98
{
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I ponder this thought on the way back. Despite frequent
contact with the outside world, the native islanders have
managed to keep their culture intact. Through the years,
some have predicted the erosion of Balinese values, as
the local youth become ever more exposed to foreign
ideas; others say it won’t happen anytime soon. I recall a
conversation I had with the owner of the barong dance troupe
we had seen earlier in the day.
“
I think the presence of foreigners has been good for
Bali,” commented Made Sidia, a third-generation
sanggar
or
teacher. “Because of it, our traditional arts have flourished.
Tourists come to watch our dances and buy our crafts. Their
money provides a livelihood for many Balinese, which in turn
encourages them to keep learning the old ways.”
He thought for a moment and then nodded. “It’s ironic, but
tourism has helped keep our culture alive!”
Cebu Pacific will fly direct from Manila to Denpasar starting
from March 16.
See more of Ubud, and find out what went on
behind the scenes of our cover shoot, at
C U L T U R E T R I P P I N G I N I N D O N E S I A
Clockwise from
top left: Shop for
Balinese crafts at
stalls in Tegallalang
and stores in
Ubud; Made
Sidia, a teacher of
traditional puppetry;
woodcarvings from
Bali make great
souvenirs
Shop and enjoy
the view at
Tegallalang
