Bali Vacations Tourism Info

noreply@blogger.com (dhARMA_anT2gUNs) — Sat, 15 Dec 2007 06:39:00 +0000

ABOUT BALI ISLAND

With a reputation as being one of the most beautiful and diverse tourist spots in Asia, Bali attracts almost 1,000,000 visitors a year, from all around the world. Geographically, Bali lies between the islands of Java and Lombok and is one of more than 17.000 islands that make up the Indonesian Archipelago. Bali is small, stretching approximately 140km from east to west and 80km from north to south. Running east to west and slightly off center, are a string of volcanic mountains, the tallest and most recently being active Mount Agung, which reaches 3.142m at its highest point and last erupted in 1963. Lying just 8° south of the Equator, Bali boasts a tropical climate with just two seasons a year and an average annual temperature of around 28°C. The rich volcanic soil and healthy monsoon season make this island extremely fertile and a range of crops is grown here. The wide, gently sloping southern regions play host to Bali's famed terraced rice fields, among the most spectacular in the world. In the hilly, northern coastal regions, the main produce are coffee, copra, vegetables, spices, cattle and rice. The Balinese people have strong spiritual roots and despite the large influx of tourists in recent years, their culture is still very much alive. The main religion is Agama Hindu Dharma, which arrived in Bali with the spread of Hinduism through Sumatra and Java during the 11th century. Although originally from India, the Balinese religion is a unique blend of Hindu, Buddhist, Javanese and ancient indigenous beliefs, with customs that are very different from the traditional form of Hinduism practiced in India today. With the arrival of Islam in neighboring Java during the 15th century, a large member of courtiers, artists, musicians and craftsmen fled to Bali, creating an artistic renaissance. Naturally creative, the Balinese have traditionally used their talents for religious purposes and most beautiful work to be seen here has been inspired by stories from Ramayana and other Hindu epics. The incredibly colourful cremation pyres and the everyday offerings to the Gods, placed inside every shop and business, are made with precision and an eye of beauty. The majority of Bali's population of 3.000.000 live, for the most part, in tight village communities with large extended families. The largest town are; the regional capital Denpasar, population approximately 250.000, and Singaraja in the north. The main tourist area is Kuta, situated near the airport. During the tourist boom of the 70's, this small village became a major attraction because of its famed white-sand beaches, the surf, and stunning sunsets. Today, Kuta is a major hustling and bustling resort town, with hundreds for hotels, bars, restaurants and shops. Those in search of a little peace and quiet tend to head for the more sedate resorts of Sanur and Candi Dasa, on the east coast, Ubud in the center, or Lovina in the north. Another major resort on the southern-most peninsula of the island, Nusa Dua, caters for the more up-market crowd, and is home to almost all of the bigger 5-stars hotels, as well as one of Bali's golf courses. The central village of Ubud, in the hilly region of Gianyar, has also recently blossomed as a tourist attraction and is now considered to be the artistic and cultural center of Bali.

noreply@blogger.com (dhARMA_anT2gUNs) — Tue, 25 Sep 2007 08:20:00 +0000

BALINESE PEOPLE And CULTURES

The culture of Bali is unique. People say that the Balinese people have reached self-content. It is not an exaggeration that when a Balinese is asked what heaven is like, he would say, just like Bali,without the worries of mundane life. They want to live in Bali, to be cremated in Bali when they die, and to reincarnate in Bali.It does not mean that the Balinese resist changes. Instead, they adapt them to their own system. This goes back far in history. Prior to the arrival of Hinduism in Bali and in other parts of Indonesia, people practised animism. When Hinduism arrives, the practice of Hinduism is adapted to local practices. The brand of Hinduism practised in Bali is much different from that in India. Other aspects of life flow this way.Traditional paintings , faithfully depicting religious and mythological symbolisms, met with Western and modern paintings, giving birth to contemporary paintings, free in its creative topics yet strongly and distinctively Balinese. Its dance, its music, and its wayang theaters , while have been continually enriched by contemporary and external artistry, are still laden with religious connotations, performed mostly to appease and to please the gods and the goddesses. Wood and stone carvings, gold and silver crafts parallel the development of paintings, gracefully evolving with external forces to enhance their characters. The batik of Bali owes its origin to Java, and inspired the development of ikat and double ikat.

