2007-11-14

People of Bali

The Balinese are just one of Indonesia’s 250 ethnic groups. Like most Indonesians they are a blend of races, with the accent on the deutero-malayan race of Central and East Java, with traces, of Polynesian and Melanesian blood, as well as Indian and Chinese. This genetic back ground explains the variety of radical types seen on the island most Balinese are small hand some people with round delicate features thick black hair long sweeping eyelashes...

Hierarchy in Bali

Hierarchy is an important notion in Bali and still plays a dominant role in Balinese culture. In Bali, hierarchy is believed to be the foundation of order in the family, society, even in the universe. Most aspects of Balinese culture are influenced by this hierarchal system. In short, everything in Bali is set with hierarchal order.Space and direction are ranked from the most auspicious mountainwards (kaja) to the least auspicious seawards (kelod). House compound is set with standard hierarchal order in which family temple occupy the most auspicious...

Tips for Buying Woodcarving

To find high quality wood carving in Bali you have to go to Gianyar regency, especially in the village of Mas, and Kemenuh. There are two main types of woodcarving. Traditional carving, in the form of bas-relief tableaux and plaques, are used mainly as decoration for doors, walls and columns and small highly standardized wooden statues od deities and mythical heroes also belong to this group. The second one is contemporary carving. The theme usually highly stylized human and animal figures, often grotesque and psychopathic.When you buy a wood carving,...

The Complete Guide for Driving in Bali

1.When there is a temple ceremony, half of the road will be occupied for ceremonial purpose. Be patience. Use the opportunity for taking a picture or two.2. On foot ceremonial procession will slow you down. Again, be patience, it is a rare spectacle and an opportunity for taking pictures of a colorful event.3.Pecalang (traditional security force) will manage the traffic in areas where temple ceremony or ceremonial processions are in progress. Obey their traffic orders. During the ceremony it is their responsibility to ensure the security of the...

Foot Reflexology in Bali

Due to its transient nature, Bali has always been fairly quick to embrace different healing practices. Some treatments have been around for centuries, while others are based on modern wellness beliefs. There is a growing interest globally in alternative therapies that nurture the body, mind and spirit. Most international travellers are familiar with traditional Balinese massage, but now foot massage seems to have made an impact on the island in major...

Massage in Bali

Balinese massage is part of the traditional culture and has been expanded to cater to tourists. For people who have never experienced a massage, a trip to Bali might be the ideal opportunity as prices are a fraction of what the would be in the west.Types of massage offered in Bali:•Balinese massage - A Balinese massage uses a combination of gentle stretches, acupressure and aromatherapy oils to stimulate the flow of blood, oxygen and ‘qi’ (energy) around your body, and bring deep relaxation and wellness. An ancient technique, Balinese massage uses...

Visa Guide for Bali and Indonesia

Visa-Free Short Visit11 countries and territories are eligible for a "Visa Free" facility. Those holding valid passports from the following countries will be granted a non-extendable 30-day Visa-Free Short Visit Permit upon arrival at an Indonesian international gateway without charge:1.Brunei Darussalam2.Chile3.Hong Kong SAR4.Macau SAR5.Malaysia6.Morocco7.Peru8.Philippines9.Thailand10.Vietnam11.SingaporeThe official entry requirements for the issuance of a visa-free short visit permit:1.Passport must be from one of the eleven countries listed...

2007-11-13

Why Choose Bali for your destination spot?

1. WeatherWith a long hot dry season so reliable that weather reports are redundant. Hot and sunny, hot and sunny with more hot and sunny to follow, deal for lying on the beach. Sure, there is the summer rainy season but the downpours are brief and beautiful and the best excuse to head inside for that refreshing Gin & Tonic!2. CultureHindu island in a sea ofIslam,Bali has a unique and rich blend of traditions and culture inspired by centuries of history. Fiercely guarded by a proud people it is as much a part of the waking life as it is ceremony...

Bali Cremations

Pitra Yadnya: Rites for the AncestorsLife, death, rebirth. This cyclical conception of existence lies at the very heart of Balinese Hinduism. During each life on earth the eternal soul occupies a temporary vessel — the physical body — which at death must be returned to the pancamahabhuta, the five elemental substances: solid, liquid, radiance, energy and ether. Only then can the soul be released nnd reincarnated. Of all Balinese rituals, the cremation (pangabenen, palebon) is the most complex, lasting for many days and culminating with the spectacular...

