View of a Local in Batu Belig, Bali

Balinese Putu Edi Kusuma, Dee to his friends, talks about beautiful scenery, ecotourism and the Dirty Duck Dinner in this interview about Bali.

Briefly, please could you tell me a bit about yourself?

I am a Balinese, my real name is Putu Edi Kusuma, my friends call me Dee. I was born and grew up in the Jembrana regency in west Bali. But for the past 12 years I’ve studied and worked in Denpasar and lived in Batu Belig village.

I work for a CMS based web developer. In my spare time I update my personal blog dee-bali.com, a web-blog about Bali. The blog is a combination of my personal experience as a Balinese and some information from books and the internet.

How long have you lived in Bali?

All my life!

What do you like most about living in Bali?

Bali is a paradise for the Balinese. It is a small island but we have everything including rivers, lakes ( three lakes), beaches, nice landscapes, fertile land and volcanoes.

But most importantly I can keep practicing my religious activity (Hinduism) along with the fast growing internet technology. I can create a balance, which I believe I could not get in any other place. But of course I would still be glad, if I could get a chance to work in another country, such as Japan or a European country.

Is there anything you do not like about living in Bali?

Traffic! Public transportation in Bali is so poor, especially in Denpasar – the capital city of Bali. As a consequence lots of people use their own transportation. It seems each family in Bali has two or more cars or motor bikes.

Why should travellers visit Bali?

I think because of Bali’s unique culture, colourful ceremonies, dances and the way the Balinese people live. The Balinese are friendly people, although at the present time in some places like Kuta, it’s getting rare to see the typical Balinese smile.

There are also many activities on the island, such as surfing, diving, trekking, biking, rafting and many more.

What do you wish travellers would do when they visit Bali?

Ecotourism! In which you will find a lot more interesting stuff, not a boring tour package by a tour agent. If you would like to know about ecotourism in Bali, visit jed.or.id.

What do you wish travellers would stop doing when they visit Bali?

Stop taking pictures of people without permission (especially of old ladies).

Do not just sleep in a hotel and swim at the hotel pool. Go rent a bike or a car or stroll along the road. You’ll see much more.

If a visitor had time to do or see only one thing in Bali, what should it be?

Watch the sunset from Kuta beach!

If a visitor had time for only one meal in Bali, which dish would you recommend?

There is a good restaurant in Ubud called Bebek Bengil or Dirty Duck. This restaurant serves the famous “Dirty Duck Dinner”. The duck here is “finger-licking” good, but not oily.

Do you have any other insider tips for visitors to Bali?

The Balinese people welcome tourists who would like to experience the daily activities of a Balinese. Join us in the making of offering (canang), or learn to speak Balinese. Little things like that will make your visit more enjoyable for everyone, both you and the Balinese.

Put your pin in our map

Our new View of a Local series consists of interviews with local people in various towns and cities in different countries.

The map below shows the places covered so far.

Use the zoom and directional buttons to navigate the map. Click on the red points to view more information and the satellite button for a satellite image.

For more information about how you can take part in our View of a Local series, please go to our View of a Local page >>

Technorati Tags: Bali, View of a Local

Leave a Reply