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Batu Paras: History of Sandstone!
Sandstone, locally known as batu paras in Bali, is a unique element of Indonesian history and architectural heritage.
This guide explores the fascinating story behind this remarkable material and its significance in Balinese culture, architecture, and its modern day applications.
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What is Batu Paras?
Batu Paras, literally means “stone cloth” in Indonesian. It is a fine-grained volcanic tuff. Formed millions of years ago from the deposits of Mount Batur’s volcanic eruptions, Batu Paras possesses a soft, yet surprisingly durable character.
In Bali, it holds a special cultural and historical significance, being widely used in the construction of temples, statues, and buildings. Its distinctive texture and durability have made it a favored choice for centuries.
The Evolution of Sandstone Usage
The story of Batu Paras goes all the way back to the 9th century, with archaeological finds from the Majapahit Empire showcasing carvings and sculptures crafted from this versatile stone.
Temples like Prambanan and Borobudur stand as testaments to the creativity of ancient artisans to capture the essence of their artistic vision.
Over the centuries, Batu Paras transcended its religious significance. It became a prominent building material for royal palaces and aristocratic residences.
The coolness of the stone provided natural insulation in the tropical climate, while its workability allowed for the creation of intricate architectural details like friezes, pillars, and decorative gateways.
Batu Paras in Modern Architecture
The allure of Batu Paras continues to resonate with modern architects and designers. Its timeless beauty and natural charm seamlessly integrate into contemporary design philosophies.
Renowned architect I Made Wijaya, known for his commitment to traditional Balinese architecture, frequently incorporates Batu Paras into his creations.
These structures seamlessly combine the old and the new, offering a bridge between the island’s heritage and its contemporary evolution.
Beyond its aesthetic appeal, Batu Paras also boasts several practical advantages. Its volcanic origins make it surprisingly strong and resistant to erosion.
Additionally, its natural thermal properties help regulate indoor temperatures, creating a comfortable living environment. This eco-friendly material is a sustainable choice for architects seeking to reduce their environmental footprint.
Check Out: Ubud Past to Present Walking Tour!
Batu Paras’ Preservation and Conservation
Preserving Batu Paras structures has been key to keeping Bali’s rich cultural heritage alive.
The island’s tropical climate can be tough on these stunning sandstone buildings, so careful conservation is essential to ensure they stand the test of time.
Key Restoration Elements:
- Using specialized techniques to gently remove dirt and biological growth without harming the stone.
- Fixing cracks and damaged areas with traditional methods and materials to keep the original look.
- Rebuilding parts of structures when necessary to maintain their historical accuracy.
Government and NGO Support:
- Government and non-governmental bodies provide financial support to fund preservation projects.
- The government commissions experts in geology, architecture, and conservation to ensure the best practices are followed.
These combined efforts help protect Bali’s Batu Paras heritage, ensuring these iconic structures continue to inspire and educate for generations to come.
Modern Day Uses
Batu Paras or sandstone has now become a very important aspect of Bali’s modern architecture and design.
Over the years, Batu Paras has found new life in contemporary structures, used as an element to blend age-old tradition with innovation.
Here are it’s 5 key uses today:
1. Luxury Villas and Resorts:
Batu Paras is a popular choice for high-end villas and resorts in Ubud. Its natural, earthy texture adds a touch of Balinese charm to modern designs, creating a harmonious blend of old and new.
2. Public Buildings:
Many public buildings and spaces, such as museums and cultural centers, in Bali and Indonesia incorporate Batu Paras into their design.
3. Interior Design Flooring:
The durability and beauty of Batu Paras make it an excellent choice for flooring and countertops. It provides a unique, natural look that is both functional and stylish.
4. Feature Walls:
Batu Paras is also often used to create stunning feature walls in homes and commercial spaces. Its unique texture and natural colors make it a standout element that adds character to any room.
5. Modern Sculptures:
Contemporary artists in Bali are using Batu Paras to create modern sculptures that reflect both traditional and modern themes. These pieces are often showcased in galleries and public spaces, combining cultural history with modern artistic expression.
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Batu Paras is a symbol of Bali’s rich history and cultural heritage.
From ancient temples to modern resorts, this versatile stone has been an integral part of Bali’s architectural landscape.
Interested in learning more about Bali’s cultural history and traditions? Follow Ubud Story Walks on Instagram!
FAQ's
Batu Paras, also known as sandstone, is a sedimentary rock composed of sand-sized minerals or rock grains. It’s widely used in Bali for building temples, sculptures, and modern structures.
