Sunday, March 25, 2018


Ask The Locals For The Best and Secret  Beach in Bali.

Author, Ekarini
For more info about Bali: Bali Travel Info




Almost all tourists who taking vacation in Bali, will certainly visit the beach, especially the beaches that have white sand with spectacular sunset view. The island of Bali has many white sand beaches and black sand beaches, and each beach has its own uniqueness and beauty. The location of beaches in Bali spread almost in all parts of the island of Bali.

If you go to the popular areas of Kuta, Seminyak, Jimbaran, Canggu, Nusa Dua, Sanur and Ubud where normally most travelers go.  This southern part of the island is very crowded.  To enjoy the beauty of Bali, you should go beyond, and you should ask the locals where the locals normally hang out.  Normally, you will go to small roads and quiet where you find peace.



Here are some beaches you don’t want to  miss:


The Geger in Nusa Dua Beach
One of the cleanest beaches on the island of Bali.  At Nusa Dua Beach there are 2 beaches: Geger beach and Mengiat beach, these two beaches are famous places for swimming and safe for children to play, because the small waves, and this beach is family friendly.  In addition to the beach, in Nusa Dua Bali there are also tourist attractions favored by young people, called Water Blow Bali. 

“Water Blow in Nusa Dua lets you witness the awesome power of nature as large waves from the Indian Ocean constantly crash against the jagged limestone edges on the peninsula’s southeastern cliff. You can easily reach this purpose-built lookout along paved footpaths on the southern half of the ‘twin islands’. Here you’ll find 240 degrees of dramatic seascape, with the irregular splashes and sprays simply adding to the fun of it.”





Pandawa Beach
The locals referred as “Pantai Pandawa” located on Bali’s southern Bukit Peninsula at village Kutuh, and eight kilometers south from the main hub of the BTDC complex in Nusa Dua.
This virgin beach,  hidden behind large carved limestone cliffs that reveal wide views to the Indian Ocean. There are six white stone statues draped in colorful Balinese fabric, called Dewi Kunti, the mother figure from the epic, and the five heroes: Dharmawangsa (also known as Yudhistira), Bima, Arjuna, Nakula and Sahadewa.
This is one of my favorite beaches in Bali.


Karma Kandara Beach
For those of you who don’t want many visitors, then you should choose Karma Kandara beach.  Karma Kandara beach is very close  to Pandawa beach, both are located at  Ungasan Bukit.
The difference is Karma Kandara beach you need to pay a ticket in RP 250,000 / person, this makes Karma Kandara beach very quiet and visitors have more privacy.





Tanah Lot Beach/Temple
Tanah Lot Temple is one of Bali’s most important destinations, famous for its unique offshore setting and sunset backdrops. An ancient Hindu shrine was built on top of an outcrop amidst constantly crashing waves. The onshore site is dotted with smaller shrines alongside visitors’ leisure facilities that comprise restaurants, shops and a cultural park presenting regular dance performances. The temple is located in the Beraban village of the Tabanan Regency, an approximate 20km northwest of Kuta. 



Green Bowl Beach
One of Bali’s most secluded beaches in Bali, and the beach is located approximately 75 meters down 300-400 of steps under a verdant cliff in the village of Ungasan with beautiful white sand. 
Also among the inimitable features at Green Bowl Beach are two large limestone caves that enclose small rock shrines, and which also provide shade and shelter for beach goers and surfers paddling in from their fun time out on the waves.
The best time to visit is during low tide. 

How to get there?

Branching south off Jalan Dharmawangsa in Nusa Dua and onto Jalan Pura Dalem Batu Pageh leads you straight to the derelict Bali Cliff Resort. The temple is to the left of the resort’s entrance, with a parking lot at the temple’s foyer that is watched over by a local elder who serves as a ticket man (an IDR 5,000 entrance fee applies). Parking is a breeze, with ample space available in front of the temple. Nearby are four small warungs selling snacks, cold drinks and fresh young coconuts (IDR 15,000)

You will see the Hindhu cave temple habit by thousands of bats and many monkeys along way to the beach.

Pemuteran Beach
A quiet beach centre for diving on Bali’s north-west coast, so most visitors spend their days exploring the ocean, rather than on the peaceful coral and white sand beach.   It is about 4 and half hours drive from the airport.  It is worth to visit this area, in addition to the beach, you can explore Pemuteran temple with sacred spring water, Pulaki temple, and Pemasaran temple all located near the ocean with spectacular views of the ocean.  Don’t forget to visit the Menjangan island and Bali West National Park. 

