Life in Bali is very different to that in America, Europe or Australia. This is one of the main reasons why travelling to the island can be so exhilarating and rewarding. And if you come with an open heart and mind, there is much you will learn from the local Balinese culture. Here are just some of the things you might notice.
1) The Balinese are very welcoming

To stay in one of Bali’s many home-stays is to be welcomed into a family. The Balinese are very trusting and more than happy to share their food, time, feelings and homes with strangers. If you ever need help you will find it in Bali, and the Balinese are known for their smiles. You will feel very welcome here!


2) The Balinese spend time everyday making blessings and offerings.

The blessings the Balinese lay out every single day, are not just for themselves, their homes, businesses and families but for the entire universe. An emblem of life, be it a flower or a symbol, is found in each offering, and the smell of incense will quickly become associated with your time on the island.


3) The Balinese are very community orientated

Each area of Bali is run by the local banjar, a sort of town council compromising of the male heads of each family. The bangers organise everything that happens in each area, from temple ceremonies, cremations, and weddings, to the decorations that go up before each major festival. If anyone in the banjar is sick, or needs support, then they will organise that too.

4) Creativity is part of everyday life in Bali


The Balinese are very creative and the massive ogoh ogoh (scary and frightening figurines) made each year for the night before Nyepi (silent day) are testament to this. The Balinese are also creative with their food, and the way it is presented, with playing the gamelan, and in their house decoration and garden. Spirituality here means channeling creativity into action, and making something worthy of celebrating the gods.

 

5) The Balinese take the time to appreciate everything.

The Balinese take things slowly. They don’t talk about spirituality very much, but do live a very spiritual life. If something bad happens then they accept it as part of their karma. Despite the influx of tourism, and modern life, they have managed to hold onto their rituals and preserve them.

 

Bali has a fascinating culture, and it is no wonder so many tourists are enchanted by what they find here. Travel should always be about sharing culture and wisdom, and Western tourists have the opportunity to learn a great deal from the Balinese.
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