Bali Island it self according to the ancient inscription of Blanjong written 835 Saka or 913 century which is released by Sri Kesari Warmadewa Kingdom that Bali Island is called 'Bali Dwipa' where the meaning is Bali means come back, offering, sure and other words related to this meaning, meanwhile Dwipa mean island. The Bali Dwipa might be given by traditional merchants from India where the first time they arrive in Bali they met the local people full with the religious activities by using the offering (banten). Base on the event they called Bali is Bali Dwipa.
Bali population based the census on 2001 has reached 3.156.392 and Balinese it self is not stay in Bali Island but also spread out through Indonesian island. Bali race is a group of community banded by the awareness or oneness of culture. The Balinese Traditional is much banded by the social live aspect like conduct the pray in the temple, to place in the certain area together etc. The Balinese were not able to develop and sustain their extremely complex agricultural economy for centuries on end without a very organized community structure.
balistarisland.com
The basis of this community structure is called Subak and Banjar. Everyone who owns a rice paddy must join the Subak in their village. The Subak controls who will plant rice and when (plantings are staggered so that pestilence is minimized). As well and more importantly, the Subak ensures that all farmers receive their fair share of irrigation water since traditionally the head the Subak was the farmer whose field was at the bottom of the hill and water first had to pass through everybody else's field before it was allowed to irrigate his. The other important community structure is the Banjar that organizes all other aspects of Balinese life (i.e. marriages, cremations, community service, festivals and the like). When a man marries, he is expected to join the village Banjar and must participate in community affairs. Meetings are held at a large open-air building called the Bale Banja.
Generally, the Balinese Community System is oriented by two structures (Social Traditional Structure and Social Formal Structure). The Social Traditional Structure has based on the long story from before Hindu era until now and Social Formal Structure is bound of the Balinese integrity into Republic Indonesia since 17 August 1945 . The most familiar Balinese life concept which is called 'Tri Hita Karana' and it is believe will bring them into prosperous where this concept has three angle point in the Balinese in order to keep the good balance between human and environment, human and human
the last one human and god.
Banjar is a group of social community that has band of area, activities and social life. The purpose of Banjar is to held each other in line with the social activities like wedding ceremony, people death, take a part of refurbishment of temple, road, cleanliness of the area, security protection and do all the activities together in economic, social and ritual field. The Banjar is lead by Klian Banjar, which is consisted of 50 - 200 family leaders.
SUBAK is a social-economic organization to organize the irrigation system in Bali where the member it self is from the owner of the rice field. The focus activities of Subak is around the irrigation of the rice field and beside of that it is also has the economic activities and done some religious activities in Pura Subak. In Bali there are about 1300 Subak, where the structurally consist of Subak Tempekan and Subak Gede. Subak it self is lead by 'Pekaseh' and he/she organize and arrange the water irrigation system, irrigation maintenance, to schedule the rice plantation including the cleaning of insect program
SEKAA is a group of social community, which has proposed to conduct the special event and inclined based on voluntary. The Sekaa is built based on the same propose, norm and activities. In Bali, there are a lot of Sekaa that effect to all aspect Balinese life from the security, social, environment, religion, economic, art etc. The most of Sekaa in Bali is more glow is Art Sekaa and based on survey is about 1500 organization.
GOTONG ROYONG is a fundamental of Balinese solidarity which is used on the day life of Balinese based on reciprocity where the activities given will get the obligation to return as sociality. A base of Gotong Royong is forming to help each other and free social activities.
Religion concept
Temple at bali / ciunsungdanesse.blogspot.com
The Balinese Concept is fundamental from the Hindu Religion concept, which is more popular called TRI HITA KARANA where nowadays this concept is becomes the point of the hotel, restaurant and other building assessment in the world. The Balinese Traditional Architecture is not only monumentally, but also has the aspect philosophies and religious. The cosmogony is oneness of three worlds (Tri Bhuana) which is called Bhuhloka, Bhwahloka, and Swahloka. Each of this world (Loka) has habitants it self.
Tri Hita Karana Concept for Life
In addition of this three concepts cosmogony, it is also own contextual with Hindu Religion Concept, which is called Tri Hita Karana (three of the harmony, balance to create the peaceful and happiness). Tri Hita Karana word is come from Sansekerta Language that has meaning to keep the harmony and balance between human to God, human-to-human and human to environment. These three concepts is most popular in Bali spread out as follows:
PARHYANGAN
Parhyangan is one of the three concept related to the god. On this stage, the human is demanded to keep the harmony and balance with god. This concept has huge meaning where the Balinese discipline and full confidence to do this. It is not only including to pray at the temple, however it is cover all the activities which has a good thing in the life like build the temple, cleaning the temple, keep the religion symbols well a lot of thing we can do on this concept.
PAWONGAN
Pawongan in this concept is required to keep the harmony and balance between human to human and this concept has emphasized how to keep good relation with others. The simple ways to execute the implementation of this concept are to conduct three good things like to think the good thing, to speak the good thing and to conduct the good thing. By conducting three good things that is called Tri Kaya Parisuda, it is ensure we can conduct this concept.
PELEMAHAN
Palemahan, this word is come from lemah that is meaning the land or environment. Generally the Pelemahan in Tri Hita Karana is all aspect related to the environment. Base on this concept the Balinese has treated the environment well and they believe that the good environment will give their life better. Once example the Balinese treat the environment that on the Tumpek Uduh based on the Balinese calendar, the Balinese give the offering to the tree with the purpose that the tree has given them prosperity and a lot of thing they can do to keep the harmony and balance with the environment.
balistarisland.com
The main religion practiced in Bali is a form of Hinduism called Agama Hindu Dharma, where the Hindu it self is consisted of some religious sect, but in Bali all of Balinese are Hindu Ciwa. The two religions (Hindu and Buddhist) arrive from Java and some extend from India during the 8 th to 16 th centuries. The main symbol of Balinese Hinduism is the Swastika or wheel of the sun. An important belief is that elements of nature are influenced by spirit, which has been appeased. As such offerings (Sesajen) made from agriculture product are offered to this spirit. It is believed that Mount Agung is the abode of the gods and the ancestors. As such, it is revered as the `mother` mountain and is highly sacred to the Balinese.
biansbalibusiness.blogspot.com
The religion in Bali is according to three principles those are Desa (place), Kala (time) and Patra (circumstance). Five pillars of faith acknowledge Hinduism. They are believe in the one Supreme God (Sang Hyang Whidi Wasa), belief in the soul as the universal principle of life and consciousness (atma), belief in the fruition of one`s deeds ( karma pala ), belief in the process of birth and death (samsara), and belief in ultimate release (moksa). The religious rites of the Balinese consist of the human rites (Manusa Yadnya), the rites of the dead (Pitra Yadnya), rites of the gods or temple rites (Dewa Yadnya), rites of the demonic forces (Buta Yadnya ) and ordainment rites (Rsi Yadnya). Holy water, fire, ash, geese, duck, eggs and dabdab tree leave are purifying elements used in the ritual. The Balinese are extremely devout and no day goes by without making offerings to the gods. These daily offerings - called Banten are a major part of Balinese life. You will see these offerings nearly everywhere in Bali . Made of flowers, cigarettes, cookies, rice and even sometimes money (the actual items used are not as important as the process of making and offering it to the spirits) these offerings are given to the good spirits in hopes of continued prosperity as well as to the evil spirits as an appeasement.
Bali population based the census on 2001 has reached 3.156.392 and Balinese it self is not stay in Bali Island but also spread out through Indonesian island. Bali race is a group of community banded by the awareness or oneness of culture. The Balinese Traditional is much banded by the social live aspect like conduct the pray in the temple, to place in the certain area together etc. The Balinese were not able to develop and sustain their extremely complex agricultural economy for centuries on end without a very organized community structure.
The basis of this community structure is called Subak and Banjar. Everyone who owns a rice paddy must join the Subak in their village. The Subak controls who will plant rice and when (plantings are staggered so that pestilence is minimized). As well and more importantly, the Subak ensures that all farmers receive their fair share of irrigation water since traditionally the head the Subak was the farmer whose field was at the bottom of the hill and water first had to pass through everybody else's field before it was allowed to irrigate his. The other important community structure is the Banjar that organizes all other aspects of Balinese life (i.e. marriages, cremations, community service, festivals and the like). When a man marries, he is expected to join the village Banjar and must participate in community affairs. Meetings are held at a large open-air building called the Bale Banja.
Generally, the Balinese Community System is oriented by two structures (Social Traditional Structure and Social Formal Structure). The Social Traditional Structure has based on the long story from before Hindu era until now and Social Formal Structure is bound of the Balinese integrity into Republic Indonesia since 17 August 1945 . The most familiar Balinese life concept which is called 'Tri Hita Karana' and it is believe will bring them into prosperous where this concept has three angle point in the Balinese in order to keep the good balance between human and environment, human and human
the last one human and god.
GOTONG ROYONG is a fundamental of Balinese solidarity which is used on the day life of Balinese based on reciprocity where the activities given will get the obligation to return as sociality. A base of Gotong Royong is forming to help each other and free social activities.
Religion concept
Temple at bali / ciunsungdanesse.blogspot.com
Tri Hita Karana Concept for Life
In addition of this three concepts cosmogony, it is also own contextual with Hindu Religion Concept, which is called Tri Hita Karana (three of the harmony, balance to create the peaceful and happiness). Tri Hita Karana word is come from Sansekerta Language that has meaning to keep the harmony and balance between human to God, human-to-human and human to environment. These three concepts is most popular in Bali spread out as follows:
PARHYANGAN
Parhyangan is one of the three concept related to the god. On this stage, the human is demanded to keep the harmony and balance with god. This concept has huge meaning where the Balinese discipline and full confidence to do this. It is not only including to pray at the temple, however it is cover all the activities which has a good thing in the life like build the temple, cleaning the temple, keep the religion symbols well a lot of thing we can do on this concept.
PAWONGAN
Pawongan in this concept is required to keep the harmony and balance between human to human and this concept has emphasized how to keep good relation with others. The simple ways to execute the implementation of this concept are to conduct three good things like to think the good thing, to speak the good thing and to conduct the good thing. By conducting three good things that is called Tri Kaya Parisuda, it is ensure we can conduct this concept.
PELEMAHAN
Palemahan, this word is come from lemah that is meaning the land or environment. Generally the Pelemahan in Tri Hita Karana is all aspect related to the environment. Base on this concept the Balinese has treated the environment well and they believe that the good environment will give their life better. Once example the Balinese treat the environment that on the Tumpek Uduh based on the Balinese calendar, the Balinese give the offering to the tree with the purpose that the tree has given them prosperity and a lot of thing they can do to keep the harmony and balance with the environment.
The main religion practiced in Bali is a form of Hinduism called Agama Hindu Dharma, where the Hindu it self is consisted of some religious sect, but in Bali all of Balinese are Hindu Ciwa. The two religions (Hindu and Buddhist) arrive from Java and some extend from India during the 8 th to 16 th centuries. The main symbol of Balinese Hinduism is the Swastika or wheel of the sun. An important belief is that elements of nature are influenced by spirit, which has been appeased. As such offerings (Sesajen) made from agriculture product are offered to this spirit. It is believed that Mount Agung is the abode of the gods and the ancestors. As such, it is revered as the `mother` mountain and is highly sacred to the Balinese.
biansbalibusiness.blogspot.com
Ngaben
smart-pustaka.blogspot.com
smart-pustaka.blogspot.com
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.
nadhika.wordpress.com
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 .( balistarisland.com )
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 .( balistarisland.com )
iwandahnial.wordpress.com
Every religion or culture all over the world has their own way to define and celebrate their new year. For example, the Chinese have the Imlek year and to celebrate it, have, as they called it in their own language, "Gong Xi Fat Choy". The Moslem societies have their Muharam year, and any of the people over the world using the Gregorian calendar, celebrate the New Year on January 1st.
