Two Farmer Activities in Tabanan Get Record of MURI

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Although it was not a performing art, a total of 735 Balinese women roasting coffee in open space became an intriguing spectacle. Their traditional activity could draw many visitors and made them amazed. Moreover, the background was beautiful and panoramic view of terraced rice fields, so that it looked like an innovative theater.
The activities of housewives roasting robusta and arabica coffee en masse involved 735 participants from community of Belimbing tourism village, Pupuan subdistrict. From the morning, the beautiful rice field had been visited by the public, without the exception for foreign travelers who were spending holidays in Bali.
Not only that, the rice harvest activity at Subak Jatiluwih also drew the attention of the public. Such traditional activity was followed by 521 farmers in typical attires. The beautiful subak region renowned for its terraced fields seemed to have become a broad stage as presenting natural and creative theater players.
Both farmer activities in the rice granary region were held in a series with the celebration of the 521st anniversary of the town of Tabanan. Other than being unique and beautiful, the daily activities of farming communities were also attended by hundreds of participants to break the world record. The two events were recorded by the Indonesian World Record Museum (MURI). Charters of the award were handed over directly by the Senior Manager of MURI, Paul Pangka, to the initiator of the coffee roasting and mass rice harvest, Ni Putu Eka Wiryastuti, the Regent of Tabanan, Monday (Nov 24).
Regent Eka stated that Pupuan coffee owned by Tabanan had been recognized for its flavor. The coffee produced by the communities of Pupuan village had also been exhibited in national and local markets. “We want the investors running the business in this field to glance at the potential we have. In the future, we must stimulate the cooperation relationship, so that our farmers do not get difficulty to market their crops,” she said.
Regent Eka added that harvesting process by using traditional rice manual cutter would have an attraction to travelers for visiting the area. “The potential of specific rice plant development can support the food security and tourism activities,” she added.
Meanwhile, the Head of the Tabanan Forestry and Plantation Agency, Roemi Liestyowati, said that Pupuan subdistrict was an agricultural area where 43 percent of the land was planted with robusta and arabica coffee. The flavor of Pupuan coffee was incredible and already famous.
Then, the Head of the Tabanan Agriculture and Horticulture Agency, Nyoman Budana, said the organization of the mass rice harvest was expected to be able to build camaraderie and mutual cooperation in maintaining the agrarian culture in Bali.www.bali-travelnews.com

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Ubud Cultural Arts Festival

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To commemorate the 100 years of Gong Kebyar, the Community Empowerment Agency (LPM) of Ubud village organized the Ubud Cultural Arts Festival, Friday (Nov 7). The event was centered at the Catus Pata or central intersection of Ubud by showcasing various colossal displays. Thousands of travelers from various parts of the world seemed enthusiastic to join the show.
Dozens of artists from various genres were also involved in the art extravaganza. Among them, there were Koko Jazz Music Group, Gita Semara Flute Troupe, Balot, Tindak Alit, Cok Savitri, Dayu Ani, Genta Putra Sesana Gamelan Troupe of Ubud Kelod and comedian Cedil. The festival taking place for four days also featured the performances of old artists, performances of new art composition and filled with art discussion.
Minister of Tourism, Arief Yahya, was present accompanied by relevant Director General and praised the continuity of the tradition and culture in Ubud. He appreciated the Ubud village which had earned an award from the Conde Nast Traveler magazine as the best tourist destination in Asia (The Best City in Asia) 2013. “Ubud is just like the Spirit of Bali itself, created with love,” he said.
Arief judged the Gong Kebyar was a masterpiece created by a special process and had a magnificent philosophy. With combination of the aesthetics and harmony, the gamelan produced a composition that would fascinate for anyone who witnessed it. “This festival serves as a form of learning to improve creativity,” he added.
Minister of Tourism Arief then emphasized the principle of Academia, Government, Business and Community (AGBC) to maintain the tradition ingrained in the human artists of Ubud and Gianyar in general. “In keeping with the passage of the four elements, the existence of the art and culture can survive,” said the Minister of the Working Cabinet.
The Head of LPM Ubud, Cokorda Raka Sukawati, accompanied by Chairman of the Committee, I Wayan Sudirama, invited all people to re-interpret and understand with depth of Gong Kebyar philosophy itself. The milestone of Gong Kebyar was an age shift in the community against all the complexity of the monarchical feudal systems in the 1800s.

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Cultural Wonders of the Royal Pejeng Performance

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Supported by Local Artists

An art performance entitled ‘Cultural Wonders of the Royal Pejeng Performance’ drew the attention of the audience. Held at the Soma Negara Grand Palace of Pejeng, Saturday (Nov 8), it did not only present beautiful choreography, but also talented artists of local village. Dozens of foreign travelers watched it and had dinner with the festive touch of a strong culture. The performance of classical arts such as psalmody, leather puppet, human puppet and cak a cappella entitled ‘the Death of Kumbhakarna’ was staged by local artists. The art show would be regularly held every full moon with the performance of various arts, especially the mask dance and Legong Dance in accordance with the potential owned by Pejeng village.
At the beginning of the art performance last month, the artists were indeed brought in from outside the village. “It is an effort to empower the artists owned by Pejeng in the performing arts,” said senior figure of Soma Negara Palace, Cokorda Rai Widiarsa Pemayun, doubling as First Assistant of the Gianyar Regional Secretary.
Pejeng village, explained Cok Rai Widiarsa, was known to have a lot of tourism potentials either in terms of nature, art or ancient relics. However, as a companion to tourist area of Ubud village, this ancient village had not been touched maximally by the tourism sector. “To revive the cultural heritage and tourist attractions of Pejeng, we then hold an art performance every full moon or every month,” he said.
Exploration of the potential and preservation of the art and culture would be done across the villages or subdistricts in Gianyar, so that it could be developed as a tourist attraction. To achieve this goal, the government had formed a creative team in charge of exploring and drafting the potential of each village and realizing it in the form of performance on an ongoing basis.
Headman of Pejeng, Cok Agung Kusumayudha Pemayun, had confidence if the arts of Pejeng village had revived, it would bring in travelers because Pejeng village was the crossing path of travelers that would visit Batur Kintamani, Bangli. “We do hope the tourism potential of Pejeng village can rise up and become a tourist attraction that will have an impact on improving the people’s welfare,” he hoped. (BTN/015)www.bali-travelnews.com

