It was my second consecutive year to experience the first week of new year in Bali. Like everyone else, going to Bali is a bliss. Even for me it means more. Some people find what he/ she would like to aspire in life somewhere. I found mine in some places including for sure Bali. On the island of thousands temples, I clearly understand how people live with goodness. I can not say all of them but most of them. The ancient culture and tradition live along with the acceleration of modern era. Nothing major changed, this is also why I admire the island(s) and Balinese people.
My new year eve experience was awesome. In the last night of 2014, I came to temple with friends, escorting them to pray and praise their God. Me? Sure I did not. I just came as visitor or maybe more appropriately called tourists. Right after doing all the ceremonies, It was my time to face my God. This was just beautiful on how the religious differences did not put people apart. While other people celebrated new year eve with fireworks, we chose our own way. Denpasar was in heavy rain at that night but it did not stop people to go to festive places like Kuta, Legian or Seminyak. Not even us who went to temple and me myself to mosque.
Casual Balinese Experiences
My new year eve traveling done like my prior traveling experience. Yeah, going to rural and cultural sites. Not interesting for most Jakarta people maybe as they prefer going to beach clubs and sort of places. I went to Tirta Sudamala, a temple in Bangli regency. What’s so special? There are water springs in there. Balinese consider the spring as holy water. No question why many people keep going to Sudamala. Testing the Sudamala water was so refreshing. My first experience going to Sudamala makes me wanna go back again someday. What else? Ubud for sure where I had nice afternoon with friends and Denpasar in which I went to beaches in the east cost and tasted gelato in Sanur. Going to museum and cultural villages was also on the list.
Bali now might not change lots in terms of culture and tradition. But the mass tourism which considered by some people is too overwhelming creates many issues such as land usage changes, the water scarcity and even new poverty & social gap. These are big challenges for Balinese people and government as well to cope with the issues and keep the island of paradise preserved well.