The same thing also occurs in Bali , however the Balinese use many different calendar systems. They have adopted the Gregorian calendar for business and government purposes. But for the endless procession of holy days, temple anniversaries, celebrations, sacred dances, building houses, wedding ceremonies, death and cremation processes and other activities that define Balinese life, they have two calendar systems. The first is the Pawukon (from the word Wuku which means week) and Sasih (which is means month). Wuku consists of 30 items starting from Sinta, the first Wuku and end up with the Watugunung the last one. The Pawukon, a 210-day ritual calendar brought over from Java in the 14th century, is a complex cycle of numerological conjunctions that provides the basic schedule for ritual activities on Bali . Sasih, a parallel system of Indian origin, is a twelve month lunar calendar that starts with the vernal equinox and is equally important in determining when to pay respect to the Gods.
Westerners open the New Year in revelry, however, in contrast, the Balinese open their New Year in silence. This is called Nyepi Day, the Balinese day of Silence, which falls on the day following the dark moon of the spring equinox, and opens a new year of the Saka Hindu era which began in 78 A.D. Nyepi is a day to make and keep the balance of nature. It is based on the story of when King Kaniska I of India Indonesia
The lead upto Nyepi day is as follows:
1.Melasti or Mekiyis or Melis (three days before Nyepi)
Melasti is meant to clean the pratima or arca or pralingga (statue), with symbols that help to concentrate the mind in order to become closer to God.
The ceremony is aimed to clean all nature and its content, and also to take the Amerta (the source for eternal life) from the ocean or other water resources (ie lake, river, etc). Three days before Nyepi, all the effigies of the Gods from all the village temples are taken to the river in long and colourful ceremonies. There, they have are bathed by the Neptune of the Balinese Lord, the God Baruna, before being taken back home to their shrines.
2.Tawur Kesanga (the day before Nyepi)
Exactly one day before Nyepi, all villages in Bali hold a large exorcism ceremony at the main village cross road, the meeting place of demons. They usually make Ogoh-ogoh (the fantastic monsters or evil spirits or the Butha Kala made of bamboo) for carnival purposes.
OGOG - OGOH / oink88.blogspot.com
The Ogoh-ogoh monsters symbolize the evil spirits surrounding our environment which have to be got rid of from our lives . The carnivals themselves are held all overBali following sunset. Bleganjur, a Balinese gamelan music accompanies the procession. Some are giants taken from classical Balinese lore. All have fangs, bulging eyes and scary hair and are illuminated by torches.The procession is usually organised by the Seka Teruna, the youth organisation of Banjar.
OGOH -OGOH/ mobilmurahbali.com
When Ogoh-ogoh is being played by the Seka Teruna, everyone enjoys the carnival. In order to make a harmonic relation between human being and God, human and human, and human and their environments, Tawur Kesanga is performed in every level of society, from the people's house. In the evening, the Hindus celebrating Ngerupuk, start making noises and light burning torches and set fire to the Ogoh-ogoh in order to get the Bhuta Kala, evil spirits, out of our lives.
The Ogoh-ogoh monsters symbolize the evil spirits surrounding our environment which have to be got rid of from our lives . The carnivals themselves are held all over
When Ogoh-ogoh is being played by the Seka Teruna, everyone enjoys the carnival. In order to make a harmonic relation between human being and God, human and human, and human and their environments, Tawur Kesanga is performed in every level of society, from the people's house. In the evening, the Hindus celebrating Ngerupuk, start making noises and light burning torches and set fire to the Ogoh-ogoh in order to get the Bhuta Kala, evil spirits, out of our lives.
3. Nyepi
On Nyepi day itself, every street is quiet - there are nobody doing their normal daily activities. There is usually Pecalangs (traditional Balinese security man) who controls and checks for street security. Pecalang wear a black uniform and a Udeng or Destar (a Balinese traditional "hat" that is usually used in ceremony).
pecalang / backpacker-girls.blogspot.com
The Pecalangs main task is not only to control the security of the street but also to stop any activities that disturb Nyepi. No traffic is allowed, not only cars but also people, who have to stay in their own houses. Light is kept to a minimum or not at all, the radio or TV is turned down and, of course, no one works. Even love making, this ultimate activity of all leisure times, is not supposed to take place, nor even attempted. The whole day is simply filled with the barking of a few dogs, the shrill of insect and is a simple long quiet day in the calendar of this otherwise hectic island. On Nyepi the world expected to be clean and everything starts anew, with Man showing his symbolic control over himself and the "force" of the World, hence the mandatory religious control.
The Pecalangs main task is not only to control the security of the street but also to stop any activities that disturb Nyepi. No traffic is allowed, not only cars but also people, who have to stay in their own houses. Light is kept to a minimum or not at all, the radio or TV is turned down and, of course, no one works. Even love making, this ultimate activity of all leisure times, is not supposed to take place, nor even attempted. The whole day is simply filled with the barking of a few dogs, the shrill of insect and is a simple long quiet day in the calendar of this otherwise hectic island. On Nyepi the world expected to be clean and everything starts anew, with Man showing his symbolic control over himself and the "force" of the World, hence the mandatory religious control.
4. Ngembak Geni (the day after Nyepi)
Ngembak is the day when Catur Berata Penyepian is over and Hindus societies usually visit to forgive each other and doing the Dharma Canthi. Dharma Canthi are activities of reading Sloka, Kekidung, Kekawin, etc.(ancient scripts containing songs and lyrics).
From the religious and philosophy point of view, Nyepi is meant to be a day of self introspection to decide on values, eg humanity, love, patience, kindness, etc., that should kept forever. Balinese Hindus have many kind of celebrations (some sacred days) but Nyepi is, perhaps the most important of the island's religious days and the prohibitions are taken seriously, particularly in villages outside of Bali 's southern tourist belt. Hotels are exempt from Nyepi's rigorous practices but streets outside will be closed to both pedestrians and vehicles (except for airport shuttles or emergency vehicles) and village wardens (Pecalang) will be posted to keep people off the beach. So wherever you happen to be staying on Nyepi Day in Bali , this will be a good day to spend indoors. Indeed Nyepi day has made Bali a unique island.
Paintings of Bali
oleholeh.org
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.
TRADITIONAL PAINTING / kesian.com
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 .
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
Bali Dance
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.
WALI (Sacred Dance)
Pendet Dance
/balionbali.blogspot.com
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.
Rejang Dance
nakbali.com
Another sacred dance for welcoming God in ritual ceremonies is Rejang. Like Pendet, Rejang is also strictly performed by females. The number of Rejang dancers is more than Pendet, over 10 dancers. Rejang dancers make long lines which surrounds the temple. The leader brings holy water called Tirtha which is spread around for purifying the temple. Depending on the cloth used by the dancer, Rejang can be divided into: Rejang Oyopadi, Rejang Galuh, and Rejang Dewa. Rejang can only be found performing in some ritual ceremonies in Bali.
Sanghyang Dance
booking-bali-villas.com
Sanghyang dance is an inherited form from pre-Hindu culture which is still preserved in some places in Bali. This dance is believed to be potent of curing illnesses. The dancer has the ability to communicate with divine natural powers; performed by male and female trance dancers. This dance is accompanied by a song called Gending Shangyang, and in Sukawati this dance is also accompanied by the traditional Balinese instruments. Gending Sanghyang is believed to summon the powers of nature.
There are three steps in this dance, called Nusdus, Masolah, and Ngelinggihang. Nusdus is the first step in Sanghynag dance. In this step, the dancer’s soul is cleared by using holy smoke so they can communicate with the powers of nature. The second step is called Masolah. This step is when the powers have entered the dancer’s body. The dancer will move naturally in trance. The closing step is called Ngelinggihang. In this step, the natural powers have left the dancer’s body and the priest sprinkles holy water on the dancer. There are six types of Sanghyang dances, they are: Sanghyang Dedari, Sanghyang Deling, Sanghyang Bojog, Sanghyang Sampat, Sanghyang Celeng, and Sanghyang Jaran.
Tari Topeng (Mask Dance)
thebalisideoflife.blogspot.com
Originally Tari Topeng / Mask Dances in Bali are sacred, even at this time the creativity of Balinese dancers has developed Mask Dance to entertain as well. The sacred Mask Dances are usually performed by a single dancer or a group of male dancers in large ceremonies. They have a purpose for telling viewers about the historical background of why a ceremony must be held or to deliver Hinduism wisdom through simple conversation among dancers. It is also believed that it can protect a ceremony from evil interferences. The famous sacred Mask Dance is Topeng Pajegan.
Topeng Pajegan was based on a legend about an old priest named Sidhakarya.
atcen.com
Sidhakarya actually is the brother of the king of the Gelgel kingdom who hailed from Java. He was chased away by the king of Gelgel (kingdom located in district of Klungkung) without clear reason. Before he left Klungkung, he cursed the king that every ritual ceremony proposed by the king will not run well. It became true. Finally the king realized his mistake and tried to apologize. For respecting the priest and neutralizing the curse, a mask dance must be performed before a ceremony is started, the Topeng Pajegan. So that is why Topeng Pajegan is always performed prior a big ceremony.
TOPENG PAJEGAN / gelar.co.id
Topeng Pajegan is only performed by male dancers who use some masks. The main mask is called Sidhakarya. This dance tells us about Sidhakarya’s journey to Bali until he met the king and was chased away. Balinese people believe that the mask is the same as the Sidhakarya priest’s face. This dance is also believed to cure illnesses.
BEBALIHAN (Entertainment Dance)
Creativity of Balinese artists makes the development of Bebalihan in Bali to never cease. Many new Bebalihan are created yearly or even monthly. These dances are categorized as Kontemporer or contemporary dance and usually performed in social events. Below are some classic Bebalihan usually performed in local or international events.
Baris Dance
balisummertime.com
The name of Baris was taken from Balinese word Bebaris which means groups of soldiers. This dance describes Balinese soldiers in the warring arena. The dancers hold weapons, such as: Tumbak (spear), Keris (dagger), etc. for supporting their soldier characters. Baris dance is performed by 8-40 male dancers. According to the different weapons, clothes and accessories, Baris has variations, such as Baris Tumbak, Baris Panah, Baris Tamiyang, Baris Bedil, Baris Jangkang, etc. This dance is often performed in many social events in Bali. Baris Gede is only performed in ceremonies. This dance is performed by a boy (before puberty). Baris Gede belongs to sacred dance and has purposes like Rejang.
Barong Dance
blog.getbalivillas.com
Barong looks like a big puppet moved by 1-2 people. Barong was born by mixing Balinese and Chinese culture from around the 11th century. The shape not too different from the Chinese Barong Sai, the Balinese Barong mostly takes animal shapes, such as: Barong Ket (lion), Barong Macan (tiger), Barong Bangkung (pig), etc.