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Mapag Toya Ritual, Invoke Rain to Overcome Drought

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Prolonged drought this year has made farmers in Tabanan difficult to get water. To invoke the abundance of water, farmers in Tabanan held a mapag toya or fetch water ritual. It is a tradition of farmers conducted to invoke water in the East Selemadeg subdistrict taking place on Wednesday (Oct 15) at Bedugul Temple of Subak Aseman IV. The Regent of Tabanan, Ni Putu Eka Wiryastuti, was also present at the ceremony.
The ritual officiated over by Ida Begawan Sekar Taman from Jelijih, East Selemadeg, was the first held at subdistrict level. Meanwhile, for each subak had become a regular agenda and held each year before the planting season.
Secretary of the Subak Aseman IV, Made Wijana, explained that mapag toya ritual was intended for invoking holy water in relation to the rain invocation. Started with saying prayers at Aseman Temple, the procession was resumed to Bedugul Temple of Subak Aseman. Other than praying to invoke holy water, it was accompanied with the implementation of small-sized pecaruan exorcism rite. “We have faced drought for nearly eight months. Although we got the assistance in the form of corn seeds, fertilizers and pesticides from the government, due to the prolonged dry season, we suffered substantial losses,” he said.
Subak Aseman IV posed one of the six groups in the Subak Aseman spreading across the area of East Selemadeg. Of the 2,340 hectares of paddy field at Subak Aseman, Subak Aseman IV had an area of 140 hectares with 230 members. But since the drought, most farmers preferred to let their land be vacant without being cultivated.
Drought issues in Tabanan got the attention from the Regent of Tabanan, Ni Putu Eka Wiryastuti. According to her, the drought was a common problem that should be addressed. One of them was by asking for guidance to God in order it could rain immediately with the mapag toya ritual. “God is the Creator. It is only to Him we are asking for help. Do not ever stop because God will always hear the people’s prayers,” she convinced.
She hoped that such an activity could also be implemented in all other subdistricts. At the end of the event, the regent along with the farmers of Subak Aseman held joint prayers at the Bedugul Temple of Subak Aseman IV. (BTN/kmb)www.bali-travelnews.com

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Wayang Pakeliran of Denpasar City Explores Makassar City

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Wayang Pakeliran of Denpasar City organized a performance in Makassar City, last weekend. Trans Studio Mall located in the Northern area of Losari Beach, Makassar, posing the venue at that night suddenly became the visitors’ point of interest. They came to witness the arts from the Island of the Gods.
Performance of the collaboration arts with female puppeteer Ayu Putri Suryaningrat was able to hypnotize the audience. With the accompaniment of batel (as using batel gamelan), Ayu Putri successfully delivered the message of the arts to the public of Makassar. Along with 27 supporters, the collaborative art of the shadow puppet was able to show the superiority of Balinese art.
It was revealed by the Secretary of Denpasar Culture Agency, Nyoman Sujati, as the group leader, Monday (Nov 3). “Our presence in Makassar is in relation to meeting the invitation of the Makassar Municipality in welcoming its 407th anniversary,” said Sujati.
At that time, Denpasar as the envoy of Bali got the first chance so that it did not waste time to take action. Starting from setting up the stage such as preparing the screen, supporting properties, lighting and others were made perfectly.
When Ayu Putri Suryaningrat served as a puppeteer, she presented the show entitled Kunti Puja. The story began from the Goddess Kunti who showed her persistence based on a deep sense of love and was trying to keep her baby from the clutches of the Goddess Durga. The difference in the good and bad character among Balinese people known as Rwa Bhineda or basic dualism accidentally featured in accordance with the conditions of the present time. She and other supporters were able to play beautifully and attractively.
Collaboration of the shadow puppet and human puppet was coupled with adequate lighting arrangement. It became a magnet for everyone who watched as well as became a different presentation from the previous ones. Consequently, throughout the show the community of Makassar never stopped to give applause while immortalizing the scene by scene through the shots of photo and video cameras as well as their phones.
Secretary of the Denpasar Culture Agency, Nyoman Sujati, as the group leader was accompanied by Alit Sudibya and Spokesperson Sudiana said that their presence in Makassar was in order to meet the invitation of Makassar Municipality in relation to welcoming the 407th anniversary of the city. “Denpasar City was chosen as the performer considering Denpasar is believed to have many famous cultural attractions,” she said. (BTN/015)www.bali-travelnews.com

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Taman Ayun Temple at Central Badung

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As the Royal Family temple of the Raja of Mengwi

Pura Taman Ayun is a beautifully apointed temple, with its own surrounding moat, in the village at Mengwi, Badung Regency, 18 Km. West of Denpasar. The history of this temple is closely associated with the begining of the Rajadom of Mengwi, in 1627 B.C. it was built in 163-1AD. at the time at the rule of the first Raja of Mengwi. I Gusti Agung Ngurah Made Agung, who later become known as Ida Cokorda Sakti Belambangan. As the Royal Family temple of the Raja of Mengwi. This temple is a place to worship the Royal ancestors, who find their rest in a special shrine known as the "Gedong Paibon".www.bali-travelnews.com

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Taksu of Kertagosa fades out

