Bali Anjani BLOG

Kertha Gosa the Palace of Justice

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 09:46:00 +0800

The Kertha Gosa pavilion is an example of Balinese architecture located on the island of Bali, in the city Klungkung, Indonesia.

The Kertha Gosa Pavilion at Klungkung Palace was first built in the early 18th century by Dewa Agung Gusti Sideman. The first function of the pavilion was for the court of law in 1945.

Kertha Gosa was repainted in the 1920s and again in the 1960s.

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The people who discovered the pavilion knew there was an extensive history behind the pavilion. The discovery of Kertha Gosa pavilion was only known by people writing about it here or there to others outside of Bali.

The Kertha Gosa Pavilion has the story of Bhima Swarga painted around the ceiling. Bhima Swarga is a Hindu epic referenced form the Mahabharata. The story at the Kertha Gosa Pavilion is not the whole Mahabharata but one small section called Bhima Swarga.

Kertha Gosa means ‘the place where the king meets with his ministries to discuss questions of justice’. The story of Bhima Swarga is elaborate and all-embracing. Bhima Swarga in Balinese means ‘Bhima goes to the abode of the gods’. Swarga literally means to any place where the gods happen to reside, Heaven or Hell.

Bhima, the second oldest of the five Pandava brothers, is forced by his mother Kunti with the mission to rescue from Hell the souls of his earthly father Pandu, and his second mother, Madri. After saving Pandu and Madri from Hell, Bhima must secure them for Heaven. Throughout Bhima’s journey to Heaven and Hell he is accompanied by his two loyal servants (the clown characters). These made up characters are highly important to the story Bhima Swarga because the ordinary Balinese can relate to the characters in the story Bhima Swarga because the characters represent ordinary Bali.

The ceiling of Kertha Gosa is painted in a traditional Balinese style called wayang, meaning ‘shadow figure’. Paintings in the wayang style are related closely to shadow theatre art, relating to the Mahabharata and Ramayana stories. Wayang style paintings have been faithfully preserved that it continues today to reflect Bali’s Hindu-Javanese heritage in its traditional iconography and content. Iconography was used a lot in Bali’s culture. Iconoclasm is used because the Balinese people wanted to represent living things through pictures and shadows; it was prohibited to represent any living entity.

The Bhima Swarga painting in the Kertha Gosa Pavilion is a moral epic, depicting wisdom and perseverance and the ultimate virtue over vice. Today huge audiences listen to the epic just as it was hundreds of years ago. It is said, “He who with fervid devotion listens to a recitation of the Mahabharata attains to high success in consequence of the merit that becomes his thorough understanding even a very small portion thereof. All the sins of that man who recites or listens to this history with devotion are washed off.”

Dewa Agung Gusti Sideman took greatness in supervising the design and construction of his palace in Klungkung - an example of Hindu-Balinese architecture. Kertha Gosa architecture took shape of a mandala - a Buddhist influence domed-mountain shape. Mandalas help people further their enlightenment; pure forces of good come from a mountain.

Kertha Gosa’s first major function pertained to court of law and justice. The Kertha Gosa pavilion was the meeting place for the raja (Hindu prince) and Brahman judges (Kerthas) to discuss issues of law and human affairs. Whether or not the king instructed his court painters to decorate the ceiling at the time Kertha Gosa was built is impossible to know.

Moreover, it is impossible to know whether or not the story of Bhima Swarga was the first painting in the pavilion. The earliest and only record of paintings at Kertha Gosa dates from the year 1842 and is written in a lontar book (a book that holds prayers, history of Bali, and epics).

Also it is not documented whether the paintings were a permanent feature of the pavilion or if it was for a temporary reason of celebration. It is possible that the raja might have wanted the story of Bhima Swarga since it deals with moral and social questions and with justice in general. These paintings furthermore, have been supervised by I Gde Modara, the most important painter at the court of Klungkung during this period.

Dewa Agung Gusta Sideman ruled until 1775; he was succeeded by his son, then by his grandson, and his line of descendents continued to reign until the beginning of the 20th century.

In 1908, the Dutch attacked Klungkung, and fire broke out in the royal area. To this day it is said that the fire was started not by the Dutch but by the local people because they were confused with the condition of their society and were rebelling against the raja.

Klungkung was the last Balinese kingdom to fall. In 1909 Kertha Gosa became the official court of Justice for the region of Klungkung. Klungkung had been a unique service to justice; utilizing Kertha Gosa as a court of law - the story of Bhima Swarga played a significant role in aiding justice. Those who had broken the law therefore had been tried. The accused knelt before the dreadful punishments (painting of the story Bhima Swarga) depicted on the ceiling. But if the accused looked higher above the horror of Hell and looked to the panels of Heaven he could find consolation.

In 1960 the entire ceiling at Kertha Gosa was replaced (latest renovation) and new paintings were made, still depicting the story of Bhima Swarga but adding a greater deal of detail. In 1982 eight panels were replaced. The quality of the new paintings was substandard to those from 1960; the colors were subdued.

Until 1982 a visitor could enter Kertha Gosa, but now one must pay an entrance fee. The pavilion floor is surrounded by a wooden fence so that visitors cannot go to the center to look up at the ceiling paintings but can see them only from along the sides.

Kertha Gosa is the most complete example of Balinese art and culture. The most fascinating of all is the painted ceiling in Kertha Gosa symbolizing afterlife.

More Info :
Find Kertha Gosa location on Google Map
Kertha Gosa Gallery Photo
Program to visit Kertha Gosa : Full Day Besakih Tour
Program to visit Kertha Gosa : Full Day Karangasem Tour
Program to visit Kertha Gosa : Tour Around Bali Package
Place of Interest to visit Bali

Source:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kertha_Gosa_Pavilion

MAS Village the center of wood carved

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 09:22:00 +0800

The Village of Mas is located very close to Ubud and is therefore of a similar landscape, but Mas is not as developed in to the tourism market as Ubud and retains a traditional charm and feel.

Mas village is famous in Bali as being one of the main arts and crafts villages on the island. Where Ubud is the village of the painters, Mas is the village of the carvers where some of the most incredible woodcarvings are produced and have been produced for hundreds of years.

BALI ANJANI VACATIONS provides accommodations, hotels, villas, Tour Packages and General Information for your holiday in Bali and Beyond

Carvings range from very small pieces that can be perfect gives up to larger ornaments and furniture and on to incredible elaborate pieces that can be as large as 25 square meters and even more such as murals ad great door arches that are traditionally reserved for temples and stately homes of the Balinese Royalty and wealthy.

Mas is located in the same area as Ubud and therefore it can be included as part of a Ubud holiday and is a wonderful place to drop by at and look round the markets and take in the beauty and quiet that the village Mas entails.

This village is located at around and hour and a half’s drive from the international Airport and is easily accessible from the south of Bali using the By-pass road that leads through Sanur.

Mas is located in the highlands and hill that lead up towards the mountains of the central of Bali and has some of the most amazing views of the island with many large and steep rice padi terraces and tropical woodlands that extend down towards the plains of the south, when looking north the huge impressive mountains are more prominent than anywhere else on the island, this scenery coupled with the incredible culture of the area and low tourist presence makes for an ideal location to take some time out and there are some amazing traditional bungalows that extend into the 5 star class to do this from.

The carving of Mas first began when the Royal Balinese families moved into Ubud and those who seeked work with them tried to offer to sell them goods. The royals then only started to buy and do business with the very best carvers from Mas and the best painters of Ubud and soon all of the islands best craftsmen moved to their prospective villages creating subcultures orientated around there talents.

The carvings themselves differ between representations of the Balinese people often as farmers and in situations that the average Balinese worker can relate to, to amazing decorative carvings for the rich and then also some legends, myths representations of aspects of the Balinese religions and the stories that they entail.

Today there is much to see and enjoy and many surrounding areas of interest in Mas and it can be worth staying to enjoy this area without the crowds on your doorstep. Whether you are an art lover or a couple looking to some time out, Mas will provide.

More Info :
Find Mas village location on Google Map
Mas village Gallery Photo
Program to visit Mas village : Full Day Kintamani Tour
Program to visit Mas village : Half Day Ubud Tour
Program to visit Mas village : Tour Around Bali Package
Place of Interest to visit Bali

Source:

http://www.inbalihotels.com/mas_village.html

Goa Lawah the Holy Bat Cave

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 23 Oct 2011 17:54:00 +0800

Pura Goa Lawah or Bat Cave Temple lies just three km northeast of Kusamba harbor and 9 km east of Klungkung on the left side of dramatic road paralleling the sea with uninterrupted views of sea and Nusa Penida.

As its name suggests Pura Goa Lawah houses a holy cave begins at the foot of rocky cliff and is said to extend all the way to the base of Mount Agung.

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Oral tradition says the cave leads to Pura Goa (cave temple) within the Besakih temple complex some 30 km away. A tale is told how a prince of Mengwi actually entered the sacred cave to prove that he was the rightful descendent of Mengwi King, and emerged at Besakih, but his feat was never duplicated – entering the cave is now forbidden.