In development times of the Barong in Bali, it is performed as a dance which mostly takes its plot from Hindu legend in Java called Calonarang. This dance is symbol of the balancing positive and negative powers called Rwa Bhineda. Barong dance looks like a drama but without conversation and has two main characters; Barong Ket (symbol of positive power) and Rangda (symbol of negative power).
The main point of Calonarang is a battle between a priest and his student against a queen, who has evil powers, and her soldiers. The priest changes himself into a Barong Ket to battle against the queen who changes herself to be a monster called Rangda. Some characters in Barong dances use masks. These masks are believed to have spirits and usually get an offering by the dancer before the show starts. You will see dancers in trance in this dance, especially when the students of the Barong attack Rangda by their unsheathed keris. The amazing fact is that the dancers do not bear marks and are unwounded.
Belibis Dance
flickr.com
Belibis is another welcoming dance. It is performed by 5 or more girls in beautiful costumes. The movements are adopted from swan movements, thus it is also known as the Swan dance.
Gebug Ende Dance
balionbali.blogspot.com
Gebug Ende is from the district of Karangasem. This dance is performed by 2-16 male dancers. Every dancer wields a shield, made from rattan, called Ende and a rattan stick. They dance while hitting the Ende (shields) of the other dancer by rattan sticks. Gebug Ende means ‘hitting the Ende’.
The dance is quite unique as it has certain rules that have to be followed by the participants. Led by a referee, this dance starts with two dancers, while the rest sit in a circle, cracking jokes and singing, while waiting their turns. The jury decides which of the two contestants loses the game and has to leave the stage. Then they will call the next men to the stage. This continues until all have had a turn. Sometimes the fight becomes very fierce and the dancers get thrown off the stage from the blows of the rattan sticks. Bruises and wounds are common.
A long time ago, Gebug Ende was performed to call for rain. Now this dance has become a very unique entertainment not only for locals, but also foreigners.
Ghopala Dance
hotelandjobs.com
Ghopala has the purpose of thanking God for a good harvest. It is usually performed by 5 or more couples in the harvesting month. The male dancers will take place first and after some minutes followed by female dancers. Ghopala dance movements are very unique, relaxed, and funny. At this time Ghopala has become one of the favorite entertainment dances in Bali and is often performed in social events.
Janger Dance
tour.putunik.com
Janger dance is an entertainment dance performed by the Balinese youth. It tightens relationship among them. Janger is performed by couples in social events, such as: wedding parties, celebrations of harvest, etc. Dancers not only dance but also sing. It is accompanied by melodious music instruments called Batel / Tetamburan which makes for a very merry scene. Every place in Bali has their own style of the dance which makes it different among them.
Jegog Dance
lintangbuanatours.com
The name is taken from the bamboo instrument which accompanies the dance called Jegog. Jegog comes from district of Jembrana. Jegog is performed by a female dancer and accompanied by the sounds of a Jegog (a bamboo instrument). The beautiful movement and melodious instruments make this dance performed not only in social events around Jembrana, but also in other places in Bali, such as Denpasar, Klungkung, and Gianyar.
Joged Dance
baliescort.blogspot.com
Joged is among the favorites, where one or more female dancers are accompanied by bamboo instruments. Unlike Jegog which is performed by female dancers from the beginning until the end of the performance, joged dancers usually invite male audiences as their partner even they are not dancers. Do not be worried when you are chosen by the dancer because you have not to be an expert to accompany their moves.
Kecak Dance
fuckyeahindonesia.tumblr.com
Kecak Dance has been regarded as a fantastic performance in Bali since a long time ago, not only by Indonesians but also many people around the world. Kecak is performed by a group of male dancers and usually performed in the evening. Kecak dancers sit on the ground surrounding a big torch while singing. They sing as though Balinese instrument sounds and are not accompanied by any music instruments whatsoever. The movements only use the hands and head.
nusantara-cultures.blogspot.com
Kecak was performed for the first time in 1930 as an entertaining pastime dance among Balinese males. At that time, Kecak were only played in small celebrations such as during the harvest month or village anniversary.
The development of drama in Bali, especially Sendratari, brought a changed to this dance. Kecak and Janger dances started to enter Sendratari’s scene which mostly performs classical stories such as Ramayana and Mahabratha. It is now usually performed regularly at Tanah Lot (in the Tabanan district) and Batubulan (Gianyar district). Kecak dance is also performed in many national and international events held in Bali.
Legong Dance
Legong dance is a very classical entertainment and welcoming dance. The name was taken from the word leg meaning ‘beautiful movements’ and Gong meaning melodious sound from the traditional Balinese music instruments. Therefore, Legong means beautiful movements accompanied by instruments. This dance is one of the most difficult dances to learn because it has very complex movements and the dancer should have sensitivity to Gong sounds.
Legong dance is performed by female dancers, usually consisting of three dancers.
balionbali.blogspot.com
Legong dancers wear luxurious costumes. They are accompanied by special Gong called Gamelan Semar Pagulingan. Gamelan Semar Pagulingan is smaller than the other traditional instruments and has specific sounds.
The development of Legong dance made way to some new dances which have the same basic movements plus different variations of movement, such as: Andir/ Nandir (district of Tabanan) or Sahyang Legong (Ketewel village located in the district of Gianyar). The famous one is Legong Keraton. This dance is often performed to greet special guests who come to Bali.
Mekare-Karean/ Pandan War
zikeynova.blogdetik.com
Makare-karean is also known as Pandan War. It is a combination between dance and ritual. It is performed in Tenganan village only (a traditional village in district of Karangasem) during the village temple anniversary. This old tradition has the purpose for invoking bravery among male youth of Tenganan and respecting the temple God.
Mekare-karean is performed by male dancers using thorny pandanu leaves and rattan shields as their main gear. Before performing, the dancers undergo some ritual to ensure they will be all right during the show. The show is started by the groups of young men surrounding the dance arena where an older man as an umpire is ready. Then, two young men, who bring the thorny leafs and rattan shields, take stance in the arena. Next, they attack one another. There is no winner or loser in this battle. The umpire will stop the action when the one’s body has bled. This process is continued until all dancers have got the chance.
bali-aga.blogspot.com
Even though they bleed, they never feel hurt. They will be healed by traditional medicine made from turmeric. The medicine is usually prepared by the females. If you want to see this dance, you must go to Tenganan village around the months of June-July.
Mresi Dance
baliwonderful.com
Mresi is another dance which comes from the Tenganan village. This dance is performed by male dancers who have not married yet. Mresi dance is believed to help the dancer find his soul mate. The dancer brings Keris (dagger) as symbol of courage and power. Mresi is accompanied by special instruments called Gamelan Selonding. The combination of dance movements, Keris, and sounds of Gamelan Selonding make this dance look masculine.
Oleg Tambulilingan Dance
flickr.com
Oleg Tambulilingan is an entertainment dance created by Balinese artist Mario in 1952. This dance is one of the couple dances which have very beautiful movements. Oleg Tambulilingan was inspired by a couple of bumblebees flirting in a flower garden. Tambulilingan means bumblebee in English.
The show is started with a female dancer in beautiful costume entering the stage. After several minutes, the male dancer enters. This dance has a long duration and is accompanied by melodious sounds of the Gamelan. Oleg Tambulilingan is often performed in formal events in Bali.
Puspanjali Dance
flickr.com
Puspanjali was created in 1989 by two Balinese dancers; Swasthi Wijaya and I Nyoman Windha. Puspanjali is one of the welcoming dances which has dynamic and beautiful movements. The name Puspanjali was taken from the word Puspa meaning flower and Anjali meaning respecting or greeting. Thus, Puspanjali means ‘greeting with flowers’. This dance is performed by 5-7 female dancers. The dancers bring flowers in Bokor or flower garlands which will be given to the guests in the end of the dance sequence. If you are invited in some events in Bali you may be able to see this dance.
Bali Dance Schedule Batubulan Village
Padang
Bona Village
Peliatan Village
Teges Village
Mawang Village 
BALI WAYANG / swarthmore.edu
Bali Dance
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.
WALI (Sacred Dance)
Pendet Dance
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.
Rejang Dance
Another sacred dance for welcoming God in ritual ceremonies is Rejang. Like Pendet, Rejang is also strictly performed by females. The number of Rejang dancers is more than Pendet, over 10 dancers. Rejang dancers make long lines which surrounds the temple. The leader brings holy water called Tirtha which is spread around for purifying the temple. Depending on the cloth used by the dancer, Rejang can be divided into: Rejang Oyopadi, Rejang Galuh, and Rejang Dewa. Rejang can only be found performing in some ritual ceremonies in Bali.
Sanghyang Dance
Sanghyang dance is an inherited form from pre-Hindu culture which is still preserved in some places in Bali. This dance is believed to be potent of curing illnesses. The dancer has the ability to communicate with divine natural powers; performed by male and female trance dancers. This dance is accompanied by a song called Gending Shangyang, and in Sukawati this dance is also accompanied by the traditional Balinese instruments. Gending Sanghyang is believed to summon the powers of nature.
There are three steps in this dance, called Nusdus, Masolah, and Ngelinggihang. Nusdus is the first step in Sanghynag dance. In this step, the dancer’s soul is cleared by using holy smoke so they can communicate with the powers of nature. The second step is called Masolah. This step is when the powers have entered the dancer’s body. The dancer will move naturally in trance. The closing step is called Ngelinggihang. In this step, the natural powers have left the dancer’s body and the priest sprinkles holy water on the dancer. There are six types of Sanghyang dances, they are: Sanghyang Dedari, Sanghyang Deling, Sanghyang Bojog, Sanghyang Sampat, Sanghyang Celeng, and Sanghyang Jaran.
Tari Topeng (Mask Dance)
Originally Tari Topeng / Mask Dances in Bali are sacred, even at this time the creativity of Balinese dancers has developed Mask Dance to entertain as well. The sacred Mask Dances are usually performed by a single dancer or a group of male dancers in large ceremonies. They have a purpose for telling viewers about the historical background of why a ceremony must be held or to deliver Hinduism wisdom through simple conversation among dancers. It is also believed that it can protect a ceremony from evil interferences. The famous sacred Mask Dance is Topeng Pajegan.
Topeng Pajegan was based on a legend about an old priest named Sidhakarya.
Sidhakarya actually is the brother of the king of the Gelgel kingdom who hailed from Java. He was chased away by the king of Gelgel (kingdom located in district of Klungkung) without clear reason. Before he left Klungkung, he cursed the king that every ritual ceremony proposed by the king will not run well. It became true. Finally the king realized his mistake and tried to apologize. For respecting the priest and neutralizing the curse, a mask dance must be performed before a ceremony is started, the Topeng Pajegan. So that is why Topeng Pajegan is always performed prior a big ceremony.
TOPENG PAJEGAN / gelar.co.id
Topeng Pajegan is only performed by male dancers who use some masks. The main mask is called Sidhakarya. This dance tells us about Sidhakarya’s journey to Bali until he met the king and was chased away. Balinese people believe that the mask is the same as the Sidhakarya priest’s face. This dance is also believed to cure illnesses.
BEBALIHAN (Entertainment Dance)
Creativity of Balinese artists makes the development of Bebalihan in Bali to never cease. Many new Bebalihan are created yearly or even monthly. These dances are categorized as Kontemporer or contemporary dance and usually performed in social events. Below are some classic Bebalihan usually performed in local or international events.