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Restoration to the roof of Kertagosa in current technique draws a concern of numerous public figures in Klungkung County. One of them is Ida Bagus Pidada Kaut. Recently, he assessed the techniques applied in maintaining to restoring the roof of Kertagosa had made the taksu or divine vibration of the royal historical heritage faded out, even vanished. This humanist asked the local government to prepare a ritual means for guru piduka (apologetic ritual) and pejati even though the restoration process was still ongoing.
Ida Bagus Pidada Kaut stressed that Kertagosa posed an asset of Klungkung. He agreed to the implementation of restoration. However, he cautioned not to change the design, materials, layout and style or it should be preserved as the original design. It was certainly not easy because such restoration should follow the principles of cultural heritage. So far, his party claimed that humanists in Klungkung County had not been invited to make coordination by relevant agencies, with respect to the restoration of Kertagosa. He was concerned if the restoration process was undertaken in that way, so the original design of Kertagosa would be lost as occurred in the northern compound wall of Kertagosa.
“I do not know whether the restoration by this technique can still maintain the original condition. It is unbelievable, the historic relic like Kertagosa is restored in the current technique,” he said. He warned, anyway Kertagosa was a silent witness to the glory of the past era of Klungkung kingdom. Thus, it was the obligation of local government to maintain and preserve its existence. Other than guru piduka and pejati, he also asked local government to hold caru rishi gana exorcism rite. Anyhow, something that had been restored, especially the royal relic, should be returned to the original condition spiritually by ritual. He worried the taksu of Kertagosa would fade out.
Meanwhile, the Head of Klungkung Culture and Tourism Agency, Wayan Sujana, when contacted on Wednesday (Oct 8) asserted that the roof restoration of Kertagosa claimed to have complied with the restoration standards for historic site as a cultural heritage. Even, his party previously claimed to coordinate with the Klungkung Grand Palace and the BP3 Bali. He also admitted to have offered guru piduka and pejati ritual, where it had become the responsibility of the project contractor before starting the works. Meanwhile, the rishi gana ritual was still under consideration as Kertagosa did not belong to temple category needing such a grandiose ritual. The repair process was also directly inspected by the Regent of Klungkung, Nyoman Suwirta, last Monday.
The regent wanted to make sure if the restoration process had been going on properly as initial plan. Restoration to the roof of Kertagosa was scheduled to have been completed on November 13. At the moment, the completion of Kertagosa Pavilion and Floating Pavilion had reached 60 percent. (gik)www.bali-travelnews.com

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Sapi Gerumbungan: Traditional Cultural Attraction worth Knowing

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The Sapi Gerumbungan or cow racing is cultural attraction as well a traditional game of farmers. This cow racing always attracts public attention of Buleleng and travelers. Indeed, it previously has faded out, but now the cow racing is virtually always given an opportunity by the Buleleng government in big events such as the anniversary of the town of Singaraja, the Lake Buyan Festival, the recent Lovina Festival and the Sail Indonesia.
In the Lovina Festival, for example, the cow racing parade was an event receiving special attention from the public in attendance. When the participants moved and made the attraction, dozens of photographers directed their camera to take a unique picture of the running and tastefully decorated cows.
The effort of the government by providing an opportunity for farmers to hold the cow racing was an appropriate measure to save the agrarian art of Buleleng. Without such preservation, it will only leave in a story within a few years to come. Or people will only know the event through the cow racing statue at the intersection of Banyumala, Singaraja, without the real attraction that can be witnessed by children and grandchildren.
Indeed, only few farmers at some villages in Buleleng are still faithfully preserving the cow racing. They are truly loyal farmers becoming Bali cattle keepers and preserver of the famous cow racing tradition in the past. “The cow racing is very appropriate to preserve this cultural attraction owned by farmers,” said a farmer watching the Lovina Festival. Creation of cow racing is inseparable from the bonds of affection and love between farmers as custodian and cows as cattle. The art was created in the simple agricultural realm, but the date of creation was hard to trace back. At that time, the farmers in Buleleng were possessed by an anxiety while waiting for harvest time.
Amidst the anxiety, farmers said prayers in order to get abundant harvest. When obtaining a good harvest, they promised to decorate their cows having been used to plow paddy fields. The cows were decorated like a dancing human being. The cows were given a headdress, neck ornament and okokan or cow bell, leg bracelets and other items to make them look like a dancer while plowing.
In short, the harvest yields of farmer were abundant. Then, the promise to decorate the cows was carried out. People gathered and the decorated cows were used to plow and they were exhibited at subak area. From such activity, farmers then got new ideas to make the attraction of art. In fact, the other farmers were also interested in decorating their cows while plowing in paddy field.
When all the cows were decorated, an idea came to their mind to do a simple competition in paddy field after harvest. Each farmer competed for a pair of cows along with plowing equipment such as neck binder and soil flattener. The element of competition was not only the decoration on the cow’s body, but also the smartness of the cows to dance. From the activity, people had the term ‘the cow head looked up beautifully and the tail looked like durian sprout’ where the cow tail straightened healthily and curved beautifully.
When competed to run, the steps of the cows were trained to generate melodious and rhythmic sound of music. Then, local people got the terms of tabuh pisan or tabuh ro as could be found in the lelambatan gamelan composition. The cow steps were combined with the sound of cow bell mounted on the neck. As a result, it generated coherent sound like music with simple tones.
In the long run, the cow racing evolved to entire subak areas in Buleleng. Famous villages for this kind of cow racing included the Kaliasem, Pedawa, Munduk and the surrounding villages in Banjar subdistrict or Tegal hamlet in the town of Singaraja. Meanwhile, in Eastern Buleleng there were Bebetin, Jagaraga, Menyali, Sawan, Lemukih, Galungan and other nearby villages. For farmers, the cow racing was then symbolized as a memorial to the Rare Angon, a child figure in the Hindu mythology who is always playing in the paddy fields and villages.
In Buleleng, people believe that Banyumala area located in the western edge of the town of Singaraja was the first area used as the arena of cow racing followed by all farmers of Buleleng. On that account, at the intersection of Banyumala, exactly in front of Banyuasri Terminal, was established a quite large cow racing statue that can draw the attention of passersby.http://www.bali-travelnews.com/Art-and-Cultural

