When people think of Indonesia, Bali is typically the first place that comes to mind. It is one of the largest tourist destinations in the world and Kuta, Bali is equivalent to Cancun for Australians. The striking colors, unfamiliar music, Hindu statues, gorgeous beaches, picturesque rice paddies, immense biodiversity, surfing, and distinctive dance make this a memorable place to visit. Drugs, exploration, women, relaxation, partying... nothing is out of reach on this island. It also conveniently happens to have the best infrastructure and most widely spoken amount of English in Indonesia. Culturally, the island is overwhelmingly Hindu (85%), which is in stark contrast to Muslim dominated Java (>90%).
Map of the Trip
My three day excursion to Bali was due to a class field trip. Having been to Bali previously, this was a much more educational trip than my previous foray, which overwhelmingly revolved around partying and relaxing. Our first stop was Taman Safari Indonesia, the Bali Safari and Marine Park, which exceeded my expectations considering I'm normally anti-zoo. However, this place seemed more cognizant of conservation and providing the wildlife with more space than most zoos. The space was obviously insufficient, but nowhere near as claustrophobic as other places I've visited.
Tigers Napping
Zebras at the Watering Hole
Meeting the Elephants
Meeting the Elephants
These trained elephants put on a performance that raised awareness about conservation and their dwindling numbers throughout Southeast Asia. According to National Geographic, "in financial terms, a living elephant is as valuable as 76 dead elephants." Consider that...
Majestic White Tiger
Snoozing Leopard
Our next stop was Tanah Lot, meaning "land sea" in Balinese, which is a unique rock formation that rises from the ocean. Atop Tanah Lot sits a temple claimed to be the work of a famous 16th century Hindu explorer and traveler. When the traveler saw the rock he felt it was a holy place to worship the Balinese sea gods. It is believed that venomous sea snakes guard the temple from evil spirits. It is one of seven sea temples on the Balinese coast that are within eyesight of each other (Wikipedia). Depending on the time of day, the tide may or may not allow you to walk to the base of the rock and temple.
Tanah Lot
Tanah Lot
Tanah Lot
Land Revealed by the Tide
After our first full day, I had the organization of over a hundred and fifty 13 to 15-year-olds to look forward to that and the following night. The checking-in was an ordeal and my night rounds checking on students were a nightmare. It should go without saying that I got little to no sleep over the course of those three days.
The following morning, we headed to Dreamland Beach...
Dreamland Beach
This is a video from my first visit to Dreamland Beach in September 2013. It reveals the serene, peaceful atmosphere present at this restorative beach of relaxation.
Dreamland Beach
Dreamland Beach View from the Cliff-Side Hotel
My Form Class
Balinese children begin learning movements from their mothers as soon as they are born. They begin learning how to position their hands to music before they can walk and officially begin training as young as seven (Wikipedia). The hand positions and gestures, or mudras, are traditionally Hindu and similar to those used throughout India and Southeast Asia.
Legong Balinese Dance
The gamelan orchestra is positioned to the left of the dancers...
Legong Balinese Dance
Main Walkway
Hindu Temple
Hindu Temple
Exquisite Detail
Balinese Hinduism is slightly different from traditional Hinduism. According to Wikipedia:
"The fundamental principle underlying Hinduism is that there is order in the cosmos, known as dharma. There is also a disordering force, adharma, Hindus seek balance and harmony between these two forces, thus freeing themselves from the never-ending cycle of reincarnation, attaining a state called moksa.
Balinese Hinduism divides the cosmos into three layers. The highest level is heaven, or suarga, the abode of the gods. Next is the world of man, buwah. Below this is hell or bhur, where the demons live and where people's spirits are punished for misdeeds on earth."
Rangda & I
Rangda is a demon queen in Bali; she leads an army of evil witches against Barong, a lion or dragon and the leader of the forces of good. Their battle is dramatized in Balinese dance representing the eternal battle between good and evil. In parts of Bali, Rangda is viewed as protective as well as feared. Rangda is similar to the traditional Hindu Durga, the wife of Shiva.
Barong
Private Home Courtyard for Prayer
That evening we attended a Kecak Balinese dance. This dance is unique, rather than a gamelan orchestra, the score is composed of a choir of a hundred men repeatedly saying the phrase "kecak" at varied speeds and volumes throughout the performance. The performance is based on pieces of the Hindu epic poem Ramayana, which is considered one of the two great works of Indian literature.
The story goes... Due to an evil trick, Prince Rama, the legal heir to the throne, was exiled from the realm of his Father Dasaratha. Accompanied by his wife Sita and his younger brother Lakshmana, they went into a forest. While they were in the forest, the demon King Ravana found them and lusted after the beautiful Sita. Accompanied by the shape-shifting demon Maricha, Ravana and Marica made a plan to steal Sita. Marica transformed himself into a golden deer and succeeded in luring Rama and Lakshmana away from Sita. Ravana making use of the opportunity, kidnapped Sita and took her to his palace. Discovering the deception, Rama and Lakshmana set out to rescue Sita from the clutches of the demon king. With the help of Garuda (bird deity), Hanuman (monkey deity), and Sugriva (monkey king); Rama destroys Ravana's army under the command of his son Indrajit. Finally, Rama succeeds in safely rescuing his wife.
Students Learning Gamelan
Our final day was spent at the ARMA Museum & Resort located in Ubud, Bali. At the museum, the students learned to play in a gamelan orchestra, created offering baskets called canang sari, learned to Balinese dance, and made batik. Our final activity was perusing the museum, which was one of my favorite parts of the entire trip. I took photos of my favorite pieces.
Students Making Offering Baskets
ARMA Museum Painting
ARMA Museum Painting
ARMA Museum Painting
ARMA Museum Painting
Close Up
Close Up
ARMA Museum Painting
Traveling to Bali with my form students was an incredible experience. Between the incredible cultural performances and sleep deprivation, I'm sure I will not soon forget it.
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