Baris Dance
The name of Baris was taken from Balinese word Bebaris which means groups of soldiers. This dance describes Balinese soldiers in the warring arena. The dancers hold weapons, such as: Tumbak (spear), Keris (dagger), etc. for supporting their soldier characters. Baris dance is performed by 8-40 male dancers. According to the different weapons, clothes and accessories, Baris has variations, such as Baris Tumbak, Baris Panah, Baris Tamiyang, Baris Bedil, Baris Jangkang, etc. This dance is often performed in many social events in Bali. Baris Gede is only performed in ceremonies. This dance is performed by a boy (before puberty). Baris Gede belongs to sacred dance and has purposes like Rejang.
Barong Dance
Barong looks like a big puppet moved by 1-2 people. Barong was born by mixing Balinese and Chinese culture from around the 11th century. The shape not too different from the Chinese Barong Sai, the Balinese Barong mostly takes animal shapes, such as: Barong Ket (lion), Barong Macan (tiger), Barong Bangkung (pig), etc.
In development times of the Barong in Bali, it is performed as a dance which mostly takes its plot from Hindu legend in Java called Calonarang. This dance is symbol of the balancing positive and negative powers called Rwa Bhineda. Barong dance looks like a drama but without conversation and has two main characters; Barong Ket (symbol of positive power) and Rangda (symbol of negative power).
The main point of Calonarang is a battle between a priest and his student against a queen, who has evil powers, and her soldiers. The priest changes himself into a Barong Ket to battle against the queen who changes herself to be a monster called Rangda. Some characters in Barong dances use masks. These masks are believed to have spirits and usually get an offering by the dancer before the show starts. You will see dancers in trance in this dance, especially when the students of the Barong attack Rangda by their unsheathed keris. The amazing fact is that the dancers do not bear marks and are unwounded.
Belibis Dance
Belibis is another welcoming dance. It is performed by 5 or more girls in beautiful costumes. The movements are adopted from swan movements, thus it is also known as the Swan dance.
Gebug Ende Dance
Gebug Ende is from the district of Karangasem. This dance is performed by 2-16 male dancers. Every dancer wields a shield, made from rattan, called Ende and a rattan stick. They dance while hitting the Ende (shields) of the other dancer by rattan sticks. Gebug Ende means ‘hitting the Ende’.
The dance is quite unique as it has certain rules that have to be followed by the participants. Led by a referee, this dance starts with two dancers, while the rest sit in a circle, cracking jokes and singing, while waiting their turns. The jury decides which of the two contestants loses the game and has to leave the stage. Then they will call the next men to the stage. This continues until all have had a turn. Sometimes the fight becomes very fierce and the dancers get thrown off the stage from the blows of the rattan sticks. Bruises and wounds are common.
A long time ago, Gebug Ende was performed to call for rain. Now this dance has become a very unique entertainment not only for locals, but also foreigners.
Ghopala Dance
Ghopala has the purpose of thanking God for a good harvest. It is usually performed by 5 or more couples in the harvesting month. The male dancers will take place first and after some minutes followed by female dancers. Ghopala dance movements are very unique, relaxed, and funny. At this time Ghopala has become one of the favorite entertainment dances in Bali and is often performed in social events.
Janger Dance
Janger dance is an entertainment dance performed by the Balinese youth. It tightens relationship among them. Janger is performed by couples in social events, such as: wedding parties, celebrations of harvest, etc. Dancers not only dance but also sing. It is accompanied by melodious music instruments called Batel / Tetamburan which makes for a very merry scene. Every place in Bali has their own style of the dance which makes it different among them.
Jegog Dance
The name is taken from the bamboo instrument which accompanies the dance called Jegog. Jegog comes from district of Jembrana. Jegog is performed by a female dancer and accompanied by the sounds of a Jegog (a bamboo instrument). The beautiful movement and melodious instruments make this dance performed not only in social events around Jembrana, but also in other places in Bali, such as Denpasar, Klungkung, and Gianyar.
Joged Dance
Joged is among the favorites, where one or more female dancers are accompanied by bamboo instruments. Unlike Jegog which is performed by female dancers from the beginning until the end of the performance, joged dancers usually invite male audiences as their partner even they are not dancers. Do not be worried when you are chosen by the dancer because you have not to be an expert to accompany their moves.
Kecak Dance
Kecak Dance has been regarded as a fantastic performance in Bali since a long time ago, not only by Indonesians but also many people around the world. Kecak is performed by a group of male dancers and usually performed in the evening. Kecak dancers sit on the ground surrounding a big torch while singing. They sing as though Balinese instrument sounds and are not accompanied by any music instruments whatsoever. The movements only use the hands and head.
Kecak was performed for the first time in 1930 as an entertaining pastime dance among Balinese males. At that time, Kecak were only played in small celebrations such as during the harvest month or village anniversary.
The development of drama in Bali, especially Sendratari, brought a changed to this dance. Kecak and Janger dances started to enter Sendratari’s scene which mostly performs classical stories such as Ramayana and Mahabratha. It is now usually performed regularly at Tanah Lot (in the Tabanan district) and Batubulan (Gianyar district). Kecak dance is also performed in many national and international events held in Bali.
Legong Dance
Legong dance is a very classical entertainment and welcoming dance. The name was taken from the word leg meaning ‘beautiful movements’ and Gong meaning melodious sound from the traditional Balinese music instruments. Therefore, Legong means beautiful movements accompanied by instruments. This dance is one of the most difficult dances to learn because it has very complex movements and the dancer should have sensitivity to Gong sounds.
Legong dance is performed by female dancers, usually consisting of three dancers.
Legong dancers wear luxurious costumes. They are accompanied by special Gong called Gamelan Semar Pagulingan. Gamelan Semar Pagulingan is smaller than the other traditional instruments and has specific sounds.
The development of Legong dance made way to some new dances which have the same basic movements plus different variations of movement, such as: Andir/ Nandir (district of Tabanan) or Sahyang Legong (Ketewel village located in the district of Gianyar). The famous one is Legong Keraton. This dance is often performed to greet special guests who come to Bali.
Mekare-Karean/ Pandan War
Makare-karean is also known as Pandan War. It is a combination between dance and ritual. It is performed in Tenganan village only (a traditional village in district of Karangasem) during the village temple anniversary. This old tradition has the purpose for invoking bravery among male youth of Tenganan and respecting the temple God.
Mekare-karean is performed by male dancers using thorny pandanu leaves and rattan shields as their main gear. Before performing, the dancers undergo some ritual to ensure they will be all right during the show. The show is started by the groups of young men surrounding the dance arena where an older man as an umpire is ready. Then, two young men, who bring the thorny leafs and rattan shields, take stance in the arena. Next, they attack one another. There is no winner or loser in this battle. The umpire will stop the action when the one’s body has bled. This process is continued until all dancers have got the chance.
bali-aga.blogspot.com
Even though they bleed, they never feel hurt. They will be healed by traditional medicine made from turmeric. The medicine is usually prepared by the females. If you want to see this dance, you must go to Tenganan village around the months of June-July.
Mresi Dance
Mresi is another dance which comes from the Tenganan village. This dance is performed by male dancers who have not married yet. Mresi dance is believed to help the dancer find his soul mate. The dancer brings Keris (dagger) as symbol of courage and power. Mresi is accompanied by special instruments called Gamelan Selonding. The combination of dance movements, Keris, and sounds of Gamelan Selonding make this dance look masculine.
Oleg Tambulilingan Dance
Oleg Tambulilingan is an entertainment dance created by Balinese artist Mario in 1952. This dance is one of the couple dances which have very beautiful movements. Oleg Tambulilingan was inspired by a couple of bumblebees flirting in a flower garden. Tambulilingan means bumblebee in English.
The show is started with a female dancer in beautiful costume entering the stage. After several minutes, the male dancer enters. This dance has a long duration and is accompanied by melodious sounds of the Gamelan. Oleg Tambulilingan is often performed in formal events in Bali.
Puspanjali Dance
Puspanjali was created in 1989 by two Balinese dancers; Swasthi Wijaya and I Nyoman Windha. Puspanjali is one of the welcoming dances which has dynamic and beautiful movements. The name Puspanjali was taken from the word Puspa meaning flower and Anjali meaning respecting or greeting. Thus, Puspanjali means ‘greeting with flowers’. This dance is performed by 5-7 female dancers. The dancers bring flowers in Bokor or flower garlands which will be given to the guests in the end of the dance sequence. If you are invited in some events in Bali you may be able to see this dance.
This is a list of regularly scheduled Balinese dances. It is most definitely not complete, for most of the sacred dances are not performed regularly.
1.Barong and Keris Dance
Puri Saren, Ubud: every Friday, 6:30 PM
Catur Eka Budi, Kesiman: everyday, 9:30 AM
2.Kecak Dance
Werdi Budaya, Denpasar: everyday, 6:30 PM
Catur Eka Budi, Kesiman: everyday, 6:30 PM
Puri Agung, Peliatan: every Thursday, 7:30 PM
3. Kecak and Fire Dance
Batubulan Vilalge: everyday, 6:30 PM
4.Legong Dance
Puri Saren, Ubud: every Mon and Sat, 7:30 PM
Pura Dalem Puri, Ubud: every Saturday, 7:30 PM
5.Tektekan Dance
Puri Anyar, Kerambitan: by request
Puri Agung Wisata, Kerambitan: by request
6.Leko and Janger
Dance Puri Anyar, Kerambitan: by request
7.Ramayana Ballet
Puri Dalem Puri, Ubud: every Monday, 8:00 PM
Puri Saren, Ubud: every Tuesday, 8:00 PM
8.Mahabrata Dance
9.Gabor Dance
Puri Saren, Ubud: every Thursday, 7:30 PM
10.Raja Pala Dance
Puri Saren, Ubud: every Thursday, 7:30 PM
11.Calonarang Dance
Source :www.indo.com
Balinese Wayang
12.Barong Dance - Sidan, Gianyar everyday 9.00pm
Barong & Kris Dance - Batubulan everyday 9.30am & 10.30am. Puri Saren, Ubud Fridays 6.30pm. Catur Eka Budi, Kesiman, Denpasar everyday 9.30am.
13.Calon Arang Dance - Mawang, Ubud, Thursday & Saturday 7.30pm.
Children's Barong Dance - Every Sunday 10.30am at Museum Puri Lukisan. Jl. Raya Ubud, Ubud - Bali .
14.Classical Mask & Legong Dance - Br. Kalah, Peliatan, Ubud every Tuesday 7.30pm.
15.Gabor Dance - Puri Saren, Ubud every Thursday 7.30pm.
16.Gambuh - Gambuh is a ceremonial dance usually performed on very special occassions connected with religious festivals or royal marriages. Regular performances oGambuh are held on the 1st and 15th of everymonth at Wantilan of Pura Desa Batuan, Batuan - Gianyar at 7.00pm. Tickets at door or from Bima Wisata (Ubud Tourist Office).
17.Kecak Dance - Padang
Kecak & Fire Dance - Bona Village Batubulan Village
18.Legong Dance - Puri Saren, Ubud, Mon & Sat 7.30pm. Peliatan Village
Legong & Barong Dance - Br. Tengah, Peliatan every Wednesday 7.30pm.