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Tipat-Bantal War, a Unique Tradition at Kapal Village

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When thrown at something, one will be definitely upset. Even, not a few are offended to result in revenge. However, this one is different where the local community throws tipat-bantal at each other while dancing merrily. Moreover, those exposed to the toss will dance following the music without any ambition or revenge.
It is a brief description on the tipat-bantal carried out by Kapal village, Mengwi subdistrict, Badung, Tuesday (Oct 14). This tradition is regularly held every year in Sasih Kapat, around September to October. This tradition is closely related to farming life of Kapal village implemented as an expression of gratitude to God for the abundant harvest at the village.
The implementation is centered at Desa and Puseh Temple. Tipat (diamond-shaped rice bag) is interpreted as a symbol of feminine energy (pradhana) and bantal (Balinese long glutinous cake) as a symbol of masculine energy (purusha) represented by the presence of mother earth or the earth in physical form as the soil. The resulted food is the main weapon to defend the life itself.
The tipat-bantal war tradition this year became more unique since it was collaborated with the art composition. A dance drama composition choreographed by Anak Agung Gede Rahma Putra was presented with the storyline about the origin of the war. The composition presented Baris Bantal and Rejang Tipat Dance by teen artists. Its musical accompaniment used selonding gamelan set so that it gave a regal and classical impression.
The composition told about the arrival of Ki Kebo Iwa on the assignment of the King of Bali, Asta Sura Ratna Bhumi Banten to repair the Purusadha Temple at Kapal village. However, once upon a time the Kapal village was found in famine condition, where people had no food and it led to chaos and pathetic condition.
Ki Kebo Iwa eventually invoked an instruction to the Creator by meditation at the Purusadha Temple. In his meditation, he got a revelation from Hyang Pasupati instructing the local residents to implement the Aci Rah Pengangon or Aci Rare Angon by presenting tipat-bantal. Both offerings served as the symbol of the source of life because the cause of the famine was in the absence of the source of life.
Since then, the ritual was routinely implemented where people gathered in front of the Desa Temple of Kapal village. Local people then divided themselves into two groups, each of which held tipat and bantal as weapon. Baleganjur gamelan music and the sound of kulkul or wooden split drum accompanied the war. After an instruction from local village apparatus, both groups then attacked each other by throwing the tipat-bantal.
At the beginning, the war took place in the middle courtyard of the temple and then it was resumed to outer courtyard, highway of Kapal village. The tipat or bantal was just like a bullet dashing so quickly. People who became throwers were trance-like and striking blindly. Even, many of them were topless, but still put on customary clothing such as headband, fabrics and selempot.
Although having to throw in one direction, namely northward and southward, some ignorantly threw towards people who witnessed the war tradition. However, they were all excited and happy. Interestingly, despite attacking and throwing each other with tipat and bantal, none would get wound or injury. Even, they vivaciously expressed more laughter.
The war lasted for about 30 minutes and then ended with a mutually shaking hands and forgiving. All the residents then cleared the path from the remnants of the tipat and bantal. Residents were also advised to take some pieces of the tipat and bantal to take home, and then spread in the moors and paddy fields.
Chief of Kapal customary village, Anak Agung Gede Dharmayasa, said that taking some pieces of tipat and bantal to the home symbolized a request that all residents could still be bestowed with the abundance of fertility, food and welfare. “This is a form of respect for the universal energy creating the life and a procession to preserve the life survival with the concept of keeping the motherland, as the land is a tangible manifestation of the giver and sustainer of life for every creature on this earth,” he said.
Kapal village, he explained, had a total of 2,247 families spreading across 18 customary hamlets. For this event, each family was required to submit 1 kg of rice or sticky rice. From this submission, the village could collect at least 1,800 kg or 1.8 tons of tipat and bantal. “It is also in part because some are not coming,” he added.http://www.bali-travelnews.com/Art-and-Cultural

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Body painting enlivens the seventeenth NDF

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The prestigious Nusa Dua Fiesta (NDF) was enlivened by various interesting activities drawing the attention of visitors. For instance, there were 28 local and international artists and models who voluntarily participated in the body painting event that also jazzed up the inauguration of the seventeenth annual Nusa Dua Fiesta, Monday (Oct 13). Body painting has its own charm, which is sometimes underestimated. As a matter of fact, the art of painting with the medium of human body has its own difficulties compared to the use of painting media such as canvas.
Chairman of the Nusa Dua Fiesta 2014 Organizing Committee, Ida Bagus Abdhi, explained that the body painting for this year was adjusted to the NDF theme namely Love, Peace and Harmony that would be painted by local artists. “Hopefully, all the artists getting involved could express their artistic capability on the models’ body according to this theme,” he said. Later, he added, that the jury would select three of the models and artists. “Criteria for the assessment related to our theme namely Love, Peace and Harmony, the quality of the art and aesthetic of the painting results that may not contain any elements of pornography at all,” he said.
Meanwhile, Jango Paramartha, a local artist, on that occasion said that the body painting contained a touch of contemporary art. “What we are doing is far from pornography because it is an improvisation originally expressed on canvas as the medium. Then, it is replaced with one’s body,” he said.
According to him, the art of body painting could only be produced in Indonesia if did not go  up against the laws on pornography. In Bali, the art of body painting demonstrated that the artists were given the freedom to express their own creativity.
Dewa Jodi who had already participated in the body painting event of the Nusa Dua Fiesta claimed that this art form has its own intrinsic challenges.. Other than the difficulty of making the paint stick to the skin when painting the clothes worn by the model, the paint also quickly gets absorbed so that a lot of paint is required for the colors to remain bright.
“It is also difficult, sir, compared to painting on canvas because the paint cannot have texture onthe skin. Much paint is required especially when painting on T-shirts which absorbes so much moisture” said Jodi.
Meanwhile, Vinka who twice acted as a model, claimed that being a model in the body painting event was quite tiresome. “It’s tiring to stand for so long and sometimes the paintbrush is ticklish.” she said.

