Here is a write up on Bali’s cultural landscape prepared by Directorate General of History and Archaeology of Bali, that is submitted to UNESCO in accordance with World Heritage Program. I hope this writing can give a better view on Bali’s cultural landscape.

Cultural Landscape of Bali Province

Description
The island of Bali has long been characterized in the world as the last “paradise” on earth, a traditional society insulated from the modern world and its vicissitudes, whose inhabitants have exceptional artistic talents and consecrate a considerable amount of time and wealth to sumptuous ceremonies for their own pleasure and that of their gods. Therefore, the relation between the tangible and intangible aspects is a major aspect of the heritage and culture of Bali. The cultural heritage of the island goes way beyond physical structures and landscapes. More than anywhere else on the Indonesian peninsula an intricate connection exists between the built environment, the natural settings and the social and religious life.

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Taman Ayun temple was the royal temple of Mengwi Kingdom that survived until 1891 when it was conquered by the neighboring kingdoms of Tabanan and Badung. The name Taman Ayun means beautiful garden. This temple was built by the King of Mengwi, I Gusti Agung Anom in 1634. The date of construction is expressed on a carved door with chronogram reads ‘Sad Bhuta Yaksa Dewa‘ means 1634 AD. The temple has been renovated in 1949 and in 1972 all black fiber roofs were renewed, the last in 1976 was built the pavilion tower called ‘Bale Kulkul‘.

The Taman Ayun temple is the second largest temple in Bali, covering an area of 250 x 100 square meters. The temple is built on a high tableland that is partly surrounded by ponds, creating an impression that the temple is foating on the water. The temple is surrounded by a massive moat that looks lovely and is divided into 4 courtyards each courtyard situated on a spacious rising level.

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Today is the new moon of the sixth month in Balinese Caka calendar. Many religious events and temple ceremonies are held all over Bali the biggest of them is the Panca Wali Krama ceremony in Taman Ayun Temple Mengwi. This Panca Wali Krama ceremony is held every five years, but today the Panca Wali Krama ceremony in Taman Ayun temple is not an ordinary Panca Wali Krama ceremony since it is coincide with the Mamungkah and Mupuk Padagingan ceremony which is held every 30 years. This ceremony will be full of festivities and celebration and it will be held for 11 days, starting from 12/19/06 until 12/30/06.

Another great temple ceremony is the Uluwatu Temple ceremony. Uluwatu belongs to the group of six main temple of Bali and Balinese will come from all over Bali to pray and give homage to the deities in Uluwatu temple. This temple festival is always a magnificent event to be seen.