Balinese Life
"Bale Dangin", A Crucial Balinese Pavilion

On a hot day, it feels cool, while in the rainy season, it feels warm and quiet. No rain hits the roof as the thatch roof is functioned just like a noise reduction. They are only some of modest features of the ambience on offer by sanctuary on a Balinese bale or pavilion.

By and large, it encompasses bale dangin, bale daja and bale dauh and each has a different design and function. Bale is a pavilion that grows flexibly in keeping with the ages as its dwellers develop, too. However, the bale dangin is a basic or seemingly becomes a must within the compound. To the Balinese life, it has extended remarkably significant function. It's a Xanadu where to execute a variety of solemn rites intended for humans and ancestors.
To start the construction of a bale and other sacred buildings, the Balinese (Hindu) should consult an undagi (traditional architect) to ask for measuring and other details andfind out an auspicious day. Then, perform foundation offerings and put red brick as symbol of earth's base on the ground breaking. Having done these, continued with ngeruwak exorcism rite to invoke safety and permission to Mother Earth.
Measurement unit here applies bodily-based standard as mentioned in Asta Kosala Kosali (a Balinese geomancy compendium), for example, asta (cubit), depa (from one finger's tip to another in stretching hands) and so forth. The book also mentions about the overall layout of buildings along with its harmonious correlation on distance to one another, including with the sanctum and kitchen. Disharmony amongstthem may inflict bad spiritual impact on its dweller(s).
In terms of materials, they're mostly obtained from their surrounding nature, like stone, brick, bamboo, wood and grass thatch or alang-alang. In the book Lintasan Asta Kosala Kosali by Bandesa K Tonjaya (1982) is mentioned some selected woods suggested for the use in family house. They are arranged hierarchically just like structure in a kingdom consisting of six woods from the high quality to the lower such as jackfruit, teak, sentul or Sandoricum indicum, teep, breadfruit and endep. Timber used for pillars must be weighed first to determine its root end. On erecting it, it should be as its original position on nature, as the previous 'life'. Before the introduction of cement, the local employs soils as adhesive of the wall. Sometimes, it's also blended with paddy husk. In fact, this can last over ten to fifteen years.
Conventionally, the bale has six, eight or twelve pillars or sesaka. Each is carved in Balinese style of floral motive and fixed slice (tagok and caping). The six and eight-pillar has one king size bed affixed on the pillars completed with high headboard or parba, while the twelve has two. Creative people will festoon this headboard with wayang ornament or other complicated carving taken the epic story. On the top inside, lies also a unique rectangular ornament called bejagul. Meanwhile, this bale has only permanent wall on its right and rear side. The remaining sides are enclosed with partition that is easily released when organizing certain happenings.
Having completed the construction and finishing touch, another ritual is held. This inauguration is called melaspas, a purificatory rite towards the impurity process during the construction and on materials used. Homage is also dedicated to Bhagavan Visvakarma (master of traditional architect) and the Almighty God. Similarly, it importantly meant to bring life to the building. So, it's not surprising if every pillar is wrapped with sarongs and sash, treated just like dressing a human in Balinese costume.
Modern architecture and rapid growth of property market in Bali take much advantage the concept of this Balinese bale. Adopting and blending it with modern elements and concept of resort living makes it into a luxurious and convenient villa. It's also surrounded by enclosing wall to give highly privacy to guests. To relax or have meals, a gazebo will be added to the compound other than private pool. Besides, tropical garden with local frangipani or thevetia will liven up the landscape. Concept of Balinese bale also flows to the varied houses of knockdown system that have become substantial export commodity of Bali to some tourist resorts around the world. (BTN/029)