When on holiday in Bali, tourists can easily purchase arak, one of the most popular local products.
Balinese arak is not just an intoxicating liquor. It is also the cultural roots and identity of the Island of the Gods.
Arak Bali is a typical Balinese alcoholic drink that has been designated as an Indonesian Intangible Cultural Heritage (WBTb).
The Indonesian Ministry of Education, Culture, Research and Technology made this designation in 2022.
So it is natural that many foreign tourists on holiday to Bali try this local drink. Often, the strong alcoholic drink surprises them.
As shown in @caitriona_b’s video showing her family trying Bali’s arak and being taken aback by how strong it is.
@caitriona_b That first sip of Bali’s locally made drink really does hit harder than expected every time 🤪🤪🤪 Must be super strong if a bunch of Irish can’t handle it ☘️ #balitravel #travelbali #baliindonesia #balibule #balilife #balinese #canggubali #warung #balicafe #balirecommendation #balirestaurant #irishabroad #irishtiktok #irishtravel #balirekomendasi #rekomendasi ♬ For videos! Rejector weakness system – MoppySound
“That first sip of Bali’s locally made drink really hits harder than expected every time 🤪🤪🤪 Must be super strong if a bunch of Irish can’t handle it,” she wrote in the caption.
Many netizens also commented that arak Bali is indeed very strong.
“When I drink arak Bali with my friend, we usually mix it with coke to reduce the strong taste of those liquors, that’s how Balinese handle Balinese arak,” suggested one netizen.
“Arak in our tradition, at least has 40% abv in it,” wrote another netizen.
Arak Bali contains alcohol, and the level is determined by the distillation process. Arak got from the first distillation process contains the highest alcohol content, which is around 45 to 55 per cent.
Meanwhile, the lowest alcohol content arak is got from the last distillation, with an alcohol content of 20 per cent.
Bali Arak Day
This drink is traditionally and traditionally made from local raw materials, including coconut sap and sugarcane sap, which are then fermented and distilled to produce ethanol alcohol.
In its development, Arak Bali has not only become a traditional signature drink on the Island of the Gods. But it has become a tourist attraction that is favoured by many local and international tourists.
Therefore, Bali Governor Wayan Koster issued Bali Governor Decree Number 929/03-I/HK/2022 concerning Bali Arak Day.
The commemoration of Bali Arak Day, every January 29, has cultural significance, as well as tourism and economic development in Bali.
The Governor of Bali, Wayan Koster, has instructed hotels, restaurants, and tourism businesses in Bali to serve Arak Bali as the main drink for tourists.
This aims to raise awareness of the importance of Arak Bali as part of Bali’s cultural identity, and to dominate the island’s alcoholic beverage market share.
Did you try this local drink when you visited Bali?