The ceiling is alive with thousands of fluttering, squawking, vibrating, long nose fruit bats. The wheeling, squealing bats are drawn again and again into the deep and dusky cavern; the noise is deafening but the sight is awesome. A thick layer of slippery, sickly sweet bat droppings carpets the cave floor, through which bat-gorged pythons ooze in a state of surfeit. Lizards are crawling free in this cave and temple completely ignored by the passing pilgrims and visitors.

Bat excrements also cover the majestically black shrines of Pura Goa Lawah guarding the cave entrance.

This sacred temple was founded in 1007 by the holy Sage from Java, Mpu Kuturan. The temple is one of Sad Kahyangan (six great temples of Bali).

The temple and the cave is an obligatory site of Nyekah (deification of the deceased family member soul) pilgrimage. Balinese believe the cave harbors an enormous dragon, Naga Basuki, the mythical serpent of universe and the caretaker of the earth’s equilibrium.

More Info :
Find Goa Lawah location on Google Map
Goa Lawah Gallery Photo
Program to visit Goa Lawah : Full Day Karangasem Tour
Program to visit Goa Lawah : Full Day Besakih Tour
Program to visit Goa Lawah : Tour Around Bali Package
Place of Interest to visit Bali

Source:
http://blog.baliwww.com/guides/698

Tegalalang Rice Terrace

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 23 Oct 2011 17:28:00 +0800

Tegalalang rice terrace village is located on the north-south road from Kintamani and Ubud.

Various woodcarvings can be found in this village and its neighbors. Very colorful carvings of flowers, animals and other designs are displayed along the road, and of course a beautiful rice field

Tegallalang rice terraces village have beautiful view with coconut trees and beautiful small river valley. The village well known with the village of handicrafts centre especially for wholesale and export, a long of the road you will see a lot of the shops; they sell variety of painted woodcarving with colorful designed. The painted woodcarving products they sell made from very light wood with reasonable price, they do sell their handicrafts for retail too.

BALI ANJANI VACATIONS provides accommodations, hotels, villas, Tour Packages and General Information for your holiday in Bali and Beyond

Tegalalang village is famous with rice terrace, but now on the way go to Tegalalang village both side of the road you find many shops with selling woodcarving. The first example of Balinese landscape is the rice-field. This is a typical scene in Bali. The terraced rice-field is typical of the beauty of the Balinese countryside

Note the harmony of colors, the vivid green of the coconut groves and the pale blue of the sky. Wet rice agriculture (sawah) is the basic and most important activity of Balinese life; Rice is the major crop and the staple food.

During the growth period of the rice, the fields are periodic flooded. The Subak or irrigation cooperatives, regulate the allow of water and maintenance of irrigation networks. The water from single dam may be divided into douses and even hundreds of channel to irrigate the terraced Sawah, note how many-terraced field are served by this one particular manual serves.

More Info :
Find Tegalalang village location on Google Map
Tegalalang Village Gallery Photo
Program to visit Tegalalang Village : Full Day Kintamani Tour
Program to visit Tegalalang Village : Half Day Ubud Tour
Program to visit Tegalalang Village : Tour Around Bali Package
Place of Interest to visit Bali

Source:
http://blog.bali-anjani.com/2011/10/tegalalang-rice-terrace.html

Goa Gajah the Elephant Cave

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 22 Oct 2011 13:52:00 +0800

Goa Gajah the holy elephant cave is located in west side of Bedulu countryside, Blah Batuh Sub-district and Gianyar Regency. It is about 27 km from Denpasar town.

This cave is built at crevasse edge from the federation of 2 rills that is called Pangkung River, where the irrigation is mixed with Petanu River flow. The federation area of two rivers is called Campuhan. It owns the magical energy on the basis of Rwabineda concept (two different matters) on this basic concept hence Goa Gajah (elephant cave) is intentionally built among two rivers.

BALI ANJANI VACATIONS provides accommodations, hotels, villas, Tour Packages and General Information for your holiday in Bali and Beyond

At the facade of the cave is a relief of various menacing creatures and demons carved right into the rock at the cave entrance. The primary figure was once thought to be an elephant, hence the nickname Elephant Cave. The site is mentioned in the Javanese poem Desawarnana written in 1365. An extensive bathing place on the site was not excavated until the 1950s. These appear to have been built to ward off evil spirits.

The word of Goa Gajah is anticipated coming from the word of Lwa Gajah, the name of Buddhist Temple or hermitage for Buddhist monk. The Goa Gajah's name is written on Negara Kertagama papyrus which is compiled by Mpu Prapanca on 1365 M.

Lwa or Lwah/loh means the river, and it reflect to the meaning that the hermitage is located at Gajah River or in Air Gajah.

In the year inscription 944 Saka, it is mentioned with the name of ‘ser ring Air Gajah' that is meaning the Subak leader in Air Gajah. The word has mentioned that the hermitage of Lwa Gajah is located in Subak Air Gajah.

There is a relief which is almost looking like the form of mountain on the entrance of this cave. It was carved many designed on the relief like grove with the stick, close leaf, animal for example forest pig, tortoise and specters.

The cave mouth is decorated by the bas-relief with the eye turn around to the right or west side.

There is an article letter of Kediri type from the early of 11 century was written on the wall left side or east side.

There is a pool (Patirthaan) as a place to take the holy Tirtha water for Hindu ceremony which is located in the middle of the cave courtyard. This Holy Pool is previously piled up by land and it has been found on 1954 by Krijgsman from the Ancient Department. The Holy pool is equipped by the statue douche which is parallel arranged in two groups.

This site was added to the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List on October 19, 1995 in the Cultural category.

More Info :
Find Goa Gajah location on Google Map
Goa Gajah Gallery Photo
Program to visit Goa Gajah : Full Day Kintamani Tour
Program to visit Goa Gajah : Half Day Ubud Tour
Program to visit Goa Gajah : Tour Around Bali Package
Place of Interest to visit Bali

Source:
http://blog.bali-anjani.com/2011/10/goa-gajah-elephant-cave.html

Gitgit Waterfall

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 22 Oct 2011 13:29:00 +0800

Gitgit Waterfall is one of the famous tourist destinations in Bali which is located in Gitgit countryside, Sukasada sub-district and about 10 Km from Singaraja (north part of Bali) or about 70 Km from Denpasar.

Located in the plateau area with the height about 35 meters and it is surrounded by tropical tree and emits the constantly natural water debit during the year.

It is set at height land about 300 meters above sea level.

BALI ANJANI VACATIONS provides accommodations, hotels, villas, Tour Packages and General Information for your holiday in Bali and Beyond

Waterfall voice around the charming nature was amazing and it was the separate attraction which can be enjoyed by each visitor who comes to visit. There are some plantations protecting the rain forest around the waterfall and in this place we often met the wild monkey to get the water from this waterfall.

The facilities are available at Gitgit Waterfall is consisted of the parking area, restaurant and art shop. It is not far from the waterfall place, there is a place for taking a rest while enjoy the beauty panorama of rice terrace and Buleleng Beach.

In order to visit the Gitgit waterfall, all visitors will follow the walkway down until the spot point. This road is one of the omissions in Dutch era where the local resident uses it to access other regions. On 1975, this waterfall is opened as tourist destinations in north part of Bali. Since it is appointed as a tourist destination in Bali, many tourists from domestic and foreign countries visits this waterfall.

Beside of Gitgit, there is another important spot point like the monument for hero struggle of Singaraja resident who dead on the battle against the Dutch colonialist. This monument is called Bhuwana Pangkung Bangka. This Monument is extant monument and idol of people struggle action against the Dutch colonization.

This monument is located in Gitgit countryside and Sukasada sub-district and about 17 Km from Singaraja Town . It is situated on the hill bank.

More Info :
Find Gitgit Waterfall location on Google Map
Gitgit Waterfall Gallery Photo
Program to visit Gitgit Waterfall : Full Day Singaraja Tour
Program to visit Gitgit Waterfall : Tour Around Bali Package
Place of Interest to visit Bali

Source:
http://blog.bali-anjani.com/2011/10/gitgit-waterfall.html

Traditional Architecture in Bali

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 22 Oct 2011 12:54:00 +0800

Traditional architecture in Bali derives from two sources. One is the great Hindu tradition brought to the island from India via Java. The second is an indigenous architecture pre-dating the Hindu epic and in many ways reminiscent of Polynesian building.

Even the Balinese temple, it has been noted, is surrounded by a stone wall dividing its sacred precincts from the village very much like Hawaiian and Tahitian places of worship.

BALI ANJANI VACATIONS provides accommodations, hotels, villas, Tour Packages and General Information for your holiday in Bali and Beyond

Balinese temples are wonderful places. Typically divided into three parts, one inevitably passes through a split gate or Candi Bentar to enter the first courtyard. Here a second gate rising high with the grinning face of a guardian demon leads to the second division. Inside there are numerous pavilions used for various purposes. In the final courtyard one may find the meru pagoda which may have as many as eleven roofs if the owner or temple is important enough.

The black thatch is from the sugar palm and can only be used in temples. There will also stand numerous sanggah or spirit houses and pedestals which will be full of offerings on ritual days. Everywhere carving in brick, volcanic stone and wood will be apparent. All are ringed by walls.

The Balinese have always spent a great deal of energy and money on their temples for it is the duty to repay the ancestors for the prosperity they have brought for their progeny.

