When you think of Bali, you probably imagine beaches, ricefields, and streets full of scooters.
But do you know what animals inhabit the scenery you’re picturing?
On top of the Indonesian temples, monkeys dwell, and in the clear blue water, a lost crocodile might roam.
It’s fascinating what an animal population can tell you about a country’s culture. Because animals can’t do that literally, this post will give you a speedy introduction to the daily lives of some Balinese wildlife.
And since Bahasa Indonesia (= ‘Indonesian’) is a beautiful but accessible language, you can use their local names, mentioned in this post, on your next trip to paradise!
In Bali, most sapi (= ‘cows’) look alike. The island is home to the Bali cow, a species that is world-famous for its immunity to diseases that other cows have no defense for. The typical Balinese cow is brown and roams around freely wherever there’s grass because families usually only have a few of them.
In most cases, cows are used to plow rice fields. Since a lot of Balinese families are self-sustainable, a cow is cheaper than an automatic plow.
Eating cow is uncommon with Balinese Hindus since they believe the animals are sacred. The meat industry caters mostly to tourists.
Try to refrain from eating beef, though. Many locals don’t, and the Balinese cow slaughter is — as most slaughterhouse killings are — inhumane.
There’s plenty of other excellent food to try out. If you’d like to know more about the typical delicacies Bali has to offer, check out this post.
You’ll see these little pale guys everywhere. But mostly on the ceiling of your balcony or in your outside shower.
At night, tokek (= ‘house geckoes’) love to catch little insects that are drawn to the lights. If your accommodation’s windows aren’t covered by glass, you’ll probably see them inside as well. The geckos don’t like air conditioning, though.
The tiny visitors make a lot of noise when they’re chasing each other. When they’re on the ceiling, you may fear that they will fall on top of you, but they never do.
Although the geckoes are funny roommates, you might want to watch out for the little droppings you’ll find on your outside furniture.
A widespread myth about Balinese kucing (= ‘cats’) is that angry housewives cut off their tail.
Most cats in Bali roam free, as in so many parts of the world. But you’ll notice something strange about them. Nearly all of them are missing (at least a part of) their tail.
It has nothing to do with tail-cutting but comes from a genetic trait common in many parts of Asia, including China and Japan. Although you might not expect it, being tailless does not affect a cat’s balance. They’re as agile as their tailed brothers and sisters.
In a post in the Japan Times, journalist Alice Gordenker mentions a fitting Japanese (sorry, no Indonesian) expression about cats without tails: “Attemo nakutemo neko no shippo.” It means ‘Have or have not a cat’s tail’, and is used to describe something that’s not important to have. Beautiful!
The most famous place to see monyet (= ‘monkeys’) in Bali is probably the Sacred Monkey Forest in Ubud, where the animals steal tourists’ personal belongings and eat flower offerings daily.
Many tourists tend to feed the crab-eating macaques (that really is their official name) bananas that they buy from wandering sellers. If you love animals and respect their natural habitat, though, don’t be tempted to fill them with food for a picture. It only makes the monkeys aggressive, and they might steal your sunglasses or phone!
Another thing that makes the monkeys angry is your smile. Showing teeth makes them think you want to fight them. So don’t show them your teeth!
Balinese monkeys can also give you rabies. If you didn’t get your shots, keep your distance from these cheeky four-leggers.
The monkeys are cute to watch, though. An Indonesian portmanteau that uses the primate is cinta monyet (= literally ‘monkey love’). It means ‘puppy love’, an adolescent crush.
Other island spots the monkeys inhabit (and for which the same monkey-safe advice goes) are Pura Uluwatu (= ‘Uluwatu Temple’) and Sangeh Monkey Forest. Uluwatu is famous for its sunset, but large packs of dogs are known to roam the area after dark, so if that sounds scary, don’t stay too long.
And if you were expecting to see orangutans in Bali, unfortunately, they’re native to other Indonesian islands like Borneo and Sumatra.
