Why choose Bali for New Year’s Eve 2017?

Celebrating New Year’s Eve in Bali is not only famous for the outdoor festivities, but it’s equally famous for the celebrations that go on in hotels and bars.  My advice is, make sure to book a place in advance because there are many offers and rates for each tourist spot.

Kuta, Seminyak, and Legian are the hot spots for party through the night by young travelers.  There are a host of pubs and bars, restaurants, and cafes to choose from.

More info about Bali: Bali Travel Info

If you travel with family, Bali has it all for you.  Bali welcomes you and your family with spectacular firework displays at midnight.  Make sure to find your perfect spot to enjoy the fireworks  at one of these locations: Kuta, Legian, Seminyak, Puputan Badung Square, and Jimbaran Bay.  Don’t miss the Denpasar Festival here in the Puputan Badung Square complete with its attractions.

Photo: Potato Head Beach Club

Denpasar Festival December 2016 in Denpasar Bali

(Impressively beautiful, elaborate, extravagant festival of Bali)

If you are on the island of Bali celebrating the holidays this year, don’t miss the magnificent festival that will be held on December 28-31- 2016.  This is the 9^th   year of the festival and  features music, dance, street food, theater, fashion show, and more.   The event will be centered in Puputan Badung Square.  You will see a special art installation dubbed “Ebullience”, which is displayed as a form of joy by the Denpasar regency in welcoming the new year.

Every year, the festival attracts thousands of domestic and foreign tourists to celebrate and experience  the real Bali. 

Photo: Denpasar Festival

Photo: Denpasar Festival

The festival was first held in 2008 to promote the art and culture of Bali, and was formerly known as the Gajah Mada Town Festival.  Now the  festival attracts more visitors and gives the artists the opportunity to create fresh and magnificent works of art.   According to the mayor of Denpasar I. B Dharmawijaya Mantra, this festival should be a combination of tradition and  modern art forms to attract more visitors to Bali, especially during the peak Christmas season and New Year Holiday.  You will see the creative works of young artists and masters who work together in their creations for this festival to present a very fresh and spectacular end of 2016 with joy.

For more information, please visit the Tourist Information Office (Jalan Surapati 6, Denpasar. +62 361 234569. 8AM-4PM. A source of information for current events in the city and pick up a free map.)

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Bali Travel Info

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Denpasar Festival December 2016 in Denpasar Bali

(Impressively beautiful, elaborate, extravagant festival of Bali)

Info about Bali: Bali Travel Info

Hi travelers, 

If you are on the island of Bali celebrating the holidays this year, don’t miss the magnificent festival that will be held on December 28-31- 2016.  This is the 9^th   year of the festival and  features music, dance, street food, theater, fashion show, and more.   The event will be centered in Puputan Badung Square.  You will see a special art installation dubbed “Ebullience”, which is displayed as a form of joy by the Denpasar regency in welcoming the new year.

Every year, the festival attracts thousands of domestic and foreign tourists to celebrate and experience  the real Bali.  

The festival was first held in 2008 to promote the art and culture of Bali, and was formerly known as the Gajah Mada Town Festival.  Now the  festival attracts more visitors and gives the artists the opportunity to create fresh and magnificent works of art.   According to the mayor of Denpasar I. B Dharmawijaya Mantra, this festival should be a combination of tradition and  modern art forms to attract more visitors to Bali, especially during the peak Christmas season and New Year Holiday.  You will see the creative works of young artists and masters who work together in their creations for this festival to present a very fresh and spectacular end of 2016 with joy.

For more information, please visit the Tourist Information Office (Jalan Surapati 6, Denpasar. +62 361 234569. 8AM-4PM. A source of information for current events in the city and pick up a free map.)

Courtesy Photos: Denpasar Festival

 My favorite  10 restaurants with spectacular views in Ubud Bali

 Bali Travel Info

Visiting Bali without going to Ubud is like you don’t go to Bali.  As a tourist in Bali, Ubud become an attraction not for the beaches or bars, but Ubud is famous for its arts, music, architecture, dance, spiritual retreat, temples, and most iconic landscapes.  I lived in Ubud for almost 3 years on and off.   Anytime I visit Bali, I have never skipped Ubud.  The weather is very pleasant compare to southern Bali (it’s cooler) because its higher elevation.  In fact, Ubud is not a traditional Balinese rural village, nor is it  typical of modern Bali.  I try to say Ubud is a charming Balinese town with anything you need for your vacation.  Ubud has many reasonable restaurants with spectacular views of rice field landscapes, temples, rivers or waterfalls.  In Ubud you can find accommodation around $15- $300 with beautiful Balinese architecture and always with beautiful tropical garden.

