Surfing in Bali

Bali is part of the Indonesian archipelago of 18,700 islands and lies approximately 8°C south of the equator. The majority of the population of Bali are (Balinese) Hindu, a unique mixture of Hinduism & Buddhism. The unique religion and culture of the Balinese people is one of the reasons the island remained an oasis of peace and calm throughout the chaotic times in Indonesia since the fall of the Suharto dictatorship in 1999 and has helped sustain the spirit of the island during the last few years as Bali and the Balinese people have suffered their own turbulent times of unbelievable sorrow and the resulting economic hardships.

Bali is blessed by nature with a short, hot wet season and a longer, cooler, dry season and tourists flock here all year round. Many tourists choose to arrive in the dry season - which nowadays appears to cover a longer period from April to late November. The busiest period is during the holiday season of August, which is also the coolest month on this Island of the Gods.

Contrary to popular belief, Bali’s waves were being surfed by both visiting and local surfers as early as the late 1930s and not, as popular surfing legend has it, that the island of Bali was first discovered as a great surfing destination by a group of Australian surfers. Although, when these first Australian surfers began arriving on the island of Bali in 1967 they introduced the island to the first serious surfing equipment.

While Bali may no longer be a “frontier” surf destination, it still lies at the heart of the Indonesian surfing experience and is a mandatory stopover for anyone on their first surfing trip to Indonesia. Bali is also the first and last stop for most of the surfers traveling on to some of the legendary breaks in G-Land, Lombok or Sumbawa, or the more distant areas of East Nusa Tenggara, Mentawais and North Sumatra.
Bali has traditionally been the starting point for nearly all Indonesian surfing tours. Bali boasts over 20 top quality breaks on the southwest and southeast coasts of the island and around the Bukit (Uluwatu) Peninsula. Some of these, like Padang Padang & Uluwatu, are world class barreling reef-breaks. Others range from fun waves on the beach-breaks around Kuta and Sanur to serious heavy, sucking waves.

Having so many surf options available within such a short distance to the Kuta and Legian beach area means that after your surf you can return to a plush hotel and enjoy a long, lazy meal, lounge by the pool, take a nap in an air conditioned room and watch satellite TV. Alternatively you can party at the discos each night, enjoy some of the local brew, all of which has definite appeal after spending one or two weeks on a surf charter boat, or in a very basic surf camp on Java or Sumatra. The peak of the surf season for Bali is April - October when solid swells are produced by the roaring 40’s and can be surfed on the reefs around Kuta, Uluwatu, and Nusa Dua. Unlike most other areas of Indonesia where it is all heavy reef breaks, Bali also has a lot of beach-breaks on offer which are less likely to cause a surfer of novice or intermediate ability to get injured as can happen on the larger waves on the reef-breaks.

The surf in Bali is generally not huge, but most often in the 2-6 foot range (shoulder-high to double overhead). Larger waves can occur on some of the exposed reefs, but a mellower surf break can always be found in Bali by anyone who wishes to avoid life-threatening conditions. Bali has surf breaks both the west-facing and east-facing coastlines and, because of this an offshore wind can be found somewhere on the island on any given day. Because of the number of surf breaks and the quality and consistency of the waves in Bali, it is still possible to find a many places to surf with only a small to moderate crowd.

The surf is always up on the Island of the God’s! and regardless of what country you hail from you will feel the mystique of surfing Bali’s beaches …with so many exotic locations available on the island you can choose from white sands, black sands, amazing scenery, traditional fisherman and fishing villages which all add to the unique experience that comes with Surfing Bali.

Ngaben

Ngaben, Bali Cremation Ceremony

Balinese Religion is based on respect for and worship of God and ancestor. It is believed that after death, the body must be dissolved and returned to its original elements. Ngaben, the Balinese word for cremation is a purification rite which frees the spirit from its temporary earthly house and facilitates its journey to its next existence.

It is a custom and part of a tradition in Bali when someone dies, the whole villager (where one was lives) will help with the preparation for the cremation. The dead body is laid out in a special part of the house to be bathed and prepared. The night before the cremation, holy water will be collected from some main temple and used in preparation of the body and during the cremation. The entire villager (but especially for family and relatives) will participate on the day of the cremation ceremony. Before the body cremated at the cemetary, it will be placed into a wadah, after at the cemetary, and then they body of the deceased is placed inside a coffin which is then placed inside a form of a lembu (cow) which believes to be the vehicle of the spirits, made of paper and light wood. It will be carried to the village cremation site (usually in the village cemetery) in a procession. The ultimate procession is to burn the Wadah, using fire from a holy source.

