10 FREE THINGS TO DO IN UBUD- BALI

Ubud is famous as an arts center in Bali. European artist Walter Spies and Rudolf Bonnet settled here in the 1930's. Since then artists from around the world have come to Ubud to create works of art in the beautiful surroundings. Ubud is now one of the major tourist destinations in Bali. Ubud is 1 hour and 30 minutes from the airport. The main intersection is the junction of Monkey Forest Road and Ubud's main road, Jalan Raya Ubud. Beautiful rice terraces climb the steep hillside and the tropical rain forest in the river valleys provide a picturesque setting.

1. Visit a Balinese School. One of my favorite things to do in Ubud is to go by a Balinese School. There isn't a better way to get the famous Balinese smiles and hear the children's laughter.

2. Visit a dance Studio in Ubud. My best friends Anom and Ayu havw a home dance studio at his home compound on 25 Jalan Kajeng in Ubud. As you walk down the small street in Ubud you can usually hear the gamelan music. Tell them Om Jim (me) said to come by and say hello. If you're lucky you may catch a dance or music lesson or take one yourself. (not free)

3. Hike Tjamupan Ridge nestled between two rivers . Here is a picture of my daughter and in the background my Bali house, built in 1975 that overlooks the ridge. Every morning we used to walk the ridge. The sunrises just behind Gunung Agung, Bali's largest volcano and the birds and peace of the early morning venture takes you back in time. One side you see the many houses that now occupy the ridge above the river. (mine was the first), but as you look east you catch Bali as it was decades ago, peaceful and natural, not a house in site. The walk is about 1 hr up and back.

4 Visit Ubud's Pasar (Market) In the early morning you will see the market over flow with sellers and buyers. Located at the main intersection in Ubud, this is actually two markets at the same location. At the traditional market the locals come early to buy fruit and vegetables and other everyday items. This market starts at dawn, sometimes earlier and has great photo opportunities as well as a chance to shop like the Balinese. The artistic market west of the food Market opens at 8:00 am until about 6:00 pm with some stalls open into the night. Here you can buy sarongs, baskets, woven place mats, wooden bowls and a selection of other Balinese handicrafts and souvenirs.

5. RICE FIELD WALK Walk down Jalan Kajeng to the rice fields and take the rice field loop back to Ubud. My friend Anom and I often take this walk, usually in silence or laughter . The walk is a loop that ends up back in Ubud down by the Pura Dalem. Don't want to say too much about this. I will let the experience speak for itself.

6. Visit the Galleries of Balinese Artists. Ubud is packed full of galleries and artist's studios. Spend and afternoon wandering Ubud's small streets and look for those small home art studios and watch the Balinese Artist. Some of the better known galleries:

• Seniwati Gallery
• Jalan Sriwedari, Ubud, Bali The only gallery in Ubud which exhibits only paintings created by women. Styles vary between traditional Balinese and modern.
• Komaneka Gallery
• Jalan Monkey Forest, Ubud, Bali
• Unique gallery displaying the works of artists coming from all over the world as well as those Indonesian, that have often been educated in other countries. Works featured show visions of artists on lifestyles of contemporary connoisseurs.
• Penestanan
• A village near Ubud where a popular Young Artist movement had started. Here you can find both more contemporary and traditional paintings. This area is filled with art studios most commonly located in Balinese compounds. Feel free to ask for permission and come inside to check them out.

7.The Monkey Forest of Ubud is a very sacred Balinese Hindu site with a Balinese temple. One of the most popular tourist spots in Ubud if you like monkeys, but hold on to your belongings and don't feed them. I have heard of tourists getting bite out of your finger as well as a banana. Hey but its free.

8. Visit Pura Gunung Lebah: This serene temple is located in a beautiful valley between the Ceirik and Wos rivars. This temple is considered the birth place of Ubud and is 1.5 km west from the Ubud Market. In the 8th century a high priest from Java named Rsi Markendya meditated on the ground between the rivers and his followers built the temple. The surround hills were filled with medical herbs. Thus the name "Ubad" which means medicine.

9. Walking down Monkey forest road and see all the shops. Looking is free and the handicrafts are beautiful. Go early am or late afternoon to avoid the heat. Stop at one of the many restaurants for a refreshing cup of coffee or drink.