Balinese royalty has always felt it imperative that they demonstrate their prosperity and standing by building magnificent palaces also surrounded by thick walls of brick and stone. The carved wooden doors of these palaces are especially famous of their beauty.

The teak doors of the main palace of Denpasar were so large that they required forty porters to drag them from the capital 7 kilometers to Sanur beach. In the palaces bright colors and gold leaf abound for the display of opulence in even the smallest and most insignificant of details is deemed proof of nobility.

Unlike Europe, Balinese palaces are not single huge buildings but rather a collection of numerous structures each with a special function such as the bale gede, an open pavilion of 12 columns, where the oldest male of the family sleeps.

During important ceremonies - like tooth filing - this will serve as a place to commune with the ancestors and gods who descend from the heavens to partake of the many offerings placed on the beds. As in the temple the four directions of the Balinese compass are critical in determining the lay-out and positioning of buildings.

There is a developed Balinese science of geomancy written in the ancient paling leaf manuscripts. This is known as Kosala-kosali. Through it we can determine the best place to locate a kitchen for instance. Oftentimes when a family is suffering bad luck or misfortune, the first place the balian or witch doctor will look for is any unwitting violations of the Balinese laws of building. The science of building is held to be a sacred knowledge and traditional Balinese architects who might also be rice farmers were known by the distinguished title of undagi.

Another large and important structure is the wantilan or so called cock fighting arena. It is called this because at one time cock fights were frequently held here. It is found near the palace and central market in every traditional village. Nearby stands a kul-kul or slit drum tower to call the members of the village together for meetings. The wantilan is also commonly used for performances. Once built entirely of wood most are made of re-enforced concrete today. The traditional wantilan has also inspired the shapes and forms of many hotels and houses such as the Amandari.

Aside from the rich ornamentation of the temples and palaces, the everyday structures of the average Balinese are as beautiful and elegant as any. Using such natural materials as thatch roofing, bamboo poles, woven bamboo, coconut wood, mud and stone they are organic statements in complete harmony with the environment. Many of these are temporary such as the offering houses set up before harvest in the rice fields.

Others use trees that will actually keep on growing as the bamboo rots and returns to the mother earth. The Balinese have always been particularly adept using the bamboo and behind every Balinese house one can find at least one stand of bamboo.

The introduction of cement and other modern materials and the rapid growth of hotels, galleries and new homes have produced mixed results. The opulence and ornamentation of many new hotels are often breath taking. Nowhere else in the world would such wood carvings and stone work be possible. Still the line between kitsch and a good taste is narrow and too often people have failed to appreciate the essence of Balinese architecture that in many cases has become an amazing parody of itself. One hopes that in the future more attention will be paid to resorts like the Amandari and Four Seasons Resort in Jimbaran, who have modified traditional Balinese architecture without tainting its integrity.

For those wishing to build their fantasy home in Bali - the opportunity to create a residence that you could never afford elsewhere is very attractive. Remember though that it is not as simple as it may seem.

If you have love, dedication and a great deal of patience though you might find your lovely new home on the cover of House and Garden or Architectural Digest in the near future. For those truly interested in Balinese architecture, a visit to the Bali Museum in Denpasar is a must. There you will not only find many old traditional buildings but also information as to the local styles, of which there are many. Also if you would like to take a piece of tradition back with you there are numerous traditional rice barns, the original knock down building, available for sale for extremely reasonable prices.

More Info :
Program to visit Bali traditional house : Full Day Kintamani Tour
Program to visit Bali traditional house : Half Day Ubud Tour
Program to visit Bali traditional house : Tour Around Bali Package
Place of Interest to visit Bali

Source:

http://www.bali-thepages.com/architecture.shtml

Alas Kedaton Holy Monkey Forest

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 22 Oct 2011 12:21:00 +0800

Alas Kedaton is a small forest with the width about 6-7 ha, located in the middle of the rice field in Kukuh countryside, Marga Sub-district, Tabanan Regency, west part of Bali.

The total size of this forest, temple and its supporter facility is about 12 ha.

On the way go to this tourist place, we will see the beautiful nature view where in front of us will meet the carpet of rice field and irrigation voice at the side of road to bear the impression/peaceful atmosphere.

BALI ANJANI VACATIONS provides accommodations, hotels, villas, Tour Packages and General Information for your holiday in Bali and Beyond

In this forest, there is a temple called Alas Kedaton Temple and owns the natural environments that is looked green with its fresh air and create the calm, quite and holy atmosphere.

Alas Kedaton Temple have three yard that are external yard, middle and center yard. In the center and middle yard are encircled by wall and the outside yard is representing a open yard. The interesting point of this temple is the inside yard representing holy yard, its situation lower than the middle yard.

This thing is different compare with the general temples in Bali that are more goes to inside the temple, the more higher the place will be. Beside of that another interesting point of this temple owns four entrances.

The monkeys in Alas Kedaton are very tame and free gallivanting in temple yard, so that the calm atmosphere is sometime solved by noise voice of the monkey, which are playing around and scrambling of food.

The monkeys who dwell in this forest, there are jump up and down in temple wall, take a bath in moat or there is also hang out in few leaves representing impression view. The monkey like as custodian of temple, which are always ready to greet all visitor who are paying a visit to this place.

Beside monkeys, in Kedaton forest also can be met the bats and some other animals. At least 24 types of grove plant have been identified in Alas Kedaton.

The temple ceremony in alas Kedaton temple is carried out every 210 days a year. It is on Anggarakasih Medangsia (Balinese Hindu Calendar) or on every Tuesday where on that time the society do the worship or pray to request the safety and prosperity.

The unique in this ceremony is do not use the fire and do not hence Penjor and also finished before the sunset or before the night is come.

In growth of handling of this tourist destination, Alas Kedaton has several become a training location about tourism nature, environmental handling and agro tourism. Alas Kedaton is many visited by the tourist from local and foreign countries which are generally a lot of paying a visit on August, December until January, while the local tourist generally pay a visit on holiday season and feast day of Ramadan (Moslem holiday) and this place is good to be visited in the day time.

In front of Alas Kedaton temple there are quite a lot small shops selling the handicraft as souvenir, for example clothes, pants and other handicrafts. Others, there are some shops booth selling food and beverage, toilet and park area which is wide enough.

More Info :
Find Sebatu Temple location on Google Map
Sebatu Temple Gallery Photo
Program to visit Alas Kedaton : Full Day Bedugul Tour
Program to visit Alas Kedaton : Half Day Tanah Lot Tour
Program to visit Alas Kedaton : Tour Around Bali Package
Place of Interest to visit Bali

Source:
http://blog.bali-anjani.com/2011/10/alas-kedaton-holy-monkey-forest.html

Taman Ujung Sukasadha Karangsem

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 17:51:00 +0800

Located at Tumbu Village, 85 kms from Denpasar, about 5 km from Amlapura, Capital of Karangasem Regency.

Ujung Water Palace, which by the local people is called as Taman Ujung Sukasadha, was built in 1919. However, the launching of this complex of water palace was performed in 1912.

BALI ANJANI VACATIONS provides accommodations, hotels, villas, Tour Packages and General Information for your holiday in Bali and Beyond

The water palace was constructed by the late King of Karangasem, I Gusti Bagus Jelantik, that reigned in Karangasem between 1909 and 1945.

Ujung Water Palace was majestically built to welcome and to serve important guests and Kings from neighboring countries, besides for the pleasure of the King and his royal family.

Tourism activity in this area is supported by the available of food stalls, small restaurants and quite large parking area. Visitors who are interested in local crafts product can find some of them in art shops available here.

The complex of this water palace is the combination of Balinese and European architectures. There are 3 big and large ponds inside the area. In the middle of the main pond, there is a building that connected to the edge of the pond by 2 bridges.

On the most tip of the highest level of this complex, we will find a great statue of warak (rhinoceros). Beneath the warak there is a Bull statue. From this high place we will see a marvelous view of sea, hills with lush and green forest, and the beauty of Mount Agung combined with the green terraced rice fields.

The greatness of Ujung Water Palace had been destructed by the explosion of Mount Agung in 1963 which was made worst by the great shake happened in 1979. However, the recovery effort had been performed to bring back the glory of this complex of water palace by holding a reconstruction and revitalization project on it. Although it is not as great as it was, the amaze of the past still can be seen here this moment.

More info :

Source:
http://balianjanivacation.blogspot.com/2011/08/taman-ujung-sukasadha-karangsem.html

Tirtagangga Royal Pool Karangasem

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 16:59:00 +0800

Tirtagangga Royal Pool is situated at Ababi Village, 83 kms from Denpasar. Built in 1948 by the King of Karangasem, Anak Agung Anglurah Ketut Karangasem. This water garden was constructed in a very unique architecture of Balinese and Chinese styles.

BALI ANJANI VACATIONS provides accommodations, hotels, villas, Tour Packages and General Information for your holiday in Bali and Beyond

Tirtagangga Water Garden scratches on a 1,2 Hectare area, which consists of three complexes. The first complex lies on the lowest level of this area, where we can find two ponds and a water tower. The second complex in the middle level is the location where we can find swimming pools; while in the third part, which is the main complex, we can find the rest house of the King.

Before the construction of the water garden, there was a big spring water in this area. Therefore people surrounding the area called this place embukan which means spring water.