noreply@blogger.com (dhARMA_anT2gUNs) — Tue, 25 Sep 2007 08:09:00 +0000

GIANYAR TOURISM INFO

Gianyar is an art and cultural town, has been well known throughout the word. Apart from proliferation of its archeological remains, in recent development, Gianyar looks so fascinating with the establishment of gardens and statues of Gods and demons along its street or at every road intersection. It is really worth seeing, because all the art works erected in this town are master pieces of Gianyar's artists, those are inspired by a single source called " Paramayoga " Hindu legend or " Purana Dewa " in mount Tengguru, that tells us about the cooperation between Gods ( Sura ) and demons ( Asura ) in their succesful effort to turn or stir fast mount Mandara, searching for elixir water or water for eternal life, which is finally ended with the change of cooperation into a war disputing the elixir ownership. There Are Interesting Place In Gianyar Regency : YEH PULU In Yeh Pulu you can see carvings that defines daily life story in the former time. The relief has measure 2 x 25 meter's, and in this site area there is small garden as the source of the water (yeh) flout out from a Gentong (Gentong = pot container for rice). It had been discovered in 1925 and investigated by Dr.W.F Sutterheim in 1929. GUNUNG KAWI TAMPAK SIRING Gunung Kawi means carving in the mountain, it is moment of Udayana King and his son. The location of the monument is in Tampaksiring, 40 kms from Denpasar, when you arrived to the area, you would see the Vihara Buddhist monks from the ancient time. GUNUNG KAWI SEBATU There is an old bali archaeological remains, i called as Gunung Kawi Temple located at the river bank on the west side of Sebatu Tegallalang Village, Gianyar regency it is 40 kilometer's far from Denpasar city. This Temple was built as the worshipping place for Wisnu Gods, because there is a holy spring that is believed as the manifest of Wisnu in giving life to human being in Bali. TIRTA EMPUL Geyser water is the original means of Tirta Empul. This place have 30 different functions For cleancing the body, for evils templation. For cleaning when there will be ceremony and etc. The weather here is cool breeze. GOA GAJAH In Bedulu Village, 26 kms from Denpasar, there is a ruin of ancients Balinese palace complex, complate with a huge cave for hermitage. The cave used to be a medidation site for Hindhu and Buddhist monks, dating back to the 11th century, The frightening demon head was carved out of the caves rock face, while inside the cave can be seen a god statue with elephant head "Ganesha" at west end, and "Tri Lingga" statue at the caves east end ( the cave is "T" shaped ) Two bathing places at the cave's yard have got six nymph statues, each holding a water fountain on its umbilicus, as symbol of the six holy river in India.

noreply@blogger.com (dhARMA_anT2gUNs) — Tue, 25 Sep 2007 08:08:00 +0000

noreply@blogger.com (dhARMA_anT2gUNs) — Tue, 25 Sep 2007 08:06:00 +0000

BULELENG TOURISM INFO

The regency of Buleleng consists of 9 Subdistrict Thre Are : Gerokgak, Seririt, Busung Biu, Banjar, Buleleng, Sukasada, Sawan, Kubutambahan, Tejakula, that covers 146 administrative village and traditional village 163 with width near 1.365.88 kilometers with ² (24,25% of wide of the island of Bali). Making the climate tropical influence per monsoon and rains during of the month of October until April. Circumstance of the topography of the regency of Buleleng most of unfolding mountainous of representation of the area partly of the south of the arc, whereas in upstate regional of the regency of long Buleleng from the west to the east coastally is which is sufficiently long (144 kilometers) and on the sea of Java in northside, regency of westside of Jembrana, eastside Kabupaten de Karangasem, arc of the south of the Bangli regency, Tabanan and Badung. Tourist Information : Buleleng Government Tourism Office Jl.Veteran No.23, Singaraja, Phone : 362-61141 There Are Place's Interesting in Buleleng Regency, Place Click Below Link : Ulun Danu Bratan Temple Gitgit Waterfal Lake Tamblingan