10.Visit a Temple Festival. Bali is the "Island of the Gods" with thousands of temple and temple festival happening every day some where on the island. Ask you host in Bali if there is one going on in Ubud. The entrance is free, but sure to follow temple etiquette. http://www.baliadvisor.com/bali-temple-etiquette.html

Dance Almost Any Night in Ubud

In the Ubud area you can go to a dance performance almost any night. 

Anoms's group Semar Ratih performs once a week. However if you get the chance to observe the real thing at a temple festival don't miss the opportunity. 

For those of you who are interested in learning Balinese dance you can contact Bali Advisor; or if you are in Bali you can visit Anom and Ayu's home Studio in Ubud.

Welcome to the Bali Advisor Travel Club

Bali Advisor has over 40 years of experience in traveling, leading tours and booking tickets to this beautiful Island. We are a dedicated resource for potential Bali travelers. Our goal is to assist you before you travel, and while you are on the island so you make the most out of your journey to Bali. We love Bali!

Bali is temples, water palaces, rice fields walks or volcano climbing, spas,beautiful hotels and villas, restaurants, dance and music, beaches, diving and snorkeling. Bali is the smell of incense, the frangipani flower and the smiles on the faces of the Balinese. Bali is about beautiful scenery and also about culture and yoga.

Yes, we love Bali and want to share with you the real Bali we know. Please feel free to browse our site and if you find it helpful, join the Bali Travel Club. We will email you free updates on the latest news from Bali, free e-books on Bali language, culture and suggested itineraries. We will also notify you of the latest low air fares, best hotel deals, restaurants, and tours. The one-time Membership fee is only $4.99. Please enjoy our website and contact us with any questions.

Email us info@baliadvisor.com

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. 

The Yoga Barn was created by its founders for the sole purpose of bringing together community and giving back to the island of Bali. Located in the heart of Ubud, Bali's cultural hub, The Yoga Barn is SE Asia's full service yoga studio, holistic healing retreat center. Launched in 2007, The Yoga Barn's buildings have an indigenous Balinese feel to them. Coupled with a spiritual vibe, The Yoga Barn is at once earthy and rustic, relaxing, friendly and unpretentious.

Ibu Oka Warung

We love this place. It is opposite the former Royal Palace, Ibu Oka's shanty cafe is an Ubud institution that draws both locals and food lovers from around the world. Babi guling is Balinese roast suckling pig and that, and only that, is what everyone is here to feast on. The restaurant opens at around 10.30am and the tables fill up quickly. 

The roast pigs themselves – they get through around 30 each day – aren't cooked on the premises but arrive by motorbike, precariously balanced on a tray. Swiftly sliced up, they are served in big chunks in a rattan bowl with rice, fried intestines, spicy vegetables and Ibu Oka's secret sauce. The pork is unbelievably succulent and the crackling is the best you will ever taste, all for a grand total of £2.

• Jalan Tegal, +62 (0)361 976435

News Alert: New International Terminal at Denpasar (Bali)

With effect from 19 September 2013*, immigration clearance and checked-in baggage collection for passengers arriving into Bali will be at the new international terminal at Ngurah Rai International Airport. This new facility is connected to the existing international terminal, which will be progressively converted to serve domestic flights.

Passengers departing from Bali on international flights will continue to check-in for their flights at the existing international terminal until 28 September 2013*. International flight departures will only commence at the new terminal from 29 September 2013*. Singapore Airlines' customers departing from Bali from 29 September* onwards are advised to arrive at the new terminal at least 2 hours before their scheduled flight departure time, for check-in and to provide sufficient time for airport security checks and immigration clearance.

Some shops, restaurants, and lounges at the new terminal will not be ready when operations commence.

BALI: IT HELPS TO KNOW WHAT DIRECTION YOUR FACING

Balinese villages are built based upon a principal known as Kaja-Kelod. Kaja refers to the sacred mountains, a place of holy origin. While the opposite Kelod means the sea a place of Mortality, for its low,, hot and drowning liquid, where the flow of all the sins goes.

Based upon this traditional system, in every village, towards the mountains, the people built the Pura Puseh (temple of origin). This temple is a place to honor the ancestors. Pura Desa (Village temple) is in the center of every village and the center of religious and cultural activity in the village.

Towards the Kelod direction is the Pura Dalam, or temple of the dead. At the kelod end of the village is the Pura Dalem (temple of the dead) as well as the graveyard. The Pura Dalem would have representations of Durga, the dark and terrible side of Shiva's wife, Parvati. Both Shiva and Parvati have a creative and destructive side, and it is their powers of destruction that are honored in the Pura Dalem.

