Beauty Of Bali

Uluwatu Beach

noreply@blogger.com (Tesuhahauhsb) — Mon, 30 May 2011 01:34:00 +0000

Beauty of BALI - For those fanatic surfers out there, I would surely have no need to describe Uluwatu for you. This is likely to be your beach haven and you know it inside out. Uluwatu beach is just that indescribable, perfect paradise for surfers. Besides the wonderful scenery accompanying the waves in this lovely place, there are also many small local cafes providing light snacks for those who want to fill their tummy before surfing. However, if you do not surf, it does not mean Uluwatu isn’t the place for you. Look out for all the sweet little moments served out to you on a plate in every nook and cranny of this amazing place.

The beach is right down the hill so you will have to go down several stairways to reach it. As I walking down, I saw a monkey swinging from one tree branch to another. I felt so at one with nature right at that point. Now, just before you finally reach the beach you will come to this cave with water drops on one side due to the high tide the night before. Beautiful!

Let me describe to you what I love about Uluwatu Beach… its white sandy beach with that handful of people sunbathing while the rest are far off in the distance trying the waves. I also like the idea of Uluwatu being a rocky beach, with all those corals right at the side of the coast. Do you know I had my own private pool right down at the beach! Yes, there are no tides or waves here and you can actually have a proper swim. Just stand on one end of the rock, examine some of the small sea fishes looking for food in the delightfully clear ocean. Wow… beyond my wildest imagination!

Just like many other places, here many resorts and first class spas offer to spoil you silly, completing your perfect holiday.[Source]

Beauty of bali

Jukut kakul

noreply@blogger.com (Tesuhahauhsb) — Wed, 25 May 2011 15:39:00 +0000

Beauty of BALI -

OVERVIEW:

The French are not the only ones to have a liking for snails. The Balinese gather snails in the rice fields. But you can use the canned variety. Cucumber, zucchini or any other summer squash can be used instead of green papaya.

INGREDIENTS:
200 gr unripe green papaya
1 liter chicken stock
½ cup spice paste for seafood
1 stalk lemon grass bruised
2 salam leaves
1 tbsp oil
48 canned snails, washed and drained
1 tsp salt
Freshly ground black pepper
Fried shallots to garnish

PREPARATION:
Peel the papaya, cut in half lengthwise and remove the seeds, then cut it lengthwise in 4 or 6 slices. Cut crosswise into slices about 0.5 cm thick.

Combine stock, spice paste, lemon grass, salam leaves and oil in a large pot. Bring to boil, and then simmer for 5 minutes. Add papayas and simmer until almost tender. Add the snails and continue cooking until the papaya softens.

Season with salt and pepper to taste and garnish with fried shallots.

Helpful hint: If you do not care for snails. You can substitute 12 dried black Chinese mushroom. Washed and soaked I warm water for 20minutes. Add them together with the papaya to ensure they will be tender by the time the papaya is cooked.[Source]

Beauty of bali

Jukut ares

noreply@blogger.com (Tesuhahauhsb) — Wed, 25 May 2011 15:36:00 +0000

Beauty of BALI - Jukut Ares is made of baby banana tree mixed with ribs and meat (cow, pork, duck), and spices. It is usually served in Balinese ritual ceremonies, dished up for family and people who assisted in arranging the ceremonies. Jukut Ares is served with rice. It is available in many restaurants in Bali regencies, such as Denpasar.

OVERVIEW:
The tender center of young banana palms is used for this dish in Bali, these can be replaced by round cabbage, although this needs to be salted for only 10 minutes.

INGREDIENTS:
600 gr (1¼ lb) young banana palm stem
6 tbsp salt
½ cup basic spice paste
1.5 lt (6 cups) duck stock
2 salam leaves
1 stalk lemongrass, bruised salt to taste
½ tbsp black peppercorn, crushed fried shallots to garnish

PREPARATION:
Peel off hard outside layers of the banana stem, cut in half lengthwise and place flat side on carving board. With a sharp knife cut in thin slices. Sprinkle a flat tray with salt, place sliced banana stem on it and sprinkle generously with salt again. Marinade for 45 minutes. Place slices on top of each and press by hand to extract the juice. Repeat process until stems are very dry and soft. Rinse stems thoroughly under running water. Strain and dry well. Combine duck stock and spice paste and bring to boil. Add salam leaves and lemongrass. Simmer for 5 minutes then add shredded banana stem and bring back to boil. Simmer for one hour until stems are soft, but still crunchy. If using cabbage, the cooking time will be much shorter. Season to taste with salt and pepper and garnish with fried shallots.[Source]

Beauty of Bali

Cerorot

noreply@blogger.com (Tesuhahauhsb) — Wed, 25 May 2011 15:33:00 +0000

Beauty of BALI - Cerorot is usually produced in Tenganan Village, Karangasem regency, but it is also produced in other regions in Bali. Cerorot is made of rice flour, brown sugar, and salt, wrapped in twisted coconut leaf, and steamed. This snack is served with coffee or tea. It can last for only one day.[Source]

