Yoga In Bali

Bali is the world's leading destination for yoga & spiritual retreats. On Bali there is a link to enlightenment. The beliefs of the Balinese are a living force that pervades the island. The island sings of love. The love of making an offering of woven palm leaves and beautiful flowers, or lighting a stick of incense and by praying a Mantra. What a beautiful setting to practice Yoga!

The healing energy and the culture of Bali is renowned through out the world. Bali has spectacular spas, tropical resorts and hotels that are perfect settings for your yoga practice. Bali Advisor leads yoga tours to Bali through Spirit Tours, or you can travel on your own.

See your recommended Bali Yoga Venues http://www.baliadvisor.com/yoga-in-bali.html 

Surfing in Bali

The obvious sports one would expect to find in Bali is of course Surfing.   And there is planty.  In fact, Bali is world renowned for its surf and surfers from everywhere who flock to Bali to enjoy the glassy tubes.

A word of warning

When surfing, it is wise to be well protected from the sun and the currents and use the buddy system whenever you go out. The most popular spots are: Kuta and Legian beach which is hollow barrels over sand bars, and Uluwatu, a very difficult left hander for experienced surfers only. Other spots include Canguuu and Medwi, which is north of Kuta. During the right time of year, you can find a right hander off the coral reef on the Sanur side.

Making For The Breaks

There are many breaks on the outer islands including Lomboc and Nusa Lembongan. You can rent boards in Bali along Kuta beach(better to rent from shops) and there are shops in the Kuta area selling boards, as well as a surf school. May through September is the Dry season and usually the peak surfing season. Water temperatures are always around 80degrees so only board shorts are required.

I first traveled to Bali in 1974 to go surfing when very few Balinese surfed and few Aussies were there. My favorite breaks are: Uluwatu, a reef break very a hallow and fast left; Kuta Beach is a beach break perfect for beginner surfers as well as experts. The waves are short but you don't have to paddle out very far to reach the break. Padang Padang and Balangan beach are also reef breaks,on the Bukit peninsula, but only for experts;Canggu is a more isolated beach break good for beginners and further to the west is Balian, a river mouth with a sand bottom. Nusa Dua and Sanur beach are both reef breaks but better in the Wet Season October through April.
Jim Cramer
7075668078www.BaliAdvisor.com
www.Spirit-Tour.com

Traditional Healers of Bali

Evidence of the existence of traditional healers in Bali date back to the 1300's, yet the healers practicing today are an amalgam of the techniques of indigenous healers and the influence of Hinduism, just as the Hinduism of Bali is an amalgam of indigenous animism, Buddhism and the Hinduism of India. As the influence of the Hindu religion permeates all aspects of life in Bali, it is also at the core of the treatment used by the Balian.

The Balinese religion incorporates tantric aspects of deliverance through magico-religious means (this influence being from the ancient east Javanese kingdoms). The Balian incorporates these various philosophical approaches to produce a cosmology of healing and "dis-ease". The Balians The system of traditional medicine in Bali has become institutionalized in the culture and specialization both in technique and expertise exist. The Balian Apun utilize physical manipulation of the body and set broken bones; the Balian Manak are midwives; the Balian Tenung are diviners; the Balian Metuunan are those who are able to be possessed by souls of the dead. These are the specialists.

The majority of traditional healers are generalists who treat a variety of conditions and are known as either Balian Usada or Balian Tapakan. The Balian Usada, often referred to as a literate healer, aquire their skills by formalized study of classical texts on the subject of healing (the "usadas'). They specialize in the use of the ancient palm leaf manuscripts (lontar) to give advise and treatment after eliciting symptoms from the client. The Balian Usada go through a process of apprenticeship to prepare for consecration (mawinten) by the community and the Hindu religion. All Balian Usada are male.

The Balian Tapakan obtain their mystical healing power (sakti or ilmu) by way of supernatural inspiration. They serve as mediators between their client and the mystical forces to which they have been chosen to have the ability to access. They act as spirit mediums to obtain advise concerning sickness, family problems and other matters of importance to their clients. This Balian undergoes no formal training but is eventually recognized by their community as a healer and is eventually consecrated as such after a formal training in priestly duties.

Balians are consecrated practitioners who also perform many priestly functions and are highly esteemed by the Balinese, often referred to by the honorific title "jero". Many practitioners utilize techniques that cross the boundaries of their title. For example, a Balian Tapakan may be able to be possessed by souls of the dead or utilize massage to treat their clients. Spiritual Power

Bali's Full Moon Celebration: Purnama

If you're lucky enough to visit Bali at the time of the full moon celebration you are in for a treat.

