has many Banjars. Banjars have been in place for centuries. Family members and relatives are in the organization. Balinese believe the responsibility of everyone in the Banjar is to help one another. The people in the Banjar organization also do many important community tasks. The word Banjar means “ward”, or “neighborhood”. Each Banjar has its own property, such as a meeting hall and gamelan instruments. If a person in the Banjar doesn’t help out with the Banjar duties, such as preparing for funerals or religious holiday, the person is fined. It’s also a term to describe “the traditional local organization of the Balinese”. - Jeremy Liando and Austin Bettencourt
29. Bali Aga = Bali Aga means “Old Bali”, and this is what the native Balinese people call a small group of villagers that do not follow the Hindu culture. “Aga” originates from an Old Javanese word meaning “mountain”. The Bali Aga are considered the original inhabitants of Bali before the Hindu-Java migration. There are two major Bali Aga villages in the eastern side of Bali known as Trunyan and Tenganan. The Trunyan village is across Lake Kintamani, it is a small Bali Aga village that is known for its huge, centuries-old banyan trees. These banyan trees are sacred, and are used to lay down dead corpses. Unlike the rest of Bali, Bali Aga people don’t believe in cremation, so as an alternative they just lay the dead corpses under the village’s banyan tree. The Bali Aga rarely communicate with outsiders, speaking their own dialect of Bahasa Bali. This makes the Bali Aga people and their culture very different to other Balinese areas. - Caitlynne Vassella & Michelle Cheung
30. Balinese Castes and Names = Balinese caste system is a system of social organization into 4 different social classes called castes. The system depends on what family you’re born into and also depends on your occupation, culture, and your political power. The 4 different Bali castes are Sudras, Wesias, Satrias, and Brahmans. Sudras were traditionally peasants making up more than 90% of Bali's population. Wesias were the caste of merchants, Satrias the warrior caste (it also included some nobility and kings) and Brahmans - holy men and priests. Balinese castes were brought to Bali by Princess Mahendradatta from east java. Each cast speaks and knows different levels of Bahasa Bali or Balinese language. Balinese names depend on what number child you are. The first born would be called Wayan, the second would be Made, the third would be Nyoman or Komang, the fourth would be Ketut and if there is a fifth child, it would be called Wayan Balik, or in other words, Wayan again. And if you didn’t have a last name, then your last name would be replaced by the name of your caste. - Ravina Shankar and Andrea Yanez
FAMOUS PEOPLE & PLACES
31. Dalem Bedudu = also known as Maya Denawa, the cruel tyrant king who ruled Bali 1343 AD. He banned religious festivals, demolished temples and killed all people who worshiped the Hindu gods. Nowadays his face is used as a puppet in Balinese dancing. The Balinese claim he had a head of a boar and body of a human. He could change into a various types of creatures. He was located in Balingkang, a few kilometers north of Batur Lake. He also ruled areas such as Makassar, Sumbawa, Bugis, Lombok and Blambangan. He was a descendent from the Hindu gods Daitya and Danu. He got killed by the god Indra, because he was an evil tyrant who was erasing the citizens’ belief in gods. When he died the Galungan Holiday was created to celebrate this. It is one of the most important holidays in all of Bali. In this holiday you usually decorate your house with Penjors. This day is celebrated once every six months; the Balinese almanac is named after this day. - Niko Lekhraj & Aakarsh Goyal
32. Princess Gunapriyadharmapatni and King Udayana = Princess Gunapriyadharmapatni was a Javanese Queen also known by the name of Queen Mahendradatta. She was married to the Balinese King Udayna Warmadewa. King Udayna was a Buddhist king who, while leading a military expedition, established a Buddhist government in Bali. Together, King Udayna and Queen Mahendradatta had one son, Erlangga, in 1001 AD in Sanur, Bali. When Prince Erlangga reached the age of 21, he returned to Java from Bali, where he built a powerful kingdom. Prince Erlangga ruled Bali as well as Java and introduced the Balinese political and cultural contact to the Javanese. In the 11th Century AD, Queen Mahendradatta was accused of practicing witchcraft. Her husband, King Udayana, was sent her into exile. During this period of time, she vowed revenge for her suffering caused by her husband. Later on, when Erlangga ruled the plague struck Indonesia in mid-1665. People blamed the plague on Udayana and said that it was he who sent Mahendradatta to exile, so she laid a curse on Bali. When Mahendradatta died she was known as Rangda, the evil witch queen. The dance known as Calonarong expresses the feelings and emotions of Indonesians during the time of the plague – Kamilla Jamal and Sara Khan