Beauty of bali

Nasi Kuning Bali (Balinese Yellow Rice)

noreply@blogger.com (Tesuhahauhsb) — Wed, 25 May 2011 15:31:00 +0000

Beauty of BALI - Nasi Kuning Bali is a bit different from the common Nasi Kuning, especially from the spices and preparation. Nasi Kuning is usually served during Kuningan Day, the Balinese Hindhu Holy Day which comes every 210 days on Saniscara (Saturday) Kliwon Wuku Kuningan.
Nowadays, Nasi Kuning is also served in other ceremonies such as birthday party, thanksgiving ceremony, etc. Nasi Kuning is served with fried chili spices, kemangi leaf, and green-peas. It is not available in Balinese restaurants. Balinese people usually prepare it only for ceremonies.[Source]

Beauty of bali

Sate languan

noreply@blogger.com (Tesuhahauhsb) — Wed, 25 May 2011 15:29:00 +0000

Beauty of BALI - Sate Languan is made of sea fish, green coconut, spices, and brown sugar. It is a traditional food of Klungkung regency, but it can be found in all over Bali. Sate Languan is served in Balinese ritual ceremonies. It is better served right after grilled (while it is still hot). It can last for only one day.[Source]

Beauty of bali

Ayam betutu (Roasted Chicken in Banana Leaf)

noreply@blogger.com (Tesuhahauhsb) — Wed, 25 May 2011 15:23:00 +0000

Beauty of BALI - Ayam Betutu is made of chicken with spices inside. The spices consist of turmeric, ginger, kencur, galangal, onion, garlic, salam leaf, and chilies. All these spices are mixed and put inside the chicken. That is why it is called Ayam Betutu.

Ayam Betutu is usually served in Balinese traditional ceremonies such as Odalan, Otonan, wedding ceremony, etc.[Source]
Beauty of bali

Urutan Celeng / Fried Pork Sausages

noreply@blogger.com (Tesuhahauhsb) — Wed, 25 May 2011 15:20:00 +0000

Beauty of BALI - Urutan is Balinese sausage. It is made of pig’s intestines, stuffed with pork meat and spice paste inside, and fried until it is brownish. Urutan is usually served with Balinese rice wine.

OVERVIEW:
This is always found in stalls selling roasted whole pig. Be Celeng, better known to visitors to Bali by its Indonesian name, Babi Guling. Not one part of the pig is wasted, and even the skin is deep fried as a crisp garnish. In Bali, this sausage is usually hung in a tree to dry to keep it away from the dogs and chickens.
INGREDIENTS:
600 gr (1¼ lb) boneless pork leg or shoulder, cut in 1 cm (1/2in) cubes
½ cup basic spice paste
1 tsp salt
1 tsp black peppercorns, crushed
2 tbsp tamarind pulp, seeds and fibres
removed vegetable oil for frying
1 meter (3ft) pork intestine or sausage casings
PREPARATION:
Combine pork meat with basic spice paste, salt, pepper and tamarind paste. Mix well for 5 minutes. Tie one end of pork intestines with string. Insert large round nozzle into pastry piping bag and fill it with the meat mixture. Place open end of intestine over nozzle of piping bag and fill intestine tightly. Tie end with string. Dry sausage for 8 hours on wire rack in oven at very low heat. Deep fry in oil over medium heat until golden brown.
This dish is traditionally served with lawar (Vegetable Salad made from green beans) or with young jackfruits.[Source]

Beauty of bali

Ngejot - The morning ritual

noreply@blogger.com (Tesuhahauhsb) — Wed, 25 May 2011 14:58:00 +0000

Beauty of BALI - It is well before dawn in the paradise land of the Gods of Bali, Indonesia. As the sun approaches, the ladies of Bali are dutifully performing a morning ritual which has been the tradition since centuries past. To outsiders, it is but a simple day-to-day offering and morning preparation of food, but in the tradition of Bali, the “ngejot” offerings are so much more than that.

This morning ritual begins with the Balinese women rising well before dawn to prepare for ngejot. It is considered extremely impolite to eat before the ritual, so people will abstain from eating until the ritual is finished. The preparation begins at the same time the morning meal is prepared, and similarly as well – by boiling water and cooking rice.
The Balinese believes that “ngejot” will keep a harmonious relationship between the world of the humans and the world of the Gods, and as such it is a ritual that you would always see every morning in the houses of local Balinese. The ritual is prepared in the kitchen, a sacred place according to Balinese tradition, as well as the various tools used to prepare the ritual offerings.