When all the procession has done the ashes are placed in the sea, and it is the final separation of the soul from the body.

Car Transportation Rental

MERTADANA Rent A Car / Mr Komang
Phone 7449090
Katana: Rp 75.000 - Rp 100.000
Avanza/Xenia : Rp 150.000 - Rp 200.000
Supra : Rp 25.000 - Rp 30.000
Motor matic : Rp 30.000 - Rp 35.000

RARA Rent A Car
Phone 7977824
Jl. Mertanadi Kuta
Jimny : Rp 115.000
Karimun : Rp 175.000
Xenia/Avanza : Rp 200.000
Taruna : Rp 200.000

NURI Rent A Car / Mr Ketut Suarta
Phone 081 7971 5412
Kuta Beach Street Gg. Nuri no.3
Jimny + driver : Rp 150.000

Balinese Monkey Dance

Kecak dance, better known as the Balinese Monkey Dance. Recently, about 5 thousand people gathered, some whipping themselves into a trance, at Tanah Lot, Bali, Indonesia to pray for the return of tourism. That may sound crass and commercial but tourism is entwined in Bali’s spiritual, cultural and economic life. I have spent a lot of time in Bali over the years and I miss it. The last time I was there was just after the bombings a couple of years ago. Farmers, flower growers, artists, performers, were all devastated both morally and economically by that tragedy.
Bali is a mishmosh of Hindu and animist traditions — an island in an otherwise Muslim country — and the monkey dance has elements of the Ramayana along with something called sanghyang, an exorcism ritual. It is said be a piece of choreography created in the 1930 by a local dancer and German artist Walter Spies. In fact, around that time, artists came from all over the world. You find tourists incorporated in traditional paintings. One of the clearest explanations of Bali art, dance and culture can be found in the Mexican artist Miguel Covarrubias’ 1937 book “The Island of Bali.

In the Ramayana tale, monkeys help Prince Rama fight the evil King Ravana. Sure, the Monkey Dance was created with a tourist audience in mind. But then art, music and dance in Bali is nourished by tourism. Without an audience, it would have withered. Bali is still one of the most inspiring and intriguing places on earth.

Pura Besakih

High on the slopes of Bali’s Mount Agung sits Pura Besakih, widely referred to as the “Mother Temple” of Hinduism in Bali. Pura Besakih, or Besakih Temple in English, is the largest of the island’s 11,000 or so Hindu temples; its 35 shrines and halls draw devotees from all over Bali in massive numbers each year.

The world is lucky to have Besakih. In 1963 Mount Agung, a volcano, erupted and destroyed several nearby villages. Besakih was untouched.

The temple is generally agreed to date back to prehistoric times in Bali. It is named for Naga Besukian — the dragon-god thought by pre-Hindu Balinese to inhabit this, the highest mountain in Bali. But at the beginning of the 11th Century Besakih became the state temple at a time when Bali was no mean kingdom. It has remained the state temple in some form or another ever since and is state supported today.

Like most Balinese temples, Besakih is not a closed building but a mostly open-air affair. It is made up of courtyards with altars and shrines devoted to a number of gods. And those gods have better things to do than just hang around a temple; the Balinese believe that the gods visit a temple on particular dates — and on those dates the Balinese hold festivals to honor (or placate) the gods. Of all the temples on Bali six are “supremely holy:” Pura Besakih, Pura Lempuyang Luhur, Pura Gua Lawah, Pura Batukaru, Pura Pusering Jagat, and Pura Uluwatu. Of these, Besakih stands higher than the others — not because it sits some 3000 or so feet above the ocean on the mountain’s side, but because it is more sacred to the Balinese. It is said to be the only classless, casteless temple on the island where any Balinese Hindu can come to worship.

Bali’s Hinduism is unique. Many scholars believe it gives us a view of Hindu beliefs much as they existed 1500 to 2000 years ago. Hinduism was once the dominant religion in much of Southeast Asia and empires in the region where ruled by god-kings — empires like Funan, Sri Vijaya, Angkor, and Bali.
The Hinduism of Bali is less fragmented than that of modern India. Balinese are generally said to worship one god, Brahman, who manifests himself in various forms or personalities.

