Culture, temples and the arts
Ceremonies, temples, dance, galleries, language and history.
Two Upcoming Events in Bali
One thing I enjoy when travelling is attending festivals, carnivals or fairs. Not only are they a great way to experience the local culture and customs but there is always good food available!
Five Great Mountain Temples to Visit in Bali
The temples of Bali are a significant part of Balinese culture and life. To visit a temple during a festive period is a magical experience for the traveller.
Street Marching Competition in Bali
If you travel throughout the archipelago of Indonesia you will find that in the major cities there are often street marches.
Getting Married in Bali
My nephew rang me last night and said he wanted to get married to his long-time girlfriend. After all the best wishes etc, he informed me they want to get married in Bali .
Hari Raya Kuningan
Today in Bali is Kuningan . Occurring once in every 210 days in the Balinese cycle of days, Kuningan is the end of the most important of the regular religious ceremonies for the 10-day Galungan…
‘Friends of Komodo’ Concert
The island of Komodo located between Sumbawa and Flores , is the home of the Komodo Dragon which is the largest monitor lizard in the world and is he sole survivor of the dinosaurs in Indonesia.
Today in Bali - Galungan
Today in Bali is the ceremony of Galungan . This occurs once in every 210 days in the Balinese cycle of days.
The Bali Theatre
The arts play a significant role in Balinese culture . These include dance, theatre, music and painting to name a few.
UNESCO Considers World Heritage Sites in Bali
Being such a small island, Bali sure has a large amount of places that have natural beauty and historical significance. Antiquities abound.
A Few More Festivals in Bali
Bali , being tourism generated, has a lot of festivals throughout the year just like the Bali Arts Festival I wrote about in a previous article.
Hari Waisak - Waisak Day
Today in Bali and across Indonesia is Waisak Day . This is a Bhuddist holiday to celebrate the anniversary of Gautama Buddha , the founder of Bhuddism.
Global Social Change Film Festival – Ubud
I have always been a film buff much preferring indie and noir films to the regular crap churned out of the USA.
Balinese Names and the Confusion for First Time Travellers
When you first travel to Bali and meet the friendly Balinese people it can be very confusing in some respects and mainly concerning their names.
Gunung Agung to be Closed to Climbers
Numerous festivals and ceremonies abound on the island of Bali and two of these are the ceremonies of Ida Batara Turun Kabeh and Paneduh Jagat .
Ogoh-Ogoh Parades in Bali
Nyepi will soon be upon us ( 5th March ) and already you will notice, if you have been walking around the backstreets, the Balinese busy making their effigies for the parade.
Exploring the Bukit Peninsula – South Bali
One might think that there isn’t really that much to see to the south of the tourist area on the Bukit Peninsula except for the odd temple and some brilliant surfing locations.
When in Bali…Visit a Temple
Known as the Island of the Gods , Bali has over a thousand temples and each with its own purpose in Balinese religion .
Chinese New Year in Bali
Today is Chinese New Year , or Imlek , throughout Indonesia and the world. The Chinese communities in the major cities throughout Indonesia, Jakarta, Semarang, Surabaya, Bandung and Yogyakarta, will…
The Ancient Lontar Scripts of Bali are Going Digital
Some of you reading this might not realise what a lontar is or is importance in the ancient Balinese culture . Basically, a lontar is written history and Bali has a unique way of preserving it.
Pura Besakih to Clean Up its Image
It has been some time since I last visited the Mother Temple of Bali; Pura Besakih .
Places to Visit in Northern Bali
Although Bali is a small island there is still so much to see and do, and, it will take more than one trip to the island to cover most of the attractions.
Bali & Indonesian Public Holiday Dates for 2011
Whenever you travel to Bali it is useful to know prime dates of celebrations and public holidays . There are certain dates on the calendar when everything is closed; such as Nyepi .
Seven Stunning Places in Bali
There are so many places and objects to see in Bali that it would take quite a few years to see them all and, pretty much over the decades I have seen and explored Bali to the max.
Places to Visit in Bali: Tenganan
Tenganan is the most famous Bali Aga (original Balinese) village and is located close to Candi Dasa in East Bali. Villagers maintain a strict cosmology and social organization.