But the origin of the ape’s name is worth mentioning. Orang means ‘man’ and hutan ‘forest’. They’re the men of the forest.
Do you have a snake phobia?
Then you can relax while snorkeling, right? Oops.
Bali and neighboring island Java are similar when it comes to flora and fauna. Together, the islands contain 87 species of terrestrial and freshwater ular (= ‘snakes’ or ‘lipi’ in Balinese), of which only 5% is endemic to Bali.
30% of snakes in and around Bali are said to be poisonous, but if you don’t count the 18 ular laut (= ‘sea snakes’, as seen in the picture above) that roam the island’s surrounding water, that number drops drastically.
Luckily, reports between divers, swimmers or snorkelers, and sea snakes are rare. What you should be wary of are the cobras and other types of snakes lurking in residential areas. Some of them crawl in open spaces, while others lurk inside of toilets.
You can easily prevent an encounter in your holiday villa, though. The Jakarta Post gives as a tip: “Keep your environment clean.” That means getting rid of any stuff that’s piling up in corners, a favorite hideout of snakes.
Another thing that might help is filling your house with actual lemongrass or just the smell of it because snakes hate that. A popular belief is that snakes hate salt, but the Indonesian newspaper claims that’s just a myth.
Also, keep your toilet lid closed and always check under the seat before you sit down.
You might think crocodiles live in rivers or lakes. Or that they only live in the Nile or Australia. You’re wrong.
Buaya muara (= ‘saltwater crocodiles’) love that sweet spot where freshwater runs into the ocean: estuaries. It’s possible to see them in open water as well since they can travel great distances.
Although people don’t encounter them often, Balinese beaches are part of the crocs’ distribution area. According to nature organization IUCN’s Red List of threatened species, the crocodile populations in Indonesia are secure and their range extensive.
Larger sized crocodiles are even on the rise in Indonesia and neighboring countries. Attacks happen, but luckily nearly never in Bali. In East Timor, on the other hand, the fatality risk by crocodile attacks is ten times greater than malaria!
Despite humans killing crocodiles because they pose a threat, there’s plenty of Indonesian islands where the animals are revered. And there are a couple of creative portmanteaus that use the crocodile.
- An untrustworthy person is mulut buaya (= ‘crocodile mouth’) because he inflicts (emotional) wounds.
- Lidah buaya (= ‘crocodile’s tongue’) is the Indonesian name for aloe vera. The plant’s gel is used in shampoo and cosmetics, as you can see in this old ad. And if you wonder why the ad spells it boeaja, check out this post.
A rusa (= ‘deer’) is probably the last animal you’d expect on a tropical island. But Menjangan island, a nearly uninhabited part of West Bali National Park, has plenty of them.
You’ve probably heard of the Nusas (nusa meaning ‘island’) surrounding Bali. Nusa Penida, Ceningan, and Lembongan are easily accessible from the main island by boat and offer stunning nature. But Menjangan island is less known and more adventurous!
The island gets its name from the endemic Javan rusa, or ‘menjangan’ as they’re called in Javanese, the local language of Java. They’re one of the three deer that naturally live on Bali and Java. Fishers revere the menjangan because of their amazing ability to swim between the island and Bali.
Would you like to see them for yourself?
If you want to visit ‘deer island’, you’ll need a permit and an official guide. But it’s worth it.
The island is considered one of the best snorkeling and scuba diving spots around Bali and Java because of its calm currents and well-preserved reef. Aside from all the underwater fauna and flora, there’s a shipwreck that’s only accessible for experienced divers.
Menjangan island is not just suitable for deer spotting or snorkeling. It’s also a pilgrimage destination. There are seven Hindu temples, each worshipping a different god or goddess.
Last but not least common in Bali, are the insects, of which the jangkrik (= ‘cricket’) is definitely the one with the coolest name.
But if you’re worried about all the laba-laba (= ‘spiders’) that you’ll find in your hotel room, don’t be. Spiders aren’t familiar sights in Bali.