Lee Arnold, in his article on The Temples of Bali, quotes an anonymous Balinese who explains their views: “I am just one person; someday I might be a farmer, another a driver, yet another a cook, but I am still only one person.” In the same way the Hindu “gods” Siva and Vishnu (Siwa and Visnu in Balinese) are really just different manifestations of the one god, Brahman, in Balinese theology. While this may be true, temples generally end up serving as places where one of Brahman’s manifestations is worshipped; and Besakih is dedicated largely to Siva worship.

While the Hinduism of Bali may provide a glimpse into the religion’s past it is by no means pure. Balinese religion has kept Islam at bay, but has absorbed aboriginal animism and Malay cultic ancestor worship along with aspects of Mahayana Buddhism.

The temple’s anniversary, Odalan, is an excellent day to visit if you are looking for pageantry. But you should expect a crowd of several thousand people. That ceremony comes in the tenth month of the Balinese calendar, usually in April.

By Greg Cruey.

Kintamani

A trip to Kintamani is 3 hours, one way from Kuta. Some people like to do that on day trip, but others prefer to stay in the area and have a chance to relax, look around and try to escape the mad tourist rush during the day.

Penelokan, the crater-rim village to the south of Kintamani has a decent hotel, the Lakeview Hotel (0366) 51394. Rooms overlook the crater, and the hotel has decent rooms, with hot water. Mid-range pricing.

I don’t personally care for the Penelokan / Kintamani villages. If you look at a physical map of Bali, you’ll see a line of mountains going east-west across the central northern part of the island. Stroms come in from the south and clouds always form on the southern side of the mountains. Penelokan and Kintamani, being the top corner where the clouds tend to hang. If you go through Kintamani and round the northern rim of the Batur crater, you’ll be amazed. The north coast is immediately in view and the skies clear.

Ocean Blue Bali Hotel

Embracing the landscape in the hills above the Nusa Dua enclave,
Ocean Blue Hotel Bali is an exclusive retreat that invites guests to experience genuine Balinese hospitality and the luxury of villa living.

Ocean Blue Hotel Bali is a collection of stylishly appointed villas recreate a small community in a design that combines traditional Balinese architecture with modern home comforts and conveniences located next to the exclusive resort complex of Nusa Dua.

Each villa features a private pool and bale set within a generous garden environment, separate living room, elegant bedroom with canopied bed, state-of-the-art bathroom with jacuzzi and personalized services.

141 luxury private pool villas:
* - 101 Grand Deluxe One Bedroom Pool Villa
* - 37 Imperial Two Bedrooms Pool Villa
* - 3 Star Presidential Three Bedrooms Pool Villa

In-villas Facilities:
* - Air conditioning and Ceiling fan
* - Flat screen satellite television
* - Home entertainment system with VCD and DVD player
* - IDD Telephone
* - Internet connection
* - Mini bar
* - Safety deposit box
* - Living / dining area
* - Coffee & Tea making facility
* - Hair Dryer
* - Jacuzzi bath tub
* - Separate shower and toilet

Beverly Hills Bali

Discover the hillside beauty of Bali from a new luxury private villa complex nestled into the mountains overlooking Jimbaran Ocean. Cooler climes await visitors to this hidden gem known as The Beverly Hills Bali, a two-hectare property with 25 villas designed to suit the needs of families in need of fun and honeymooners in search of a romantic getaway.
The Beverly Hills Bali has been designed not only for honeymooners but also for those set to take their vows. Wedding facilities are available and ceremonies can be performed in the gazebos overlooking a valley of acacia trees and indigenous flora and fauna, perfect for those wishing to take home precious photographs of that special day.

The Villa
All of the 25 luxuriously appointed villas are contemporary, yet subdued. The clever use of lightings and wooden ceilings and floors accentuate a romantic ambience and enjoy a stunning sunset view. The one bedroom villa is designed for honeymooners or couples in love. The two and three-bedroom units suit for a family or small group. The open living area is the center of the villa and private party can be arranged on the terrace with our trained staff to handle your needs.

Accommodation
14 units one-bedroom villas
10 units two-bedroom villas
1 three-bedroom villa

All with anormous en-suite bathrooms, private pools, and bale bengong (day-time bed)

Villa feautures: IDD telephone, Broadband internet access, Big flat screen TV, Satellite TV, Latest premium sound system, Electronic personal safe, Premium bathroom amenities, Mini bar, Big refrigerator, Large bathtub, Massage bed, Butler service, Bathrobes and slippers, Hairdryer, Fully equipped kitchen, In room coffee / tea maker

Entertainment
Entertainment is a part of services that should be there on your wedding to make your very special moment more unforgettable. For your party or reception, we offer a variety of entertainment options. Choose from traditional Balinese dancers, gamelan orchestra, acoustic Trios or Quartet or classical accompaniment to create the evening of your life.