noreply@blogger.com (dhARMA_anT2gUNs) — Tue, 25 Sep 2007 08:06:00 +0000

KARANGASEM TOURISM INFO

The regency of Karangasem is one of the nine regency in Bali, situated in the eastern part of Bali. Location of Karangasem Demography the regency of Karangasem with Amlapura like central city is one of the 9 regencies/city that located in of the east of the island of Bali. This regional account 839,54 kilometers, consists widely of 8 secondary-district,There Are : Kubu, Rendang,Abang, Sidemen, Selat, Bebandem, Karangasem, Manggis, divided in 71 administrative village resident by 369,320 people, has exotic opinion of nature of tropical climate. The special name “Mutiara dari Timur” with the prediction becomes a new machine the other growth in Bali specially the area of the tourism, small area of the industry, power that cultivate dry, black and also artistic gold-minute of its culture that does not rise in the other location. Beautiful of the coastal field of the terrace is archeology of the inheritance, and the existence of the old village of Baliaga Tenganan is looked for nowadays by the domestic and foreign tourist. To have access to the relative which of the transport near province capital and quite fluids penetrable direct to the airport of Ngurah RAI Denpasar to the east, and the entrance through port of Padangbai. Industries nationals the bamboo of the mat is extended in many of Karangasem of them used daily necessity like basket, boiler, gedeg and another one but becomes the artistic of the interior like the place of the fruit, the bokor, many latern, the sweepings etc. of impregnated by hotel and the restaurant nowadays. Sentra of this doing by hand/diligence extends the village of Tista, the village of the slopes of Tiing, the village of Sinduwati, the village of Pempatan, the village of Selat, the village of Budakeling, and the village of Bebandem. Ascended near 616 units, impregnating to 665 employees. The production of the capacities by unit of reachs 57,907 of the year with the Rp value. 752.800.000, - with an aim of the export and the premises of the commercialization to have taste of the regency of Gianyar. Tourist Information : All these offices can offer assistance and information about their areas. Jl.Ngurah Rai, Karangasem. Phone : 363-21002, 363-21003. There Are Place's Interesting In Karangasem Regency. More Information Plase Click Below Link : Candi Dasa Iseh Place Patung Place Sibetan Place Taman Ujung Telaga Waja Tenganan Villages Tulamben

noreply@blogger.com (dhARMA_anT2gUNs) — Mon, 24 Sep 2007 07:33:00 +0000

KERTHA GOSA

The Kertha Gosa pavilion is on the island of Bali, in the city Klungkung, Indonesia. The Kertha Gosa Pavilion at Klungkung 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. 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 at Klungkung 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. Bhima’s siblings go through hell right along with Bhima to rescue their parents. The siblings observe people being tortured for their sins. The siblings are Arjuna, Nakula, Sahadewa, Yudisthira, and Bhima. The two clown characters whom accompany Bhima on his journey to Hell are Twalen and Mredah. Twalen wears a black checkered loin cloth and is the helper to Bhima. Twalen translates what is being said by Yudisthira and Kunti. Mredah always wears red checkered loin cloths and he also helps Bhima along with cracking a joke to lighten the mood. Bhima goes to Hell to rescue his parents and when he arrives he finds his parents are in a huge hot water bath. Bhima tips the bath which his parents were boiling in and they are taken off to Heaven. The Demons did not like Bhima rescuing his parents and allowing them to go to Heaven. Bhima then has to fight off the Demons. Next, the Gods do not like this idea of Bhima taking his parents from Hell to Heaven. Bhima then gets into a fight with the Gods and Bhima dies in Heaven. The high God of all restores Bhima back to life and gives Bhima the drink of immortality. The last scene of Bhima Swarga shows justice, even with punishments of Hell.

noreply@blogger.com (dhARMA_anT2gUNs) — Mon, 24 Sep 2007 07:22:00 +0000

GIRI PUTRI CAVE

Apart with the while sandy beach and beautiful hilly range, there is also a cave in Suana, called Giri Putri Cave. It is situated at karangsari hamlet belonging to Suana village, about 5 Kilometers east of batununggul (the capital town of the district) to enter within is a bit difficult but as soon as 3 metres passed by crawling, we will instantly encounter as spacious but too dark pitch. There are many stalagnites and stalactites within and the squeaking sound of bats just only heard but unseen for it is too dark around. A spring is to be found also regarded as sacred there. The cave hollow passes through straght to the west where a much wider mouth of the cave is to be found. From here we can enjoy the stretch of hilly range before us.