Galungan Starts in Bali Today
Today in Bali is the beginning of Galungan . Occurring once in every 210 days in the Balinese cycle of days, Galungan marks the beginning of the most important recurring religious ceremony that is…
Nude Beaches in Bali
Indonesia has a very strong religious and cultural background and serious rules regarding pornography -- so it should come as no surprise that there are really no beaches that are publicly marked as…
Festivals Bali
It is always a nice idea to know the major holidays and festivals in Bali. If for no other reason than to plan your trip around them.
Bali Flag
The Bali flag has a light saffron, or orange-yellow, background that has the coat of arms of the Bali province in the center.
Balinale International Film Festival 2008
Always one for a good film and especially those of other countries, I inevitably get enthused when there is a film festival on wherever I travel and starting tomorrow in Bali is the Balinale…
Temples of Bali: Pura Kebo Edan
On the road north from Bedulu towards Tampaksaring you will pass by the Museum Purbakala (worth a visit) on the right-hand side.
Ubud Writers & Readers Festival 2008
Burgeoning writers, published writers and those who are just lovers of literature, get your gear together and head to Ubud in a weeks time for the 2008 Ubud Writers & Readers Festival .
Tears at a Funeral
The other day I attended a funeral of a dear friend of the family and I was happy, celebrating in the life of the deceased person and what she had ahead of her.
Five Must-See Chinese Temples
Bali is renowned worldwide for its beautiful Hindu temples and although the predominant religion is Hindu Dharma , there are other places of worship on the island that are for those of other…
Temples of Bali: Pura Bukit Sari
When I visited this temple for the first time well over 25 years ago it was relatively unknown to tourists travelling to Bali .
Enjoy a Week of Chinese Celebration in Kuta
Not many visitors to Bali know of the existence of a Chinese temple in Kuta . In fact, when you leave Bali to head to the airport, you travel right past it and it is easily unnoticed.
The Karnival is on Again
With a motto of " A Celebration of Life ", the great and always interesting Kuta Karnival is on again in October down on the sands along the stretch of Kuta Beach .
Temples of Bali: Pura Tegeh Koripan
If you travel up to the north of Bali to Kintamani and see the stunning views of Gunung Batur from any one of the many restaurants situated there, you will also be able to view the expanse of Danau…
Temples of Bali: Pura Kehen
Most tourists that come to Bali , more often than not, have a temple or two on their itinerary.
A Quaint Little Church
Although the predominant religion in Bali is Hindu-Dharma , Christianity has a presence on the island.
Kuta Sidewalk Festival
Indonesians are great people for putting on spectacular festivals and I have seen a fair share on my travels around the archipelago.
The Rudana Museum: Peliatan, Ubud
Ubud is, without a doubt, the cultural heart of Bali and it is here you will find some of the best art galleries and museums on the island.
Tumpek Uduh
Across Bali today it is Tumpek Uduh . This is a day to offer respect to trees, particularly the coconut palm that are important to the livelihood of the Balinese.
In Search of Prasasti Blanjong
I had heard about it from Balinese friends, read up about it, and finally, went in search of it.
Sanur Village Festival
It’s back again for its third year after two very successful previous years. This fun and cultural events festival highlighting Balinese art and cultural performances will be this year around the…
Threads of Life
The Indonesian archipelago occupies an esteemed place in the world of textiles. Peoples of this vast chain of islands use a wide variety of woven, embroidered and resist-dyed techniques to prepare…
Bali Arts Festival Programme
The 30th Bali Arts Festival was officially opened yesterday by President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and it apparently was quite a colourful affair with dignitaries present like the Minister of Culture…
Bali Arts Festival
Without a doubt my favourite festival is the Bali Arts Festival and it will be held from June 14 to July 12 , and will feature a plethora of local and international performers.
Han Snel's Retrospective Exhibition: Ubud
Numerous foreign artists have made Bali their home and created their own themes and styles in painting the Balinese and their culture and religion.
Bali Kite Festival
There are several main cultural events in Bali that draw the crowds. For instance, the Bali Arts Festival , the Writer’s Festival to mention a few, but it is the Bali Kite Festival that is…
Silver in Ubud
As most tourists who have visited Bali and travelled to Ubud will know, there are a prolific amount of galleries and one of the most famous being the Neka Gallery , amongst others.
A Lesson from Waisak
Today, Buddhists across the country will celebrate Waisak , to commemorate the birth of the Lord Buddha, his enlightenment and passing more than 2,500 years ago.
