Each house represents the culture of the province along with its philosophy and people’s way of living.For many Indonesian, in the past they used to memorize the name and the characteristics of the traditional houses but I am not sure that in recent times, they still do that. The traditional Indonesian houses these days are merged into modernity which can be seen as an influence in modern architecture of Indonesian people. However, one island and province in Indonesia that still strongly kept their tradition including their architecture is Bali. Though the island is lined up with resorts and villas, traditional balinese houses still fit into the modernity and add an eclectic touch to the island.

I am no expert on each philosophical aspect or symbolism of Balinese houses but ever since a long time ago, I have had special admiration for the island and its architecture. All I know historically is that some Balinese people were from east java, mostly exiles from Majapahit’s kingdom. This can be seen in the gates and the color of the houses that all look similar.

I happened to stay at a family owned guest house that somehow reflects a typical Balinese house. It’s owned by a long generation of “pande” , a clan who used to work as blacksmiths or forge iron. Inside the house I stayed there are three temples with maze-like buildings and open spaces. The first temple is their ancestor temple, their medium sized family temple, and a smaller temple adjacent to the medium sized temple. Apparently, that resonates with the idea that Balinese house adheres to strict and sacred laws of building, allowing much open space and consisting of a spacious courtyard with many small pavilions, ringed by wall to keep out evil spirits and decorated with guardian statues.

Though the house looks small from the front gate, it is a maze and a massive place filled with rooms and some balinese style compounds. On each sides of the pillars, there are like lotus flower that kept the place stood still. The roof is always from wood with wider angle on the center of it. One thing to note is that Balinese is very attuned with the nature. That’s why the materials of their house is also from the nature and tries to reflect nature in their compound and place of living. So, around the house there are many flora and gardens that are decorating the surrounding. It’s not strange to see birds walking around freely and many animals to come visit because again, they are very attuned to nature and try to incorporate it into everything in their life.

As you can see from the structure above, it has stairs leading up to the house. Followed by wooden pillars with intricate details around it. Additionally, the most magnificent part is always the door that has the shade of gold with a very complex relief of floras. On the wall of what seemed to be a hall where people meet, there is a relief that tries to tell a story. It is like a painting but made from reliefs. This reflected the Balinese artistry that is one-of-a-kind. Everything in this compound is quite magnificent. However, the guest houses are much more modern and simple.

From where I come from, many are often afraid of such houses because it’s dark. But to me, I don’t feel creep out at all going out all night. In fact, I think I am one of a few guests who often comes back very late. I talked to the owner many times but I never had the time to actually ask about why it was built that way. Except on my last day, I only began to appreciate how artistic their house is. It’s ironic but it’s okay, I am going to go back soon and will ask them about their house and why it’s built that way.