Bali Traditional Pavillion,
Traditional Bale Bali, and
Modern Wooden Gazebo
Gazebos are called "Bale" in Bali. These "Bales" are attuned to the climate and the culture, economical but sophisticated in design. These traditional pavilions of Bali are the result of centuries of experimentation and the blending of the best of Javanese, Nepalese, Chinese and Indian styles.
The "Bale" used as retreat facility shall not be mistaken with the "Bale" in its original form. The "Bale" in its original form is in fact a stately square twelve-poster building that normally serves as a ceremonial pavilion. The "Bale" shown on the pictures is a modern development of the last 30 years, but still based on the order in the Balinese universe which is a three part division; the roof (the "God's portion"), the mid section (the "human section") and the base (the "netherworld").
Gazebo Roofing Options
The standard gazebo has a thatched roof from "alang-alang grass" that has been dried for at least 6 months. This grass that we use is considered the best grass quality available in Bali. Minimum life time is 10 years. Please note that we do not use grass dried for too short a period as this may reduce the life time to 3 years.
A number of countries do not allow fresh "alang-alang" (new seeding "alang-alang" grass) enter the country. We only use non-seeding "alang-alang" (minimum 6 months dried), while this old non-seeding grass is thoroughly fumigated with Ethylene Oxide and/or Ethylene Bromide prior to shipment, a strict requirement in many countries.
As an alternative to "alang-alang" grass, we also offer gazebos with iron wood shingle panels roofing; they are installed without using one nail. Easy to assemble. The roof can be used for garages, gazebos, or garden houses. Each shingle panel is available in a number of sizes.
Technical Information of the Gazebos
The standard gazebo is made from Bangkirai (Belau) hardwood or Coconut wood (for prices scroll down), however we can also produce gazebos from Iron wood, Merbau or Djati Teak. Most of our Gazebos are made from selected Bangkirai obtained from the lush forests and sustainably managed hardwood plantations in Indonesia overseen by the Indonesian Government.
Although almost all Gazebos that are locally produced - especially those in Bali - are made from reasonably priced Coconut wood, the set back is that Coconut wood is not very durable and as such does not stand the time very well, while it is not immune for attacks by white ants. The result can be devastating. The same holds for the combination Merbau/Coconut wood and such gazebo is only produced on special request. Mahogany is not advised as well, as this wood is not durable when used in the open. Only Teak, Iron wood and Bangkirai is not susceptible to white ant attacks, while Merbau may rarely be attacked, depending on the grade of the wood.
The units come standard with a transparent varnish finishing, however, we can alternatively offer a treatment with French polishing.
Note: We use the highest quality of wood, more specifically: the bangkirai wood. For more information please read any of these articles:
Properties of bangkirai wood, Turning away termites - Bangkirai ideal for building in Hawaii, and Resistance of bangkirai (shorea laevis) to attack by the Formosan.
For a comparison of lifetime among several untreated wood in the open (without varnish or lacquer), see the data below:
- Djati teak: 30 to 35 years
- Bangkirai: 30 years
- Merbau: 25 years
- Coconut: 3 to 5 years
(* Coconut wood is not a hardwood but a soft wood and is difficult to carve)
No nails are used. All connections are made by tongue and groove, bolts, wood screws and/or wooden dowels. Steel fasteners are normal carbon steel, however, on can supply stainless steel fasteners against a variation order.