A vivid red creature that you’ll see flying around the swimming pool is the capung (= ‘dragonfly’). And make sure to wear repellent at night to guard you against malaria- or dengue-carrying nyamuk (= ‘mosquitos’). Although those diseases are probably the most dangerous things that could happen to you in Bali, the risk of malaria is low.
Another insect you’ll need to watch out for is the occasional semut (= ‘ant’) that got fried along with your nasi goreng (= ‘fried rice’). And that will do no more harm than give you some extra protein.
From the smallest geckos and insects to the occasional big crocodiles, Bali’s home to many fascinating animals. Some that you better leave alone, like snakes and monkeys, some that will just walk among you, like cats and cows, and others that might even swim next to you, like deer. What they all have in common is that they are the symbols of a relaxed and tropical paradise.
You might’ve noticed that this post didn’t mention any animal cruelty. That’s because this one focuses on how to avoid tourist traps that harm some of Bali’s animal population.
Can you think of any other typical Balinese animals I didn’t mention in my posts? Let me know, and I might add your contribution to one of my next ones!
If you’d like to learn more about Bali or practice your Indonesian, check out these posts.
- Bali’s Dark Side Explained With 7 Animals
- Balinese Hinduism Explained
- What the Indonesian Language Can Tell You About Bali
- What These Foods Can Tell You About Bali
- How the Dutch Language Influenced Bali
- What Your Body Can Teach You About Bali
Sources
Torchia C. and Djuhari L., Indonesian Slang: Colloquial Indonesian at Work. Tokyo: Tuttle Publishing, 2011.
Whitten, A.J. and Soeriaatmadja, R.E., Ecology of Bali & Java. Tokyo: Tuttle Publishing, 2013.
FAQs
What animal represents Bali? ›
The Bali tiger, Caspian tiger and Javan tiger are the three subspecies that are currently extinct. Of these subspecies, the Bali tiger was physically the smallest, and also the first to go extinct. It was only found on the small island of Bali near Malaysia and the Philippines in the Indian Ocean.
What is Bali known for? ›Also known as the Land of the Gods, Bali appeals through its sheer natural beauty of looming volcanoes and lush terraced rice fields that exude peace and serenity. It is also famous for surfers' paradise!
Are there lemurs in Bali? ›Other monkeys to see at Bali Safari Park
Other monkey and ape species that you'll be able to see at Bali Safari Park include the beloved Orangutan, Chimpanzees, Macaques, Lemurs and Gibbons.
This is why the island is commonly referred to as 'The Island of the Gods'. Made from bamboo, coconut leaf, betelnut and lime, the base of cenang sari symbolizes 3 powers – creation, preservation and unity. Each power is embodied by 3 Hindu deities; Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva.
What is the spirit of Bali? ›Animism is the belief that there is no separation between the spiritual and physical worlds, and that spirits exist not only in humans but in animals, plants, and all other parts of nature.
Are Bali tigers really extinct? ›Extinct 1937
The famous Bali tiger is now an extinct subspecies that was found only on the island of Bali in Indonesia. It became the first tiger to go extinct in recent years and one of three subspecies that make up the tigers of Indonesia.
Komodo Island near Bali is the one of the few lace in the world where one encounters the Komodo dragon (actually a giant lizard). It is sometimes called the Komodo monitor. It is the largest species of lizard growing to a length of up to 10 ft and weights of up to 150 pounds.
Do Bali have sharks? ›Short answer; Yes, there are sharks in Bali. There is a great deal of White Tip and Black Tip Reef Sharks around the reefs of Nusa Dua and Padang Bai, but they are pretty shy and no threat to humans.
What is unique about Bali? ›Bali is Indonesia's only Hindu-majority island
The Hindu part stuck in Indonesia, mixing well with the local animist beliefs for the unique Balinese Hinduism as it is today. Over 85% of Bali's population subscribes to the religion.
