30 Jul. 2014 The village of Bengkala is located in northern Bali, in the Singaraja region. Beyond the breathtaking landscapes that surround it and the traditional culture that endures there, Bengkala captivates through its residents and their distinctive way of life. Here, spoken words have given way to the eloquence of gestures and facial expressions: sign language has become their everyday reality. A reality so particular that only travelers spending several days in the region can truly grasp. Discover their remarkable story.

In Bengkala, the number of deaf and hard-of-hearing residents is 15 times higher than the global average. As remarkable as this may seem, its inhabitants have developed their own unique sign language, which appears to have been transmitted for centuries. Being deaf is far from abnormal here; quite the opposite—it is spoken of as a gift from Dewa Kolok, the Deity of Deafness. Stronger physically, more enduring, patient, persevering, and remarkably loyal and honest, the deaf and hard-of-hearing members of this community are recognized as possessing undeniable qualities that complement those of hearing residents. Everyone works together harmoniously, uniting their abilities to enhance their collective life.

These distinctive characteristics are acknowledged beyond Bengkala, and neighboring villages seek the community's guidance and protection. Nyoman Santiya is recognized as the leader of the deaf and hard-of-hearing residents of the village. He shares with passing travelers how his son's deafness has enriched both him and his family: "After his birth, I stopped drinking. Gradually, I was able to save money and repair my house". A condition he describes not as a disability, but as an opportunity. While some deaf or hard-of-hearing children can now attend school, they remain few and far between. The accelerating development of Bali and the cultural shifts sometimes felt across the island may pose risks to Bengkala's unique heritage. Residents are determined to preserve their extraordinary history, which lies at the heart of their community's identity. Drawn from Hardiman's text "Bali's Silent Village", published in Latitudes magazine (July 2001).

Culture and Tradition Charlène Nomadays SEO writer from Nomadays' earliest days, now content manager and head of communications, Charlène has accompanied the adventure from its inception with passion and dedication. After living seven years across Asia—from China to Thailand, passing through Mongolia and South Korea—she has made travel a way of being in the world. A lover of words, nature, and human connection, she strives to convey in her writing a sensitive, engaged, and responsible vision of tourism. Each article is, for her, a bridge between curiosity, respect, and wonder.