Bali is renowned for its stunning beaches, vibrant culture, and lush landscapes. However, beyond the typical tourist spots, there is a quirky and eclectic side of Bali waiting to be explored. From peculiar attractions to unique experiences, here's a glimpse into Bali's offbeat charm.
This village, located on the remote eastern shores of Lake Batur, is home to the Bali Aga people, known for their unique "burial" rites. They don't cremate their deceased. Instead, they are laid out within the village grounds, with only bamboo canopies to cover them. Strangely enough, there is no putrid stench. This is because the bodies are placed near a vast Taru Menyan tree (taru meaning 'tree' and Menyan meaning 'nice smelling'). This large banyan tree produces a sweet fragrance that masks the stench completely. The ritual is allowed only for married people. Unmarried ones get a regular burial. It is, however strange, also true that this village is quite popular among tourists. Trunyan is accessible by boat.
Somewhere in this world, there is a temple with a main shrine built in the shape of a Volkswagen car. Yes, it is Pura Paluang Car Temple in Karang Dawa village, Nusa Penida island. The villagers claim that the temple has been there for centuries—definitely way before any cars were invented. If the locals are to be believed, the goddess Ratu Hyang Mami comes to visit the village with blessings of wealth and prosperity. And that's when the sound of a car can be heard.
Balinese New Year, or Nyapi, known locally, is the festival of silence. On this day (March 17), complete silence is observed from 6 am until 6 am the next morning. The streets are deserted, and daily routines standstill as everybody observes a day of silence, meditation, and fasting. Only the Pecalang (traditional security men) are seen outdoors. This complete silence is intriguing, but what makes it so are the rituals that occur before and after Nyapi. Several days before the D-Day, the Balinese Hindus undergo a purification ritual called Melasti. It occurs near water sources (ocean, rivers, lakes, ponds), and after purification, all bad karmas are thrown into the water. And on the eve of Nyapi, every street turns into a riot of colours and festivity as Ngrupuk parade or Monster Parade takes place. On this day, Ogoh-Ogoh, statues of monsters are built and paraded around as a symbol of purification of the natural and spiritual environment. This loud ceremony ends with the burning of the statues, symbolising self-purification. And the next day, dead silence.
A Quirky Tradition: Balinese youths take New Year very seriously and for a befitting reason too. Omed-Omedan or The Kissing Ritual takes place the day after Nyapi. This ceremony is performed by unmarried youths (ages ranging from 17-30 years old). The ritual requires male participants to pull the female participants and kiss them while the villagers pour cold water on them. Well, certainly a fail-safe way to end a kiss.
Also known as Bali Bat Temple, this is one of Bali's most important temples. The temple dates back to the 11th century. The star attraction was hordes of nectar bats chirping around and behind the cave opening; this place with high pitch din used to be a place for meditation.
You can never really know a place if you don't try their street food. Some are locally inspired, some globally, and most are pleasing to our taste buds. And then some are purely an acquired taste. You are in Bali, and you are taking a morning stroll in the local market when you come across the highly divisive fruit—durian. This most hated fruit globally is the most loved in Indonesia. Notorious for its odour, durian is often kept at a distance. But you never know; if you can get past the smell, you might like the fruit. Trying will be an experience in itself. Bali's traditional salad is lawar, consisting of fruits and vegetables; the other is raw pork and blood. Kakul or freshwater snails can be eaten in soups, salads, or skewered. High-protein snacks of ancruk (sago worms) and lawar nyawan (bee larvae salad) are worth a try.