The rich traditional culture of Bali has become a world-renowned tourist attraction. Bali's traditional culture encompasses art, music, dance, architecture, customs, and beliefs. Balinese carving art is very famous, as seen in various statues, wooden panels, and carvings in sacred places.
Balinese music and dance are unique and captivating, including Kecak dance, Legong dance, and Barong dance. Bali's distinctive architecture can be seen in Bali's temples and traditional buildings such as joglo and gladak. Balinese customs and beliefs are very influential in daily life, such as the Ngaben ceremony, wedding ceremony, and Galungan holiday.
Balinese beliefs are also known for the "Tri Hita Karana" philosophy, which encompasses the relationship between humans, nature, and other humans. Bali's rich traditional culture provides a unique and profound tourist experience for visitors who want to learn more about Bali's rich and diverse culture.
The most typical cultural tourism in Bali
Bali is an island famous for its natural beauty and unique culture. There are many cultural tourism destinations that can be found in Bali, including:
- Besakih Temple - Besakih Temple is one of the most sacred and ancient places in Bali. This temple is located on Mount Agung and is the largest temple complex in Bali.
- Kecak Dance - Kecak Dance is the most famous traditional dance in Bali. This dance is performed by many male dancers who sit in a circle and produce the distinctive "cak" sound.
- Ogoh-Ogoh - Ogoh-Ogoh is a handmade statue made for the Nyepi holiday celebration. This statue often features giant or monster figures.
- Ngaben Ceremony - Ngaben is an important Balinese funeral ceremony. This ceremony involves a procession accompanied by traditional dance and music.
- Carving Art - Balinese carving art is very famous around the world. This art includes various items, ranging from wooden sculptures, wooden panels, to door gates.
- Barong and Rangda - Barong and Rangda are characters in Balinese traditional dance. Barong is depicted as a lion figure while Rangda is depicted as a terrifying mother figure.
- Melukat Tradition - Melukat is a tradition of self-cleansing in Bali. This tradition is done by bathing in holy water, which is believed to cleanse the body of negative energy.
- Topeng Dance - Topeng Dance is a traditional Balinese dance that combines martial arts and theater art. This dance involves dancers wearing masks to represent various characters.
- Wayang Kulit - Wayang Kulit is a traditional Balinese art that involves leather puppets and epic stories told by the dalang. Wayang Kulit is often performed in religious ceremonies and celebrations.
- Melasti Ceremony - Melasti Ceremony is a self-purification ceremony before Nyepi. This ceremony involves the community walking to the beach to clean themselves and bring holy water to their temple.
- Pendet Dance - Pendet Dance is a traditional Balinese dance performed by a group of female dancers. This dance involves graceful movements and is performed as an expression of gratitude.
- Traditional Balinese Wedding Ceremony - Traditional Balinese wedding ceremony involves a series of ceremonies that are performed over several days. This ceremony involves families and the community to celebrate the union of two families who will marry their children.
In addition to the traditional culture described above, Bali has many tourist destinations that can be visited. Please read our previous article about tourist destinations in Bali.