Once the rice is cooked, it is then time to assemble the “nasi jotan” which will be used as prayer offerings. Using banana palm leaves cut into small squares, the rice is placed accordingly and on top of a traditional holy bamboo tray known as “kumarang”. Additional decoration are placed on top of these rice offering as a way to appease the Gods.
A Balinese lady will then prepare herself for the ritual – she must put on a “kamben”, a traditional Balinese sarong, worn with a “santeng” that is tied around their waist at the beginning of the ritual. The prayer offerings are to be palced around various points of the kitchen and areas of the house as an offering to the God, a way of saying thank you for keeping the harmony intact.
The ritual gives one an insight into the local culture of Bali, a place where religious mysticism abounds, and the magical often comes alive. The Balinese believes that a proper “ngejot” will help the kitchen become a source of protection, and will help repel negative energies or attacks from the world of the spirits.[Source]

Beauty of bali

The War Dance - Gebug Ende

noreply@blogger.com (Tesuhahauhsb) — Wed, 25 May 2011 14:54:00 +0000

Beauty of BALI - The Gebug Ende is very unique since it has certain rules that need to be followed by the participants. Led by a jury, this dance begins with two dancers, as the relaxation sit inside a circle, cracking jokes and singing, while waiting their turn.

The Gebug Ende is a combination of dance and trial of prowess. It is usually performed by two to sixty male dancers who dance and fight on stage in pairs. Each dancer/fighter carries a one and a half metre long rattan stick as as a weapon and a shield called an ende. During the performance the two men try to beat one another with the stick while using the ende to protect themselves. The dance is called Gebug Ende as it literally means beating the ende or shield. One cannot afford to make mistakes in this dance as otherwise injury results.

Beauty of BALI

Legong truna jaya

noreply@blogger.com (Tesuhahauhsb) — Wed, 25 May 2011 14:47:00 +0000

Beauty of BALI - The Trunajaya dance describes the feelings of the youthful guy through love and passion. The dance actions reflect the theme of courtship and love.

Truna meaning 'single' and jaya meaning 'to win' immediately gives an awareness from the dance. Ironically, the dancer are youthful ladies who undertake the role of teenagers. The ladies put on a 'destar' normally worn by males as well as an unusual loin-cloth known as a 'kancut'. The Trunajaya is generally danced with a single female but sometimes two, dancing together in synchronous actions and also to the mesmorotic sounds from the 'Gong Kebyar', a quick, rhythmic beat which matches harmoniously towards the dance. The dance was produced by Wayan Wandres, from Singaraja, Northern Indonesia.

Tari Pendet ( A traditional Balinese dance )

noreply@blogger.com (Tesuhahauhsb) — Wed, 25 May 2011 14:40:00 +0000

Beauty of Bali - Pendet is a traditional Balinese dance, in which offerings are made to purify the temple or theater as a prelude to ceremonies or other dances. Pendet is typically performed by young girls, carrying bowls of flower petals, handfuls of which are cast into the air at various times in the dance. Pendet can be thought of as a dance of greeting, to welcome the audience and invite spirits to enjoy a performance.

Traditional Balinese dances are the oldest form of performing arts in Bali. Traditional dances can be divided into two types, sacred dance called Wali and entertainment dance called Bebalihan. Wali (sacred dance) is usually performed in some ritual ceremonies only because it has strong magical powers and only can be performed by specific dancers. Bebalihan are usually performed in social events. In addition to entertain, Bebalihan also has other purposes such as: welcoming guests, celebration of harvests, or gathering crowds. Bebalihan has more variations than Wali.

Pendet is the presentation of an offering in the form of a ritual dance. Unlike the exhibition dances that demand arduous training, Pendet may be danced by anyone. It is taught simply by imitation.

Younger girls follow the movements of the elder women, who recognize their responsibility in setting a good example. Proficiency comes with age. As a religious dance, Pendet is usually performed during temple ceremonies.

All dancers carry in their right hand a small offering of incense, cakes, water vessels, or flower formations. With these they dance from shrine to shrine within the temple. Pendet may be performed intermittently throughout the day and late into the night during temple feasts.

The original Pendet dance is performed by 4-5 young girls (before their puberty) in temple yards. Pendet dancers bring flowers in small Bokor (silver bowls for keeping flowers in a ceremony). They spread the flowers around the temple. This dance is a symbol of welcoming God in some ritual ceremonies in Bali. Pendet actually has simple dance movements. These movements are the basic dance movements of Balinese dance. Pendet has undergone later development with variations and now is not only performed in ritual ceremonies but also in some social events. Pendet since has been known as a welcoming dance.[Source]

Beauty of bali

The "Kecak Dance"