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Lovina Festival Presents Sacred Art

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50 Yachts from 12 Countries Participate in Sail Indonesia    

Sail Indonesia will be held coinciding with the Lovina Festival on Thursday (Sep 25). This international event involved totally 50 yachts from 12 countries around the world. The yachts are ready to moor on Lovina Beach, Buleleng. “Today, dozens of yachts have moored,” said the Head of Buleleng Culture and Tourism Agency, Ketut Warkadea, while giving a press conference, Tuesday (Sep 23).
Warkadea said that the government had made data collection of the yachts having moored on Lovina Beach. The crews also began to administer their visa in the Immigration Office of Singaraja. They were mostly from Australia, while others from Germany, Malta, Spain, the United States, New Zealand, the Netherlands, United Kingdom, France, Belgium and Canada.
He was optimistic that the Sail Indonesia 2014 could provide economic impact on the community in supporting the tourism area of Lovina. Although the crews did not stay at hotels existing at Lovina, the yacht crews were admitted to give micro-economic impact on the buffer zone of Lovina.
In other words, their sojourn would generate transaction at traditional market. Here, the crews of the yachts began hunting groceries for their voyage needs to Karimun Jawa on Sunday (Sep 28). In addition, they also bought mineral water in bulk and gases, including fuel. Everything had been well coordinated by the headman of Kalibukbuk.
Besides, they also took some tour packages. The most wanted package tour was the one-day city tour program. The package itself had been widely sold by tourism practitioners around the Binaria Beach at Lovina. “If Lovina is nice and safe, they will surely promote it by word of mouth, including posting the experience on their blogs. This can be a trip reference in the future. On that account, we hope there is a support from the community and media partners,” said Warkadea.
Related to Lovina Festival, Warkadea ensured there would be a different atmosphere. All the yacht crews dropping in at Lovina would be graced with Lovina Festival in different nuance from the previous one. Last year, they were entertained with the Sang Hyang Memedi Dance, but this year they would be jazzed up with the Sang Hyang Legong Dedari Dance, where they were equally categorized into sacred dance.
“There are many additional activities, such as culinary exhibition of the Indonesia Hotels and Restaurants Association (PHRI), photography competition, free satay distribution and kite fighting games. Indeed, we still maintain some activities,” said the man doubling as Chief of the Kubutambahan customary village. (BTN/015)http://www.bali-travelnews.com

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Enjoy Bali by Surfing in Batu Bolong Beach

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Almost similar with Echo Beach, Batu Bolong Beach that located in Canggu Village, Kerobokan District, Badung or about 200 meters adjacent to Echo Beach presents a big and dazzling waves for surfing. The magnificent sunset also support this beach become more fascinating. Even, this beach has been the one of famous destination after Kuta that visited by foreign tourists who want surfing. It is also suitable for recreation or relax while enjoying the fresh atmosphere that flows from the Indian ocean.
To reach this place the tourists have to enter Batu Bolong street or about 35 km from Ngurah Rai Airport. Besides Surfing, this beach is usually used as Hinduism Ceremony where in front of the beach there are two temples namely Batu Bolong Temple and Luhur Bhujangga Waisnawa Temple. This is the reason this beach has been well known by foreign tourists as the best surfing spot with interesting Hinduism activities.
Kelian Banjar Dinas Desa Adat Canggu, I Wayan Mustara said, in certain day like Piodalan Day in one of those temples, the place often visited by Canggu Village society. “Fhurthermore, when there are ceremonies of Melasti, Mendak Pratima, Mesuci and Melukat, the people from outside the village such as Kapuan, Baturiti, Petang and Abiansemal frequently conduct the ceremony in this beach. This ceremony sometimes eye catching the tourists to take some pictures of it,” explained Mustara.
Mustara stated, The good access of this place may the tourists stay longer around here to enjoying everything, aside from surfing and conducting ceremonies. “the activities in the east side of the beach is fishing. “There is a fisherman group named Merta Segara Canggu that still conserved since 1986 when it was legalized. It is still use traditional ship to catch the fishes, it is actually the tourists attraction of this beach,” he said.
The tourists that want to enjoy surfing can rent surfing board in this beach. “If the tourists want to rent surfing board, it is only IDR 150.000 to 200.000 according to the size and IDR 40.000 for body board. If they are interesting to use hut, beach clothes or accessories like necklace, bracelets, they can buy in the seller around this beach,” Mustara added.  (BTN/ocha)http://bali-travelnews.com

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Ngaben Anyar tradition at Sampalan customary village

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Residents of Lekok hamlet, Sampalan customary village, held the tradition of ngaben anyar cremation, Monday (Sep 1). Implementation of the tradition was quite unique, where the body was handled first before continuing to the next stage of cremation procession.
Chief of Sampalan customary village, Ketut Sujana, said that the ngaben anyar did not took place as usual. When a public figure or resident of higher social status died, they would be cremated through the ngaben anyar tradition. However, the implementation would also highly depend on the economic condition of the family. Sampalan village consisting of 16 hamlets remained to preserve the local ngaben anyar tradition. In regular cremation, the body was usually cremated, but in the ngaben anyar tradition the body was even worked on first.
Sujana asserted that the cremation applied patus system in which that all residents participated in the process of cremation ceremony. “This ngaben anyar procession applies internal patus system. In other words, the activities only involved the internal family, while other residents helped the preparation,” he explained.
The difference of ngaben anyar from the cremation in general lay in the process of preparation. After the body was handed over to residents, they would parade the body to the front of funeral home. The procession was held in tense condition. Moreover, when the body began to be put into bade tower, the residents mutually pulled it.
“It is called ngarap procession. On that account, the ngaben anyar is also often called ngaben ngarap,” Sujana said. On the one hand, a group of people pulled the body so that it could be quickly put into the existing bade tower. On the other hand, another group held the body so that the body was not immediately put into that bade. People often referred to the process as a rwa bhineda (basic dualism) concept in order to respect the differences among the people. Besides, such a process was also believed to bring in fortune. People believed that they would get strength if they could palpate the body. In addition, it also represented sincerity (of family) against the resident who died. Thus, the process took place joyfully.
The resident cremated with the ngaben anyar tradition was the deceased Ni Ketut Ribek, wife of the Chief of Lekok hamlet, Sampalan Klod, Nyoman Badung. She died four days ago due to aging and complication of disease