noreply@blogger.com (dhARMA_anT2gUNs) — Mon, 24 Sep 2007 07:14:00 +0000

SAKTI VILLAGE

Panorama coastal nature before sunset and "Petrify the Jineng" located in coast Penida Sakti Village. One of the Tourism area in Nusa Penida.

noreply@blogger.com (dhARMA_anT2gUNs) — Mon, 24 Sep 2007 07:05:00 +0000

ATUH BEACH

Coastal scenery Tourism area of Atuh Beach in Pelilit area, Nusa Penida. Beautiful beach, white sands and various reef type.

noreply@blogger.com (dhARMA_anT2gUNs) — Mon, 24 Sep 2007 06:44:00 +0000

BULUH HILL

From the top of the Buluh hill can enjoy beautifully panorama, especially rice field panorama and Nusa Penida island. The location about 5 km east Semarapura town in Gunaksa village Dawan district Klungkung regency. As long as that hill there is 4 holy place

noreply@blogger.com (dhARMA_anT2gUNs) — Mon, 24 Sep 2007 06:38:00 +0000

JAPAN CAVE

Japanese Abandonned Cave located at koripan hamlet belonging to Banjarangkan district and Klungkung regency, about 6 kilometres west of Semarapura town or about 34 kilometres east of Denpasar. This cave was ever used as a shelter for Dai Nippon soldier in 1941 - 1942, 16 holes are to be had within the cave linked with each other by a long tunnel. A big elephant statue in front of it, with a mouse dear perching on its back make the area of the Japanese abandonned cave more interesting.

noreply@blogger.com (dhARMA_anT2gUNs) — Mon, 24 Sep 2007 06:31:00 +0000

Rafting

The recreation of rafid wading or Rafting sport can be done on two sports namely nwading the rapid of Melangit river about 35 kilometres east of Denpasar or about 9 kilometres to the west from Semarapura. It is location is at Bakas village of Banjarangkan district with channel. Length 7 kilometres and 10 hidrances, while that of Unda river is situated at about 38 kilometres east of Denpasar with channel length 9 kilometres and 22 hindrances. For tourists who are fond of rafid wading recreation, please come to the sport above mentioned and try it.

noreply@blogger.com (dhARMA_anT2gUNs) — Mon, 24 Sep 2007 06:05:00 +0000

NUSA PENIDA And LEMBONGAN

Two of three islands in Klungkung regency, both of them are very hilly and dry. The largest island is Nusa Penida and the smallest is Nusa Ceningan. Recent government has developed seaweed farming entire the islands instead of corn and teak forest. Offshore attraction become the main attracting point, surfing, snorkeling and its coral reef has made these island as an alternative choice for holiday, you can reach these island by using boat less than a hour. The island also has famous temple, Pura penataran Ped on the north coast of Nusa Penida is known for its magic. Nusa Penida, the largest of the 3 Sisters Island, along with Lembongan and Ceningan, offers the chance to see turtles, shark, mola-mola, and healthy reefs in fantastic visibility. However, the currents are fast and unpredictable so you must go, not only with a reputable dive operator, but also with a guide who knows how to 'read' the currents. Most of the diving is along the north and northeast coasts and in the strait between Nusa Penida and Ceningan. Manta Point is located off the southwest of the island.

noreply@blogger.com (dhARMA_anT2gUNs) — Mon, 24 Sep 2007 06:01:00 +0000

BATU KLOTOK TEMPLE

Situated at a shore about 5 kilometers to the south Semarapura town. This environment is really interesting for its splendid view with a scenic rice fields at the background. While far the distance the peak of mount Agung with the stretch of turbulent wave of the ocean off shore cracks the silence to the visitors. This temple is functioned to beg for the wealth of crops. The festival is held every year on the fifth Purnama (full moon) day. Klotok temple is also highly important for its involment to the great ceremonies in Besakih Mother Temple. ?Melasti? ceremony often takes place here. Where pratimas (a Pratima is kind of ritual tool regarded as sacred) and the others a brought to Klotok beach several days before the New Caka Year (the day of quietness). When the ceremony held here, a great many worshipers overwhelm the environment of the temple.

noreply@blogger.com (dhARMA_anT2gUNs) — Mon, 24 Sep 2007 05:54:00 +0000

PURA GOA LAWAH (BAT CAVE TEMPLE)

Pura Goa Lawah, Bat Cave Temple, lies just three km northeast of Kusamba Harbor and nine 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 Gua 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. 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.

noreply@blogger.com (dhARMA_anT2gUNs) — Mon, 24 Sep 2007 03:40:00 +0000

KAMASAN PAITING

Kamasan is a traditional community of the painting artist.Because of intimate and old of the traditional painting expansion in Kamasan, the artists mention that the paintings in Kamasan has a special style wich is called the traditional Kamasan painting.