They believe that this wellspring functioning as a bath place for the God and also used as drinking water for the local community from the nearest village. Therefore this wellspring is sacrificed by local people and keeps the park naturally. The King of Karangasem has got an idea to improve this park into a good looking and nowadays, it becomes one of the famous tourist destinations in east part of Bali.

The spring water was then functioned to fulfill the people's need of water and also for the "purification" of the Ida Betara (Gods). For this case, the spring water is recognized to be holy and sacred.

The religious to construct this tranquil water garden for his rest house and also for the people's function and the cool climate of this area, plus the fascinating view around, inspired the king leisure and pleasure.

Tirta Gangga is also featured by the wide public pool with the cool and clean water where it can be used by everyone who visiting this place. It is situated on the foot Abang Hill with cool temperature in particular night time or morning time. The lush tropical garden are well surround the park and big fish ponds are running away at another ponds to give the impression for every tourist who pay a visit to this beautiful park.

Some buildings and other decorations are intentionally made as according to the spirit from Puri Agung Karangasem (Agung Karangasem Palace), so it can be said that between Tirta Gangga and Taman Ujung Sukasada which is located at Ujung countryside is a union.

More info :

Source:
http://balianjanivacation.blogspot.com/2011/08/tirtagangga-royal-pool-karangasem.html

Taman Budaya Ardha Chandra Art Center Denpasar

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 16:37:00 +0800

Bali Art Center or known as Taman Budaya Ardha Chandra is located at Kecamatan Kesiman, municipality of Denpasar. More precisely is at the southern end of the Nusa Indah street of East Denpasar city.

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Three accesses can be taken to reach the area; one is from Sanur taking Jalan Hang Tuah from where bigger cars can enter, or from the crossroad of Jalan Gianyar and Gatot Subroto which is preferable to go with traffic flows already in line as in Indonesia including Bali the line is on the left. Third access is from west Denpasar city which are available many roads, but all are difficult due to the dense traffic, only smaller cars such as taxi or minivan are suggested to access art center from the west.

Geographically today Ardha Chandra looks lay in the center of Denpasar city, due to the extension of the east Denpasar further east, up to the border with Kabupaten Gianyar, a distance of more than 5 km east and with the opening of beach road to the east Bali the extension of the city is even further east along the road. Before 2000 the Kecak dance was presented at one of the corner of Ardha Chandra, and due to the difficulty for bigger bus then organizer of the dance moved the stage to the new place just on the right side of main road from Sanur to Kesiman.

Taman Budaya architecturally is a complex of buildings with the main mark of a big open stage. Designed by a traditional Balinese architect Ida Bagus Pugur, opened for public in 1973.

Besides the traditional open stage there are many buildings and hall constructed in Balinese architecture with finest decoration. These buildings are consisting of two types, one type is for permanent exhibition and others are for seasonal exhibition, especially during Bali Art Festival of June every year. Two buildings with the finest Bali architecture are for permanent exhibition where one can see various art of Bali from dance facilities or figures, carvings, clothing arts, paintings, and others.

In the North is located the Gedung Kriya Uccaihsrawa building where the fine arts exhibition are held. Balinese and foreign artists exhibit there.

To The West of Gedung Kriya lies the two story Dewi Ratih Building, which is used during the Bali Art Festival for an architectural exhibition on the first floor and a photography exhibition on the second floor.

But the largest structure (7200 m2) by far is the giant crescent shaped Ardha Candra Amphitheater. A magnificent Candi Kurung's gates, through which the dancers enter the stage, make up the background of the performances. The atmosphere is particularly impressive during the full moon or under the light of the projectors. This theatre, completed in 1977, can hold up to 600 people. Underneath the stage, facing North, West and ticketing offices and handicraft exhibition rooms for the various regencies of the island.

To the west of Ardha Candra Amphitheater is the Ksirarnawa closed theatre, which occupies a 5850 square meter surface on two floors. The theatre can contain up to 800 people, which is located on the second floor. The first one is occupied by the offices of the Art Center, a cafeteria, and several is also used for various handicraft exhibitions, the turnover of which is increasing from year to year, and they play a large role in the increase in non oil exports. Visiting hours are 8 a.m. to 5 pm, Tuesday to Sunday.

During Bali Art Festival the whole buildings are filed with exhibition of all type of products, not only art products but also history, books, daily needs, creative products, governments departments with their duties and others. A real bustling situation during one month of the feast. The activities at the open stage even more lively, as scheduled life shows present their representatives from traditional dance or drama or pantomime from Bali, other Indonesian provinces and foreign participants. Loyal foreign participants so far such as India, Thailand, USA, France, Australia, Japan, and Korea. New country such as Vietnam and Cambodia have also actively participating.

The most interesting moment is during the opening of the art festival, which is always started from Puputan City square with procession of dances, music, decorations, marshal art and others, finishing at Renon city square where invited high officials and foreign officials are waiting in a temporary set up Bali traditional pavilions with thatched roof.

Along the way the procession which consist of various artists show their actions or dance catch up by many TV stations or journalists. The procession usually started at 9 pm and finishes 12 noon marking the start of a month long art festival. The livelihood of the situation can be seen both at the exhibition and at the open stage starting from the night of the opening ceremony with the procession.

Every evening or night has been scheduled the turn of each representative to present their show which is normally has been confirmed long before the event. During the day the open stage also not always rest, but sometimes the school or universities will fill with many activities such as life drum band, drama or any other art activities they can present.

Beside normal show there are also kinds of competition among the same traditional music of Bali such as Gong, and the winner will be given the appreciation. It is a pity that Dinas Kebudayan Provinsi Bali is still not yet develops despite the fact of the modern technology that already freely available in Bali with cheap price.

This situation making the information about Bali Art Festival is not yet widely known by the people. Although the people know that the art festival is organized regularly every year during June, but detailed information on the activity schedule is hard to find. It is probably lack of professional manager or staff that has made this big job never known by most of the visitors to Bali and even by tour organizers.

More info :

Source:
http://balianjanivacation.blogspot.com/2011/08/taman-budaya-ardha-chandra-art-center.html

How Ubud Came to be

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 00:52:00 +0800

According to lontar (traditional palm leaf book), in the 8th century there was an east Indian priest named Rsi Markandeya, set off on a spiritual journey, walking across the island of Java to spread the teachings of Hinduism.

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Eventually, he and his large group of followers reached the island of Bali and attempted to settle in the vicinity of Taro (a village at north of Ubud). Unluckily, they were struck down by a cholera epidemic and many perished. Rsi Markandeya led the surviving devotees back to Java, where they regrouped and after a while made their way to Bali again, although this time their number was somewhat diminished.

Upon returning to Bali the priest was drawn to a place where the two branches of the river Wos converged, pulled there by the intense energy and light which emanated from this spot. Rsi Markandeya was inspired to meditate there and while doing so, received a strong message from the Gods. They told him to proceed to Mount Agung (Bali’s center of spirituality), and there he was to bury five precious metals (Panca Datu) in the ground as a foundation of power for the temple of Besakih as the mother temple.

This he and his followers did, and afterward they returned to settle in the spiritually potent location where the two rivers joined, known as Campuhan. There, in that mystical vortex of nature, he and his faithful constructed a temple and they named it Pura Gunung Lebah.

Now growing along the banks of the two rivers were many kinds of plants with marvelous healing qualities, so they christened their new home Ubad, which translated to the healing place of medicine.

Through the following centuries and continuing up to the present time, many Hindu devotees have come regularly to this special place to meditate, bathe and take some of the holy water for cleansing rituals and temple ceremonies.

With the passing of time, the name of Ubad gradually evolved to the name Ubud… and, so it came to be.

More info :

Source:
http://balianjanivacation.blogspot.com/2011/08/how-ubud-came-to-be.html

Bajra Sandhi Monument

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 00:09:00 +0800

The Monument of Balinese Struggle

In 1981, Fr. Ida Bagus Gede Yadnya, IAI won an architecture competition held by the provincial goverment. The competition was to award the winner with the project of building a monument to the memory of Balinese Struggle.

Ida Bagus Mantra, the former Governor of Bali, was the man who initiated the monument project, and the monument was to be built for the memory of the hard work and heroic struggle of the Balinese before and after independence.

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Somehow the building process of the monument was also a kind of a struggle. With the process started in 1981 but stuck for several years!

The Bajra Sandhi monument is located in Niti Mandala, Renon, Denpasar, an area where most of the government offices are located. It stands majestically in the middle of a green field that is usually used by the public for sports such as jogging, soccer and basket ball during early morning or evening sessions and is always full of people doing activities on Sunday mornings.

The architecture of the monument is very unique, taking the shape of Bajra or Genta, a bell that used by Hindhu Priests during religious ceremonies. It is also a symbol of the bond between males and females that creates prosperity according to the epic that tells the story of the Gods’ struggle to get the Water of Eternity.

Every statue and each carving in the monument compound has its own meaning. The whole of the monument symbolizes Mount Mandara where, according to the epic Mahabarath, the Gods had a battle with giants fighting for the Water of Eternity. The architecture also symbolises nationalism with 17 main gates, 8 pillars and the monument reaching a height of 45 meter, to reflect 17 August 1945 the independence day of the country.

