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Local culinary art

Bali History and Culture August 03, 2020
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In Bali, you have various choices concerning culinary tastes and places to eat. You can find a lot of local varieties from the simplest “nasi goreng” (fried rice with vegetables) or “satay” (chicken or pork with peanut sauce) to refined cuisines with natural spices like the “bebek betutu” (duck cooked on the grill) or “Ikan pepes” (grilled fish in a banana leaf). Balinese food is principally made with rice, fresh vegetables, peanuts, chicken and of course chili. Spices are frequently used in Indonesian cuisine in general, and this country is well known for its rice. Indeed, Indonesia owns the best rice growers in the world.

Concerning the meat, local people prefer poultry, seafood, and eggs. Red meat is not the specialty in Bali, and in the other parts of the country also. You can eat red meat in Bali anyway, but it will be difficult to find the same quality as in European countries.

You can even find some other dishes made with dogs, monkeys, mice, lizards, and bats. It is not common, but if you are looking for new culinary experiences you can find that in Indonesia.

Concerning the places to eat, there are restaurants in almost every street, mostly the typical Balinese restaurants called “warung”, a cheap place where you can eat local specialties. There are many kinds of warung, with more or less choices. It is the perfect place to eat in a typical atmosphere and to familiarize yourself with the Balinese lifestyle.

Of course, touristic areas are also part of the island, especially in the South. You won’t have any difficulties finding places such as sophisticated restaurants with tastes from all over the world.

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Bali's Hidden Water Temples

Bali Spirituality February 02, 2024 3 Min Read

Bali's Hidden Water Temples: Guardians of Spiritual Harmony

 

Amidst the lush landscapes and vibrant culture, Bali harbors hidden water temples and sacred sites that hold profound significance in the island's spiritual tapestry. Join us on a journey to unveil the secrets of Bali's hidden water temples and discover the spiritual guardians that watch over the island's cultural soul.

 

Tirta Empul: The Holy Springs of Purity

Nestled in the village of Tampaksiring, Tirta Empul is a water temple renowned for its sacred springs that are believed to possess purifying properties. Pilgrims and visitors alike partake in a ritual bath within the temple's pools, guided by a centuries-old tradition of cleansing the body and soul in the spiritually charged waters. The temple's intricate architecture and the rhythmic flow of its springs create an atmosphere of tranquility and reverence.

 

Goa Gajah: The Elephant Cave's Subterranean Waters

Goa Gajah, or the Elephant Cave, is an archaeological marvel that hides a sacred bathing pool within its cavernous depths. As you explore the carved stone entrance and the ancient meditation chambers, you'll encounter a hidden pool fed by natural springs. The subterranean waters of Goa Gajah have long been associated with ritualistic bathing, symbolizing purification and spiritual renewal.

 

Gunung Kawi Sebatu: Balinese Temple Oasis

Nestled in the lush highlands of Sebatu, Gunung Kawi Sebatu is a serene water temple surrounded by tropical gardens. Its holy spring is revered for its crystal-clear waters believed to bring blessings and harmony. The temple's tranquil setting, away from the bustling tourist hubs, offers a contemplative space for visitors to connect with the spiritual essence of Bali.

 

Pura Taman Ayun: Water Temple of Mengwi Kingdom

Pura Taman Ayun, a royal temple of the Mengwi Kingdom, showcases the architectural brilliance of Bali's water temples. The temple complex features tranquil moats and gardens, with the main sanctum surrounded by lotus-filled waters. The symbolic representation of the cosmic ocean and the temple's role in maintaining spiritual balance make it a hidden gem among Bali's cultural treasures.

 

Saraswati Temple: Lotus Bloom Amidst Ubud

Ubud's Saraswati Temple, dedicated to the goddess of knowledge and the arts, stands as a testament to Bali's artistic heritage. The temple is adorned with lotus ponds, and its intricate stone carvings reflect the island's devotion to culture. Saraswati Temple is not just a place of worship; it is a sanctuary where the arts and spirituality converge in a harmonious dance.

 

Pura Mengening: The Sacred Spring of Secrets

Tucked away in the village of Tampaksiring, Pura Mengening is a lesser-known water temple revered for its serene atmosphere and a sacred spring believed to have mystical properties. The temple's ancient stone structures and the soothing sound of flowing water create an ambiance that invites contemplation and introspection.

 

Balinese Subak System: Sacred Water for Rice Terraces

While not a traditional water temple, the Subak system of water irrigation is a sacred practice deeply intertwined with Bali's spiritual and agricultural identity. This subak system, recognized as a UNESCO Cultural Landscape, symbolizes the harmonious relationship between water, rice terraces, and the spiritual connection the Balinese people have with their land.

