Bali

An Ultimate Guide to The Beautiful Balinese Traditional House

Hello FlokqFebruary 10, 2021

The Balinese traditional house is one of Indonesia’s cultural heritage that you should know. Besides being famous for its natural scenery and attractive traditional dances, Bali also has traditional houses that are no less beautiful!

According to arsitag.com, traditional Balinese architecture is influenced by the existence of a Hindu manuscript called “Lontar Asta Kosala Kosali”, which contains the rules for making houses or puri, to the rules for places of worship or temples. Balinese architecture is also heavily influenced by Balinese Hindu traditions and ancient Javanese elements. Materials commonly used in Balinese houses and buildings include thatched roofs, coconut wood, bamboo, teak wood, stone, and bricks.

Are you curious about the Balinese traditional houses and their uniqueness? Check out these 9 parts of the Balinese traditional house!

The Uniqueness of Balinese Traditional House

Balinese architecture always has special characteristics that make it different from other traditional Indonesian houses. This also adds to the exoticism of Bali which is admired by many tourists both local and foreign.

The traditional house is very distinctive, its architecture cannot be separated from the ability of the community to maintain cultural heritage from generation to generation. Local culture and customs can be reflected in the architecture of today’s Balinese houses.

Indeed, the uniqueness of this traditional house in Indonesia has a deep philosophy. Its unique shape keeps the meaning and function of each, as well as many Hindu religious values ​​that are reflected in it.

The uniqueness that is clearly visible from the outside is the Gapura Bentar, which is the entrance to the traditional house. Uniquely, Gapura Bentar has carvings and reliefs that make it look like a temple.

The shape of the Gapura Bentar is like two twin temples facing each other so that it is called the Candi Bentar Gate. From that gate, you can then enter the inner area.

1. Angkul-Angkul Gate

The main gate to enter the area of ​​the traditional Balinese house is called Angkul-Angkul. The function of this building resembles the Bentar Temple Gate, which is the main gate to the area of ​​traditional Balinese houses.

2. Bale Aling-Aling

Bale Aling-Aling is a dividing wall between the gate (Angkul-Angkul) and the yard. The function of the veil is to block the view from the outside directly into the area inside the house and also to prevent the entry of evil influences.

In addition, the veil is also used as a diversion of roads to the house when entering through the left side and when exiting through the right side. The presence of this veil is believed to bring a positive nature into the area of ​​this traditional Balinese house building. Nowadays, the shape of the veil, in addition to using the wall, some use the statue as a veil.

3. Pamerajan or Sanggah

Pamerajan or Sanggah is a sacred place that serves as a place of family prayer. The Balinese people, the majority of whom are Hindus, have a family temple as a place of prayer for their ancestors.

Also read: 7 Must-Follow Rules (and Whys) When Visiting Temples in Bali

4.Bale Daja or Bale Manten

Bale Daja is a building that serves as a resting or sleeping place for family heads and daughters. The building is rectangular in shape consisting of two bale located on the right and left of the room. Bale Daja was built using 8 wooden poles (sakutus), and 12 (saka roras). The bottom or foundation of Bale Daja is built higher than the lawn and other buildings within the area of ​​traditional Balinese houses. This is done to avoid water infiltration and also for aesthetics.

5. Bale Dauh or Bale Tiang Sanga

Bale Dauh or often referred to as Bale Loji is a building that serves as a place to receive guests and as a bed for teenagers. Bale Dauh is rectangular in shape with an inner position consisting of one bale. Bale Dauh was built with a lower foundation than Bale Daja and Bale Dangin. This building is built using wooden poles that have different designations depending on the number of poles used. Bale with pillar 6 is called sekanem, Bale with pillar 8 is called sekutus or astasari, and if pillar 9 is called sangasari.

6. Bale Sekapat

Bale Sekapat is an open-air building that is used for relaxation. The building is minimalist in shape with four pillars and is often used as a pavilion or children’s bed.

7. Bale Dangin or Bale Gede

Bale Dangin is a traditional ceremonial building located in the eastern part or dangin natah umah. Bale Dangin is rectangular or rectangular in shape depending on the number of poles used. Bale Dangin can be built with several kinds of pillars with different construction, namely bale with pillar 6 is called sekanem.

Bale with pillar 8 is called sekutus or astasari, and if the pillar 9 is called sangasari. Meanwhile, when using a pole with the number 12 is called a large bale and consists of two bale, namely right and left. Bale Dangin was built with a lower building foundation height than Bale Meten.

8. Paon or Pawaregan

Paon is a kitchen for cooking food for the occupants of the house located on the south side of the house or southwest. In the Paon building consists of two rooms, namely the net that serves as a cooking room and the second room is used to store food and kitchen utensils.

9. Jineng or Klumpu

Jineng is a building that serves as a barn or rice storage place. Jineng is located in the southeast near Paon. Jineng roof is made of reeds which generally consists of two floors, namely the top as a place to store dry rice and the bottom as a place to store rice that has not dried.

Now, if you visit Bali and take pictures at one of the Balinese traditional houses, you already know the name! Don’t forget to leave your shoes outside if the residents invite you in. Always have respect for the locals and their culture, or as they say – when in Bali, do as the Balinese do! See you in Bali, Flokqers!

Also read: 6 Must-Visit Balinese Traditional Villages for Authentic Experience