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Bali is part of the Indonesian archipelago, and every aspect of this island is fascinating. Formed millions of years ago by volcanic action, the Bali landscape is dominated by mountains, coastal lowlands and limestone outcrops that drop from great heights into the sea. Beside the spectacular landscape, Bali is better known for its rich culture, surf and sparkling beaches.

The mesmerising sounds of the gamelan, the countless sacred and secular dances, beautiful textiles, the wayang style of painting are among some of the elements of Balinese culture that have long captured the hearts of visitors. Sometimes, tourists will stumble upon a parade of people in stark gold, pink and purple costumes, carrying baskets of fruit and flower arrangements as offerings.

There are also ample opportunities to ride the most exciting surf in this part of the world, take leisurely walks in peaceful jungles, go diving, shop, trek volcanoes and enjoy lip smacking food. Eating and drinking should definitely be an unforgettable experience in Bali. The seas around the island are abundant with marine life, some of which ends up in the kitchens of restaurants. Fertile soils and heavy rainfall coupled with abundant water from mountain springs have allowed rice, vegetables, fruit and many other crops to grow. This cornucopia of ingredients allows a great variety of dishes to prepared.

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The proliferation of handicraft industry in Bali, for many people is considered the side effect of tourism. It is true that when the tourism of Bali experienced its darkest moment after the first and second Bali bomb, handicrafts industry has its hardest time when many workshops and factories stop their activities, the some art shops and galleries closed, and some continue to operate with a hope of recovery of tourism.

It is also true that in the earliest stage of tourism in Bali, the handicraft market of Bali was overloaded with local traditional products for the consumption of visitors who come to Bali. However, handicraft industries in Bali develops and became less ethno-centric, more modern and cope with the demand of the costumer with the magical words “made to order” and at the end the handicraft industry in Bali find that they begins to make products for export and they have another source of income besides the local market.

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Banjar, or Balinese neighborhood organization, an aggregate of member families that plans, organizes, and executes the great majority of activities that makes up Balinese life. Anthropologist uses the term “hamlet” for banjar. The banjar is the most important organization in Balinese society; it penetrates and plays important role in every aspect of Balinese life. No cremation, wedding or other ceremony can be held without the participation of the banjar members.

Each banjar has its own law called awig-awig, and the member of banjar adhere more to the banjar law than the state official law. The banjar is an autonomous republic and government has a minimum authority and influence on it. Although the Banjar does not get a penny from the Government the Banjar as group has a very strong influence in local Government decisions, 3500 independent banjars make up Balinese society.

In most Balinese villages all married males are required to join a banjar, the wives and children of these members are considered to belong to the banjar too, but only the male heads of the families go to the regular meeting of the banjar and have rights to vote in banjar meeting. Sizes of banjars vary considerably. Some urban banjars in Denpasar have 400 to 5000 head of families. Rural banjars have as few as 50. One hundred is about average. Considering an average family of husband, wife and two children, the typical banjar has about 400-500 people in it.

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What makes a person a Balinese? Answering this question will need a closer look on the characteristics of the Balinese. With no further ado, I present you, the Balinese.

Balinese are bound by their family, local banjar (community), their desa (consists of a few banjar), various temple organizations, rice growing groups, a multitude of special interest groups, and even the ancestors. Balinese are not independent people, they are connected to various social and religious organizations; and these connections define who they are. It is not just that Balinese are influenced by their connections, but that they form a part of the Balinese. A Balinese is composed of all his relations. There is even a saying that when someone marries a Balinese man, she not just marries her Balinese lover but also marry his whole family and community, since she will also help her husband in fulfilling his role in his community, family, desa, temples, etc.

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Most people know of two kinds of calendar systems, the Solar System and The Lunar System. The Solar System, mostly used internationally, is based on how many days the earth rotates around the sun; so one year has an average 365 days.

The Lunas System, used in some Asian Countries, is based on the time taken by the moon to rotate around the Earth; which is 29 days + 12 hour + 44 minutes so that equation times 12 equals 1 year for the Lunar System.

Bali uses yet another calendar  system. Bali uses the Wuku System based on the week. There are 30 weeks is on cycle (Balinese:oton) and two otons in one year, so one oton means 210 days and one year in the Balinese Calendar System is two otons or 420 days.

The Balinese Calendar system is used mainly for religious purposes such as: to know the auspicious days for farming and raising animals, starting a business, determining the dats of temple ceremonies and making birthday ceremonies (otonan) and others.

Editor’s Note: Copy from Ubud Community