Bali, No.1 Island Holiday Destination in Indonesia
Bali is the No.1 island holiday destination when people think of travelling to Indonesia. It is home to an ancient Hindu culture that is known for the warm hospitality of its people, exotic arts, beautiful temples and palaces surrounded by nature. For nature travelers, there is Mount Agung, an active volcano in Bali, pristine jungles and waterfalls along with its beautiful coastline for surfing, snorkeling and diving. Bali comes alive at night with clubbing and packed dance floors. This island caters for everyone, from the finest hotels and villas to backpackers hostels.
Visit a Friend’s Balinese House
Our trip to Bali, Indonesia mainly focuses on getting some root balls that Shane says he can’t live without (rolling my eyes). We made a friend in Bali and he invites us to his Balinese house in Gianyar. Ketut Sunarda is a Balinese wood carving artist. The Balinese people name their children depending on the order they are born. The names are the same for both males and females. The firstborn child is named Wayan, Putu or Gede, the second is named Made or Kadek, the third child goes by Nyoman or Komang, and the fourth is named Ketut. Ketut’s wife is “Putu”.
Balinese Traditional House
What a blessing to visit a home of a Balinese traditional house and learn more about Ketut’s culture. His house is based on Balinese customs and culture characteristics that are influenced by Hinduism. A wall is built around the house with a beautiful carved wooden door entrance to an open courtyard. There are several areas that serve different purposes: public space, semi-public, and private place. We don’t fully understand the entire meaning of everything but the layouts are very much Feng Shui related. Click on this LINK to read and understand more about all the parts of a Balinese traditional home.
Bale Delod
Ketut invites us to sit on a place called Bale Delod. It is in the center of the courtyard. I am curious and ask why a bed is there. He says it is a place where they perform funeral ceremonies for family members who died! They are big on ancestor worshipping and on one corner of the house is a section with standing altars of all their departed relatives.
What a GREAT experience to be able to see all that. We love the concept of the Balinese traditional house.
Generations of Wood Carvers
Ketut’s family belongs to generations of wood carvers. His grandfather and fathers before him were skilled artists and helped built a temple in their neighborhood. The skill is passed down to his father and now his sister and himself. They make their living selling their handiworks after farming the rice field. Ketut also works in a hospitality industry to supplement his income for the household. We get a tour of their rice field, drink fresh coconut juice and watch his sister and friend working on their wood pieces.
Shane did buy root balls
That’s right…. Shane did buy two root balls and more. Bali has some amazing wood art and we want to get everything! We buy a few masks and a beautifully carved dragon vase from Ketut’s family too.
It is wonderful meeting Ketut and his family. We shop for straw woven handbags and sarongs and Kuta Beach for our evening strolls. Bali is definitely a place worth visiting again.
Read more about our travels with this LINK.