Bali story for you
About Bali, Bali travel,Bali hotel, Bali accommodation,Bali holiday, Bali villa,Bali product,Bali forum and Bali culture complete information this is the best site to view
Bali Community
In Brief
Bali at a Glance
Search this site


 
Bali Travel
Cities of Bali
Our partner site
Important Links

 

BALINESE CASTES & NAMES


There are four major groups: brahmana, satriya, wesya, and Sudra (jaba). The brahmana are the priest caste; the satriya, the nobility, and the wesya, the former vassals of the court. Everyone else is Sudra (jaba).
Balinese names are coded to reveal both caste and birth order within the family. Nothing, of course, is simple, especially when considering inter-caste marriages, and there are always exceptions. However, the following are clues to interpreting names:
Ida Bagus (male) and Ida Ayu (female) indicate brahmana caste. Gusti is normally used by members of the wesya caste, whereas Gusti Agung, Anak Agung, and Cokorda are reserved for the high-ranking members of the satriya caste. Desak (female) and Dewa (male) are lower-ranking satriya. I (normally male) and Ni (female) are usually used by the Sudra (jaba).
Wayan, Made, Nyoman, and Ketut mean firstborn, second-born, third-born, and fourth-born, respectively. Beginning with the fifth child in the family, the cycle is repeated. Also used similarly to indicate birth order are Putu, Kadek, Komang, and Ketut. Nengah may be used by either the second or third-born child. The birth order names are normally used only by the Sudra (jaba) caste, so don't call a member of the satriya caste Wayan even if you happen to know that he/she is the oldest in the family!

BALINESE ETIQUETTE

In the areas of Indonesia most frequented by Europeans, many are familiar with the strange ways of Westerners. But it is best to be aware of how certain aspects of your behavior will be viewed. You will not be able to count on an Indonesian to set you straight when you commit a faux pas. They are much too polite. They will stay silent or even reply tidak apa apa (no problem) if you ask if you did something wrong. So here are some points to keep in mind:

  • The left hand is considered unclean as it is used for cleaning oneself in the bathroom. It is inappropriate to use the left hand to eat or to give or receive anything with it. When you do accidentally use your left hand then say "ma'af, tangan kiri" (please excuse my left hand).
  • The head is considered the most sacred part of the body and, hence, the feet the least sacred. Avoid touching people on the head. Go for the elbow instead. Never step over food or expose the sole of your foot toward anyone.
  • As it is impolite to keep one's head higher than others, it is appropriate to acknowledge the presence of others by stooping (extending the right arm, drooping the right shoulder, and leaning forward) while passing closely by someone who is sitting.
  • Pointing with the index finger is impolite. Indonesians use their thumbs (palm turned upward, fingers curled in) or open palms instead.
  • Summoning people by crooking the forefinger is impolite. Rather, wave downward with a flat palm face down.
  • Alcohol is frowned upon in Islam, so take a look around you and consider taking it easy.
  • Hands on hips is a sign of superiority or anger. W' Indonesians don't blow their noses. Keep a handkerchief handy.
  • Take off your shoes when you enter someone's house. Often the host will stop you, but you should go through the motions until he does.
  • Wait for a verbal offer before devouring food and drinks that have been placed in front of you. Sip your drink and don't finish it in one gulp. Never take the last morsels from a common plate.
  • You will often be invited to eat with the words makan, makan ("eat, eat") if you pass somebody who is eating. This is not really an invitation, but simply means "Excuse me as I eat."
  • If someone prepares a meal or drink for you it is most impolite to refuse.
Some things from the west filter through to Indonesia more effectively than others and stories of "free sek" (free sex) made a deep and lasting impression in Indonesia. Expect this topic to appear in lists of questions you will be asked in your cultural exchanges. It is best to explain how things have changed since the 1960s and how we now are stuck with "saf sek."
Bali may seem to have been placed here just for you personal enjoyment, but it is not a zoo. Be aware of Balinese sensibilities. Remember the Balinese are offended if the casual visitor does not dress appropriately when entering a temple. A sash over shorts and a T-shirt or a very brief top is not adequate. Have a sarong and sash handy for temple visits and ceremonies, and wear long pants or a skirt and a decent shirt with collar when leaving the beach areas.


Keeping Your Cool

At government offices like immigration or police, talking loudly and forcefully doesn't make things easier. Patience and politeness are virtues that will open many doors in Indonesia.
Good manners and dress are also to your advantage.

