Mount Agung, Bali Volcano Eruption Update

Author,Ekarini
For More Info About Bali: Bali Travel Info

About tens of thousands of travelers have been stranded in Bali after an erupting volcano 

forced the  Bali international airport to close until at least November 30,2017

Bali airport spokesman Arie Ahsannurohim said, “ the airport would be closed until 

Thursday morning local time. “

Photo: Bali International Airport

Tuesday's closing affected more than 440 flights carrying more than 59,500 passengers. 

An advisory from the Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre stated that Mount Agung's ash 

cloud has reached 25,000 feet (7,620m), moving at 15 knots in the south and south-west 

directions towards the airport, the statement also said.  The eruption continued at least until 

8pm, as per latest monitoring, ejecting ash as high as 4,000m during Tuesday's peak at 

between 2pm and 3pm.

The Balinese certainly are not too panicked with this event, they take daily activities as usual.

How the Balinese people face the disaster.

In Hinduism of Bali, disaster is part of the system of the universe to create a new life in the 

context of Tri Murti, the fusing function is done by Lord Shiva Mahadewa as the 

manifestation of Ida Sang Hyang Widhi Wasa/ Supreme God for the balance of the 

universe.

For the Balinese, God is nothing but a father figure who protects all of his creations fairly, 

even we Balinese believe that God exists in every human being (Parama Atma-Bhagawad 

Gita). 

The Balinese also believe that natural disasters occur due to the necessity of the life cycle 

and the Balinese are ready to even welcome sincerely if the disaster comes anytime.

In this difficult time, many tourists still enjoy the island.  The areas are still safe around 

southern Bali (Denpasar, Kuta, Seminyak, Jimbaran, Uluwatu, and Nusa Dua).

For more information:

Please contact the Bali Tourism Board:

Address: Renon, East Denpasar, Jl. Raya Puputan No.41, Panjer, Denpasar Sel., Kota Denpasar, Bali 80235, Indonesia

Hours: 

Open today · 9AM–5PM

Phone: +62 361 235600

Command Center for Transportation Arrangement and Flight Information +6281246119889 

For Hotel and General Information +6287754689166

Photo: Superadventure.id.co

Photo: BBC

Bali Volcano Update ( The Mount Agung Eruption)

Author, Ekarini

More info about Bali: Bali Travel Info

Yesterday it was raining with volcanic ash, and this morning the cold volcanic cast sank peacefully to the river.
The Balinese certainly are not too panicked with this event, they take daily activities as usual.
But people who live near the volcano have been evacuated and tourists who want to leave Bali, their flights have been canceled for safety matter (temporary).

However, many tourists still enjoy the island.   The areas are safe around southern Bali (Denpasar, Kuta, Seminyak, Jimbaran, Uluwatu, and Nusa Dua). 

Photo: The Sundaily

Well, this is the Mother Earth work, I hope for those people have been affected will find a solution quickly.

Thank you for your understanding and prayers.

Video:The Guardian News

In case you don't know

Due to volcano eruption, it is recommended to cover-up during rain as the ash/smoke from the volcano is acid and when it rains the liquid not good for the skin also it is a good idea to use masker.
For more info about Volcanic Air Pollution
https://pubs.usgs.gov/fs/fs169-97/

Why choose Bali for New Year’s Eve 2018?

Author, Ekarini
For More Inf about Bali: Bali Travel Info

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.

Video by SuluhBaliTV

Past event

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: Denpasar Festival

Denpasar Festival December 2017 in Denpasar Bali

(Impressively beautiful, elaborate, extravagant festival of Bali)

The festival will feature exciting activities including exhibitions, parades, art and cultural performances, fashion shows, games and competitions, culinary bazaars, and more. Art and cultural performances will be highlighted with traditional, contemporary, and modern shows, while a fashion show will feature some of Indonesia's finest fabric products such as songket, Balinese endek fabric, traditional embroidery, and more.

Photo: JAKARTAPOST.COM

If you are on the island of Bali celebrating the holidays this year, don’t miss the magnificent 4 day- festival that will be held on December 28-31- 2017.  This is the 10^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.

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. 

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.)

Happy Travels!

The Pengerebongan: The Mass Trance Ceremony is One of The Most  Appealing Events in Bali.

Author, Ekarini

For more info about Bali:Bali Travel Info

Photo, Bali Travel Info

Photo,theyduex

The Bali Island has many unique ceremonies and Pengerebongan is one of the amazing ceremonies. The Pengerebongan is a ceremony which conducted by Kesiman Village’s Society in the Pengerebongan temple.