Here are some my favorite restaurants in Ubud Bali:

1.      Babi Guling Ibu Oka

Babi guling, or suckling pig, is one of Bali’s most famed dishes in Bali. You can find Babi Guling almost anywhere in Bali, but Ibu Oka is the most famed spot on the island of Bali.  The pig is stuffed and infused with a spicy concoction typically Balinese spices (turmeric, coriander seeds, lemongrass, black pepper and garlic) after seasoned the pig, it’s ready to be roasted (traditionally spit-roasted). 

Location: Jalan Suweta/Tegal Sari No. 2, Ubud, Indonesia

2.      Fivelements Sakti Dining

Set between the sacred Ayung River and lush tropical ponds and gardens, Fivelements award-winning Sakti Dining Room™ features a fine dining, eco-luxurious setting.

The food they serve is prepared with love, passion and attention to detail. Their menu is designed to give optimal plant-based nutrition and high energy to support your healthy body, mind and soul. 

Experience their Signature Chef’s Specialty Tasting Menus available for lunch and dinner (3, 5 and 7-course menus) or the a la carte menu sure to surprise and delight a wide array of palates.

Location: Banjar Baturning Ubud, Bali 80352, Indonesia

3.      Bali Buda Ubud

This place still maintains some of the feeling as a yogi, meditation, healthy places to eat and natural surroundings and feels the new age atmosphere. 

Location: Jl Jembawan no 1, Ubud, Indonesia

4.      Cafe Lotus Ubud

Located on Ubud’s bustling Main Road (Jalan Raya), between the Ubud Palace and Museum Puri Lukisan, Cafe Lotus has been an institution ever since it opened its doors in 1983. 

The setting of Cafe Lotus is unique – even by Balinese standards: a large Lotus pond framed by ancient lowering Jepun or Plumeria trees and, the most recent addition, an exhibit of several dozens of blooming orchid plants. One of Ubud’s main temples, Pura Taman Kemuda Saraswati, completes the scenery; the ambience is simply magical – especially during twilight hours or dining time.

Phone:

(0361) 975 660 

Operating Hours:

8.30 am – 11.00 pm daily except for major Balinese holy days

Breakfast :	8.30 am – 11.00 am
Luncheon :	11.00 am – 6.00 pm
Tea Time :	3.00 pm – 5.00 pm
Cocktails :	Throughout the day
Dinner :	6.00 pm – 10.00pm (last hot food order: 9.45pm)

5.      Casa Luna Restaurant

With its relaxed tropical atmosphere, Casa Luna offers a fine selection of Balinese and Mediterranean dishes. Situated on the main road just down from the village market, it is a favorite with visitors from all over the world.

Location: Jalan Raya Ubud, Kec. Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia

Phone: +62 361 977409

Open: 8 am- 11 pm

6.      Swept Away at the Samaya

This place is an ideal setting to allow you to slow down and relax.  With its comfortable “lounge” furniture, combined with the cooling breeze from the river creates a peaceful ambiance and perfect for a glass cocktail or two, or an ice cold beer. 

For lunch the menu is relaxed, light and healthy, a mixture of salads, sandwiches and local fare.

In the late afternoons a small bites menu, best described as “Asian Tapas.” And more.

In the evenings the menu is modern eclectic, with an adventurous flare. The atmosphere stays tranquil and relaxed but the setting morphs into an enchanting and romantic playground; abound with sensual foods, fine wines and cocktails.

Location:

Banjar Baung, Desa Sayan, Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia

7.       KE-PI-TU Restaurant at The Kayon Resort

The Restaurant is set in the eficentrum of the resort with 180 degrees view over the pool and jungle landscape creates an ambiance perfect for an iced cold beer and cocktails. Designed with Kayon shaped using wood, bamboo and Alang-Alang Grass roof creates a Truly Ubud atmosphere.

The lunch menu is light and healthy, a mixture of sandwich and salads. In the evening the menu is mixed western, Asian and Signature KEPITU menu with Balinese Royal setting with weekly Culture Diner program.

