Tourism

ABOUT BALI

Fast Fact

Bali is one of the thousands of islands that together constitute the Republic of Indonesia. Because of its unique features, Bali has become a primary destination for tourists from all over the world, who have chosen to travel to the Asian tropics.

Geographical

The province of Bali is situated between 8°03'40"-8°50'48" of the south latitude, and 114°25'53"- 115°42'40" of the east meridian. The west border is marked by Bali Strait, separating the island from Java Island and Java Sea while Lombok Strait lies along the eastern part of Bali, separating the island from Lombok island. Then the Indonesian Ocean and Java Sea each lies on the south and north of Bali. The mountain that stretches out from west to east uniquely divides the island into two. Two volcanoes stood tall as landmarks of Bali among the mountain range, namely Mount Batur (1,171m) and Mount Agung (3,140m).

Area

The island of Bali is approximately 153 km wide and 112 km north to south (95 by 69 miles, respectively), with a surface area of 5,632 km².

Population

Based on 2000 survey on Bali's population, the island had 3,146,999 citizens.

Capital

Denpasar.

People

Balinese (89%), Javanese (7%), Baliaga (1%), Madurese (1%).

Language

Balinese and Indonesian are the most widely spoken languages in Bali, and like most Indonesians, the vast majority of Balinese people are bilingual or trilingual. There are several indigenous Balinese languages, but most Balinese can also use the most widely spoken option: modern common Balinese. English is a common third language and the primary foreign language of many Balinese.

Religion

Unlike most of Muslim-majority Indonesia, about 93.18% of Bali's population adheres to Balinese Hinduism, formed as a combination of existing local beliefs and Hindu influences from mainland Southeast Asia and South Asia. Minority religions include Islam (4.79%), Christianity (1.38%), and Buddhism (0.64%). These official statistical figures do not include immigrants from other parts of Indonesia.

Local Culinary

FOOD

Bali has many kinds of traditional food which are tastefully spicy as they are remarkably varied. The local food still is the main dish amid the arrival of the international fare brought by the tourism. Balinese still keep their traditional taste buds especially in a temple ceremony, Balinese birthday Otonan, or when hosting special guests. Hardly true Balinese food is served in many international restaurants due to its complicated and long hours to prepare. Here are some of the most popular traditional dishes.

Ares

Ares, or jukut ares, is a dark yellow soup made from a stem of a banana trunk. It is cut into very small pieces and mixed with hot spices. Some are mixed with pork ribs or duck wings. Ares can be found in many food stall in traditional markets or a Balinese restaurants.

Guling

Be Guling is a full-body roasted suckling piglet favored by a large number of Balinese. This dish is usually prepared for a temple ceremony or in a Balinese birthday party called Otonan. Be Guling can also be found in many restaurants which serve Balinese cuisine. The famous one is Be Guling Gianyar.

Komoh

Komoh is a traditional thick soup made from a combination of pork chop, fresh chicken or pig blood and little bit water cooked in a small pan. Best served when it is hot. Komoh only can be found in some areas in western and northern Bali when people celebrate Penampahan Galungan, one of Hindu’s auspicious days.

Sate

Sate, grilled skewered meat, is one of the most famous traditional dishes favored by a large number of Balinese. Pork, chicken, duck, beef, or fish, the list goes on. Every parts/ villages in Bali have their own characteristic in serving Sate, the traditional ingredients, or the portion and size of Sate itself. It makes many kinds of Sate based on the meat, shape, or the ingredients. Sate can be found in many traditional food stalls around of Bali. The famous kinds of Sate are: Sate Lembat, Sate Kablet, Sate Orob, Sate Empol, Sate Asem, Sate Empol, Sate Pusut.

DRINKS

Traditional beverage is one of important aspect in a ritual ceremony, produced specifically for such a religious service.  Such beverage is now mass-produced and is available for public. Here are some of the most famous.

Brem

Brem is a sweet, low alcohol beverage made from fermented white sticky rice. Brem is one of three important beverages in Balinese ritual ceremonies or social events.

Tuak

Tuak is a Balinese traditional beverage which contains higher level of alcohol. This beverage is made from the essence stem of various trees. If Tuak is made from stems of a coconut tree, it is called Tuak Nyuh/ Tuak Putih and if it is made from stems of Jaka treeit is called Tuak Jaka/ Tuak Gading. Based on the level of alcohol, Tuak is classified as Tuak Manis and Tuak Semedah. Tuak Manis is sweeter and contains lower alchohol. Unlike Brem, tuak is not widely marketed, because it has to be served fresh. High quality Tuak is produced in East and North Bali.

Arak

Arak Bali is known since a long times ago as an incredible liquor. Arak is colorless and contains highest level of alcohol. This liquor is made from the distillation process of Tuak. Arak is usually consumed by Balinese people who live on cold mountainous areas. Spiced Arak Ijung is widely used in a ritual ceremony and medical purposes. Unlike Tuak, Arak can be stored for years, so that is why modern companies produce this beverage for the overseas market.

Loloh

Loloh is Balinese medical beverage or rather classified as health drink. Loloh is a concoction made from turmeric, ginger, greater galingale and kayu manis. Often loloh is mixed with fresh egg yolk and honey. Loloh only can be found in traditional markets.

Sumber : http://www.balitourismboard.org/