BALINESES TRAVELING WITH CHILDREN

Luckily for those with children, the Balinese are very gentle and love to have kids around. But you should bring essentials: sunhats, creams, medicines, special foods, and a separate water container for babies to be sure of always having sterile water. Disposable diapers are available in big supermarkets. Nights can be cool sometimes, so bring some warm clothing for your child. Milk, eggs, fruit which you can peel and porridges are readily available in the supermarkets here. Babysitters are available for a moderate charge at any hotel.
An excellent general practitioner and family doctor is Dr. AA Made Djelantik, Jl. Hayam Waruk 190 (Bunderan Renon 101), Denpasar 80235, Phone 238171. Consultations weekdays. General practitioner and pediatrician Dr. Conny Pangkahila is at J1. Bypass Ngurah Rai 25X in Sanur (next to Ritra Cargo). Home phone, Phone 288128; pager Phone 234139 #302.

 

 

Home
Front Index Page - Bali

Bali Holidays Activities
Bali holidays - Sight Seeing Tour, Bali Mystic Tour, Bali temple tour and more
Bali Diving-Dive in Bali | Bali golf-Golfing In Bali | Bali Cruise-Bali sailing | Bali Fishing
Bali Marine Sport | Bali horse-elephant riding | Bali cycling | Bali Trekking | Bali Rafting|Bali Spa
Bali 5 Star hotels

| Bali Hyatt hotel | Sanur Aerowisata hotel | The Grand Bali Beach | Amandari
| Four Season resort Sayan | | Amankila Bali | Lemeridien Nirwana Bali |
Bali Imperial hotel | The Oberoi Bali | Bali Padma | Ramada bintang Bali |
| Four Season Resort | Kartika Plaza hotel | Pertamina Cottages Bali| Nikko Bali hotel
| The Ritz Carlton Bali | | Bali Intercontinental | Aston Bali Resort | Kuta Paradiso |
Amanusa Bali
| Bali Hilton international | Grand Hyatt Bali | Melia Bali hotel |
Nuda dua beach hotel
| Putri Bali hotel |Bali Sheraton Lagoon | Bali Sheraton Nusa indah |
Bali 4 Star Hotels
| Radisson Bali hotel | Raddin Sanur Bali hotel | Lorin Hotel saba Bali | Bali Candi Beach Cottages |
Santika Bali hotel | Bali dynasty | Bali garden (rachman Bali) | Holiday inn Bali hai | Intan Bali hotel |
| Bali Alam kulkul Resort | White Rose hotel | Bali Legian beach hotel | Natour Kuta beach hotel |
| Sahid raya Bali hotel | Grand Mirage | Hard rock hotel Bali | Mimpi Resort Menjangan |
Bali 3 Star Hotels
| Natour's Bali hotel | Segara village | Natour's Sindhu | Tanjungsari hotel Bali |
Kupu-Kupu barong Bali | Chedi payangan | Begawan Giri Bali | Rama Candi Dasa Bali| Serai Bali|
Hai tide huts |Pacung Asri hotel | Bali rani hotel | Legian paradiso hotel | | vila rumah manis |
Bali intan Cottages
| Bali Mandira hotel |Club Mediteranie | Sol Lovina |Puri Bagus Lovina |
Bali Hotels by Area
Ubud Hotels | Kuta Hotels | Sanur hotels | Nusa Dua hotels | Kintamani hotels | Bedugul hotels|
Candidasa Hotels | Tabanan Hotels | Lovina Hotels | Jimbaran Hotels | Karangasem Hotels |
Indonesian Hotels
Jakarta Hotels| Yogyakarta Hotels | Lombok Hotels| Cheap Bali hotels | Indonesia Hotels

Bali Hotel List
Complete Bali hotels and resorts

Bali Map
Bali weddings




Please contact me for more information at Lisa@baliforyou.com

   

Developed & Maintained by:
Lisa P.A Zimmerman,PhD. Albert Zimmerman,MA. Putu Agung,M.Eng. Kirsten Parson,M.Eng. Joost MK,M.Eng. Brian Widjaja,SKom, Lhukie Ridwan,SKom & Friends
contact us at: lisa@baliforyou.com

http://www.geocities.com/bali_info_4u/
The most complete information about Bali,Bali hotels and accommodation,Bali holidays,Bali weddings,Bali villas and Bali travel site