19.Mahabarata Dance - Teges Village
20.Raja Pala Dance - Puri Saren, Ubud every Sunday 7.30pm.
21.Ramayana Ballet - Pura Dalem, Ubud, Mondays 8.00pm. Puri Saren, Ubud, Tuesdays 8.00pm.
22.Sang Hyang Jaran - Benoa Village
23.Shadow Puppet Show (Wayang Kulit) - Oka Kartini's, Ubud Sunday & Wednesday 8.00pm.
24.Sunda Apasunda - Puri Saren, Ubud every Wednesday 7.30pm.(.all-bali.com )
Balinese Wayang
The wayang or shadow puppet is the most prominent theatrical expressions in Bali . In a wayang kulit performance, flat cut-out figures are silhouetted against a translucent, white screen, with a coconut-husk lamp as its source of light. It is mostly expressions or enactments of religious mythology blended into one with historical facts that will keep a Balinese entertained all night long.
balitraveldirect.com
These wayang figures are manipulated with rods by the puppeteer or dalang, who tells the story accompanied by a gamelan orchestra and occassional chanting or singing of a singer. gamelan can also accompany voices, Outside the theater, the dalang commands a high respect from his community, for he performs the job of an actor, a teacher, a historian, and often a priest. The dalang is one mechanism that succesfully passes culture and tradition from one generation to another.
flickr.com
While the night wayang performance is considered pure entertainment, there exists another variant that is purely religious. This religious wayang performance usually takes place in the broad day light, without the coconut-husk lamp. In place of the translucent screen, a piece of string is drawn to separate the dalang from the audience, which may not even exist. This variant may be performed prior to a ngaben or cremation ceremony.
There is a regularly scheduled performance of the wayang at Oka Kartini in Ubud every Sunday and Wednesday
Food
Another aspect of religious life in Bali is the belief that the gods and the goddesses appreciate the mundane pleasures as much as the mere mortals. Feasts and festivals color everyday life as they function to please the people as much as they please the gods. Dances, music, and performances will of course be present. And endowed with such fertile and arable land, the Balinese also practice their creativity with the food and offerings presented in these feasts (which, one can rightfully expect, transcend into similar kinds of food and fruits consumed in normal daily living...)
Jukut kakul
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.
Jukut Ares
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.
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
Cerorot
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.
Nasi Kuning Bali (Balinese Yellow Rice)
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.
Sate languan
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.
Ayam betutu (Roasted Chicken in Banana Leaf)
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.
Urutan Celeng / Fried Pork Sausages
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.
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.
Lawar
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.
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.
Lawar is usually served with rice and other dishes. Lawar is the most favorite cooking during religious ceremony, family rituals or any family occasion. If there is a ceremony or any event of Bali tradition, Lawar is the first plan in cooking activity.
Babi guling
Babi Guling is more well-known as ‘be guling’ in Bali. Actually, be guling can be made of other meats such as duck or chicken. Babi Guling is a kind of dish made of a whole suckling pig. It is cooked by taking out its whole bowel and stuffed the inside with spice paste and vegetables such as cassava leaf, then grilled and rolled over a charcoal made from dried coconut shells until it is well-done.
Babi Guling was originally made as a ritual offering in Balinese traditional ceremonies as well as religious ceremonies. But nowadays, it can be found in many restaurants and certain hotels in Bali area. The most well-known Babi Guling is from Gianyar regency.(tex + foto :balionbali.blogspot.com )
Jukut kakul
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.
Jukut Ares
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.
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
Cerorot
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.
Nasi Kuning Bali (Balinese Yellow Rice)
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.
Sate languan
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.
Ayam betutu (Roasted Chicken in Banana Leaf)
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.
Urutan Celeng / Fried Pork Sausages
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.
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.
Lawar
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.
Lawar is usually served with rice and other dishes. Lawar is the most favorite cooking during religious ceremony, family rituals or any family occasion. If there is a ceremony or any event of Bali tradition, Lawar is the first plan in cooking activity.
Babi guling
Babi Guling was originally made as a ritual offering in Balinese traditional ceremonies as well as religious ceremonies. But nowadays, it can be found in many restaurants and certain hotels in Bali area. The most well-known Babi Guling is from Gianyar regency.(tex + foto :balionbali.blogspot.com )
Sate (Satay)
Sate is made of sea fish or turtle meat, green coconut, spices, and brown sugar. It is the traditional food of Tabanan regency, but it can be found in all over Bali . Sate is usually cooked over charcoal made from dried coconut shells, on a small ceramic grille, which gives them a delicious smoky and slightly charred flavor.
Sate is served as a dish as well as an offering in ritual ceremony. It is better served right after grilled (while it is still hot) and usually served with Lawar. It can last for only one day.
Lempet (Pepes Ikan Tongkol)
Lempet is made of tuna or languan fish and spices, wrapped in banana leaf and grilled over charcoal made from dried coconut shells. Lempet is also known as Pésan or Pepes. It is served with rice and can last for 2 days. Lempet can be served as a dish in wedding ceremony and other ceremonies.
Jajan Bantal
Jajan Bantal is well-known in all over Bali . The main ingredients of this snack are sticky rice, peas and fruits. Wrapped in coconut leaf, tied with a rope and steamed.
This snack is prepared as a dish and ritual offering in certain ritual ceremonies such as Piodalan in the temples.
Jajan Abug
sajiansedap.com
Jajan Abug is a Balinese traditional snack made of sticky rice with various shapes: cube, triangle, round, etc. It has many layers in red and white colors. This snack is specially made for Balinese ritual or traditional ceremonies. But sometimes it is also made for people’s consumption.
Bubur Mengguh
kuliner.ilmci.com
Bubur Mengguh is a kind of porridge, mixed with meat (chicken or fish), vegetable, and spices. This porridge is usually served in special occasions such as family gathering and any other occasions.(.bali3000.com )
Sunsets of Bali
SUNSET / themescompany.com
There is only one word to describe the sunsets in Bali : spectacular. In winter solstice in December, when the sun is close to its lowest point, a large, bright orange, red sun will approach the horizon of Kuta, descending ever so slowly.
Brilliant shadows are cast everywhere, golden reflection on the water, and strips of clouds march as if to curtain another day.
One light strip of cloud will probably march straight into the view, stealing the completeness of the sun, as if to accessorize it with a flowing silk scarf. Millions pairs of eyes are fixated, as the sun's bottom touches the horizon, and, in a matter of minutes, vanishes from the sight, as if it was never there.
Or, in Tanah Lot. A several hundred years old temple stands erect, solemnly guarding the land from the wilderness of the sea. Yet, as the sun begins its journey to its nightly resting place, the brilliance of an orange, red sun softly falls onto the side of the temple, raising its mystique even more. As waves break into the natural stone foundation of the temple, teasing the hundreds of little snakes in the cave in front of the temple, the sun marches down slowly. The millions of people it fascinates do not disturb it, for its ritual must flow. As it draws near the horizon, a magnified shadow of the temple is cast upon your eyes, as if to whisper good night. And in a couple of minutes, the sun rests, leaving traces of the day that has just passed.
Am I romanticizing it? Well, it is drop-dead romantic. Try it. If you don't melt, your next air kelapa muda (young coconut juice) in Tanah Lot will be on me. Or if you want to see photos first, I have here just for you a photographic montage of sunsets in Bali .
Night Life in Bali
Night life in Bali starts late, which means around midnight. Many visitors wonder where crowds of expats suddenly come from around 1:00 in the morning – even when all of Kuta has been very quiet during the whole evening, the IN-places often become crowded after midnight.
There's a simple explanation: during the early evenings many of Bali's night owls either still work, visit friends at home, or simply sleep. Most of them visit pubs, bars, or discos only in the early morning hours. Therefore, if you plan a night out don't start your dinner too early. Between 9:00 p.m. and midnight there are not many places we can recommend.
Visitors looking for company don't need to worry. Wherever you go in Sanur and the Kuta area, there are many other single travellers with the same problem around – day and night. In Bali's discos you'll meet also many "kupu kupu malams" ("night butterflies" or working girls) and young boys who compete with the females and service all sexes. All taxi drivers know the more popular karaoke bars and massage parlours in Kuta and Denpasar, and the various "Houses of ill Repute" in Sanur's narrow back lanes.
As reported in the BALI travel FORUM: "Prostitution is illegal in Bali. However, like in many countries, everyone turns a blind eye. Many girls can be found in nightclubs and bars in most areas. They look usually just like the girl next door, albeit with a bit more make up on, and they usually dress to please the eye. For the most part, they are gentle, easy to be with, and a lot of fun if you want to dance, drink and have a little fun with. Most will be yours for the whole night for about 500,000 Rupiah although prices range from 200,000 Rupiah to 1,500,000 Rupiah and more – depending on the season, the time of night and the situation".
SANUR & NUSA DUA
bliketut.com
Some quite popular places in Sanur are the BORNEO PUB on Jalan Danau Tamblingan and the TROPHY PUB in front of the Sanur Beach Hotel. Both, however, close around 1:00 a.m
The discos and pubs in Nusa Dua's 5-star hotels are often rather empty. They are mostly frequented by those visitors who stay in-house and are too tired to make the 30 minutes drive to Kuta.
Some clubs and bars showcase live bands, DJs, sexy dancers and ‘fashion shows’. Price wise, compared to the nightlife places in Seminyak, partying the night away in Kuta is way cheaper.
Facing the famous Kuta Beach Kuta Beach Street
Location: Bali Beach
Kama Sutra
Location: Legian Street
Musro Bali is the only live cabaret show venue in the area where all the dancers are professionally trained. Spanish choreographer Raphael Gomez provides the expert knowledge needed to produce such a high quality show. You can enjoy their various spectacular performances with extravagant costumes every night for only IDR 100,000 per person. Before the show begins, a live band plays on stage and DJs will perform to fill the air with their selection of R&B, Rock and Club Hits before the real show starts. Location: Discovery Kartika Plaza Hotel
Ocean Beach 
The Ocean Beach Club is a beachfront venue where you can catch the sunset from the open wood deck or lounge pool side on one of the cosy day beds. With DJ's and a lively later atmosphere.
Sky Garden
Located in the heart of Kuta, ESC’s rooftop Sky Garden Lounge has been a popular destination for local, expat and tourist guests since its opening. This open-air lounge is known for its unique concoctions such as the '14 day' infused martinis. Set in comfy seating with an intimate 'garden' atmosphere, funky dancers are accompanied by International DJs spinning their stuff seven days a week. Recently, Sky Garden Legian Street
Location: Kuta Beach Street
Sky Garden
karrimorshop.blogspot.com
Everybody looking for some action and fun in the evening goes to "Kuta" which nowadays means the area extending about 4 miles or 7 kilometers North from the original village of Kuta and includes now Legian, Seminyak and even Basangkasa. Here are most of the better entertainment places offering EVERYTHING single male or female visitors as well as couples might be looking for.
There are several places such as CASABLANCA etc. – down-market open-air pubs and very noisy discos full of stoned Aussies courting Javanese "Kupu Kupu Malams". PEANUTS Discotheque on Jalan Raya Legian at the Jalan Melasti corner (about the border between Kuta and Legian) has been re-opened very soon after it was gutted by a fire. The huge (air-conditioned) dance floor is often crowded, guests are a mix of locals and younger foreign visitors.
