Exploring Bali to me means letting go of the map once in a while and going where the road takes me. Sometimes due to my sense of direction I end up going where the road takes me anyway, so am no stranger to ending up in new places. Swinging around a curve in the road I came across Pura Sukawati, and took time to check it out. The Sukawati family is extremely important to Balinese history. Basically the regency of Gianyar, which contains Gianyar, Ubud and Sukawati, came under the control of the Sukawati royal family. Cokorda Gede Sukawati fought in a battle and was given the right to establish a court in Ubud, making it the arts center it is today.
The temple was completely empty when I showed up and there wasn't a single tourist or tout in sight. Imagine when you could say that about Besakih! Not having a sash with me, to tie around me waist and separate the clean half of my body from the dirty half, I decline to enter. No one would have stopped me but the Balinese see all kinds of meaning in seemingly harmless actions and ways of dressing. I didn't went to upset them so was content to snap a couple of photos from the outside gate. Around the outside perimeter of the temple was a high wall, over which I could see 2 tall multi-tiered meru. A local living adjacent to the temple had left an offering to the Gods. This offering was in a raised position so it was held in a position of respect, in contrast to the canang (trays of offerings) you will see on the ground, which are offerings to keep evil spirits away. Large parts of this temple look relatively new, the interesting stuff would be tucked in a corner and made of decaying older bricks. After about 20 minutes I remounted and rode downtown to Sukawati.
PRINT 
{ 12 comments }
Nick-that is the first time that I have heard what the sash is for, do you know if there is a color requirement or if different colored sashes have different meanings. The little statues often have gold sashes. Have thought about making a multipurpose sash/band/strap but haven’t known what the specific requirements might be. We do want to be culturally sensitive & not do something that would be offensive. They sure go out of their way to make us feel welcome and a part of their world.
Barrie, Any tips on sash colors?
G’day Nick,
Hey, I CAN remember when Besakih was like that!. I showed you the fotos last year.
Sash colours. Moderate colours are generally the best for men. Can you imagine a man wearing gaudy colours – it wouldn’t only be the touts after him!
Hi Nick, Barrie & others!!!!
It’s me, finally after weeks of stressing about getting on line at home, it’s happened, with 6 days til bub’s is due!!!!
No doubt Dede will be here surfing, posting & checking things out later today!
Hope all is going well & Jevon is growing nicely!
Catch ya soon!!!!!
Hi Tracey,
Great to see ya in good health. Wah, I reckon you would look like a pregnant watermelon now eh!.
Have you sorted your date out for November yet?
We arrive on Nov 26th (Maddy’s 7th b’day!)
I just hope this baby will come out before then, it seems to be comfy where it is!!!!
How & where is Angie????
When are you heading to Bali????
We will meet up yeah?????
Gotta go get Maddy from school, will pop back soon!
Here in Bali it seems all fashion rules go out the window. Some of the Euros I see look like circus perfomers or ice cream salesmen from 1930.
I tend not to wear pink sashes. They come is all colors and are a few thousand rupiah to buy.
Hi Tracey,
I’ll be there in 4 weeks time TODAY!. Candika has a late flight (goodie, goodie!) and gets in late afternoon. You arrive on the 26th Nov eh. I depart on the 29th but at least we will get to finally meet after all these years. Hooray!.
Hey Nick,
I don’t know, I reckon pink would suit you if you wore it with a cherise sarung!.
Sweet, that’s great!!!!!
Nick, I think Pink will match your fading tan!!!!
Ok guys, I need help, as the family have destroyed & started renovating some of the old part of the house we are looking at cheap losmen style but decent for a family of 4 accom….
from Nov 26th til about Dec 7th-8th???
Any ideas? We stay for the last 4 nights at Barong, but it’s booked full!
Any advice or places you can recommend as we feel right out of it at the moment!!!!
Cheers!
Hi Tracey,
I’d reccommend the Prawita Cottages where I stay and I’m sure I can get you a good price. But, Nick might know of a place cheaper for you.
You have my email address Tracey.
Thanks Bazz,
Will be in touch soon…
Dede said he knows the place, is happy with that area too, just don’t want family to have to move outta our place for 12ish nights!!!!
Speak soon!
Comments on this entry are closed.