Why is Bali so unique? ›
Beyond stunning beaches and magical temples, Bali has virtually every kind of natural beauty. Glorious mountainous areas with lush greenery, scenic lakes, gorgeous waterfalls, iconic rice fields, flower gardens, gushing sacred rivers and secret canyons all make up the island's landscape.
What is unique about Bali culture? ›Balinese people follow the unique form of Hinduism – Agama Hindu Dharma. Balinese Hinduists believe in a power of nature, they believe that each element is influenced by spirits. Spirits and ancestors are very highly appreciated, that's why you see people making the rituals and offerings every day.
Did Bali have tigers? ›The Bali tiger was a Panthera tigris sondaica population on the Indonesian island of Bali which has been extinct since the 1950s. It was formerly regarded as a distinct tiger subspecies with the scientific name Panthera tigris balica, which had been assessed as extinct on the IUCN Red List in 2008.
Does Bali have pandas? ›Including panda bears. Some of these bears family are roaming and living in peace in Bali Safari Park. Do visit to Bali Safari Park and do reservation via safaribaliticket.com.
What are the monkeys in Bali called? ›One of the most common species is the Long tale macaque, the Balinese call them “Monyet”. The Monkeys can be found in almost every place close to a forest and since Karma Kandara is located on a oceanside cliff, built in and around wild nature, you can find them there too.
What does the dragon symbolize in Bali? ›For the Balinese people, the dragon represents love, prosperity and protection, each represented though the story in Naga's daily routine.
Why are monkeys sacred in Bali? ›The monkeys, also known as crab-eating macaques, are considered sacred according to the Hindu principle of Tri Hata Karana, which seeks harmonious relationships between humans, the natural environment, and God.
Why is it called Bali? ›Where the Name of Bali comes from. Sri Kesari Warmadewa from Sanur in Bali gave the island the name Bali Dwipa in the year 913, which is from Sanscrit meaning island of sacrifice, reincarnation, or offering.
What mythical creatures are in Bali? ›Two mythical beings are ever-present in Bali. You can see them in travel advertisements and postcards, and their colorful masks are sold everywhere as souvenirs. They are Barong, resembling a lion with its long mane, and the witch Rangda with matted hair and mammoth tusks.
What is the Balinese demon? ›Rangda is the demon queen of the Leyaks in Bali, according to traditional Balinese mythology. Terrifying to behold, the child-eating Rangda leads an army of evil witches against the leader of the forces of good — Barong.
Who is God in Bali? ›
The 3 primary Gods
There are plenty of different gods in Balinese culture and religion, the three major ones being Brahma, Shiva and Vishnu. Dewa Brahma is the God of all Knowledge, often painted in red in temples in Bali. Dewa Vishnu is the merciful Protector of Life.
3 Extinct Species of Tigers
These include the Caspian tiger (Panthera tigris virgata), the Bali tiger (Pantera tigris balica) and the Javan tiger (Panthera tigris sondaica). These subspecies of tigers have not been spotted in decades and none are known to be in captivity.
Are there big cats in Bali? There are three subspecies of tigers that are native to Indonesia, but the only surviving variety is the Sumatran tiger. There are thought to be only 400 Sumatran tigers left in the world due to the illegal Bali wildlife trade and mass deforestation.
How big was the Bali tiger? ›Dimensions: length - 190 - 230 cm, height - 65-75 cm, weight - 80 - 100 kg.
Are there crocodiles in Bali? ›Salt Water Crocodiles exist in many areas of Indonesia, including the coastal regions of East Nusa Tenggara. Crocodile sightings in Bali are, however, very rare. Saltwater crocodiles have a wide geographical range.
Do Komodo dragons hunt humans? ›Attacks on humans are rare, but Komodo dragons have been responsible for several human fatalities, in both the wild and in captivity. According to data from Komodo National Park spanning a 38-year period between 1974 and 2012, there were 24 reported attacks on humans, five of them fatal.