Location: Banjur Kepitu, Desa Tagalalang, Ubud 80571

Contact: +62 361 4792553

Price Range: Dishes from $7.50 to $15

Opening Hours: 7am to 11pm

8.      Bebek Tepi Sawah Restaurant

Indonesian specialties, afternoon tea and cocktails are served at the Bebek Tepi Sawah Restaurant.  Enjoy a wide selection of cuisine, ranging from contemporary western and innovative Indonesian or Balinese specialties in a fresh atmosphere within the environment of the real Bali's Village.

Location: Jalan Raya Goa Gajah, Br. Tegas Peliatan Ubud Bali 80571
Contact: +62 361 975656
Price Range: Dishes from $4 to $8
Opening Hours: 10am to 10pm

9.      Murni’s Warung

Location: Jalan Raya Campuan Ubud Bali 80571

Contact: +62 361 975233

      Price Range: Dishes from $3 to $5

Opening Hours: 8am to 11pm

Since opening as a Warung (roadside stall) in 1974, Murni's has grown to four levels running down the river's edge. (Book a table at the bottom for the best views.) The menu has also grown, adding Indonesian and Western choices, but the foundation remains Balinese, with local standards like ayam betutu (spicy roast chicken), babi guling (roast pork), and black rice pudding, plus rarer specialties such as smoked curry duck. It's great for lunch and dinner.  I come here a lot and bring my friends.

10.  Bridges Bali

Bridges is one of the best restaurants in Ubud and Bali for a romantic dining experience.

Located in the charming Ubud village, bridges Bali is a casual fine dining restaurant, wine bar and shop as well as exhibition and event space.

Locaton: Jalan Campuhan, Ubud, Bali 80581
Contact: +62 361 970095

Garuda Indonesia is planning to fly from Jakarta to Los Angeles in 2017

Garuda Indonesia is planning to fly from Jakarta to Los Angeles via Tokyo in 2017.

Bali Travel Info

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Photo: Garuda Indonesia

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More Info about Bali: Bali Travel Info

The Unique Tradition of Tumpek Kandang (A Ritual for Animals) On the Island of Bali

Bali Travel Info

Alas Kedaton's Photo

The name of Tumpek Kandang is derived from two words, "Tumpek" meaning Saturday and "Kandang", the Balinese word for the household animals such as cows, pigs, chickens, ducks, dogs, and birds - all of which are highly valued by the Balinese. Tumpek Kandang is a day to worship Sang Hyang Rare-Angon (God of animals).

“The Tumpek Kandang ceremonies honor the supremacy of Ida Sang Hyang Widhi, Sang Hyang Siwa Pasupati – also known as Rare Angon, the spiritual shepherd of all wild and domesticated animals. “According to Balinese Hindu teachings, harmony between man, the animal kingdom and nature as a whole must always be maintained. Humanity must seek a harmonious coexistence with nature – including all the globe’s flora and fauna.”

Tumpek Kandang is celebrated  every 210 days on the Balinese calendar, of Saturday (Sabtu Kliwon Wuku Uye). 

On this day, we offer praise and thanks to the Creator for the continuing welfare of our animals.  Household animals in Bali will receive a special honor when local Hindus celebrate Tumpek Kandang Day, a ceremony dedicated to Sang Hyang Rare-Angon, master of all cattle and livestock. 

This year's Tumpek Kandang Day is on the November 26^, 2016.  The rituals will be held at every farm and family compound. OR you can also see the special elaborate ceremonies in several places in Bali like Bali Safari and Marine Park, Alas Kedaton in Tabanan Regency, Tanah Lot, Wake Resto & Dolphin Bali Pantai Keramas, Blahbatuh Gianyar, and Bali Zoo.

Especially, Cows in Bali receive better treatment than other animals because they assist farmers when plowing the rice field. The cows are washed and dressed-up in clothes fit for humans and special cone shaped spiral of coconut leaves is placed on their horns.

The pigs are usually decorated with a white cloth wrapping their bellies. The animals are then fed with special foods, sprinkled with rice, holy water, chanting, and prayers are offered.

In the ritual procession, devotees invoke blessing in order their cattle could be bestowed with prime healthy and safety. However, philosophically the Tumpek Kandang celebration implies that people should develop compassion for all the living creatures. In the economic context, the procession mandates that the agricultural sector in the broader sense (livestock) can be developed to strengthen the economic foundations of society. Similarly, the prayers are also recited for other livestock such as pigs, goats, chickens and ducks. Even, a pig for the Hindu community in Bali is often used as a sort of saving or piggy bank. In the emergency case they can be sold to meet the needs of families.