noreply@blogger.com (Tesuhahauhsb) — Wed, 25 May 2011 14:28:00 +0000

Beauty of BALI - The Kecak dance is one of the most famous of Balinese dances. It is unusual because it has no musical accompaniment like many other Indonesian dances do, the rhythm of the dance is produced by the chanting ‘monkey’ chorus. Instead, a troupe of over 150 bare-chested men serve as the chorus, making a wondrous cacophony of synchronized “chak-achak-achak” clicking sounds while swaying their bodies and waving their hands .From that chanting noise of “Cak-cak-cak”, then it gave the dance its name Kecak. What makes the Kecak special is that the accompanying music is provided by the human voice, the gamelan suara, a choir of a hundred men or more sitting in concentric circles, swaying, standing up, lying prone as the story develops.Amongst the swaying masses the voices of the storytellers can be heard telling the unfolding tale.
The story is a fragment from the Ramayana, the Hindu epic which finds its expression in many forms, not only in dance, but also in painting and carving. Prince Rama, heir to the throne of the kingdom of Ayodya, and his wife Sita have been banished from the kingdom by King Dasarata as a result of trickery by Rama’s stepmother. The story begins with the arrival of Rama and Sita accompanied by Rama’s brother Laksmana in the forest of Dandaka.
The trio have been observed by the demon Rahwana, King of Alengka, who lusts after the beautiful Sita. Rahwana sends his prime minister Marica to try and isolate Sita so that Rahwana can kidnap her. Marica’s magical powers turn him into a golden deer and he enters the forest and when the Sita sees the golden deer she is so enchanted by it that she asks Rama to capture it for her. Rama chases after the deer leaving his brother Laksamana behind with strict instuction to protec Sita. When Sita thinks she hears a cry for help from Rama she forces Laksamana to go after Rama by accusing him of cowardice and he goes off to help Rama with great reluctance after drawing a magic circle on the ground and telling Sita the she should not under any circumstance step out side the circle.

Sita, left alone in the forest becomes an easy prey to the trickery of Rahwana who has disguised himself has an old periest and bags Sita for some food as he is cold and hungry. Sita falls for for his trick, she steps outside the circle to give the old priest some food and rahwana grabs her and takes her to his palace.Once back in his palace in Alengka, Rahwana tries everything he can to seduce Sita without any luck.
In the palace of Alengka, Sita pours out her heart about her cruel fate to Rahwana’s niece Trijata, when Hanoman appears telling her that hi is Rama’s envoy and proving it by showing her Rama’s ring. Sita gives Hanoman a hairpin to show she is still alive and sand him back to Rama with a massage to come to her rescue.
In the meantime Rama and Laksamana accompanied by Tualen are wandering in the forest looking for Sita when Meganada, Rahwana’s son, appeares and engages Rama and Laksamana in Battle. Meganada uses his magic powers and shoots of an arrow which magically turns in to a dragon which overpowers Rama and Laksamana and they are trussed up in ropes.
The bird Garuda, King of all the bird, a good friend of King Dasarata, has observed trouble Rama is in from high up in the sky and comes to the rescue freeing the brothers from the ropes. Rama and Laksamana continue on their way to rescue Sita and are joined by Sugriwa, king of the monkeyes, and his monkeys army.
This fragmen of the Ramayana come to an end with the bittle between Sugriwa and his Monkeys Army and Meganada and his Demon Army which ends with the defeat of Meganada.[Source]

Beauty of bali

Religion

noreply@blogger.com (Tesuhahauhsb) — Wed, 25 May 2011 14:09:00 +0000

Beauty of BALI - When you step your feet in Bali (Balinese people call it Gumi Bali) you feel religious atmosphere very much which is closely related with situation of Bali. It is hard to express the feeling in Bali, except by involving ourselves in it. The feeling flows strongly from the holy spring of Balinese with its estuary of Hindu Religion, as most of Balinese people adheres Hindu Religion.

Since beginning, Bali Island was created as an Island of God, the throne of Gods. Many people called God as Ida Bhatara. However, the essence known and inspired as the term NYA is Ida Sang Hyang Widhi Wasa. If there is any term of Dewa or Bhatara, it is the manifestation of the greatness of God or Atman in Hindu perspective.

In conducting the essence of life, Balinese adhere Hindu Religion are supported with three basic concepts, namely: tattwa, susila, and upacara.

Tattwa

Tattwa includes Panca Sraddha, the five belief adhered by Hindu religion, such as :

1. Widhi Tattwa, the ceremony to Sang Hyang Widhi with all His dimensions.2. Atma Tattwa, the belief with the existence of Atma, the soul providing life all human being.3. Karmaphala, the belief of the existence of causal law of the behaviors. It means that every behavior has causal dimension to the behavior itself.
4. Punarbawa, the belief of reincarnation.
5. Moksa, the belief of the eternal life of the end of human journey where atman unites with Sang Hyang Widhi (paramatman).

In Hindu perspective, God is known as a term of Ida Sang Hyang Widhi Wasa, which means God, Almighty. The God is only one, though He has various names. From the various names of God, there are three which are well known by the adherers of Hindu in Bali, namely, Brahma, Visnu and Siva, which are called as Tri Murti.
Brahma is the Dimension of Sang Hyang Widhi Wasa as the creator (utpatti), Visnu is the manifestation of Sang Hyang Widhi Wasa as the caretaker (sthiti) and Siwa is the manifestation of Sang Hyang Widhi Wasa as the destroyer (praline). That's why Balinese believe that all the creation of Sang Hyang Widhi Wasa will face the cycle of birth, life and death.
The essence of power of Sang Hyang Widhi Wasa is expressed by every family of Hindu in Bali in Pemrajan, Sangah or the place of worshipping in every house, dadya, village as well as Jagad Bali.

