Truly Trunyan

Trunyan. Some people recognize this name as a unique village situated in Bangli regency in which the dead body is simply put under the Trunyan trees. No cremation, no burial, just let the earth change the dead body to be it should be and the soft fragrant Truyan tree surprisingly sweep away the bad smell of the dead body. Actually, it is not the only unique thing. Trunyan conceals other unique things named Batara Datonta and Barong Brutuk.

People in Trunyan call it Batara Datonta; a naked sacred statue, 4 meters in height. This statue which is considered as stone-age relic has a vivid carving especially on the face. The right hand is flexed on the axe above its shoulder; looks like he wants to stab somebody with the axe. Further Datonta’s penis dangles downward in which a hole-a symbol of vagina- is there below the penis. It is not a nasty talk. Hindu community believes that Lingga-Yoni or a symbol of Adam-Eve is the vital part in human life.

This naked sacred statue stands firmly there in Pancering Jagat Temple. People in Trunyan consider it as a symbol of one of the gods that this statue is called Batara Datonta. Batara Datonta has unen unen- the guards- which are symbolized with 21 masks.

These masks are often to be used when a dance named Barong Brutuk is shown in celebration of Pancering Jagat Temple’s anniversary. Barong Brutuk is another dance type of Barong which is danced by men, the member of youth organization. 42 days before dancing Barong Brutuk, the chosen men have to follow a series of purification activity such as: learning the sacred holy song, collecting banana leaves to make the costume of Barong Brutuk, and not doing any activity with the girls.

Barong Brutuk will be danced at 12 o’clock before noon until 05.00 pm. Portraying the concept of dichotomy in human life that is male and female, the dance is not only sacred but also entertaining. Beside the sacred procession conducted by the dancers and holy men, the show of Barong Brutuk is also followed by traditional game. The spectators can grab and tear the dried banana leaves from Brutuk’s costume while the dancers have the right to prevent it using whip. The leaves which are successfully to be grabbed then will be spread out on the field to make it fertile.

Trunyan. It seems that this village conceals many things; many sacred things. A unique village with various unique things; the dead body under the trees, naked sacred statue, and Barong Brutuk

If you wan to make trip, click here

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Source:http://blog.baliwww.com

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Gunung Kawi: A Historical Tourism

Among the travelers, especially for those who are interested on antiquities, Gunung Kawi is an appealing tourist attraction. Gunung Kawi refers to a complex of 9 rock-cut candi (shrines) carved into the cliff face, located in Tampaksiring, Gianyar Bali. The existence of these fascinating shrines which are 7 mt in height is connected with the biggest Bali Empire.

In the report written by Udayana University’s research team, it is mentioned that this shrine complex was discovered by a prominent resident (an occupation similar to governor) named HT Damste in 1920. Since that time, the government carried out restoration so that the researchers as well as visitors can enjoy the elegance and grandeur of this shrines standing along the river Pakerisan.

Famous historian, R. Goris mentioned in his articles that Gunung Kawi Temple is the place to honor King Udayana and his family. It is a conclusion after researching the inscription using Kadiri Kwadrat letters. Kadiri Kwadrat is the letters which was used by people in Kadiri Empire, East Java. For sure, Kadiri Empire was related to Bali Empire on that time since King Udayana Warmadewa from Bali married to Gunapriya Dharmapatni, the daughter of Empu Sendok from Kediri. With Dharmapatni, King Udayana had Marakata, Erlangga and Anak Wungsu.

Later on, Erlangga governed East Java and Bali was ruled by Anak Wungsu from 1049 – 1077. Under his rule, Bali was so peaceful and its land was so fertile. In the meantime, Kadiri Kwadrat letter was still used during his reign. Anak Wungsu was respected very much that when he died, his ash was put in one of the shrines. On the northernmost candi, there is a sentence in Kadiri Kwadrat letter mentioning “The King was buried in Keris (Pakerisan)”. On the candi number two, an inscription “rwanakira” meaning ‘my two children’ was carved on it.  Those two children whose ash put on the shrines are Anak Wungsu and Marakata.

Meanwhile, the other 4 shrines occupying an area on the west of river according to R. Goris are estimated as the places of the concubines of Anak Wungsu. On the southwest, there is candi number ten with “rakryan” inscription. Based on that fact, this candi is arguably considered as the place of prime minister in Anak Wungsu dynasty.

Although, the candi complex at Gunung Kawi is the place for royal family’s ash, it is not kind of graveyard. It is a holy candi where people can honor King Udayana and Anak Wungsu.

View Gunung Kawi in a larger map

source:http://blog.baliwww.com

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Underpass To Be Constructed To Parse Congestion in Southern Part of Bali

When you are riding motorbike from your hotel in Kuta to tourist destinations you will notice that the road is so crowded. Even you often moan because you need to struggle with the congested road. Bali government besides launching Bus Trans Sarbagita also proposes to build underpass at Dewa Ruci Junction to solve this problem.

