Baha Village

Bali has many cultural and tradition, today I would like to share a little information about a beautiful place that you can visit when you have travelling in Bali. Baha Village is located about 4-km east of Taman Ayun Temple, exactly in Mengwi district, Badung regency, is displays a similarity in angkul-angkul (entrance gates in the traditional Balinese style) to local houses like in other place in Bali. In the 1980s, this village was promoted as one of Badung tourism villages.

However, since 1998, the angkul-angkul in the village have seen a lot of changes, although some local people still maintain the authentic design.

Baha village is usually a stopover for tourists heading from Denpasar to Bedugul or Ubud, as it can be reached within an hour from Bali’s capital city.

Typical: A visiting photographer captures two different styles of traditional gates: the one on the left is of a residence and on the right is of the temple.Typical: A visiting photographer captures two different styles of traditional gates: the one on the left is of a residence and on the right is of the temple.

For most houses along the main road, the angkul-angkul still have a homogenous design. This can serve as a clue to help visitors know they are heading in the right direction to the village, in helpful addition to some signboards.

An angkul-angkul is usually 3 meters high and 1.5 meter wide, with a thatched roof. The local people believe that angkul-angkul can protect the house from evil spirits. Aside from its unique angkul-angkul, Baha village is worth exploring because some houses are open to visitors. To make sure tourists are entering the right houses, those who come without guides are advised to ask local people first.

Proud: A local resident poses with his rustic bicycle in front of the traditional gate of his house.Proud: A local resident poses with his rustic bicycle in front of the traditional gate of his house.The house owners will happily welcome visitors and explain parts inside the house from the aspect of traditional architecture and design. These include the bale delod (south pavilion), the bale dauh (west pavilion), bale dangin (east pavilion), bale daja (north pavilion), bale gede (ceremonial pavilion), pawon (kitchen) and backyard.

Although visitors can enter the houses free of charge, it is better to give an amount of money to the owner. The village temple, located in the western part of the village, is also interesting to explore, especially for its candi bentar (split gate). Built in 1962, the gate shows unique traditional architecture and very detailed engraving.

Split: The beautiful and richly-decorated gate of a temple in Baha.Split: The beautiful and richly-decorated gate of a temple in Baha.

Another entrance, located inside the temple, shows the statues of Balinese legendary characters husband and wife Men Brayut and Pan Brayut, each holding their children.

Legend has it that the couple had many children, so anyone also wishing to have many children is allowed to pray in the temple.

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