The art talent grow also to other works of art such as art carved gold and silver and also art carved bullet. Despite from material aspect wich is used, colour cloth of metal follow the change that happen, but the specific characteristic continue to apparently in the theme of the painting or carved that is depicting leading figures of the puppet. Leading figures of the puppet that become the theme of the painting or carved object referred to the story of Mahabharata or Ramayana, also Arjuna Wiwaha or Suthasoma ballad. Therefore, the painting and carved object of Kamasan style or the Kamasan Puppet could be said rather old from the context of its history, that up to now still looks its visible intact. According to the impression of the international collectors, the Kamasan style painting is considered still very soft and sophisticated, clean, not full with details that unimportant and have a very clear order of the story. The core of the painting or carved object is the puppet so it brought the special attraction for the artist or tourists who visited to the Kamasan village.

Kamasan as the centre of the painting expansion and traditional carved object is the name of a village in the Subdistrict and the Regency of Klungkung. Geographically, the Kamasan village is the village in the lowland of Klotok Beach or 3 km from Jumpai Beach. The distance from Denpasar to this village is 43 km, can be reached by motor vehicles, all the road headed the object that is the centres of the painting or carved industry has been asphalted. It could be reached through three routes: (1) the West Route from the middle of the regency city to the south along 1,5 km turned to left direct to the Sangging series, the painter's traditional place of residence the famous puppet that is Nyoman Mandra. To the south side just a little longer down to Banjar Pande Mas, the centre ukiran gold, silver; (2) the north Route from the Klungkung regency city.

noreply@blogger.com (dhARMA_anT2gUNs) — Thu, 20 Sep 2007 02:09:00 +0000

KLUNGKUNG TOURISM INFO

Klungkung is one of the regency in bali with widely range approximately 315 Km2 which covering mainland of klungkung and nusa penida archipelago. Klungkung consist of 4 subdistrict, there are : Banjarankan, Klungkung, Dawan, Nusa Penida. according to the declaration of regency head district level II klungkung number: 284 year : 1996, it declared 18 official tourism objects included nusa penida. according to the declaration of governor head district level I bali number :528 year : 1993, nusa penida declared as one of the tourism objets in bali which all spread over 7 region included: Desa Batu Nunggul, Suana, Ped, Sakti, Toya Pakeh, Jungut Batu and Lembongan. and for the klungkung mainland developed as a nature tourism and culture tourism area. Klungkung Government Cultural and Tourism Office At Jl. Untung Surapati Street No. 3. Phone : (+62-366) 21448 - 24851 There Are Place Interesting In Klungkung Regency, Please Click On Link : Kertha Gosa Gir Putri Cave Sakti Village Atuh Beach Buluh Hill Japan Cave Raffting Recreation Nusa Penida And Lembongan Klotok Temple Bat Cave Kamasan Painting

noreply@blogger.com (dhARMA_anT2gUNs) — Wed, 12 Sep 2007 08:02:00 +0000

TEXTILES OF BALI

The Batik of Bali provides another venue of showing the artistic excellence of the Balinese people. Their beautiful designs, inspired by religious mythologies to everyday encounters, spread throughout the world. Originally stimulated by Javanese motifs, dominated by wayang and other mythological characters, contemporary batik artists have also experienced artistic development that parallels that of paintings. Modern batik artists express themselves through various subjects, from objects of nature such as birds or fish to daily activities such as cremation (ngaben) procession or tourist attractions as well as religious and mythological stories, accompanied by modern interpretation. The Ikat and Double Ikat are two amazing techniques that the Balinese have perfected. A piece of Ikat cloth is woven in such a way that the ink is 'tied' (which is what 'ikat' literally translates to) in one of the two threads. A Double Ikat recursively repeats this technique; both threads contain ink. The ink will bleed to its neihboring area, and the result is a piece of cloth with distinctive, subtle patterns. The village of Tenganan is well known for its superb double ikat work. A good piece of double ikat may take months to complete, and it usually belongs to the family heirloom. Certain patterns, such as the black and white, checkered, double ikat are considered to have protective powers against the evil spirits. Thus, they are used a lot to cover or to dress statues that guard the entrance to a temple or sacred masks like Barong. A piece of ikat shirt or a batik wrap-around, each can be had for as little as a few dollars, are must have. Local garment shops will gladly supply you with these or any other kinds of Balinese garments that might interest you.

