Tri Hita Karana Bali Tourism:
Balance Between God, Nature, and People

Balinese has a fundamental philosophy that we can learn from called “Tri Hita Karana”. The idea behind Tri Hita Karana (or three causes of well-being) is that peace and prosperity can only be achieved when there is harmony between the three main aspects of life: our relationship with God, nature, and other people. Balinese adapt this philosophy in their daily life, including in tourism industry.

About Bali and its culture that we can learn from

Bali is known for its breathtaking nature, vibrant culture, and a unique philosophy of life. The Balinese concept of Tri Hita Karana is the foundation of Bali’s culture and tourism. This philosophy places the relationship between humans, the environment, and God to achieve happiness in life.

What is Tri Hita Karana Philosophy

Each word in the Tri Hita Karana has its own meaning.  Tri means three, Hita means prosperity, and Karana means the causes. The Balinese philosophy of life behind Tri Hita Karana has three elements: Parahyangan, Pawongan, and Palemahen. 

・Parahyangan = the harmony with god

・Pawongan = the harmony with people

・Palemahen = the harmony with nature

The philosophy of Tri Hita Karana is closely related to the three pillars of the Sustainable Development Goals: environmental, social, and economic. For example, Bali comes in 4,281 tons of garbage per day. This includes local waste from the population and markets, tourism waste from meals and waste shipping from the rivers and Java, carried to Bali’s beaches by the water flow of ships. There are many other problems such as agriculture, water crisis, climate change, etc., and this philosophy is important to overcome these problems. That is, Tri Hita Karana contributes to the preservation of Balinese culture, local people and the environment, while maintaining a balance with the social economy, especially tourism.

The Subak system is listed on the World Heritage List as embodying Tri Hita Karana that links the spiritual, the human world, and the natural realm. Subak is a social communal water use system in which water for irrigation is managed and shared. Water temple ceremonies are said to promote a harmonious relationship between people and nature through the active involvement of people in ritual concepts that emphasize their dependence on the life-sustaining power of the natural world.

Example of the practices in Tourism in Bali 

The philosophy of Tri Hita Karana is a vital part of the Bali culture, and it heavily influences how tourism is approached in the region.

The Balinese people understand the importance of maintaining this balance and practice it daily. This can be seen in their efforts to protect the environment by limiting development and conserving natural resources. It can also be seen in the way they practice sustainable tourism. Visitors are encouraged to respect the local culture and minimize their impact on the environment.

The Balinese also use their culture to enhance tourism experiences. They celebrate traditional festivals and share their knowledge about local customs and beliefs with visitors. Ultimately, Tri Hita Karana is a way of life for the Balinese people and a key factor in the success of their cultural tourism. By respecting the three aspects of life, the Balinese can live peacefully and sustainably while sharing their culture with visitors worldwide.

What can we learn from the philosophy 

The Tri Hita Karana philosophy is an integral part of the Balinese culture and serves as a guide for living in harmony with nature, society, and the divine. This ancient wisdom has been preserved through generations and is integral to the culture of Bali. It encourages visitors to participate in sustainable tourism practices that are respectful to the environment and the local community.

The three elements of Tri Hita Karana Bali tourism and philosophy create a holistic view of life, which can be seen in many aspects of Bali’s culture, such as its architecture, spiritual beliefs, and art. The concept of Tri Hita Karana encourages tourists to appreciate the beauty of the island while also being mindful of their impact on the environment and local communities.

By observing Tri Hita Karana philosophy, travelers can contribute to sustainable tourism practices that benefit both themselves and the Balinese people. This gives travelers a unique opportunity to deepen their connection with nature and explore Bali with a greater appreciation for its natural beauty.

In conclusion, Tri Hita Karana Bali Tourism and Philosophy is a unique Balinese concept that combines the three core elements of nature, people and god. This unique philosophy seeks to harmonize these three important aspects of life and promote sustainable tourism. Nature is seen as the physical environment, philosophy as the spiritual and moral beliefs of the people, and culture as the customs and traditions of the people. By understanding the importance of these three aspects, we can better appreciate and understand the beauty and significance of Bali’s natural and cultural heritage and ensure sustainable tourism development.

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