Khaizuran RashidBali is a treasure trove of unique traditions and unusual customs that will leave even the most seasoned traveller scratching their head in wonder. For Singaporeans eager to explore beyond the typical tourist trail, this enchanting island offers experiences that are as baffling as they are delightful. From ancient rituals surrounding birth and death to a coffee brewed in the most unconventional way, let’s dive into some of the strangest customs you’ll encounter in Bali.
Also read: 10 Unique Things to Do in Bali for Singaporeans
1. A Name for Every Birth Order
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One of the most fascinating aspects of Balinese culture is its distinctive naming system. In Bali, families traditionally choose names for their children based on their birth order. Firstborns are often named Wayan, Putu, or Gede; second-borns take names like Made or Kadek; third-borns become Nyoman or Komang; and the fourth is usually called Ketut. If a family has a fifth child, the cycle starts anew with a twist, for instance, Waylan Balik, meaning “returns”. As a Singaporean traveller, you’ll quickly notice the abundance of these names, making it a fun challenge to tell one person from another in a sea of Wayans and Mades!
2. Sacred Beginnings: Newborns and the Ground
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In Bali, newborns are considered so sacred that they aren’t allowed to touch the ground for the first three months of life. The Balinese believe that babies embody their ancestors’ spirits and regard the earth as impure, so they keep newborns off the ground. A special ceremony, known as nyabutan or nyambutin, marks the moment when a baby finally makes contact with the ground: A rite of passage symbolising the child’s full integration into the world. For Singaporeans, witnessing or learning about this delicate ritual offers a touching glimpse into the island’s deep spiritual traditions.
3. The Mysterious Temples of Death
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Every village in Bali has at least one temple of death, known locally as pura dalem. Typically situated in the lower parts of town facing the sea, considered a gateway to the underworld, these temples are adorned with eerie statues of deities such as Shiva, Kali, Durga, or the formidable Rangda. The striking and sometimes macabre imagery serves as a vivid reminder of the cycle of life and death. For Singaporeans with a taste for the unusual, visiting a temple of death provides a fascinating insight into Bali’s spiritual and cultural landscape.
Also read: Eat Pray Drink in Bali: A 5-Day Getaway with My Best Friend
4. The Notorious Kopi Luwak
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Perhaps the most infamous of Bali’s quirky customs is kopi luwak, the world’s priciest coffee, brewed in the most unusual way. In Bali, coffee beans are eaten by the palm civet, a small creature resembling a cross between a wild cat and a mongoose. After the palm civet digests the beans, farmers collect, clean, and brew them. While some travellers rave about its smooth, honeyed taste, many Singaporeans might find the idea a bit off-putting. Moreover, the booming kopi luwak industry raises ethical concerns because many producers keep civets in poor conditions.
5. The Ubiquitous Polo Stores
Image credit: Seminyak Village | Official Website
A curious sight awaits those wandering through Ubud and other parts of Bali: an abundance of Polo stores. These shops, often offering items at surprisingly low prices, seem to have sprung up overnight, reflecting a local obsession with the preppy, all-American look. Although many of these outlets might stock knock-offs rather than genuine merchandise, they’ve become a quirky part of the local scene. Singaporeans will find this cultural oddity both amusing and intriguing: A stark contrast to the island’s ancient temples and age-old traditions.
Simply… Strange!
Bali never fails to surprise, and its strange customs are a testament to the island’s rich and diverse cultural tapestry. For Singaporeans seeking an adventure that goes beyond the ordinary, these quirky traditions, from the unique naming systems and sacred newborn rituals to macabre temples, unconventional coffee, and even a proliferation of Polo stores, offer a fascinating glimpse into everyday life in Bali. So, embrace the unexpected, explore with an open mind, and let the enchanting eccentricities of Bali add a little extra magic to your journey!
Also read: The Ultimate 4-Day Bali Itinerary: Things to Do and Where to Eat