Susila

Susila is the aspect of Hindu religion implementation organizing good and right behavior. The basic of Susila learning is Tattwam Asi. By applying the good and right instruction will produce harmonious and suitable interaction among the people. Even, in Hindu it is not only known the interaction among the people but also interaction between mankind and God and between mankind and nature as understood in the concept of Tri Hita Karana.

Tattwam Asi is meant as I is You, You is I. Thus, if we hurt other people, it means we also hurt ourselves. As in the Tattwam Asi concept, every human being is the same, as it is derived from the only paramatman.

The operational concept of susila with Tattwam Asi philosophy is expressed in Tri Kaya Parisuddha, or three good and right behavior, such as :
1. Manacika Parisuddha
2. Wacika Parisuddha
3. Kayika Parisuddha

Manacika is having a holy and right thinking. Wacika is having a good and right word. Kayika is having a good and right behavior. Thus, the concept of Tri kaya Parisuddha is having the right thinking, words and behavior.

Upacara
Upacara (Ceremony) in Hindu perspective is a kind yadnya (sacrifice) expressed in Panca Yadnya which consists of:

1. Dewa Yadnya is a holy sacrifice to Sang Hyang Widhi held in the form of ceremony in jagad, sad kahyangan and village temples.
2. Rsi Yadnya is a holy sacrifice to priests or holy persons by learning the holy books of Hindu and disseminates it.
3. Manusia Yadnya is a ceremony for people since their birth to adult. Visually, the implementation of manusia yadnya ceremony is also expressed by conducting myadnya for poor people, isfortune people and so forth.
4. Pitra Ydnya is a holy sacrifice for ancestors from funeral ceremony, cremation to the ceremony of ngasti and so forth.
5. Bhuta Yadnya is a holy sacrifice for evil spirit called bhuta. This ceremony is often expressed to somya the evil spirit immaterially. Materially, Bhuta Yadnya ceremony is also for the animals and plants by taking care of them.[Source]

Beauty of bali

Festivals and Event

noreply@blogger.com (Tesuhahauhsb) — Wed, 25 May 2011 14:01:00 +0000

Beauty of BALI - purification, processions, dances, and dozens of other religious rites that Balinese devote their lives to. They believe that life on earth is one stage in the continuity of existence. The cycle begins at birth and it is a cherished event. The umbilical cord is preserved and kept for life, and the birth is attended by the entire family and a holy man who invokes spiritual powers to aid the delivery. Death is merely a rite of passage when the soul is freed. It will commence its great journey before being reborn into a future generation.

There is a myriad of festivals in Bali. Some are dedicated to the art of woodcarving, the birth of a goddess, and percussion instruments. Other festivals include temple festivals, fasting & retreat ceremonies, parades to the sea to cleanse villages, special prayers for the dead, nights of penance (sivaratri), harvest festivals (usaba), blood sacrifices, and house deity anniversaries (odalan sangguh).

Religious Festivals

Religious festivals include odalan, which signifies the anniversary of a temple's founding. These festivals last a couple of days to a week. Temples are beautifully bedecked with flowers, palm leaves, flags and bamboo towers, complete with noisy parades, food offerings, and prayers that add religious fervor to the festive ambience.

Melasti, another religiously inclined festival, is a purification festival held the day before Nyepi. On Melasti, villagers will dress in their finest and make their way to the sea or holy springs. They would carry umbrellas, offerings or flowers, and fruit and sacred statues. The statues are affectionately washed with water, and pigs would be sacrificed by holy men as offerings to their gods. This festival must be carried out amid the din of gamelan and drums and lots of merry shouting. All must then fall silent the following day on Nyepi.

Bali Religious FestivalsNyepi is a festival that marks the beginning of a new lunar year and usually falls during the spring equinox (late March or early April). On this day, everyone in Bali including tourists must remain silent. No one is allowed to work, travel or partake in any indulgences. Visitors are advised to observe this custom and to stay within their lodgings for the day. It may seem like a day is wasted, but the previous night's festivities would have sapped substantial energy and spirit to make up for the day of stillness. It is believed that evil spirits will leave the island, thinking that the place is uninhabited due to the complete stillness.

Galungan is another festival related to religion. It is observed in the eleventh week of the 210th day in the Balinese calendar and celebrates the creation of our world. Bali's most significant annual event, locals will spend the day visiting family, friends and neighbors decked in their finest and indulge in heavy feasting.

Ten days after Galungan is Kuningan. This festival commemorates the end of the holiday season. On this occasion, ancestors are worshipped and honored with celebrations held at the water temple Tampaksiring, along with other events at Bangli and Ubud.

The restoration of balance between good and evil is also commemorated. Eka Dasa Rudra is the island's most important festival and is originally held every hundred years. It is now being revised to hold the festival more frequently and the next one is yet to be announced.