This Mass Trance Ceremony is One of The Most  Appealing, and Emotional Climatic Events A Westerner Can Witness On The Island of Bali.

Are you in Bali right now? Jump to Tourist Information Office - Jalan Surapati 6, Denpasar. +62 361 234569. 8AM-4PM. 

You don’t want to miss this unique Balinese Hindu ceremony. Paradise island has many traditional ceremonies, but this ceremony will open your new spectrum about body, mind, and spirit activities. 

The ceremony is held every 210 days based on the Balinese calendar, Redite Pon Medangsian, November 19, 2017 called Pengerebongan ceremony (Mass trance ceremony). If you missed the prime time ceremony on Sunday, you still can come to the temple to enjoy different religious and sacred dance and music. 
Where is located? In the Pura Dalem Pengerebongan Kesiman Denpasar Bali. 

Photo,Sukandia.com

My village, my family, Kesiman village and neighboring villages also attend this sacred and unique ceremony.  What will you see in the temple and outdoor temple? Many people of all ages are wearing temple attire (white sarong, kebaya, and scarf).  You will see the mass trance ceremony, cockfight ceremony, Balinese music, offerings, holy water, parade around the temple, Kris or daggers, Barong dance.  

Photo, Sukandia.com

Why do Balinese people doing this ceremony? 
This ceremony represents a welcoming of the gods back to the temple, which is very important to the village because the gods are the protectors of the village and all habitants.  All the ceremonies are held here, which honor the gods ensure their continued goodwill to the village.  The men and women in trance are believed to be possessed by the gods, and the self-stabbing /ngurek 

demonstrates the power of God.  Also, this ceremony has function to drive away bad spirits (the battle of the good and the bad), thus in keeping with Balinese belief, all things have two sides, good and bad.  The Balinese goal is maintaining balance.

Happy travels!

Currency and Money on the Island of Bali 

(What currency is best to bring to Bali?)

More Info About Bali:Bali Travel Info

Author, Ekarini

Photo, Indonesian's Bank

Traveling to a new place, of course you need  to know about currency and money of the place you are visiting. 

What currency is best to bring to Bali?

People said,“Buying Indonesian currency anywhere outside the country is likely to give you a dismal exchange rate. Better to take hard currency and change when you arrive. Pounds are acceptable, as are euros, but US or Australian dollars are better regarded and generally secure the best rates.”

In the past, I mentioned a little bit about currency and money used on the island.  In this blog, I would like to talk more details.

Bali is one of the Indonesian’s thousand islands.    

Don’t be surprised, it is very common for the money changer in Bali to check the quality of the bills you exchange, especially USD dollars; they accept the newly issued (circa 2000), clean, and stiff notes.  Bills won’t be accepted when they are torn, creased, and wrinkled.  Also keep in mind, the exchange you see on the board usually for a USD $100 notes, and smaller bills have a different set of rates.

In Bali, The Rupiah is its main form of currency as well as all the islands of Indonesia.  Before travelling to Bali, make sure you have an understanding of the Rupiah to avoid being given any incorrect amount of change or unfair exchange rates.  In Bali, they also accept credit cards. 

Photo, Indonesian's Bank

Rupiah Bills

Rupiah bills are issued in denominations of RP 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, 10,000, 20,000, 50,000 and 100,000.  Rupiah coins come in denominations of RP 25, 50, 100, 500 and a new gold and silver RP 1,000 coin, with both old and newly issued coin designs in circulation for RP 500, 100 and 50 coins.

More info about currency in Bali:

http://www.xe.com/currency/idr-indonesian-rupiah

Currency calculator:
http://www.x-rates.com/calculator/?from=IDR&to=USD&amount=1

Where to exchange your money in Bali?
- PT. Central Kuta
- PT. Dirgahayu Valuta Prima
- PT. Bali Maspintjinra

ATMs and Credit Cards

You can pay using credit cards at most high-end hotels, restaurants, stores and nightclubs, with Visa and MasterCard the most commonly accepted cards, followed by American Express.  Most transactions are completed in rupiahs, and it is very common for a variable charge to be added to credit card payments (certain %). When using a credit card in Bali, keep the card in sight at all times to avoid identity theft.  It is very common in Indonesia.

ATMs dispense IDR 50,000 or 100,000 bills; withdrawal fees using foreign bank cards, Visa or MasterCard varies and can be high. Beware of skimmers and rigged units, and remember to take your money and card after each transaction.

Happy Travels!