Balinese Unicode Block

The Balinese Unicode block is a range of characters designed to represent the Balinese script, which is used predominantly on the Indonesian island of Bali. This script is primarily utilized for writing the Balinese language, as well as the Kawi and Sanskrit languages in historical texts. The Balinese block, which covers the range from U+1B00 to U+1B7F, contains a variety of characters including basic letters, numerals, punctuation marks, and several signs used for vowel length, consonant formatting, and syllable-final markers. The script is an abugida, meaning that consonant-vowel sequences are written as a unit, and its structure is deeply intertwined with the cultural and religious texts of Bali, including liturgical Hindu and Buddhist materials.

Each character in the Balinese Unicode block is integral for preserving the traditional writings found on palm-leaf manuscripts, known as lontar, which are of significant historical and cultural importance. With the introduction of these characters into the Unicode Standard, there is a greater capability for digital representation and preservation of the Balinese script, facilitating linguistic studies and aiding in the revitalization of the script among younger generations. Additionally, it encourages the use of the Balinese language in modern digital communications, allowing Balinese speakers and learners to digitally express themselves in their native script, further enhancing cultural pride and continuity.

View a range of fonts that support the Balinese block.

Below you will find all the characters that are in the Balinese unicode block. Currently there are 127 characters in this block.