Non-Religious Festivals and Holidays
If you are in Bali between July and October, you will have the opportunity to experience the Negara bull races. The pampered bulls are spruced up with accessories, hitched in pairs to makeshift chariots, and steered by jockeys who combine their riding skills and tail twisting to induce maximum performance.[Source]

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Jegog (Uniq traditional balinese bamboo music)

noreply@blogger.com (Tesuhahauhsb) — Wed, 25 May 2011 13:50:00 +0000

Beauty of BALI - This quirk of nature has been exploited by local musicians with the creation of the gamelan jegog, so named for the remarkablejegogan that is the sonic core of the ensemble. Individual tubes on these may stretch to an incredible 3 meters in length, with circumferences of 60-65 centimeters.3 They are so unwieldy that a pair of musicians must sit on top of the frame of the instrument in order to play it. It requires quite a pounding with thick rubber beaters to coax music out of them, but what finally emerges is a sound so powerful that it seems to enter the body through the stomach rather than the ears. Beauty Of bali

Mekepung (Balinese bull cart racing)

noreply@blogger.com (Tesuhahauhsb) — Wed, 25 May 2011 13:43:00 +0000

Beauty of BALI - The first Buffalo Race or Mekepung is said to be held in the muddy rice field of Subak Pecelengan, the village of Mendoyo Dangin Tukad the subdistrict of Mendoyo, the District of Jembrana.On the run, the attraction is also done by farmers from other areas such as those who live in Subak Temuku Aya, Subak Tegak Gede, and Subak Mertasari, and then develops into a Mekepung in the muddy rice field, held in turns when they start watering the rice field.

The Buffalo Race or Mekepung Attraction developed around the year of 1930, then the jockey dressed like palace soldiers. They were barefoot, wore head dress, a scarf, a vest, and trousers with a sword wrapped in checkered patterned cloth in the waist. Because the jockey got dirty after the mekepung in the muddy rice field, then they moved the attraction to the soil road near the rice field. This developed in the year around 1960, and they formed two adverse mekepung groups.

The one is called group "Ijo Gading Timur" with a red flag and the other group is named "Ijo Gading Barat" which chose green flag. Ijo Gading is the name of the river dividing the town of Negara, the capital of the Jembrana district. "Timur" means east and "Barat" means west. So the group "Ijo Gading Timur" means the group located in the east side of the Ijo Gading river, whereas the group "Ijo Gading Barat" means the group residing in the west side of the same river. Each group is fiercely defending the honour and the reputation of its own region.

The Mekepung attraction is held only in the Jembrana district, located in the south-west area of Bali. From Denpasar (the capital city of Bali island), it only takes one hour by car to the west. "Mekepung" is a Balinese word (the only Balinese terminology) that designates buffalo racing.

People inspired by the stage of soil management, that is, to soften the soil by using a lampit slau plough. In the process of softening the soil, farmers work together with other farmers and their wives to prepare food for them. Lampit slau plough is carried by two water buffalos and they are decorated with a large gerondongan bell which rings in producing a rock music when they move. It sounds grenjeng-grenjeng. Each of these ploughs is ridden by a jockey. The jockey sits on the plough.

During the activity, one feels inspired to have a race. This is the beginning of buffalo race or mekepung, i.e., a race in power to carry the ploughs.

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Barong bangkung (Pig barong)

noreply@blogger.com (Tesuhahauhsb) — Wed, 25 May 2011 13:33:00 +0000

Beauty of BALI - Barong Bangkung is carried out peripatetically through the village namely in one house to a different that's known as ngelawang. They perform this ngelawang from Galungan day to Umanis Kuningan, for 12 days. Barong Bangkung (sow) can also be known as Barong Bangkal (wild boar) or Barong Celeng (pig) because it has are an enormous black pig. It's carried out by two male ballroom dancers and supported by batel or tetamburan gamelan orchestra.

This dance usually carried out by children which contain group. Barong bangkung always visit people’s houses and can dance lively before each house gate. The occupant won't ever feel disturbed through the Barong. Actually, they're happy with this fresh and affordable entertainment. Using the money quantity of Rp.1.000, Rp.2000 or Rp.3000, individuals will dissolve in laughter for couple of amusing moments that's provided by the barong’s dancer.

in usual, Barong bangkung usually begins Ngelawang on Galungan until Kuningan, three days after Galungan and three days after Kuningan. Throughout the staging, Barong Bangkung group is going to be supported by couple of telek mask ballroom dancers (mostly children supported by batel musical instruments) using their funny faces. Sekaa (group) Barong Bangkung always walks at random in one village to a different. They dance in line with the money the greater they get compensated, the longer they'll dance.

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Perang pandan (pandanus war)

noreply@blogger.com (Tesuhahauhsb) — Wed, 25 May 2011 13:25:00 +0000

Beauty of BALI - The humanity of a society is not just measured by how people treat their friends but how they care for their enemies. But what happens when the lines distinguishing friends from enemies are blurred by cultural dictates? Are bonds of kinship strong enough when tested? These questions are posited in a ritual called perang pandan of the Bali Aga people in Tenganan where males of age of reason, from children as young as seven to men as old as seventy, engage in a bloody duel, every year.

Literally meaning “pandan war”, perang pandan is a man-to-man, or child-to-child battle using a thorny pandan (wild screwpine) leaves bunched into a club, with only a peresai or woven bamboo (?) shield as protection. There are no declaration of winners or losers and one can participate in as many duels as permitted by a council of adults who themselves participate in the rites.