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Monkey Forest

Nice Place to See Cute Monkeys

Seeing hundreds of monkeys hanging around the trees and roaming in the forest, apparently becomes a memorable experience for the tourist. Moreover, having an opportunity to hold the monkey and feeding some bananas for them, certainly it is very exciting.
It was experienced by Rae Kelli Hofmeister who first came to Bali especially Ubud Monkey Forest Tourist Attraction. “We are having a great time in Monkey Forest. We are surprise because there are many monkeys that are very close with the human. I can see the baby monkeys, in which they looked cute when hanging under their mom. It is so fun,” she revealed friendly.
The tourist who is traveling with ten of her friends was also have the opportunity to hold and took picture with tame monkeys. “I held one monkey here. I little bit scare but it was interesting.  I was very happy because this the first time I held a monkey,” said the foreign tourist from Minnesota.
Besides visiting the Monkey Forest, Hofmeister and her friends also went in several art shops, carpenter, wood carving, stone carving and restaurant in Ubud. “Definitely I suggest everyone to come here and I hope, I will come back sometimes, "said the lady who likes traveling. (BTN/ocha)http://www.bali-travelnews.com

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Cooking Class at Laplapan, Petulu Village

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Accustomed to enjoying Balinese traditional food? Of course, it will not be complete for you without revealing the secret behind the delicious flavor. Well, to enrich the experience on traditional dishes belonging to the Hindu community in Bali, it is worth trying to make it. The art of cooking Balinese authentic taste with local ingredients will make a more unique experience while vacationing on the Island of the Gods.
Cooking class widely attended by foreign travelers is located at Laplapan customary village at Petulu, Ubud subdistrict, Gianyar. Then, the number of operator continues to increase, including the Paon Bali Cooking Class, Payuk Bali Cooking Class and Manggang Bali Cooking Class. All venues organizing the cooking class utilize local ingredients and are guided by professional chef.
Paon Bali, for instance, a place providing cooking class, is quite unique because it uses traditional kitchen, so that all the participants can find and feel a different atmosphere when the event take place. “Participants do not only process, but also get involved in the preparation from the beginning to enjoy their cooked foods,” said Ni Luh Made Puspawati, the chef and owner of the Paon Bali Cooking Class.
In this case, the Paon Bali Cooking Class provides two schedules in accordance with the time of participants. The morning class starts at 08:15 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., while the afternoon class starts at 4:15 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Those wishing to learn to cook will be picked up from hotel where they stay. The transport services are not only available for participants in Ubud area, but also for those staying outside Ubud, such as Nusa Dua, Kuta and Sanur.
Prior to cooking, all the participants are invited to buy ingredients and traditional cooking appliances at local market. They are taken from choosing the fresh ingredients, bargaining process to paying for them. In addition to buying meat and vegetables, the participants are also involved in the purchase of various types of spices. “The Paon Bali is a kind of household introducing the Balinese life,” she said.
The participants are also introduced to the overview how Balinese people produce rice starting from plowing, planting and reaping to completing the ceremony. In this process, many travelers want to try it. They are ready to get dirty in the mud with farmers, and then it is resumed to visit local village to introduce a Balinese house compound. “This is one of the favorite tourist activities while they are on vacation in Bali,” she said.
To start the cooking class, all the participants are involved in cleaning, cutting to grounding the spices traditionally by means of mortar and pestle. Then, it is fried into condiment or seasoning. Furthermore, they are taught to make soup as appetizer. “After the participants enjoy the soup they have prepared, the class is resumed to make twisted satay,” she said.
While the satay is grilled by the officers, the participants are taken to make lawar, jukut urab and gado-gado. After enjoying the food cooked, the participants then learn to make compote. “All the participants will learn how to prepare a complete menu including appetizer, main course and dessert,” said Puspa seriously.
In this learning process, the participants are guided by two instructors namely Chef Puspa and Chef Wayan who have a wealth of experience as a chef at some hotels. Both instructors have a hobby of cooking and the descent of traditional cook. They are very friendly and fun, so that the cooking class on Balinese cuisines becomes more attractive and memorable. (BTN/015)http://www.bali-travelnews.com/

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Explore Your Creativity

The 8th Legian Beach Festival (LBF) will be held for four days started on August 28 through 31. The annual event will be carried out on Legian Beach, Kuta. The special feature of the event is Joged Bungbung Dance. The event wants to promote the right Joged Bungbung dance. This is because the dance was known as an erotic dance.
There will be performance on the dance by the art group who won the dance competition in bali. In the performance will be shown the correct Juged Bungbung dance in terms on movement and structures. “Joged Bungbung will become the icon of the event as an effort to revive the good image of the beautiful dance,” said the head of the LBF Committee, Nyoman Sarjana in Selato Pizza on Padma Street, Tuesday, August 19.
He also stated that the dance is actually a friendship dance and it is possible to make the dance as the tools to make friend with other nations. “We can collaborate with the foreigners in the dance. This is one of the reasons why we chose Joged Bungbung as the icon of the event,” Sarjana said.
LBF will be filled with many interesting activities such as for children, there will be painting and drawing, and also dance competition. For surfing lovers, there will be a special session with professional trainers from abroad. Surfing contest and fun bike also will be carried out in the event.
LBF is also aiming to make Legian as the promotion event in Bali because many regencies in Indonesia take part in the event. They will present their own unique culture and nature. “Many stands are built to give the opportunity to many regencies including those in Bali to promote their own uniqueness,” Sarja explained