Bali customs and respect temple etiquette

Here are some rules that have to be observed by the visitors in visiting a temple in Bali. I always give my tour members sarongs and sashes when they arrive in Bali.

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.

• Do not climb onto the temple buildings or walls.
• Do not stand or sit higher than a priest.
• 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.
• If people are praying, avoid getting between them and direction in which they are praying.
• Use camera with discretion. Do not uses flash when the devotees are praying, it will be better not to use flash at all.
• 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.

Blessing of the Water at Tanah Lot

Tanah Lot means "Land and Sea". The temple sits on a large offshore rock which has been shaped continuously over the years by the ocean tide. Tanah Lot is claimed to be the work of the 15th century priest Nirartha. During his travels along the south coast he saw the rock-island's beautiful setting and rested there. Some fishermen saw him, and bought him gifts.

Nirartha then spent the night on the little island. Later he spoke to the fishermen and told them to build a shrine on the rock for he felt it to be a holy place to worship the Balinese sea gods. The Tanah Lot temple was built and has been a part of Balinese mythology for centuries. The temple is one of seven sea temples around the Balinese coast.

Each of the sea temples were established within eyesightof the next to form a chain along the south-western coast. Go at Low Tide to get blessed from the Holy Springs underneath the Temple. Also a very beautiful spot to see the Sunset.

Our Group members from our June tour were blessed by the priest from the holy spring under the temple before entering the temple for prayer.

BALINESE GAMELAN

Gamelan is the music played throughout Bali to accompany dance performances and other arts and rituals of the Balinese. The music is based on five-tone scale and is charterized by brillians sounds, syncopations and sudden and gradual changes in sound color. dynamics, tempo and articulations.

Balinese Gamelan consist of several metallpohone instruments, generally called Gansa. These instruments are tuned tothepentatonic scale and vary in tempo and playedover and over in rounds. The Balinese also use a Gong, a percussion instrument consisting of a disc , often made of bronze. This gong controls the tempo of the music.

There is also a cylindrical, double-headed drum called a Kendang. In Gong Kebyar , there will be two Kendangs, played at the same time, with major and minor tones.

Finally there isthe Cengceng, a set up of six cymbals mounted on wood and struck with a cymbal held in each hand.

One one of Bali's most Famous Gamelan groups is SemaraRatih

http://www.semararatih.org/listen.html

Jim Cramer, the owner of Bali Advisor, dances Topeng with the gamelan when he is in Bali

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1wlANUw01FI&feature=related

Balinese Religion

Bali Hinduism is a combination of elements from Indian Shivaite and Buddhist traditions with older beliefs and practices. One of the oldest names for the Balinese religion is "Agama Tirtha" or religion of Holy waters. Tirtha (holy water) has always been used in Hindu religious ceremonies. The word tirtha comes from Sanskrit and means 'holy' or 'to cleanse'. The holy water possesses the means of opening our hearts to prayer.

The aim of Agama Hindu Bali (the religion of most Balinese) is to reach peace of spirit and harmony in this material life. In practicing their faith, Hindu communities try to achieve a spiritual balance of worship between Tattwa (philosophy), Susila (etiquette/morals), and Upacara (rituals). On Bali there are two ways to pray: 'mbakti' and 'muspa'. The first is worship through devotion, the second shows respect with flowers.

According to the Balinese the Universe is divided into three realms: the realm of the gods, the realm of the demons and ground spirits and the realm of the people. Their universe is divided into three areas; the mountains are the home of the gods; the sea where the powerful forces of dissolutions dwell; and the intermediary region, where people live. This three part layout is repeated endlessly in the villages, homes and shrines of Bali.

Bali is known as the Island of the Gods. This is because there are thousands of temples from the state temples Bali's (Sad Kahyangan) 6 major temples honored by all the to Village temples, every village has three the Puri Puseh or ancestor temple nearest the mountains, the Puri Desa the central village temple and the Puri Dalem or temple dedicated to Siwa, or the god of dissolution, usually nearest the cremation ground. Then every home has temples and shrines. Finally there are temples in the rice fields dedicated to Dewi Sri, goddess of Rice. Of course the Balinese honor nature, and power spots like Banyan trees, Caves, and rivers they bring offerings to.