The Spa
The 25 private villas all have spacious secluded gardens, swimming pools and ‘Bale Bengong’ with thatched roofs where you can relax or enjoy a massage from our professionally trained Spa Therapists in total privacy. Massage can also be done in your oversized bathrooms, which is equipped with massage beds.

Guests can enjoy one of the best massages in Bali at three different locations on our property. Try the Household massage with oils on the special massage beds provided in your spacious bathroom. The dry massage combining Thai and shiatsu techniques is best experienced on the day bed next to your private swimming pool. Or you can try both at our special spa center complete with aromatherapy and soothing music. Wherever you choose, you won’t be disappointed!

2 (two) hours spa treatment
I. House hold massage
The treatment starts with a foot wash, using essential oil and sea salt scrub. Then it is followed by a very technical massage using firm pressure and stretching technique. You will wear a massage costume and no oil is used. It is good for blood circulation and aching muscles. It releases tension, increases vitality and flexibility and creates wholeness of body, mind and spirit.

II. Flower petals
This treatment starts with a cleansing foot wash that uses sea salt and essential oil to nurture one of the most neglected parts of the entire body. The indulgence continues with a traditional Balinese Massage using a sensual red rose oil blend to evoke a feeling of deep relaxation and eliminate all traces of travel weariness. A nourishing Avocado Wrap brings this ritual to an end where fresh avocado pulp is applied to the body that is then wrapped with a sarong. Fresh avocado has extraordinary conditioning properties and restores the PH balance of the

The Beverly Hills Bali
Jl. Goa Gong, Banjar Santhi Karya, Ungasan, Kuta Selatan 80362, Denpasar - Bali - Indonesia
t. +62 361 8481 800 * f. +62 361 8481 888
reservation@balibeverlyhills.com, www.balibeverlyhills.com

Bali Elephants Boutique Villas

Tucked in the fabulous hills area of Jimbaran, and take about 15 minutes drive from Bali International Airport and the noted Kuta area.

Believed as a romantic escape, wedding anniversaries, group retreat or just to relax to recharge your energy after the hard work throughout the year. The incomparable privacy and tranquility and great view to the beach made the great background for any occasion you name of like weddings, birthdays, celebrations, ceremonies, banquets, family and business gatherings or other private functions.

Also perfect place to relax and down all your guard in Bali Elephant Boutique Villas for the tranquility and the quietness will help you to recharge your energy and ready to pounce again after your precious holiday.

Accommodation
The 4 villas are settled in the beautiful and tropical garden surroundings and perched in the high of Jimbaran hills. Built in traditional Balinese style architecture, using natural materials of wood and stone to create such beautiful and sturdy construction as a proof of excellent skill and imagination. Each villa is equipped with open air private bathroom (running hot and cold water), kitchen, private veranda, plunge pool,living room, television, and air conditioning.

Room Facilities
Air Conditioning (individually controlled), Private balcony, Color Television with satellite channels, Safety Box, Refrigerator, Self Service Kitchen facilities, Open bathroom with open shower & bath tub, Garden terrace, IDD telephone, and Mini Bar

Villas Facilities
Swimming Pool, Spa and Beauty Salon, Laundry and Dry Cleaning Service, Parking area, Safe Deposit Box, Doctor on Call, Taxi services, tours, water sports, Airport transfer, welcome drink, Room Service until 10 PM, Postal Service, Car Rental and 24-hours security.

BALI ELEPHANTS BOUTIQUE VILLAS
Jl. Ritz Carlton GG Kencana No. 9
Jimbaran Bali Indonesia
E-mail: bali_elephants@indo.com

Putri Bali Villa Seminyak Bali

Putri Bali Villa offer 8 villas categorized into one, two, three and four bedrooms villas. All which an experience in style, artfully blends modern and traditional elements.

Each villa features a private entrance, private swimming pool and garden, living room with satellite TV and multi stereo system, dining room and fully equipped kitchen.

The room facilities include satellite TV, air conditioning, IDD phone, hot and cold running water, bathtub, safe deposit box, hairdryer and slipper.

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