Entering the monument, from the drop off point you have to climb the stairs that bring you to a garden then there are more stairs to climb to get inside where there is a round pond with fish in it. Then there is another stair to get to the main hall where you can see a range of dioramas telling the story of Balinese life from the Stone Age till the independence era.

The monument has a chamber on the top where the only access is the stairs in the middle of the pond. From the chamber, you can see the 360° green grass of the field, rooftops of houses & buildings around dominating the scene. The unique design of the monument attracts many visitors every day, and art exhibitions such as photo or painting competition are taking place quiet often in the exhibition room.

There’s an even nicer view from outside the diorama hall, where you can enjoy the scenery while savoring the breeze.

More Info :

Source:
http://balianjanivacation.blogspot.com/2011/08/bajra-sandhi-monument.html

Pasar Kumbasari the Traditional Market

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 14 Aug 2011 15:22:00 +0800

On Jalan Gajah Mada, Denpasar there are Badung and Kumbasari Markets. Both these markets have become significant for Denpasar dwellers, as they are categorized into a complete market. Diverse goods are on sale here, ranging from daily needs, fabrics, food up to ceremonial ingredients for Hindu's. There are also inexpensive handicraft products that are on offer at Kumbasari Market. But, be sure to enter the right market as Kumbasari Market is adjacent to Badung Market; they are just separated by the river. Kumbasari Market is located on the west side and Badung on the other.

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Formerly, Kumbasari Market was named Pasar Priuk, which especially sold kucit (suckling pig). In 1977, this market was restructured with four-floors with each floor selling different goods.

On the first floor, merchants sell various daily needs, like fruits (southern street side), meat (at southern market stalls) and assorted perishable cakes, and bakery (northern). If entering the market stalls, just under the building, visitors will find many shops that sell diverse ingredients for Hindu ceremony like that for ngaben (cremation), melaspas (inaugural rites) and miscellaneous temple ornaments.

On the southern side, merchants sell many daily needs such as rice, vegetables and kitchen spices. Merchants on the second floor nearly all sell fabrics, school uniforms, various daily garments ranging for kids up to adults. There is also a shop that sells costumes for Balinese dance.

On the third and fourth floors is sold varied handicraft products made by Bali's craftsmen. They are wooden statues of many figures, bags, kites, slipper, ashtrays, embroidery and so forth.

Shops at Kumbasari Market open at 07.00-17.00, but some may offer their goods until late night depending on the number of visitors. Special for merchants of vegetables, fruit, young coconut leafs and some others are sold from open cars, thronging the parking lot from night until dawn.

Kumbasari Market is not only visited by the local people of Bali, but also by domestic and foreign visitors. They usually look for art articles, or just browse the market which has become a daily activity for the Balinese.

Wayan, a merchant, told us that in 1982 goods that were best favored by tourists consisted of bags, fabrics, kites, slippers and some souvenirs with new motives. While, the art products that are made of wood like statues and masks are nearly unsold. I Putu Gede a stall employee told us that he occasionally feels ashamed of his boss. Why? "Because we are paid by our boss. Then, if we cannot sell something where does he get money from to pay us?" he asked while adding that he was paid Rp 300,000 a month. This sluggish condition is also experienced by other merchants locate in the market stalls.

They also sigh since they hardly ever get any buyers. "They do not even get buyers, at times, let alone visitors who come to market stalls. Anyway, I am incessantly charged a royalty fee every day," said Ni Ketut Sutini, a merchant of Hindu ceremonial ingredients at a market stall. On the contrary, the merchants of cake, fruit and meat sell their goods every day. "Even though it is not so busy, we thank God that we can sell some of our goods," said Ni Made Wati, a meat merchant.

More info :

Source: http://balianjanivacation.blogspot.com/2011/08/pasar-kumbasari-traditional-market.html

Ulun Danu Beratan Temple at Bedugul

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 14 Aug 2011 14:49:00 +0800

The Ulun Danu Beratan Temple is located in Bedugul, 90 minutes drive from Denpasar. Backed by the enfolding green hills and the cold green waters of Lake Beratan, its charm enthralls visitors and attracts people from all over the world. The temple is one of the most prominent icons of Bali.

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The history of the temple goes back to the era when I Gusti Agung Putu established the Mengwi Kingdom. He built the Ulun Danu Beratan as a shrine for the God praised in the Puncak Mangu Temple. The inscription of Babad Mengwi, dated back in 1556 Çaka year, tells that I Gusti Agung Putu was defeated by another knight, and was given to I Gusti Ngurah Tabanan as a hostage.

Later on the defeated knight wanted to restore his power and holiness, and had he gone to Puncak Mangu to meditate and he was blessed with the magical power of a knight as a result.

The Ulun Danu temple consists of four complexes: the one at the eastern part is Lingga Petak shrine. The shrine has four doors facing the four wind directions. It is said that in the foundation of the shrine three huge stones where uncovered: white, red, and the smallest is black. There is a spring under the white stone, and it was decided that the shrine should be dedicated to the God of Ulun Danu Beratan.

The second complex is on the west of Lingga Petak Shrine, the compound called Pesimpangan Puncak Mangu. Puncak Mangu is considered as the symbol of fertility of the soil. So in this shrine, the God of Fertility and Prosperity is praised. The biggest complex in the temple compound is Pesimpangan Pura Terate Bang. The main shrine has seven storeys, where the God as creator of the earth and life is praised. One shrine in the complex is especially dedicated for the ancestors of the king Mengwi. Last but not least, The Goddess Uma, the wife of Shiva, can be praised in the Terate Bang complex. The Goddess is considered as the source of happiness.

The Ulun Danu Temple has a very calm atmosphere. The cool climate of Candi Kuning gives an extra touch to the ambience. The locals come to the temple not only for praying, since there is a wooden bridge at one corner of the compound where you can sit back and relax while the cold water of the Lake Beratan chills your tired legs. The lush green garden at the main entrance is also wonderful. You can really expect a delightful hassle-free visit to a temple that is known as one of the most famous temples of Bali.

Put this temple on your destination list when you come to Bali.

More info :

Source: http://balianjanivacation.blogspot.com/2011/08/ulun-danu-beratan-temple-at-bedugul.html

Besakih Mother Temple of Bali

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 14 Aug 2011 13:39:00 +0800

A lontar manuscript indicates that in 158AD Rsi Markandiya came to an island with a mountain range from east to west, which was visible from his meditation spot at the summit of Mount Rawung, East Java. Rsi Markandiya was a yogi from India who had meditated in East Java for many years – exactly how many, is unknown. While he was meditating, a supernatural voice told him to go to the island together with his people.

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A tragic incident occurred while he and his people were on the island named Pulau Dawa; Pulau means island and Dawa means long. They worked hard to prepare the land for cultivation. Unfortunately, some wild animals and a strange epidemic killed many of his people. The tragedy caused great despair to the Maha Yogi, who returned to Mount Rawung and only revisited Pulau Dawa some years later.

When Rsi Markandiya returned to Pulau Dawa, he brought with him a group of people from the village of Aga in Mount Rawung. Before they started the hard land work, several rituals were held, and Rsi Markandiya performed a special ritual called Panca Datu. This ritual incorporated 5 elements… namely gold, silver, and bronze, a metal material (like tin or iron) and a red diamond. Rsi Markandiya named the site of the ritual as Basuki, which means 'Bless'. Nowadays, the area is popularly known as Besakih.

The people of Aga are now known as the Bali Aga; Bali from the word Wali means holy sacrifice and Aga means mountain. Rsi Markandiya organized his people and taught them farming, and introduced a structured social system. Thus, the island civilization of Bali started at a sacred place in the foot of Mount Agung, where a temple complex still stands majestically to this day.

Besakih temple is an extensive complex with 23 temples. The largest temple inside the complex is Pura Penataran Agung which is dedicated to Shiva. Other temples include Pura Kiduling Kreteg, representing Brahma, the Creator; and Pura Batu Madeg, representing Wisnu, the Preserver.

These three manifestations of God are known as Tri Murti. Besides these temples, there are also temples representing Panca Dewata; 5 Godly manifestations that protect the centre of the complex and the 4 directions radiating north, south, east & west of the centre. On the right and left side of Pura Penataran Agung, there are clusters of temples called pedarman where people come to pray and give offerings to their ancestors.

The complex is vast and hilly, so it is advisable to get a guide who is capable and has a good knowledge of the temple complex; otherwise you'll have to do the best you can on your own with a brochure and guide map. Indeed, there many things one can observe and appreciate in the temple complex. For example, one can appreciate the magnificent carvings which tell some epic stories of the Ramayana and Mahabrata dynasties. These decorative carvings form a part of the temple's traditional architecture, along with and Kamasan style paintings which are very ancient. Please note that tourists are not allowed inside the temples.

The best time to visit Besakih is in the morning or late evening. The breeze, the quiet environment, and the superb view down to the coast – particularly when there is no mist, add so much to the ambience of the complex. Besides, during these times of the day, not so many people are in the temple complex, and the crowds of people who call themselves temple guardians – and usually convince tourists to go around under their guidance – are not yet roaming around the complex, so one may have a hassle-free tour.