Closer to the center of Kuta you find the BOUNTY SHIP with a noisy, over-air-conditioned disco in the basement and the re-built PADDY'S not far from the original PADDY'S. Much more "IN" nowadays is the newer M-BAR-GO which features really good music and a better crowd than most other places. SKY GARDEN is also on the main road and an interesting place to go. The bar is on the top floor, the three storeys below feature all different lounge areas. The menu is huge but the food is often disappointing. When most places close around 2.00 or 3.00 in the morning, night owls of all kinds continue drinking at nearby MAMA'S until sunrise.
For a somewhat more civilized evening out, you can have dinner and a couple of drinks at the bar at either TJ's or KORI in Kuta, at the open street side bar at NERO Bali right opposite AROMAS Restaurant in Kuta, at the re-built MACCARONI CLUB in Kuta, at MADE'S WARUNG in Basangkasa (see BALI - Restaurants to Enjoy), or at the trendy HU'U Bar & Lounge near the Petitenget temple, LA LUCIOLA and THE LIVING ROOM.
One of the most "in" venues in Bali is KU DE TA right on the beach adjacent to the Oberoi hotel. This is the place to see and be seen, and from late afternoon there is a DJ providing rather noisy entertainment for Bali's beautiful people. This is a great place to watch Bali's famous sunsets, but expect to pay for a cocktail around US$10 and more.
You'll find a large and quite popular HARD ROCK CAFE right at the beginning of Kuta's beach road with live music from 11 p.m. to 2 a.m. Expect to find many singles of all kinds here looking for company. If you think this is too noisy, too crowded, or the air-conditioning too cold for you, try the CENTER STAGE at the HARD ROCK RESORT located in the back of the CAFE. As the name implies, the band performs on a raised stage in the middle of the huge round lobby bar until 11:00 p.m. Both HARD ROCK outlets are expensive by Bali standards.
The JAYA PUB on the main road in Seminyak features also live music and attracts many Indonesian customers who don't mind the chilling air-conditioning and the sometimes horrible bands and singers. MANNEKEPIS, a pleasant Belgian pub/restaurant right opposite the QUEEN'S TANDOOR in Seminyak, features live Jazz on Thurdays, Fridays and Saturdays and serves good meals at reasonable prices.
Seminyak's best place to have a drink and some fun after 11 p.m. are nowadays probably OBSESSION World Music Bar and SANTA FEE Bar & Grill, Jalan Abimanyu (also known as Gado Gado Road or Jalan Dhyana Pura). Life music, reasonably priced cocktails and the friendly girls attract many visitors until the early hours. Other popular night spots nearby in the same street are SPY BAR, LIQUID, Q BAR and MIXWELL ("for the alternative lifestyle"), SPACE and THE GLOBE. New bars and "Chill-Out Lounges" are opening all the time, and most of them feature DJ's and/or live music on certain nights. Just walk down the road and check them out !
Later, from 2:00 a.m., it's party time at the SYNDICATE, BACIO and DOUBLE SIX, a large open-air disco with several bars, big dance floor, and many tables. All three are located next to each other on the beach in Seminyak and charge an entrance fee of 30,000 to 100,000 Rupiah (depending on the day) for which you get a voucher for a free drink. Here and in nearby DEJA VU and LA VITA LOCA you'll find most of Bali's night owls drinking and dancing the night away until 4:30 a.m. or so. (The legendary GADO GADO Disco has been re-converted into a restaurant.)
Also, watch out for notices and small posters in Kuta and Seminyak announcing special events such as Full Moon Parties, House Warming Parties, Body Painting Parties, etc, etc. If these "parties" are announced to the public (even if only by word-of-mouth), they are open for everybody. You'll have to pay for your drinks, therefore, don't be shy.(.baliguide.com )
There's a simple explanation: during the early evenings many of Bali's night owls either still work, visit friends at home, or simply sleep. Most of them visit pubs, bars, or discos only in the early morning hours. Therefore, if you plan a night out don't start your dinner too early. Between 9:00 p.m. and midnight there are not many places we can recommend.
Visitors looking for company don't need to worry. Wherever you go in Sanur and the Kuta area, there are many other single travellers with the same problem around – day and night. In Bali's discos you'll meet also many "kupu kupu malams" ("night butterflies" or working girls) and young boys who compete with the females and service all sexes. All taxi drivers know the more popular karaoke bars and massage parlours in Kuta and Denpasar, and the various "Houses of ill Repute" in Sanur's narrow back lanes.
As reported in the BALI travel FORUM: "Prostitution is illegal in Bali. However, like in many countries, everyone turns a blind eye. Many girls can be found in nightclubs and bars in most areas. They look usually just like the girl next door, albeit with a bit more make up on, and they usually dress to please the eye. For the most part, they are gentle, easy to be with, and a lot of fun if you want to dance, drink and have a little fun with. Most will be yours for the whole night for about 500,000 Rupiah although prices range from 200,000 Rupiah to 1,500,000 Rupiah and more – depending on the season, the time of night and the situation".
SANUR & NUSA DUA
bliketut.com
Some quite popular places in Sanur are the BORNEO PUB on Jalan Danau Tamblingan and the TROPHY PUB in front of the Sanur Beach Hotel. Both, however, close around 1:00 a.m
The discos and pubs in Nusa Dua's 5-star hotels are often rather empty. They are mostly frequented by those visitors who stay in-house and are too tired to make the 30 minutes drive to Kuta.
Kuta Bali
Kuta, located in southern Bali, was a sleepy fishing village half a century ago, but it has slowly expanded since the 1960s after its long sandy beach was discovered by travellers from Asia and wandering surfers from nearby Australia
Nowadays Kuta is quite busy and packed with varied accommodation from four-star hotels to budget hostels. Cheap bars and clubs make it a party centre, while local and international restaurants offer great dining. Kuta also offers shopping aplenty, from the chic beachfront ‘Discovery Shopping Mall’ and Kuta Square to the souvenir shops lining Jalan Kartika Plaza, Jalan Pantai Kuta and up to Legian and Seminyak – all within easy walking distance.
Kuta has its own beauty and attractions and remains one of Indonesia’s major tourist destinations; particularly during the peak season from July to August and the holiday season for Christmas and New Year: at these times Kuta will be fully booked by a local younger crowd, Asian travellers and Australian teenagers who are intent on enjoying an affordable vacation in Bali.
Kuta Bali Nightlife
The nightlife scene in Kuta usually starts late – around 23:00 to midnight with bars and pubs offering different atmospheres and types of entertainment.
Ramada Bintang Bali Resort
Gracie Kelly’s Irish Pub
Gracie Kelly’s was the first original Irish Pub in Bali and serves a la carte dinner daily from 11 am until late. Located in Bali Dynasty Hotel, their specialties are Irish Stew, Beef and Guinness Pie, Dublin Coddle, Hot Sticky Pudding and other traditional wholesome food served from Gracie’s kitchen. You’ll be impressed by their large selection of local and international beers and traditional Irish pub grub. Try their real ales from Storm Brewery, a local micro-brewery in Bali . Live entertainment from their resident Irish band starts at 8 pm to help you swing your night away.Location: Kartika Plaza Street
Hard Rock Café
Hulu Bar
Do you want to enjoy your dinner in a different way? Here, you can enjoy your meal whilst watching an Indonesian style cabaret drag show. The place is popular due to the fun entertainment, good service and friendly atmosphere. The shows are free and a wide selection of beverages is offered at a reasonable price. It draws mixed crowds: straight, gay, families, locals, expats and tourists all come to enjoy the show. Two shows commence at 10 pm and 11.15 pm from Thursday to Sunday.
Kama Sutra is a feast for the senses: scent, taste, sight and sound. This is a restaurant, club and a lounge with Indian and Mediterranean design in the outer areas where all the youngsters gather. Kama Sutra hosts live bands, DJs and features some of Bali ’s best live performances by famous Indonesian figures. Location: Kuta Beach Street
M Bar Go
M Bar Go is one of the fancy hip hop clubs in Kuta, dedicated to a younger clientele. Every Friday and Saturday night the place is full. Watch out for their beach couture fashion show every Thursday and their hot salsa nights.
Musro
Ocean 27 Sundeck Lounge & Restaurant
Ocean 27 is a sundeck and restaurant offering a beach dining experience, luscious food, great sunset views, refreshing cocktails and a wide selection of wines and champagnes from all over the world, as well as imported beers. As the night approaches, be prepared to party into the wee hours with well-known local and foreign DJs dishing out tunes from chill out to house. Location: Discovery Esplanade
Location: Kuta Beach Street
Planet Hollywood
Planet Hollywood first came to Bali in 2001 and it comprises five different rooms; an adventure room - designed with an Egyptian theme, the whirlpool bar - an island bar with a four-metre whirlpool dropping from the ceiling, a submarine, a hill area and the sky garden – where you can see a large maple tree and a diorama of New York’s skyline, giving the effect of dining in Central Park. Try their popular international specialties of fajitas, Hollywood burger and turkey club sandwich. A live band plays every Wednesday-Saturday starting at 20:00.
Location: Kuta
The Wave
The Wave is a three-in-one club housing The Coffee Bar (an al-fresco café and beach bar), Sailfin (a fine-dining restaurant), The Club (a long bar and a discotheque) and a beachfront shopping arcade. The Wave sits majestically on the shores of Kuta Beach and offers mesmerizing and spectacular views of the Indian Ocean and the famous Kuta surf. Characterized by its striking architecture with International cuisine and drinks, and accentuated by great music, The Wave is a place not to be missed during your visit on the island.
Vi Ai Pi
Vi Ai Pi is a newcomer to the nightlife scene in Kuta. It is styled on the Balinese form fused with modern European design, embracing the natural elements of green and open space. Their dinner menu carries Eastern and Western infusion flavours at their best. Look out for the events calendar, which will be peppered with well-known DJs and sexy dancers. Location: Legian Street
Kuta is the exciting tourist area on the southern part of Bali and is one of the most favorite place for shopping, dining and night lift entertainment. When people are tired and ready to get in bed for next morning, Kuta just awakes. As crowded at afternoon, inside of Jalan Poppies are filled up with many tourist ready to have their nightlife. There are many night clubs along Jalan Legian and Jalan Pantai Kuta. The situation is getting better and better. More travelers come for holiday in Bal after the second Bali Bomb blast im 2005. The busiest time for all night clubs are around from 22:00 and will close until down. Night clubs offer reasonable prices for soft drinks and light snacks with benefits of free entrance ticket as long as the visitor buys local beers.
Bounty Night Club
The drinking beer competition and singing contest are often held here. Located on Jl Legian, Bounty Night Club is really strategic place, providing a sophisticated club area. A great place to spend your night with friends.
Paddys Club and Cafe
Paddys is relocated just the next of Bounty after first Bali Bomb attacked in 2002. It is not as crowded as Bounty but still provides visitors a great entertainment, wide selection of imported and local drinks, snacks and light meals.
Mbargo Club
It is a hip hop bar and quite luxury, located on Jalan Legian. Mbargo has 2 sections to chill out, the dance floor and lounge at left side for for relax. Exciting night entertainment are performed on regular basis.
Kamasutra Club
Located fron of Kuta Beach
It offers different kind of club, where you can dance under the night sky. The club features with open area, small but full of club lovers.
