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

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

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.

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

Leading Hindu figures voice world peace in Bali

Denpasar: Around 200 influential Hindu figures from 15 countries are currently attending the World Hindu Summit 2012 in Wiswa Sabha, Denpasar, from June 9 to 12.

Among the leaders are Sri Sri Ravi Shankar from Art of Living Foundation India, Muni Amrender, founder and chairman of Universal Ahimsa Foundation USA, and Swami Bajranand, president of Bharatiya Sanskriti Suraksha.

Other participants come from countries including India, Malaysia, Nepal, Belgium, Germany and the US.

“The summit is expected to achieve one vision and mission towards the Bali Charter, recommend and appoint the

I Made Bandem: Encouraging the birth of Balinese contemporary arts

Balinese performing arts maestro I Made Bandem, also known as the Joe Papp of Bali, is currently on his latest mission to encourage young Balinese artists to engage in not only the preservation of the island’s cultural and art heritage, but also in giving birth to more contemporary arts.
Bandem and his wife, Swasthi Widjaja Bandem, who have been for the past five years teaching Balinese performing arts and culture at the Holy Cross College in Massachusetts, will stage novel contemporary arts collaborations at the upcoming annual Bali Arts Festival (PKB), a cultural gathering that he conceptualized together with the late former governor of Bali, Ida Bagus Mantra, 34 years ago.

This year, the author of more than 160 books, including the textbook Balinese Dance in Transition:

Walter Spies’ biography launched in Ubud

by Ni Komang Erviani on 2012-05-29

A biography about German-born artist Walter Spies, who spent around 15 years of his life on the island of Bali and stimulated new developments in Balinese art, was launched on Sunday evening at Puri Lukisan Museum in downtown Ubud, Gianyar. The 326-page book entitled Walter Spies: A Life of Art was written by Australian John Stowell and published by Jakarta-based publisher Afterhours books.

The book was officially launched by the German Ambassador to Indonesia, Dr. Norbert Baas, who praised it as “perfectly written and researched”.

“This book should be made available at every hotel on the island, schools and libraries, and also every house in Germany,” Baas said, adding that he was proud that the legacy of Spies is alive among Balinese artists and scholars.

The launching was hosted by Ubud royal family elder, Tjokorda Putra Sukawati, whose late uncle invited Spies to Ubud and late father was one of Spies’s closest local friends and patrons. Numerous

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 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

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

Bali's Temples

In every village in Bali, there are several temples and at least one small one in each home. One can therefore safely say that there are more temples than homes in Bali. Most of these temples are shrines and might not be regarded as actual temples, but the number of walled compounds are believed to reach to a total of 10,000. The word for temple in Bali is pura, which in Sanskrit means 'space surrounded by a wall'. Simple shrines or thrones are found everywhere and at all sorts of unusual places.

Although many temples are quiet and uninhabited, they are transformed into colorful, active and ornately decorated places of worship when there is a festival. Offerings would be made, while performances of traditional dances and gamelan, cockfighting and gambling liven up the atmosphere.

All temples derive their orientation from the mountains and the sea. Kaja, which is the direction toward the mountains, is the most significant direction. The direction toward the sea is kelod. Sunrise, or kangin.

Bali is known as the Island of the Gods.  There are thousands of temples in Bali but none are precisely alike. The Balinese temples (pura) are an exposed areas encircled by walls. This is

Galungan

Bali is celebrating one of thier biggest Holidays! Hari Raya Galungan

Bali’s culture is based on a form of Hinduism called Hindu Darma, which is believed to have arrived on the island during the 11^th century from the ancient kingdom of Java, Majapahit.  This religion plays a heavy part in  family customs and community lifestyle but is a world away from that of India’s Hindu.  The cultural background explains usage of two calendar systems; Pawukon (from the word Wuku; means week) and Saka.  The Pawukon consists of 30 weeks and is a 210 day ritual calendar brought over from Java in the 14^th century.  While Saka, a 420 day system is a lunar calendar that originally came from South India and was brought to Indonesia around 465 a.d. One Saka year has 12 months and each month consists of 35 days.

Balinese celebrate Galungan every 210 days during Wuku Dungulan.  This festival is symbolizing the victory of dharma (virtue) upon adharma (the evil).  As the expression of victory, people will fit penjor – a tall bamboo splendidly decorated with woven young coconut leaves, fruit, cakes and flowers, as offerings to God.  This penjor is placed on the right side of every house entrance.  People are attired in their finest clothes and jewels on that day.  The Galungan, Bali’s major feast, is held throughout the island.  The whole festival lasts for ten days.  During this ten day period, all the Gods, including the supreme deity Sanghyang Widi, come down to earth for the festivities.  Barongs prance from temple to temple and all over every village.  The last and most important day of the ten day festival is called Kuningan.

Honeymoon in Bali

In Bali, a honeymoon is known as Bulan Maduh.