The temple which is located in Klungkung Regency is a unique heritage for all Balinese people; and indeed, Besakih has its own unique charm. It is believed that the temple area is surrounded with mystical supernatural powers. In 1963, when Mount Agung erupted, Besakih was the only place to survive from the lava explosion, even though it is nestled on the foot of the mountain. It is every Balinese's dream to pay homage to the Gods of Besakih, and the temple has a very important role in the history of Balinese civilization.

More Info :

Source:http://balianjanivacation.blogspot.com/2011/08/besakih-mother-temple-of-bali.html

Taman Ayun Royal Temple

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 14 Aug 2011 13:21:00 +0800

Taman Ayun Royal Temple is located at Mengwi, about 18 km north side from Denpasar City. As a Royal Temple of Mengwi Empire, Taman Ayun is one of recommended place to visit when you come to Bali.

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The temple strategically located beside of major roadway between Denpasar to Singaraja Regency, set on the land which is surrounded by the big fish pond and look like a drift on the water. Build with multistoried roof and Balinese Architecture. The wide beautiful landscape garden in front courtyard to welcome all visitors who come and visit this temple.

History
Pursuant to Lontar Babad Mengwi (Papyrus Chronicle of the Mengwi), the temple which is now referred by Pura Taman Ayun had been newly sanctified in the year 1634 M and it is named with Taman Ahyun Temple. The word of Ahyun is coming from the root word Hyun meaning a temple is founded in the park (pool with the beautiful garden) which can fulfill the desire. The word Ahyun is then changed into Ayun word. Taman Ayun Temple is one of Hindu Temples in Bali become tourist destination which has been visited by many tourists from local and foreign. This temple is usually visited by tourist once having a set tour to Tanah Lot Temple due to this temple is the same route of the Tanah Lot Tour.

Function
The function of Taman Ayun Temple is a place to pray the god in their manifestation. It is according to the content of Babad Mengwi and the existence of temple building structure, especially the temple that is located in third area (Jeroan). According to Astadewata, the special God is worshiped in Taman Ayun Temple is the God in manifestation as a Wisnu God which his palace located in top of Mount Mangu. In papyrus of Usana Bali mentioning that one of Dewa Catur Lokapalas carry through its worship is Meru Pucak Pangelengan that is a temple building with 9 multistoried roofs.

Pitara God is a holy soul deity of ancestor who is also referred as the other names of Hyang Pitara or Dewa Hyang. Pitara God is obliged to be worshiped by clan heir (Prati Sentana) in the form of temple ceremony which the same meaning as by the ceremony to the god. The worshiping existence to Pitara God in Taman Ayun Temple can be searched and proved by pursuant to the existence of temple building which lay in by consecution in east which is called Paibon that is representing Special Temple. Taman Ayun Temple in capacities or its status as special altar for the King family of Mengwi Palace or as a Merajan Agung from Mengwi King Families specially for the founder of Mengwi Empire that is I Gusti Agung Putu.

More info :

Source:

http://blog.bali-anjani.com/2011/08/taman-ayun-royal-temple.html

Sebatu Holy Spring Temple

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 14 Aug 2011 12:54:00 +0800

Pura Sebatu or Sebatu Temple located around 40 kilometers from Denpasar, built in homage to the God of preserver – Wisnu - who rules over water, and here one finds a number of natural spring and waterspouts.

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The Balinese believe that water is one of the forces of life. The etymology of Gunung Kawi means a fabricated mountain. It lies west of Sebatu village, which is elevated and its name means slipping on a stone.

It is said in the times of King Mayadenawa - an evil King who did not believe in the existence of the God - which this area was where he chased with his soldiers by the Gods in a famous battle. At first he battled with the Gods at the great Besakih temple and then came to Sebatu via the village of Taro. Both the soldiers of Mayadenawa as well as the local villagers fled in their fear (the former of the gods, the latter of the evil King) and slipped on stones.

Seeing that local people were innocent and sin free, the God Wisnu gave a source of life (holy water). As a way of showing their gratitude, they built this temple to the Wisnu's God, which has much water, waterspout for bathing as well as a special pool of holy spring water.

A natural spring flows from the heart of the temple into a pool so clear that you can count the scales on the huge goldfish ghosting around the opulent island shrine at its center. Holy water is requested at an adjacent small shrine while nearby, and still within the temple walls, are the open-air public baths.

The visitors are welcome to explore the other courtyards where the shrines and pavilions are lovingly maintained by the people of nearby Sebatu.

More Info :

Source:

http://balianjanivacation.blogspot.com/2011/08/sebatu-holy-spring-temple.html

TANAH LOT Sunset Temple

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 13 Aug 2011 19:16:00 +0800

Tanah Lot is claimed to be the work of the 15th century priest Nirartha. During his travels along the south coast he saw the rock-island's beautiful setting and rested there.

Some fishermen saw him, and bought him gifts. Nirartha then spent the night on the little island. Later he spoke to the fishermen and told them to build a shrine on the rock for he felt it to be a holy place to worship the Balinese sea gods.

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The Tanah Lot temple was built and has been a part of Balinese mythology for centuries. The temple is one of seven sea temples around the Balinese coast. Each of the sea temples were established within eyesight of the next to form a chain along the south-western coast.

At the base of the rocky island, poisonous sea snakes are believed to guard the temple from evil spirits and intruders. A giant snake purportedly protects the temple, which was created from Niratha’s scarf when he established the island.

In 1980 the temple’s rock face was starting to crumble and the area around and inside the temple started to become dangerous. The Japanese government then provided a loan to the Indonesia government of Rp 800 billion (approximately USD $130 million) to conserve the historic temple and other significant locations around Bali. As a result, over one third of Tanah Lot's "rock" is actually cleverly disguised artificial rock created during the Japanese-funded and supervised renovation and stabilization program. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tanah_Lot)

On Tanah Lot temple area you can also find some other temples ;

Penataran Temple

Penataran Temple is one among of several temples in Tanah Lot area. It is located in the north of Tanah Lot Temple. Penataran Temple is a place to pray for God and his manifestation in Tanah Lot Temple for wellness and happyness. The Ceremony of Penataran Temple has two ceremony days, the first day is same as Tanah Lot Temple which is held every 210 days on “Rebo Wage, Wara Langkir”, and the second day is on “Rebo Wage, Wara Merakih” according to the Balinese calendar.

Penyawang Temple

Penyawang Temple is located in the west side of Penataran Temple. This temple was built for all prayers to pray for God and the manifestation who take place and has authority in Tanah Lot Temple as God of the ocean. If the water of the sea was tide, Hindus people cannot pray into the Tanah Lot Temple but they can pray at Penyawang Temple.

Jero Kandang Temple

Jero Kandang Temple is located about 100 meters in the west side of Penyawang Temple. Jero Kandang Temple was built for villagers of Beraban village to require the wellness for their animals and plants from disease. The name of Jero Kandang Temple was took from the function that is put into a stable (kandang) all the disease. Based on the function, Jero Kandang Temple is a place to pray for God with the manifestation as the God of all animals and plants, also pray for Dewi Sri as manifestation of God as the Goddess of prosperity.The Ceremony of Jero Kandang Temple is every Sabtu (Saturday) Kliwon, Wara Uye or Tumpek Kandang day according to Balinese calendar.

Enjung Galuh Temple

Enjung Galuh Temple is located near Jero Kandang Temple to be exact at Enjung Galuh, “njung” wich is rock stick out in to the sea. Enjung Galuh Temple was built to pray for the Goddess of prosperity Dewi Sri as the power (Shakti) of Dewa Wisnu (God Manifestation as The Protector). The villagers pray requiring the fertility of the plants and rice-plant for the achievement of the prosperity in their life. The Ceremony of Enjung Galuh Temple is every Rabu (Wednesday) Umanis, Wara Medangsia according to Balinese calendar.

Batu Bolong Temple

Batu Bolong Temple is located 100 meters in the west side of Enjung Galuh Temple, to be exact at Enjung Batu Bolong, which is the rock that stick out in to the sea was hollow (bolong). Batu Bolong Temple was built to pray God for holiness. Enjung Batu Bolong area is a place that always used to held Melasti Ceremony and Pakelem Ceremony, where the meaning of both Ceremonies is to purify the world. The Ceremony of Batu Bolong Temple is every Rabu (Wednesday) Wage, Wara Langkir according to the Balinese calendar.

Batu Mejan Temple

Batu Mejan Temple is located 100 meters in the west side of Batu Bolong Temple. Batu Mejan Temple also known as Beji Temple, “beji” means holly place to get holly water for Hindus ceremonial. Batu Mejan Temple was built for villagers to beg a mercy from God trough holly water.In the south of Batu Mejan Temple along the beach, there was spring water and we could find it clearly when the sea water was decrease. Hindus people believe that spring water was holly water (tirtha pangelukatan) that could be use to purify all the badness.The Ceremony of Batu Mejan Temple is every Sabtu (Saturday) Kliwon, Wara Kuningan or Kuningan Day according to the Balinese calendar.