 

Air Panas Banjar: Hot Springs Amidst Tropical Surroundings

Located near Lovina, Air Panas Banjar is not your typical water temple, but it holds a unique charm with its hot springs believed to have healing properties. Surrounded by lush tropical vegetation, the sulfuric waters create a natural bathing experience that reflects Bali's connection to the healing energies of its landscapes.

Sekumpul Waterfall: Nature's Temple of Cascading Waters

Sekumpul Waterfall, though not a traditional water temple, is a natural wonder that mirrors the sacredness attributed to water in Balinese culture. Surrounded by lush jungle and accessed through a trek, Sekumpul captivates with its majestic cascade, offering a refreshing and immersive encounter with the natural elements that inspire spiritual reverence.

 

The Spiritual Essence of Bali's Hidden Water Temples

In the heart of Bali's hidden water temples, a profound spiritual essence unfolds. Beyond the physical structures and natural springs, these sacred sites embody the island's belief in the interconnectedness of nature, spirituality, and the daily lives of its people. As you explore these hidden gems, you embark on a journey into the soul of Bali, where the sacred waters weave a tapestry of harmony that transcends time and space.

 

In conclusion, Bali's hidden water temples stand as guardians of spiritual harmony, offering a glimpse into the island's deep-rooted connection with the sacred elements of water and nature. Each temple, with its unique rituals and enchanting settings, invites visitors to experience the timeless magic that defines Bali's cultural and spiritual identity.
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Bali island full colors

Bali History and Culture August 31, 2020

Balinese wear the most beautiful traditional clothes during religious ceremonies or to attend a wedding for example. Balinese women would look almost like princesses in their brightly colored outfits. For the men's an aura of serenity emerges from them. Behind these colors, there’s a signification.

For women, hair is important. In order to look like the beautiful Drupadi Princess, the bun is the favorite hairstyle of the Balinese. According to tradition, all women must carefully tie their hair, for those with short hair locks of hair are added. They must tie their hair so that they don’t fall into the area of ​​the temples and preserve the sacral temple. For special events, such as a wedding, their tooth filing, a lot of golden metal flowers are stitched into their hair.

Before women were dressed in a long piece of cloth, more than three meters, around their chest, called sabuk. Nowadays, the Balinese wear the kebaya, beautiful long-sleeved shirts, colorful lace and transparent, and below the corsets. With fashion, the shirts become shorter and now reaches the elbow. Around the waist, they wear a sarong, a piece of cloth carried to the ankles, and finally the selendang, the belt is tied to it.

Always well assorted, the whole is very colorful!
The traditional men's outfit consists of a white shirt and a kamben around the waist and covered with another slightly shorter fabric of another color called the saput. The traditional belt is put on the shirt. The Balinese carry the turban on their head, this one is a udang with two petals symbolizing good and evil.

Originally, the kebaya must be of the color of purity and glory, white symbolize purity and yellow triumph. It’s only during cremation that the Balinese women wear dark colors. However, exceptions are made according to castes.

Today, the Balinese follow more fashion, luxury, and this is felt according to social status.

 
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Kites in Bali

Bali History and Culture June 20, 2023

All You Need to Know about Kites in Bali

 

Flying kites in Bali marks the peak of the dry season when the wind blows strongly. During this season, the pelayang (a term for kite hobbyists) have started to fly their kites which have been a part of Balinese culture for hundreds of years. These hobbyists are also often referred to as Rare Angon. Find out more about kites in Bali in this article:
 

History of Kite in Bali

 

In Bali, people call the act of flying kites "melayangan," and it is closely connected to the ancient story of Rare Angon. Rare Angon is believed to be the God of Kites in Balinese culture. Legend has it that during the kite season or after the harvest, Rare Angon comes down to Earth. He carries a flute, which he plays to summon the wind.

 

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Rare Angon is anybody who is enthusiastic about making and flying kites in Bali.

Photo from Canva

 

Apart from the mythical tale, flying kites is a popular activity among farmers and shepherd boys after the harvest season. They take advantage of this time to fly kites in the freshly cut rice fields while taking care of their animals.

 

The term "Rare Angon" can be understood as a shepherd boy. It perfectly describes the cultural context in which this tradition developed, with children playing the role of shepherds while playing the kites.

