Desa Wisata Bedulu (Bedulu Tourism Village)

Bedulu which is one of the ancient villages in Bali is located in Gianyar Regency, Bali. It holds significant historical, cultural, and spiritual value as a central site for Bali's rich heritage. Its prominence stems from its historical role as the administrative center of the Pejeng Kingdom during the early periods of Balinese history and its enduring association with key archaeological and religious landmarks. Bedulu serves as a window into the island's ancient civilisation, showcasing its early adoption of Hindu-Buddhist culture and its integration with indigenous Balinese traditions.

HISTORICAL CONTEXT
Bedulu was an important political and cultural hub between the 8th and 14th centuries, during which it flourished under the influence of the Pejeng Dynasty and later as part of the Majapahit kingdom's expansion. The village's legacy is tied to its strategic location near the Pakerisan River, which is imbued with sacred connotations in Balinese cosmology. The archaeological remnants found in and around Bedulu reflect the harmonious blending of Indian influences with local Balinese spirituality, art, and architecture.

GOA GAJAH (ELEPHANT CAVE)
Goa Gajah, a UNESCO-recognised heritage site, is a rock-cut sanctuary that dates back to the 9th century. Originally a hermitage for meditation, it is renowned for its intricate carvings depicting mythological and symbolic figures. The central feature is a cave with a T-shaped interior and an entrance adorned with a demon-like face, symbolising the protective spirit of the site. The compound also includes sacred bathing pools with stone water spouts, suggesting its function as a spiritual purification site.

CANDI TEBING (ROCK SHRINES)
Step into a world where history, art, and spirituality intertwine at Candi Tebing, a captivating heritage site nestled in the serene Tegallingah area. Linked to the renowned Gunung Kawi complex along the sacred Pakerisan River, Candi Tebing is a masterpiece of ancient Balinese rock-cut architecture, a testament to the island's rich cultural and spiritual heritage. These inspiring shrines, meticulously carved into the cliff face, are believed to be royal memorials, honouring Bali's noble lineage. Each intricate detail speaks of the era's artistic sophistication, reflecting the island's deep connection to the divine, the natural world, and human creativity.

As you explore this sacred site, you’ll be transported back in time, surrounded by the tranquil beauty of lush landscapes and the gentle murmur of the Pakerisan River. The harmonious blend of nature and artistry makes Candi Tebing an unmissable destination for history enthusiasts, cultural explorers, and anyone seeking a deeper connection to Bali's ancient soul. Threfore, unveil the secrets of Bali’s past and immerse yourself in the timeless legacy of Candi Tebing—a journey to the heart of Bali's spiritual and artistic grandeur awaits

SAMUAN TIGA TEMPLE
Samuan Tiga holds immense historical and religious significance as the meeting place where the syncretism of Shiva-Buddha doctrines in Bali was formalised. This temple complex is emblematic of the island's religious tolerance and philosophical synthesis, providing insights into how Balinese Hinduism evolved uniquely from Indian Hindu traditions. Samuan Tiga, which translates to "Three Meetings," is believed to have been the site of a pivotal council convened to unify these diverse religious teachings. Historical and oral traditions suggest that this council brought together leaders of various religious sects—Shivaite, Buddhist, and local animistic traditions—to discuss and resolve doctrinal differences. This meeting laid the foundation for the syncretic form of Hinduism that characterises Balinese religious practices today.

The most significant outcome of this council was the formalisation of Shiva-Buddha syncretism, a theological framework that blended the doctrines of Shivaite Hinduism and Mahayana Buddhism. This syncretism recognised the coexistence of multiple paths to spiritual enlightenment and allowed followers to integrate practices from both traditions harmoniously.

The temple also symbolises the institutionalisation of the Tri Murti doctrine, which represents the three primary deities of Hinduism—Brahma (the creator), Vishnu (the preserver), and Shiva (the destroyer). This framework helped consolidate the diverse practices under a unified belief system while respecting the spiritual roots of local animism and ancestor worship.