Travelling the North-East Road Pt. 2
Waking to a glorious sunrise bursting over the ocean is one of those special moments and although reluctant to move on towards Singaraja along the north-east road, it was the adventurous side that…
Aneh-aneh Art and Uniques: Denpasar
How weird is weird? Well, nobody could answer that for sure including Tjia Jie Hong, the owner of Aneh-aneh Art and Uniques in Denpasar .
Bali Arts Festival Dates
The one festival and time of the year I enjoy is the Bali Arts Festival . A potpourri of drama , dance and culture combine to make it one of the most enjoyable attractions of the year.
Jason Monet Exhibition: Ubud
Art and orangutans don't appear to have much in common. However, for internationally recognized artist Jason Monet , conservation of the threatened primate starts with bamboo.
Two Exhibitions in Bali
Being a great lover of the arts and forever in galleries and museums , it is the art of photography that is my passion. Travel anywhere in Bali and the photographic opportunities are endless.
Nusa Dua and the Bali Tourist Development Corporation
Tourism in Bali has progressed along a somewhat unguided path but one of the times where planning was at a premium was the creation of the Bali Tourist Development Corporation (BTDC).
Balinese Dances
When in Bali you must see a traditional Balinese dance performance. One of the best places is the Royal Palace in Ubud. Here is a guide to Balinese dances.
New Years 2008 in Bali
Today is New Years Eve, December 31st 2007. Bali is gearing up for its biggest party night of the year and we have good weather to add to the good vibes.
Christmas Day in Bali
Christmas day in Bali was a wet one, with torrential rain soaking everyone who ventured out. My gang (alley) is partially flooded as was part of the garden.
Christmas Eve in Bali
Christmas Eve in Bali has crept up on us again. Living here full time one is aware Christmas is coming when the sales staff in shops and restaurants start wearing Santa hats in 90 degree heat.
Selamat Hari Raya Idul Adha
Selamat hari raya to all people of Muslim faith. Today is December 20th 2007 , and the big day ( hari raya ) is Idul Adha , the day that honors Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son for Allah.
Courses & Workshops in Ubud
Ubud is a cultural center and offers a multitude of classes to visitors. Here is a sampling with prices quoted December 7th 2007. • ARMA Cultural Workshops Jl.
Bahasa Indonesia / Basa Bali : Words beginning with 'p'
Visitors to Bali will see signs featuring words they do not understand. in the interests of expanding one's vocabulary, here is a selection of words in Bahasa Indonesia and Basa Bali beginning with…
Balinese ceremonial schedule for December 2007
Bali is referred to as the Island of the Gods because the Balinese people pay such attention to their Agama Hindu religion.
Important Balinese temples
Bali has thousands of temples, when you take into account the major temples, village and family temples.
Balinese women in modern society
Balinese culture has been referred to as the perfect form of socialism, with every member of the community expected to work, take part in community events and be invited to all community ceremonies.
Understanding Balinese Hinduism
Visitors to Bali will be immediately aware of the strength of the local culture and its Hindu based religion.
How European trade affected Bali
Bali as a trading point was known about to the Arabs and Chinese long before Europeans discovered the island.
Balinese caste structure
Bali is truly unique, in that it is the only Hindu island in Indonesia, a country dominated by Islam .
Balinese ceremonies both large and small
Balinese culture revolves around Agama Hindu , the local version of Hinduism. The highlights of this cultural / religious observance are the upacara (ceremonies) that are colorful and frequent.
Idul Fitri to begin on Saturday October 13th 2007
The Indonesian government has decided today that Idul Fitri , the celebration for the end of the month of Ramadan, will begin on Saturday October 13th 2007 .
Goa Gajah - the Elephant Cave in Gianyar Bali
Visitors to Ubud might enjoy visiting one of the most famous landmarks in the area, the elephant cave at Goa Gajah .
Bali getting ready for end of Ramadan deluge
We are a few days from the end of the Muslim month of Ramadan. Ramadan seems to get earlier each year because the Muslim calendar has 11 months.
Asia Pacific New Writing Partnership at the Ubud Writers and Readers Festival
The 2007 Ubud Writers and Readers Festival will not only be a magnet for lovers of literature and book readings, it will introduce the Asia Pacific New Writing Partnership , encouraging creative…
Enjoying a Balinese traditional dance performance
Balinese dances can be separated into 2 classes , dances for the gods and dances for the people .