Pakendungan Temple

Pakendungan Temple is located in west side in Tanah Lot Area it is just 300 meters from Tanah Lot Temple. It was built in year Çaka 1330 to be exact in year 1408. Pakendungan Temple has one unity with Tanah Lot Temple. When Dang Hyang Nirartha continue his journey to find the Holy Light in Segara (Sea) Kidul Tanah Lot, he was do meditation (yoga semadi) in luxuriant forest in the west side of Segara (sea) Kidul Tanah Lot to get some vision of God about the Holy light. The forest name was known as Kendung Forest. The place that used by Dang Hyang Nirartha meditate, was built a temple and known as Pakendungan Temple. Pakendungan temple is place where Keris sakti (Holy Keris) “Ki Baru Gajah” that had power to subjugate all the disease plants in Bali Island was kept. Keris Ki Baru Gajah was holy keris given by Dang Hyang Nirartha to the Chief of Beraban Village before He leave the Beraban village. This ancient Ki Baru Gajah was kept in Puri Kediri and its Ceremonial is same with Pakendungan Temple Ceremonial is every 210 days in Sabtu (Saturday) Kliwon, Wara Kuningan or Kuningan Day, according Balinese calendar.

Tri Antaka Monument

Since March 1946, the NICA (Netherlands Indies Civil Administration) had already full power in Tabanan Town. There is a man “I Gusti Ketut Kereg” and his friend “I Wayan Kamias” at that time was given an assignment to be a spy for the Main Army Station of Republic of Indonesia Fights Council under leader of Letkol I Gusti Ngurah Rai to fight against the NICA army. All the Indonesian freedom fighter of Tabanan including I Gusti Ketut Kereg and his friend started to search safe place in some villages in the South of Tabanan and keep fighting. Until June 10th 1946 they was hemmed in Tanah Lot Area and started to fire at each other with NICA army, so that I Gusti Ketut Kereg and his friend was killed and NICA army also had successful prisoner 90 the other Indonesian fighters and killed one of them “I Nyoman Regug” from Beraban village. To respect all the merit of their fighting against the NICA for Indonesian freedom, the Local Government with Beraban Villagers built the Monument at that place where I Gusti Ketut Kereg, I Wayan Kamias and I Nyoman Regug was killed.The Monument name is TRI ANTAKA.

More Info :

Source:
http://balianjanivacation.blogspot.com/2011/08/tanah-lot-sunset-temple.html

Kintamani Village and Batur Area

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 13 Aug 2011 18:42:00 +0800

Kintamani is one of the most favorite tourist destinations in Bali, located in Bangli Regency ; 50 km from Denpasar (2 hours drive by car).

BALI ANJANI VACATIONS provides accommodations, hotels, villas, Tour Packages and General Informations for your lovely holiday in Bali and Beyond

The village is surrounded by the captivating nature and there are six ancient villages around cauldron of Batur Lake which is often conceived by Bali Age Village.

The local people from these Bali Age villages own the unique cultures, houses and life style. Kintamani Area is consisted of some Villages those are Kedisan Village , Buahan, Abang, Trunyan, Songan, South Batur, Middle Batur, North Batur, Sukawana and Kintamani Village . The total of resident in these area are about 15 thousand who are mostly working as farmer, merchant, or work at industrial tourism.

Kintamani area has been founded some lodging, hotels and restaurants which are located in Kintamani and Penelokan Village. It is a famous tourist place because Kintamani area owns the beautiful panorama and it is encircled by the cold atmosphere.

Kintamani is beautifully seen at the day time around 10:00 am until 15:00 pm especially having fine weather where entire Kintamani area will be able to be seen clearly. Generally, all tourists who pay a visit to this place will arrive in the day time where they can enjoy the panorama or enjoy the lunch in the local restaurant with lake view. Mostly restaurants at Kintamani generally own very beautiful view where tourist merging into their lunch in this restaurant and meanwhile enjoy the panorama.

Mount Batur and Lake Batur

Mount Batur has erupted about 24 times since year 1800 and still active up to now. Since the mount erupting, it has impacted to the local society life around this mount, like removing altar (Temple), improve or repairing the village and re-arrange the tradition.

Lake Batur is the biggest lake in Bali and functioning as irrigation source to all farmers around it and it is also for all Bali society generally.

More Info :

The Patra Bali Resort & Villas - Tuban

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 8 Aug 2011 17:49:00 +0800

The Patra Bali Resort & Villas is an 11 hectare five star resort in Tuban, offering one of the largest guestrooms in Kuta.

BALI ANJANI VACATIONS provides accommodations, hotels, villas, Tour Packages and General Informations for your lovely holiday in Bali and Beyond

All decorated in traditional Balinese style with exquisite wooden furnishings overlooking exotic tropical landscapes. The hotel has a warm and peaceful atmosphere and is ideal for total relaxation.

The Resort has 206 rooms and suites, all beautifully appointed, with marble bathrooms and five-stars amenities. There is a huge swimming pool right by the sea. The 22 villas are a semi-boutique concept, giving extra privacy and luxury for families or couples.

Many have private plunge pools, and they've al 24-hour butler service. Villa guests have their own huge seaside swimming pool and exclusive use of the Floating Heritage Lounge.

The hotel offers more facilities like 4 restaurants, convention centers, a kids club, Spa Health club, a Beach Bar and free shuttle service to Kuta.

The location is ideal, a huge landscape property on South Kuta Beach, directly on the Indian Ocean and next to the international airport. A 5 minute drive north brings you to the heart of Kuta's shopping district.

MORE INFO:

BALIAN, Bali's Traditional Healer

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 7 Feb 2011 17:34:00 +0800

In the wilds of Denpasar and hidden away in small villages, Bali’s traditional healers dispense what is needed to keep the Balinese people healthy. Known as Balian, Bomoh, Dukun or Shaman, these mystical men and women are well connected to the spirit world and dispense advice as well as medical support.

BALI ANJANI VACATIONS provides accommodations, hotels, villas, Tour Packages and General Informations for your lovely holiday in Bali and Beyond

Like it or lump it, while many westerners like to question anything that is not accepted and approved by the established medical profession, these healers hold an important place in Balinese culture. Most Balinese will still consult a balian long before they will go to a doctor trained in western medicine. So what if faith is required! In these faithless times, a little faith is a good thing and sometimes, it can just make a difference to your life.

There are three major types of healers – the Balian Ushadas (from the Sanskrit word ”ausadhi” meaning 'herbs') use magnetic power and knowledge that is passed from generation to generation. They glean knowledge from ancient Balinese texts inscribed on lontar leaves and are able to analyse the harmony or disharmony in a person and prescribe treatments to help restore a patient’s balance or equilibrium. They usually possess an intricate knowledge of plants and their healing properties.

Others, called Balian Taksu generally receive their knowledge through dreams or sudden insights. They may be in their late twenties or early thirties, when they suddenly have a life changing experience and from then on will devote their lives to healing.

The Balian Dasaran can read a person’s soul and a Balian Tulang is a practiced bone setter.

Whichever type of Balian you choose to visit, guests are advised to wear Balinese dress (at least a sarong and sash) and take canang (offerings with some money tucked beneath the flowers.)

Of all of these types of Balian, one Balian Dasaran is Ketut Liyer, who was made more famous after the book: ‘Eat, Pray, Love’ caused a minor sensation in the west. The book has caused a virtual procession of seekers to turn up at Ketut’s house wanting to experience a session with a Balinese healer in his traditional Balinese compound just outside Ubud. He is now over 80 and while no one knows his exact age he is still vigorous and capable of dispensing jokes along with his readings.

Ketut’s audience has grown considerably since the book brought him fame and probably fortune. He has been known to entertain groups of 30 American tourists at one time! I went to his house to make an appointment to see him. He held my hand for a long time while he offered his usual charming spiel. In his halting English, he explained how he was happy to meet me and would look forward to meeting me again and reading my hand at a later date. “Ok” I said, “It’s a date”.

I went back around five and he was sitiing waiting with his brother who, he explained, was still a rice farmer. “A very important job,” I told him with dignity... So after chatting for a little while he looked at my face, approving of my ears, eyes, lips and nose in turn. He warned me that if something was not good, he would have to tell me. I had no problem with that.

Then he looked at my palm - (left for women right for men). I learnt that I would soon get married again, I would become rich, that I would live to be one hundred years old and that I was very lucky etc. Was he really reading my palm or just spouting the niceties that he thought westerners wanted to hear? Interestingly though he did tell me a couple of things that went beyond the platitudes. He said that I was very safe on the roads – interesting, as I make a point of driving safely. He also commented on the three lines between my eyebrows, (which several Indian psychics commented on years earlier), and lastly, he commented on the “fragrant lotus” on my back, which could only be a good thing!

As charming as he was, I really wanted to hear more in depth information, and perhaps the endless stream of visitors has dulled his perceptions but I think that he still has it when he needs to use it. It is certainly a pleasant interlude if not a deep and meaningful experience.

I then went to visit Ubud’s most celebrated healer – a man whose skills are internationally recognised. Cokorda Rai is known for his perceptive and in depth readings. He has studied various disciplines including qi gong, reiki, acupuncture and various massage techniques, comparing them with Bali’s taditional healing techniques.

Coming from a high (royal) caste, he lives in the old palace of the lost kingdom of Negari, about twenty minutes ouside Ubud. This dignified man gives the impression that he knows a lot and many people have reported insightful encounters. He looked at my face and told me I was caught up in an instant gratification attitude which I had to agree with, as I bullied him to let me make his portrait right then and there. (Well the light was right and there is no time like the present). As he politely hustled me out afterwards, I wondered if I would be welcomed back to have a full reading. I certainly hope I will be.