Balinese religion is embedded in deep tradition of animism and the veneration of ancestors. Their Hindu gods are abstractions associated with natural forces. Vishnu with rain and water, Brahma with Creativity Fire and volcanoes. Shiva with flowers and wind. This is the Hindu Trinity Brahma the Creator, Vishnu the Preserver and Shiva (Siwa) the renewer.

The Supreme Being is referred to as Sang Hyang Widhi Wisa. He falls in line with religious beliefs that resolve around a single god of whom all other gods are manifestations.

Hinduism is a monotheistic religion with one Godhead. In Bali, this is called Ida Sanghyang Widi. Hinduism is often misunderstood as being a faith with many Gods and Goddesses (Dewas and Bhataris). These other Gods are merely the realization or manifestations of the holy rays from the One God.

The word Dewa (Deva) comes from the Sanskrit word Dev, meaning ray. Bhatara comes from the word Bhar, meaning protector. The Dewas (holy manifestations of God), which appear most often in Balinese religion are called the Tri Murti, or sometimes the Holy Trinity.

· Brahma - The creator
· Wisnu - The preserver
· Siwa - The destroyer

Visitors are welcomed to all religious celebrations, however, it is required to dress conservatively or in traditional Bali costumes and respect temple etiquette. At the least, a temple sash and sarong are required, and women may not enter during menses. It is a good idea to carry a sash and sarong during your island travels to always be prepared should you happen upon a festival that you wish to attend.

By Jim Omi Cramer
www.Baliadvisor.com

Taha Lot Temple of Land and Sea in Bali

TANAH LOT TEMPLE: Tanah Lot means "Land and Sea". The temple sits on a large offshore rock which has been shaped continuously over the years by the ocean tide. Tanah Lot is claimed to be the work of the 15th century priest Nirartha. During his travels along the south coast he saw the rock-island's beautiful setting and rested there. Some fishermen saw him, and bought him gifts.

Nirartha then spent the night on the little island. Later he spoke to the fishermen and told them to build a shrine on the rock for he felt it to be a holy place to worship the Balinese sea gods. The Tanah Lot temple was built and has been a part of Balinese mythology for centuries. The temple is one of seven sea temples around the Balinese coast. Each of the sea temples were established within eyesight of the next to form a chain along the south-western coast. Go at Low Tide to get blessed from the Holy Springs underneath the Temple. Also a very beautiful spot to see the Sunset.

Have You Eaten Rice Today?

In the old days in Bali a common greeting was " Have you eaten rice today? " Rice is an important part of the Balinese culture and folklore and the terraced fields are the most beautiful in SE Asia. Its worth while to take a stroll thru the fields or drive to East Bali around Sideman to see the spectacular terraces.

There are three types of rice in Bali: white rice (bras), red rice (bras barak) and black rice (injin). The Divine plant is considered as a female Being and treated with respect. Each stage of the growing cyle is carried out with an auspicious day, accompanied by offerings. Rites of passage, just as for humans are conducted.

After planting, usually by hand over several days the yellow-green shoots of young rice sprout up. This is  dangerous time for the rice so scarecrows, wind chimes and lines with hanging cloth are put up to frighten the birds. You can hear the farmers yelling in the rice fields at the birds. Two months later the rice will have grown taller and green and ready to harvest. After harvesting the stubble in the fields is burnt so that the old rice stalks  slowly decompose under the water.

Bali Emerging Writers Festival

The second Bali Emerging Writers Festival will kicked off its three-day long event on 25th of May  at Serambi Arts Antida in Jl. Waribang, East Denpasar. The festival, the sibling event of the famed Ubud Writers and Readers Festival (UWRF), will feature 13 young emerging Indonesian writers, photographers, bloggers, artists,
art creators and activists. The festival’s events range from panel discussions, workshops, movie screening, theatrical performances and musical concerts.

“The participating writers have similar traits; they are young and passionately dedicated to their subjects of interest. We are trying to present a kaleidoscopic view of the island and Indonesian young talent. Some of them create their work in literary forms, some others express their thoughts through pictures and video,” UWRF’s community development manager, Kadek Purnami, said Thursday.
http://www.thejakartapost.com/bali-daily/2012-05-25/emerging-writers-festival-kicks-today.html

Bali Advisor

Bali Advisor has, for the first time, over 10,000 visitors to our website in May 2012. Any ideas out there on how we can monetize the site. www.baliadvisor.com

We have been offering Free Travel advice to Bali for over 30 years and continue to do so. We plan on selling E books soon from our site and increase advertising and create a booking engine. Any ideas out there to help us....Thanks

Bali Arts Festival

An expected 15,000 local and international artists will participate in a one-month Bali Arts Festival from June 11 through July 7.