 Sanur Beach
Sanur beach is the former fishing village maintains most of its charm and continues to attract repeat visitors who love laid back atmosphere.
Among Bali’s first hotels and beachfront retreats, you will find a mix of restaurants, shops, bars, also traditional and modern entertainment venues share at the Sanur Beach coastline. Sanur Beach still maintains its wealth in arts and culture, making it an ideal destination to enjoy the best of both eras, classic and contemporary.  Because the beach located on the eastern side of the island, you will enjoy the beauty of a sunrise.

Tegal Wangi Beach
The Tegal Wangi beach is one of the hidden beaches on the Bali island.   The location is  on the western rim of the southern Bukit Peninsula.  From the Ayana resort and spa in Jimbaran,  you see entrance gate hotel turn right.  So, follow the road until you find the beach and the Tegal Wangi temple.   If you need a direction, just ask the locals.  It's  very common in Bali to ask the locals for directions.
The Big waves and  spectacular sunset  will greet  you here.   When you look towards the west coast, you will see Ayana rock bar (the famous place in Jimbaran to see the sunset) and at the end of the shoreline you will see the Balangan beach from long distance.
The unique place on this beach is you will find a natural Tegal Wangi Beach, Jacuzzi, formed by the waves and create a small pool that you can use to soak while watching the sunset.


Happy Travels!


Wednesday, March 7, 2018


Nyepi Day  (the Hindu Day of Silence) March 17, 2018

The Unique New Year Celebration on the Island of Bali

Author, Ekarini
For more info about Bali: Bali Travel Info

Photo: Ekarini

Bali is not only about beaches, luxury hotels, spas, and shopping. Bali offers more than just the luxurious. If you missed some of Bali’s magic and Bali’s unique traditions, you should make your next flight reservation. Bali can transport you to a special place you have never experienced before. Bali is a magical island and the only one in this world. It is worth to experience Bali at least once in your lifetime.

“Bali for me, is not so much about seeing and doing, there’s plenty to see and do, but feeling the place.” Traveler

Photo: Sportourism.id

Nyepi is the Balinese "Day of Silence" that is celebrated  every Isakawarsa (Saka new year) according to the Balinese calendar. 

The New Year celebration that you have never seen anywhere in the world.  Balinese people celebrate the Saka new year with the Bali Day of Silence, a very unique way to celebrate and welcome a new year.  This is an ultimate and quietest day of the year ( silence it means, “ All of the island's inhabitants abide by a set of local rules, which brings all routine activities to a complete halt.”) All roads on the island of Bali will be no traffic and nobody steps out of their homes , and this year government will shut down the internet connection (Bali switches off internet services for 24 hours for New Year 'quiet reflection' ). 

My suggestion, Nyepi is worth experiencing at least once in a lifetime, especially since the preceding and following days offer rare highlights to behold!

Ekarini's Father (A priest at the temple)
Photo: Ekarini

Before ‘The Silence’Day, you will see highlighted rituals essentially start three days prior to Nyepi Day.  You don’t want to miss colorful processions known as the Melasti or Mekiis pilgrimages. Pilgrims from many village temples all over Bali convey heirlooms and sacred sacraments on long walks towards the coastlines where extravagance purification ceremonies take place.
It is one of the best times to capture with your camera “ the iconic Balinese processions in motion, as parasols, banners and small effigies offer a cultural spectacle.”

It is one of the best times to capture with your camera “ the iconic Balinese processions in motion, as parasols, banners and small effigies offer a cultural spectacle.”

The day before Nyepi day

 On the Saka New Year’s Eve, it is all blaring noise, excitement, and happiness takes place this celebration. “Every Balinese household starts the evening with the blessings of the family temple and continues with a ritual called the Pengrupukan where each member participates in ‘chasing away’ malevolent forces, known as Bhuta Kala, from their compounds – hitting pots and pans or any other loud instruments along with a fiery bamboo torch. These ‘spirits’ are later manifested as the Ogoh-Ogoh to be paraded in the streets.”
On the street parades,  bamboo cannons and occasional firecrackers fill the air with flames and smoke. The Nyepi Eve parade usually starts at around 19:00 local time.

The Nyepi (The Day of Silence)

The Whole Island Shuts Down... However, on Nyepi Day, complete calm all over the island. “The Balinese Hindus follow a ritual called the Catur Brata Penyepian, roughly means the ‘Four Nyepi Prohibitions’. These include Amati Geni or ‘no fire’, Amati Lelungan or ‘no travel’, Amati Karya ‘no activity’, and Amati Lelanguan ‘no entertainment’.”