As the animals destined for human food, chickens, ducks, pigs and so forth are often used as a protein source to support the human life, and those animals need special care.  However, For those the endangered species, should be preserved. For instance, green turtles, Bali starlings, deer, monkeys, and many others.  Balinese people also associate some animals with mythology. For instance, the animals are regarded as the property (duwe) of God such as the white cow, ape, fruit bats, snake and others. Through the mythology, devotees are actually encouraged to conserve the wildlife by preserving them based on religious concepts. Mythology seems much more powerful than a call or an appeal to preserve the endangered species.

In the Balinese Hindu concept, no single thing is without the power of God. Inside them lay the soul (the Jiwatma), for this reason the concept of developing compassion for all the God’s creatures should be continued. Through the celebration Tumpek Kandang, people should develop them well for the benefit of life and preserve the endangered species in order not to become extinct.

The most Strange Beautiful places to visit on the island of Bali

Bali Travel Info

Discover Bali’s strangely beautiful places on Earth.  Bali is a mystical place to visit.  I will share some unique places that you, and you will unlikely to see anywhere else in this world.   Some places to pronounce bizarre, others eerie and mysterious- spread out across Bali, from the Bali big island  to the small islands of Lembongan and Nusa Penida.  These places are not well-known to tourists, But they are familiar to some locals.   If you would like to experience something unusual and out of your comfort zone, you should come and visit these strange beautiful places.

1.      Desa Bali Aga Trunyan Necropolis Kintamani 

The mountain village of Trunyan can be found at the foot of Mt. Abang, at a remote and isolated location on the eastern shore of Lake Batur. The Trunyanese are often referred to as Bali Aga (mountain Balinese), which refers to a conservative, pre-Hindu way of life with ancient, neolithic customs and a very definite avoidance of outside influences. Instead of the term “Bali Aga, the term Bali Mula (‘original Balinese’) is often used instead. In this respect it should be noted that the Bali Aga are in no sense ‘original’. Therefore the term ‘Mountain Balinese’ is, from a historical perspective, more correct. The Bali Aga namely have always occupied their ancestral villages from choice and performed their traditional crafts and trades appropriate to the nature of the land. According to copper plate inscriptions found in one of the shrines in the main temple of Trunyan, the temple must be dated back to at least the 10th century AD (833 Çaka). The village itself, however, is believed to be much older than the temple. 

Contrary to elsewhere in Hindu Bali the Trunyanese do not cremate their dead. Instead, after a ritual cleansing with rainwater, the body of the deceased is placed in a bamboo cage under the taru menyan tree ( special fragrant tree) is known to only grow here. Until the forces of nature, in particular the wind, has dissolved the body tissues until only the skeleton remains. Then the skull is placed on a stairs-shaped stone altar which is located some 500 meters north of the Banjar Kuban, a special place which can only be reached by boat.  It is mesmerizing to many is no odor from the decomposing bodies are present, which the locals believe is neutralized by the tree’s myrrh-like fragrance.   Skulls and bones on moss-covered stairs are quite the scene here, definitely not for the nervous type.

Location: Trunyan Village Kintamani

2.      The 'Bat Cave' Temple of Goa Lawah Klungkung

The Goa Lawah temple is one of the six most important temples in Bali.  The Goa  (cave) and Lawah (bats). So you can say that this is a temple with the form of a cave where you can see thousand of bats inside the cave.  It is said that this temple was built to honor the sea gods and beside the bats, it is also said that 2 giant snakes live in the cave that considered as the guardian of the cave. The snakes are a couple, where one of the giant snake is a male and another one is a smaller  female.   I was  lucky to meet one of the snakes when I spent my night meditation with the priest, during full moon ceremony.  

Location: In the Pesinggahan Village, Dawan district, Klungkung Regency, Bali, which is about 10 km to the east of Klungkung city or around 50 km from Denpasar city. 

3.       The 'Ghost Town' of Taman Festival Bali Sanur

I remember when I was high school this place was I hung out with my friends.  A beautiful water park.  Located at North in Sanur, now a spooky ‘ghost town’ on Padanggalak Beach, a remote coast far away from the main Sanur tourist area. It is the vast ruins of the derelict theme park Taman Festival, Bali, which closed down shortly after its establishment in 1997.   Because of no plans are underway for its resurrection, so we believe it will still be around for a while. The deserted main entrance gates, ticket booths, empty cafeterias and deteriorated main buildings with partly collapsed roofs all give it a creepy sensation even in broad daylight. Dense foliage and creeper vines have grown over broken windows, and ornamental stone figures loom over in the open spaces, making it a great spooky site. The locals believe long-abandoned sites like this are ‘borrowed’ by lost spirits. Recently, I visited this site on the way to Ubud, and the ambience give me goosebumps.  If you like horror movies, you will enjoy this place.