One of my most memorable encounters with a Balian has been in a small village near Amed where Gendeng resides. This healer looks the part. Dreadlocks hang below his waist and he sits on a shaded bamboo platform outside his simple house as people drop by for various consultations. Spirits are said to reside in the hair so some types of Balian, like Gendeng, never cuts it. His sparkling eyes look ever youthful and a big bottle of arak filled with medicinal herbs takes pride of place next to him. Small naked babies crawl over him, looking perfectly content with their lot.

I have seen him a couple of times and he has given me massages and helped to solve various problems. People come to him for guidance and those needing help must wait until the spirits come and give him the answers. It is all so exotic that as a visitor, one barely minds whether his work is authentic or not, but he has never disappointed. He is very much a working man rather than an attraction on the spiritual tourism circuit. It took several visits and a certain amount of entreaties and even bribery before he would let me make a portrait of him. He told me of one person whose camera stopped working after they took a photo of him, so it is his policy not to allow it. It was a great victory when I was finally allowed to photograph him, although he wouldn’t show his hair!

Pak Man (Bapak Nyoman) is a healer from Tampaksiring who has moved to Ubud to be able to help more people. Working as a holistic healer for over twenty years, he uses traditional Balinese massage, and works with energy to balance the body, mind and spirit. He is able to cure back, bone and muscle problems as well as more subtle conditions. General wellbeing is also improved after a visit or two. He works with a foreign English speaking helper, who is able to translate perfectly. When I went to see him we sat there chatting for some time while I waited for the session to begin. When I asked his helper, she said “oh he is already working – he just reads your body and aura while we sit” Later he gave me a healing massage and since then, I have never looked back.

There are many Balians living in different parts of Bali and to track them down takes some work. Most healers speak only rudimentrary English at best so if you would like to visit one, take a guide. Surprisingly, even in the very touristy Kuta, some Balians still operate. Ask around and take a sarong (and money).

Source: http://www.nowbali.co.id/secret-bali-july09/

Gong Xi Fa Chai 2562

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 3 Feb 2011 10:02:00 +0800

Gong Xi..! Gong Xi..! Xin Nian Kuai Le, Wan Shi Ru Yi!

Gong Xi Fa Chai 2562!

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Food for the Gods

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 12 Jan 2011 11:25:00 +0800

Mosaic, Metis and other reputed Balinese restaurant might sell food of international standards; their diners might be local and international celebrities, ministers, singers and football players, but by Balinese standards, believe me, those restaurants are banal. They serve food to humans.

BALI ANJANI VACATIONS provides accommodations, hotels, villas, Tour Packages and General Informations for your lovely holiday in Bali and Beyond

To the Balinese indeed, the best food is not sold to humans, it is instead offered to the Gods. Forget the Balinese lawar, sambal Bali spices and babi guling (suckling pig) - the best of the best in the island, is not for you or me, but for visitors from the invisible world: gods and ancestors; as for the “worst” of the worse, put on the ground, it is symbolically “eaten” by the buta (earthly, “demonic” forces).

All this is not because humans are less demanding than Gods, but simply because they cannot be separated from their two partners. Each occupies its own “department” in a tripartite world – Bhur/Bhwah/Swah. And each accordingly must get his/her own share of attention — including his/her own “eating” quarter.

Thus the restaurant is indeed the eating place for humans, but if you pay attention, you will notice that each restaurant has in its kaja kangin (eastward-mountainward) corner a small plankiran shrine in which offerings are addressed to deities. Because it would be improper for humans to eat there while neglecting their duties toward deities. Similarly, the owner of the restaurant, if Balinese, will never forget to put small jotan offerings on the ground as food for the earthly forces.

But the best food to the Gods is usually provided in the God's restaurants: temples. Welcoming them during temple festivals is, like humans, providing them with the best food and the best dances. This food is is commonly called offerings.

The most fantastic is the Sarad cake, symbolizing the world: The “Sarad” is made of glucous rice coloured with natural dyes. Its components may change, but its basic structure and symbolism remains constant. It represents the abode of the Gods, the Meru. This Meru is that of the mythical times of the churning of the Milken Ocean, when Gods and demons, each pulling at one extremity of the cosmic dragon, used here as a rope, churned the mountain standing in the middle of the sea of milk. From that churning sprouted the elixir of immortality.

In the cake, one always can see, supporting the “mountain” and its Gods, the cosmic tortoise, Bedawang Nala, entwined by the dragons and waiting to be churned by them. Above them are usually the three Gods of the Hindu Trinity: Brahma is red; Wisnu is black and Iswara is yellow.

Then is Bhoma, Wisnu’s son from his rape of the earth goddess Pertiwi and symbol of the vegetation; above Bhoma is often the Garuda bird, which killed the dragons and found the elixir of immortality. Above the Garuda is the goose, an animal which feeds in the mud, and is able to separate food from waste. At the uppermost level are Sanghyang Tunggal “the One God” Himself and the Ultimate Atintya. Sometimes, the Meru is made not from glutous rice, but shaped from pork kebabs and meat. Beware, though, even the pork is not edible.

Yet, in temples, humans get food as well: offerings. These are first taken - usually by women and sometimes in procession - to the temple for a night or a few hours, during which they are symbolically blessed by the presence of the visiting Gods and ancestors to which they are addressed. It is after they are taken back home that they may be shared by family members and friends – albeit never friends from a higher caste.

The most fantastic of those food offerings are the “gebogans” – immortalised, time and again, by photographs representing a long, colorful line of women, dressed in their best apparel, looking straight ahead, uptight, each carrying a big offering of fruits and cakes. As all offerings, the gebogans are laden with symbolism. Their shape, long and “conical” with a round top, evokes the phallic symbol of Siwa, as well as the related cosmic mountain. But their components too – fruits, cake, flowers, meat – are each related to gods and cosmic functions. More: on top of the gebogan itself are other offerings that also carry each a cosmic signification: a round-shaped sampiang, symbol of the pangider-ider (Balinese “rose of the wind”) ; and above the sampian, a small canang offering, a symbol, by its colors, of the rose of the wind too, and, by its porosan (heart), of the Trimurti (Gods) Brahma, Wisnu, Iswara.

All this, and more, is probably why Balinese food is undoubtedly the most fantastic in the world. If it is not rated five star, it is not the Balinese’s fault. It is because some Westerners don’t understand anything about symbols, or know that Gods, ancestors and even demons have to be fed, and thus respected. And never photographed.

Visitors should know that whatever you may have heard from your friends, and whatever you may read in this magazine, the food you eat in restaurants in Bali, even in many so - called ‘Balinese’ restaurants, is almost NEVER Balinese.

Nasi goreng is not Balinese, nor is mie goreng. What you deem ‘Balinese’ is generally Javanese, or Chinese, and the “great local food” you eat in restaurants is never local. It is adapted to be softer to the tourist’s tastes. It is a sign of the day. Balinese culture, down to its food – not to mention its arts and music – is more and more tailored to suit tourist's expectations; the iconic expectations of a pristine, yet modern Bali. Ponder this over, that there is still, in the villages of Bali, another surviving logic, one that still gives the priority to gods and ancestors.

http://www.nowbali.co.id/culture-sep10/

ARAK Attack

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 10 Jan 2011 14:48:00 +0800

Arak – that much maligned and much loved beverage from the east of Bali- comes from humble beginnings as do many good things.

Every country has some kind of homemade firewater. Scotland has its whiskies which have gained international repute, Nepal has its Rakshi, India has its feni, Thailand has its Mekong, the Caribbean has its cane spirits, Kentucky has its bourbon and Europe has too many to mention, each county or province producing its own wickedly alcoholic versions, and Bali is no exception with its Arak.

Even all the famous stills in Scotland and Kentucky started off as little more than backyard operations. Some were better than others and some got lucky and today they are internationally accepted by steady drinkers and connoisseurs alike.

In Bali, the fight for legitmacy and acceptance continues. Some factories are producing legal arak, which can be found in supermarkets, bars and shops all over the south. Unfortunately the legal arak comes from the coconut palm and is a vastly inferior product to those that are produced from the ental (lontar) or jaka palms and even from cashew fruit. Where the coconut variety does little more than make you tipsy at best, or normally just puts you to sleep.

The better quality araks make you want to get up and dance, laugh, have a good time. Your blood starts rushing faster, and feelings of good will to all can overcome you. Arak can fuel all night temple entertainments, rituals and of course that other grand Karengasem musical tradition of genjek, which gets better as the arak flows longer. It is good stuff, and if it could be legitimised and even promoted, the world would be a better place.

The basic material is tuak, collected in the morning and evening from the bruised fruit of the palms. The already alcoholic liquid can be drunk immediately or left to ferment a little longer before being taken to a still and transmorgified into that magical beverage, where a little means a lot.

The tuak is boiled on a fire and the alcoholic steam is collected then directed into bamboo pipes to cool before it drips into the plastic containers that hold it ready for distribution. When arak comes from the villages, it s of a good quality with none of the deadly methanol or other additives, that may be found in the anonymous back street producers of Denpasar. After all they would not want to kill off their customers, would they!

http://www.nowbali.co.id/secret-bali-oct10/