“Some consider it is a time for total relaxation and contemplation, for others, a chance for Mother Nature to ‘reboot’ herself after 364 days of human pestering. No lights are turned on at night – total darkness and seclusion goes along with this new moon island-wide, from 06:00 to 06:00. No motor vehicles whatsoever are allowed on the streets, except ambulances and police patrols and emergencies. As a hotel guest, you are confined to your hotel premises, but free to continue to enjoy the hotel facilities as usual. Traditional community watch patrols or Pecalang/traditional security enforces the rules of Nyepi, patrolling the streets by day and night in shifts.”

The Day after Nyepi Day

This day called Ngembak Geni, referred to as Balinese starts a new year with new and fresh and resolution or hope for a better life.   On this day, you should visit the village of Sesetan in southern Denpasar for the Omed-Omedan ritual, roughly known as the ‘festival of smooches’. “This is a much-localized event, pertaining only to Sesetan's Banjar Kaja community. Youths take to the street as water is splashed and sprayed by villagers, and the highlight being two throngs of boys and girls, in a tug-of-war-like scene. Successive pairs in the middle are pushed to a smooch with each shove and push. Interested in experiencing these rare highlights in Bali.”

Check out some hotel’s deals on the island.

According to Jakarta Post, here are Six hotels in Bali to enjoy Nyepi:

Belmond Jimbaran Puri
This year, Belmond Jimbaran Puri in Jimbaran is offering a two-night package for Nyepi.
With a starting price of Rp 8,270,350 (US$601.26) net, the promotion includes a three-course lunch, three-course dinner and a daily buffet breakfast.
As for those staying in the villa, the package also includes daily afternoon tea and a butler service.
Contact: 0361 701605.

Amankila
Amankila in Karangasem has prepared a Nyepi Weekend Getaway package for those wanting to catch a glimpse of the sacred day.
On March 16, the hotel will host a Mecaru ceremony, a ritual of cleaning the home and village to appease evil spirits that may disturb the harmony of the universe.
At 6 p.m., guests will be able to enjoy an ogoh-ogoh (menacing-looking giant statues) parade, which will be followed by dinner.
On Nyepi day, Amankila has prepared two yoga sessions. At night, guests can enjoy a mindful dining experience under dimly lit candles.
Contactindonesia.res@aman.com

The Laguna Resort & Spa
Those eyeing an escape to Nusa Dua may want to consider The Laguna Resort & Spa.
For Nyepi, the resort offers a special promotion called the Blissful Nyepi Escape, which includes a daily breakfast, one-time lunch buffet and one-time dinner buffet for two as well as in-resort activities.
The package is applicable for a minimum two-night stay with rates starting from Rp 3,500,000 per night.
Contact0361 771 327

The Westin Resort Nusa Dua
The Westin Resort Nusa Dua is offering an exclusive Nyepi package with prices starting from Rp 1,800,000 per night.
This special offer includes a daily SuperFoodsRx breakfast, a buffet dinner on Nyepi day for two adults and two children as well as fun activities at The Westin Family Kids Club.
On the eve of Nyepi, the resort will be hosting a beachfront traditional dinner, featuring local cuisine and cultural entertainment. The dinner is priced at Rp 450,000++ per person.
Contact: 0361 771 906

Bisma Eight Ubud
Luxury boutique hotel Bisma Eight in Ubud is offering a special two-night package for Nyepi.
Priced at US$345, the promotion includes a daily breakfast, daily afternoon tea and one Balinese dinner set for two and an hour session of the Cocktail Masterclass for two.
Contact: 0361 479 2888

Harper Kuta
Harper Kuta Bali is offering a two-night Nyepi package.
Priced at Rp 1,488,000++, the package features a daily buffet breakfast, a one-time buffet lunch and a one-time buffet dinner for two people on Nyepi day.
For Nyepi day, the hotel will also feature in-house activities and a selection of box office movies for guests.
Contact: 0361 846 9869

Photo: The Silence Day by Ekarini

If you missed out the celebrations at this year's. Plan ahead for next year’s Saka New Year 1941, on March 7, 2019.

Stay tuned for the following years' Nyepi dates:

March 24, 2020
March 14, 2021
March 3, 2022
March 22, 2023
 March 11, 2024
March 29, 2025

Happy Nyepi and Happy New Year