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

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

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.

Best Indonesian/Balinese food in Sanur

        While wondering the streets of Sanur, which is a quite town in the east of bali, I came across Pregina Warung located on the main street Jalan Danau Tamblingan #106 and come to find out it was the Best Indonesian/Balinese food in Sanur.  With a very Indonesian ambiance and friendly staff I decided to give it a try.  I ordered nasi champor and a soto ayam.  These two dishes will teach the palate all about Indonesian/Balinese cuisine and they delivered by all accounts.  Compared to all the other restaurants in the general vicinity  Pregina Warung stuck out like a sore thumb and was a breath of fresh air.  The food was delightful and I think any one traveling to Sanur should visit this restaurant.  It is highly recommended by Bali Advisor.

http://www.villasemadhibali.com/

Want to get away from it all in Luxury and Style?

Villa Semadhi is located  in the North West coast of Bali, approximately 3,5 hours drive from the Airport in Denpasar. This route is one of the most interesting and scenic tours in Bali. Lovina is 45 minutes and it is about 15 minutes drive to Bali Barat National Park and Menjangan island diving site. The ferry to Java at Gilimanuk is 30 minutes.

This peaceful place is ideal for nature excursions, activities such as trekking at the National Park, Swimming, Snorkelling, Diving or exploring the sacred Temples surrounding the area such as Melanting, Kerta Kawat, Pulaki, Pabean and Pemuteran Temple. Pemuteran receives less rainfall than other island areas during the rainy season and is too dry for rice cultivation.

Its people traditionally live from the sea. This bay has the largest area of shallow coral reefs in Bali that are easily accessible, The sea is calm and free of strong currents and waves which affect most other parts of the island. Pemuteran community declared that the reefs are protected no-fishing zones, for eco-tourism use only. The community also safeguards a hassle free environment as hawkers are not allowed. Pemuteran offers uncompromising beautiful views. In two hours, you can climb to the top of the mountains to the west from where you can view either the sunrise or sunset.

Villa Semadhi is easy to find. Head west along the coast road from Seririt and you will come to Pura Pulaki. Keep following the road along the water’s edge until you come to the second compound on the ocean side of the road. This is Villa Semadhi

Here is what they are saying:

Michele from China, stay May 2012

“Lovely”

The villa is very lovely. It is beautifully decorated, the grounds are immaculate. Putra, the manager, does a great job. He helped us plan several excursions. About 2 km from the villa my boys were able to set sea turtles back in the sea. They are still talking about it, although it didn't take very long. In Lovina about 45 minutes away you can swim with dolphins at a local hotel. We went on a wonderful trek though the local farms, it was not only lovely, but very educational. My boys also make a camp fire on the beach. They are 9, 7, and 4. They all said what a wonderful vacation they had. I would not hesitate to stay here again. It is a ways from the airport, but from what I saw of Kuta it is well worth the drive. The house is very clean. The rooms are huge, each with a king sized bed and a trundle bed. The outdoor bathrooms were great. Loved taking a shower in the morning with the birds chirping and the sun shining. The food was great and very reasonable. Thanks again to all the staff for making our stay wonderful.

Kathy From Jakarta, Stay April 2012

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

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

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.

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

Cinta Means Love and In Bali you will love to Eat here.

Cinta Grill

While walking along Ubud's Monkey Forest Road you will see the Cinta Grill owned by  Karen and Guski, long time friends of mine and have become very successful with 4 restaurants in Ubud, plus a catering service. There is a reason GOOD FOOD. Their other restaurants in Ubud are Terazo, Batan Waru and Siam Sally for great Thai Food. Tell them Bali advisor sent you!

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.

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.

Volcano Climbing in Bali

I have climbed Mt. Batur and also Mt. Agung and prime volcano climbing season is approaching in Bali. There is nothing like watching the sunrise from the top of Mt Agung. Mt. Batukaru in the west is also a climbing destination. Always hire a guide and avoid climbing during the rainy season.

• MOUNT AGUNG (3142 meters)
• MOUNT BATUR (1717 meters)
• MOUNT Batukaru (2020 meters)

Here is the schedule for your Mt.Batur Climb:

0200am: Pick up service from your hotel. Drive for about two hours, we arrive in Penelokan. The drive down from the Penelokan to the Toya Bungkah, where we begin our trek.

0400am: A local guide will lead us reach the peak of Batur Volcano. It takes approximately 2 hours to reach the peak
0500am: A stop will be made for short break and drink
0600am: Arrive at the peak, while wait for the sunrise, we will host you with the packed breakfast
0615am: Enjoy the beautiful sun rise with an opportunity to view the three lakes in the side of the island and the Rinjani Volcano in Lombok
0700am: Descend the path down to the lake, with another stop en-route, drinking water is provided
1000am: Arrive back at the shore, refresh and take swim
1115am: Return to Penelokan for luch at local restaurant
1300pm: Return to your hotel

Mt. Agung Climb
Towering 3,142 metres above sea level, Mount Agung is the highest mountain on the island of