By creating a theological and ritualistic framework that encompassed multiple belief systems, the council at Samuan Tiga Temple established a model for religious tolerance and unity. This was particularly important for maintaining social harmony and preventing conflict in a diverse and pluralistic society. The unification efforts at Samuan Tiga Temple have had a profound and lasting impact on Balinese Hinduism. The temple's legacy is evident in the syncretic practices that continue to define Balinese religious life, where Hindu deities, Buddhist philosophies, and indigenous spiritual elements coexist seamlessly. Festivals, rituals, and ceremonies at Samuan Tiga celebrate this heritage of unity and are a reminder of the importance of inclusivity and cooperation in spiritual and social life.

The architectural layout of Samuan Tiga reflects its historical purpose as a meeting place for unification. The temple is divided into three courtyards, symbolising different realms of existence in Balinese cosmology—nista mandala (outer realm), madya mandala (middle realm), and utama mandala (inner sanctum). This tripartite structure mirrors the philosophical principles of Tri Hita Karana, which emphasise harmony among humans, nature, and the divine.

PAKERISAN VALLEY
The Pakerisan River, which runs through Bedulu, is itself a sacred heritage landscape. It hosts numerous ancient hermitages, lingam-yoni carvings, and other relics, reflecting the spiritual centrality of water in Balinese Hindu practices. Sites like Yeh Pulu, with its extensive narrative reliefs, further enrich the historical narrative of the area.

This suggests that Bedulu is not merely an archaeological site; it remains a living cultural landscape. The village is integral to contemporary Balinese rituals and religious practices, often serving as a pilgrimage site. The tangible heritage, such as temples and carved monuments, is complemented by intangible traditions like ceremonies, dances, and storytelling that preserve and transmit ancient knowledge.

As a center of heritage, Bedulu epitomises the depth of Bali's historical and cultural identity. Its archaeological sites provide a detailed chronicle of the island's ancient civilisation, while its ongoing cultural practices affirm the enduring legacy of these traditions. Future preservation efforts for Bedulu and its heritage sites are crucial to maintaining this invaluable connection to Bali's past and ensuring it remains a source of inspiration for generations to come. 

BEDULU VILLAGE TOURISM MANAGEMENT

The Tourism Village of Bedulu is emerging as a model for community-based tourism (CBT) in Bali, aiming to engage local residents directly in tourism activities while ensuring they reap tangible benefits. Renowned for its rich cultural and historical heritage, including iconic sites such as Goa Gajah, Candi Tebing, and Samuan Tiga Temple, Bedulu is uniquely positioned to offer an authentic and meaningful tourism experience that also uplifts the local community.

Dr. I Nengah Subadra of Triatma Mulya University, a prominent advocate of sustainable tourism, has been collaborating intensively with Mr. Putu Umbara, the Head of the Tourism Awareness Group (Kelompok Sadar Wisata) in Bedulu to implement the CBT concept effectively. Their discussions have focused on strategies to ensure the community becomes active participants in tourism development, rather than passive observers. By involving locals as stakeholders in tourism activities, the CBT initiative aims to provide economic opportunities, such as employment, entrepreneurship, and the promotion of local crafts and culinary products. Additionally, The initiative integrates tourism with the conservation of Bedulu’s ancient heritage sites and traditions, ensuring that the community remains the custodian of its cultural and historical treasures.

Dr. Subadra and Putu Umbara during the discussion in Bedulu Village

Dr. Subadra and his team have proposed training programs for local residents in hospitality, tour guiding, and small business management. Community members and tourism stakeholders are working together to design tourism packages that highlight Bedulu’s unique attractions while reflecting local values and traditions. The collaborative efforts between academia, represented by Dr. Subadra, and the Tourism Awareness Group underscore a shared vision of creating a sustainable and inclusive tourism model in Bedulu. This initiative not only celebrates the village’s heritage but also ensures that tourism becomes a force for good, enhancing the quality of life for its residents while offering visitors a deeper connection to Bali’s cultural roots.