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Pisang Rai Sela, Delicious Refreshment for Farmers

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Probably you have been familiar to enjoy various typical cakes of Hindu community in Bali, but you must try this snack. Local people call it pisang rai sela. Actually it is almost the same as the jaja pisang rai in common, but the former uses different main ingredient, namely cassava.
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Jaja Klepon as ‘Trade Mark’ of Tanah Lot

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When making a visit to Tanah Lot, travelers will be happy. The attraction situated at Beraban village, Kediri subdistrict, Tabanan does not only offer a beautiful nature or the aura of temple sanctity. More than that, the loveliest tourist attraction becoming a favorite to travelers also offers culinary tourism.
Jaja klepon (ball cake) seems to have become a ‘trade mark’ to Tanah Lot tourist attraction. There is a saying mentioning if Tanah Lot is identical to jaja klepon. Quality of this refreshment is having soft texture. The green color utilizes the extract of suji leaves, while the red one utilizes the ingredient of brown rice. When crushed, it will be easier to be swallowed.
This typical refreshment of Tanah Lot is a very tasty. Middle-aged housewives sell the refreshment at roadside or after the entrance to the center of Tanah Lot Temple (located in the middle of the ocean). They are lining up neatly in the street. Even, some of them can speak foreign language fluently.
The traders of this refreshment usually wear wrapped towel around her head. In addition to functioning as head cover, it also functions as the basis while carrying the basket of their refreshment container. Interestingly, among the traders some of them have been selling for a long time before having children until having grandchildren.
When purchasing, the dark green klepon will be wrapped in banana leaf and topped with grated coconut. To enjoy it, simply put it into the mouth, close the mouth and then chew it so that its sugar sauce will not squirt out. It feels sticky and chewy.
To maintain the distinctiveness of jaja klepon, the management of Tanah Lot tourist attraction once held a festival of jaja klepon. In addition to becoming the advantage of Tanah Lot, it can also serve as souvenir. “Jaja klepon is not only favored by local community, but also by foreign travelers,” said a woman selling the jaja klepon who was ashamed of mentioning her name.

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Legong Buwuk as the Answer of Disaster

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This traditional dance is better known as Legong Buwuk. The look and movement are similar to other Legong Dance. It is one of the classical dances having always been an icon of Balinese dance. The Legong Buwuk was inspired by classical Legong having existed before.
It presents the aesthetic paradox of the original Legong Dance. Generally it puts on neat clothes with sparkling golden head ornament. However, it is unlike the case of Legong Buwuk which only puts on simple costumes. Even, the costumes seem random because the fabric was obsolete. Its head ornament is without gold leaf so that it looks so obsolete.
The birth of this art poses a response to disaster experienced by the family of Mrs. Ni Made Kinten as the leader of Miniarthis Dance Studio, Karangasem. The fire incident had destroyed all the properties including her precious costumes, songket and gringsing fabrics. Kindled by the incident, her son I Gede Gusman Adhi Gunawan then got up and answered the disaster by composing a Legong Dance.
This famous choreographer was then inspired by the fabric remnants left by the fire to compose a dance entitled Legong Buwuk. Creation of the dance also received the support and input from the House of Cultural activists at Penggak Men Mersi whose musical accompaniment was interpreted by I Wayan ‘Pacet’ Sudiarsa. This dance is accompanied by Gong Suling gamelan music displayed at the Open Stage of Ardha Candra, Bali Art Center, recently.
In its performance, it also featured some dance creations such as the Songket Dance, Janger Ngapat Dance and Glow Bali Station Dance. The captivate performance by young artist community of Karangasem was closed with a spectacular fire dance by Adi ‘Siput’ Saputra and friends. (BTN/Suka)

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Bali Bird Park

Beautiful Place Filled with Birds Collection

Traveling to Bali seems more colorful when you are able to see collection of birds from many countries. This fun activity can be enjoyed by the guests in Bali Bird Park located at Singapadu Village, Sukawati Gianyar. The great experience was described by the foreign visitors from Saudi Arabia Hisham and Sukainah. They are very happy to interact and hold the birds in their hand.
Hisham who coming with his wife said, during their stay in Bali, they plan to go to some tourist objects including Bali Bird Park. "We got the information of this object from a friend. Then, we are interested to explore and see this beautiful tourist destination. Our first impression, this object is really attractive. We can enjoy some events offered here. I think this place is great, so we love it," said the tourist. Guyu Guyu Corner is one of interesting area in Bali Bird Park, he stated. "Here, I stopped for awhile to hold the birds and take picture with them. I was so happy having opportunity to get closer with many beautiful birds. We will share this moment to our friends and recommend them to come here," He said excitingly after taking picture with some birds.
While, his wife Sukainah added, they are very impressed, not only because the birds collection but also the atmosphere in the park. "This is the first time we come to Bali and Bali Bird Park as well. Over all are very good and the staffs are friendly.
That is amazing!" She added. (BTN/ocha) 
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Royal Cremation at Ubud Grand Palace

Cremation or ngaben is a common ritual organized by Balinese Hindu community. However, the cremation taking place at Ubud Grand Palace is relatively different. In addition to being unique, the royal cremation performed by the descendants of the royal family draws many local people and foreign travelers. Cremation belongs to Pitri Yajna or a ceremony devoted to ancestral spirits as an obligation to the ancestors of the Hindus. It aims at cleansing the spirit of the deceased person by cremation at cemetery. For a royal family, the cremation generally has the same meaning. The difference only lies in the tradition as referring to the concept of desa (place), kala (time) and patra (situation).
One of the royal families of the Ubud Grand Palace, Tjokorda Oka Artha Ardana Sukawati, said the royal cremation held at Ubud Palace actually had the same general purpose. “In Hinduism, we know Tri Rna (three debts to be paid) namely the debt to God, debt to ancestors and debt to teacher. Well, the debt to the ancestors must be paid with cremation ceremony as a form of last devotion of a child to his parents,” he explained The man familiarly called Tjok Ace revealed that cremation at Ubud Grand Palace was very complex and took a long time, ranging from the making of Bade tower used to transport the corpse and sarcophagus such as in the form of bull used to cremate the corpse.
“Royal cremation has a relative time depending on the circumstances, starting from the preparation to the summit of ceremony. By and large, the cremation ceremony held in the palace takes place for a month or more. However, when my mother died, such ceremony took about four months as the implementation depended on auspicious day. So, during which the body was kept at funeral home.

