Bali – a tiny island with a big personality. This place has numerous quirks and baffling fun-facts which are interesting to know about for people like you and me! Most people know about the culture, stunning beaches, and vibrant traditions but the following fascinating facts are less known to the public. So, sit back and enjoy while getting to know the island in a way you did not think possible. These 10 fun-facts will leave you awestruck!
Coffee lover
Starting off strong for the coffee lovers among us. Indonesia is the fourth-largest coffee producer in the world and has various famous coffees to show for it. One of the most interesting coffees is definitely the Kopi Luwak. This coffee is a special one as it is produced from beans that made their way through the digestive system of the civet animal, in a sense this is basically coffee made of poop. It sounds more disgusting than it is because this coffee is actually a very fun must-try, and its flavor will leave you surprised.
Nyepi day
Nyepi day or also known as the day of the silence. This marks the beginning of the Balinese Saka New Year and falls on the day following the dark moon of the spring equinox. On this day, which is from 6am till 6am the next day, the entire island comes to a standstill. You are not allowed to leave your home, make loud noises, fire, or perform activities. A lot of network services also shut off and no travel from and to Bali is possible. The day before the Ogoh-Ogoh parades are held and mythological creatures and demons are paraded through the streets. The purpose is to chase away the evil spirits and purify the island before the day of the silence begins.
Balinese names
Many locals go by the names Wayan, Made, Nyoman, and Ketut, which means first born, second born, third born, and forth born, and can be given to all genders. Oftentimes personal names are attached to them as well and they have different names for different purposes, such as a ‘’public’’ name and a ‘’private’’ name used within the family. Most of the times there is only one name with no surnames. Easy if you are not good in remembering names!
Traffic and its scooter nation
For people that are not used to the busy roads with (seemingly) no rules like Bali the traffic can seem like danger hazard (which if not careful can be true). There are a lot of traffic jams and with a car it can take you double the amount of time to get to your designation. Instead of getting frustrated, locals and visitors alike have turned this into a unique experience. There are also a lot of street vendors that capitalize on the slow-moving vehicles, offering everything from cold drinks to snacks and even massages right through your car window! Therefore, scooters are the preferred vehicle of transportation, from families of four plus their dogs to surfers with their boards strapped on, you will witness all sorts of impressive scooter maneuvers that could rival a circus act!
- Also, in Bali you drive on the left side, a lot of tourists that are used to right driving countries, open the taxi doors on the side of the driver. Most of the time this results into a funny encounter.
Coconut
Forget your fancy energy drinks; in Bali coconuts are the ultimate hydration hack! With countless coconut stalls lining the streets, it’s easy to grab a fresh coconut and sip on its sweet and refreshing water while enjoying your day.
- Here coconuts are also seen as a remedy for the stomach, and everybody drinks it religiously here! It is said that it contains healthy bacteria and vitamins that strengthen your stomach and thus sometimes even given as a remedy.
Pointing with the thumb
Hand gestures can mean a lot and here in Bali some of them have surprising meanings. In Balinese culture, pointing with the index finger is considered impolite. Instead, people use their thumb, with the rest of the fingers folded to indicate direction or objects.
The good luck
To wish someone good luck in Bali, people touch their right index finger to their forehead and then extend it outward, as if flicking away the negative energy. This is a gesture believed to bring positive vibes.
Respectful greeting
When greeting elders of higher-ranking individuals in Bali, it is customary to bow slightly and touch their outstretched hand to your forehead as a sign of respect. A lot of young children do this when meeting foreigners. If you don’t know this beforehand you might be left with questions but it is actually a very cute encounter.
Left hand
Something that was funny to me was their left-hand concept. When you want to take something from someone, be sure to always accept this with your right hand. Here the left hand is seen as unclean as they believe you wipe your private parts with the left hand when going to the toilet. So if I were you I would be sure to check if they use their right hand.
So, there you have it – 10 interesting facts that give you a little insight into this special island. Be sure to remember some of them as they could become quite handy on your trip to Bali. There is a lot more to discover as you make your way through the island but most of them are better to experience in person. One thing is for sure; there is never a dull moment on this island!