33. Rangda = Rangda is a famous Balinese mythology character that is used in dances. She is known as the Demon queen of Leyaks (leyaks are humans under the possession of black magic). She has tusks on her face, bulging eyes and six inch long fingernails. When she dances, she leaps around, her tongue rolling around widely. The Rangda myth claims she feeds on little children and blood from pregnant ladies. She is said to have originated in 11th century from the Java queen Mahendradatta, who was exiled by the king for practicing witchcraft. The legend is still famous Everywhere in Bali today, especially in Barong dances (Barong is her opposite, the good spirit). Tourists from all around the world com to see her dances. – Cato Habers & Darlene Utomo
34. Erlangga = also spelled as “Airlangga,” he was born in the year 989 AD, the son of a Balinese king and Javanese queen. He grew up in the eastern Java. When he was sixteen one of his father’s allies committed treason against the Medang, which was the ruling power at the time of Java and Bali, and his father was killed in the battle. Soon after he escaped into the jungle and became a hermit. After several years in the jungle he began to reunite the areas that had formerly been ruled by his father and the Medang. He became king of Java in eleventh century. Airlangga spent over 2 decades expanding his kingdom and he died in 1076. - Ben Colmey and Dominic Ricotta.
35. Ngurah Rai = Gusti Ngurah Rai lived from 1917-1946. Ngurah Rai was a freedom fighter, an army officer. He led a group of 94 soldiers to fight the Dutch, who were there because they controlled Bali. Ngurah Rai tried to get Bali back from the Dutch control, but he failed. After the defeat of Ngurah Rai, fighting against Dutch weakened and Bali was under Dutch control until 1949. Ngurah Rai and his 94 soldiers fought at West of Marga. They fought on November 20th 1946. He is famous because he died in battle trying to fight the Dutch and save Bali. His face is on the RP. 50,000 money note and there is a statue of him in Bali. - Sarah Shaker and Claire Mulder
36. Majapahit = an ancient Javanese empire responsible for conquering the island of Bali in 1343, introducing their Hindu culture to the Balinese. The Majapahit Empire was the largest empire in South-East Asia. The king of the Majapahit Empire that conquered Bali was named Gajamada and he ended the rule of Balinese King Dalam Bedudu. Dalam Bedudu was known as the atheist king. Although the Balinese didn’t like the Majapahit rule, they didn’t like Dalam Bedudu and were happy he died. Muslim rule defeated the Majapahit Empire in the 16th century. Majapahit rule had a strong influence on the culture of Bali and left many aspects of their culture behind. Some of the things they left behind were Wayang Kulit (a shadow puppet), the Hindu religion, architecture, paintings, dance, theater, and sculpture. The few remaining Balinese that didn’t follow Majapahit parts of Balinese culture were called Bali Aga. - Will Sipher & Euan Janssen
37. Denpasar = It is Bali’s capital city and it means “by the market”. Denpasar is located on the southeast part of the island and is also near the Ngurah Rai Airport. It has an approximate population of 500,000. Some of Denpasar’s population comes from immigrant groups like Chinese, Arab and Indians. Most of Bali’s government buildings are located there. It was conquered by the Dutch in the year 1906, also the royal palace was looted and razed by the Dutch. Today the central square “Taman Puputan” has a statue of the 1906 war. Denpasar became the capital city of Bali in 1958. – Christian Munoz and Chris Smits
38. Singaraja = Located in North Central Bali, it is linked to other cities on the island by roads. The population is 133,784. It was one of the most important cities during the Dutch rule and was the capital of Buleng regency, in the Lesser Sunda Islands until the 1960’s. Singaraja was a center of trade for rice, and coffee. Crafts include sandstone carving, weaving, baskets, fan making, and leather work. The city’s population includes Muslims, Buddhists, and Christians. The city has a historic library, the Gedong Kirtya, along with older Hindu Temples. The name Singaraja means the “Lion City.” Today it is a popular sight for tourists, as Lovina Beach is 7 miles West of Singaraja. - Kaelyn Do & Alice Corsi
