Overview
Bali is a predominantly Hindu island with a unique blend of cultural and religious practices that have evolved. However, Hinduism is one of many religions you will find in Bali. In addition, there are also a significant number of Muslims and a smaller number of Christians and Buddhists. Religion plays a remarkable role in the daily lives of the Balinese, with temples and shrines located all over the island. Rituals and ceremonies are essential to Balinese Hinduism, with colorful festivals and processions occurring throughout the year. This Guide will introduce you to the details of the religions recognized in Bali and provide tips on interesting religious sites around the island.
This Guide is divided into the following sections:
Hinduism
Balinese Hinduism is a unique blend of Hinduism, Buddhism, and Animism. It is a fascinating and complex religion deeply intertwined with the culture and daily life of the Balinese people. Hinduism is represented in about 87 % of the population of Bali.
Balinese Hinduism is based on the belief in one supreme god (a superior supreme being). This is known as Sang Hyang Widi Wasa - the Balinese Hindu term for the supreme deity, considered the ultimate source of all existence and the fundamental force governing the universe. Sang Hyang Widi Wasa is worshiped by worshipping other gods.
These deities are believed to have different roles and responsibilities, as follows:
-
Shiva: the god of destruction and transformation
-
Vishnu: the protector god
-
Brahma: creator god
-
Ganesha: the god of wisdom and new beginnings
-
Saraswati: goddess of knowledge, music, and art
-
Dewi Sri: goddess of rice and fertility
-
Batara Guru: the teacher of all knowledge
-
Hanuman: monkey god and symbol of strength and loyalty
-
Dewa Kala: the god of time and is often depicted as a terrifying deity who symbolizes the destructive power of time.
-
Rangda: the demon queen who represents evil and chaos
The Balinese also believe in reincarnation and karma, the idea that a person's actions in this life determine their fate in the next one.
The Balinese practice their religion through various rituals and ceremonies performed daily, weekly, and yearly. One significant ritual, for example, is the Ngaben cremation, whereby the body is believed to be reincarnated into a better being or, ideally, the soul is reunited with the supreme god.
Flowers, rice, animals, and other symbolic items are offered to the deities to show respect and ask for blessings.
Temples are also essential to Balinese Hinduism and can be found in every village. They are built in the traditional Balinese style and often have intricate carvings and decorations. They serve as a place of worship, community gathering, and cultural expression.
Islam
Although Islam is a minority religion in Bali (about 10 % of the population), it has a rich history in Bali, dating back to the 14th century when Muslim traders from the archipelago brought the religion to the island.
Over time, Islam in Bali has evolved into a unique form incorporating elements of Balinese culture and traditions. For example, Balinese Muslims may still perform Balinese Hindu rituals and ceremonies, such as using gamelan music and offering flowers and food.
There are several significant Islamic communities in Bali, especially in the northern and eastern parts of the island. These communities have established mosques, madrassas (Islamic schools), and other institutions that promote the practice of Islam on the island.
In recent years, there has been a growing trend of Balinese Hindus converting to Islam, often as a result of marriage or for other personal reasons.
Despite the size of the Muslim community in Bali, relations between Muslims and Hindus on the island are generally peaceful and harmonious. The two communities have long coexisted and shared cultural and social practices, and religious conflict or tension is virtually non-existent.
Christianity
Christianity in Bali dates back to the arrival of Portuguese and Dutch explorers and missionaries in the 16th and 17th centuries. These missionaries aimed to spread Christianity on the island, which today is represented in Bali by several Christian denominations, including Roman Catholic, Protestant, and Pentecostal churches.
Although the number of Christians in Bali is relatively small (about 2.3 % of the population), the Christian community has established schools, hospitals, and other institutions that promote the practice of Christianity on the island.
Some of the interesting Christian churches in Bali include:
Catholic Cathedral of Holy Spirit (also known as the Roh Kudus Cathedral) is a prominent Catholic church in the center of Denpasar, the capital of Bali. The cathedral is the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Denpasar and serves as a religious center for the local Catholic community.
The cathedral features a unique design that combines traditional Catholic architecture with elements of Balinese Hinduism. The cathedral's interior is spacious and airy, with high ceilings and stained glass windows that create a peaceful atmosphere for worship. The cathedral is decorated with beautiful artwork and religious sculptures, and the space's focal point is the altar. See the map.
Catholic Cathedral of Holy Spirit in Denpasar
St. Peter's Catholic Church in Denpasar is a well-known city landmark and serves as a religious center for the local Catholic community. The church is known for its beautiful architecture and peaceful atmosphere and is a popular destination for tourists visiting Bali. Mass is celebrated daily in Indonesian and English, and special masses are also held during important Catholic holidays such as Christmas and Easter. See the map.
St. Peter's Catholic Church in Denpasar
Saint Francis Xavier Catholic Church is a Roman Catholic church in the bustling tourist town of Kuta, Bali. The church was founded in 1987 and serves as a center for Catholics in the area.
The church has a traditional Catholic design with a simple interior, including a distinctive altar, wooden pews for seating, and religious artwork and sculptures. The church also includes an outdoor courtyard where believers can gather and meet. See the map.
Other interesting churches in Bali:
Saint Joseph Catholic Church in Denpasar
Buddhism
Buddhism is a religion that originated in India more than 2,500 years ago and spread to much of Asia. In Indonesia, Buddhism is a minority religion but has a significant cultural presence on the island of Bali.
Buddhism first came to Bali in the first centuries AD. At that time, Bali was part of the Srivijaya Empire, a Buddhist kingdom controlling much of Indonesia and Malaysia. Religion took root in Bali but became more vital in the 20th century.
Today, Buddhism is practiced by a small minority of Balinese, who comprise less than 1 % of the population. Despite this, it has significantly impacted Balinese culture and society. Many of the island's most important temples are Buddhist in origin, and Buddhist philosophy has influenced the island's art, literature, and music.
One of Bali's most important Buddhist temples is the Brahma Vihara Arama Temple, located in the northwestern part of the island. It was built in the 1970s by a Buddhist monk named Bhikkhu Giri Rakhita, inspired by the teachings of the Dalai Lama. The temple blends Balinese and Tibetan architectural styles and is known for its beautiful gardens, meditation rooms, and spectacular views of the surrounding landscape and ocean.
Brahma Vihara Arama Temple
Another important Buddhist site in Bali is the Kalibukbuk Temple, located in the town of Kalibukbuk in the northern part of the island. This center offers Vipassana meditation classes, a technique designed to help practitioners develop insight into the nature of reality. The center also offers courses in yoga, Tai Chi, and other spiritual practices. You can find other Buddhist temples in the Temples Guide.
In addition to these temples and centers, there are many smaller Buddhist communities in Bali, including monasteries, meditation groups, and study circles. These communities are often led by local monks or nuns trained in Buddhist philosophy and practice.
Despite its relatively small presence in Bali, Buddhism has profoundly influenced the island's culture and society. Its teachings on compassion, mindfulness, and the impermanence of all things have influenced many aspects of Balinese life, from traditional arts and crafts to the island's famous rice terraces. Those interested in exploring Buddhism in Bali have many opportunities to learn and practice this ancient religion in one of the world's most beautiful and spiritual places.
Thank you for your feedback 🧡
We really appreciate it. You are helping us to make our service even better.
You already rated this Guide.
If you changed your mind, you can contact us, and we will remove your rating so you can rate the same Guide again.