 

Various Shapes of Kites in Bali

 

Balinese people have a rich tradition of creating various types of kites. These kites can be classified into three main traditional shapes in Bali. However, over time, Balinese people have also embraced a free and creative approach, crafting kites in the form of cars, ships, and even popular characters and public figures in 3D. While the possibilities are endless, we will focus on the three traditional types that are frequently made for competitions:

 

Bebean

 

The bebean kite, named after the Balinese word for "fish" (be), is crafted in the shape of a fish. This kite features a head, body, legs, and kepes (also known as gleber), which are flag-like pieces of cloth on its right and left sides. In larger sizes, the bebean kite may also incorporate a sound element called guwangan.

 

Guwangan consists of a thin wooden stick fastened with plastic or rattan ribbon, forming a semi-circular structure. When the wind blows, the plastic or ribbon produces a distinct sound.

 

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Bebean is the fish-shaped variant of Balinese traditional kites.

Photo from Canva

 

During competitions, judges evaluate the bebean kite based on its ngelog, which refers to the harmonious left and right motion. Additionally, the combination of colors, the balanced shape of the head, body, legs, kipasan kepes, and the sound of guwangan are all essential factors in the assessment.

 

Different regions have their own unique styles and characteristics of bebean kites. Examples of these styles include Badung, Denpasar, and Sanur styles.

 

Janggan

 

Janggan, which translates to "dragon," derives its name from the dragon-head shape found at the tip of the kite. This particular kite is easily recognizable due to its exceptionally long tail. When we say long, we mean it's truly lengthy. On average, Janggan kites measure around tens to a hundred meters in length. 

 

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Janggan kite is the highlight and most anticipated kite in the Bali Kite Festival.

Photo from Canva

 

In 2016 however, the Layangan Naga Raja (dragon king kite) set a record with a wingspan of 11.3 meters and a staggering length of 250 meters, equivalent to a quarter of a kilometer. Its weight is equally astonishing, reaching 707 kg or 1558 pounds. 

 

It comes as no surprise that Naga Raja requires assistance from numerous vehicles to transport its components to the flying site, along with hundreds of people to launch, maneuver, and control it. The majestic kite last graced the skies in 2019, and its banjar (community organization) has decided to temporarily retire the kite indefinitely.

 

Pecukan

 

The pecukan kite is the simplest in shape compared to other traditional kites. However, despite its simplicity, the process of creating this kite is the most intricate because it requires extremely precise balance on both sides of the kite. Not just anyone or undagi (kite maker) can craft Pecukan type.

 

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Pecukan kite is more simple in appearance but has the most demand for its creation.

Photo by Budiadyana on denpasarnow.com

 

Its shape is similar to the body of the janggan kite, with the only distinction being the frame. The body of the janggan kite has a round shape, while the pecukan kite is semicircular. Another distinguishing feature is that the tip of the pecukan kite needs to be twisted.

 

Flying the pecukan kite also requires a certain level of expertise. The person handling the kite (nunjuk) must have a deep understanding of the wind's strength. This kite is highly sensitive to gusts of wind, making it necessary to be mindful of the wind conditions while flying it.

 

Bali Kite Festival

 

This event, which has gained international recognition, is usually held by the Denpasar city government or various art communities in Bali. The kite festival is typically held in the Sanur area, either in Padanggalak or Pantai Mertasari. Due to the remarkable success and growing enthusiasm over the years, the Belega Layang-Layang Club (BALAC) has decided to join the trend and organize a similar event in Gianyar on July 22-23, 2023.

 

Teams participating in the competition represent various seka (kite community) and banjar (community organizations) from different areas. It is astonishing to witness the size of these teams, with an estimated count of 70-80 people on a single team, each having their distinct responsibilities. These include logistics management, handling the gamelan (traditional instrument), carrying the flags, and, of course, flying the kites.

 

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Bali Kite Festival in Mertasari Beach, Sanur.
Photo by Johannnindito Adisuryo on Wikimedia Commons

 

Before and after the kites take flight, a ritual ceremony is conducted to purify the kites and offer prayers or mantras as an expression of gratitude for the abundant harvest. Even as the kites gracefully soar through the sky, the recitation of prayers continues, accompanied by the melodious sounds of the gamelan baleganjur.



In conclusion, the art of kite flying in Bali is more than just a recreational activity; it is a vibrant reflection of the island's rich cultural heritage. It is a testament to the creativity, skill, and deep-rooted traditions of the Balinese people. So, the next time you visit Bali, don't miss the opportunity to witness the awe-inspiring beauty of kite flying in Bali. Salam Rare Angon!

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