39. Bali Temples = Temples are a place of worship, usually for the Hindu and Buddhist religions. Bali has a lot, of which a few are very significant. There are three that are definitely worth mentioning such as Pura Besakih, Tanah Lot and Gunung Kawi. Pura Besakih is known as the “Mother Temple” and is over 1000 years old. It is said to be the only temple where a Hindu of any caste can worship, and is placed below a 1000m mountain called Mount Agung. It is named after the Dragon God, believed to inhabit the mountain. Tanah Lot is a beautiful temple perched on top of a huge rock off the southwest coast of Bali. It was built in the sixteenth century and is to the west of Denpasar, the capital of Bali. It is also known as the Taman Ayun Temple. Gunung Kawi is located on the River Pakrisan, north of the city Ubud. It is nicknamed “Mountain of the Poets” because of the inscriptions on the inside and outside walls. - Clara Linanda and Helen Steneker
40. Gunung Agung & Gunung Batur = Mount Agung is the tallest and holiest mountain on the island of Bali. Agung is 3,142 meters tall. It is also known as, the “Navel of the World” and is located on the East side of Bali, Indonesia. The last eruption of Mount Agung occurred in 1963. At the base of Mount Agung is the mother temple of the village Besakih. In 1963-64 when the volcano erupted, it has missed the temple by a few yards because the gods did not want to destroy a monument of the Balinese religion and culture. Gunung Batur, the second tallest mountain in Bali, is 1,717 meters tall. Its last eruption was in 1917 and again on 1926, and it is located northwest of Mount Agung. The Balinese people believe that Mount Batur is sacred because both times that it erupted, it spared an important temple. - Gyan Sidhu & Angelica Orr
32. Princess Gunapriyadharmapatni and King Udayana = Princess Gunapriyadharmapatni was a Javanese Queen also known by the name of Queen Mahendradatta. She was married to the Balinese King Udayna Warmadewa. King Udayna was a Buddhist king who, while leading a military expedition, established a Buddhist government in Bali. Together, King Udayna and Queen Mahendradatta had one son, Erlangga, in 1001 AD in Sanur, Bali. When Prince Erlangga reached the age of 21, he returned to Java from Bali, where he built a powerful kingdom. Prince Erlangga ruled Bali as well as Java and introduced the Balinese political and cultural contact to the Javanese. In the 11th Century AD, Queen Mahendradatta was accused of practicing witchcraft. Her husband, King Udayana, was sent her into exile. During this period of time, she vowed revenge for her suffering caused by her husband. Later on, when Erlangga ruled the plague struck Indonesia in mid-1665. People blamed the plague on Udayana and said that it was he who sent Mahendradatta to exile, so she laid a curse on Bali. When Mahendradatta died she was known as Rangda, the evil witch queen. The dance known as Calonarong expresses the feelings and emotions of Indonesians during the time of the plague – Kamilla Jamal and Sara Khan
33. Rangda = Rangda is a famous Balinese mythology character that is used in dances. She is known as the Demon queen of Leyaks (leyaks are humans under the possession of black magic). She has tusks on her face, bulging eyes and six inch long fingernails. When she dances, she leaps around, her tongue rolling around widely. The Rangda myth claims she feeds on little children and blood from pregnant ladies. She is said to have originated in 11th century from the Java queen Mahendradatta, who was exiled by the king for practicing witchcraft. The legend is still famous Everywhere in Bali today, especially in Barong dances (Barong is her opposite, the good spirit). Tourists from all around the world com to see her dances. – Cato Habers & Darlene Utomo
34. Erlangga = also spelled as “Airlangga,” he was born in the year 989 AD, the son of a Balinese king and Javanese queen. He grew up in the eastern Java. When he was sixteen one of his father’s allies committed treason against the Medang, which was the ruling power at the time of Java and Bali, and his father was killed in the battle. Soon after he escaped into the jungle and became a hermit. After several years in the jungle he began to reunite the areas that had formerly been ruled by his father and the Medang. He became king of Java in eleventh century. Airlangga spent over 2 decades expanding his kingdom and he died in 1076. - Ben Colmey and Dominic Ricotta.