Apache Club
The only place to groove on reggae. Inspired of Bob Marley, this reggae bar has Rastafarian style contains red, green and yellow color around.
Hard Rock Cafe
It is part of Hard Rock Hotel Bali, overlooking the beautiful Kuta Beach
Espresso
Small bar and cafe but still provides convenient for visitors.
Dining
• Aromas Cafe is one of Balis best healthy cafe and the truly vegetarian restaurant in Kuta. The restaurant offers delicious snacks, salads, sandwiches.
• Papas Cafe serves the authentic Italian Cuisine, a pristine kitchen and a lively atmosphere, located at Alam Kulkul Resort.
• The Balcony is an excellent Mediterranean cuisine in Kuta, Bali , located on Jalan Benesari.
Shopping
• Body and Soul specializes at younger market. You will find up-to-date minute style that are a magnet for Balis young beach bodies.
• Kids A Go Go offers bright and fun collection of brilliant Batik inspired by juniors, located on Jalan Pantai Kuta, Bali .
• Jonathan Silver sells an extensive range of well presented silverware at reasonable prices.
• Mayang Bali sells fantastic range of gems including diamonds, emeralds, sapphires, rubies and Jade; located at Kuta Square Bali.
• Quick Silver offers both the mainstream label and their girls label, Roxy; located at Kuta Square Bali .
Bali Hotels
Amed Hotels | Candidasa Hotels | Canggu Hotels | Jimbaran Beach Hotels | Kuta Hotels | Legian Hotels | Nusa Dua Beach Hotels | Nusa Lembongan Hotels | Pemuteran Hotels | Sanur Hotels | Seminyak Hotels | Singaraja Hotels | South Kuta Hotels | Tanah Lot Hotels | Tanjung Benoa | Tulamben Hotels | Ubud Hotels | Uluwatu Hotels |
Kuta Hotels
Adi Dharma Cottages, Adi Dharma Hotel, AlamKulkul Boutique Resort, Bali Sorgawi Hotel, Bali Summer Hotel, Balisandy Cottages, Barong Hotel, Bounty Hotel Bali, Dewi Sri Hotel, Flora Beach Hotel, Grand Istana Rama Hotel, Hard Rock Hotel Bali, Harris Resort Kuta, Hotel Aneka Kuta, Ida Hotel Bali, Inna Kuta Beach Hotel, Kuta Lagoon Resort, Kuta Seaview Cottage, Legian Beach Hotel, Legian Paradiso Hotel, Matahari Bungalow, Mercure Kuta Bali, Vilarisi Hotel, Villa De Daun
South Kuta Hotels
Aston Inn Tuban, Bakung Beach Cottages, Bakungsari Hotel, Bali Dynasty Resort, Bali Garden Beach Resort, Bali Prani Hotel, Bali Rani Hotel, Discovery Kartika Plaza Hotel, Febris Hotel, Green Garden Beach Resort, Green Garden Hotel, Harris Hotel Tuban, Holiday Inn Resort Baruna Bali, Hotel Karthi Bali, Kuta Beach Club Hotel, Kuta Paradiso Hotel, Melasti Beach Bungalows, Rama Beach Resort and Villas, Ramada Bintang Bali Resort, Ramayana Resort, Risata Bali Resort, Santika Premiere Beach Resort Bali, The Oasis Kuta, The Patra Bali Resort, The Vira Bali Hotel
Legian Hotels
Adika Sari Bungalow, All Seasons Legian Bali, Baleka Beach Resort, Bali Mandira Beach Resort, Bali Niksoma Beach Resort, Balisani Padma Hotel, Casa Padma Suites, Champlung Mas Hotel, Court Yard Hotel Bali, Fourteen Roses Hotel, Jayakarta Bali Beach Resort, Legian Express Hotel, Legian Village Hotel, Mastapa Garden Hotel, Maxi Hotel, Melasti Beach Resort, Padma Bali Hotel, Prani Legian Hotel, Puri Dewa Bharata Hotel, Puri Raja Hotel, Rama Garden Hotel, Rosani Hotel, Saphir Mabisa Inn Hotel, Sayang Maha Mertha Hotel, Sinar Bali Hotel, Sorga Cottage Hotel, The Lokha Legian, The Losari Hotel, Tunjung Bali Resort(foto +tex:hotels68.com
karrimorshop.blogspot.com
Everybody looking for some action and fun in the evening goes to "Kuta" which nowadays means the area extending about 4 miles or 7 kilometers North from the original village of Kuta and includes now Legian, Seminyak and even Basangkasa. Here are most of the better entertainment places offering EVERYTHING single male or female visitors as well as couples might be looking for.
There are several places such as CASABLANCA etc. – down-market open-air pubs and very noisy discos full of stoned Aussies courting Javanese "Kupu Kupu Malams". PEANUTS Discotheque on Jalan Raya Legian at the Jalan Melasti corner (about the border between Kuta and Legian) has been re-opened very soon after it was gutted by a fire. The huge (air-conditioned) dance floor is often crowded, guests are a mix of locals and younger foreign visitors.
Closer to the center of Kuta you find the BOUNTY SHIP with a noisy, over-air-conditioned disco in the basement and the re-built PADDY'S not far from the original PADDY'S. Much more "IN" nowadays is the newer M-BAR-GO which features really good music and a better crowd than most other places. SKY GARDEN is also on the main road and an interesting place to go. The bar is on the top floor, the three storeys below feature all different lounge areas. The menu is huge but the food is often disappointing. When most places close around 2.00 or 3.00 in the morning, night owls of all kinds continue drinking at nearby MAMA'S until sunrise.
For a somewhat more civilized evening out, you can have dinner and a couple of drinks at the bar at either TJ's or KORI in Kuta, at the open street side bar at NERO Bali right opposite AROMAS Restaurant in Kuta, at the re-built MACCARONI CLUB in Kuta, at MADE'S WARUNG in Basangkasa (see BALI - Restaurants to Enjoy), or at the trendy HU'U Bar & Lounge near the Petitenget temple, LA LUCIOLA and THE LIVING ROOM.
One of the most "in" venues in Bali is KU DE TA right on the beach adjacent to the Oberoi hotel. This is the place to see and be seen, and from late afternoon there is a DJ providing rather noisy entertainment for Bali's beautiful people. This is a great place to watch Bali's famous sunsets, but expect to pay for a cocktail around US$10 and more.
You'll find a large and quite popular HARD ROCK CAFE right at the beginning of Kuta's beach road with live music from 11 p.m. to 2 a.m. Expect to find many singles of all kinds here looking for company. If you think this is too noisy, too crowded, or the air-conditioning too cold for you, try the CENTER STAGE at the HARD ROCK RESORT located in the back of the CAFE. As the name implies, the band performs on a raised stage in the middle of the huge round lobby bar until 11:00 p.m. Both HARD ROCK outlets are expensive by Bali standards.
The JAYA PUB on the main road in Seminyak features also live music and attracts many Indonesian customers who don't mind the chilling air-conditioning and the sometimes horrible bands and singers. MANNEKEPIS, a pleasant Belgian pub/restaurant right opposite the QUEEN'S TANDOOR in Seminyak, features live Jazz on Thurdays, Fridays and Saturdays and serves good meals at reasonable prices.
Seminyak's best place to have a drink and some fun after 11 p.m. are nowadays probably OBSESSION World Music Bar and SANTA FEE Bar & Grill, Jalan Abimanyu (also known as Gado Gado Road or Jalan Dhyana Pura). Life music, reasonably priced cocktails and the friendly girls attract many visitors until the early hours. Other popular night spots nearby in the same street are SPY BAR, LIQUID, Q BAR and MIXWELL ("for the alternative lifestyle"), SPACE and THE GLOBE. New bars and "Chill-Out Lounges" are opening all the time, and most of them feature DJ's and/or live music on certain nights. Just walk down the road and check them out !
Later, from 2:00 a.m., it's party time at the SYNDICATE, BACIO and DOUBLE SIX, a large open-air disco with several bars, big dance floor, and many tables. All three are located next to each other on the beach in Seminyak and charge an entrance fee of 30,000 to 100,000 Rupiah (depending on the day) for which you get a voucher for a free drink. Here and in nearby DEJA VU and LA VITA LOCA you'll find most of Bali's night owls drinking and dancing the night away until 4:30 a.m. or so. (The legendary GADO GADO Disco has been re-converted into a restaurant.)
Also, watch out for notices and small posters in Kuta and Seminyak announcing special events such as Full Moon Parties, House Warming Parties, Body Painting Parties, etc, etc. If these "parties" are announced to the public (even if only by word-of-mouth), they are open for everybody. You'll have to pay for your drinks, therefore, don't be shy.(.baliguide.com )
BALI DRAMA
Drama in Bali is usually derived from a local chronicle called Babad. Drama is estimated to first emerge in 1820. The art rose in the golden era of the Klungkung kingdom at the reign of I Dewa Agung Sakti. At that time, it is known in the form of Arja. Arja later developed into some drama forms in Bali, namely Prembon, Sendratari, and Drama Gong.
Arja
Arja is Bali’s oldest drama form, performed for the first time in 1820. The name was taken from Sanskrit, Reja, meaning ‘something beautiful’. This was due to the beautiful combination of dancing, singing, and traditional instruments used in this drama. Arja players usually don beautiful dresses decorated in gold, silver, and flowers.
Arja is performed not only for entertainment but also for education as there are many moral messages showed through this drama. Comedy, heroism, to the history of Bali can be expressed through Arja. The conversations among characters are done by using Macepat (traditional singing technique in Bali). There are three types of Arja according to the number of players and the traditional instruments used:
Arja Doyong: performed by one person without instruments.
Arja Gaguntangan: performed by two to ten persons with traditional instrument called Gaguntangan.
Arja Gede: performed more than 10 persons with traditional instruments.
New type of Arja rose around the 20th Century called Arja Muani. Arja Muani is performed by males only, even for the female characters in the drama. Arja Muani is performed for entertainment because the story only regards comedy. This type of Arja is the favorite among the Balinese, usually performed in most social events in Bali.
Prembon
Development of Arja and mask dances in Bali created a form of Drama called Prembon in 1942. Similar to Arja, this drama also shows stories from the Babad. The differences between Prembon and Arja seem from the masks used by the players. Arja players do not use masks, but in Prembon all the players wears masks. The masks aim to more explicitly express the character in Prembon, such as a king, common people, priest, etc. Though wearing masks, the Prembon players converse among them.
Sendratari
Sendratari is one of the drama forms in Bali which emerged around 1960. Like the other drama forms, Sendratari is also a combination of traditional dancing, singing, and instruments but this drama is closely associated with modern drama forms. Every scene is managed to portray clearly the characters (main character, second, antagonist, etc).
Sendratari was created by Balinese artist I Wayan Beratha, categorized as large drama because it is performed by 10-150 players. For the first time, Sendratari in Bali only told stories from the Babad but in later developments, Sendratari took every classical story in the world like Ramayana and Mahabaratha. Now, this drama can be viewed at the annual Bali Arts Festival, around June-July in Bali.
Drama Gong
Drama Gong is the youngest form of drama in Bali, estimated to emerge 6 years after Sendratari, around 1966. Drama Gong mostly brings comedy and is usually performed for entertainment. Unlike Sendratari which needs many players in luxurious dresses, Drama Gong is necessarily less in players and some use funny clothes or accessories. Drama Gong also has fewer scenes than Sendratari.
