BEST of BALI

08/07/2024

Ubud was never built to be a booming tourism resort, and as such, the town is comprised of a series of very narrow roads.

07/07/2024

06/07/2024

06/07/2024

Beyond education, BaliLife also ensures every child has access to their daily necessities. From nutritious meals to clothing and healthcare, we believe in providing comprehensive support to nurture their physical and emotional well-being. Every child deserves a safe and caring environment where their basic needs are met, empowering them to thrive and reach their full potential. Together, we're building a brighter future, one essential at a time. 🌟💖

05/07/2024

03/07/2024

Discover Bali’s natural wonders, rich cultural heritage, and amazing views with a private tour that can be customized to suit your preferences. Admire views of the Tegenungan Waterfall, visit the UNESCO World Heritage-listed rice terraces at Tegalalang, and tour a traditional coffee plantation. Along the way, stop to ride a gigantic swing with a view over Bali—a great spot for photos—and browse the stalls at Ubud Art Market.
Check out the "Ubud- Waterfalls- Swing " Day Tour -
https://tinyurl.com/3au3yc4y

03/07/2024

In Bali, gebogan offerings are a visually striking part of traditional ceremonies. They consist of a variety of fruits and snacks arranged on a round wooden tray called dulang, supported by a banana stem. This arrangement is designed to resemble a mountain, symbolizing the dwelling place of Sang Hyang Parama Kawi, with flowers and coconut leaf decorations adorning the top. The height of a gebogan typically ranges from 50cm to 1.5 meters, about the size of a baseball bat.

During temple ceremonies, women carry the gebogan on their heads in a procession known as mapeed, expressing gratitude to God for the natural riches provided.

Additionally, the selection of fruits is symbolic and represents Panca Rengga. This means the fruit must include those grown from flowers, roots, trees, as well as scaly fruits and those that bear fruit only once!
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Di Bali, gebogan adalah bagian yang sangat mencolok secara visual dalam upacara tradisional. Gebogan terdiri dari berbagai macam buah-buahan dan makanan ringan yang disusun di atas dulang kayu bundar, yang didukung oleh batang pisang. Susunan ini dirancang untuk menyerupai gunung, melambangkan tempat tinggal Sang Hyang Parama Kawi, dengan hiasan bunga dan daun kelapa yang menghiasi bagian atasnya. Tinggi gebogan biasanya berkisar antara 50cm hingga 1.5 meter, sekitar ukuran sebuah tongkat bisbol.

Selama upacara di pura, perempuan membawa gebogan di atas kepala mereka dalam prosesi yang disebut mapeed, sebagai ungkapan rasa syukur kepada Tuhan atas kekayaan alam yang diberikan.

Selain itu, pemilihan buah-buahan bersifat simbolis dan mewakili Panca Rengga. Ini berarti buah-buahan harus mencakup yang tumbuh dari bunga, akar, pohon, serta buah berkulit dan yang berbuah hanya sekali!

30/06/2024

The name 'Turyapada' was chosen because it symbolizes the relationship between Akasa-Pertiwi- and Purusa-Pradana.

26/06/2024

Today (22 June) the Balinese Hindu community celebrate Tumpek Wayang, and through this celebration The Lord of Puppeteers, Sanghyang Iswara, is honoured.

On this day, puppeteers (Dalang) throughout the island will present offerings to their shadow puppets (wayang kulit) to honour Dewa Iswara. The puppets are taken out from their cases to be blessed by their owners and placed in a position as if an actual performance is being held. The objective is to invoke smoothness and reliability during a real performance, and for the puppet to be able to captivate the audience.

A theatrical expression in Bali, wayang (or shadow puppet) is often performed as entertainment as well as an integral part of several Balinese Hindu Rituals. The wayang figures, normally portraying Hindu characters, are manipulated with rods by these puppeteers, or Dalang. He tells the story to captivated crowds alongside the gamelan orchestra. They are not only forms of entertainment however, often the stories of the Dalang were used to share and spread lessons of good morals to the people

Read the full story, including an interesting myth, on: https://www.nowbali.co.id/balis-wayang-week-and-stories-of-time-the-devourer/

20/06/2024

Bali Lawmakers Seek to End Unruly and Rude Behavior by Foreign Tourists by Increasing New Tourist Tax to Rp. 750,000,
https://www.balidiscovery.com/bali-to-hike-tourism-tax-to-rp-750000/

15/06/2024

Canberra now has direct flights to the holiday haven of Bali, with the first Batik Air flight to Denpasar taking off this morning (Friday, 14 June).
Batik Air will fly three times a week between Canberra and Denpasar, becoming the second airline in the past 12 months to offer international flights from Canberra Airport.

Flights from Denpasar will arrive in Canberra at 7 am each Wednesday, Friday and Sunday, after departing Bali at 10:10 the night before.
Flights departing Canberra will leave at 8 am each Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.