How venomous is a Komodo dragon? ›Researchers have also documented a venom gland in the dragon's lower jaw. In addition to the harmful bacteria, the venom prevents the blood from clotting, which causes massive blood loss and induces shock. The Komodo's bite may be deadly, but not to another Komodo dragon.
Does Bali have venomous snakes? ›In Bali, however, there are only 46 known kinds of land snakes, and only six of these are highly venomous: spitting cobras, king cobras, green pit vipers, two sorts of kraits (banded and blue), and the Asian coral snake which, contrary to what it seems, is a land snake.
Is Bali tap water drinkable? ›The tap water in Bali isn't recommended for drinking, so avoid it and stick to sealed bottled water. That includes steering clear of more than you might think, including ice in drinks, brushing your teeth with tap water, ingesting water in the shower, and food that has been washed in tap water.
Can you swim in Bali water? ›Yes, you can swim at Bali beaches. It is perfectly safe, and there is much you can do after enjoying a good dip. But even during peak season, make sure to check in with the locals and lifeguards while heeding safety signs and the red flags placed at the beach. This will help you and your loved ones keep safe.
What is the most important thing in Bali? ›
Bali has many working rice fields, and the Tegallalang Rice Terraces in Ubud are the most famous on the island thanks to their beautiful valleys of rice paddies that stretch for miles. In every direction it's a sea of stair-like rice fields, dotted by hard-working farmers tending to their treasured crops.
What is Bali facts for kids? ›The island of Bali is part of the Republic of Indonesia.
The highest, Mount Agung, is an active volcano 3 142 metres high. There are tropical forests, crater lakes and many fast flowing rivers on Bali. White sand beaches in the south and beaches covered with gray or black volcanic sand are popular places for tourists.
The name Bali dwipa ("Bali island") has been discovered from various inscriptions, including the Blanjong pillar inscription written by Sri Kesari Warmadewa in 914 AD and mentioning Walidwipa. It was during this time that the people developed their complex irrigation system subak to grow rice in wet-field cultivation.
Why is Bali called the island of the Gods? ›In addition, the island of Bali is known as the Island of the Gods because of the solid Hindu culture manifested through the many offerings offered to the guardian gods throughout the island of Bali. People on the island of Bali are mostly Hindus, who know many gods.
Why do people love Bali so much? ›There is raw beauty all over and around Bali. The island boasts a myriad of impressive volcanoes, crystalline beaches, world-class diving, diverse nightlife, iconic ricefields, and and gorgeous waterfalls. Breathtaking hiking can be found all over the island, as well as on the nearby Lombok and Java islands.
Why do Balinese file their teeth? ›In Bali, teeth filing is a cultural procedure have the symbolical purpose to reduce 'evil' traits such as greed, desire, and rage, which they refer to as “Sad Ripu”. In that sense it is a way control the evil that is present in a person and create a balance between the evil and the goodness in a human being.
What Colour represents Bali? ›In addition to green and yellow, you can also use blue gray or teal as your main color accent. Teal is good for the Bali color palette, as it symbolizes the natural color of the ocean.
What is the most popular culture in Bali? ›Balinese Hinduism is practiced by more than 80% of the population. The rituals and customs are kept alive even during the rise of globalism and mass tourism.
Do lions live in Bali? ›Indonesia's islands are best known for the Komodo Dragon, Sumatran tigers, Sumatran Orangutans, the Javan Rhinoceros, and several endemic species of rare birds. Are there lions in Indonesia? No.
Does Bali have big snakes? ›King Cobra (Ophiophagus Hannah) The King Cobra is the biggest venomous snake in the world, growing up to 4 meters (13 feet) or longer. It's mainly found in rural west Bali, in the provinces of Jembrana, Buleleng, and Tabanan.
Does Bali have jungle? ›
The town of Ubud in Bali, Idonesia, is known for its jungles and wildlife - particularly monkeys.
Does Bali have poisonous spiders? ›There are venomous spiders in Bali, but none of them pose any real threat to humans. All of Bali's poisonous snakes produce only a very weak venom which is incapable of doing any real harm to humans beyond an irritating itch and a bit of swelling.