noreply@blogger.com (dhARMA_anT2gUNs) — Wed, 12 Sep 2007 08:00:00 +0000

CREMATION (NGABEN)

Ngaben or the Cremation Ceremony is the ritual performed to send the dead through the transition to his next life. The village Kul Kul, hanging in the tower of the village temple, will sound a certain beat to announce the departure of the deceased. The body of the deceased will be placed at Bale Delod, as if he were sleeping, and the family will continue to treat him as if he were still alive yet sleeping. No tears are shed, for he is only gone temporarily and he will reincarnate into the family.

The Priest consults the Dewasa to determine the proper day for the ceremony. On the day of the ceremony, the body of the deceased is placed inside a coffin which is then placed inside a sarcophagus in the form of a buffalo (called Lembu) or a temple structure called Wadah made of paper and light wood. The Wadah will be carried to the village cremation site in a procession.

The climax of Ngaben is the burning of the Wadah, using fire originating from a holy source. The deceased is sent to his afterlife, to be reincarnated in the future.

noreply@blogger.com (dhARMA_anT2gUNs) — Wed, 12 Sep 2007 07:57:00 +0000

TRADITIONAL PAINTING

Paintings of Bali have experienced remarkable evolution. Traditionally another means of expressing religious and mythological ideas, paintings of Bali have been subjected to a number of influences, including deep interaction with Western painters who came and lived in Bali. As with any other artistic expression found in the island, these influences have been uniquely adapted into Bali's personality, creating new nuances and styles of paintings that are distinctly Balinese. Instead of religious or mythical characters of wayang, contemporary paintings present nature, daily lives of Balinese, or even tourists. The shades of coal gray that dominate traditional paintings are now accompanied by vibrant play of color capturing Jalak Bali or Gunung Agung in the morning sun.

The Raja of Ubud was known for his fondness of arts and paintings, and his openness to foreigners. Thus Ubud became the center of arts, welcoming into its heart renowned artists such as Bonnet, Spies, Blanco, Snel, et., many of whom came and never could leave Bali. Today's Ubud is only slightly different. You should not be surprised to run into a foreign writer who has spent months living in a homestay facing a rice field terrace while writing his next book. Fabulous museums of paintings such as the Puri Museum Lukisan, the Neka Museum, and the Rudana Museum have in their permanent collections some of the best paintings ever produced by Balinese or foreigners who found their physical and artistic home in Bali.

noreply@blogger.com (dhARMA_anT2gUNs) — Wed, 12 Sep 2007 07:55:00 +0000

BALI AGE (OLD BALI)

There are pockets of villages within Bali in which fraternization with outsiders is strictly prohibited. These result in a people and a culture that are different; the native Balinese call them Bali Aga or Old Bali. The Bali Aga may curiously be the tunnel through which we can periscope into the culture of Bali in the centuries past. There are two major villages of Bali Aga. * Trunyan Across Lake Kintamani, Trunyan is a small Bali Aga village that is most well-known for its huge, centuries-old banyan tree. This sacred banyan tree serves as the laying ground of the dead. Bali Aga people do not believe in cremation like the rest of Bali, instead, they simply lay their corpses under the village's banyan tree. Contrary to what you might expect, however, the village is not uffocated by bad odor, because the tree emits arboreal smell that envelopes the odor of the corpses. * Tenganan The village of Tenganan, on the eastern side of Bali, near Karangasem, is well-known for its textile, specifically the double ikat technique. A well-made double ikat may take months to finish, and it usually belongs to family heirloom. Certain kinds, like the black and white, checkered cloth, are considered to have protective power against evil spirits, and are usually used to cover or to dress sacred items such as the statues that guard the entrance to a temple or the masks of Barong.

noreply@blogger.com (dhARMA_anT2gUNs) — Wed, 12 Sep 2007 07:49:00 +0000

TEMPLES

Inseparable from the religious rituals of the Balinese are the temples. Just like cathedrals in Europe, temples are the most ubiquitous architecture in Bali. Every house has its own little shrine, usually a dedication to their ancestors. The rice field has a little shrine dedicated to Dewi Sri, the goddess of rice. Each village usually has three temples. For the entire island, the Mother Temple of Besakih, situated on the slope of Mount Agung, is the most important of all temples.