Canberra now has direct flights to the holiday haven of Bali, with the first Batik Air flight to Denpasar taking…

11/06/2024

Discover the natural beauty of Bali, see rice terraces and enjoy a funky big infinity pool and restaurants at Cretya close to Ubud.. Expert guides will tell you interesting stories about the culture, the different customs and traditions during this day tour. You will also go through an art village, rice terraces, temples and see a waterfall.

See more about Cretya Ubud Tours -
https://bit.ly/4bZ31JK

10/06/2024

Kiwis will now be able to fly to Bali non-stop any time of the year after an announcement from Air New Zealand.

04/06/2024

As outlined in the Governor of Bali Circular Letter Number 4 of 2023, the guidelines of behavior for tourists in Bali are now abundantly clear

04/06/2024

Wonderful Indonesia, as the national tourism board, is responsible for showcasing the travel destinations the archipelago has to offer.

01/06/2024

There are a series of tourism visa options available to foreigners, and none of them permit individuals to work in the country.

01/06/2024

Aside from being Bali's arts and culture capital, Ubud is also home to one of the most thriving coffee scenes on the island.

23/05/2024

16/05/2024

16/05/2024

Ever wonder what marriage means in balinese tradition?

Hinduism teaches the concept of Panca Yadnya, which means five sincere offerings. These offerings are made to different entities: gods, ancestors, sages, humans, and spirits. Here's a simple breakdown:
- Dewa Yadnya: Offerings to the gods.
- Pitra Yadnya: Offerings to ancestors.
- Rsi Yadnya: Offerings to sages and priests.
- Manusia Yadnya: Offerings to fellow humans, including life events like marriage.
- Bhuta Yadnya: Offerings to spirits.

Hinduism also emphasizes life stages and goals. The four life stages (Catur Asrama) are:
- Brahmacari: Student life, focusing on learning.
- Grahasta: Householder life, focusing on family and work.
- Wanaprastha: Retired life, focusing on spiritual practices.
- Sanyasin: Renounced life, focusing on achieving liberation (moksha).

The four goals of life (Catur Purusa Artha) are:
- Dharma: Duty and righteousness.
- Artha: Wealth and prosperity.
- K**a: Desires and pleasures.
- Moksha: Spiritual liberation.

Marriage marks the beginning of the Grahasta stage, where individuals build a family and contribute to society.

The Pawiwahan ceremony is the Hindu marriage ritual, part of Manusia Yadnya. It's a sacred event where a man and a woman commit to becoming husband and wife. Marriage in Hindu culture is seen as a duty and a way to continue the family line.

The ceremony has three main witnesses:
- Bhuta saksi: Witnessed through the mabyakala ceremony.
- Dewa saksi: Witnessed through the natab banten pawiwahan ceremony and prayers at the family shrine.
- Manusa saksi: Witnessed by community leaders and family members.

Purpose of Marriage in Hinduism

According to Hindu beliefs, marriage has three main purposes:
- Dharmasampati: Performing religious duties together.
- Praja: Having children to continue the family line.
- Rati: Enjoying a harmonious married life that aligns with religious principles.

Forms of Marriage

Hindu scriptures describe eight forms of marriage, but only a few are accepted today:
- Brahma, Daiwa, Arsa, and Prajapati: These forms are acceptable and respected.
- Asura, Raksasa, and Paisaca: These forms are not accepted as they conflict with modern and religious norms.

In Bali, there are four common forms of marriage:
- Memadik/ Meminang: Proposal.
- Ngerorod/ Ngerangkat: Elopement.
- Nyentana: The man joins the woman's family.
- Kejangkepan: Arranged marriage.

The Ceremony

Choosing an auspicious day is crucial, guided by the Balinese Hindu calendar. The ceremony involves several steps:
- Ngekeb: Preparing the bride.
- Mungkah Lawang: Opening the door ceremony.
- Mesegeh Agung: A grand welcome ceremony.
- Mekala-Kalaan: Symbolic offerings using various items like a sacred knife, threads, and traditional snacks.
- Mewidhi Widana: Prayers led by a priest.
- Mejauman: Farewell ceremony to the bride’s ancestors.

These steps symbolize purification and commitment, ensuring the couple is blessed and their union is sacred.

In essence, the Pawiwahan ceremony is not just a wedding but a series of sacred rituals that bind two individuals together in a spiritual and social commitment. It reflects the deep cultural and religious values of Hinduism, ensuring the couple’s life together is harmonious and blessed.

12/05/2024

12/05/2024

"According to Sianturi, the Indonesian Navy personnel will also cooperate with the Indonesian Air Force and Navy units to secure the high-level conference in Bali.

He stated that the Indonesian Army troops would be located at several crucial guard points and equipped with complete main weapons systems.

Apart from securing the activities, Sianturi ensured that all TNI AD troops would behave humanely and serve the community and the World Water Forum participants during the event."

The Indonesian Army (AD) plans to station 4,463 personnel to secure the 10th World Water Forum (WWF) in Bali. Head of the TNI AD Information Service, ...