Bali, the fabled "Island of the Gods", is the ultimate honeymoon destination with its magical allure of misty volcanoes, golden beaches and azure waters. Every square inch of Bali offers a fresh and beautiful image that will live with you forever.

Planning a honeymoon is a very personal experience and trusted expert advice is what we offer to help make your honeymoon unforgettable. Rather than providing packaged deals we will help you customize your plans with choices of location and activities that will fit your budget.

This is a 3-step process which starts with booking the air.

1. Please go to our Airfares page and choose the desired carrier and route you wish to go.
2. View my list of the Honeymoon Hotels and Spas that I recommend. The usual stay is around 7 days. I recommend some time at the beach and then some time in the hills to experience the culture of Bali. Of course, it's your special trip and ultimately it's up to you. The hotels and spas range in prices. I have special rates at these properties that are lower than what you see on the hotel's web sites.
3. The next step is booking the suggested outings that you may want to take to experience the true beauty of Bali. As an International destination the Restaurants are extremely cosmopolitan, yet inexpensive. Bali is also a shopper's paradise. You will find locally made jewelry, sarongs, clothing, wood carvings and paintings. For those of you seeking to experience the culture of Bali you will find peace and tranquility in the hills near the village of Ubud. Or visit peaceful Lake Bratan, nestled between the volcanoes of Bali's highlands.

More active honeymooners can Raft down the Ayung River or take the Catamaran Cruise to nearby Nusa Lembongan. There's also Diving at Amed beach and Cycling amid scenery you will never forget. Bali is also a renowned Surfing destination with some of the world's best waves. When the sun sets choices are still hard to make. A perfect way to end the evening is to watch a spectacular Balinese Dance.

I would be happy to guide you, to assist you, and help make your Honeymoon the very special, unforgettable occasion that it is meant to be. One that will live with you forever. 

 

Or watch the legendary Kuta sunset followed by a romantic Starlight Dinner Cruise.

Email from India

dear sir
i am tour operator ,my few clients want to come to bali in late june 2011
,what places should be included in the tour and which part of bali is best
to stay?
ill be glad if ull revert.
thank you
navneet jain
delhi(india)
We at Bali Advisor receive emails such as this daily from around the world with questions about Bali Travel. We are more than happy to help our guests with their travel plans. I suggested to Navneet that Ubud is the cultural Center with dance and music, musuems, galleries, shopping and great dining and going to a Spa is a must. I mentioned to her that Murni's Spa http://www.murnis.com/spa/index.htm
is my favorite. I also mentioned that Sanur and Nusa Dua Beaches were my favorite and we would provide tour guides and further information on Hotels and Activities in Bali.
We at Bali Advisor are here to Serve
Om Shanti Shanti Shanti Om !
Jim

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.

What Is There To Do In Bali?

There is so much to do in Bali, including relaxing with no agenda at all. It's the perfect location to catch up on some nothing-doing too.

When you are ready to get out and explore, you'll find endless options. City tours, dance exhibitions, sports, sunset cruises, excellent eating, shopping and cultural events.

Here are a few to start your imagination:

Denpasar City Tour
A Visit To Bali Would Not Be Complete Without A Tour Of Denpasar. Here You Will Stop At One Of The Various Air Conditioned Department Stores, The Traditional Markets, The Bali Museum And The Art Center.

Balinese Dances
There Are Many Different Dances - All A Part Of The Fascinating Balinese Culture And This Tour Takes You To See Performances Of The Fire And Trance Dance, The Kecak Dance And The Angel Dance.

Watersports
Sanur Beach Area Is Famous For Its Protected Waters That Make Ideal Conditions For A Vast Array Of Jet Skiing, Canoeing, Banana Boat Riding And Glass Bottom Boat Tours. In Our Price We Have Included Air-Conditioned Return Transfers., Jet Ski For 15 Mins And One Round Of Parasailing Or Banana Boat Ride

Pura Luhur
The Small Sea Temple Of Uluwatu, Is Perched Dramatically On The Edge Of A High Cliff With A World Famous Surf Below And Offers Spectacular Ocean Views. You Will Also Visit The Resort Area Of Nusa Dua, Stop At The Galleria Shopping Complex And Enjoy Ample Time For Lunch At One Of The Many Local Restaurants.

Uluwatu Sunset Cocktail Tour
Pura Luhur, The Small Sea Temple Of Uluwatu, Is Perched Dramatically On The Edge Of A High Cliff With A World Famous Surf Below And Offers Spectacular Ocean Views. Then We Visit Jimbaran And To Melasti Cafe For A Cocktail Just In Time To View The Famous Bali Sunset.

There is so much more.  So many wonderful things to see and events to experience.  We haven't even mentioned the temples and other cultural events.  Contact us if Bali is in your plans so that we can help you make excellent choices,