Bali Arts

PaintingSome travelers visit Bali simply to buy paintings. They hop off the plane, catch a taxi to Ubud, acquaint themselves with the going prices, and then begin the buying spree.Balinese paintings are known for their vibrant colors, iconography, stylized figures and ornate backgrounds, and are almost certainly derived from the Wayang Kulit or shadow puppet theatre. The similarities between the colorful, stylized puppets and the figures depicted in many paintings, illustrate the connection. Of course, the influx of Majapahit Hindus also had an...

Bali Temple

A Sacred Space for God and Man Bali has been called the “land of a thousand temples” what an understatement! Bali might be a small island, but there are many, many more than a thousand temples. Every village has at least three temples, a family compound has one, each rice growing cooperative (subak) has a temple, and even corporations have them. Some are simple affairs, others are elaborate sprawling complexes of major and minor temples, incorporating pagodas and shrines.Above all the Balinese temple is a sacred space in which the deities are honored...

Bali Food

Balinese dairy are simple. Most meals are created around white rice or nasi and there is little variation. Brightly coloured rice cakes (jaja) are the ussual Balinese breakfast and other meals involve rice mixed with vegetables, peanuts and sometimes meat (beef being exception only to certain caste). Spices especially chili, are sprinkled with gay abandon.There are no real meal time. Woman prepare and cook the food in the morning, leaving it in pots covered with palm leaves, for leisurely consumption throughout the day. Eating is one of the few...

Bali Travel Tips

Healthy TravelingBali is getting better in terms of hygiene and medical facilities but it still has a way to go. You do not want to have a medical emergency here. Play safe and make sure you have medical insurance before you come. Best to have insurance that will evacuate you if you get terribly sick or have a serious injury and need airlifted to Singapore or home. Here are a couple of other common sense points that should keep you in good shape and enjoying your visit.Drink plenty of fluids (water and fruit juices) to avoid dehydration. Drink...

2007-11-12

Bali is Still Worth It

As the case is it is very often that many thing become reality, which have been inspired by a dream or a goal. For example say if one wants to have a very memorable holiday you will choose a place, which have everything to fulfil your needs, or maybe your request sometime began with a sweet dream and you wish to follow it further. If a dream tells about a beautiful island which lies under the equator and has a fantastic weather all year round, friendly people, an oasis of undying culture and quiet beauty, if that’s your dream: Bali has it all.Bali...

Accommodation In Bali

Bali is the prominent tourist destination for holidays and business alike; Bali has an abundance of choice for accommodation. It is ranged from budget hotel, guesthouses run by local people, cottage, bungalow, boutique hotel, luxury villa, to the international 5 star hotels. The accommodation is spread up throughout Bali.There is also cluster accommodation, which is not only to be found in crowded centre tourist areas, but also can be found even at secluded area. Hotel styles vary from traditional style to modern design. We have found the tourists...

10 Bali Tips to Remember Before Visiting Bali

A relaxing holiday in Bali is an experience you will remember for along time as Bali is a small, beautiful island famed for its unique arts and cultures, enchanting nature and the friendliness of its people. Most people come to Bali to experience the marvellously rich cultural heritage; some come for the beaches and the waves, others for pure relaxation. Bali is situated in Indonesia, one of the best tourist destinations in Asia.For those who plan to visit Bali, I have Ten Essential Tips for your Bali Vacation as the following:1. Passports: To...

Adventures In Bali

As a holiday destination and living place Bali is to everyone not only known for it’s indigenous culture, the friendly people but it is also known for it’s nature, such as the magnificent mountains, alluring sea, beaches, pristine forest, waterfall, hot spring, rice fields, flora, fauna, traditional villages, etc are the great asset that Bali has to offer. It attracts the tourists to come to Bali especially to those who are fond of travelling. Most visitors like to go to the places where they can recharge their souls, unwind, release the tension...

2007-11-11

Bali Best Adventure Activities

Welcome to the great adventures tour in Bali Island which provides many selections of adventure activities during your holiday in the paradise island. The adventures are very attractive and full of challenging and fun. Explore the ford of Bali natures walk encircled by the beauty of natural nature with mutifarious of flora and fauna, see the friendliness of Balinese resident in the rural area and explore every corner of Bali land. This tour has provided the interesting adventure such as White Water Rafting, Kayaking, Elephant Safari Ride, Jungle...