Part of my job is to check out hotels here in Bali so you can make a better choice for something that will make your holiday a success.
With that in mind I visited the Hotel Bualu which is located opposite the Hilton in Nusa Dua, adjacent to the golf course. The Bualu was built in 1980, 3 years before Nusa Dua became a resort area and was the first hotel in Nusa Dua. It’s definitely not a resort and is an affordable option for people who want peace and quiet with a few extras thrown in.
You can read all about my visit to Hotel Bualu tomorrow. As I was leaving Hotel Bualu I could hear what sounded like a Balinese temple ceremony, with gongs and symbols clattering away. Riding towards the narrow street that leads to the beach I saw a funeral procession had made its way down there and I followed. Tailing the party at a speed of about 2 mph I fired off a few shots and finally parked at the end of the road. The party then proceeded to the beach and performed a ritual of presenting offerings after following a circular route on the beach. I must say that with the empty beach and the crashing waves in the background the whole scene was spectacular to watch. Tourists who were lounging on the beach scurried for their Pentax and gathered in close attendance. One older Euro guy walked into the middle of the circular procession and started pointing his camera at people. I hope someone does that at your funeral mate.
The ladies carried an assortment of offerings on their heads including trays of fruit and the men carried tall flags supported on bamboo poles. The centerpiece consisted of 3 small decorated thrones carried by men with different colored umbrellas, red, white and yellow held overhead.
The party then sat under the shade of a big tree in a routine that everybody seemed to understand. People were chatting and kids were running around, people getting drinks and generally taking it easy.
A priest (pedanda) lingered and was getting ready to perform the main part of the ceremony after the offerings had been assembled. I’ve seen this before on Kuta Beach and it goes on for some time. The great thing for the tourists is the whole affair is a genuine cultural event and in no way put on for show. The Balinese act like they couldn’t care less what outsiders think and for the most part people can sit and observe the goings on.
After 40 minutes I ride back to Kuta trying to avoid the maniacs on the Bypass as rush hours was getting close.
On Kuta Beach this after noon I saw plenty of domestic tourists helping to swell the numbers. The beach vendors hate them as they only buy cheap snacks, bakso and rujak.
A little windy on the beach but with bright sunshine and a general good vibes feeling I think a newcomer could enjoy the scene, especially as Kuta Beach is within walking distance of Jl. Legian and the guest houses of Poppies I & II. Try landing in Bangkok and walking to the beach�it’s a 3 hour drive.
If you want to help support Baliblog you might consider booking your hotel in Bali using our hotel booker, every little helps. We’re a bit shy when it comes to shouting about our partners and it might seem like we’re promoting ‘Generic bungy jumping’ and ‘Generic surf lessons’. We’re not. We’re promoting AJ HACKETT bungy jumping and BALI LEARN TO SURF lessons. The reason we are helping these companies is they are the BEST in their industry and we think that highlighting these key companies will benefit our readers. Hope it helps you on your Bali holiday.
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Nick, Barrie, I agree with you guys. Some people just has no manner. What an asshole!
Finding a NICE girl in Bali !
Good Luck !
Finding a NICE girl in Bali !
Good Luck !
I wish tourists would understand these people are going about their daily lives & rituals & to get in amongst it with your camera is just a rude intrusion..
I agree hope someone get’s in amongst that guys funeral & starts snapping away in his speedos too!
What a bunch if idiots & have no respect… That Nick is one of my biggest turn offs! tourists that think there monewy is so powerful they can just get in the way!!! GRRRR!
I’m sorry Tracy but when you say that people who take pictures of Indonesian people going about their daily lives and rituals is a rude intrusion, and they are idiots that hold no respect, you have falied to recognise that Nick has just done that exact thing. Maybe he hasnt gone into their personal space but it’s same principle. please think about things before you express your opinion.
The idiot… Steve, is the person that thinks it is hisor her right or ability to just get in the middle in his swimwear or whatever (no doubt he would have not been wearing a sarong, or ceremonial gear including an udeng)& therefore should stay a respectful distance away as Nick did!
I did not say he cannot take the pic’s or admire, but from a distance without intruding!
I am comfortable with my expression 
Jim, You had a spot of bad luck hey????
Well expressed Tracey. Nick takes his photos respectfully so as not to intrude, and if the situation occured where he was closer then he would ask permission. Good travellers do this.
I’ve been on road trips with Nick and can truly say that he has never intruded on anybody or group when taking fotos.
The bottom line is that if you are gonna take fotos then do it with respect for the subject whether it be a person or a religious ceremony. If in doubt…ASK!.
Hi All/
Naughty girl tracey eh? You touched someones raw nerve there lady !
But i must reiterate that everyone is entitled to there opinions…goo or bad.
But i must also say that as much as some people would have had a good laugh at Nicks expense he at least had the grace to keep back a bit and he was suitably dressed (i hope !). There is a big difference from what Nick is trying to do and what this geezer with the Olympics on was doing. I havent seen any report from Nick that suggest he is taking the mick as yet and can only commend him for keeping up updated on all aspectS of Bali daily life.
Keep on snapping Nick
Regs Mark
On my 25th birthday I went to a funeral on Bali via a bus arranged by a tourist restaurant.
At first I felt kinda odd, like an intruder, until the Balinese participants started motioning for us to come along.
The next thing I know, I’m having a long discussion about the significance of the funeral pyre, and I’m crying for people I never knew.
Wayan, well said. I felt your sensitivity.
There is a Travel Class 101 that has tons of information. One of them is to respect the culture you are in, think of yourself as a guest even though you are spending money and time. After all, it is your choice to go somewhere. If you not sure whether your action is appropriate, find out first. Observe and be discreet.
The guy who took pictures in their face is simply ignorant and inconsiderate. There are many of those in the U.S., in fact, probably elsewhere. No sweat and not something to stress over.
Nice link Wayan, will read it more thoroughly later!
Cheers to all…
Mark, I have been called worse than a naughty girl! Only encourages me 
Truly I just love freedom of speech!
G’Day Nick,
You sure are getting to cover a lot of events. Nice write-up and good pics as usual.
I liked that comment of yours about the guy that started shoving his camera in the faces of the Balinese. There are some ignorant and disrespectful people around unfortunately.