Cultural Observer

The Balinese only began to take steps to define their collective identity (Kebalian) in Singaraja, North Bali during the first decades of the 20th century. The indirect catalyst of this phenomenon was the incorporation of North Bali into the Netherlands East Indies after a series of violent confrontations that took place between 1846 and 1849. Although

Bali has a strong visual language, seen across the island through its vernacular architecture and iconography found in temple complexes, traditional homes and other heritage-inspired buildings. Here are some of the most recognisable architectural elements that together build the cohesive aesthetic identity of Bali. Candi Bentar The towering split gateway that marks the entrance to

Is Bali Hindu? What an absurd question! As the sole heir of the glorious legacy of the ancient Hindu kingdoms, especially the Majapahit Empire (1293-1520), which ruled supreme for two centuries, why would Bali be anything but Hindu? It is here that the story becomes fuzzy. In this, the first in a series of four

To fully understand the life cycle rites in Bali, one must first recognise the unique character of Balinese religion–a local system rooted in ancestor worship and the veneration of natural forces, onto which a Hindu belief structure has, since independence, been layered in a largely syncretic manner. While formal Hinduism is increasingly visible in ritual

A great Indian chef once remarked to me that in India, the flavour of curry blends changes every 50 km. To me, this applies not only to India, but also to Indonesia and other parts of the world. It seems to me that the closer a region is to the equator, the more spices are

The Balinese Pawukon calendar is one of two calendar systems used on the island, but by far the Pawukon calendar dictates much of ritual life on Bali. The pawukon cycle consists of 210 days (30 seven-day weeks), whilst the Saka Calendar follows 12 cycles of the moon (roughly 355 days) The Pawukon calendar is incredibly

The Balinese have a very special relationship with the gods and the unseen world. To truly understand it, put aside for a while all the fantasies you have heard about the One and Only, and be ready for other fantasies—fantasies that, for the Balinese, have the allure of reality. The Hindu Gods In their “system”—which,

What has been Bali’s secret to upholding its culture? How have traditions remained relevant in the modern era? Whilst some may credit strict customary laws and guidelines, it may in fact be thanks to the opposite: an inherent adaptability and tolerance to change that has helped the culture to gradually evolve and ultimately thrive.  As

For most ordinary people, which is in the world out there, it goes without saying that there are 24 hours a day and sixty minutes in an hour. To them, thus, time is a tool, repetitive and familiar. However, that is a far cry from how traditional Balinese circles perceive the same period of time.

Westerners and modern people have a bad habit when it comes to making money: they have a rational approach to economics. You work, save and invest, and then you will earn X% or more, if lucky, in one or five years. There is little pleasure to be had, and no fear. Many people think that

Once upon a time, there lived in the village of Kamasan, just on the outskirts of Klungkung, a talented painter by the name of Lobangkara. Painting was his whole life, and so he spent all his time at it, heedless of what people said and of the way the world went around him. The world

Amongst the estimated 17,000 islands that make up the Indonesian archipelago, one shines brighter than them all. This island has been called many names: The Morning of the World, Island of Peace, Island of Love. The name that resonates the most however, is The Island of the Gods.  Sandwiched between the fiery island of Java