Human as men are, the fights can get heated, resulting to lots of blood and bad temper but somehow after all the lashing and whipping, participants are put into place and acrimony is left on stage. Smiles and embraces are exchanged. Manhood is tested. Civilization survives.

More notes and photographs in the following days. Be early, especially on the 3rd and last day of the perang pandan. The fight started before 2PM, so by 1PM, I already claimed a stake in front of the the stage and soon enough all places would be taken. This, under the heat of noon sun. It would be worth the aggravation as even the sidelights leading to the battle ceremony are worth documenting.
a nervous young boy, psyching himself up for the perang pandan duel in Tengenan, Manggis, Karengasem, Bali, Indonesia (uncropped).

perang pandan
Gradually, as the more than one-hour ritual progressed, the participants would sit around the arena and would block your view. Move backwards and seek higher ground and use a telephoto lens. Otherwise, bring a stool with you, or as other male photographers would do, wear traditional clothes and go bare-chested like the participants so as to gain access to the sacred pavilion overlooking the makeshift stage.
a seriously touch and bloody battle at the perang pandan in Tengenan, Manggis, Karengasem, Bali, Indonesia (uncropped).

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Omed-omedan (Kissing ceremony)

noreply@blogger.com (Tesuhahauhsb) — Wed, 25 May 2011 13:14:00 +0000

Beauty of BALI - So many people, young and old, men and women, natives and foreigners came in flocks to see a unique ritual in Banjar Kaja, Sesetan village, South Denpasar, a day after Nyepi. The old men from Banjar Kaja sprinkle the road. A moment later, while the members of sekaa teruna teruni Satya Dharma Kerti (youth organization; in Banjar Kaja, its youth organization is named Satya Dharma Kerti) was praying, a Barong dance was held. After the praying and dancing session was over, the core of this ritual came.

The teenagers came out to the road. The boys were in left and the girls were in right. They were wetted by the adult ones. Balinese gambelan (traditional instrument) were played. The boys chose one of their members, so did the girls. Those chosen people were pushed by the others. “Omed-omedan” was started,

They pushed his and her waist. Gambelan player played another tune, more and more beat. They pushed their own member until the chosen ones met in the middle of the road, and both of the chosen embraced and kissed each other. However, the girls were so shy to do this ritual in public that the girls sometimes avoid the embraces and kisses. It was a totally different story for the boys. They were always excited to embrace and kiss the girls. Moreover, there was a boy took a minute longer to do that. For that reason the old men sprinkled them with so much water. Then the chosen were pulled back to their position by the others. Those push and pull were done for several times with different chosen people.

Attractive chosen people attracted more audiences to scream and push the others audiences because they want to see from closer distance The audiences which passed the border were also sprinkled. Whoop….so wet!

Another information if you want to come to see this tradition is do not forget to protect your camera and others electronic things. Who knows yours will be sprinkled too. Omed-omedan is held in a day after Nyepi (silence day) by people of Banjar Kaja, Sesetan village, South Denpasar. The teenagers who belong to this Banjar play the main role on this tradition. They -the boys and the girls- embrace each other by turns with wet body. They push a chosen boy and a chosen girl’s waist until they embrace and kiss ech other then he and she are pulled back to their initial position (see the complete information of omed-omedan on the previous posting).

Omed-omedan come from ‘omed’ meant pull. Many people outside Banjar Kaja often call omed-omedan with med-medan. “Actually, this tradition was held on Nyepi day,” said I Wayan Sunarya, Kelian Adat (Head of Banjar) Banjar Kaja. In the bygone days, Raja Puri Oka, authority of Sesetan village, was sick. He was still sick until Nyepi but the teenagers of Banjar Kaja were bored staying in home during the silence day. So, they went out gathered together. They played and chatted noisily that Raja Puri Oka was disturbed. Raja Puri Oka felt angry and commanded them to get in their house. But a miracle happened. Raja Puri Oka got well and became really healthy. Since that day, Raja Puri Oka told Banjar Kaja’s teenagers to do ‘omed-omedan’ in Nyepi Day.

“In colonial period, we were asked not to do omed-omedan on Nyepi day,” added Sunarya. Without any wonder, Nyepi is not proper time to make noise. Then Omed-omedan is held on a day after Nyepi. There was an occasion in colonial time, the people of Banjar Kaja-ever did not hold this tradition. “Then two pigs came and fight in front of Banjar Kaja. It turns out, it was a sign from god that omed-omedan had to hold every year,” explained Sunarya. Until this time omed-omedan is still held annually.

