Hidden away in the historic Gajah Mada Heritage District of Denpasar, Bali, the Sing Bie Temple is situated on Jalan Kartini, Gang II. This area, known as Pecinan or Chinatown, has a long history as a settlement for Chinese traders who came during the colonial era to trade at the nearby Payuk Market. Among these…
The Kintamani dog is an indigenous breed from Bali that has gained international recognition. Originating from the mountainous region of Kintamani, Bangli Regency, this breed is known for its striking appearance and loyal nature. The Kintamani dog is believed to have existed in Bali for over 3,000 years. Some theories suggest that it descended from…
Arak Bali, a traditional drink from the Island of the Gods, has long been an integral part of Balinese life. Today, Arak Bali is not only recognized as a local beverage but is also being introduced as a warm welcome drink for tourists visiting Bali. Arak Bali is an alcoholic beverage made through the fermentation…
Concerns over the declining number of native Balinese, who play a crucial role in preserving local culture, have prompted the government to take strategic action. One of the initiatives currently under discussion is a program aimed at encouraging Balinese families to have more children. This effort, spearheaded by Bali Governor Wayan Koster, seeks to ensure…
The Bali Arts Festival or Pesta Kesenian Bali (PKB) in Indonesian was first held in 1979 and was initiated by Ida Bagus Mantra, who was serving as the Governor of Bali at the time. Initially, PKB lasted for two months, running from June 20 to August 23, 1979. The original concept behind PKB was to…
Kajeng Kliwon is one of the most sacred days in Balinese Hinduism. It is considered a powerful day when both positive and negative energies become more active, affecting the balance of the universe. This special day occurs every 15 days based on the Balinese Pawukon calendar, where the final day of Tri Wara (Kajeng) coincides…
Nyepi Day is the Saka New Year celebration for Hindus in Bali, rich in spiritual significance and deep philosophy. Literally, “Nyepi” means “silent” or “quiet,” reflecting the essence of this celebration. On this day, all activities in Bali come to a complete halt for 24 hours, creating an atmosphere of stillness that allows Hindus to…
The Bali Provincial Department of Culture has officially selected 21 art groups, studios, communities, and foundations to perform at the 47th Bali Arts Festival or Pesta Kesenian Bali (PKB) in 2025. These groups were carefully curated by a panel of experts to ensure they align with the festival’s commitment to preserving and promoting Bali’s rich…
Canang sari is one of the essential offerings in Balinese Hindu religious rituals. This sacred offering is commonly found in temples, home shrines, and even on streets as part of daily devotion or larger ceremonies (yadnya). According to various sources, canang sari was first introduced by Mpu Sangkulputih, who succeeded Danghyang Rsi Markandeya as a…
Bali, with its rich cultural uniqueness, has a distinctive naming system that has been passed down for generations. Unlike other regions in Indonesia that typically use family names or surnames, the Balinese name their children based on birth order. Names such as Wayan, Made, Nyoman, and Ketut are not just identifiers; they also reflect the…