Location: Jalan Padanggalak, Padanggalak Beach, Sanur

4.      The Balinese “Deaf Village” Bengkala, Singaraja

In the remote Balinese village of Bengkala Singaraja every one of the 3,000-odd residents can fluently communicate in kata kolok, a century-old sign language, and people with speech and hearing deficiencies are always treated with respect.

That so many people would bother to learn sign language might seem strange, but there’s a good reason behind the unique tradition – the number of hearing and speech impaired in Bengkala is about 15 times higher than the world average and it’s believed to have been even higher in the past. So it’s only natural that, in time, body language took precedence over the words, and villagers developed their own unique sign language which has been passed on for centuries.  The high incidence of deafness is apparently caused by the geographically-centric recessive gene DFNB3, present in the village for over seven generations. 

5.      The Underground House (Goa Gala-Gala) Nusa Lembongan

The Underground House or Goa Gala-Gala in Nusa Lembongan was built by Mangku Vyasa.  He is a farmer, dancer and Mangku Dalang (puppet shadow performer). Due to his profession as a Dalang, he was inspired by one of Mahabharata episodes, “Wana Parwa”; the twelve years in exile in the forest. In the story Pandawas decided to build a cave, Gala-gala, to protect his family from Korawas who wanted to find and kill all of Pandawas’s family.

The top of Goa Gala-Gala looks like the house in general, in the yard is overgrown trees. However, in some corner of a hole as deep as 3 meters, as access to the entrance to the Gala-Gala. Once down the stairs, which looks first are the pillars of the land and the hall in different directions. The House Gala-gala is complete because he had a sleeping room, dining room, living room, to the kitchen.  The Cave’s ceiling is just as high as 1.5 meters make oxygen is thinner than on the surface. 

Location: Desa Lembongan, Kecamatan Nusa Penida, Kabupaten Klungkung, Bali.

6.      The Goa Gong temple Jimbaran (The Stalactite Cave Temple )

The Goa Gong temple is a unique cave temple hidden away not so far from Kuta beach, the Jimbaran resort area.  Up the hill from the Kedonganan, the namesake Jalan Goa Gong leads you through the small Batu Ngongkong community and a sharp left turn puts you face to face with a pair of big cat statues.  The Erie statues under a banyan and tamarind tree guard a flight of stairs to the cave opening. The temple’s keeper and  priest Mangku Gurun Simpen is normally you see on the site.   Inside, a large, dim-lit cavity reveals dedicated stone shrines with soothing sounds of dripping water from the rocky cave stalactites. A  huge stalactite hangs behind the shrines, which is in fact a functioning stone gong. It is struck during rituals, particularly during the temple festival ceremony.

The existence of the site is quite old and described as "Pura Bukit Gong" in the ancient manuscript of Dwijendra Tatwa.

The community said, when Dang Hyang Nirartha (the holy priest from East Java) arrived in the area of Uluwatu, he first meditated and invoked the guidance to build the shrine Uluwatu near  Jimbaran.  It is one of the important temples in Bali.

7.      The Goa Peteng (The 'Dark Cave) of Jimbaran

This cave is not far away from the Goa Gong.   It is the opposite entrance to Pura Goa Gong, with the entrance (on the right and left side) guard by two dragon statues. 

Actually, the soft and delicate sound of the Gong comes  from the big rock that blown by the wind gusts and the reflection in the cave. This place is full of mystique vibes, spiritual  energy, healing energy,  and this place recommended to those who seeking   spiritual development or healing for body, mind and spirit.

At  this location appeared holy water source (where the priest starts the meditation). Furthermore, this water source is used as Tirta. The holy water is also believed to have the positive and powerful energy to cure diseases.

8.      The Goa Giri Putri Nusa Penida

This cave is one of my favorite places for my group meditation. 

The Giri Putri cave is located near the Karangsari village.  Before arriving at the mouth of the cave, we need to climb up about 100 stairs.   The entrance of the cave is so narrow that must kneel to enter. Inside, we are surprised by its volume. It is very dark inside, but a big opening space and temple in the cave.  It’s beautiful inside and close to the exit, you will discover a Hindu temple, a Buddhist temple, and Confucian followers, evidenced by the presence of a statue of Dewi Kwan Im here.