On that day, many parents hope their teenagers will get a mate trough this omed-omedan. Suprisingly, in this Banjar, there are some couples which started their relationships from omed-omedan. “So I prove it,” said Sunarya. He did not feel anything to Ni Putu Yarniathi before omed-omedan. They were a friend. “But I don’t know after omed-omedan ‘that’ feeling came,” he recalled. They got marriage and this year their marriage reach 30 years. “I am very happy, now I have three children and many grandsons,” he said. Whoo… so romantic isn’t it?. Unfortunately, for those who are not the member of Banjar Kaja are not allowed joining this tradition, except as audiences.his tradition is not a sacred tradition like Pangrebongan in Kesiman village. However this tradition is so entertaining. Wanna see? Get ready on next year. [Source]

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Pasar Seni Guwang

noreply@blogger.com (Tesuhahauhsb) — Wed, 25 May 2011 12:54:00 +0000

Beauty of BALI - Art Market Guwang an alternative market to buy souvenirs for tourists visiting Bali. Goods sold in this market are the same as those sold at the Sukawati Art Market. Art Market is located on Highway Guwang Guwang Sukawati, Gianyar, Bali.

Entering the market area, art goods offered almost the same as the goods sold at the Sukawati Art Market at prices similar-similar. The quality of art is pretty good, just like when we buy goods at the Art Gallery of art itself.

Various handicrafts such as paintings, wicker, decoration, and so forth are offered here. The price is almost the same, so stay your expertise in a bid for goods with low price.

But do not forget before you buy you should pay attention to quality and condition of the goods. So that you are not disappointed when there are defects in the product, accuracy is essential. Well, happy shopping at this place.

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Joger Bali

noreply@blogger.com (Tesuhahauhsb) — Wed, 25 May 2011 12:47:00 +0000

Beauty of BALI - One of the souvenirs that are not forgotten during a visit to Bali was visited Joger Words Factory that was in the area of Kuta, Bali. A place selling souvenirs such as t-shirts and various other souvenirs.

tourists who visited Bali feels incomplete if it does not carry by-the typical Joger. Unfortunately, Joger only open until 6 pm WIT.

Items in Joger strangest, is backed clock. He said, made specifically for people who are forward-thinking. The price is not too expensive, with 65 thousand dollars, you can get a wall clock that runs backwards. It's a breakthrough that crazy

Joger provide its own characteristics that is by design of the words strange and unique. In addition, many types of merchants that offer. But keep in mind that Joger not open branches in other places and only sold in Joger Words Factory, located in Kuta, Bali. Well, happy to buy souvenirs. You also must get ready to be disappointed because the stock is limited and several sizes too big for your body.

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Kasih Ibu Hospital

noreply@blogger.com (Tesuhahauhsb) — Wed, 25 May 2011 12:33:00 +0000

Location

Jl. Teuku Umar 120 Denpasar
Bali, Indonesia 80 114
Beauty of BALI - Kasih Ibu Hospital is one of the best hospitals in the city of Denpasar, Bali. Founded in 1987 as aprivate hospital, has become a major referral center in eastern Indonesia.

To ensure your well being and Kasih Ibu Hospital procedure service, please ask the right person in charge of your company or your insurance.

For outpatient services, if you want the service of convenience, you may register by phone and our staff will help you. Or you can subscribe directly to our outpatient registration desk.

For hospital services, our staff is able to confirm the availability of a room at the time of admission, this is due to the uncertainty of discharge and emergency admission to hospital. However, if we can not offer the room of your income, the transfer will be made as soon as you type you prefer is available.

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International SOS Medical Clinic

noreply@blogger.com (Tesuhahauhsb) — Wed, 25 May 2011 12:22:00 +0000

Location :

International SOS Medical Clinic
Jalan By Pass Ngurah Rai 505X
Kuta 80361, Bali, Indonesia

Beauty of BALI - International SOS Medical Clinic & Medical Assistance medical team highly qualified and experienced clinical and support staff is delighted to discuss your health problems and provides a full range of preventive services, primary and emergency 24 hours a day to meet your health needs in Bali .

In the case of a medical emergency, you can be assured of immediate assistance 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The facility has 24 hour emergency services and includes:

- "Round the clock" access to emergency medical team with experience
- Fully equipped emergency room and an observation room - monitoring patients and equipment for - - - emergency resuscitation.
- Diagnostic Services
- Coordination of emergency evacuations and repatriations through our global alarm center network.
You're in good hands.

Beauty of Bali

Lawar Bali

noreply@blogger.com (Tesuhahauhsb) — Wed, 25 May 2011 12:13:00 +0000

Beauty of BALI - Lawar is Balinese traditional food, well-known in all over Bali and available in many Balinese restaurants. Lawar is mixed vegetable with chopped meat, vegetable, spices, and coconut which tastes is sharpened with natural flavors.

Lawar is generally offered with rice along with other dishes. Lawar is the most favorite cooking throughout religious ceremony, family traditions or any family occasion. If there's a ceremony or any event of Indonesia tradition, Lawar may be the first plan in cooking activity.

There are various Lawar based on the materials for composing the cooking, such as Red Lawar, and White Lawar which is a large part made of coconut meat, and other is vegetable and meat. The vegetables which can be cooked into lawar normally are young bean fruit and jackfruit. Pork lawar is made of pork meat while Jackfruit Lawar is made of jackfruit. There is also Padamare Lawar, made of many kinds of Lawar.

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