Drama Gong is performed in many social events in Bali. It has been one of the favorite shows among the Balinese. The golden era of was reached in 1980. Even as the popularity of drama slightly decreased, many groups still exist, such as: Drama Gong Bintang Bali Timur, Drama Gong Duta Budaya Bali, Drama Gong Dewan Kesenian, Drama Gong Dwipa Sancaya, etc..( balitourismboard )
Bali Temples
Many claim that there are actually more temples than homes in Bali . Strictly speaking, many temples are really shrines but the number of religious compounds in Bali is said to be over 10,000.
Normally peaceful and uninhabited, Bali ’s temples transform into scenes of great activity and are ornately decorated during festivals with traditional dance performances, cockfighting and gambling. You’ll find that each of Bali ’s temples is facing towards the mountains, the sea or sunrise.
Besakih Temple - Pura Besakih
Overview
To the Balinese, visiting the temple sanctuaries is a special pilgrimage.
Pura Besakih features three temples dedicated to the Hindu trinity. Pura Penataran Agung in the centre has white banners for Shiva, the destroyer; Pura Kiduling Kreteg on the right side is with red banners for Brahma, the creator; and Pura Batu Madeg represents Vishnu, the preserver, with its black banners. Several other temples in Pura Besakih can be visited, but many of their inner courtyards are closed to the public as they’re reserved for worshippers.
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Pura Besakih is said to be the only temple open to every devotee from any caste groups. It is because of its nature as the primal centre of all activities such as ceremonies, renovations, and more. The philosophical meaning the complex holds combines elements of education, technology, living tools, social lives, livelihoods, linguistic systems, arts, and religion. The complex also expresses Balinese Hindu’s essential belief that life on earth must be kept in balance and harmony between man and God, man and society, as well as man and his natural environment.
History of Besakih Temple
Pura Batu Medeg, containing a central stone, indicates that the area of Pura Besakih has been regarded as a holy place since long before recorded history. It all started in the 8th century, when a Hindustani monk received a revelation to create homes for people during his isolation. Throughout the process, many of his followers died due to illness and accident. On its completion it was called ‘Basuki’, referring to the dragon deity ‘Naga Besukian’ who inhabited
Other shrines were gradually built and Pura Besakih was made the main temple during the conquering of
Highlights and Features
The biggest temple in the complex, Pura Penataran Agung, has different areas representing seven layers of the universe, each with their own shrine.
From Pura Pasimpangan on the downstream side (on the east of the main street) to Pura Pangubengan upstream, the distance is approximately three kilometres.
Located on higher ground, the closest to the top of
About 10 minutes to the east of Pura Pangubengan is Pura Batu Tirtha. It is the place of the holy water used in ‘karya agung’ ceremonies at Pura Besakih and Pekraman villages.
Four temples in the complex reflect four forms of God at compass points: Pura Batu Madeg in the north, Pura Kiduling Kreteg to the south, Pura Gelap in the east, and Pura Ulun Kulkul in the west.
‘Batu ngadeg’, meaning ‘a standing stone’, is found in the shrine of Meru Tumpang Sebelas in Pura Batu Madeg. This is where Vishnu is manifested. Still in the courtyard of Pura Batu Madeg, in front of Meru Tumpang Sebelas is the Pesamuan shrine (a quadrangle shape with two lines of 16 poles) as a symbol of how Vishnu’s power co-mingles with the world.
At least 20 minutes to the northwest from Pura Batu Madeg, down the footpath to the valley and along the river, is Pura Peninjoan – erected on a tiny hill. The beautiful views from here include all the shrines of Pura Penataran Agung, beaches and southern
On the west is Pura Ulun Kulkul, famous for the main and most precious ‘kulkul’ (Balinese wooden slit gong) on the island. Kulkul is a communication device to summon or convey special messages to Balinese Hindu devotees.
On the northern side of Pura Ulun Kulkul is Pura Merajan Selonding where the 'Bredah' inscription mentions a king in Besakih, and a set of ancient gamelan called ‘Selonding’ are kept.
Pura Gua, located on the eastern side of the main street, is the home of the Dragon deity. There’s a big cave at the canyon of the river on the east that has its mouth closed due to erosion, but people still sometimes practise yoga in front of it.
Pura Jenggala, southwest of Pura Penataran Agung, is also often called Pura Hyang Haluh by the local devotees. The ‘Setra Agung’, burial grounds, south of the temple, is the reason for its second name. Here, you can find sacred ancient stone statues in the garuda shape, and more.Pura Basukian Puseh Jagat is located to the southeast of Pura Penataran Agung. It was the foundation of Pura Besakih’s existence.
Good to Know and What not to Miss
Pura Besakih was nominated as a World Heritage Site in around 1995, but as yet remains unvested.
There are at least 70 ceremonies or religious celebrations held each year here, as each shrine has its own anniversary, plus the big holidays based on the 210-day Balinese Hindu calendar system.
Pura Basukihan, Pura Penataran Agung, and Pura Dalem Puri are the mother of all village’ temples of all Pura Puseh, Pura Desa, and Pura Dalem. Their shrines contain religious literature referring how to build a temple.
During the daytime Besakih can become a crowded tourist trap, with self-created ‘temple guardians’, touts, hawkers, and more. Bear in mind that you should wear a proper top, a sarong, and a sash.
The best visiting times of the day are in the early morning and in the evening as the complex is much quieter during those hours.
The official guides are easily identifiable with their symmetrically patterned traditional Batik shirts. The service is not free, though not expensive at all either considering how big the complex is. You are, however, not obliged to hire a ‘temple guardian’ for a tour around the complex.
If you are invited for a blessing then a donation will be expected.
Skimpy clothes are not advised and sarong as well as sash can be rented. They’re also available for purchase outside, but bargaining is recommended.
Women on their period are forbidden to enter the temple complex.
Don’t forget to change money in more urban areas as the rates here are not so good.
Opening Hours: 08:00 – 17:00, but it is actually open 24 hours as it is a place of worship
Location: in Besakih Village, Rendang Sub-district, Karangasem District
Remarks: Taking along local companions outside the official hours is highly recommended
How to get there: From Sanur, take the Kusamba Bypass to Klungkung. Head north through Klungkung and take the right-hand turn at Menanga to get to Besakih. The journey from Sanur shouldn’t take longer than two-and-a-half hours.
Goa Gajah or Elephant Cave (allegedly derived from the name Lwa Gajah – originally meaning elephant waters) is one of the most historical sites in Bali and was developed in the 11th century, on the western edge of Bedulu Village only six kilometres out of central Ubud. The entire site of Goa Gajah was partially destroyed by natural disaster and lay undetected for centuries before being rediscovered by a team of Dutch archaeologists in 1923.
Goa Gajah is a place to meditate and worship the spiritual essence of the site, Lord Ganesha - the Hindu God of knowledge and wisdom who is characterised as an entity by his elephant head and four arms. Surrounding the site, you can find two traditional bathing pools, some artefacts and statues, and the cave itself, which is decorated with stone relief work showing a demonic face with an open fanged mouth that reveals the entrance.
Location: On the western edge of Bedulu Village
Prior to its recent incarnation, the Garuda Wisnu Kencana (commonly known as GWK) monument was an abandoned limestone excavation which was no longer used by locals. Today the GWK can be compared to Thailand 's Sleeping Buddha or the Giant Buddha in Hong Kong .
Aside from the beautifully carved limestone cliff surrounding the monument, GWK also has various facilities, from restaurants to an amphitheatre where occasional performances take place. Please make sure to visit GWK at dusk to catch its dramatic panorama when the sunset cuts through the limestone carved wall. Read More...
Location: Bukit Peninsula , at the southern end of Bali . Between Uluwatu and Nusa Dua
Location: Candidasa
Gunung Kawi
Four can be found on the west side and five on the east side of the river, while to the south across the valley lies another. According to legend, these ruined temples are the memorial shrines of the king's concubines and his family. These days, Gunung Kawi sanctuary is still used for ritual ceremonies and locals gather periodically to offer the usual gifts and to pay homage to God, the ancient king, and his family.
Location: Tampaksiring north east of Ubud
Pura Blanjong
Pura Penataran Sasih
Pura Petitenget
The nine eyes are also believed to protect the island from southward threats through their intricate positioning. Another story relates that Pura Petitenget is known as the Temple of the Secret Box – a name inherited when a holy man from Java arrived in Bali intending to teach the Balinese community about good manners. He brought a box and accidentally left it behind when he returned to Java. The Balinese people, in fearfulness of the holy man, dared neither to touch nor open it, and so decided to build a temple around it. It’s your choice to either believe it or not, but be sure to stop by this temple on special occasions and holy days: you’ll witness a spectacular ceremony here.
Pura Samuan Tiga
This stunning architecture and history provides the annual stage for the oldest Balinese Hindu ritual. Siat Sampian (Sampian War) takes place during the 10th full moon (in Balinese called Purnama Kadasa, it falls every April) and normally lasts from 06:00 to approximately 13:00. The 'war' is performed by over 200 males and dozens of females, who attack each other using young-coconut leaf arrangements called sampian. Make sure you don’t miss this unique amazing ritual while you’re here for holiday in April.
Pura Tirta Empul
The name 'Tirta Empul' refers to a crystal-clear stream which is used as holy water for various religious ceremonies. Legend has it that the God Indra, to revive his forces who had been poisoned by Mayadanawa (a powerful evil King from Blingkang, a region north of Lake Batur
Entering the main courtyard, the only spot tourists are allowed to enter, you can enjoy the exquisite twin shrines and split gate. Inside the inner sanctum, you can see a number of rectangular bathing pools where for more than 1,000 years the Balinese have come to bathe for healing and spiritual merit.
Pura Ulun Danu Bratan
No less stunning is the mountain resort of Bratan, in Bedugul, and the magnificent Ulun Danu, an inspiring place of worship that appears to rise out of waters of Lake Bratan
Very distinctive pagodas symbolising the sacred mountain Mahameru, residence of the Supreme God surrounded by a moat in this lovely temple in Mengwi.
Originally dated from 1634, Taman Ayun has been restored and enlarged in 1937. On its festival day (odalan) hundreds of women come into the temple bringing colorful offerings, which they place together in front of the merus.
The royal Taman Ayun temple was built by one of the last priests to come to Bali from Java in the 16th century. The temple stands on top of a huge rock, surrounded by the sea and is one of Bali 's most important sea temples. Tanah Lot pays homage to the guardian spirits of the sea.
Ancient rituals pay homage to the guardian spirits of the sea. Poisonous sea snakes found in the caves at the base of the rocky island are believed to be guardians of the temple, standing virgil against evil spirits and intruders.
The temple is busy only on special occasions during holy days and ceremonies such as Melasti: three or four days prior to Nyepi (the day of silence that falls on Bali’s Lunar New Year), the Balinese gather to send prayers and offerings to Sanghyang Widhi/Vishnu-Devas-Bataras on the beach to respect them as the owners of the land and sea.
Location: Kuta Beach
Dedicated to the spirits of the sea, the famous Pura Luhur Uluwatu temple is an architectural wonder in black coral rock, beautifully designed with spectacular views. A popular place to view the sunset.
Location: 45 minutes from Nusa Dua