To the Balinese, temples and their various structures are not worshipped. Temples are meant to be pleasant resting place for the gods on their stay on the island. As such, entertaining the gods or appeasing the goddesses or most of religious rituals through endless festivals will take place in the three village temples: * Pura Puseh: a temple dedicated to the ancestors of the village. * Pura Desa: a temple used for official celebrations of the village community. * Pura Dalem: or the temple of death, dedicated to the deities of death and of cremation Architecture of a Temple The word for temple in Balinese is Pura, which comes from a Sanskrit word that literally translates into a place surrounded by walls. A Balinese Pura typically consists of walls surrounding two or three courtyards. The huge, elaborately carved entrance gate is usually a split gate, known also as Candi Bentar. Candi Bentar is usually guarded on both sides by statues of temple guards. Sculptured figures can be found in various locations in a temple. The outer courtyard is separated from the inner courtyard by another wall, and the entrance is a covered gateway called Padu Raksa. The walls surrounding the courtyards are usually heavily decorated with bas-reliefs, depicting stories that can range from traditional Mahabrata mythology or as simple as daily events of a Balinese. In the middle of the inner court, usually imposingly stands a waringin or frangipani tree. Inside each courtyard you will find several interesting structures: * Bale Each courtyard may have several little pavillions called bale. These bale may be as simple as a roofed structure supported by four pillars with cement or stone floors. For a village temple, the orchestra will be housed in one of these bale. * Meru Meru is the tiered roof structure that you can find atop a little pavillion dedicated to a god or goddess. You can only have an odd number of merus, and the highest is 11, signifying the greatest respect. The goddess of rice, Dewi Sri, for example, will have eleven-tiered merus dedicated to her. * Kulkul Kulkul is a hollow log that functions similar to a church bell; it is used to call together the village community. In a village temple, it is usually housed in a tower whose base is elaborately decorated with carvings. Sounding the kulkul has its own language; different rhythms of hitting the kulkul will communicate different reasons for the gathering of the village. * Shrines A temple may have a number of shrines dedicated to the various gods and goddesses. The village women will present their offerings on these shrines.

noreply@blogger.com (dhARMA_anT2gUNs) — Wed, 12 Sep 2007 07:22:00 +0000

KUTA AREA HOTELS

BOUNTY HOTEL | 2 Star | 166 rooms

Set within lush tropical gardens, The Bounty Hotel is Bali's ideal resort. Situated only 15 minutes from Bali International Airport. The Bounty is within a short walk to Kuta Beach and the famous shopping and entertainment spots on Legian Street. Rate start from US$ 50.00 for Internet Special. Rates include 10% Service Charge & 11% Government Tax.

BOUNTY HOTEL INFORMATIONS :

Room Facilities	* Air Conditioning * Private Bathroom (hot water) * Private Balcony * International TV (6 channels) * Local TV * House Movies (free) * IDD Telephone
Guest Services	* Laundry and Dry Cleaning * Taxi On Call * Currency Exchange * Safety Deposit Box * Doctor On * In House Massages * Tour Desk
Hotel Facilities	* 2 Swimming Pools * Central Sunken Pool Bar * East Wing Sunken Pool Bar * Restaurant, open 24 hours * Room Service, open 24 hours
Room Types

GREEN GARDEN HOTEL

Green Garden Hotel is a small family-run property, providing friendly and personalized services at a moderate price. Located centrally at South Kuta Beach, it is only 2-minute walking distance from Tuban Beach, 3-minute from Waterbom recreational Park, the new & famous Discovery Shopping Mall, and Kuta Center shopping complex.