35. Ngurah Rai = Gusti Ngurah Rai lived from 1917-1946. Ngurah Rai was a freedom fighter, an army officer. He led a group of 94 soldiers to fight the Dutch, who were there because they controlled Bali. Ngurah Rai tried to get Bali back from the Dutch control, but he failed. After the defeat of Ngurah Rai, fighting against Dutch weakened and Bali was under Dutch control until 1949. Ngurah Rai and his 94 soldiers fought at West of Marga. They fought on November 20th 1946. He is famous because he died in battle trying to fight the Dutch and save Bali. His face is on the RP. 50,000 money note and there is a statue of him in Bali. - Sarah Shaker and Claire Mulder
36. Majapahit = an ancient Javanese empire responsible for conquering the island of Bali in 1343, introducing their Hindu culture to the Balinese. The Majapahit Empire was the largest empire in South-East Asia. The king of the Majapahit Empire that conquered Bali was named Gajamada and he ended the rule of Balinese King Dalam Bedudu. Dalam Bedudu was known as the atheist king. Although the Balinese didn’t like the Majapahit rule, they didn’t like Dalam Bedudu and were happy he died. Muslim rule defeated the Majapahit Empire in the 16th century. Majapahit rule had a strong influence on the culture of Bali and left many aspects of their culture behind. Some of the things they left behind were Wayang Kulit (a shadow puppet), the Hindu religion, architecture, paintings, dance, theater, and sculpture. The few remaining Balinese that didn’t follow Majapahit parts of Balinese culture were called Bali Aga. - Will Sipher & Euan Janssen
37. Denpasar = It is Bali’s capital city and it means “by the market”. Denpasar is located on the southeast part of the island and is also near the Ngurah Rai Airport. It has an approximate population of 500,000. Some of Denpasar’s population comes from immigrant groups like Chinese, Arab and Indians. Most of Bali’s government buildings are located there. It was conquered by the Dutch in the year 1906, also the royal palace was looted and razed by the Dutch. Today the central square “Taman Puputan” has a statue of the 1906 war. Denpasar became the capital city of Bali in 1958. – Christian Munoz and Chris Smits
38. Singaraja = Located in North Central Bali, it is linked to other cities on the island by roads. The population is 133,784. It was one of the most important cities during the Dutch rule and was the capital of Buleng regency, in the Lesser Sunda Islands until the 1960’s. Singaraja was a center of trade for rice, and coffee. Crafts include sandstone carving, weaving, baskets, fan making, and leather work. The city’s population includes Muslims, Buddhists, and Christians. The city has a historic library, the Gedong Kirtya, along with older Hindu Temples. The name Singaraja means the “Lion City.” Today it is a popular sight for tourists, as Lovina Beach is 7 miles West of Singaraja. - Kaelyn Do & Alice Corsi
39. Bali Temples = Temples are a place of worship, usually for the Hindu and Buddhist religions. Bali has a lot, of which a few are very significant. There are three that are definitely worth mentioning such as Pura Besakih, Tanah Lot and Gunung Kawi. Pura Besakih is known as the “Mother Temple” and is over 1000 years old. It is said to be the only temple where a Hindu of any caste can worship, and is placed below a 1000m mountain called Mount Agung. It is named after the Dragon God, believed to inhabit the mountain. Tanah Lot is a beautiful temple perched on top of a huge rock off the southwest coast of Bali. It was built in the sixteenth century and is to the west of Denpasar, the capital of Bali. It is also known as the Taman Ayun Temple. Gunung Kawi is located on the River Pakrisan, north of the city Ubud. It is nicknamed “Mountain of the Poets” because of the inscriptions on the inside and outside walls. - Clara Linanda and Helen Steneker
40. Gunung Agung & Gunung Batur = Mount Agung is the tallest and holiest mountain on the island of Bali. Agung is 3,142 meters tall. It is also known as, the “Navel of the World” and is located on the East side of Bali, Indonesia. The last eruption of Mount Agung occurred in 1963. At the base of Mount Agung is the mother temple of the village Besakih. In 1963-64 when the volcano erupted, it has missed the temple by a few yards because the gods did not want to destroy a monument of the Balinese religion and culture. Gunung Batur, the second tallest mountain in Bali, is 1,717 meters tall. Its last eruption was in 1917 and again on 1926, and it is located northwest of Mount Agung. The Balinese people believe that Mount Batur is sacred because both times that it erupted, it spared an important temple. - Gyan Sidhu & Angelica Orr
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