Mads Lange 200th anniversary in Bali
Tuesday September 18th 2007 was the 200th anniversary of Danish explorer Mads Lange .
Working Besakih temple into a day trip in East Bali
Besakih temple is the most important temple in Bali. Though not the the most beautiful, Besakih is certainly the largest extending over 3kms into the surrounding forest.
Balinese temple ceremony in Denpasar Bali
Balinese temples really come alive during ceremonies. Even magnificent temples such as Pura Ulun Danu Batur or Pura Besakih look somewhat drab without the decorations and Balinese people in…
Pura Penataran Agung at Besakih temple Bali
Pura Penataran Agung is the main temple in the Besakih complex . For people who intend visiting the temple here is a map detailing the individual shrines and points of interest.
Map of Pura Penataran Agung
Here is a map of Pura Penataran Agung at Besakih temple in East Bali , detailing shrines and other important places.
Besakih temple Bali
Besakih temple is the most important temple in Bali. Known as the Mother Temple , Besakih sits on the western slop of Gunung Agung, the most holy place for Balinese Hindus.
Map of Besakih temple Bali
Here is map of Besakih temple Bali showing the location of the major temple structures.
Balinese funeral procession in Kerobokan Bali
Traffic jams are usually not fun and living in Seminyak Bali traffic jams are getting to be normal. Anyone who has tried to get from Kuta to Jl. Dhyana Pura recently will know what I'm talking about.
Will tourism destroy the Balinese identity?
An Australian friend of mine said to me a while ago "the more I travel the more I think the Balinese are a truly unique bunch of people." I think what he meant by that was the Balinese have somehow…
The evil witch Rangda: Part of Balinese culture
Anyone who has attend a Balinese temple dance will of seen, Rangda the witch-like character appearing in ritual good vs. evil dance with the Barong and other characters.
Odalan at Selanbawak Bali
When I moved to Bali in 2003 the main thing I was hoping for was a completely different culture from the one I was used to.
Economy versus culture
Tourism has had a massive effect on Bali and older Balinese people in particular are not always happy about the results.
Bali Arts Festival Denpasar Bali
The Bali Arts Festival in Denpasar is going well and this morning I joined musician Richard Kaal in a gamelan performance.
Bali Arts Festival features unique Balinese dances
The Bali Arts Festival in Denpasar is in full swing. My friend, musician Richard Kaal was asked to perform with his Balinese gamelan / western fusion, but didn't have time to practice for the event.
Bali Arts Festival: Denpasar Bali
The 2007 Bali Arts Festival is in full swing and today the scene at the Taman Budaya Cultural Center in Denpasar was lively. Taman Budaya is located on Jl.
Bali Dining Festival 2007
Bali is loaded with quality restaurants and in an effort to showcase these, The Bali Tourism Board , has teamed up with, Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited (HSBC), Bali Hotel…
Galungan in Bali
Today is Galungan in Bali. My friend Trisna who recently married Bert fom Australia, sms'd me ad siad she was lonely up inthe vilage near Besakih.
Galungan in Bali: June 27th 2007
Here in Bali we are on the eve of an important day. Tomorrow (June 27th) is Galungan and most local people will be heading back to their villages for a day to participate in ceremonies with their…
Bahasa Indonesia: Time & Date
Here is a short guide to time & date in Bahasa Indonesia. Jam berapa? - What time is it? Kapan dia buka / tutup?
SBY to open Bali Arts Festival
Indonesian President SBY will open the 2007 Bali Arts Festival in Denpasar. The festival is a showcase for Balinese culture, with representatives from every district, including artists, dancers and…
Trisna & Bert's wedding in Karangasem Bali
Attending Balinese ceremonies can be a fun and interesting experience and one I am glad to do once in a while.
Temples in Padangbai Bali
Padangbai has 5 major temples, Pura Dalem , located downtown, Pura Segara located next to the beach in between town and the main beach, Pura Telagamas , Pura Silayukti and Pura Tanjungsari in the…
Bahasa Indonesia: Relatives
Familiarity with the correct terms for relatives can come in handy, especially if you are married to a local. Here are some words and expressions in Indonesian that relate to one's relatives.
The padmasana: Balinese Lotus Throne
Balinese temples differ slightly in their layout, but retain many similar elements. The most important part of of the pura (temple) is the jeroan (inner courtyard).