Purnama, the day of the full moon, is a special day for the Balinese.  Every month on this day, extra offerings are made around the family compound and some offerings are placed on the ground at the entrance to the house compound.   

The towering offerings called sesajen are also taken to the village temple.  Depending on the time of the year, many temples usually will hold various forms of entertainment for the village such as dancing, wayang performances, or arja plays to coincide with the special prayers for Purnama.
 
Purnama is considered a good day for planting, especially for plants that bear fruit.  It is common for Balinese to delay planting until the day of the full moon, when they are more assured of a successful harvest.  Some people believe that bathing in water perfumed by fragrant petals of the frangipani flower, under the light of the full moon will wash away your sins, while ensuring that you will remain youthfully attractive. 

Travel In Bali: What Is Appropriate Temple Etiquette

When traveling in Bali you will undoubtedly be visiting one of the many beautiful temples on the islands.  Many travelers wonder what is appropriate temple etiquette and what should they wear when visiting a temple.  These are important questions and with the right information your visit to a Balinese temple will be a beautiful experience because the local people will be moved by your respect.

Here are some rules that have to be observed by the visitors in visiting a temple in Bali. 

1. You must dress decently for temple visits, which means a sarong and sash. If you don’t have a sarong, at least wear long pants for men and women a dress that covers knees and shoulders for women (or a skirt with a blouse, etc).  At most temples there is a donation box with a book for registering at the entrance. You should always put a donation in the box. A couple dollars in rupiah. I always give my tour members sarongs and sashes when they arrive in Bali 
2. Do not climb onto the temple buildings or walls.

3. Do not stand or sit higher than a priest.

4. Do not stand directly in front of the priest, or walk in front of the kneeling congregation. You must also not remain standing when people kneel to pray.

5. If people are praying, avoid getting between them and direction in which they are praying.

6. Use camera with discretion. Do not uses flash when the devotees are praying, it will be better not to use flash at all.

7. By ancient law, menstruating women are banned from the temples, due to general sanction against blood in holy area same prohibition applies to people with open wound.
 

Lawar, A Balinese Delicacy

If you would like to know more about one of my favorite Balinese delicacies, Lawar, please visit our site at:

http://www.baliadvisor.com/food-lawar.html

If you have a question about Lawar or other Balinese delicacies, don't hesitate to leave a comment here.  I would love to answer your questions about Balinese food and customs to help make your visit there truly spectacular.

Megamendung, Indonesian Batik - The Chinese Influence

Chinese influence plays a heavy part in the Indonesian history, not only because there is a large Chinese population in many cities in Indonesia, but also because they bring their culture that somehow assimilates with local culture.  This process has left its mark in architecture, cuisine, dance, songs, and fashion….including batik.

According to the history, Cirebon, a city on the coast of Java was famous for its harbor that was packed with merchants vessels from all over Indonesia and abroad.  Sunan Gunung Jati, one of the Islamic leaders in Java, established the kingdom of Cirebon known as Kingdom of Pakungwati.  He was the only Sunan (Islamic Leader) to have become a king.  Gunungjati fully utilizes his kingship to propagate Islam along the coastal area of Cirebon to the most remote area of Pasundan or Priangan and developing Islamic teaching in Cirebon.

He was married to a Chinese princess named Nio Ong Tien, an important figure in developing the strong artistic force in the Cirebon court.  She brought an attention to the arts, especially ceramics.  The classic ceramics motives from China are heavily influenced batik motives.  Hence, came the blend of Cirebon-China batik motives, with ornate phoenixes, peonies, cranes and a mythical beast combining aspects of the lion, dragon and birds.  One of the most famous Cirebon batik motives is Megamendung.  Megamendung suggests rain, and therefore, life, for an often parched land.  This cloud motif is also combined with roosters hidden among a tracery of leaves and vines.  This motif is dominated by layers of blue with different shades.  Dark blue refers to dark rain clouds, the life-giver, while pale blue symbolizes the brighter hope in the future.

Getting Married? Prenuptials in Paradise May Be Right For You

Mandi Lulur means a "lulur bath" and comes from the island of Java.  Traditionally it was reserved for prenuptial ceremonies. This exfoliation and body polishing treatment is now famous in Bali for everyone. The health practitioner makes a paste of sandalwood, turmeric, ground nuts, rice and other scented woods. The paste is then painted on the body which exfoliates the body during the time it is left to dry. The dried paste is then gently rubbed off, which polishes and exfoliates the skin. This treatment is followed by a hot shower and then a yogurt mix is wiped over the body restoring balance to the skin. The treatment is completed with a warm bath filled with scented flowers. 

Sigh. Well even if you're not getting married, contact us for recommendation for authentic, family owned spas.

If getting married is in your plans, consider Bali.  We can help you with the details.