On November this plan which cost the government IDR 300 billion will start to be executed. The land acquisition will be finished on October and the land owner has been given understanding that this project is for sake of infrastructure. As described by detikNews.com, the government has acquired 6200 sqm land around Dewa Ruci area for the sake of upcoming underpass construction.

This underpass which will be 450 meters in length, 18 meter in width, and 5,2 meter in height will be located exactly under the current by pass. Based on the schedule this Dewa Ruci underpass in Badung-Bali is targeted to be finished on November 2013 before the date of APEC International Conference in which Bali will be the host of this big event. Since this underpass will be one of supporting accommodations of APEC Conference.

Balinese especially youngsters welcome positively this idea since it can minimize the congestion. Though they also think that underpass is not a solution if it is not followed by the activation of public transportation, they wish underpass will work to parse the congestion.

Let’s see in 2013, whether or not the congested road especially in southern part of Bali can be minimized by the existence of Dewa Ruci underpass. What do you think?

source:http://blog.baliwww.com

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The Real Bali Adventures

The best way to enjoy Bali is enjoying every ‘adventure’ which can be experienced on the road, on the beach, and in various occasion. After leaving your comfortable Bali villa, you will face exciting ‘adventures’ which may make you bad mood or more enthusiastic depend on how you figure them out. No panic is needed. Some tips provided to make your life in Bali little bit better.

• A Dog Attack

Rabies though not an epidemic in Bali, there is still some cases of it. The local government has tried to give vaccine to dogs but as human being we have to be careful when we meet any dogs on the road. So when you get barking dog in front of you on the way back to your Bali hotel show no fear, bite your tongue and show it to the dog or whistling. The dog will not bother you anymore. But if the dog bites you, get anti-rabies serum immediately in the hospital. Don’t wait until tomorrow.

• Getting Sick

People who have visited Bali could suffer from some problems on their stomach like diarrhea because of gastronomical delight. No need to worry because Imodium which you can get it in the local pharmacy will cure you within a day. If you are in the medical prescription just bring your medicines. When you travel alone and suddenly get headache or diarrhea, ask for help from Bali hotel’s or Bali villa’s staff. They will be very helpful.

• Traffic Jam

Unquestionably Bali is more crowded. However local government has realized one solution lately by operating Bus Trans Sarbagita. This bus will drop and take you in the area of Sanur, Kuta, and Nusa Dua. And you don’t need to spend 10 minutes trapped in the jam. However, compared to Jakarta, Bali is considered vacant. Personally I have no problem with normal congested road in Bali.

• Annoying Street Vendors/Beach Hawkers

Pushy beach hawkers can be so annoying. When you are lying on the sun bed and the hawkers come to you, close your eyes and pretend to be asleep. How to bargain is also important when you are keen to buy their product. If they ask you to pay IDR 50.000 for nail polish for example, bargain it at half price. If they refuse it, increase your price gradually. Keep bargaining until they agree with your price. If at the stage they are so persistent try to leave them. If they call you back then you can get what you want based at the price you asked. If they don’t then the price of the thing you want is indeed a normal thing.

• Tourist Invasion

Rent a private Bali villa can be a good solution. You will have serene surrounding, private facilities, and no need to share them with other guests. To get utmost satisfaction, Bali villa will be an oasis and the gate leading you to the peaceful home away from home.

• Getting Ripped-Off by Taxi

Once you are getting in the taxi, the first thing you should check is the taxi meter. The starting point for taxi in Bali is IDR 5.000. If you notice the taxi meter shows more than IDR 5.000 ask the driver to reset the meter before driving. If you want to go to a far place load yourself with information of standard fare from staffs at your Bali hotel or Bali villa. So when negotiating with the taxi driver up front, you can judge whether or not the taxi driver offers a fair fare.

• Being Chatted-Up with Unwanted People

Sometimes, when you relax on the beach, a group of students come to you. What they want is just train their English. Well, you can have a chit chat for a couple of minutes, help them in understanding English is such a good thing. But when they take many time and you feel bothered just be honest to them that you want to relax.

• Getting Lost

Getting Lost in Bali? Why don’t bring a map with you? Or install GPS on your mobile phone?

• Spending Unnecessary Money

In Bali it is very easy to spend money by buying nice clothes, yummy food, great liquor, even when a cute girl come to you and you treat her drink. No tips for this except controlling yourself.

• Flat Tire

On the way back to your Jogya villa or Bali hotel, you just got flat tire. The world seems so dark and your mood turns to bad. Well, don’t be panic. Ask the local about the nearby machine shop. Or if you get flat tire on the night call the rental company to discuss what should you do with that rented motorbike. For this reason you have to make sure that you carry a phone number which can be reached after office hours. Voila!

source:http://blog.baliwww.com

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