Do elephants live in Bali? ›The elephants at the safari park aren't native to Bali (Bali doesn't have elephants), but actually they were rescued from Sumatra, one of the biggest islands in Indonesia. Sumatran elephants are critically endangered because of illegal deforestation and poaching.
Does Bali have wild elephants? ›Our multi-award-winning park is Bali's only dedicated elephant rescue facility and is home to Bali's largest herd of critically-endangered Sumatran elephants, 6 of which were naturally born here.
Can you touch the monkeys in Bali? ›They take bared teeth and eye contact as a sign of aggression. Do not touch or grab the Bali monkeys. They won't let anyone pick them up, and they hate being touched.
What to do if monkey scratches you? ›If a person is bitten or scratched by a monkey, the wound should be thoroughly cleaned with soap and water. A health care provider or public health authority should be contracted promptly to assess the exposure and determine if preventative treatments for rabies, herpes B virus or other infections are needed.
Are Bali monkeys friendly? ›Sacred Monkey Forest is one of the most popular attractions in Bali that is visited by honeymooners and families alike. The lush green forest is a sanctuary for monkeys, langurs, and lemurs. These monkeys are friendly and are used to having people around. However, you should still be careful of them.
What animal symbolizes Indonesia? ›Today there are three animals that gained the status as Indonesian animal emblems: National animal (Indonesian: Satwa bangsa) of Indonesia is Komodo dragon (Varanus komodoensis) Rare animal also National bird (Indonesian: Satwa langka) is Javan hawk-eagle (Nisaetus bartelsi)
Is Bali known for elephants? ›Sumatran Elephant Conservation
The elephants at the safari park aren't native to Bali (Bali doesn't have elephants), but actually they were rescued from Sumatra, one of the biggest islands in Indonesia. Sumatran elephants are critically endangered because of illegal deforestation and poaching.
In Southeast Asia, the rooster has roots in rituals as a sacred vessel to religious worship.
What animal is sacred? ›
For many Hindus, who make up nearly 80 percent of India's 1.3 billion strong population, the cow is a sacred animal. In Hindu mythology, the animal is depicted as accompanying several gods, like Shiva, who rides on his bull Nandi, or Krishna, the cowherd god.
What is a symbolic animal? ›Animal symbolicum ("symbol-making" or "symbolizing animal") is a definition for humans proposed by the German neo-Kantian Ernst Cassirer. The tradition since Aristotle has defined a human being as animal rationale (a rational animal).
Why swastikas in Bali? ›While a version of the symbol is now infamous as the Nazi symbol, the original swastika is the oldest religious symbol in existence and is found in many cultures and religions. In Balinese Hinduism, it represents good fortune.
Do Bali have tigers? ›Are there tigers in Bali? Unfortunately not. There used to be three species of Indonesian tigers- the Bali tiger, Sumatran tiger, and Java tiger. The Java tiger and Bali tiger are extinct and the Sumatran tiger does not live in Bali.
Does Bali have a lot of monkeys? ›Almost 600 monkeys live at the Bali monkey forest! This is a 12 hectare (30 acre) jungle area surrounding an old 14th century Hindu temple, located in the heart of Ubud.
What is the god in Bali? ›The 3 primary Gods
There are plenty of different gods in Balinese culture and religion, the three major ones being Brahma, Shiva and Vishnu. Dewa Brahma is the God of all Knowledge, often painted in red in temples in Bali. Dewa Vishnu is the merciful Protector of Life.
| Barong, a Balinese mythological creature | |
|---|---|
| Country | Indonesia |
| Region | Bali |
Sunda. According to Sunda Wiwitan beliefs of the Sundanese, a supreme god named Sang Hyang Kersa created the universe and also other gods such as Mother Goddess Batari Sunan Ambu and Batara Guru (identified as Shiva after the adoption of Hinduism). Many other gods were adopted from Hindu gods such as Indra and Vishnu.