The ceremonial procession in general, explained Tjok Ace, was started with melaspas (purification ceremony to all the elements used in the cremation) and then it was resumed with the procession from Ubud Grand Palace towards the Dalem Puri cemetery. After that, the procession was carrying the ashes into the ocean. The communities involved, explained Tjok Ace, reached hundreds of people. They started from relatives and society from 12 hamlets existing in Ubud. “Actually only four hamlets are directly involved, but some other hamlets have kinship with us and others deliberately volunteer and participate in assisting the cremation activity,” he said.
“We also involve some Brahmin priests belonging to the school of Shiva and Buddha. In addition, there are reporters, photographers and television stations covering our event as a publication to introduce the tradition of cremation in Bali. Royal cremation also has a special attraction for foreign tourists. This makes them come to see and immortalize it,” he said.
To complete the ceremony, the Ubud Grand Palace presented some sacred arts like gambang xylophone, saron, Sidakarya masks and other sacred dances. In addition, they also presented propane arts such as the dances intended for entertainment. People involved in the arts were communities around Ubud as well as those who had ties with royal family. “Not only that, even there are also foreign travelers who participate as they are interested,” he said.
“People with their own awareness lend a hand. So, we always keep this relationship. Our family are very grateful to the people who have worked together sincerely to help the procession of cremation. It is a reflection and manifestation of harmonious relationship,” explained the former Regent of Gianyar. (BTN/ocha)

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Ngambeng Tradition at Bedulu Village, Gianyar

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Bedulu customary village, Blahbatuh, Gianyar, has a unique tradition known as ngambeng. This ngayah or devotional works conducted by a number of children is a part of the procession of the piodalan or anniversary of Samuantiga Temple. By and large, this tradition is done 15 to 8 days before the temple anniversary.
Boys and girls who wear traditional attires divide themselves into a number of groups. After that, they go to each house of residents denoting the supporting devotees of the Samuan Tiga Temple living at five customary villages such as the Bedulu, Wanayu Mas, Tengkulak Kaja and Tengah.
Right at the door of the house compound, they will say ngambeng. So, people then come up with all ceremonial paraphernalia, such as bananas, coconuts, banana leaves, rice, eggs, sugar cane, crops and livestock. In essence, people will donate their property that can be used as a means of the ceremonies. After that, the children collect the paraphernalia and deliver them to ritual committee of Samuan Tiga Temple for the successful execution of the ritual.
Interestingly, the children who come to the house of residents seem to have been directed. Thus, every child and every house they visit, the paraphernalia presented are not the same. It is said, there was an incident when children performing the ngambeng devotional works asked for papaya. However, the resident said no. And in a matter of minutes, the papaya tree tumbled down. Reflecting from the incident, all residents were vivacious to donate their belongings.
Children who carry out the ngambeng do not specify the items sought previously. However, there are forces that spontaneously direct them to say to the residents. If anyone does not provide in accordance with what they request, an unfavorable incident will occur. After performing the ngambeng, the children will ask for lunch. Well, from the amount of the children asking for lunch, it can be known how many children get involved in such tradition on the day.
Chairman of the Supporting Devotees of Samuan Tiga Temple, I Wayan Patera, said the tradition of ngambeng was not known when it first began. However, the children of Bedulu had undertaken the tradition through generations. “Although no one knows for sure where it started, but no one dared to prohibit or negate this ngambeng tradition,” he said.
In the past, added Patera, the ngambeng tradition was once nullified with a number of considerations. As consequence, some untoward incidents occurred. For example, the preparation process of the ritual was interrupted. Although it had been supplied with various ritual paraphernalia, it remained to run short of things. “Based on that experience, we maintain the ngambeng tradition,” he said.
According to him, the ngambeng tradition was a heritage that remained to be preserved until these times by the supporting devotees of Samuan Tiga Temple because it also implied a very noble value. “The ngambeng tradition carried out by the circles of children also serves as a medium of information for residents that piodalan will be carried out as well as a vehicle for children learning at early age, especially in socio-religious life,” he said.
Patera added the ngambeng tradition usually carried out by three to a dozen children were able to build character and mentality of children so as to cooperate and foster a genuine spirit and they were willing to pay devotional works. They did it to gather the materials of piodalan and reminded or informed the supporting devotees that piodalan at Samuantiga had been around the corner.
After the ngambeng or eight days before the piodalan, there was a tradition for people to deliver pawilet in the form of material donation containing money, rice, incense stick, and coffee. The cash donation could reach IDR 50 million from about 2,000 families of the temple supporting devotees. “Well, the ngambeng tradition stimulates residents to raise awareness, then some days later they deliver donate cash,” he said.

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Balinese Souvenir in Tanah Lot Art Market

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Is your day incomplete without a shopping trip? Then Tanah Lot is the vacation spot for you! There are art markets in the area where you can buy just about anything your heart desires, from sarongs to jewelry, furniture to statues, little gift items to new bed frames…there is a Tanah Lot market for everything. Prices are great but if you want to bargain for a better deal go right ahead. And there are some balinese souvenir that provide in Tanah Lot art market

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