Batu Paras holds significant cultural value in Bali. It’s used in religious temples and traditional buildings, showcasing the island’s rich cultural heritage.
In modern architecture, Batu Paras is used to blend traditional Balinese aesthetics with contemporary design. It’s also appreciated for its eco-friendly properties.
Preservation efforts include restoration projects and community programs to educate and involve locals and visitors in maintaining these cultural treasures.
Which area is famous in Bali?
Kuta is a famous area in Bali. It’s known for its beautiful beach, shopping, and lively nightlife.
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Read what people say about Ubud Story Walks...
Ubud Story Walks is something different. It’s a fun, entertaining and refreshing way to delve into Ubud’s past. The knowledgeable guides place as much emphasis on how they tell a story as they do on what they’re sharing, which means all sorts of magical and mystifying details are revealed. I believe the best way to get to know a place is to walk its streets, which makes Ubud Story Walks one of the best ways to get to know Ubud.
Julia Winterflood
We had a fantastic time walking around the historical centre of Ubud! Even though we've been based in Bali for a few years, we'd never had an actual tour of some of Bali's most iconic landmarks and learning about the history was fascinating. Our guide was hilarious and full of information and it was a lovely and relaxing way to learn so much. The tour was early in the morning which was perfect timing as the temperature was still cool and we were able to witness the morning bustle of Ubud's famous markets. 10/10 would recommend!
Rahima Saikal
Vicky Ilankovan2024-12-13A great way to get to know Ubud, past and present. Win and Kelly were fantastic tour guide: knowledgeable, friendly, and open. I’d just landed in the country and this was the best welcome to immerse myself in some of the culture and historic as well as get a bit of a lay of the land. It was great to visit historic sites as well as the museum, and here fun stories. Bonus points for traditional sweets! Many thanks to both. Would definitely recommend this walking tour
LH Sim2024-12-10Joe was our guide for the Ubud Story Walk Tour : Past To Present. He is very professional and knowledgeable who has many interesting stories to share. During the tour, he showed pictures related to the history for our better understanding. Besides pictures, he also showed us coins that were used in the past. Apart from being proficient in conducting the tour, he is also a very caring guide as he offered us sunscreen, mosquito repellent prior to his tour and brought us snacks and water when we had our short break during the tour. Thank you Joe for the excellent commentary. Will definitely join the other Ubud Story Walks on my next trip to Bali.
Jessica Hübner2024-12-05Ubud story walk past to presents was one of our favorite things to do in Ubud. Our guide Joe was super fun and very informative! Thank you Joe for the great time we had. I highly recommend this tour
Andrea Slosar2024-12-03I was on two tours and I really liked them. They are beautifully and comprehensively designed. Old black and white photos are an interesting addition. I was especially impressed by Windari with her communication skills and knowledge of the English language and Balinese culture. I wish the whole team much success in their future business and on discovering and solving pieces of the puzzle of Balinese culture.
Neeraj Goswami2024-12-01I went on two walking tours, loved both! The guides Ira and Win shared excellent insights on Balinese culture, history and traditions - helping me understand local context, beyond the usual pics on social media. I hope they add many more such interesting tours in the future!
Vinay Kashyap2024-11-26It's an essential part of a traveller's journey to know the history of a place he visits and my decision to choose Ubud Story walks was a good one. Joe, the guide took us through Ubud, the past to present and the walk was very informative. Its a good initiative done by a small team and I am happy to learn the efforts that the team is putting. Those who are coming to Ubud must consider opting for their guided tour.
tamara fields2024-11-26Enjoy a lovely morning with Ira as she expland the story of Bali, Ubud, Hinduism, the style of the houses and much more. Would recommend this walk to anyone that is interested in connected with the history and culture of bali while having someone who can answer your questions to have a deeper look into the life of the people living here.
David Hodgins2024-11-25We had a lovely and informative morning walk with Win. Her perfect pace, both physically and with information sharing , provided us with a rich understanding of Bali’s history and culture
Jill Boulter2024-11-22Great walking tour of Ubud. Ira was very knowledgable and spoke good English. Nice places to stop, little alleyways and quieter parts of Ubud. Very well looked after. Would recommend 👍.
Shafiga Elshan2024-11-15It was an amazing experience to learn more about Bali's history and culture. Our guide, Ira, was incredibly knowledgeable, positive, and caring. Thank you for such a wonderful experience!