GREEN GARDEN INFORMATIONS :

Room Facilities	* Swimming Pools * Spa & relaxation * Restaurant & Bar * Room Service, open 24 hours Footbath with flower petals & naturalpumice * Balinese Massage (Ginger Tea is served) * Lavender Body Wash * Javanese Lulur Body Scrub * Natural Conditioner & Body Mask * Flower Bath with Essential Oils
Room Types

KUTA BEACH CLUB HOTEL | 3 Star | 100 Rooms

Conveniently located in the center of Kuta and just a few minutes from Kuta Art market and Kuta beach. Kuta Beach Club Hotel is also minutes away from the Ngurah Rai International Airport. At Jl. Singosari No. 81, P.O.Box 3226, Kuta 80361, Bali - Indonesia.

KUTA BEACH CLUB INFORMATIONS :

Room Facilities	* Satellite TV * Individually controlled air-conditioning * Minibar and refrigerator * IDD telephone * Ensuite bathrooms * Private balcony
Guest Services	* Two outdoor swimming pools * Airport Transportation * Foreign Currency Exchange * Courier Services * Car Rental * Baby Sitting on request * Doctor on call * Lobby Shop * Laundry and valet service * Safety Deposit Box * Travel Agent & Tour Desk * In-house movies * Spa * Meeting Roomq
Service & Facilities	* Agung Poolside Bar * Tommy Tavern * Raka Sunken Pool Bar * Room Service * Live Music Every Wednesday & Friday
Room Types

noreply@blogger.com (dhARMA_anT2gUNs) — Wed, 12 Sep 2007 07:22:00 +0000

THE BALINESE PEOPLE

The Balinese, anthropologists suggest, are an amalgamation of a number of people. The Chinese coming from the North, the Indian and the Arabs from way West, and other groups coming directly to Bali or by way of Java. Centuries past, and they become what is now known as native Balinese. They are blessed with well-developed bodies, golden-bronze skin, long, glossy black hair, and charm and mystical smiles, happily living in a rich and complete yet dynamic culture. There are pockets of villages in which fraternization with outsiders is completely restricted, resulting in a people and a culture that the Balinese called Bali Aga (Old Bali), which may curiously be the tunnel that allows us to periscope into the culture of Bali in the past centuries. People, Religion, and Temples A person in Bali cannot exist in solitude. Balinese society is very community oriented. The first invitation to attend the next village meeting is delivered to you practically as a wedding present. If ignored, it will result in a warning; if three invitations are ignored, then the village may take actions against you. Since land is usually owned by the community, the village may revoke your privilege to till the land. Much of the rituals require massive effort, which usually the village shoulder in cooperatively. You will have to shoulder it yourself, should you decide to be an outcast. Along with other families in the village, you participate in meetings. You may play an instrument in the orchestra, or dance in the ceremonies. The women prepare the offerings, for their little shrines or for the village's offering to the Mother Temple of Besakih. If a child in a family is having his tooth filed, the rest of the village's women will help cook and prepare, and the men help erect a stage and decorate the house. In short, life in Bali is never alone. You can observe this even in little children. As their parents go to plant rice, the children - all seem to be in their best behavior - play with their age group. The older ones will care for the younger ones. Fights rarely occur, and loud screams or cries are even scarcer. As if they have been taught to be at harmony with their surroundings. The Balinese also has a built in population control mechanism through their naming structure. In Bali, all first child is named Wayan, second child is Made, the third child is Nyoman, and the fourth, or the last, is Ketut. If you have more than four? Well, the Balinese seem to have understood modulo arithmetic, so it's back to Wayan, Made, Nyoman, and Ketut, repeat. But implicitly, the culture discourages having more than four children. Though originating from India, the brand of Hinduism known and practiced in Bali differs significantly from the one found in India. Instead of mysticism or philosophy, the emphasis of Bali's Hinduism is more in rituals and dramatic features, allowing the religion and its practice to be incorporated into daily life of Balinese peasants. These rituals and dramatic features have been intricately woven into the lives of Balinese to the extent that one cannot separate the religious life of Bali from its daily life. In fact, one can say every little action of a Balinese has some religious connotation; stone and wood carvings, cremation ceremony, trance dances, vibrant music - all are intended to please the gods and the goddesses. These rituals most often take place in a temple, the most important structure in the Balinese culture.