Ketut Suastika, the head of Bali Cultural Office, told the Bali Daily on Wednesday that the 34th annual Bali Arts Festival, which will be opened by President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, will display 300 traditional and contemporary art performances at the Arts Center.

“A number of foreign art troupes from 12 countries have confirmed their participation in the upcoming festival,” said Suastika.

Among the participating countries are the US, the Netherlands, Germany, India, Malaysia and Japan.

This year’s Bali Arts Festival will carry the theme of “Paras Paros”, which means togetherness in Balinese. All performances during the festival will adopt the theme concept.

The Arts Festival will be highlighted by a large variety of Balinese performing arts, including shadow

Bali Traffic

I have been visiting Bali since 1974 and have seen the roads on Bali get busier and busier and finally they are too the point where at certain times of the day the are at a virtual stand still. What are the Balinese going to do about this? When will it reach a tipping point that the horrible traffic especially during June-August just turns tourist off so they will quit coming. My advice for tourist to Bali is plan your outings by avoiding rush hour times. Saturday and Sunday traffic is better. Find a home base in Bali and enjoy the local tourist sites at your home base. The magic of Bali is still there but it's better to plan wisely, not travel too much around the island. Concentrate on the massages, spas, culture and beaches if your at the beach. You will enjoy your holiday more if you stay put mostly in one place....

Should I rent a car in Bali?

Traveling in Bali can be very hard.  There is no mass transportation, no street signs and not every one speaks english.  A lot of tourist ask should I rent a car in Bali?  The flat answer is NO.
The first reason, the streets are completely chaotic and have no real direction.

The second is that not a lot of people speak good enough English to help you out when you are lost.  When you get lost you will get an answer that is not right because it is considered rude not to help.

Tanah Lot, Bali's Sea God Temple

Tanah Lot

Tanah Lot means "Land and Sea". The temple sits on a large offshore rock which has been shaped continuously over the years by the ocean tide. Tanah Lot is claimed to be the work of the 15th century priest Nirartha. During his travels along the south coast he saw the rock-island's beautiful setting and rested there. Some fishermen saw him, and bought him gifts. Nirartha then spent the night on the little island. Later he spoke to the fishermen and told them to build a shrine on the rock for he felt it to be a holy place to worship the Balinese sea gods. The Tanah Lot temple was built and has been a part of Balinese mythology for centuries. The temple is one of seven sea temples around the Balinese coast. Each of the sea temples were established within eyesight of the next to form a chain along the south-western coast. Go at Low Tide to get blessed from the Holy Springs underneath the Temple. Also a very beautiful spot to see the Sunset but it is crowded. If you want to experience the Temple at a quiet time go in the Morning. Also lots of handicraft shops nearby.

BALI'S HOLY MOUNTAINS AND NORTH COAST

http://www.baliadvisor.com/pdf/holy-mountains-north-bali.pdf

Ten Day Bali Itinerary

We received daily emails requesting a suggested 10 Itinerary for a Bali Visit. I have created this link to help Bali travellers who want to know what is the ideal time to go to Bali and what to do when your there.

My answer is any time you can get to Bali GO! However Bali is a long way for most travellers so I suggest ideally 7-14 days.

Here is a suggested 10 day Itinerary. The cost depends upon what your budget is and what hotel you stay at. *Please note Bali Advisor can arrange transport and guides for our suggested outings.

Day 1
Arrive in Bali go to your hotel and immediately get a massage. I recommend going to the beach upon arrival in Bali. This gives you time to acclimate and get over jet lag. Which beach you ask. Depends upon your interests, budget and life style. 4 DAYS

Nusa Dua Beach  http://www.baliadvisor.com/nusa-dua.html ½ from the airport  The Nusa Dua area isolated from the rest of the island is at the Eastern side of the Bukit Peninsula at Southern tip of Bali. The beaches are beautiful long white sand and safe for swimming and the hotels are among the best in Bali. Nusa Dua is very secure as there are 3 man gates checking ID's of anyone entering the area. I prefer this area if you are bringing children to Bali. Water sports activities are plentiful here from diving, snorkeling, fishing, banana boat riding and parasailing

Sanur Beach http://www.baliadvisor.com/sanur-beach.html  ½ hour from the airport Sheltered by a coral reef, the grand mountains of central Bali compose a superb view east